| HUMMIN' |
PALOS VERDES/SOUTH BAY AUDUBON SOCIETY --- AUG/SEP 2003 Vol. XXV #4
| HUMMIN' |
PALOS VERDES/SOUTH BAY AUDUBON SOCIETY --- AUG/SEP 2003 Vol. XXV #4
A campaign to protect and restore one of the South Bay's remaining wetland areas reached a major milestone recently. In May, the City Council of Gardena approved a $300,000 contract for the construction of an education center, completion of a trail network, and restoration of native vegetation at the Gardena Willows.
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The 13.9-acre area of willows, tule grass, and watercress near the corner of Vermont and Artesia attracts dozens of species of birds, butterflies, lizards, and insects.
Some of the Arroyo Willows in the area were just saplings 100 years ago, long before explosive development after World War II eliminated most of the 18,000 acres of willow wetlands in the South Bay. For decades, the area was used as a convenient dumping ground by city agencies and residents in surrounding neighborhoods. In the mid-1970s, the City proposed clearing and grading the area for use as extension of South Gardena Park.
The City's proposed destruction of this remnant wild area provoked Sherry Roberts, then 23 years old, and her 13-year old brother, George Musulin, to launch a campaign to block the City. With the help of other local residents, including Jeremiah George and Frank O'Brien, the young campaigners eventually convinced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to declare the area a protected wetland.
In 1991, the City obtained $1.2 million under Proposition A to protect and enhance the area. The most recent contract is intended to complete the final phase of a three-phase restoration plan. Work under the contract includes construction of an education center using sustainable building technology. The City hopes to increase the impact of funding for revegetation of degraded areas with native plants by enlisting the help of volunteers.
The City also plans to install debris traps on several drains that feed water into the wetland. West Basin Municipal Water District has expressed interest in providing reclaimed water to the site, especially during the dry months, as a means of removing pollution and minimizing the impact of pollution from the season's first rain.
Upon completion of the project by the end of the year, the Willows will be opened to the public, for tours by reservation, for the first time in decades. And with that, the South Bay will have regained part of its rich past as well as a future focus for relearning our links to the lands around us.
The Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) for Rancho Palos Verdes is nearing fruition. For the last decade, work has moved steadily forward on a plan that promises to protect much of the peninsula's remaining habitat. Now, the draft plan has been released for public comment, with hopes that approvals and funding will follow in the near future. It appears that the long-awaited Portuguese Bend Nature Preserve will become a reality, along with permanent protection for more than 1,500 acres of open space.
The environmental community has always seen the open spaces on the south side and in the canyons of the Palos Verdes Peninsula as the last refugia for many once-common species. The hillside habitats of coastal sage and cactus scrub are sanctuaries for birds like Califronia Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wren, for gray foxes and for gorgeous Mariposa Lilies. These and many other resident species that depend on our native ecosystems have experienced devastating regional declines in population. Here, their fate has hung on the whims of politics, finance and interpretations of geotechnical data, hardly the raw materials of sound conservation policies.
The NCCP has changed this. Readers of Hummin' will be familiar with the NCCP and its evolution into a powerful conservation tool. Throughout southern California, the NCCP has given open space preservation a real chance in the face of a cancerous suburban sprawl. Open space reserves, with their attendant habitat protection, are being created from the San Diego border north along the coastal plain and inland to Riverside. In other counties, the NCCP has yielded variable results, but in our own back yard, it promises to produce a nearly ideal reserve design.
The most visible part of the NCCP reserve would be the Portuguese Bend Nature Preserve, consisting of almost all of the uphill open space visible from PV Drive south. In addition, Agua Amarga Canyon, the Forrestal Quarries, and most of the coastal bluffs would also be part of the NCCP reserve. All of these properties will be, or have been, acquired for public benefit from private hands. When added to several existing publicly-owned parcels, they will create a regionally-significant wildlife area. Better yet, the NCCP also provides the means to do badly-needed habitat restoration and enhancement.
There are many details still to be resolved, but one major hurdle looms—funding. A substantial part of the money needed to complete NCCP land acquisition must come from Prop 50's funds for LA County projects. Without this, realization of the NCCP reserve will be delayed for years. To apply for the funds in a timely manner, the draft plan must be finalized and approved by the public, the City and wildlife agencies within the next few months. A daunting task—but possible if everyone works together.
You can help by writing letters in support of the NCCP and urging other to do so, too. (See below for addresses.) The decision on funding will come from the state's Wildlife Conservation Board, so letters to it and to California legislators would be welcome. To view the NCCP document, visit http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv. Copies are also on view at the library and RPV City Hall.
Many people have worked hard over the years to pull the NCCP together. For PV, special thanks go to the members of the NCCP working group, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and the PVP Land Conservancy. To name a few who have made outstanding contributions, I should single out Angelika Brinkmann-Busi, Barbara Dye, Keith Lenard and Joel Rojas. On the broader, programmatic scale, the diligent work of the Endangered Habitats League and the wildlife agencies has been of critical importance, especially that of Michael Beck, Dan Silver and Bill Tippets. I thank all who have taken part for their dedication to making our NCCP bear fruit.
ADDRESSES FOR LETTERS |
| Michael Flores, Chairman Wildlife Conservation Board 1807 13th Street, Suite 103 Sacramento, CA 95814 |
| Senator Ed Vincent Senator Debra Bowen Assemblyman Alan Lowenthal Assemblyman George Nakano State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 |
The following quiz comes from the newsletter of the Pomona Valley Audubon Society. Fill in the blanks, then check the answers below.
Senator Ed Vincent represents the 25th District, which includes part or all of Alondra Park, Compton, East Compton, Florence Graha, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Ladera Heights, Lawndale, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, West Athens, West Compton, Westmont, and Willowbrook.
Senator Debra Bowen represents the 28th District, which includes part or all of Carson, Del Aire, El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Lennox, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach, Torrance, and West Carson.
If you have access to the Internet, you can find out which Senator represents you by using the Zip Code directory found at <http://www.senate.ca.gov/.
It turned out to be a very good spring. Very good numbers of migrants were seen from 25 April until well into May. An overnight and morning rainstorm 2-3 May produced a good migrant fallout on 3 May. Nearly all of the normally occurring western migrants could be found with ease on that day, including many Swainson's Thrushes and a fair number of MacGillivray's Warblers. Among the horde of migrants at Banning Park that day, 40 Pacific-slope Flycatchers was a very good total, and a Yellow-breasted Chat was unexpected for the location. A White-winged Dove and a Green-tailed Towhee, both casual along the coast in spring, were found in the area that day. A low pressure weather event on 14 May resulted in good migrant numbers 14-17 May. Fair numbers of migrants continued through Memorial Day weekend, tapering off after 26 May. Notable rarities that were found in the area during the May and June vagrant season included a Yellow-throated Vireo, a Red-eyed Vireo, a Bay-breasted Warbler and a Bobolink. Observations of species such as Western Gull, Tree Swallow and Red-breasted Nuthatch that were breeding, or attempting to breed in our area, were extraordinary. As the spring migration was coming to a close, southbound fall migrant shorebirds began to arrive at the end of June.
The "June gloom" was persistent this year. From 18 May until 25 Jun, I recorded only one morning without marine layer type clouds. The marine layer was thick enough to produce drizzle on many days during this stretch, and often there was no clearing to sunshine all day.
A first-summer Pacific Loon on the lake at Harbor Park (HP) on 28 Jun (Jon Feenstra-JF) was not only late, it was inland from the coast, where rare. A Northern Fulmar was seen at Pt. Vicente (PtV) on 3 May (Kevin Larson-KL); a few stragglers are expected after a winter in which they were present in moderate numbers. Approximately 200 Pink-footed Shearwaters were attracted to feeding dolphins off PtV on 17 May__a good concentration to be seen from shore (KL). Both Pink-footed and Sooty Shearwaters were seen on weekly visits to PtV though May and June; both species were often seen in good numbers close to shore. A White-faced Ibis in breeding plumage at HP on 31 May (KL) was very unusual since this species has been expected to occur only as a fall migrant in recent years. The Ross's Goose that was wintering at HP since 8 Nov finally decided to migrate in late May; it was last seen on 24 May. A pair of Gadwall nested successfully at Madrona Marsh (MM); the pair was seen with young on 11 Jun (David Moody-DM). An exceptionally late Lesser Scaup was seen by DM on 29 May at HP.
Shorebird nesting was well underway at the L.A. River (LAR) in June; by mid-month, about 20 pairs of Black-necked Stilts and 7 pairs of American Avocets were nesting in the vicinity of Willow St. The first hatchling Black-necked Stilts were seen on 7 Jun and two broods of young American Avocets were out of the nest on 21 Jun (KL).
The first-year Laughing Gull found at Del Rey Lagoon in Playa del Rey on 11 Apr was last seen on 10 May (KL). In recent years, an ever-increasing number of Western Gulls have been noted inland—away from their formerly more marine preference. Despite this trend, it still came as a surprise that they would attempt to nest inland. Last year, a nesting attempt that was noted by DM at Alondra Park (AP) seemed incredible. This year, a pair of Western Gulls was seen building a nest at HP on the tule cutting machine (AquaMog) in the middle of the lake 13-20 May (Mitch Heindel-MH). One of the two attendant adults was incubating the nest on 7 Jun (KL). MH photographed two eggs in the nest on 19 Jun. Exceedingly rare inland, an Elegant Tern over east Torrance on 25 May was nearly five miles from the nearest coastline (MH). An adult Pigeon Guillemot that flew north past PtV on 1 Jun (KL) was unexpected since they should be at known nesting locations outside of our area at this time. A total of five Cassin's Auklets, four flying north singly and one on the water, at PtV on 27 Jun (KL) were away from known nesting locations in summer.
A White-winged Dove was seen at HP on 3 May (KL); this desert-dwelling species is a casual stray to the coast in spring. A report that Dorie Boynton saw a Greater Roadrunner at Long Point on 4 Jun was encouraging news since this species has not been seen in the area by local birders in a number of years. The only Black Swift recorded in the area this spring was seen by Todd McGrath (TMcG) during overcast weather on 6 May at the Ballona Freshwater Marsh (BFM). Rarely occurring in our area, a Nuttall's Woodpecker was seen by MH at his Torrance residence on 23 May.
Only three migrant Olive-sided Flycatchers were found: at MM on 3 May (David Lindo-DL), at the South Coast Botanic Garden (SCBG) on 4 May (Jess Morton), and in Rolling Hills on 18 May (MB). A mostly white-plumaged (leucistic) Western Wood-Pewee must have been quite a surprise for Lori Conrad (LC) on 8 May at Sand Dune Park (SDP).
A Willow Flycatcher was singing at HP 13-20 May (MH). Since this bird was paler and more olive than the usual brown migrant Willow Flycatchers (E. t. brewsteri) that breed to the north, it is likely that it was one of the endangered southwestern breeding race, E t. extimus. I also had a paler, olive Willow Flycatcher singing there last year on 19 May. A Gray Flycatcher at Wilderness Park (WP) on 9 May was an uncommonly seen spring migrant (DM). Since Western Kingbirds have become very scarce or absent as nesters here in recent years, a nesting report from Torrance was notable. On 20 Jun, Suzanne Carota (SC) discovered that one of the pair of Western Kingbirds near her office was on a nest. MH photographed the pair and the nest on 24 Jun. Hatchlings were undoubtedly present by 1 Jul, when the pair was seen carrying food to the nest (SC). Two Eastern Kingbirds were found in the area on 7 Jun, one was at HP (KL) and one was at Loyola Marymount University (Russell Stone).
The pair of Loggerhead Shrikes above White Point/Royal Palms County Beach nested successfully; a begging juvenile was seen with an adult on 8 Jun (KL). An outstanding find was a Yellow-throated Vireoat Banning Park (BP) on 26 May (JF). It is remarkable that the last two spring sightings of Yellow-throated Vireos in our area occurred within a day of the date of this sighting- i.e., 27 May 2000 and 25 May 1999. A Red-eyed Vireo singing at BP 14-15 Jun (KL) had lost its way; this species is an abundant nester in the eastern U.S. and across much of Canada.
A first-year male Purple Martin was seen at Earvin Magic Johnson Recreation Area in Willowbrook on 11 May (KL). A Bank Swallow was at BFM on 25 May (KL). A pair of Tree Swallows was seen at HP carrying nesting material to one of the nest boxes installed last year for this purpose on 11 May (Martin Byhower-MB) and on 13 May (MH). One was seen leaving the nest box on 18 May (MB). MH photographed one of the Tree Swallows at the nest box on 20 May. The pair may have been incubating the nest at this time. One Tree Swallow was seen at HP on 19 Jun (MH). Due to a lack of further observations, the status of this nesting attempt was unclear at the end of June. There are no records of Tree Swallows nesting here in modern times, though they may have nested here historically.
The pair of Red-breasted Nuthatches that took up residence in Chadwick Canyon over three years ago may have been attempting to nest for the third consecutive year; they were seen at their previously used nesting cavity on 2 Jun (MB). This continues to be one of the amazing bird stories in our area. A Swainson's Thrush was singing in suitable nesting habitat along Malaga Cr. at the end of Via Tejon in PVE on 8 Jun (KL). The California Thrasher at the Forrestal Quarry area (FQ) in RPV was seen at close range farther downhill than usual on 10 May (KL). The first Phainopepla reported in our area this year was heard by MB in Purple Cyn, Rolling Hills, on 18 May, an area where they have nested in the past. A migrant Phainopepla was seen by MH at his house in Torrance on 7 Jun.
Two male Yellow Warblers were singing on territory at the north end willows of HP from 31 May until at least 28 Jun; a female Yellow Warbler was seen gathering and carrying nesting material there on 28 Jun (KL). Singing Northern Parulas were found at AP on 25 May (DM) and at Deforest Park (DP) on 27 Jun (KL). This vagrant warbler is more likely to be found in spring than in fall; it has been found in spring seven times in six of the past ten years in our area. A female Yellow-rumped "Myrtle" Warbler at BP on 26 May (KL) that appeared small and short tailed was suspected of being one of the nominate eastern race, coronata, rather than our normally occurring hooveri. The race hooveri winters fairly commonly here and generally departs before the end of April. Unquestionably the rarest vagrant warbler found in the PV/South Bay area this spring was the singing male Bay-breasted Warbler found by DM at AP on 6 Jun. A few of us, Richard Barth, Dave Roelen and I, were lucky enough to have stunning views of the bird shortly after discovery. The bird was reported to have been seen briefly on 7 Jun (LC). With dogged determination and faith, DM turned the much neglected Alondra Park into the local vagrant warbler hotspot this spring, also finding a Northern Parula and a Palm Warbler there—great work David! A singing adult male Black-and-white Warbler was at BP on 26 May (KL); the adult male of this species is rarely seen in our area. An immature male American Redstart was found by JF at BP on 14 Jun. While dropping off freight at LAX on 1 Jun, MH had the great fortune to find an Ovenbird at the Northwest Cargo terminal. A bit outside of the normal area of coverage of this article, but certainly worthy of note, was a Red-faced Warbler that was found by Karen Gilbert at the El Dorado Park Nature Center in Long Beach on 10 Jun. A singing male Hooded Warbler was found there by TMcG while he was trying to locate the Red-faced Warbler later the same day. The Hooded Warbler was seen the next day, but the Red-faced apparently did not remain. A male Wilson's Warbler singing in the willows at the north end of HP 7-28 Jun was of interest; this species has been virtually extirpated as a nester in the coastal lowlands of southern CA south of Pt. Conception for more than 50 years. The bird would probably do better if it attempted to nest in a place where brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds is not a near-certainty, as it is at HP. An intensive and dedicated cowbird trapping program could help bring back nesters such as this species, and others such as the endangered "Southwestern" Willow Flycatcher and "Least" Bell's Vireo. Yellow-breasted Chats were found at BP on 3 May (KL) and at HP on 13 May (MH).
Two Summer Tanagers at BP in two days was remarkable; a female was there on 7 Jun (KL) and a first-spring male was there on 8 Jun (JF). Extremely rare as a spring transient along the coast, a Green-tailed Towheewas at Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey on 3 May (LC). One of Eric and Ann Brooks' bird class attendees described what was certainly an adult male Rose-breasted Grosbeak that she saw at SDP on 11 Jun. Two pairs of Black-headed Grosbeaks were on nesting territory in George F. Cyn through Jun, and a male was singing at the south end of HP through at least 28 Jun. Exceedingly rare as a spring vagrant here, a male Bobolink was found by Dan Cooper at BFM on 29 Jun. A hybrid adult male Baltimore X Bullock's Oriole was at SCBG on 7 Jun (KL). It was singing the song of a Baltimore Oriole, but the head pattern mostly resembled a Bullock's. The plumage showed a mixture of characteristics of each species.
Here are a few first arrival dates of spring migrants: Least Tern—3 May PtV (DM); Olive-sided Flycatcher—3 May MM (David Lindo); Willow Flycatcher—9 May WP (DM).
Following are the latest dates on which these spring migrants or winterers were encountered: Black-vented Shearwater—10 May PtV (KL); Bonaparte's Gull—7 Jun LAR (KL); Lesser Scaup—29 May HP (DM); Glaucous-winged Gull—18 May PtV (KL); Western Wood-Pewee—8 Jun Pt. Fermin (KL); Willow Flycatcher—14 Jun DP (KL); Hammond's Flycatcher—17 May DP (KL); Cassin's Vireo—17 May DP (KL); Warbling Vireo—7 Jun HP (KL); Cedar Waxwing—1 Jun AP (DM); Nashville Warbler—14 May MM (DM); "Audubon's" Warbler—18 May Rolling Hills (MB); "Myrtle" Warbler—26 May BP (KL); Black-throated Gray Warbler—7 JunDP (KL); Townsend's Warbler—8 Jun AP (JF); Hermit Warbler—23 May Chadwick Cyn (MB); Western Tanager—15 Jun BP (KL); Lincoln's Sparrow—6 May SDP (KL); White-crowned Sparrow—3 May Redondo Beach (fide-Bob Shanman); Golden-crowned Sparrow—3 May FQ (KL).
Here are a few first arrival dates of southbound (fall) migrants: adult Greater Yellowlegs—29 Jun LAR (KL); adult Lesser Yellowlegs—27 Jun LAR (KL); adult Western Sandpiper—28 Jun BFM (KL); adult Wilson's Phalarope—27 Jun LAR (KL).
Thanks to all who reported sightings during the period. Please send your sightings to cbirdr@comcast.net for the Palos Verdes/South Bay and vicinity, including areas east to the L.A. River, north to about the 105 fwy, and along the coast up to Marina del Rey. Please note that the above e-mail address has changed.
Just as the current administration has rejected the use of scientific research findings when it lifted the ban on snowmobiles in Yellowstone, so it has edited Global Warming data out of the last two EPA reports. The most recent EPA report was intended to provide the first comprehensive review of what is known about environmental problems and what gaps in understanding remain to be filled. What happened is described in the following excerpt from a June 20th New York Times editorial:
Gone is any mention that the 1990's are likely to have been the warmest decade in the last thousand years in the Northern Hemisphere. Gone, also, is a judgment by the National Research Council about the likely human contributions to global warming, though the evidence falls short of conclusive proof.. Gone, too, is an introductory statement that " Climate change has global consequences for human health and the environment." All that is left in the report is some pablum about the complexities of the issue and the research that is needed to resolve the uncertainties.
Last September Bush appointees at the agency deleted a whole chapter on climate change from the EPA's annual report on air pollution trends.
This shortsighted policy, at a time when our damaging greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase, is particularly reprehensible in view of recent findings by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This Geneva-based body, to which the weather services of 185 countries contribute, issued an unprecedented global warming alert in early July because of record extremes in weather and climate occurring all over the world during the previous two months. Supercomputer models show that, as the atmosphere warms, the climate not only becomes hotter but much more unstable. Linking them to climate change, the WMO published a disturbing list of extreme events occurring throughout the world in higher numbers and in greater intensity than ever before.
Examples include the United States where there were 562 May tornadoes which caused 41 deaths. This set a new record; the previous record was 399 tornadoes in June, 1992. Record high temperatures were recorded in June in France, Switzerland, India, Sri Lanka, England, and Wales. Global average land and sea surface temperatures in May were the second highest since records began in 1880. Considering land temperatures only, May 2003 was the warmest on record. The ten hottest years in the 143 year old global temperature record have all been since 1990, with the three hottest being 1998, 2002, and 2001.
Since our administration is ignoring all global warming alerts, states are taking action on the issue. Maine became the first state to enact a law setting goals for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The law requires Maine to develop a climate change action plan to reduce such emissions over the long term.
The US Senate is getting ready to vote on the Climate Stewardship Act ( S139), which proposes a comprehensive national policy to reduce emissions to year-2000 levels by 2010. We must do all we can to ensure that this legislation, introduced by Joseph Lieberman (D- CT ) and John McCain (R- AZ ) is passed. If we do not exert relentless pressure on our senators and congresspersons this bill may not pass. Lack of action is already harming people around the world and will doom future generations. Sea level rise from melting glaciers will continue to inundate coastal areas, tropical diseases will continue to move northward and southward, and coral reefs will be lost. Living coral reefs have been around for 60 million years, yet humans are extinguishing them, through pollution, coastal development, overfishing, and global warming.
Let us show our support for Senator Dianne Feinstein who has signed on as a cosponsor of S. 139.Let us urge Senator Boxer and Congresswoman Jane Harman to make action on global warming a high priority. To find out more about what you can do log on to www.environmentaldefense.org. And write to our Senators and Congresswoman today:
On May 21, a dozen years after her appointment by President George Bush, Federal Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong used extraordinarily strong language in dismissing a lawsuit by LA County and 22 cities that sought to overturn modest controls on water pollution.
In August 2002, the Los Angeles Water Quality Control Board had promulgated rules that aim to reduce some types of runoff pollution over 14 years. Despite budget deficits, the County and nearly two dozen cities, including Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Gardena, and Lawndale, paid tens of thousands of dollars to the Coalition for Practical Regulation to combat the rules.
In her opinion, Judge Armstrong chided the cities for using a "win at all costs approach."
Besides contesting the new rules in the courts, the Coalition also conducted an unprecedented campaign of misinformation and questionable economic analysis. In claiming that the rules would bring economic ruin to the local economy, the Coalition relied upon a study it paid for by economists at USC, who did not submit their study to peer review.
The rules call upon local cities and property owners to phase in the use of demonstrated low-cost techniques for reducing polluted runoff from coastal lands.
Polluted runoff flowing into coastal waters poses health problems for swimmers and surfers and has been linked to a fatal disease in sea otters.
Nominations for all chapter officers and four board member positions are now open. The term of these offices begins Jan. 1, 2004. Open offices are President, 2004-2005; Vice-presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, 2004; and for board members, 2004-2006. If you would like to nominate someone, including yourself, please call Jess Morton at 832-5601 or e-mail jmorton@igc.org.
Despite abundant runs of wild salmon in Alaska and healthy runs of chinook salmon in some parts of California, consumers in the South Bay are far more likely to find farmed salmon on restaurant menus and in fresh seafood cases at their supermarkets. Indeed, a flood of salmon from farms in Chile and Canada has turned a seasonal delight into a year-round staple. Neither consumers nor restauranteurs generally have any idea of the environmental and economic costs of farming salmon in cages suspended in coastal waters. For some runs of Pacific and Atlantic salmon, competition and disease from tens of thousands of salmon that escape from net cages each year threaten to complete a decline toward extinction driven in the past by dams, logging, and overfishing.
As production gluts of salmon have driven down profits, corporate fish farmers are now moving toward adapting salmon farming techniques, with all their problems, to producing other species, such as cod, halibut, and seabass.
Athough low-impact, integrated methods of aquaculture have been used successfully in Asia and elsewhere for centuries, both the salmon farming industry and the U.S. government are investing in the marine equivalent of factory hog farms for growing fish.
Consumers don't have to sit back and take what the industry feeds them any longer. SeaWeb, a non-profit marine conservation organization based in Washington, DC, offers consumers well-researched information on seafood of all types.
The SeaWeb Aquaculture Clearinghouse has just published a review of salmon farming prepared by Hummin' editor Mike Weber: What Price Farmed Fish? This report and other information is available on the SeaWeb Internet site at <http://www.seaweb.org>.
Which colorful flying creatures have been around since long before dinosaurs, spend most of their lives in water, and help control mosquitoes and gnats? They're not birds, or butterflies, or bats, but dragonflies! The lineage of these acrobatic aerialists (the order Odonata) dates back over 300 million year and once included dragonflies with wingspans more than two feet across, making them the largest insects ever. It's no surprise then that dragonflies are among the most conspicuous insects in California.
Those fascinated by dragonflies and their smaller cousins, damselflies, should be delighted by the recent publication of two books on California's dragonflies: Kathy Biggs' Common Dragonflies of California: A Beginner's Pocket Guide, and Tim Manolis' Dragonflies and Damselflies of California
Biggs' 96-page paperback , published in 2000, describes 61 species of dragonflies and damselflies found in California. The book begins with a summary of subtypes (families) of dragonflies (anisoptera) and damselflies (zygoptera), continues with a description of their life cycle, anatomy, and provides viewing suggestions. For each species, Biggs provides two photographs (male and female) and a description of their appearance, habitat, flight period, and distribution. The book includes a glossary, bibliography, index, and a checklist of species. The book lists for $9.95.
Biggs also maintains a companion internet website, www.sonic.net/dragonfly, which has won educational awards for its coverage and presentation. The site also provides links to related sites, tips on landscaping to attract dragonflies, and information on a web-based dragonfly bulletin board and discussion group, called CalOdes.
Tim Manolis' book, published in 2003 as part of the University of California Press' distinguished series of California Natural History Guides, is a more comprehensive accounting of the Golden State's odonates. Running to 201 pages plus an additional 40 illustrated plates, the book covers 40 damselflies and 68 dragonflies.
Manolis, who holds a Ph.D. in biology, goes into more detail on the taxonomy (classification) of odonates, their behavior, anatomy, and life cycles. The descriptions of each species cover the same topics as Biggs' handbook, but in greater detail, and provide identification keys to distinguish similar species.
The illustrative plates in Manolis' book are full color drawings rather than photographs, and are presented in a separate section of the book from the textual accounts of each species. The plates also include "blow ups" of distinctive anatomical features, and maps of each species' distribution in California. Manolis' book also includes more comprehensive references, a checklist, and a detailed index. The volume lists for $16.95
Limited information on dragonflies can also be found elsewhere, such as the National Audubon Society'sField Guide to California (8 common species of odonates depicted and described); Powell and Hogue's California Insects (11 species); and Charles Hogue's wonderful Insects of the Los Angeles Basin (8 species).
| As if walking on water, on air by canoe on the blue skin of earth; our paddles stilt into the brown depths, storm-stirred and relapsing from the light. The rank flowers of water primrose climb through heat to seat the dragonfly. The leaves and stems break our sliding in as the great egret stills his golden blade. Lucid and shining this cross-eyed atman. Thoughts tangent on spheres of awareness, the silence braids our eyes to each other. We should make much with such pure feathering. But we are scavengers in this world, lifting those joys to be found in weeds: the build of leaf, the density of life amid the flotsam from distant streets. The heron turns, wisdom unsafe with us, and the lope of legs and golden toes stride him away toward the sun-tuned reeds, primrose scarcely dipping to his weight. by Jess Morton |
Newport Bay is one of the most important wetlands in the greater Los Angeles region, and among the best places to look for water birds in southern California. However, because of its urban surroundings, its natural habitats are constantly under great presure.
There have been a number of restoration and preservation projects in the bay during the last two decades, most of them focused directly on the marsh habitat. A parallel effort is now being mounted to restore vegetation in the most important of the canyons that drain into the bay. One of these canyons is Big Canyon, which suffers from serious water contamination, flood damage, and loss of habitat.
On Thursday, September 4, a public workshop will be held to discuss a conceptual plan for restoring Big Canyon. The plan aims to restore tidal influence in the area, improve public access and trails, and clean up polluted runoff from surrounding lands.
The workshop will take place from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 600 Saint Andrews Road in Newport Beach (across from Newport Harbor High School). For more information, call Community Conservancy International at 310-475-0797.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has just published its latest audio guide, Bird Songs of California. The 3-CD set includes the songs of 220 species. The guide, which is available at Wild Birds Unlimited, retails for $29.95.
The July/August 1983 issue of Hummin', which ran six pages, was composed on a typewriter, and was edited by Dave Roelen, reported the following:
• Noel Hammond took over as President of the Chapter from Jess Morton.
• Dr. Charles Collins gave a talk on swifts.
• In half a page, Mark Kincheloe and David Roelen reported on bird sightings in "Birds of the Peninsula."
• Tom Ramsay had scheduled field trips for Harbor Lake, the Cabrillo marsh, and Malibu lagoon.
• In his Conservation Corner column, Virgil Hanson wrote about health and environmental damage caused by lead in gasoline.
• Conservation Co-Chairperson Goldie Otters reported on state legislation regarding submerged lands and funding for coastal wetland protection.
• Chapter activities for July and August included the first birdwalks at the South Coast Botanic Garden, a Harbor Lake Advisory Committee meeting, general meetings on travel in Alaska and underwater treasures off Palos Verdes and Cozumel, a board of directors meeting, and a quarterly Audubon Coordinating Council meeting.
Migrate to one of the country's pre-eminent birding spots and join the Morro Coast Audubon Society (MCAS) for the 8th Annual Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival. The festival limits field trip group sizes to maximize spotting and identification opportunities. The Festival also offers workshops aimed at sharpening birding skills, as well as evening programs with outstanding speakers.
For more information, check out the festival website at www.morrobay.net/birds, where you can request that your name be added to the mailing list for the 2004 brochure, due out in October. Registration deadline is December 31, 2003 and early signups are encouraged as the most popular events fill up quickly.
Restoration of South Bay Habitats: We can use your energy and some more equipment! If you are prepared to dig and pull and plant, join PV/SB Audubon's restoration of PV Blue Habitat (every first or second Sunday, 9-noon, at the Defense fuel Support Point, 3171 N. Gaffey, San Pedro). See Calendar for details. Also, Coast Week Cleanup takes place on Saturday, September 20. For more information, call Jess, 310-832-5601.
Audubon YES!: If you are already active with a school or youth group in the area, consider becoming a chapter liaison with Audubon Yes! Audubon Yes! students are the backbone of local restoration projects, and assist with Sharing Nature with Children. They attend Audubon field trips and walks. Students with 50 hours of service receive an Audubon Yes! award. Volunteers encourage participation in Audubon's youth-oriented programs.
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Saturday, August 2, 10-12:00: Friendship Naturalists classes for 6-13 year-olds at Deane Dana Friendship Park, San Pedro. $10 per session. Call Connie Douglas, 310-519-6115 (Also Sept. 6.) Saturday, August 2, 10:00: Nature Walks through the Canyon, George F Canyon Nature Center, Corner of Palos Verdes Drive North and PV Drive East in Rolling Hills Estates. Sunday, August 3, 8:00 am: Bird Walk at South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Bl., Palos Verdes. Leader: Ollie Coker or Margaret Hoggan. Charge for nonmembers of the SCBG Foundation, and you can join at the entrance. (Also Sept. 7.) Sunday, August 3, 9-noon: Restoration of PV Blue Habitat, Defense Fuel Support Point, 3171 N. Gaffey, San Pedro. If you plan to attend, call or email Jess (310-832-5601, jmorton@igc.org). (Also, Sept. 7.) Saturday, August 9, 8:00 am: Bird Walk at Deane Dana Friendship Park, San Pedro. Meet at the Nature Center classroom. Contact: Connie Douglas, 310-519-6115. Sunday, August 10, 8:00 am: Bird and nature walk at Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park. Leader: Jess Morton. Meet in parking lot between Vermont and Anaheim St. above the boathouse, about l mile west of 110 Freeway on Anaheim Street. (Also Sept. 14.) Sunday, August 10, 9:00 am: Volunteer Weeding at Forrestal Nature Preserve sponsored by the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy. Meet at the end of Forrestal Drive by the Ladera Linda parking lot. (Also, Sept. 14.) Wednesday, August 13, 8:00 am: Bird Walk at Madrona Marsh. 3201 Plaza del Amo (west of Madrona Ave.), Bob Shanman, leader. (Also Sept. 10.) Wednesday, August 20, 8:00 am: Bird Walk at South Coast Botanic Garden. Leader: Georgene Foster. (Also, Sept. 17; see August 3 for directions.) Tuesday, August 26: NO MONTHLY MEETING. Saturday, Sept. 6, 10:00: Nature Walks through the Canyon, George F Canyon Nature Center, Corner of Palos Verdes Drive North and PV Drive East in Rolling Hills Estates. Sunday, Sept. 7, 8:00 am: Bird Walk at South Coast Botanic Garden on Grandparents' Day. Leader: Ollie Coker or Margaret Hoggan. (See August 3 for directions.) Sunday, Sept. 7, 9-noon: Restoration of PV Blue Habitat, Defense Fuel Support Point. (See August 3 for directions.) Wednesday, Sept. 10, 8:00 am: Bird Walk at Madrona Marsh. Leader: Bob Shanman. (See August 13 for directions.) Saturday, Sept. 13, 8:00 am: Bird Walk at Deane Dana Friendship Park, San Pedro. (See August 9 for directions.) Sunday, Sept.14, 8:00 am: Nature Walk at Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park. Leader: Martin Byhower. (See August 10.) Sunday, Sept 14, 9:00 am: Volunteer Weeding at Forrestal Nature Preserve. (See August 10 for directions.) Wednesday, Sept. 17, 8:00 am: Bird walk at South Coast Botanical Garden. Leader is Georgene Foster. (See Aug. 3.) Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7:30 pm: Board meeting, PV/South Bay Audubon, Whole Foods Community Room, Rolling Hills Plaza, Crenshaw near PCH. Contact Jess (310-832-5601) Tuesday, Sept. 30, 7:30 pm: Monthly meeting. Martin Byhower, "Invasive Species and Habitat Preservation: The Good, The Bad, and The Unwanted." South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. For information, call Jess (310-832-5601). |
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The Palos Verdes/South Bay Audubon Society and the National Audubon Society, of which PV/SB Audubon is the local chapter, are dedicated to the understanding and preservation of our natural heritage.
Hummin' subscriptions for non-PV/SB Audubon members are $7.50 per year. For back issues and chapter info, go to www.LMconsult.com/pvaudubon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This page is part of the Palos Verdes/South Bay Audubon Society website.
email: jmorton@igc.apc.org