A Sit Spot in LA Zoo

LA Zoo Bird Gardens

If you are new to finding a sit spot and nature journaling, the LA Zoo Bird Gardens are a perfect place to start. The bird gardens were established to support local and migratory birds and the North American Songbird SAFE program. This is a conservation program within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums working to help songbirds across North America. The birds you may find in the LA Zoo Bird Gardens are similar to the ones you might notice near your homes or other spaces within your communities. Keep a look out for the birds and plants you see below! Have your nature journal ready and share your nature stories with us!

Birds/Plants found in this Garden: ​

Black-headed Grosbeak

Male//photo by Jill Hung

Description : Hearty songbirds with very large bills that are thick and connect with their also large heads. The short tail they have gives the bird more of the allusion to look chunky. Colors range from an orange-cinnamon, black and brown, depending on the gender.

Diet: With their massive bill it makes it easier for them to crack seeds and it also allows then to snatch and crush hard-bodied insects or snails. They can also be seen easting wild fruits and oats.

Habitat: When it comes to their habitat things can get complex, because they can be found in habitat with a diversity of plants and easy access to water. When in winter they chose subtropical and tropical lowands in Mexico.

Northern Mockingbird

Male//photo by Jill Hung

Description : Medium sized songbird that is a bit more slender with a long tail. They have small heads, a long, thin bill with long legs. Wings are short and rounded, when flying they give the allusion of an even longer tail.

Diet: Insects are their main diet but in summer they switch to eating mostly fruits. They also are seen drinking sap from the cuts on recently planted trees

Habitat: Open areas with open ground and with shrubby vegetation like hedges, fruiting bushed and thickets. They can be found

Spotted Towhee

Male//photo by Hai qi Li

Description : A large sparrow with a thick, pointed bill and short neck that connects to a chunky body and round tail. Colors include jet-black, white spots and tints of orange with red eyes.

Diet: Main diet consist of insects different kinds of beetles, crickets, grasshoppers and more. During the winter they eat a more plant and grain diet.

Habitat: Dry thickets, brushy tangles, forest edges, old fields and chaparrals are where these birds are found to be.

Lindheimer's Beeblossom

Male//photo by Hai qi Li

Scientific Name: Oenothera lindheimeri

Description: The native range of this plant is from southeastern Texas east into to Louisiana and south into Mexico. It is an important food source for birds and pollinators.

California Coffeeberry

Male//photo by Hai qi Li

Scientific Name: Rhamnus californica

Description: This shrub occurs in a variety of habitats throughout California, the Southwestern U.S., and Baja California, Mexico. Its berries are an important food source for wildlife.

Hummingbird Sage

Male//photo by Hai qi Li

Scientific Name: Salvia spathacea

Description: Native to southern and central California, the attractive flowering spikes of this sage are an important food source for hummingbirds.