CC SR 20240618 03 - 2024 Peafowl Census
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 06/18/2024
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to review the 2024 Peafowl Census Report.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file the 2024 Peafowl Census Report that occurred between April 8-
13, 2024, resulting in the observation of a total of 165 birds within the six surveyed
neighborhoods; and
(2) Direct Staff to continue pausing the peafowl trapping program for 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT: The costs associated with the preparation of the peafowl Census
Report for 2024, which occurred in April 2024, is included in the
Fiscal Year 2023-24 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: Victoria Powers, Code Enforcement Officer
REVIEWED BY: Brandy Forbes, AICP, Director of Community Development
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. 2024 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:
1
• Encouraging public education and deterrent measures; and
• Humanely trapping and relocating up to 1501 birds per year to maintain the 2000
peafowl population.
This report will present current peafowl trends, the 2024 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.
In 2014, the City experienced a significant increase in the peafowl population since the
first census conducted in 2000. As a result, the City Council directed Staff to develop the
Peafowl Management Plan to manage the City’s peafowl population. The 2014 census
data serves as a baseline when assessing future census results.
Since the adoption of the PMP, nine 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. The City
Council voted to pause the trapping program for the season.
In May 2023, the City Council received and filed the 2023 Peafowl Census Report, which
accounted for a total of 133 birds throughout the six program neighborhoods. As a result
of the 2023 census data that showed the City continues to maintain the peafowl
1 The trapping cap cannot be increased unless additional environmental review is conducted, in
accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
2
population throughout the six program neighborhoods, the 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 2023 trapping periods.
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
*2023 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
2024 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 2024 Peafowl Census Report (Attachment A) was conducted by the City’s peafowl
consultant, Raptor Events LLC, between April 8-13, 2024. 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.
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Table No. 2: Peafowl Census Summary
Crestridge Grandview Monaco Portuguese
Bend
Sunnyside
Ridge
Vista
Grande Total
2014
(baseline) 41 14 n/a 85 64 71 275
*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
2024 1 9 2 44 54 55 165
Difference
b/t 2014 &
2024
- 40 -5 +2 - 41 -10 -16 -110
% Differences
b/t 2014 &
2024
-98% -36% -91% - 48% -16% -23% - 40%
% Differences
b/t 2023 &
2024
-50% +50% 0% -10% +46% +49% +24.1%
*2015 Census was not conducted due to the PMP adoption occurring later in the year – August 4, 2015
The 2024 census reported a total of 165 birds from the six surveyed neighborhoods. This
is an overall increase of 24.1% in the peafowl population from the prior year but still a
41% reduction in the overall peafowl population compared to the baseline census
conducted in 2014. Two neighborhoods which had higher peafowl populations last year
declined in population this year: Crestridge and Portuguese Bend. Three neighborhoods
which had lower peafowl populations last year increased in population this year:
Grandview, Sunnyside Ridge, and Vista Grande. The Monaco neighborhood had no
changes to the peafowl population compared to the prior year. The City’s PMP continues
to prove effective by 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, road conditions, and visibility due to heavy fog conditions. Prior census
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reports included similar undercount percentages; however, the City does not factor in
these percentages to justify that trapping is warranted. Trapping is warranted based on
the true number of 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 2024 census data from the six program neighborhoods, Staff recommends
the City Council continue pausing the trapping program for 2024, with further supporting
information outlined below.
• Pausing will allow the peafowl population to remain stable and in line with the
2000 peafowl population.
• Conducting the 2025 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 2024 trapping program will save the City’s fiscal budget by
reducing the funding allocated for Raptor Events LLC, by approximately
$40,000 in the FY 2023-24 budget.
Should the City Council continue pausing peafowl trapping and relocating services for
2024, a census will be conducted between March and April of 2025. The 2025 census
data will be presented in the spring of 2025 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.
Prohibited Activity Concerning Peafowl
On May 19, 2009, the City Council enacted Ordinance N o. 488 amending the Municipal
Code making it illegal to feed peafowl (RPVMC §10.84.010) and interfering with efforts to
trap and relocate peafowl (RPVMC § 6.04.070). Prohibiting the feeding of peafowl is
intended to help control the overall peafowl population in the City.
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
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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 (310) 523-9566 or at
animalcare.lacounty.gov/protecting-animals/.
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 2024.
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 trapping and relocating program for 2024.
2. Direct Staff to conduct peafowl trapping only in specific surveyed neighborhoods
to achieve a specified quantity of birds to be relocated.
3. Direct Staff to conduct peafowl trapping and relocating services on an as needed
basis from the six surveyed neighborhoods.
4. Direct Staff to update the Peafowl Management Plan to add or remove specified
neighborhoods for future peafowl census.
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THE CITY RANCHO PALOS VERDES
2024 PEAFOWL CENSUS
Provided by Raptor Events LLC
This census took place between April 8 - April 13, 2024. 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. Another
reason for possible undercounting is peafowl occupying deep or gated lots preventing
physical access. Road work in the Portuguese Bend neighborhood also affected
accessibility to conduct census.
GRANDVIEW 9 5 males & 4 females
CRESTRIDGE 1 1 male & 0 females
SUNNYSIDE RIDGE 54 31 males & 23 females
MONACO 2 2 males
VISTA GRANDE 55 35 males & 20 females
PORTUGUESE BEND 44 20 males & 24 females
TOTAL COUNT 165
A-1
RANCHO PALOS VERDES 2024 PEAFOWL CENSUS
Listed below are the dates, times and addresses of each individual sighting.
GRANDVIEW
4-8 6:09 AM four males & four females 26905 Springcreek Road
4-8 6:42 PM four males & one female 26916 Springcreek Road
6:43 PM three females 26861 Springcreek Road
6:45 PM one male 26848 Springcreek Road
Overall Total 5 males & 4 females
CRESTRIDGE
4-10 6:28 AM one male 5205 Middlecrest Road
4-10 6:25 PM one male 5205 Middlecrest Road
Overall Total 1 male
SUNNYSIDE RIDGE
4-9 6:07 AM seven male & eight females 24 Stallion Road
6:09 AM one male Bronco Dr/Cayuse Ln
6:10 AM four males & three females 4 Cayuse Lane
6:14 AM one female 1 Chapparal Lane
6:19 AM two males & three females 98 Headland Drive
6:19 AM one male 92 Headland Drive
6:20 AM one male 75 Headland Drive
A-2
6:22 AM one male 13 Headland Drive
6:24 AM one male & two females 2 Headland Drive
6:26 AM two males 2615 Sunnyside Ridge Rd
6:30 AM one male 2541 Sunnyside Ridge Rd
6:33 AM one male 27992 Palos Verdes Drive East
6:34 AM one male 28012 Palos Verdes Drive East
6:36 AM two males & three females 28036 Palos Verdes Drive East
6:38 AM five males & three females 28032 Palos Verdes Drive East
6:40 AM one male Palos Verdes Drive East
Total 31 males & 23 females
4-9 6:27 PM two male 30 Stallion
6:30 PM one male & one female 5 Bronco Lane
6:34 PM two males & two females 4 Cayuse Lane
6:35 PM one males 11 Cayuse Lane
6:46 PM one male 2601 Sunnyside Ridge Rd
6:46 PM two females 2553 Sunnyside Ridge Rd
6:53 PM one males 28012 PVDE
6:53 PM one male 28036 PVDE
6:54 PM two male 28032 PVDE
6:55 PM one female Palos Verdes Drive East
7:00 PM one male 73 Headland Drive
7:01 PM two males 44 Headland
A-3
7:01 PM two males & one female 13 Headland
Total 16 males & 7 females
Overall Total 31 males & 23 females
MONACO
4-10 6:57 AM one male 30215 Rhone Road
4-10 6:45 PM one male 6601 Lautrec Place
6:47 PM one male 30206 Rhone Road
Total 2 males
VISTA GRANDE
4-11 5:58 AM one male Indian Rock Dr / Maycroft Dr
6:01 AM one male 6948 Brookford Drive
6:01 AM one male 7927 Brookford Drive
6:01 AM one male & two females 69285 Brookford Drive
6:02 AM one male & two females Ambergate Dr / Brookford Dr
6:02 AM one male & two females Indian Rock Drive
6:10 AM one male Indian Rock Drive
6:12 AM six males & seven females 68310 Trailriders Drive
6:14 AM one male 68310 Trailriders Drive
6:15 AM one male 28351 Trailriders Drive
6:17 AM one male & one female 28725 Goldenmeadow
6:19 AM one male 6190 Larkvale Drive
A-4
6:20 AM one male 6917 Hedgewood Drive
6:29 AM one male 28537 Blythwood Drive
6:37 AM one female 6812 Eddinghill Drive
6:38 AM one male 6752 Eddinghill Drive
6:39 AM one male 6024 Eddinghill Drive
6:41 AM one male Birchman Dr / Hazelridge Dr
6:42 AM one male & one female 28111 Braidwood Drive
6:42 AM one male 28237 Braidwood Drive
6:49 AM four males & two females 6558 Monero Road
Total 28 males & 18 females
4-11 6:47 PM one female Birchman Dr / Hazelridge Dr
6:49 PM three males 28059 Braidwood Drive
6:50 PM one male & one females 28245 Birchman Drive
6:59 PM two males 28421 Cedarbluff Drive
7:01 PM one male 28729 Rothrock Drive
7:02 PM one male & one female Eddinghill/Trailriders
7:05 PM one male 6938 Starstone
7:06 PM eight males & eight females 28318 Trailriders Drive
7:09 PM one male 6924 Larkvale Drive
7:09 PM one male 6910 Larkvale Drive
7:10 PM two males 7027 Brookford Drive
7:10 PM one male 6949 Brookford Drive
A-5
7:15 PM two males & one female 6942 Brookford Drive
7:15 PM two males & seven females 6922 Brookford Drive
7:17 PM one male 28357 Trailriders Drive
7:19 PM one males Blythwood Dr / Hartcrest Dr
7:20 PM one males 6911 Hedgewood Drive
7:22 PM two males & one female 28015 Ambergate Drive
7:22 PM one male 28005 Ambergate Drive
7:22 PM one male 27935 Ambergate Drive
7:23 PM two males 6814 Monero Road
Total 35 males & 20 females
PORTUGUESE BEND
4-12 6:41 PM one male 21 Kumquat Lane
6:41 PM one male 26 Peppertree Drive
6:41 PM one male 6 Limetree Lane
6:42 PM six males & thirteen females 12 Cherryhill Lane
6:50 PM one males 42 Peppertree Drive
6:54 PM one female 12 Sweetbay Road
6:56 PM three males & two females Sweetbay Rd / Narcissa Dr
7:05 PM two males Vanderlip Dr / Narcissa Dr
7:08 PM one male & five females 3 Clovetree Place
7:12 PM three males & one female 12 Cinnamon Lane
7:21 PM one male & two females 9 Figtree Road
A-6
Total 20 males & 24 females
4-13 6:06 AM one male & one female 21 Kumquat Lane
6:09 AM five males & three female 6 Limetree Lane
6:11 AM one male 8 Limetree Lane
6:13 AM four males & six females Cherryhill Ln / Limetree Ln
6:15 AM one male & one female 12 Cherryhill Lane
6:20 AM one male 12 Sweetbay Road
6:28 AM one male 84 Narcissa Drive
6:29 AM two males 80 Narcissa Drive
6:31 AM two males 11 Sweetbay Road
6:34 AM three males & four females 9 Cinnamon Lane
6:37 AM one male 12 Cinnamon Lane
6:40 AM one male & two females 33 Ginger Root Lane
6:44 AM one male 30 Narcissa Drive
Total 24 males & 17 females
GRANDVIEW 9 5 males 4 females
CRESTRIDGE 1 1 male & 0 females
SUNNYSIDE RIDGE 54 31 males & 23 females
MONACO 2 2 males
VISTA GRANDE 55 35 males & 20 females
PORTUGUESE BEND 44 20 males & 24 females
A-7
TOTAL COUNT 165
A-8