Lower Ballona Creek

Took a late afternoon walk out the middle jetty at the mouth of Ballona Creek yesterday. Most surprising thing was a basic-plumage/1st-year Black Tern that called as it flew overhead to the south. This is the 3rd record this month so far (possibly pertaining to the same bird, all in similar plumage). This is the first year since 1980 this species has turned up at Ballona. Historical accounts mention large flocks in midsummer, apparently post-breeding concentrations similar to what occur now at the Salton Sea.

Notable observations yesterday include a large number of summering Western (c. 30) and Clark's (4) grebes at the mouth of the channel, between the ends of the jetties. These birds have apparently been here all summer, along with 20+ Surf Scoters (according to Kevin Larson).

Shorebirds included about 4 Black Oystercatchers flying from jetty to jetty and calling, a single Wandering Tattler, and a handful of Surfbirds and turnstones (both). I walked upstream along the channel a bit, and found little groups of Willets and godwits, but more were probably farther upstream. A few dozen Black-bellied Plovers were flying high upstream, probably roosting up there.

At last 200 Elegant Terns were wheeling out by the main breakwater, incl. dozens perched atop the breakwater with the pelicans (several hundred) and gulls. Just two cormorants, both Double-crested. Three Caspian Terns (2 adults and a calling juv.) were the only other terns - the Leasts have apparently left - and Forster's are so irregular now at Playa del Rey that I didn't expect to see any.

Del Rey Lagoon was, fortunately, draining (unlike my July visit), and there were a few shorebirds and nothing that interesting. No waders (the tide probably has to be lower).