Duarte Historical Society & Museum
Duarte Historical Society & Museum

Bird Watching Events

SPRING BIRDWALK SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2022

Coffee and donuts at the museum 7-8 am.  Walk led by Ron Cyger leaves Duarte Museum 8 am.  Free.  Bring binoculars.  

BIRDING 101 CLASS STARTS MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022

Spotted Towhee

Birding 101

Starts Mon, Mar 14, 2022

Are you interested in learning about bird identification in an in-person class and field trips, in a safe and fun environment? Look no further! Birding 101 is the beginning birding class that’s been so successful for over a decade. It is designed to give budding birders the structure, knowledge, and tools to bird with confidence.

 

Click on the Spotted Towhee on the left for more information.

FALL BIRDWALK NOVEMBER 20, 2021

The Duarte Museum Fall birdwalk yielded 18 species on a walk through the bioswale trail and Puente Largo Bridge,  The walk was led by Ron Cyger of the L.A. Birders. There were 25 participants.

Leader Ron Cyger of the L.A. Birders

Sharman Warner, Duarte Historical Society Vice President; Ron Cyger of the L.A. Birders; and Liz Reilly, Duarte Historical Society President.

Encanto Park, Los Angeles County, California

November 20, 2021 8:10 AM - 9:55 AM

 

Protocol: Traveling 0.71 mile(s)
Checklist Comments:  Trip for Duarte Historical Society.

List compiled by the Leader:  Ron Cyger
18 species

Mourning Dove  8
Anna's Hummingbird  8
Allen's Hummingbird  4
Turkey Vulture  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1     Perched north of bridge crossing the SGR.
Acorn Woodpecker  1     On telephone pole north of park.
Red-crowned Parrot  2     Fly over.
Black Phoebe  3
American Crow  7
European Starling  1
Northern Mockingbird  2
American Robin  2
House Finch  20
Lesser Goldfinch  15
Lark Sparrow  2     Both difficult to see, perched in tree against grey sky.
White-crowned Sparrow  24
California Towhee  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  20

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S97827941

SPRING BIRDWALK MAY 16, 2021

Encanto Park, Los Angeles County, California

May 16, 2021 7 AM - 9:25 AM

 

Protocol: Traveling 0.6 mile(s)
Checklist Comments:  Time: 0700-0925. From 0740-0925 joined by group with Duarte Historical Museum for regular bird walk (canceled in spring and fall 2020 due to COVID). 100% cloudy with light sprinkles until about 0800 but dry after that.  Calm, 55-58 deg F. Coverage of entire Encanto Park in a roughly counter-clockwise circuit starting at the museum, then a brief check of the San Gabriel River bottom from the Puente Largo bridge.  River bed completely dry, with assorted homeless encampments. List compiled by the Leader:  Kimball Garrett
30 species

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  2
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)  3
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  8
Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)  1
Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)  8
Nuttall's Woodpecker (Dryobates nuttallii)  1
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)  1     flying up-river with prey in talons
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)  6     including 3 recently-fledged young with an

   adult
Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans)  1
California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica)  2
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  5
Bushtit (Pacific) (Psaltriparus minimus [minimus Group])  10
Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata)  1
Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii)  3
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  4
California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum)  1
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)  6
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  8
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  18
Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)  6
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  4
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  10     one recently-fledged young
California Towhee (Melozone crissalis)  6
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus)  2
Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus)  2
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  2
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  2
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  3
Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla)  1
Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus)  1

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S88387894

FALL BIRDWALK NOVEMBER 23, 2019

Encanto Park, Los Angeles County, California
Nov 23, 2019 7 AM - 10:15 AM


The annual Fall Bird Walk, sponsored by the Duarte Historical Museum, was held November 23, led by ornithologist Kimball Garrett, Collections Manager, LA County Museum of Natural History.  The 30 participants, toting large camera lenses and binoculars, spotted 45 species of birds.

 

Protocol: Traveling
1.5 mile(s)
Comments: Time: 0700-1015. Clear; wind N,10-15 at outset, but calming later in the morning. 50-58 deg F. Encanto Park, Puente Largo Bridge, bike path on east side of San Gabriel River upstream to first weir north of bridge. Much water flowing down the river channel. Bird walk for Duarte Historical Museum.

45 species

Ruby-crowned kinglet

Photo by Karen Suarez

Red-whiskered bulbul

Photo by Candy Dougherty

Osprey

Photo by Candy Dougherty

California Quail (Callipepla californica)  3
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)  6
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  6
Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)  6
Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)  4
American Coot (Fulica americana)  14
Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata)  1     flushed from first weir above bridge
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius)  1
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)  5
Green Heron (Butorides virescens)  1
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)  1     circling far to south
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)  2
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  1     being chased by crows
Nuttall's Woodpecker (Dryobates nuttallii)  1
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) (Colaptes auratus [cafer Group])  2
Merlin (Falco columbarius)  1
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)  4
Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans)  2
California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica)  2
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  25
Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)  3
Bushtit (Pacific) (Psaltriparus minimus [minimus Group])  2
Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata)  4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula)  5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea)  2
Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii)  3
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  2
California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum)  1
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)  4
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  35
Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata)  13     about 50% were adults
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  2
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  6
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  2
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)  5
Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)  6
White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii)  6
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  5
Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii)  6
California Towhee (Melozone crissalis)  3
Rufous-crowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps)  1     on north side of east end of first            weir north of bridge
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  3
Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata)  1
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) (Setophaga coronata auduboni)  20

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S61690432

FALL BIRDWALK DECEMBER 1, 2018

Encanto Park, Los Angeles County, California

Dec 1, 2018 7:15 AM - 10:15 AM

 

Despite the chilly air, about 18 birders showed up at the Museum in Encanto Park for the Fall birdwalk led by ornithologist Kimball Garrett.  About 40 species were heard or seen by the group on their trek around the Bioswale trail, across the Puente Largo Bridge and up the bike trail to the first spillway.  An elusive Virginia Rail was seen briefly in flight across river channel below bridge and a flock of Western blue birds flew over the park.

 

Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
Comments:     Time: 0715-1015. Partly cloudy, becoming clear; wind NW, 5-10 at outset, but calming later in the morning. 52-58 deg F. Encanto Park, Puente Largo Bridge, bike path on east side of San Gabriel River upstream to first weir north of bridge. Bird walk for Duarte Historical Museum.
40 species (+1 other taxa)

Say's phoebe. Photo by Ayla Qureshi

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  2

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  7
California Quail (Callipepla californica)  6
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia

     decaocto)  4
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  8
Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)  10
Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)  3
Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola)  1     seen briefly

     in flight across river channel below

     bridge
American Coot (Fulica americana)  4
Green Heron (Butorides virescens)  1
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)  1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  1
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) (Colaptes auratus [cafer Group])  4
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)  4
Say's Phoebe (Sayornis saya)  1
California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica)  3
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  4
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  2
Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris)  2     seen and heard in flight (heading west) over

      river channel just north of bridge
Oak Titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus)  1
Bushtit (Pacific) (Psaltriparus minimus [minimus Group])  12
Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii)  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula)  12
Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata)  3     riverbottom scrub
Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)  5     in flight over Encanto Park early in the morning
California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum)  2
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)  6
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  70     about 4 separate flocks
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  5
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)  1
Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)  6
Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)  3
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)  1
White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii)  10
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  5
Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii)  1
California Towhee (Melozone crissalis)  2
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus)  2
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) (Setophaga coronata coronata)  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) (Setophaga coronata auduboni)  20

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50355734

SPRING BIRDWALK APRIL 8, 2018

 

     Don your binoculars and join the annual spring bird walk on Sunday, April 8, 7:30 a.m. sponsored by the Duarte Historical Museum.  Donuts and coffee will be served at 7.  Leader Kimball Garrett is the collections manager at the L.A. County Museum of Natural History and a noted ornithologist.  The walk is easy and will cover Encanto Park and some areas around the river bed.  Meet at the Museum, 777 Encanto Parkway.  Free.

 

Encanto Park, Los Angeles County, California
Apr 8, 2018 7:15 AM - 10:30 AM

Protocol: Traveling 0.7 mile(s)
Comments:     Time: 0715-1030. Partly to mostly cloudy; calm; 60-62 deg F. Encanto Park, adjacent San Gabriel River from Puente Largo bridge upstream to the first drop. Walk sponsored by Duarte Historical Museum. 48 species (+1 other taxa)

Cinnamon Teal (Spatula cyanoptera)  2
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  5
California Quail (Callipepla californica)  2
Great Egret (Ardea alba)  3     flying downstream
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)  1     juvenile
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  1
American Coot (Fulica americana)  2
Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata)  8
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)  8
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  10
Vaux's Swift (Chaetura vauxi)  3
White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)  2
Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)  3
Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)  3
Rufous/Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus/sasin)  2
Merlin (Falco columbarius)  1
Red-crowned Parrot (Amazona viridigenalis)  2
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)  5
Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)  6
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  4
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)  6
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)  4
Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)  50
Bushtit (Pacific) (Psaltriparus minimus [minimus Group])  5
Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii)  1
Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)  6     perched together in a deciduous    

     tree just west of the park
Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata)  2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  1
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)  8
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  1
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  45
Orange-crowned Warbler (Oreothlypis celata)  1
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  6
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) (Setophaga coronata auduboni)  8
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)  1
Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)  1
White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii)  8
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  6
California Towhee (Melozone crissalis)  2
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus)  1
Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus)  2
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  4
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  5
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  8
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)  1
Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)  4
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  2
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  4

FALL BIRDWALK OCTOBER 29, 2017

This year's fall bird walk sponsored by the Duarte Historical Society yielded a rare sighting, and it wasn't exactly a bird!  The group of about 20 birders came upon a kettle.  Also known as a "lift" this meteorological phenomenon where air rises due to heat is used as an energy source by soaring birds (and aircraft). 
 
"It was about 15 total birds circling high up, so identification was based mostly on shape.  Most of the hawks were Swainson's but was a mixed kettle with probably a couple Red Tails and one Sharp-Shinned also in the group.  The whole kettle disappeared into the clouds after a few minutes. The Swainson's Hawk is one of those species that migrates great distances to South America during the northern winter," explains Chris Stahl.
 
The walk took in the Encanto Park bioswale trail, the Puente Largo Bridge and adjacent areas.  Another exciting find was a beautiful, bright green praying mantis, an insect which is found all over the world.  It is harmless to humans but very beneficial to the environment since it eats crop destroying insects.
 
Leaders Eleanor Osgood and David Bell have provided a list of birds spotted on the walk.

Encanto Park, Los Angeles County, California, Sun., Oct. 29, 2017, 7:46 AM

Duration: 1 hour(s), 2 minute(s)
Distance: 0.5 mile(s)
Observers: David Bell , Eleanor Osgood, Wendy Gordon, Claudia Heller
Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 1.5.149

29 species (+1 other taxa) total

 

2 Mallard (Flyby)
1 Red-shouldered Hawk
3 Eurasian Collared-Dove
10 Mourning Dove
15 Anna's Hummingbird
15 Allen's Hummingbird
2 Nuttall's Woodpecker
1 Northern Flicker
4 Black Phoebe
2 Cassin's Kingbird
2 California Scrub-Jay
1 American Crow
2 Common Raven
10 Bushtit
1 House Wren
4 Bewick's Wren
1 Red-whiskered Bulbul
7 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
15 Northern Mockingbird
2 European Starling
12 Cedar Waxwing
15 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's)
15 Chipping Sparrow
10 Lark Sparrow
10 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)
20 White-crowned Sparrow
1 California Towhee
10 House Finch
2 House Sparrow
1 estrildid finch sp. (Unidentified Juvenile with pale gape. Not seen well. Looked like a           munia in structure. Dark mask, white throat, brown back.)

 

Additional species seen by Eleanor Osgood:
1 Great Blue Heron
1 Sharp-shinned Hawk
1 American Coot
1 Belted Kingfisher
2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
1 Orange-crowned Warbler
1 Common Yellowthroat
1 Song Sparrow
1 Western Meadowlark

San Gabriel River Channel – Encanto Park bridge, Los Angeles County, California,

Sun., Oct. 29, 2017, 8:52 AM

Duration: 1 hour(s), 27 minute(s)

Distance: 0.7 mile(s)

Observers: David Bell, Wendy Gordon

Crossed bridge and up to first weir. 

Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 1.5.149

32 species total

 

7 Mallard

1 Double-crested Cormorant

1 Great Blue Heron 

5 Turkey Vulture

2 Sharp-shinned Hawk 

10 Swainson's Hawk Group with vultures and red tailed hawks. 

2 Red-tailed Hawk 

1 American Coot Remove 

2 Killdeer Remove Species

10 Mourning Dove

10 Anna's Hummingbird 

5 Allen's Hummingbird 

1 Belted Kingfisher Remove Species

2 Northern Flicker

3 Black Phoebe

2 California Scrub-Jay

1 Common Raven Remove Species

10 Bushtit Remove Species

4 Bewick's Wren

2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

6 Ruby-crowned Kinglet

 2 Wrentit

5 Northern Mockingbird

1 Orange-crowned Warbler

5 Common Yellowthroat 45 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's)

6 White-crowned Sparrow

5 Song Sparrow

1 Western Meadowlark

2 Red-winged Blackbird

20 House Finch

5 Scaly-breasted Munia 

SPRING BIRDWALK APRIL 29, 2017

 

      The list of species spotted was compiled by the leader, Kimball Garrett.  

Encanto Park, Los Angeles, California, US April 29, 2017, 7:15 AM - 9:40 AM
Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s)
Comments: Time: 0715-0940. Duarte Historical Museum bird walk around Encanto Park and across Puente Largo to east side of San Gabriel River Channel and upstream to the first weir. Mostly clear, wind N 5-8 mph, with some calm periods; 68-78 deg F. Much water coming down river (but after several drought years with little flowing water, the aquatic ecosystems seemed sterile). 46 species

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  2     male, and a female with two downy young atop

     first weir north of bridge
California Quail (Callipepla californica)  3
Great Egret (Ardea alba)  2     flying downstream around 0720 and 0740
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)  1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  1
Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata)  1
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)  4
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  15
Vaux's Swift (Chaetura vauxi)  15
White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)  2
Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)  3
Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)  4
Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)  2
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)  1
Yellow-chevroned Parakeet (Brotogeris chiriri)  2
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)  1
Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)  6
California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica)  2
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  2
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)  3
Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)  8
Bushtit (Pacific) (Psaltriparus minimus [minimus Group])  6
Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii)  4
Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata)  1
California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum)  2
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)  10
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  1
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  10
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  1
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)  2     singing males in river
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  6
California Towhee (Melozone crissalis)  4
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus)  2
Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana)  2
Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus)  4
Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena)  1
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  2
Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)  1
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  2
Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus)  2
Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullockii)  2
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  2
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)  1
Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)  6
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  2

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S36394527

To join the Duarte Historical Society & Museum send 2017 dues to DHS&M, c/o Claudia Heller, 277 Opal Canyon Road, Duarte, CA 91010 (payable to Duarte Historical Society): family: $25; individual $15; seniors/teachers $10; other categories check website.

FALL BIRDWALK NOVEMBER 12, 2016

 

      The list of species spotted was compiled by the leader, Kimball Garrett.  

San Gabriel River Channel, Encanto Park, Los Angeles, California, US November 12, 2016
Protocol: Traveling 1.0 miles
Comments:  0715-0935. Partly cloudy, N wind 5-8, 65-68 deg F. Encanto Park, Puente Largo bridge across San Gabriel River and upstream to first weir. Water flowing down through river channel (but only in recent weeks; no mudflats or recent emergent vegetation). 
Bird walk for Duarte Historical Museum.
35 species (+2 other taxa)

 


Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  2
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)  1
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)  35 - including a flock of about 30

     flying west
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)  1
American Coot (Fulica americana)  10
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)  12
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  6
Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)  6
Rufous/Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus/sasin)  1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  1 - yellow-winged bird, but not seen well enough

     to distinguish between "pure" Yellow-shafted and an intergrade
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) (Colaptes auratus [cafer Group])  3
Merlin (Falco columbarius)  1
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)  3
California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica)  1
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  5
Bushtit (Pacific) (Psaltriparus minimus [minimus Group])  10
Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii)  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula)  5
Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata)  2
Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)  2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  1
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)  4
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  20
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) (Setophaga coronata auduboni)  25
Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)  4
White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii)  20
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  5
Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii)  3
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  4
Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)  1
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  10
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)  1
Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)  6
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  4
Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata)  2

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S32508899

 

ANNUAL SPRING BIRDING EXPEDITION MAY 1, 2016

 

      The list of species spotted was compiled by the leader, Kimball Garrett.  After the walk part of the group caravanned up Highway 39 above Azusa to San Gabriel Dam to observe the immature bald eagle in its nest.

Encanto Park, Los Angeles, California, US May 1, 2016
Protocol: Traveling 1.5 miles
Comments:  Time: 0720-1000. Partly cloudy, mostly calm, 55-60 deg F. Encanto Park, Puente Largo across San Gabriel Riverbottom, then upstream to first weir and back down west side of river.
Bird walk for Duarte Historical Museum.
47 species

 


Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  2
California Quail (Callipepla californica)  3
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)  5
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)  1
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius)  2
Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata)  8
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)  2
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  8
Vaux's Swift (Chaetura vauxi)  10
White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)  1
Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)  5
Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)  6
Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)  4
Nuttall's Woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii)  2
Yellow-chevroned Parakeet (Brotogeris chiriri)  2
Red-crowned Parrot (Amazona viridigenalis)  5
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)  3
Western Scrub-Jay (Coastal) (Aphelocoma californica [californica Group])  4
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  2
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)  5
Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)  40
Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus)  20
Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii)  4
Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)  1
Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata)  3
Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)  1
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)  8
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  5
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  50
Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens)  4
Orange-crowned Warbler (Oreothlypis celata)  1
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  4
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)  1
Townsend's Warbler (Setophaga townsendi)  1
Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla)  1
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  6
California Towhee (Melozone crissalis)  4
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus)  2
Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana)  1
Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus)  2
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  3
Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus)  5
Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullockii)  1
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  2
Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)  12
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  6

View this checklist online at
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29347274

 

 

Saturday, February 28th, 2015

Led by Ornithologist Kimball Garrett

Collection Manager at the L.A. County Museum of Natural History

 

Bird walks are one of the most popular activities sponsored by the Museum.  Led by Ornithologist Kimball Garrett, a prolific author of bird guides, and Collection Manager at the L.A. County Museum of Natural History, the walk held last April not only produced a list of 52 species spotted, but the highlight was a brief glimpse of a Varied Bunting, putting Duarte on the birding map. The original sighting on March 26th, 2014 by Michael (Mickey) Long of a Varied Bunting flitting along the south side of the west end of the Puente Largo bridge had the effect of yelling “I found gold” during the gold  mining days.  Birders from near and far waded through the brush and spent hours awaiting a sign of the bird which Garrett has dubbed “The pride of Duarte.”

         

Fortunately on the April 13th, 2014 bird walk the trophy bird made a brief appearance and graced the binoculars of the excited birders.  Other species spotted included a Bell’s Vireo, a Belted Kingfisher, a Red-whiskered Bulbul and a Nutmeg Mannikin.

         

Garrett will lead a walk on Saturday, February 28th., 2015, leaving the museum at 7:30 a.m.  Donuts and coffee will be available before the walk in the Museum starting at 7:00 a.m.  The walk will include the bioswale trail in Encanto Park and the adjacent river area.  Binoculars are helpful.  Trip on rain or shine!

 

FREE

 

 

eBird Report - Encanto Park, Feb 28, 2015

Encanto Park, Los Angeles, US-CA
Feb 28, 2015
Traveling: 1.0 mile(s)
Comments:     Time: 0705-0950. Cloudy, calm to light breeze, 56-60 deg F. Encanto Park, adjacent San Gabriel River Channel from Puente Largo Bridge upstream to first weir. Bird walk for Duarte Historical Museum.
36 species

 


Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  2
Great Egret (Ardea alba)  1
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia (Feral Pigeon))  1
Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata)  10
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)  1
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  8
Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)  10
Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)  3
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) (Colaptes auratus [cafer Group])  1
Mitred Parakeet (Psittacara mitratus)  23
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)  2
Western Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica)  1
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  4
Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus)  2
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  1
Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii)  6
Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula)  1
Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata)  1
Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)  2
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus)  1
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)  1
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) (Setophaga coronata auduboni)  12
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus)  4
California Towhee (Melozone crissalis)  3
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  6
White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii)  6
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) (Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis)  1
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  10
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)  1
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)  12
Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)  8
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  1
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  2

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S22113550

With warnings of an impending rain storm, a group of brave birders gathered

in Encanto Park  in the early morning hours on February 28, choosing to ignore the

gloomy forecast in order to stroll along the bioswale and adjacent river areas and

raise their binoculars to thirty-six species of birds.

 

Rewarded, it turns out, with blue skies, the group, led by Kimball Garrett,

Collections Manager at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 

learned about our local birds, how the drought has affected their presence, and

dozens of tidbits about the calls, seasonable movements and feeding habits of local

birdlife.

 

Leading these trips semi-annually for the Duarte Historical Society &

Museum, Kimball is able to document trends and compare them year to year. 

Where are the swallows this year?  What is the status of the gnatcatcher?  When

was the last time a roadrunner crossed Encanto Parkway?  How has the drought

affected birdlife?  The answers fascinated us.

One bird sighted was the Red-Whiskered Bulbul, a bird that is lucky to be around at all.  I call it the happy bird because when I hear its cheerful call it makes me happy.  These birds are native to southern Asia, Pakistan and Southern China and were introduced into North America as caged birds.  Escapees started turning up in Florida, Hawaii and California.  Comfortable in rural and urban areas with so many parks and gardens, they are a familiar sight around Duarte.   But their existence was not always appreciated.

 

When these happy birds began to make themselves known in this area, there

were those who branded them a threat to agriculture because they feed on fruits,

buds and seedlings.  Thirty years ago an effort by the California Department of

Food an Agriculture to eradicate them stalled when Robert Middlekauff, director

of the Huntington Gardens,  refused to allow this effort on his property, thus

protecting bulbuls frequenting his gardens.  In the end, the posse abandoned the

chase and today, according to Kimball, these birds thrive while agriculture has

been defeated not by the birds, but by urban sprawl.

 

At one time not long ago, our San Gabriel River ran freely in a spreading

fashion, attracting shorebirds such as a variety of herons, egrets, Belted Kingfisher,

osprey, swallows, and even black-necked stilts, and ducks. Today the riverbed is

often dry, attracting homeless camps instead of wildlife.  Waterbirds were in very

short supply in the area.  Even when water is released from the dams upstream, it

no longer spreads but follows a cement channel.

“What a delightful, enjoyable bird walk,” says Grace Clark of Upland.   “I especially appreciated Kimball's detailing bird characteristics and descriptions not

found in any of my field guides--for example, the Allen's Hummingbird's predictive, distinctive flying maneuvers.  Birding with Kimball Garrett was a

unique and valuable experience.”

 

At the conclusion of the expedition, the birders gathered at the Museum to recount their morning, listing the species they had spotted.   Details of the Fall bird walk will appear in this website in the late summer.

In January 2014 this bird was spotted off the Puente Largo Bridge and put Duarte on the birding map.

Contact Us Today!

Duarte Historical Society & Museum

777 Encanto Parkway

Duarte, CA 91010

      

Phone: (626) 357-9419

      

Send Mail to: P.O. Box 263, Duarte, CA 91009

 

Website: www.RanchoDeDuarte.org

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