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Field Trip Reports - 2007
Mugu Coastal Duck Ponds
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We arrived at 9 a.m. sharp on a beautiful morning, and 35 of us set out on foot--a first for this annual event. Thanks to Google Earth and the many local birders in attendance, we mapped out a fabulous walking tour. As we entered the property, we found ourselves surrounded by raptors. Peregrines, Red-tails and a Coopers Hawk stood sentry on poles and trees as we marveled at the Ibis flocks in the air and the Harriers coursing down low. We immediately went to the west side for 2 of our target birds--the Vermillion Flycatcher and the American Bittern. As luck would have it, we got 2 of each. Both the male and female flycatchers were on the fence, and one of the Bitterns froze on the road where everyone got a good look at it from close range as Marsh Wrens were buzzing in the bulrushes all around us. We then headed west down the road we had driven in previous years, picking up many species of waterfowl and shorebirds, and a few gulls and songbirds. We got to the halfway point in about 2 hours, and some folks opted to finish up early. The rest of us decided to walk a large loop around the western half of this marvelous 600-acre property. At the south end we got a pair of Yellow-headed Blackbirds and a small flock of Snow Geese in the air. We finished the 3.5 mile walk right at 1 p.m. To close a nearly perfect day, we were greeted by a Burrowing Owl in the ag fields as we departed. We logged 67 species for the trip. |
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It is worth noting that all the comments I received about walking instead of driving were positive. Most people simply felt it was a more positive experience to have the freedom to be on foot on such a small course (3.5 miles), than to have the narrow berm roads clogged with cars. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the owners of this fabulous property, and especially to Joel the manager. |
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We arrived at the main gate after a delightful drive down the coast, the bright clear morning offering all the makings of another sterling day of birding. Our guide and base biologist Michelle Kuter, cleared 23 of us with base security, and off we went to the Mugu lagoon. The birding was terrific, and we stayed for over an hour at the viaduct that crosses the lagoon. There were waterfowl, shorebirds, waders, gulls and skimmers on both sides of us, including some close views of the Black Scoter. Then we went out to the mouth of the lagoon for more ducks, shorebirds, a large gathering of Brown Pelicans, and pelagics offshore. There was a large colony of Harbor Seals basking in the sun as well. |
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Moving right along, Michelle then took us over to the west side, where we met up with the base's main biologist, Martin Ruane. Martin and his associates were netting and banding songbirds that morning as part of an ongoing monthly activity. We had a rare opportunity to see just how it was done. Many of us got to see Bushtits and an Anna's Hummer up close while they were being banded and released. As we worked our way down the western perimeter, the Tree and Cliff Swallows were zipping around in large numbers. Ahead of us, a Golden Eagle lifted up off the ground for all to see, then headed east to the lagoon. We drove the length of the road, paralleling the duck ponds next door, where we saw large numbers of Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler and American Wigeon. Before we knew it, 4 hours had passed and it was time to head for the gate. Thanks to the sharp eye of Oscar Johnson, we logged a total of 89 species for the trip. |
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Our special thanks goes out to Michelle and Martin, and to the staff and management of Point Mugu NAS. As always, the untiring efforts of Jack Sanford and Peggy Kearns are greatly appreciated.
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©Copyright 2007, Technical Specialties
Updated: March 16, 2007
