Type: report

Article abstract: Six modified Australian crow traps were used to trap brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) at the Morro Hills, Rancho del Oro, Buena Vista Creek, and Encinas Creek Preserves in2012 for the Center for Natural Lands Management. Traps were operational between April 1 and June 5. During this time traps were monitored and maintained and all non-target species and excess cowbirds were removed on a daily basis. A total of 71 brown-headed cowbirds, including 45 males, 25 females and one juvenile was captured during the trapping period. The overall trapping rate of 0.18 cowbirds per trap day is similar to other programs in southern California. A total of 205 non-target birds from five different species was also captured. No non-target birds died or were preyed upon in the traps during the 2012 trapping season. No threatened or endangered species were capttued.