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..?.LM. LIBRARY

88026483

UTILIZATION OF CALIFORNIA DESERT HABITAT TYPES
OF BIRDS IN SECTION 9 AND 10 OF LANFAIR VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

1978

by

Barbara A. Carlson

P.O. Box 1015

Upland, California 91786

for

Bureau of Land Management
1695 Spruce Street
Riverside, California 92507

Contract CA-060-CT8-57

JOSHUA TREE WOODLAND - 10 Location; California, San Bernardino Co.,

Lanfair Valley, 5.3 mi N of Cedar Cyn Rd., 4.0 mi E of Ivanpah Rd. The
plot is in the E l/2 of the NW l/4 and W l/2 of the IvE l/4 of Sec. 10,
T13K, RITE, Lanfair Valley Quadrangle, USG3; 35° l^'N, 115° 8'W. The NW
corner is approximately 75m S and 110 m W of the USGS Sec. 3 /Sec. 10 l/4
marker. Continuity; New. Size; 20 ha = 49.42 acres, (rectangular
500m x 400m, measured). Description of Plot; Typical Joshua Tree Woodland
that is found in the northern portion of the valley. Vegetation; Five
(5) 100 toe-point transects were made to determine percent cover and
species composition. The substrata consisted of 48.6^ bare ground,
36.0;£ litter, 9.2$ small rocks (<5 cm), 4.2;£ shrub stems, and 2.0;?
large rocks (>5 cm) . Small and large shrubs and perennial grasses formed
a canopy cover and ground cover of I6.8/0. Composition of perennial
plants included 29.O/0 Galleta Grass (Hilaria rigida), 15. 2$ Little-Leaved
Ratany (Krameria parvif olia) , 9.2$ Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) ,
7*6% Goldenhead (Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus) , 7. Z% Cheese Bush
(Hymenoclea salsola) , $,Z% Black-banded Rabbit Brush (Chrysothamnus
paniculatus) , 4.8^ Hop-Sage (Grayia sj^inosa) , 3*0/2 Kormon Tea ( Ephedra
nevadensis) , 2.8^ Cooper Goldenbush (Haplopapuus cooperi), 2 M% Woolly-
fruited Burbush (Ambrosia eriocentra) , 2.0^ Wi Id-Rhubarb (Rumex
hymenosepalus) , 1 .8^ Burro-weed (Ambrosia dumosa) , 1 ,6/£-Ricegrass
(Oryzopsis hymenoides), 1.0$ each of Desert Mallow (Sphaeralces ambigua) ,
and Buckhorn Cholla (Opuntia acanthocarpa) , 0,Q% each of Bladder-sage
(Salazaria nc-xicana), and Winter Fat (Eurotia .ar.ata) , 0.6$ each cf
Cooper's Boxthorn (Lycium cooperi), Mojave Yucca (Yucca schidigera) ,
and Purple Sage (Salvia dorrii) , 0.4;~£ each of Grizzly Bear Cactus ( Opuntia
rinacea, var. ursina) , and Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia), 0.2/& each of

Matchweed (Gutierrez!; microcenhala) , California Buckwheat (Sriogonum
fasciculatum) , Four-C' Clock (Mirabilis froebelii), Desert-Aster
( vachaeranthera tortif olia) , Paper Flower (Psilostronhe coooeri) , Desert
Almond (Prunus fasciculata) , Spanish Bayonet (Yucca baccata), Gotten
Thorn (Tetraiymia axillaris) , Desert Trumpet (Eriogonum inf latum) , and
Jimsonweed (Datura meteloides). Plant names are from Philip A. Munz,

. Flora of Southern California, 1974. The area has a long history of
livestock grazing, which probably has affected the composition of the
understory. It has not been grazed this year. Elevation: 4100 ft ( 1250m) .
Edge : The plot is bounded on all sides by Joshua Tree Woodland community.
There is a dirt road 75^-100m south of the plot frequently used by local
ranchers. Tonography: Basically flat with one wide; but shallow wash
extending from the NW to the 3E in the southern half of the plot.

ater: The nearest permanent water is a livestock water tank located
approximately 150m S of the 3W corner. Weather: Temperatures during
the study period ranged f rom" 57°F to 91°F with no precipitation recorded.
Coverage: June 10, 14, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30. Total: 8 trips, all

between 0445 and 1000 P3T. Total Man-hours: 29.0. Census: Mourning
Dove, 8 (40,16); Black-throated Sparrow, 4.5 (23,9); Ash-throated
Flycatcher, 2.5 (13,5); Verdin, 2 (10,4); Cactus Wren, 2; Cambel's Quail,
1.5 (8,3); Mockingbird, 1.5; Loggerhead Shrike, 1.5; Bendire's Thrasher,
1 (5.2); LeConte's Thrasher, 1; Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, 1; House Finch, 1;
Brewer's Sparrow, 1; Common Flicker-Gilded Race, .5; Red-tailed Hawk, +;
American Kestrel, +; Ladder-backed Woodpecker, + ; Western Kingbird, + •
Brown-headed Cowbird, +. Total: 19 species; 29 territorial males or
females ( 145/km , 59/100 acres). Visitors: Turkey Vulture, Swainson's
Hawk, Golden Eagle, Lesser Kighthawk, Say's Phoebe, Horned Lark, Cliff
Swallow, Lark Bunting. Late Migrant: Western Wood PeeWee.

Remarks; 3 active nests were found; 1 each of Ash-throated Flycatcher,
Cactus Wren and House Finch. A Hawk nest believed to be the Red-tailed
Hawk's nest used this year was also found. The following were observed
feeding fledglings just out of the nest; Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Western Kingbird, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Verdin, Black-tailed Gnat catcher
(feeding fledgling Erown-headed Gowbird) , Black-throated Sparrow,
Brewer's Sparrow. Two evenings were spent listening and watching for
owls and goatsuckers. A Lesser Nighthawk was observed on one of the
evenings. Poorwills were observed within .5 ml of the plot and probably
use the area. The female Common Flicker had yellow shafts and male and
juveniles observed had red shafts. The count on the Mourning Dove is
average number of pairs observed on the plot and may be incorrect as doves
were flying from surrounding area to the water tank near the southwest
corner of the plot. The following mammals and reptiles were observed on
the plot during the surveys (numbers indicates total number of observations);
Black-tailed Jack Rabbit (Lenus calif ornicus) , 40; Desert Cottontail
(Silvalagus auduboni) , 3 ; White-tailed Antelope Squirrel (Ammospermonhilus
leucurus) , 16; Desert Woodrat (Keotoma lepida) , 1; Western Whiptail
Lizard (Cnemidoporus tigris), 33; Zebra-tailed Lizard (Callisaurus
draconoiies) , 1/J-; Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister), 8; Leopard,
Lizard (Crotaphytus wislizenii ), 1; Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) ,
3o We wish to thank Ruth C. Yoder and Holland H. Wissler for assistance
given during the survey „ This study was sponsored by the Bureau of
Land Management, California Desert Plan Program* BARBARA A. CARLSON,
P.O. Box 1015, Upland, CA. and SHELDON J. NEWBERGER, 978-A Springfield Ave.,
Upland, CA.

JOSHUA TREE WOODLAND — Location: California, San Bernardino Co.,
Lanfair Valley, 5.3 mi N of Cedar Cyn. Rd., 4.0 mi E of Ivanpah Rd.
The plot is in the E l/2 of the NW l/W and W l/2 of the NE l/4 of Sec.
10, T13N, R17E, Lanfair Valley Quadrangle, USGS; 35° lVH, 115° 8'W.
The NW corner is approximately 75m S and 110 m W of the USGS Sec. 3/
Sec 10 \/h marker. Continuity; See Breeding Bird Survey, 1978.
Size: 20 ha = 4-9.^2 acres, (rectangular 500m x 400m, measured).
)escrintion of Plot: Typical Joshua Tree Woodland that is found in
the northern portion of the valley. Weather: Temperatures during
the study period ranged from 5z+° to 98° F. Very little precipitation
was recorded as the normal summer rains were light and sporadic in
ground coverage. Coverage: Jul 20, 22, Aug 4, 6, Sep 9, 10. Total:
6 trips, all between 0^+50 and 0900 P3T, averaging 183 minutes each.
Count: Pinon Jay, 59 (295. 119); Mourning Dove, 38 (190, 77); Gambel's
Quail, 17 (85, 34); House Finch, 17; Black-throated Sparrow, 13 (65, 26);
Cactus Wren, 6 (30, 12); Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 (10, 4);
Loggerhead Shrike, 2; Brewer's Sparrow, 2; American Kestrel, 1 (5, 20;
Common 'Gilded' Flicker, 1; Barn Swallow, 1; Veriin, 1; LeConte's
Thrasher, 1; Cooper's Hawk, + ; Marsh Hawk, +; Red-tailed Hawk, +;
Poorwill, + ; Roadrunner, -f; Ash-throated Flycatcher, +; Western
Kingbird, + ; Tree Swallow, +; Horned Lark, + ; Bendire's Thrasher, +;
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, +; Brown-headed Cowbird, +; Scott's Oriole, +;
Lark Sparrow, +. Total 28 species, l6l (805/km2, 326/100 acres).
Remarks: Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bendire's Thrasher,
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Brown-headed Cowbird and Scott's Oriole are
breeding/summer residents who migrated out sometime during the census
period and therefore the numbers reflacted are lower than normal.

Pinon Jays observed are probably flock invasions that occur in fall
ana winter from surrounding mountains. The Barn Swallow and Tree
Swallow are fail migrants. The Cooper's Hawk, Marsh Hawk, and Lark
Sparrow are either fall migrants or wintering residents that arrived
during the census period. The plot continues to have more species
and individuals than the plot in Sec. 9. There has been some grazing
since June but not much. The watering tank to the SW of the plot
is probably the attractant force for the Gambel's Quail, Mourning
Dove, and House Finch as the area becomes dryer. We wish to thank
Ruth G. Yoder and Steve Knuttel for assistance given on the surveys.
This study was sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management, California
' Desert Plan Program. BARBARA A. CARLSON, P. 0. Box 1015, Upland, CA
91736, and SHELDON J. NEWBERGER, 9?8-A Springfield Ave., Upland, CA
91786.

JOSHUA TREE WOODLAND — T.nnati on; California, San Bernardino Co.,
Lanfair Valley, 5*3 mi N of Cedar Cyn Rd., 4.0 mi E of Ivanpah Rd. The
plot is in the E l/2 of the NW i/4 and W l/2 of the NE l/4 of Sec. 10,
T13N, R17E, Lanfair Valley Quadrangle, U3GS; 35°l4'N, 115°8'W. The NW
corner is approximately 75m S and 110 m W of the USGS Sec. 3/Sec. 10 l/4
marker. Continuity; See Breeding Bird Survey 1978. Size; 20 ha =
49.42 acres, (rectangular 5^0m x 400m, measured). Description of Plot;
Typical Joshua Tree Woodland that is found in the northern portion of
the valley. Weather; Temperatures during the study period ranged
from 32° to 84 F. Precipitation of both rain and snow fell during
November and December. Coverage; Oct 8, 14, Nov 18, 26, Dec 3» H»
1978. Total; 6 trips, all between 0600 and 1030, averaging 184
minutes each. Count.; House Finch, 26(130, 53); Black-throated Sparrow,
9 (45, 18); Gambel's Quail, 7 (35, 14); Mourning Dove, 5(25,10);
Cactus Wren, 4 (20, 8); Sage Sparrow, 3 (15» 6); Common (Gilded)
Flicker, 1 (5, 2); Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 1; Verdin, 1; LeConte's
Thrasher, 1; Loggerhead Shrike, 1; Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warber, 1;
Golden Eagle, + ; Swainson's Hawk, +; Prairie Falcon, +; American
Kestrel, +j Roadrunner, +; Great Horned Owl, +; Common Raven, +;
Pinyon Jay, +; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, + . Average total; 60 birds
(300/km2, 121/1OO acres). Remarks; 21 species. Hunters were present
on and near the plot during the 18 Nov census, unfortunate but unavoidable.
I believe the hunting not only had an effect on the number of Gambel's
Quail present thereafter, but also on the other passerine species, not
necessarily shooting them, but driving them back into areas not hunted,
away from the plot itself. I thank Ruth C. Yoder for assistance given
during the survey. This study was sponsored by the Bureau of Land
Management, California Desert Plan Program. BARBARA A. CARLSON,
P. 0. Box 1015, Upland, CA 91786.

4+

Methods Used:

Bird Surveys: The surveys were conducted by slowly walking thru the
plot at approximately 100 m intervals along the length of the plot (see

<& — -5oo*^ >

Hoof,

diagram) . The only stops made were occasional observations that we
thought might lead to nests, etc. When more than one person was along
one did the identification and the other the recording.

One point of interest - in order to meet the deadline of the end
of June we had to census on consecutive days two times. The second day
turned out to be one of the lowest count days each time. It may be a
coincidence, but it appears that allowing at least one day between is
a better method for recording the maximum number of birds.

Determining territories was difficult - when juveniles are out
of the nest the territories tend to break down. The spot-maps were
used to determine territories for all species except doves. The actual
count of doves is much higher because the plot is in the "flyway" to
the water tank. I went back to the maps and attempted to determine
those doves that moved from within the plot, then used one-half as the numW ©4
territorial pairs. For the maps 3 different days recorded constituted
a territory in keeping with the standards from American Birds.

The Flickers, according to Grinnell, Miller & Peterson, with the
reddish shafts are probably Gilded Flickers - they have the two forms,
rather than being the red-shafted race interbreeding with the gilded race.
I have treated them as all gilded race.

Verex" xion Ana-lysis: The five 100 toe-point transects were run starting
at approximately the 50m, 150m, 250m, 350m and 450m points along the
length edge. A toe-point was taken at every 6th pace which was
approximately 4m so the lines crossed the plot. One paced and one
recorded. We alternated after each 100 toe-point transect in recording
and pacing.

However, I "believe that belt transects would give a truer picture
of the vegetation here because of the large differences between cover of
a clump of Hilaria and of the shrubs. Belt transects would probably
give a clearer picture of the grazing effects also.

JOSHUA TREE WOODLAKD - 9 — Location: California, San Bernardino Co.,
Lanfair Valley, (5«^ mi K of Cedar Cyn Rd) , 2.8 mi E of Ivanpah Rd. The
plot is in the i\W ifk of Sec. 9, T13N, R17E, Lanfair Valley Quadrangle,
U3GS; 35° lVl, , 115° 8'W. Continuity: hew. Size: 20 ha = 49.^2 acres,
(rectangular 500m x 400m, measured). Description of Plot.; A typical Joshua
Tree Woodland community of the northern portion of the valley. Joshua
trees are scattered over the plot with a concentration near the middle
of the west edge. Vegetation: Five (_5) 100 toe-point transects were
made to determine percent cover and species composition. The substrata
consisted of ^0.6% hare ground, 30.4$ litter, 14.2$ small rocks (<3 cm),
12.2$ scrub stems and 2.6$ large rocks (?5 cm). Small and large scrubs
and perennial grasses formed a canopy cover and ground cover of 21.8$.
Composition of perennial plants included 41 .0$ Galleta Grass (Hilaria
rigida) , 1 1. 47s Cooper' s Goldenbush (Haplopappus cooperi), 9.0$ Burro -
weed (Ambrosia du.mosa), 7*2$ Hop-Sage (Grayia spinosa), j>»4$ Creosote
Bush (Larrea tridentata) , _5»0$ Matchweed (Gutierrezia microcephala) ,
3.0$ Desert Mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), 2 .8$ Goldenhead ( Acamptopapnus
sphaerocenhalus) , 2.0$ Cheese Bush (Hymenoclea salsola) , 1.4$ each of
Woolly-fruited Burbush (Ambrosia eriocentra) , and Hoffmanseggia densiflora,
1.2$ each of Winter Fat (Eurotia lanata) , Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis) ,
and Little-leaved Ratany (Krameria parvifolia), 1.0$ Purple Sage ( Salvia
dorrii), .8$ Ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides), .6$ each of Buckhorn
Cholla (Qpuntia acanthocarpa) , and Desert Trumpet (Eriogonum inflatum) ,
M% each of Four 0'Clock (Mirablis froebelii), Broom Twinberry (Me no dor a
sconaria) , Spanish Bayonet (Yucca baccata), Bladder-sage (Salazaria
mexicana) , Mohave Yucca (Yucca schidigera), Desert Willow (Chilopsis
linearis) , Wild-Rhubarb (Rumex hymenosepalus) , and .2$ each of Cooper's

Boxthorr. (Lycium coot)eri) , Desert Almond (Prunus fasciculata) , Desert-
Aster (Mfj.chaeranthera tortifolia) , California Buckwheat (Eriogonum
fasciculatum) , and Paperf lower (Psilostrophe cooperi) . Plant names
are from Philip A. Munz A Flora of Southern California, 197^. The
area has a long history of livestock grazing, which probably has affected
the composition of the understory . It has not been grazed this year.
Elevation; 4180 ft (I2?^m). Edge: The plot is bounded on all sides by
Joshua Tree Woodland with a wide but shallow wash near the east side
and a dirt road that had not been used for a few years running approximately
25-75m to the south of the plot. Topography; Basically flat with
moderately wide but shallow wash running from the NW to the SE across
the S half of the plot. Water: The nearest permanent water are livestock

watering troughs and tank, one 1.2 mi SW and one 1 mi E of the plot.
Weather; Temperatures during the census ranged from 57°F to 91°F. No
precipitation was recorded. Coverage; June 11, 15, 22, 2^, 23, 27, 29, 30.
Total; 8 trips, all between 0^30 and 0900 PST. Total Man-hours; 27.5.
Census; Mourning Dove, 7 (35,1^0; Black-throated Sparrow, 5,j> (28,11);
Ash-throated Flycatcher, 2 (10,^4-); Mockingbird, 2; Gambel's Quail, 2;
Loggerhead Shrike, 2; Cactus Wren, 1.5 (8,3); LeConte's Thrasher, 1 (5,2);
Scott's Oriole, 1; Horned Lark, .5; Bendire's Thrasher, .5; Red-tailed
Kawk, +; Common Flicker-Gilded Race, + ; Total; 13 species; 25 territorial
males or females ( 125/km , 5l/l00 acres). Visitors; Turkey Vulture,
American Kestrel, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven,
Verdin, Mountain Bluebird, Western Meadowlark, House Finch, Black-chinned
Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Remarks; 8 active nests were found; 5
Mourning Dove, 1 each of Ash-throated Flycatcher, Cactus Wren and Horned
Lark. Two evenings were spent listening and watching for owls and
goatsuckers without success. However, Poor-wills were observed foraging

less than .5 mi from the plot and probably use the area. The count on
the Mourning Doves is the average number of pairs observed, on the plot
but is probably close to the real number of breeding pairs since 5
active nests were found. A pack of burros went thru the plot during the
night of Jun 29. Other mammals and reptiles observed during the census
were (numbers indicate total numbers of observations): Black-tailed
Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) , 46; Desert Cottontail (Silvalagus
auduboni ) , 20; White-tailed Antelope Squirrel (Ammosuermophilus leucurus) , 3»
Desert Woodrat (Neotoma lep_ida) , 3 » Coyote (Canis latrans) , 1 ; Western
Whiptail Lizard (Cnemido-porus tigris), 50; Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus
magister) , 3; Zebra-tailed Lizard (Callisaurus droconoides) , 5; Desert
Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma nlatyrhinos) , 3; Side-blotched Lizard (Uta
stansburiana) t 4; and Leopard Lizard (Crotaphytus wislizenii), 3.
We thank Ruth C. Yoder and Rolland K. Wissler for assistance given during
the survey. This study was sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management,
California Desert Plan Program. BARBARA A. CARLSON, P.O. Box 1015, Upland,
CA. and SHELDON J. NEWBERGER, 978-A Springfield Ave., Upland, CA.

JOSHUA TREE WOODLAND — Location: California, San Bernardino Co.,
Lanfair Valley, 5.^ mi N of Cedar Cyn. Rd, 2.8 mi E of Ivanpah Rd.
The plot is in the KW l/k of Sec. 9, T13N, R17E, Lanfair Valley
Quadrangle, USGS; 35° 14% 115° 8'W. Continuity: See Breeding Bird
Survey, 1978. Size: 20 ha = ^9-^2 acres, (rectangular 500m x 400m,
measured). Description of Plot; A typical Joshua Tree Woodland
community of the northern portion of the valley. Weather: Temperatures
during the census ranged from 63 to 98 F. Very little precipitation
was recorded as the normal summer rains were light and sporadic in
coverage. Coverage: Jul 21 . 23 p Aug 5> ?> Sep ^ 10< Total, 6 trips,
all betwreen 0<440 and 08V> PST, averaging 198 minutes each. Count:
Black-throated Sparrow, 25 (125, 51); Mourning Dove, 18 (90, 36);
House Finch, 5 (25, 10); Pinon Jay, 5; Cactus Wren, 4 (20, 8);
Gambel's Quail, 3 (15,6); Ash-throated Flycatcher, 3; Loggerhead
Shrike, 3; LeConte's Thrasher, 2 (10, 4); Scott's Oriole, 1 (5, 2);
Turkey Vulture, -+-; Red-tailed Hawk, +; Great Horned Owl, + ; Poorwill, +;
Common 'Gilded' Flicker, +; Ladder-backed Woodpecker, +; Say's Phoebe, +;
Verdin, + ; Bewick's Wren, + ; Mockingbird, 4-; Crissal Thrasher, +;
Brewer's Sparrow, *. Total 22 species, 69 (3^5 /km2, l^O/lOO acres).
Remarks: Ash-throated Flycatcher and Scott's Oriole are breeding/
summer residents who migrated out sometime during the census period
and therefore the numbers reflected are lower than normal. Pinon
Jays observed are probably flock invasions that occur in fall and
winter from the surrounding mountains. No true migrants were observed.
This plot continues to have fewer species and fewer individuals than
the plot in Sec. 10. There has been evidence of increased grazing
in this area. We wish to thank Ruth C. Yoder and Steve Knuttel for

assistance giver, on the surveys. This study was sponsored "by the
Bureau of Land Management, Desert Plan Program. BARBARA A. CARLSON,
P. 0. Box 1015, Upland, GA. 91786 and SHELDON J. NEW5ERG&R, 978-A

Springfield Ave., Upland, GA. 91786.

JOSHUA TREE WOODLAND — Location; California, San Bernardino Co.,
Lanfair Valley, (5 A mi N of Cedar Cyn Rd), 2.8 mi E of Ivanpah Rd.
The plot is in the NW l/4 of Sec. 9, T13N, R17E, Lanfair Valley
Quadrangle, USGS; 35°l4'N, 11508'W. Continuity; See Ereeding Bird
Survey 1978. Size; 20 ha = 49.42 acres, (rectangular 500m x 400m,
measured). Description of Plot; A typical Joshua Tree Woodland
community of the northern portion of the valley. Joshua trees are
scattered over the plot with a concentration near the middle of the
west edge. Weather; Temperatures during the study period ranged
from 32 to 84 F. Precipitation of both rain and snow fell during
November and December. Coverage; Oct 8, 15, Nov 19, 26, Dec 3» 11 $
1978. Total; 6 trips, all between 0600 and 1030 PST, averaging
I83 minutes each. Count; Gambel's Quail, 21(105,42); House Finch,
12(60, 24); Sage Sparrow, 7 (35,14); Black-throated Sparrow, 6(30, 12);
Loggerhead Shrike, 2 (10, 4); Red-tailed Hawk, 1(5, 2); Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, 1; Verdin, 1; Cactus Wren, 1; Bendire's Thrasher, 1;
LeConte's Thrasher, 1; White-crowned Sparrow, 1; Golden Eagle, +;
Cooper's Hawk, + ; Common Raven, +; Common (Gilded) Flicker, +;
Bewick's Wren, + . Average total; 55 birds (275 /km /lll/lOO acres).
Remarks; 17 species. The Gambel's Quail appeared in a large flock
on this plot in the middle of November, probably due to the hunting
pressure near the roads and tanks. The Bendire's Thrasher did not
migrate out until the middle of November. There were fewer House
Finches on this plot compared to the one in Sec. 10. Although nc
cattle were observed on the plot, there was evidence of grazing on
a small scale. I thank Ruth C. Yoder for assistance given during
the survey. This study was sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management,
California Desert Plan Program. BARBARA A. CaRLSON, P. 0. Box 1015,
Upland, CA 91786 0

S-*

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Methods Used:

Bird Surveys : The surveys were conducted by slowly walking thru the

plot ax approximately 100 m intervals along the length of the plot (see

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diagram). The only stops made were occasional observations that we
thought might lead to nests, etc. When more than one person was along
one did the identification and the other the recording.

One point of interest - in order to meet the deadline of the end
of June we had to census on consecutive days two times. The second day
turned out to be one of the lowest count days each time. It may be a
coincidence, but it appears that allowing at least one day between is
a better method for recording the maximum number of birds.

Determining territories was difficult - when juveniles are out
of the nest the territories tend to break down. The spot-maps were
used to determine territories for all species except doves. The doves
were calculated by using the average divided by two for number of
territorial pairs. Although Verdins and Brewer's Sparrows were seen on
at least three occasions each, they were immature s and therefore
counted as visitors.

Vefeta.tion Analysis; The five 100 toe-point transects were run starting
at approximately the 50m, 150m, 250m, 350m and ^50m points along the
length edge. A toe-point was taken at every 6th pace which was
approximately ^m so the lines crossed the plot. One paced and one
recorded. We alternated after each 100 toe-point transect in recording
and pacing.

However, I believe that belt transects would give a truer picture
of the vegetation here because of the large differences between cover of
a clump of Hilaria and of the shrubs. Belt transects would probably
give a clearer picture of the grazing effects also.

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BLM Library
D-553A, Building 50
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