HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 05-12; Ocean Street Residences; Tentative Map (CT) (7)Cummings and Associates
1 July 2013
Mr. Chris Darhling
c/o Jim McMenamin
Via Email: Chris@zephyrpartners-re.com
Jim@zephyrpartners-re.com Zephyr Partners
11750 Sorrento Valley Road, #130
San Diego, CA 92121
Reference: APN 203-010-12-2303 and 2323 Ocean Street-Follow-up Pre-construction
Nesting Bird Survey (Cummings and Associates Job #1676.36A)
Dear Mr. Darhling:
This letter report summarizes the methodology and the findings of the follow-up pre-construction
nesting bird survey over 2303 and 2323 Ocean Street. The approximately 3.3-acre parcel was
surveyed for nesting birds for a second time on 28 June 2013 between 0730 to 0945 hours. The
temperature at the onset of the visit was measured at 69.5°F. By the end of the survey, the
temperature had risen to 74.3 °F. There were no winds at 0730 hours, but by 0945 hours, the wind
speeds were measured at< 4.1 mph from the west. The sky was 100% overcast throughout the
survey.
Methodology. The subject property contains abandoned buildings and parking structures,
surrounded by landscaping. Bird species and their behaviors were observed throughout the site
with the aid of binoculars. If potential nesting behavior was observed, such as carrying nesting
material, carrying food, or defending a territory, then that bird was watched further to determine
if there was an active nest, where it was located, and its status (i.e. nest being built, eggs in nest,
nestlings, fledglings). In addition, shrubs, trees and buildings were directly searched for nests.
The four nests that were active during the first survey on 10 June 2013 were also observed for
activity in order to determine the status.
Results. Eleven bird species were noted on the subject property during this second pre-
construction nesting bird survey (see attached Table I). No active nests were found during this
follow-up survey, but one inactive Bushtit nest was identified (see Figure A for location). During
the first pre-construction nesting bird survey on I 0 June 2013, four active nests were found on-
site: a Hooded Oriole nest with at least two nestlings; an American Crow nest with one nestling;
and two House Finch nests in the process of being built. Both the Hooded Oriole nest, and the
American Crow nest were inactive during this follow-up survey (see attached Figure A). Two
immature Hooded Orioles and one immature American Crow were detected during this second
survey, and are presumed to be the nestlings that fledged from the previously active nests. No
sign of activity was observed in the vicinity of the two House Finch nests that were in the process
of being built on 10 June 2013. These two locations were watched for 30 minutes. No nests were
visible from the ground in the trees in which the birds had been observed bringing material, and
no nesting material was found on the ground underneath these locations. The reasons why these
two locations are no longer active are unknown.
Recommendations. The asbestos abatement activities within the abandoned buildings is
finishing up and approval for the demolition of the buildings and clearing of the vegetation is
P.O. Box 1209, Ramona, CA 92065 • (619)233-5454 or (760)440.j)349
Fax:(760)440-9173 • Email: gretchen.bc@sbcglobal.net
Professional Environmental Services
Mr. Chris Darhling
1 July 2013
Page Two of Two
now being sought. Based upon the negative results of this follow-up nesting bird survey, we
believe that no violations to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) would occur should the City
approve these next activities.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email or phone.
Sincerely,
Gretchen Cummings
Principal/Consulting Biologist
[o\1676-let-03 .wpd]
Table 1
Bird Species Observed During the
Pre-construction Nesting Bird Survey
Over 2303 and 2323 Ocean Street in the
City of Carlsbad, California
Species 28 June Observations
2013
Eurasian Collared-Dove 1 One Eurasian Collared-Dove was heard off-site to the
(Streptopelia decaocto) east.
Mourning Dove 1 One Mourning Dove was seen perched on a telephone
(Zenaida macroura) wire. Nesting occurs typically from March to July
(Unitt, 2004).
Anna's Hummingbird 3 An immature male and two adult males were heard and
(Calypte anna) seen on the property. In San Diego County, most
Anna's nest from mid-February to early June (Unitt,
2004).
Allen's Hummingbird 1 A single male Allen's Hummingbird was seen nectaring
(Selasphorus sasin) on flowers in the northern part of the site. "Fall"
migration occurs from before the summer solstice to the
beginning of September (Unitt, 2004). Given the timing
of the sighting, combined with the fact that no
Selasphorus hummingbirds were identified during the
first pre-construction survey, this bird is presumed to be
a fall migrant.
American Crow 1 One immature Crow was heard south of the property.
(Corvus brachyrhynchos) This was presumably the nestling that fledged from the
nest in the palm tree in between the buildings and
Ocean Street.
Bushtit 6 This flock of six was seen as a group foraging through
(Psaltriparus minim us) the bushes in the northern part of the property. A
previously unidentified Bushtit ~est was discovered in a
Coyote Bush in the northern part of the site. The nest
was intact, but inactive.
Northern Mockingbird 3 One adult Northern Mockingbird was seen bringing
(Mimus polyglottos) food to two fledglings along the northern property
boundary. Both fledglings were moving about the
shrubs freely, but were still seeking food from the adult.
Common Yellowthroat 3 One adult Common Yellowthroat was seen bringing
(Geozhlypis lrichas) food to two fledglings along the northern property
boundary. Both fledglings were.moving about the
shrubs freely, but were still seeking food from the adult.
California Towhee I One California Towhee was seen in the northwest
(Pipilo crissalis) corner of the site. No nesting behaviors were observed.'
•
Species 28 June Observations
2013
Hooded Oriole 2 Two immature Hooded Orioles were spotted together
(Icterus cucullatus) along the northern property bou_ndary. These are
presumably the nestlings that fledged from the Hooded
Oriole nest in a Palm tree near Unit 27.
House Finch 15 House Finches in groups of twos, threes, and fours were
(Carpodacus mexicanus) seen mostly along the telephone wire on the west side of
the property. There was at least one fledgling seeking
food from an aduJt male. The two pair observed during
the first pre-construction survey building nests within
the courtyard were not observed during this follow-up
survey. The observer watched both previous nest
locations for 30 minutes, but did not see any activity.
The trees in which the birds had been observed bringing
material to were visually searched for nests, but none
were visible from the ground and no material was seen
on the ground. Nesting activity occurs between 19
February and 29 July (Unitt, 2004).
Total Species: 11
[ :\ 16 7 6bird-tbl-2nd. wpd]
Cummings and Associates Job Number 1676.36A I July 2013 Scale: l-inch = 80-feet
Cummings
and
Associates
Results of Pre-construction Nesting Bird Survey Over
2303 & 2323 Ocean Street in Carlsbad
(:\1676-Fig-A.wpg)
Figure
A
\