Monday, November 16, 2009

LA Arboretum: Wildlife

We often go walking at the Arboretum.  It's long name is the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanical Garden. It occupies 127 acres of the old Rancho Santa Anita, purchased as an Arboretum in 1947.  Located in Arcadia, it lies just below the San Gabriel Mountains.  I hope to acquaint you with some aspects of it over a number of posts.When we last visited on Sunday, it was a bright sunny day with temperatures in the 70s.  I took along the camera to share some of it with you.



The bees were so active on this bush, nestling themselves deep within each flower.





A monarch butterfly was still fluttering around the butterfly bush in the herb garden.



The ducks and geese were on the pond as usual, with the black-crowned night heron a-perch on a dried branch in the water.  They are all year-round residents.


Wood Duck


Canadian Geese


Black-crowned Night Heron

This heron usually fishes at dusk and night, but does rest near this pond in the late afternoon.  They do not look like their relatives in the heron family, with a stocky body and shorter bills, legs and neck than other herons. But they are excellent fishers. When after prey, they dive into the water with their necks extended. I love the unusual shape and silhouette of this heron.

One other bird was found singing high up in the trees.


Red-whiskered Bulbul

His red markings are not visible in this photo, but there are some other photos of him at this link.  His red marking and the tall black crest on his head make this bird distinctive in the wild.  This bird is originally from Asia, but has established a local population in Southern California.  It feeds on berries and insects, but is taking his leisure in this photo, perhaps waiting for some dinner to fly by.

This is only a small look at the Arboretum.   In the coming weeks I'll post more.


15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures -the bees are really working. It will be so nice to explore the Arboretum with you.
vickie

Amy said...

Pretty photos, Mary Delle. Looks like you had a nice clear blue day to walk around. I love the ducks and birds. Pretty post!

Deborah at Kilbourne Grove said...

Looks like a great place to have a walk. I look forward to future posts.

joey said...

Please do post more, Mary Delle ... this visit is delightful!

Victoria said...

Wow, beautiful pictures...so much nature to be enjoyed! I love the bright reds too in the first few photos! That bee looks happy! Great bird photos..what a treat! I love the Bulbul? wow..I have never heard of that before..red whiskers too? that is so cool!I really ejoyed this post Mary..lots of wonderful sites and scenery to enjoy! Lovely!

Tatyana@MySecretGarden said...

Just looking at these pictures makes me feel better when it's raining and raining and raining outside. Thank you Mary Delle!

Chloe m said...

I am kind of a sucker for ducks, so I really appreciate the wood duck photo. Thanks, and I look forward to more about this Arboretum. Rosey

Lona said...

What wonderful pictures. The bush with the red fluffy flowers is beautiful! It is fun to journey through the Arboretum with you.

Noelle Johnson said...

Hello Mary Delle,

I visited the Arboretum as a child. I love the gardens around LA.

Your pictures of the Red Fairy Duster are so beautiful. They bloom year-round here in Arizona and I suspect in California too.

Thank you for posting!

janie said...

I have never seen RED fairy duster! We have pink, but not RED! I want RED!

Can you tell, I am a real sucker for RED flowers!

Thanks for sharing, Marydelle. Beautiful flowers. And ducks!

Kathy said...

What a beautiful tour! I just love the birds and the bees ... and I love the beautiful flowers - to see them together is the best! I love that Bulbul! I have never seen. We used to watch a Green Heron (?) in Colorado at the park we used to walk through - very similar in statue. He was the coolest bird. Here on the river, we have the Great Blues. I love to watch them "skim" across the water on a calm night.

Wendy said...

Great photos. THe heron is a very nice looking bird. The other guy I would have thought was a woodpecker - but I guess his head thingy is a bit different. I love the fringy red flower in the first few photos.

James David said...

Its been raining here all the time that I feeling lost of mood for gardening. But when I saw these beautiful flowers & sunshine, it had sort of enriched me. Thanks for sharing all the wildlife here.
Must be wonderful.

Teresa said...

WHat a fun day! The birds are awesome. The flowers are too. Thanks for showing us

Jane Doe said...

An enchanting walk, Mary. I don't always have the patience to capture a photo of birds, butterflies, and wildlife in general. I admire all the photos of the creatures discovered on your walk.