Editor’s note: The article focuses on Ormond Beach, a site of importance per Audubon. But it is also relevant in both our Chapter’s Ventura and Santa Barbara counties which, according to the annual Bird Count, are very high on the list of bird populations and diversity nationwide. The annual Great Backyard Bird Count this year is Feb. 12-15. Anyone can participate, for details, go to: www.BirdCount.org
By Joan Tharp
Grab your binoculars, favorite bird guide or app, and spend a few hours exploring Ormond Beach--and winter is a great time to look.
From the shoreline to the dunes and wetlands, Ormond is home to over 200 species of birds. Some are full-time residents, and some just stop for a brief period during migration. Many are endangered, threatened, or their numbers are in decline, which makes the preservation of Ormond beach and wetlands so critical. Follow the Friends on Facebook: www.facebook.com/friendsoformondbeach
Here some of the birds you may see around the Ormond beach habitats.
ALONG THE BEACH:
● Seagulls; Western, California, Herring and Hermann’s, to name a few. Seagulls don’t develop adult plumage for 3-4 years, so while it may look like there are a lot of different species in a flock, it’s likely a mix of ages as well as species.
● Willet, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Whimbrel, and Sanderlings all feed on the invertebrates along the waterline.
● Western Snowy Plovers and for a brief time in late summer, California Least Terns. The Royal Terns are visiting now.
● Black and Ruddy Turnstones can be seen feeding in the wrack (the seaweed that washes up onto the beach).
IN THE DUNES:
● Say’s Phoebe, Savannah Sparrow, House Finch, Killdeer, American Pipit and the Horned Lark share space with the Western Snowy Plover and California Least Tern.
WETLANDS, SALT PANNE:
● White-tailed Kite and Loggerhead Shrike, as well as Peregrine Falcons, Harriers, various Hawks, and even Burrowing Owls.
LAGOON, CANALS:
● Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron and Green Heron.
● Brown Pelicans are commonly seen flying over the ocean and occasionally in the shallow part of the lagoon, which is where you will also see the American White Pelican in the fall and winter.
● Osprey, a seasonal visitor, can be spotted fishing in the lagoon.
● Ducks such as the Mallard, Northern Shoveler, and Ruddy paddle and dive in the water along with Western and Pied-billed Grebes and the ubiquitous American Coot.
~ Joan Tharp is a volunteer Naturalist for Ventura Audubon Society, volunteer for Surfrider Ventura County, and a founding member, Friends of Ormond Beach. She was recognized on Dec. 7 at the Port Hueneme City Council meeting by Council member Steve Gama for her inspirational work on Ormond Beach.