We’ve been experiencing some unusual weather this month, and the dawning of Bird LA Day in Griffith Park was no exception. As we started up the trail toward the Observatory it began to rain, but no one in the group ran for cover… far from it as we continued on our way, checking to see what bird made which sound off in the distance.

Gerry Hans, Vice President/Science and Conservation along with Bird LA Day leader, Don White and note-taker Sarajo took copious notes throughout the hike and the final list consists of sightings including… Cooper’s and Red-tailed Hawks, Mourning Dove, Anna’s and Allen’s Hummingbirds, Acorn and Nuttall’s Woodpeckers, Black Phoebe, California Scrub Jay, Common Raven, Oak Titmouse, Bewick’s Wren (only heard : not seen by group), House Wren, California Thrasher, Spotted and California Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon group), Lesser Goldfinch, Wrentit (only heard by some in the group)

It’s incredible that we had SO MANY birds cooperating while we watched them with the new FoGP spotting scope! It was a very rare day in that the group was able to see Cooper’s and Red-tailed Hawks, a Nuttall’s Woodpecker, California Thrasher — and — Spotted Towhee. FoGP’s recently purchased scope will come in very handy for many of our scientific surveys and studies including the currently underway Raptor Survey.

and in related news… An LA Times article on Bird LA Day highlights the work of biologist/researcher and FoGP’s science consultant, Dan Cooper who began Bird LA Day in the Brush Canyon area of Griffith Park. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-la-bird-day-20170505-story.html