Regular Friends of Ballona Wetlands led bird survey volunteers, staff and interns were treated to a special guest accompanying them on Thursday, October 5, 2023, as the recently retired Bob Shanman and expert Ballona Watershed Birder joined the gang for a super day of birding at the Freshwater Marsh!
We had an astounding 60 species, and Bob of course has taken all the credit for the high number! Bob’s expertise on Ballona Birds goes way back to the founding of Friends of Ballona Wetlands in the late 70s. He’s led thousands of birding trips in and around the Ballona Wetlands for local Audubon chapters and the Friends for over 40 years, and now that he’s retired from running a very successful 28 year Wild Birds Unlimited franchise in Redondo Beach he’s offering some of his free time back to the Friends to assist in future birding adventures.
Bob is also going to be honored for all his years of volunteering and providing fantastic Silent Auction items to the Friends’ annual Moonlight on the Marsh fundraising events this Saturday, October 14th, at the CenterPointe Club in Playa Vista. While the event is SOLD OUT there are still opportunities to support the Friends work and honor Bob by participating in the bidding in our Silent Auction or purchasing tickets in our Wine and Cash Raffles! Click here to view Moonlight on the Marsh 2023 Online Opportunities!
It’s folks like Bob and our loyal Ballona and LMU birders who contribute to our efforts at LMU and the Friends to showcase the beauty and magnificence of the Birds of Ballona.
Top Left: Ann Flower | Top Right: Lynzie Flynn
Bottom Left: Don Sterba | Bottom Right: Bob Shanman
The 10-year legacy of the late Jean Pickus and Barbara Elliott live on in the continuation of bird walks at Ballona, and we are so grateful for all the birders, young and old, who step up and join us as we watch and protect the flora and fauna of our beloved Ballona Wetlands.