Click here for the PDF document with the detailed monthly results through August 2015.

84 bird species were identified in August’s bird survey. Lead birder Jayne Lesley reported sightings of a few notable species, like a juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Least Bittern, and 3 Cinnamon Teal in the freshwater ponds below Dust Devil Nature Trail West Loop. Jayne also reports that shore birds are starting to return, and there are still Least Bell’s Vireo, Blue Grosbeak, Chat, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Greater Roadrunner around. No new species were identified, so the cumulative species total remains at 226.

This is the first time in 4 years that the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron has been spotted during the monthly bird surveys, and it is one of 5 species of heron that have been identified at the San Dieguito Lagoon. According to the Audubon Guide to North American Birds, the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron “has expanded breeding range northward in some areas” and “In late summer, a few wander far to north. Strays from western Mexico reach southwestern United States.” The photo of the juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-Heron above is from the Audubon website and was taken by Arthur Morris.

Click here for more information about the San Dieguito Lagoon Bird Surveys.