Trip report for Malibu Creek State Park

Saturday, May 03, 2014

Number of participants: 34 + 3 leaders
Start time 4:45pm
Finish time 6:40pm
Distance covered: 1.75 mile
Weather:  slightly overcast and calm. 89� at start, 78� at end.

From the very start, we had to work hard to find species (and individuals for that matter), as it seems the drought is really having a negative effect on some SoCal areas.  Not much water was in Malibu Creek (not flowing in spots), a testament to how dry it's been the last few years.  We found no lingering wintering birds but did find summer breeders.  Lazuli Buntings, Nesting Nuttall's and Acorn Woodpecker and a Nanday Parakeet flock were highlights, and a feisty pair of Cassin's Kingbirds showed everyone why they are called "kingbirds".

The dinner afterwards was a success with 23 continuing to the cantina.  Lots of bird conversation and new friends made over margaritas and Mexican food!
 
38 species

Mallard 2

Turkey Vulture 4

Cooper's Hawk 2

Red-tailed Hawk 1

Killdeer 2

Mourning Dove 6

Anna's Hummingbird 1

hummingbird sp. 2 - unidentifiable

Acorn Woodpecker 10 - nesting

Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 - nesting

Downy Woodpecker 1 - heard only

American Kestrel 1 - male with prey

Nanday Parakeet 7

Pacific-slope Flycatcher 1 - heard only

Black Phoebe 2

Say's Phoebe 1

Ash-throated Flycatcher 1

Cassin's Kingbird 2

Western Scrub-Jay 4

American Crow 18 14 were a family fly-over

Common Raven 2

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 12

Oak Titmouse 2

Bushtit 4

House Wren 2

Western Bluebird 4

European Starling 5

Orange-crowned Warbler 1

Common Yellowthroat 1- heard only 

Yellow Warbler 6

Spotted Towhee 1

California Towhee 3

Song Sparrow 3

Black-headed Grosbeak 1 - heard only

Lazuli Bunting 5

Red-winged Blackbird 2

Bullock's Oriole 1

House Finch 18

Lesser Goldfinch 2

 

Mammals:

California Ground Squirrel

Bush Rabbit

 


 Bird and tree photos by Wild Wings field photographer Paula Maxwell:
 Nuttall's Woodpecker, Nanday Parakeet, Acorn Woodpecker and Valley Oak.




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