Bird Watching

Bird walks are one of the most popular activities sponsored by the Museum.  Led by Ornithologist Kimball Garrett, a prolific author of bird guides, and Collection Manager at the L.A. County Museum of Natural History, the walk held last April not only produced a list of 52 species spotted, but the highlight was a brief glimpse of a Varied Bunting, putting Duarte on the birding map. The original sighting on March 26th, 2014 by Michael (Mickey) Long of a Varied Bunting flitting along the south side of the west end of the Puente Largo bridge had the effect of yelling “I found gold” during the gold  mining days.  Birders from near and far waded through the brush and spent hours awaiting a sign of the bird which Garrett has dubbed “The pride of Duarte.”

Fortunately on the April 13th, 2014 bird walk the trophy bird made a brief appearance and graced the binoculars of the excited birders.  Other species spotted included a Bell’s Vireo, a Belted Kingfisher, a Red-whiskered Bulbul and a Nutmeg Mannikin.

Garrett will lead a walk on Saturday, February 28th., 2015, leaving the museum at 7:30 a.m.  Donuts and coffee will be available before the walk in the Museum starting at 7:00 a.m.  The walk will include the bioswale trail in Encanto Park and the adjacent river area.  Binoculars are helpful.  Trip on rain or shine!