It was late afternoon/early evening when I headed back out in search of more birds. This time I went to Griffith Park. I hiked the Skyline Trail to the Condor Trail and explored some side trails off the main path. In my travels, I saw plenty more birds including two beautiful red-tail hawks that were high up in the trees scanning the area for their evening dinner. After it became dark and I was hiking back down the Skyline Trail, I saw the silhouette of something big. I knew it could only be one thing… an owl. Sure enough it was a Great Horned. I watched in awe as he perched up in a tree calling before he flew off to hunt. I was able to get a few shots and brighten them up in post later. I was happy to have had the experience of seeing this beautiful owl and being able to capture an image. It was a very special evening and a great way to wrap up the weekend. Here is a list of the birds I was able to ID on my hike tonight: Anna's Hummingbird, Red-tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Acorn Woodpecker, California Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Northern Mockingbird, House Finch, Yellow-Rumped Warbler
I woke up before sunrise Saturday morning because I wanted to check out Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. I’d heard it was a great place for birding with hiking trails and also an Audubon Center. What a gem it turned out to be! Birds galore! And just like Griffith Park, another beautiful oasis surrounded by our sprawling city. It was a lovely morning. I spent at least four hours hiking the trails and birdwatching. I captured an amazing image of a Common Raven calling high up on top of a pine tree. He (or she) was spectacular! Ravens happen to be my favorite birds. When I’m hiking in the mountains, I see them all the time. They are incredibly smart and the male/females stay together as couples. I will most certainly be back again to this park for more birding and exploring! Below is a list of the birds I was able to ID today:
Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, California Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, Bewick's Wren , Northern Mockingbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, California Towhee, Yellow-Rumped Warbler
