Was that a cackling goose? Check the rare-bird alert to find out

Each week, birders around Los Angeles County report sightings of rare birds to Audubon Society member Jon Fisher, who then compiles and disseminates the list. Birds won’t necessarily wait around for other birders to see them after an initial spotting. But they are also creatures of habit and can sometimes be found in the same area for days or even months.

In the last week, the following birds were reported to Fisher. More details about the sightings are often posted at www.groups.yahoo.com/group/LACoBirds. From Fisher's report:

     A CACKLING GOOSE continued at the L.A. County Arboretum in Arcadia through May 12.

     An adult LITTLE BLUE HERON was at Hansen Dam on May 10. Look for it on the islands on the main lake. Take the Osborne exit from the 210 Freeway and head southwest. The parking area is on your left and the lake is to the south and down the hill. (That's a little blue heron above right.)

     A probable AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER was on the shoreline at the harbor side of Cabrillo Beach on May 14.

     Twenty-seven FRANKLIN'S GULLS were at the Puite Ponds on Edwards AFB on May 14. Remember that a letter of permission is required for entry to the base.

Jump to the next page for more of the report.

-- Sue Horton

Photo: Phil Sandlin/Associated Press

     A NORTHERN PARULA was at Banning Park in Wilmington on May 11. This bird was in a flowering eucalyptus at the northwest corner of the Carriage House.

     A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was at Harbor Park in Wilmington on May 11. It was seen along the concrete channel that empties into the lake. This spot is southeast of the intersection of Normandie and Vermont.

     A SUMMER TANAGER continued through May 11 at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont. It was last seen along the fence bordering the golf course.

     Two more SUMMER TANAGERS were along Soledad Canyon Road off the 14 Freeway near Acton on May 11. Evidence of breeding should be watched for in this area.

     A VESPER SPARROW was at Peck Road Water Conservation Park in Monrovia on May 11. It was in the picnic area west of the parking lot. The park is on Myrtle Ave. south of the 210 Freeway.