Birdwatching is a fascinating and exciting activity that allows us to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our feathered friends. Los Angeles Arboretum, located in Arcadia, California, is one of the best places in Southern California to engage in this hobby. With its stunning gardens, ponds, and natural landscapes, the Arboretum provides an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species. In this blog post, we will explore the joys of birdwatching at the Los Angeles Arboretum.
The Los Angeles Arboretum is spread over 127 acres and is home to more than 200 species of birds. Some of the most commonly spotted birds at the Arboretum include herons, egrets, ducks, geese, hawks, owls, and songbirds. The Arboretum's diverse habitats, which include a lake, a stream, grasslands, and forests, make it a haven for both resident and migrating bird species. Birdwatchers can easily spend an entire day exploring the grounds and observing the different types of birds that call the Arboretum home.
The Arboretum is broken up into sections. The different sections tend to attract different birds and others can be found throughout. The Arboretum website claims there have been 251 different species sighted at the Arboretum and has a checklist of birds seen for you to check off your own sightings. I have listed the sections of the Arboretum and the birds I frequently see in each, in hopes you find what you are looking for when you visit the Los Arboretum. Keep in mind that many birds call the Arboretum home year-round, but some visit seasonally.
The best time to go birdwatching at the Los Angeles Arboretum is early in the morning when the birds are most active. The Arboretum opens at 9 am, but you can arrive earlier if you want to catch the birds in action. Bring a pair of binoculars, a camera, and a field guide to help you identify the birds you see. You can also join one of the Arboretum's birdwatching tours, which are led by knowledgeable guides who can help you identify different species and provide interesting facts about their behaviors and habitats. You can also join Bird watching tours led by the Pasadena Audubon Society, which allows you to get in to the Arboretum and hour earlier.
Granted Birds have wings and go where they please, the birds listed below are the ones I have seen more often in the associated sections.
Australia
Band-Tailed Pigeon
California Scrub Jay
Crow
Dark Eye Junco
Great Horned Owl
Red-Tailed Hawk
Song Sparrow
The Great Horned owl nest located on the west side of the Australia section is a fascinating sight to behold. The nest is constructed out of sticks and branches and is situated high up in a tall tree, providing a perfect vantage point for the owls to observe their surroundings. Visitors to the arboretum can often spot the owls perched on nearby branches or flying in and out of the nest.
Africa
Allen's Hummingbird
Anna's Hummingbird
Black-Chinned Hummingbird
California Scrub Jay
Crow
Dark Eye Junco
Great Horned Owl
Mocking Bird
Red-Tailed Hawk
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Tule Pond
Great Egret
Mallard Duck
Red-Whiskered Bulbul (I)
Ring Necked Duck
Meadowbrook
Allen's Hummingbird
Anna's Hummingbird
Band-tailed Pigeon
California Scrub Jay
California Towhee
Crow
Ground Dove
House Finch
Red Shouldered Hawk
Red-Tailed Hawk
Robin
Another great area for birdwatching at the Arboretum is the Meyberg Waterfall in the TAllac Knoll / Meadowbrook area. This beautiful waterfall attracts a variety of bird species, including flycatchers, vireos, and warblers. You can also observe hummingbirds darting around the nearby flowering plants.
Tallac Knoll
Acorn Woodpecker
California Scrub Jay
Lesser Goldfinch
Northern Flicker
Robin
Historic Circle
Acorn Woodpecker
Black Phoebe
Mocking Bird
Red Shouldered Hawk
Robin
One of the best spots for birdwatching at the Arboretum is the Baldwin Lake area. Here, you can observe a variety of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and swans. The lake also attracts herons and egrets, which can be seen fishing in the shallow waters. The area around the lake is also home to songbirds such as finches, sparrows, and warblers. You can also explore the Arboretum's forested areas, where you may spot hawks, owls, and woodpeckers.
Baldwin Lake
American Coot
Canadian Geese
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Hooded Merganser
Mallard Duck
Red-crowned Parrot
Ring Necked Duck
Ross Goose
Snowy Egret
Wood Duck
Prehistoric Forest
Red-crowned Parrot (I)
Red-Whiskered Bulbul (I)
Bauer Lawn
Canadian Geese
Peacock (I)
Entrance Area
Ground Dove
Mocking Bird
Peacock (I)
Red-Whiskered Bulbul (I)
(I) - Introduced Species
Overall, birdwatching at the Los Angeles Arboretum is a delightful experience that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a seasoned birder or a beginner, you will find plenty to admire and appreciate at this beautiful location. So grab your binoculars and head out to the Arboretum to discover the wonders of Southern California's birdlife.
Stay tuned, more birds to come with each visit to the Arboretum.
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