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: ​

Dark- eyed Junco

photo by Andree Debreuil

Description : Neat and Attractive sparrows. They are easy to recognize because of their white tailed feathers.

Diet: Seeds, buckwheat, and sorrel.

Habitat: Forest in North America at elevations more than 11,00 feet. Also found in Coniferous forests including pine, Douglas-fir, spruce and fir. During winter they go to open woodlands, fields, parks and gardens.

Terrestrial Biomes:

Watch list: ​No

Black Phoebe

pphoto by Peter Paul

Description :

Diet:

Habitat:

Terrestrial Biomes:

Hermit Thrush

photo by Yves Gauthier

Description : Variety of habitats ranging from boreal forests of the far north to deciduous woods and mountain forest, found in open areas. In winter go for lower elevation forest with dense understory and berry bushes.

Diet:

Habitat:

Terrestrial Biomes:

Coahuila Sage

photo by Scott Zona

Scientific Name: Salvia coahuilensis

Description: This beautiful sage comes from the mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental in the province of Coahuila, Mexico. The purple flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Sword Ferns

photo by Tad Montoya

Scientific Name: Nephrolepis exaltata

Description: This fern is a common landscape plant native to the Americas. It provides birds with hiding areas and nesting materials.

Red Powder Puff

photo by Forest & Kim Starr

Scientific Name: Calliandra haematocephala

Description: This densely branched shrub is native to South America. Under the right conditions, it can bloom year round, providing food and shelter for birds.