Though we enjoyed two drought-busting winters in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the current rainy season has been anything but. In December and January, most of Los Angeles County was suffering from record dry conditions and extreme drought. Vegetation, having increased significantly over two wet years, had not received any measurable rain for over eight months.
Birds of the Season–November 2024
Though each season in southern California has its attractions, fall migration in southern California ranks at the top for birders. Expected migrants, numerous vagrants from virtually anywhere and a wide variety of winter arrivals are all represented. This October and November did not disappoint, with plenty of surprises great and small.
Birds of the Season–September 2024
Summer on the deserts is always hot, but on the coastal slope the summer of 2024 was relatively mild. At least that was the case until early September when the first real heat wave of the season arrived. Up to that point, the county had been left largely unscathed by wildfires, but things were about to change dramatically.
Birds of the Season—July 2024
BOTS — March 2024
BOTS - JANUARY 2024
Winter in southern California. As far as the weather goes, we’re the envy of much of the country. Thus far, the winter of 2023-2024 has been drier than the previous one, but last winter was an aberration. At present, most areas are at least near normal for this time of year. In these unpredictable times, that’s a welcome scenario.
Birds of the Season- December 2023
Mild temperatures and limited precipitation were features of fall this year, and so were many rare birds. Though the traditional vagrant season for passerines ends with October, that doesn’t mean the end of good birds. Increasingly, neotropical migrants are found well into November and later. Neither were these limited to songbirds; as always, the variety was ample. Additionally, Christmas Birds Counts, run from December 14-January 5, have already turned up more notable birds.
Birds of the Season—August 2023
Following a relatively cool early July, summer finally arrived. Temperatures increased and some weak systems brought a modicum of subtropical moisture. Thankfully there were no significant wildfires locally thus far.
But the stunner from a weather and birding perspective was a very strong tropical storm- the remnants of hurricane Hilary— that hit the county on August 20. This event dumped five inches of rain or more in many locations and was accompanied by high winds in many places. The added precipitation from Hilary makes severe fires even less likely, but not out of the question.
Birds of the Season — June 2023
Birds of the Season – April 2023
The remarkable wet winter of 2022-2023 continued, surpassing most annual precipitation records. The abundance of rain lifted ninety percent of California out of a persistent two-decade long drought. This year resident and migrant birds enjoyed a lush and bountiful landscape. As a bonus, forecasts predict El Niño conditions for the coming year, which suggests above average rainfall for a second consecutive winter.