CC SR 20230516 02 - 2023 Peafowl Census
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 05/16/2023
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to review the 2023 Peafowl Census Report.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file the 2023 Peafowl Census Report; and
(2) Direct Staff to continue pausing the peafowl trapping program for 2023.
FISCAL IMPACT: The costs associated with the preparation of the peafowl census
report for 2023, which occurred in April 2023, is included in the Fiscal
Year 2022-23 budget under the Code Enforcement Division
Professional/Technical Services/Animal Control.
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Gerri Whitten, Code Enforcement Officer
REVIEWED BY: Octavio Silva, Interim Director of Community Development
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. 2023 Peafowl Census Report (Page A-1)
BACKGROUND:
On August 4, 2015, the City Council adopted the Peafowl Management Plan (PMP), a
City-initiated plan to humanely manage the peafowl population within the City. This is
achieved by reducing and maintaining the peafowl population to the levels first identified
in the 2000 Peafowl Census Report for a total of 134 birds citywide. Peafowl management
services including census reporting, trapping and relocation are currently conducted
within six neighborhoods in the City including Portuguese Bend, Crestridge, Sunnyside
Ridge, Grandview, Vista Grande and Monaco. The PMP supports the coexistence of
peafowl within the semi-rural character of the City by:
• Encouraging public education and deterrent measures; and
1
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
• Humanely trapping and relocating up to 1501 birds per year to maintain the 2000
peafowl population.
This report will present current peafowl trends, the 2023 Peafowl Census data, and
historic census and trapping program data throughout the six program neighborhoods.
DISCUSSION:
Historic Peafowl Trapping Program Data
The trapping program is coordinated by the Code Enforcement Division of the City’s
Community Development Department with support from a private trapping company,
Raptor Events LLC., that specializes in such services.
Since the adoption of the PMP, eight peafowl censuses have been conducted to assess
the peafowl population throughout the six program neighborhoods and to determine if
trapping and relocation services are warranted to maintain the 2000 peafowl population.
As a result of the annual census reports and the City’s Peafowl Trapping Program, a total
of 589 peafowls have been humanely trapped and relocated to communities off the
Peninsula throughout the six program neighborhoods.
The 2020 census data reported an overall 56% reduction in the City’s peafowl population
compared to the baseline census conducted in 2014. As a result of the 2020 census data,
the City Council unanimously voted to pause the trapping program for the season. In
2021, census data reported an uptick in peafowl population in two program
neighborhoods, Vista Grande and Sunnyside Ridge. Thus, in June 2021, the City Council
voted to reinstate the trapping program and relocate up to a total of 50 birds. A total of 25
birds were relocated from each respective neighborhood.
In May 2022, the City Council received and filed the 2022 Peafowl Census Report, which
accounted for a total of 140 birds throughout the six program neighborhoods . Staff
received significant public feedback from residents requesting the City to pause the 2022
trapping program. As a result of the 2022 census data that showed the City continues to
maintain the peafowl population throughout the six program neighborhoods, t he City
Council voted to pause the trapping program for the season.
Table No. 1 on the following page, summarizes and compares the number of birds
trapped by program neighborhoods between the 2015 and 2022 trapping periods.
1 The trapping cap cannot be increased unless additional environmental review is conducted, in
accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
2
Table No. 1: Peafowl Trapping Summary
Year Crestridge Grand
view Monaco Portuguese
Bend
Sunnyside
Ridge
Vista
Grande Total
2015 27 24 0 27 24 48 150
2016 7 1 0 8 54 82 152
2017 0 0 48 0 20 44 112
2018 0 0 1 12 12 39 64
2019 10 0 2 1 14 34 61
*2020 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
2021 n/a n/a n/a n/a 25 25 50
*2022 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Total 44 25 51 48 124 247 589
*No trapping occurred in 2020 & 2022
2023 Peafowl Census Report
In accordance with the City’s PMP, an annual peafowl census is required to estimate the
population throughout the six program neighborhoods and to determine if humane
trapping is warranted for the season. The City’s goal is to maintain the peafowl population
at the levels first identified in the 2000 Peafowl Census Report.
The 2023 Peafowl Census Report (Attachment A) was conducted by the City’s peafowl
consultant, Raptor Events, between April 9-15, 2023. The census is conducted based on
two types of observations; one that focuses on roosting peafowl in trees at sunrise and
the other using a systematic grid pattern during the late afternoon to evening hours.
Table No. 2 on the following page provides historical figures of the peafowl population
through census data collected between 2014 through the current year. The table also
provides comparison figures to show the difference in the peafowl population between
the prior and current year as well as the difference between the baseline data collected
in 2014 and current year data.
3
Table No. 2: Peafowl Census Summary
Crestridge Grandview Monaco Portuguese
Bend
Sunnyside
Ridge
Vista
Grande Total
2014
(baseline) 41 17 n/a 85 64 71 278
*2015 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
2016 13 4 n/a 52 57 82 208
2017 9 0 22 40 37 42 150
2018 3 1 3 46 37 40 130
2019 11 0 4 45 36 40 136
2020 3 4 3 43 43 25 121
2021 5 2 4 54 61 55 181
2022 2 1 2 56 38 41 140
2023 2 6 2 49 37 37 133
Difference
b/t 2014 &
2023
-39 -11 +2 -36 -27 -34 -145
% Differences
b/t 2014 &
2023
-95% -65% -91% -43% -42% -48% -52%
% Differences
b/t 2022 &
2023
0% +84% 0% -12.5% -3% -9.75% -5%
*2015 Census was not conducted due to the PMP adoption occurring later in the year – August 4, 2015
The 2023 census reported a total of 133 birds from the six surveyed neighborhoods. This
is an overall reduction of 5% in the peafowl population from the prior year and a 52%
reduction in the overall peafowl population compared to the baseline census conduc ted
in 2014. Three neighborhoods had higher peafowl populations last year: Portuguese
Bend, Sunnyside Ridge, and Vista Grande, which had slightly declined in population this
year. The City’s PMP continues to prove effective by once again achieving the goal of
maintaining the peafowl population to the levels first identified in the 2000 Peafowl
Census Report.
It is possible there could be an undercount of approximately 10 -20% due to breeding
females nesting in denser vegetation caused by inclement weather, limited access to
private properties, and visibility due to heavy fog conditions. Prior census reports included
similar undercount percentages; however, the City does not factor in these percentages
to justify that trapping is warranted. Trapping is warran ted based on the true number of
4
birds observed during the census. The City Council may consider selective trapping up
to a total of 150 birds in any specific program neighborhood based on its own discretion.
Based on the 2023 census data from the six program neighborhoods, Staff recommends
the City Council continue pausing the trapping program for 2023, with further support
information outlined below.
• Pausing will allow the peafowl population to remain stable and in line with the
2000 peafowl population.
• Conducting the 2024 census will provide an opportunity for Staff to continue
evaluating peafowl population data and adjust the program needs to maintain
the peafowl population to the levels first identified in the 2000 Peafowl Census
Report (134 total birds, citywide) and in accordance with the City’s PMP.
• Pausing the 2023 trapping program will save the City’s fiscal budget by
reducing the funding allocated for Raptor Events, by approximately $40,000 in
the FY 2023-24 budget.
Should the City Council continue pausing peafowl trapping and relocating services for
2023, a census will be conducted between February and March of 2024. The 2024 census
data will be presented in the spring of 2024 for the City Council’s consideration to reinstate
or continue pausing the peafowl trapping and relocating program.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Public Notification
Interested parties were notified of tonight’s agenda item via a listserv message and social
media. Any public comments submitted after the transmittal of this staff report will be
provided to the City Council on the night of the meeting as late correspondence.
Reported Aggression Towards Peafowl
On April 12, 2022, the City received reports of a peacock that was repeatedly shot with
an air gun near Lobrook Drive. This type of activity is illegal and contrary to the City’s
policy of managing peafowl in a humane way.
The California Penal Code (CPC) Section 597(a) makes it a crime to intentionally maim,
mutilate, torture, wound, or kill a living animal. Violation of CPC §597(a) can result in three
years in a state prison, a fine of up to $20,000, or both a prison term and a fine.
Discharging any weapon within City limits is prohibited per Section 9.08.010 of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code. To report discharge of weapons, contact the
Lomita Sheriff’s Station at (310) 539-1661. Animal cruelty, as well as injured or deceased
animals, can be reported to L.A. County Animal Care and Control at (562) 940-6898 or at
animalcare.lacounty.gov/protecting-animals/.
5
Peafowl Information and Resources
The Code Enforcement Division section of the City’s website includes a comprehensive
listing of peafowl information and resources including a copy of the PMP, Peafowl Census
& Trapping Efforts, and Activity Reports. Questions and/or concerns regarding the PMP
should be directed to the Code Enforcement Division email at
CodeEnforcement@RPVca.gov or by calling the main line at (310) 544-5281. Members
of the public can also subscribe to receive regular updates and notifications regarding
peafowls via the City’s listserv messaging.
CONCLUSION:
In recent years, the City’s PMP has proven successful in maintaining the peafowl
population throughout the city to the levels first identified in the 2000 Peafowl Census
Report of approximately 134 total birds citywide. Based on the most recent census data
and analysis, Staff recommends continuing pausing the peafowl trapping and relocating
program for 2023.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to Staff recommendations, the following alternative actions, or some
combinations thereof, are available for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Direct Staff to reinstate the peafowl tapping and relocating program for 2023.
2. Identify alternatives to trapping services for Staff to research and present at a
future meeting for the City Council to consider.
3. Direct Staff to conduct peafowl trapping only in specific surveyed neighborhoods
to achieve a specified quantity of birds to be relocated.
4. Direct Staff to conduct peafowl trapping and relocating services on an as needed
basis from the six surveyed neighborhoods.
6
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
2023 PEAFOWL CENSUS
Provided by Raptor Events LLC
This census took place between April 9 - 15, 2023. Two types of observations were used.
The first was counting roosting peafowl in trees at sunrise. The second was using a
systematic grid pattern during the late afternoon to evening hours.
Listed below are the total counts for each of the six neighborhoods canvased. These
numbers represent the minimum number of peafowl inhabiting these neighborhoods. It is
possible that there could be an undercount of up to 10 -20%. One reason for this would
be breeding age females nesting, therefore on the ground in dense vegetation . This
census was scheduled later than previous years which means more females could be
occupying nests on the ground. Another reason for possible undercounti ng is peafowl
occupying deep or gated lots preventing physical access . Some houses are difficult to
access to count birds. Lastly numbers could be a bit lower this year than previous years
for a few reasons. The fog was very dense during some of the counti ng sessions which
may have made it difficult to record some birds. This last winter had a lot of rain which
made vegetation much more dense than previous years, which makes it harder to confirm
how many birds may be in a tree. I would also like to note that on Sunnyside Ridge Road
several pine trees were removed that housed 5 males and 12 females last year, these
birds would have to move to find a safe place to live, as you can see in the count on that
street there are only a couple birds this year.
GRANDVIEW 6 2 males 4 females
CRESTRIDGE 2 1 male & 1 female
SUNNYSIDE RIDGE 37 23 males & 14 females
MONACO 2 2 males
VISTA GRANDE 37 19 males & 18 females
PORTUGUESE BEND 49 26 males & 23 females
TOTAL COUNT 133
A-1
RANCHO PALOS VERDES 2023 PEAFOWL CENSUS
Listed below are the dates, times and addresses of each individual sighting.
GRANDVIEW
4-9 6:15 AM two males four females 26905 Springcreek Road
4-9 7:13 PM one male two females 26845 Springcreek Road
7:13 PM one male 26837 Springcreek
Road
7:17 PM one female 26905 Springcreek Road
Overall total 2 males & 4 females
CRESTRIDGE
4-9 6:45 AM one female 5205 Middlecrest Road
4-9 7:37 PM one female 5205 Middlecrest Road
7:43 PM one male 5335 Middlecrest Road
Overall total 1 male & 1 female
Sunnyside Ridge
4-10 6:07 AM one male 21 Mustang Road
6:14 AM one male 4 Cayuse Lane
6:14 AM one male 3 Cayuse Lane
6:18 AM seven males three females 24 Stallion Road
6:23 AM one male 92 Headland Drive
6:25 AM one male 67 Headland Drive
A-2
6:29 AM one male 13 Headland Drive
6:36 AM one male 2507 Sunnyside Ridge Road
6:40 AM one male & one female 2615 Sunnyside Ridge Road
6:42 AM one male 28012 Palos Verdes Drive East
6:45 AM three males 28032 Palos Verdes Drive East
6:46 AM one male 28056 Palos Verdes Drive East
6:47 AM one male & four females 27990 Palos Verdes Drive East
Total 21 males & 8 females
4-10 7:13 PM one male 14 Cayuse Lane
7:15 PM one male & one female Bronco Drive/Cayuse Lane
7:16 PM two males 1 Bronco Drive
7:17 PM two males 30 Stallion Road
7:18 PM one male & two females 18 Stallion Road
7:22 PM two males and two females 98 Headland Drive
7:22 PM two males and one female 98 Headland Drive
7:22 PM one male 96 Headland Drive
7:23 PM one male 92 Headland Drive
7:25 PM one male 25 Headland Drive
7:25 PM one male 15 Headland Drive
7:27 PM one males & three females 2541 Sunnyside Ridge Road
7:32 PM one male & one female 27992 Palos Verdes Drive East
7:35 PM two females 27990 Palos Verdes Drive East
A-3
7:35 PM four males & two females 28032 Palos Verdes Drive East
7:36 PM two males Palos Verdes Drive East
Total 23 males & 14 females
Monaco
4-11 6:07 AM one male 30215 Rhone Road
6:25 AM one male 30843 Cartier Drive
4-11 7:05 PM one male 30215 Rhone Road
7:24 PM one male 30843 Cartier Drive
Total 2 males
VISTA GRANDE
4-12 6:05 AM one male 28015 Ambergate Drive
6:13 AM one male 6948 Brookford Drive
6:15 AM three males & four males 6928 Brookford Drive
6:20 AM three males and five females 68318 Trailriders Drive
6:22 AM one male 6911 Hedgewood Drive
6:25 AM one male 2027 Brookford Drive
6:27 AM one female 28216 Trailriders Drive
6:27 AM one female 28222 Trailriders Drive
A-4
6:30 AM one male 6916 Larkvale Drive
6:34 AM one male 6903 Willowtree Drive
6:37 AM one female 28543 Blythewood Drive
6:40 AM one male & two females 28315 Rothrock Drive
6:43 AM one female 28855 Cedarbluff Drive
6:48 AM one male 28327 Rothrock Drive
6:50 AM one female 6812 Eddinghill Drive
6:53 AM one female 6533 Eddinghill Drive
6:55 AM one male and one female 28505 Plainfield Drive
6:57 AM three males 28111 Braidwood Drive
7:00 AM one male 28433 Hazelridge Drive
Total 19 males & 18 females
4-12 6:55 PM one male 28035 Braidwood Drive
6:56 PM one male 28103 Braidwood Drive
7:00 PM one male 28312 Plainfield Drive
7:02 PM one male 28369 Plainfield Drive
7:04 PM one male 6804 Eddinghill Drive
7:05 PM one male 28315 Rothrock Drive
7:13 PM one male & one female 28413 Trailriders Drive
7:15 PM four males & six females 68318 Trailriders Drive
7:16PM one male 6902 Larkvale Drive
7:20 PM two males 28222 Trailriders Drive
A-5
Total 19 males & 18 females
PORTUGUESE BEND
4-13 5:58 AM one male 5 West Pomegranate Road
6:02 AM one male 6 Kumquat Lane
6:02 AM three males 21 Kumquat Lane
6:08 AM one male 12 Cherryhill Lane
6:10 AM five females 7 Limetree Lane
6:12 AM two males one female 49 Cherryhill Lane
6:18 AM two males 12 Sweetbay Road
6:20 AM one male & one female 20 Sweetbay Road
6:22 AM two male & nine females 32 Sweetbay Road
6:27 AM two males Narcissa Drive
6:30 AM two male & three females 33 Narcissa Drive
6:40 AM one male 2 Cinnamon Lane
6:42 AM three males & one female 7 Cinnamon Lane
6:45 AM two males 20 Cinnamon Lane
6:47 AM one male & one female 21 Cinnamon Lane
6:50 AM one male 7 Narcissa Drive
6:58 AM one male & two females 1 W Pomegranate Road
Total 26 males & 23 females
A-6
4-15 6:54 AM one male Peppertree Drive
6:56 AM one female 3 West Pomegranate Road
6:58 AM three males Kumquat Lane
7:02 AM one male 8 Limetree Lane
7:07 AM two males one female 28 Sweetbay Road
7:08 AM one males & two females 32 Sweetbay Road
7:09 AM one male & one female 55 Narcissa Drive
7:18 AM two male & one female 20 Cinnamon Lane
7:21 AM two males Thyme Place
7:22 AM one male 1 Figtree Road
7:24 AM one female Narcissa Drive
7:26 AM one male Narcissa Drive
7:29 AM one male 30 Narcissa Drive
Total 16 males &7 females
Overall total 26 males & 23 females
A-7
GRANDVIEW 6 2 males 4 females
CRESTRIDGE 2 1 male & 1 female
SUNNYSIDE RIDGE 37 23 males & 14 females
MONACO 2 2 males
VISTA GRANDE 37 19 males & 18 females
PORTUGUESE BEND 49 26 males & 23 females
TOTAL COUNT 133
A-8