American Coots Ashore, Osprey in the Air
/Many thanks to Audubon Center at Deb’s Park and all who turned out for the March Slow Ride – our first Bike Birding adventure! In true Slow Ride style, we had walkers, joggers, kids on balance bikes, and experienced cyclists sharing the path. Cindy Castaneda and Tania Romero were excellent guides, and equipped everyone with powerful binoculars so we could all get a good look at local wildlife.
Cindy Castaneda and Tania Romero of Audubon Center at Deb’s Park orient our group on birding basics.
Our first bird sighting was the endearing Rainbow, a double yellow Amazon parrot (originally from Chile) who was found in the gutter on a rainy night in 2013, rescued and now living the dream. He came with his human along to enjoy the ride, the river and the birds.
Rainbow Ready for Bike Birding
Early on our way up the path, we heard a mockingbird, but did not see her high up in a native sycamore tree. We spotted swifts in flight, groups of Mallards and American Coots, as well as many pairs of Canada Geese. Two Osprey soared over our heads. We took our time watching a Double- crested Cormorant enjoying the sun, and even more time viewing a lone Hooded Merganser .
Observing the Hooded Merganser
Of the birds we saw, Swifts and Double-Crested Cormorants are climate threatened, and both Osprey and Hooded Merganser are climate endangered. Protecting these animals is one reason why we must work together to make Metrolink and its Central Maintenance Facility accountable for their toxic emissions, air, noise and water pollution.
Hooded Merganser on a rock, LA River. Photo credit: Grove Pashley