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Coastal California Gnatcatcher Discovered in Southern Ventura County

Rincon Consultants Senior Biologist Steve Hongola observed a coastal California gnatcatcher during a recent bird survey along the western boundary of the Santa Monica Mountains. This is an area of Ventura County in which the species was previously not known to occur. The coastal California gnatcatcher is a small, gray-brown songbird that is federally listed as threatened and occurs in coastal sage scrub in southern California. Subsequent to this finding, two more birds were observed nearby by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Ventura County is located at the northwest extent of the California gnatcatcher’s range and has always contained relatively low numbers of the species in comparison to other counties in the region. Prior to this finding, California gnatcatchers had never been recorded within the Santa Monica Mountains. Most known occurrences in Ventura County are clustered around the Moorpark area.

Rincon’s avian biologists have expertise in conducting surveys and monitoring for sensitive birds and coordinating with resource agencies to develop solutions that balance regulatory compliance with project goals.

Based on these findings, protocol-level surveys for coastal California gnatcatcher may now be required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in areas of the County where they previously were not. Surveys are typically necessary for projects that could affect coastal sage scrub habitat that is considered potentially suitable for the species.

Contact Steve Hongola at 805-641-1000 or shongola@rinconconsultants.com if you have any questions about California gnatcatchers, their habitat, and if surveys may be necessary for your project.

Date Posted: 2010/01/26