Great Horned Owl

When we lived in Granada Hills, there was a great horned owl that regularly perched in a big pine tree on the property. Once during the daytime I saw a young hawk in the same tree, screaming at the owl in fear or fury. The owl just sat there, apparently unperturbed, while the hawk gradually backed away and eventually flew off. Usually, though, the owl was only seen at night; we'd spot it in silhouette when it landed in the tree. Sometimes we'd hear its calls and the responses from a more distant bird.

But in ten years in West Hills, we've had neither sight nor sound of an owl, until last night. I woke up around 3:30 am to repeated calls. If there were any replies, I couldn't hear them.

This area provides a good living for birds of prey. There are rabbits, rats, mice, lizards, and small birds of all kinds. We see hawks every day, and on a few occasions, kestrels. I'm sure there have been owls here all along, but they have managed to remain unknown until now.

At WhatBird, you can search for "great horned owl" and find out exactly how they sound.

House Finches

A male house finch stuffs himself at the feeder.

Goldfinches

Goldfinches enjoy the feeder in my garden.

Hummingbird Nest

I found this hummingbird nest on the patio. Old nests often tumble from trees or blow in on the wind. I have a feeling this one was never used; typically the used nests are more compacted, especially on the inside. Made of local plant materials, this was a little over two inches in diameter.

Hummingbirds are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We should never harm, disturb or collect the birds or any of their parts, including feathers, eggs and nests. If you find a nest which appears to be in trouble, such as one containing eggs or babies which has fallen to the ground, you should immediately contact a licensed wild bird rehabilitator.

This empty nest will be allowed to continue drifting naturally on the wind.

Not Exactly a Day at the Beach

We expect to see seagulls at Lake Balboa, but this raucous flock was gathered around a rather pathetic puddle in a parking lot at Victory and Owensmouth. The real attraction seemed to be an uncovered dumpster filled with garbage from a couple of nearby restaurants.

Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is a 6 1/2 acre park located in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area. It incorporates elements traditional to gardens built for feudal lords in the 18th and 19th centuries. There are paved paths, water features and a tea house. Many water birds, especially egrets and ducks, can be seen enjoying the area. The garden shares its address on Woodley Avenue with a wastewater treatment plant which supplies the water for the garden's lake. Although visually appealing, the experience is affected by a distinctive odor whose pungency varies depending on the weather and the direction of the wind. The treatment plant can be viewed from an elevated walkway at one end of the garden.

Red Tailed Hawk

Red-tailed hawks are found in the valley year-round. They are often seen soaring above open fields or brushy areas. They hunt small mammals, birds and reptiles. This one was perched in a favorite spot, a pine tree that overlooks my back yard.

The Botanic Garden at Pierce College

This two-acre garden on the Pierce College campus displays "Mediterranean" plants suitable for the Southern California climate. In addition to native California plants, there is a nice variety of specimens from Australia and South Africa. The plants are labeled, so it's easy to borrow these ideas for your home garden. The area is bisected by "Evolution Walk", a pathway depicting major periods in the history of life on earth. There are additional pathways, benches and shaded seating areas. A small pond is home to turtles and frequently hosts ducks and egrets. Many other species of birds are attracted to the garden, which includes a fair number of hummingbird feeders.

Birds

These seagulls at Lake Balboa seem to be standing in formation.