The Coastline Pilot is seeking bird sightings...

The Coastline Pilot is seeking bird sightings from novice and veteran

birders. Let us know some of the unusual birds you see in the area.

Write us at P.O. Box 248, Laguna Beach, CA, 92652, e-mail us at

[email protected] or fax us at 494-8979. Give your name,

city of residence, the description of the bird and when it was

spotted. Following is a list of some of the birds that can be found

in the Laguna area.

Titmouse: Found in chaparral in flocks; camouflage with terrain;

pointed beaks.

California towhee: Red-rumped, long-tailed brown bird often found

in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

Scrub Jay: Blue birds with loud, obnoxious song; often try to

steal your food. Very common in the canyon.

California towhee: Red-rumped, brown bird with a long tail; mainly

seen in the canyon.

Mockingbird: Gray and white, evening singers heard throughout the

city.

California quail: Runners more heard than seen in the canyon;

laughter-like call.

House finch: Small, common seed-eater; males have red breast.

Gnatcatcher: White belly, makes a mewing sound; endangered species

found mainly in Laguna Beach and San Onofre.

Cactus wren: Endangered species found rarely near cacti in Laguna

Coast Wilderness Park.

Acorn woodpecker: Red cap, travels in flocks; often found pecking

on sycamore trees.

Northern flicker: Orange wings; found wherever fruit is near.

Anna’s hummingbird: Attracted to red and yellow; seeks flower’s

nectar.

Roadrunner: Fleet ground bird found in the canyon; eats lizards

and insects.

Red Tail Hawk: Steady high flier seen mainly in open spaces

looking for mice; most common hawk in the area.

Cooper’s Hawk: Smaller than the Red Tail, the Cooper’s Hawk

catches small birds while in flight.

Great Horned Owl: Rare night fliers with pointed ears; eats mice;

found in eucalyptus groves.

Burrowing Owl: Ground dweller that lives in gopher holes; only owl

that comes out in the daytime.

Kestrel: Small falcon usually found near streams, lakes or rivers

in open areas.

Turkey vulture: Most commonly seen large bird in the area;

unsteady fliers whose wings are in a V shape while searching for

carrion.

Ravens and Crows: Ravens are solitary, have larger beaks and

generally stay in higher elevations; crows travel in groups mainly in

the city and make more noise.