Biodiversity Catalog
of the Wildlife Sanctuary

• Blackberry Bush
• Blackberry Bush
• Blackberry Bush

Blackberry bushes grow along the stream banks. They have edible fruit which turns a dark purple when ripe (usually in mid summer). Can be found at A3, B3, C3 as examples.

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• Black Sage
• Black Sage
• Black Sage
• Black Sage
• Black Sage

A medium sized bush that grows to about 2 meters. The flowers are pale blue or white and are found compact whorls arising from square stems. This plant is considered one of the best sources of nectar for honey bees. West of building 7 and Petersen Amphitheater (F1).

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• Bladder Pod
• Bladder Pod
• Bladder Pod
• Bladder Pod

A medium sized shrub with compound leaves. The plant has bright yellow flowers present throughout much of the year. The fruit of this plant is a distinctive inflated capsule. The leaves have a strong skunk or bell pepper scent.

• Bulrush
• Bulrush
• Bulrush
• Bulrush
• Bulrush
• Bulrush

A tall, slender plant with green, triangle stems. Native Americans that lived in this area used Bulrush to make rope and weave baskets. This plant typically grows in shallow freshwater areas. (B1, A4)

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• California Buckwheat
• California Buckwheat
• California Buckwheat
• California Buckwheat
• California Buckwheat
• California Buckwheat
• California Buckwheat
• California Buckwheat

A shrub with small ever green leaves that are found in fascicles or bundles. Flowers are white to rose pink and persist from early spring through summer. This plant is an important food source for many butterflies. Common near Petersen Amphitheater (F1).

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• California Sagebrush
• California Sagebrush
• California Sagebrush

A medium sized shrub in the sunflower family. This plant was used by Native Americans for counteracting the smell of skunk spray. California Sagebrush can be found on the North and West sides of Mt. SAC hill (H2, H3, H4).

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• Castor Bean
• Castor Bean
• Castor Bean
• Castor Bean
• Castor Bean
• Castor Bean
• Castor Bean
• Castor Bean
• Castor Bean

Large, palmately-veined leaves. Pink to reddish colored flowers and spiny fruits are seen throughout the year. The seeds of this plant are a source of the neurotoxin called ricin.

• Cattail
• Cattail
• Cattail

This grass grows on the edges of freshwater ponds and lakes (West of A2, B1)

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• Coffee Berry
• Coffee Berry
• Coffee Berry
• Coffee Berry
• Coffee Berry

A shrub with simple oblong leaves and red berries. The plant was used by Native Americans as a laxative.

• Common Fiddlehead
• Common Fiddlehead
• Common Fiddlehead
• Common Fiddlehead
• Common Fiddlehead
• Common Fiddlehead

This annual plant has many small orange flowers along a coiled, fiddle-scroll spike. It is common in areas that have been ecologically disturbed by heavy cattle grazing.

• Cotoneaster
• Cotoneaster
• Cotoneaster
• Cotoneaster

This plant is native to temperate regions of Asia, Europe and Africa. It is a member of the rose family and grows wild in many areas such as the Sanctuary.

• Coyote Bush
• Coyote Bush
• Coyote Bush
• Coyote Bush
• Coyote Bush
• Coyote Bush
• Coyote Bush
• Coyote Bush

A medium sized shrub that is a member of the sunflower family. The dried leaves of Coyote bush were used by Native Americans for starting fires.

• Encelia
• Encelia
• Encelia
• Encelia
• Encelia
• Encelia
• Encelia
• Encelia
• Encelia

Brittlebush or Encelia is a medium sized shrub with grayish, white leaves. This plant is in the sunflower family and has bright yellow flowers in the spring and summer. Found on the east side of the meadow (near E2) and the Petersen Amphitheater (F1). Flower close-up.

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• Flannel Bush
• Flannel Bush
• Flannel Bush
• Flannel Bush
• Flannel Bush
• Flannel Bush
• Flannel Bush
• Flannel Bush
• Flannel Bush
• Flannel Bush

A large shrub with simple, alternate, three lobed leaves that are fig-like. The plant gets its name from the small fine hairs found over most of the plant. Many people show signs of an allergic response upon touching the plant so it is best to avoid contact. The plant has large yellow flowers in the early spring. Found in the Native Plant Garden (Between B4-C4). Close-up of flower.

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• Horehound
• Horehound
• Horehound
• Horehound
• Horehound
• Horehound

This is a small plant introduced from areas near the Mediterranean Sea. The sap of this plant can be sweetened and is used to make Horehound Candy

• Jimpson Weed
• Jimpson Weed
• Jimpson Weed
• Jimpson Weed
• Jimpson Weed
• Jimpson Weed

Leaves are gray-green, ovate, and hairy. Flowers are typically large white and tubular. Alson known as Jamestown Weed, this plant has a strong narcotic properties which can cause hallucinations and death if consumed. Occasionally found on the west side of Mt. SAC hill (between G3-G4).

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• Jojoba
• Jojoba
• Jojoba
• Jojoba
• Jojoba
• Jojoba
• Jojoba
• Jojoba
• Jojoba
• Jojoba
• Jojoba
• Jojoba
• Jojoba

A shrub known for it's long life (over 100 years). It has small leaves that point upward resulting in less sun exposure during the afternoon hours. The oil from this plant has commercial applications in tonics, shampoos, and pharmaceuticals.

• Laurel Sumac
• Laurel Sumac
• Laurel Sumac
• Laurel Sumac
• Laurel Sumac
• Laurel Sumac

Laurel Sumac grows typically as a large shrub with oblong leaves that typically fold upward resulting a "taco shell" appearance.

• Lemonade Berry
• Lemonade Berry
• Lemonade Berry
• Lemonade Berry
• Lemonade Berry
• Lemonade Berry

This plant is similar to Sugar Bush and often grows alongside the related plant. Lemonade berry has a slightly prickly leaf margin. The fruit of this plant can be used to make a refreshingly tart drink when mixed with water.

• Manzanita
• Manzanita
• Manzanita
• Manzanita
• Manzanita

Manzanita are small to large shrubs with shiny reddish brown bark and oval leaves. Native Americans used the leaves of some species of Manzanita as toothbrushes.

• Mulefat
• Mulefat
• Mulefat
• Mulefat
• Mulefat

Mule fat is a member of the sun-flower family. The leaves of this plant have three parallel veins. The long, straight stems of these plants were used by Native Americans to make arrows.

• Mustard
• Mustard
• Mustard
• Mustard
• Mustard
• Mustard

Wild Mustard is native to Europe was spread by Spanish Rancheros in California to help feed cattle. This plant is considered highly invasive because it grows quickly and competes  native plants. Found all over Mt. SAC hill in spring (F1,G1, G2, G3, I1, I2).

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• Nettle
• Nettle
• Nettle

A small plant with opposite and serrated leaves. Many species o this plant are known for the "stinging itch" they cause when contacted with the skin. Many species are used as food and in herbal medicine, particularly to treat rashes and allergies. Found south of Oak Woodland (C4). Shown with metric ruler for size.

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• Nevins Barberry
• Nevins Barberry
• Nevins Barberry
• Nevins Barberry
• Nevins Barberry
• Nevins Barberry

Nevin's Barberry is a rare native plant of the San Fernando Valley. It is used in some landscape settings due its drought resistance. Found south of Oakwoodland (C4).

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• Pompass Grass
• Pompass Grass
• Pompass Grass
• Pompass Grass

A tall invasive grass native to South America. This leaves of this plant have small, sharp serrated edges. Pompass grass is highly invasive and consumes resources (space and nutrients) in the waterways in which it grows (A4).

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• Prickly Pear Cactus
• Prickly Pear Cactus
• Prickly Pear Cactus
• Prickly Pear Cactus

A native cactus with photosynthetic stems (called Cladophylls). The spines are modified leaves. Both the cactus "pads" (cladophylls) and fruit are edible.

• Scarlet Pimpernel

A small annual flowering plant with orange flowers.

• Sticky Monkey Flower
• Sticky Monkey Flower
• Sticky Monkey Flower
• Sticky Monkey Flower
• Sticky Monkey Flower
• Sticky Monkey Flower

A small to medium sized plant with usually orange to red colored flowers. The leaves and stems are covered in a sticky residue.

• Sugar Bush
• Sugar Bush
• Sugar Bush
• Sugar Bush
• Sugar Bush
• Sugar Bush
• Sugar Bush
• Sugar Bush
• Sugar Bush
• Sugar Bush
• Sugar Bush
• Sugar Bush

A large shrub related to, and often growing amongst, lemonade berry. This margins of the leaves of this plant are generally smooth. The fruit can be used placed in water to make a refreshing drink.

• Sweetbay
• Sweetbay
• Sweetbay
• Sweetbay
• Sweetbay
• Sweetbay

Sweetbay has simple, oblong, evergreen leaves. This plant was used by Native Americans to treat mouth sores.

• Toyon
• Toyon
• Toyon
• Toyon
• Toyon
• Toyon
• Toyon
• Toyon
• Toyon
• Toyon
• Toyon

A large shrub with prickly leaf margins. This plant has bright red berries in the winter and is a food source for many native birds.

• Tree Tobacco
• Tree Tobacco
• Tree Tobacco
• Tree Tobacco
• Tree Tobacco
• Tree Tobacco

The small tree is native to South America and be identified by yellow tubular flowers. Narcotic and poisonous chemicals have been identified in this plant.

• White Sage
• White Sage
• White Sage
• White Sage
• White Sage
• White Sage
• White Sage

A member of the mint family with gray, leather-like leaves. The leaves were used by Native Americans to make a tea to treat fevers.

• Wild Fig
• Wild Fig
• Wild Fig
• Wild Fig
• Wild Fig
• Wild Fig
• Wild Fig

Wild Fig plants have large, multilobed leaves. They commonly grow in the understory of the forest near a water source. In the Sanctuary, wild fig can be found predominately along the stream (A3, B2)

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• Acacia
• Acacia
• Acacia
• Acacia
• Acacia
• Acacia
• Acacia

Acacia (Golden Wattle) are members of the pea family found in many parts of the world. This particular species, called Golden Wattle, is native to Australia. It has modified petioles called phyllodes and its leave are greatly reduced. (On path E of Meadow near E2)

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• Ashtree
• Ashtree
• Ashtree
• Ashtree
• Ashtree
• Ashtree

Ash trees grow throughout the Wildlife Sanctuary and are particularly abundant near the stream and near D1. They have compound leaves and the wood from these trees is used for making baseball bats. Close up of compound leaves.

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• Black Walnut
• Black Walnut
• Black Walnut
• Black Walnut
• Black Walnut
• Black Walnut

The leaves of Black Walnut are pinnately compound, alternate, and deciduous. The hard wood of Walnut trees is excellent for making furniture. Located approximately 10m N of D4.

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• Bluegum Eucalyptus
• Bluegum Eucalyptus
• Bluegum Eucalyptus
• Bluegum Eucalyptus
• Bluegum Eucalyptus
• Bluegum Eucalyptus
• Bluegum Eucalyptus

A large tree native to Australia. Eucalyptus trees were introduced into California in the mid-19th century for the railroad industries demand for timber to make railroad ties. The bright fushia colored flowers are a hummingbird favorite.

• Brazillian Pepper
• Brazillian Pepper
• Brazillian Pepper
• Brazillian Pepper
• Brazillian Pepper

A large tree, native to South America, with compound leaves. Small red berries resemble those of pepper, but the Brazilian pepper tree is not a true pepper.

• California Buckeye
• California Buckeye
• California Buckeye
• California Buckeye
• California Buckeye
• California Buckeye
• California Buckeye
• California Buckeye
• California Buckeye

This member of the Buckeye family is the only species found in Southern California. If has palmately compound leaves. Native Americans were known to grind up the seeds and sprinkle in ponds to paralyze fish. This tree can be found near the Petersen Amphitheater (G2).

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• California Fan Palm
• California Fan Palm
• California Fan Palm
• California Fan Palm

This is the only palm native to southern California. In the sanctuary and local surrounding areas, California Fan palms grow easily in almost any location with soil and water. Palm trees are monocots and are therefore closely related to grasses. The palm family is economically valuable as a source of oils, waxes, edible fruits, and building materials.

• California Pepper
• California Pepper
• California Pepper
• California Pepper
• California Pepper
• California Pepper

California Pepper, also known as Peruvian Pepper, is a tree with compound leaves that is native to South America. It is has red berries similar to pepper trees but it is not a true pepper true. This trees grows well in very dry conditions. Located near the Native Plant Garden (B4)

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• California Redbud
• California Redbud
• California Redbud
• California Redbud

A tree in the pea family. The long, thin, straight branches of this tree were used by Native Americans for weaving baskets. Located on campus south of building 60. Close up of leaves and flowers

• Carob Tree
• Carob Tree
• Carob Tree
• Carob Tree
• Carob Tree

Carob trees are native to the Mediterranean; They are often used as food source and as a substitute for chocolate. They can be found South and East of Building 7. Close-up of leaves.

• Catalina Cherry
• Catalina Cherry
• Catalina Cherry

This native Cherry Tree has simple, dentate leaves. The fruit is edible and is generally ripe in the late spring to early summer. Found throughout the sanctuary often growing amongst oak trees. (A1, B3, C1, D1)

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• Coast Live Oak
• Coast Live Oak
• Coast Live Oak
• Coast Live Oak
• 
• Coast Live Oak
• Coast Live Oak
• Coast Live Oak
• 
• Coast Live Oak
• Coast Live Oak

A slow growing tree with simple, dentate leaves. The underside of the leaves have small hairs near the veins of the leaf. Coast live oak trees release chemicals called tannins which act as an herbicide and prevent the growth of other plants. Found throughout the sanctuary, most notably in the Oak Woodland (B4). Close-up of leaves and flowers.

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• Elderberry
• Elderberry
• Elderberry
• Elderberry
• Elderberry

Tree with pinnately compound leaves and white to cream colored flowers. This plant can be used to ferment Elderberry wine.

• Engleman Oak
• Engleman Oak
• Engleman Oak

This oak has lobed leaves and can be found south of the Oak Woodland (C4).

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• Fremont Cottonwood
• Fremont Cottonwood
• Fremont Cottonwood
• Fremont Cottonwood
• Fremont Cottonwood
• Fremont Cottonwood

This tree often grows like a shrub with many small lateral branches growing from the main trunk. The flattened petioles allow the leaves to spin freely which reduces damage by high winds. Found near the swamp (South of A2) and lake (B1). Close-up of leaves.

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• Fringe Tree
• Fringe Tree
• Fringe Tree

This tree grows from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. It can be found South of Building 60

• Ginkgo
• Ginkgo
• Ginkgo
• Ginkgo
• Ginkgo
• Ginkgo
• Ginkgo
• Ginkgo
• Ginkgo

A tree native to China. This tree has separate male and female trees. In most horticulture uses, only the males are planted because the females have a fruit that is extremely foul smelling. Several specimens are planted South of Building 60.

• Greenbark Ceanothus
• Greenbark Ceanothus

A shrub native to southern California and Baja Mexico. It has smooth olive green bark.

• Incense Cedar
• Incense Cedar
• Incense Cedar
• Incense Cedar
• Incense Cedar

This is the only true native Cedar in Southern California. The leaves are scale-like and very flattened. The cones are small and about the size of an Almond. Pollen is produced in the winter and is one cause for hay fever. The wood has been used for fencing, railroad ties, and shingles on many houses built prior to the 1970's.

• Jacaranda

A tall tree with large, compound leaves, each containing many "leaflets". The trees are native to South America and typically have purple flowers (occasionally white).

• Liquid Amber
• Liquid Amber
• Liquid Amber
• Liquid Amber
• Liquid Amber
• Liquid Amber
• Liquid Amber
• Liquid Amber
• Liquid Amber
• Liquid Amber
• Liquid Amber
• Liquid Amber

This tree has palmately veined leaves and the flower pod distinctively "spiked" and round.

• Mesquite
• Mesquite

This tree has many sharp spines and compound leaves and is common in desert regions.

• Mexican Fan Palm
• Mexican Fan Palm
• Mexican Fan Palm

This palm tends to grow much taller and thinner than the native California Fan Palm.

• Olive Tree
• Olive Tree
• Olive Tree
• Olive Tree
• Olive Tree

Olive Trees are native to the Mediterranean climates of Europe. They are often planted in California landscapes due to their low water requirements.

• Palo Verde
• Palo Verde
• Palo Verde

A tree with small green deciduous leave and green branches. The tree drops its leaves in drought conditions but continues to perform photosynthesis using its green stems.

• Pine Tree

Several species of pine trees occur throughout California and they are particularly common at high elevations due to their ability to shed snow from their needles. Male and female cones differ significantly in structure and function. Males cones are generally located on the lower branches of a tree whereas the female cones are located on upper tree branches.

• Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
• 
• Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
• Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
• Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
• Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
• Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
• Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
• Silver Dollar Eucalyptus

A eucalyptus tree with large, round leaves. Native to Australia (D3).

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• Southern Magnolia
• Southern Magnolia
• Southern Magnolia
• Southern Magnolia
• Southern Magnolia
• Southern Magnolia

A tree with dark green leaves on the upper service and light brown on the lower surface. Large, white flowers in spring. This tree dates back to the mid-mesozoic 80 million years ago.

• Western Sycamore
• Western Sycamore
• Western Sycamore
• Western Sycamore
• Western Sycamore
• Western Sycamore
• Western Sycamore
• Western Sycamore
• Western Sycamore

A tall tree with palmately veined leaves and paper like bark that peels off easily in older branches. Similar in appearance to Liquid Amber. Close-up of flowers.

• White Alder

A tall tree with separate male (catkins) and female (strobili) flower clusters on a tree. Flowers clusters resemble those of pine trees although alders are flowering plants unlike the cone bearing plants of pine trees.

• Willow
• Willow
• Willow
• Willow
• Willow

Willow can resemble both a shrub or tree depending on where it is growing. The leaves and bark are a source of ASA (Acetyl-salysillic acid) which was the original compound in aspirin. The use of willow to treat pain and fever dates back to the Greek physician Hippocrates in 400 B.C.E (Before common era) and possibly even earlier in other cultures).

• Beetle (unspecified Beetle)

Unidentified Beetle. Possibly are large click beetle

• Convergent Lady Beetle
• Convergent Lady Beetle
• Convergent Lady Beetle (Larval Stage)

The Convergent Lady Beetle (also called a "Lady Bug") is the most common Lady Beetle found in our local gardens. These beetles eat aphids which can destroy agriculture crops. They are therefore very beneficial to gardeners and horticulturists.

• Darkling Beetle (stink bug)

This common, large, all black stink beetle is typically seen in the evening or night. When it is harassed, it will stick its rear in the air and emit a foul smelling odor.

• Nautical Borer

A large (15 cm) long horned beetle with a brown to nearly black body with three irregular transverse lines across its wings. Pinned specimen shown.

• Semi-Smooth Beautiful Black Searcher
• Semi-Smooth Beautiful Black Searcher

Semi-Smooth Beautiful Black Searcher This large ground beetle can been wandering around on the ground during the day time in middle to late spring.

• Wolly Darkling Beetle

A large black beetle with short, cream colored hairs across the body.

• Common Water Stider

A medium-sized, long legged true bug that is capable of walking across the surface of water.

• Crayfish
• Crayfish

A fresh water Decapod related to lobsters and crabs. Crayfish inhabit freshwater streams and ponds and primarily scavengers. They are consumed as food by people in many parts of the U.S.. Water in urban streams, however, is usually polluted to the point that these animals are unsafe to eat in most cases.

• Earwig

Commonly known as "pincher-bugs" because of the forceps like appendages on the abdomen. Often found in homes or under decaying logs. This specimen was found inside a decaying California Buckeye fruit. Despite the name, the "pincher" is very weak and this animal is quite harmless.

• Flame Skimmer
• Flame Skimmer
• Flame Skimmer

A large orange-red dragonfly with a body length of 5-6 cm. This dragonfly is typically found near slow moving streams and ponds (B1, F2) and eats small insects which it catches in midflight.

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• Honey Bee
• Honey Bee
• Honey Bee
• Honey Bee
• Honey Bee

A familiar bee with black and dull yellow banding on the abdomen. Honey bees are social insects and live in colonies in which the related females (sisters) collect food and protect the hive. Honey bees not only produce honey but they play a major role in plant pollination for many agriculturally significant crops.

• Large Crane Fly

This large fly has long thin legs and is extremely abundant during the spring. They are often confused with "mosquitoes" but they mainly eat decaying plant material and are not parasitic.

• Mexican Cactus Fly
• Mexican Cactus Fly
• Mexican Cactus Fly
• Mexican Cactus Fly
• Mexican Cactus Fly
• Mexican Cactus Fly

A giant member of the flower fly family. 15-20 mm long with a purplish-black body.

• Pallid-Winged Grasshopper
• Pallid-Winged Grasshopper
• Pallid-Winged Grasshopper

A medium-sized grasshopper (3-4 cm) with pale yellow translucent wings only visible when flying. When the grasshopper lands, it mottled brown colored body blends into the background very well.

• Sow Bug or Pillbug

A familiar crustacean that is also called a "Pill Bug" or "Roly Poly". It has a segmented body covered by many movable plates. When harassed, it will defend itself by rolling up into a ball.

• Sow Bug Killer

This medium sized ground dwelling spider is commonly found in leaf litter and underneath logs.

• Vivid Dancer
• Vivid Dancer

Damselflies are closely related to Dragonflies. Unlike Dragonflies, however, most damselflies fold their wings back of their bodies when at rest. The vivid dancer is blue and is common along stream (A3, B3). They are predators and eat small insects.

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• Allen's Hummingbird
• Allen's Hummingbird
• Allen's Hummingbird
• Allen's Hummingbird
• Allen's Hummingbird
• Allen's Hummingbird
• Allen's Hummingbird

A small humming bird with a green back and rusty brown colored rump, tail, sides and flanks.

• American Crow
• American Crow

A large all black bird with black bill, black legs, and a black bill. Considered to be one of the"smartest" birds due to its ability to mimic other birds and human voices and it's ability to learn and problem solve.

• Anna's Hummingbird
• Anna's Hummingbird
• Anna's Hummingbird

A small humming bird with a green back and rusty brown colored rump, tail, sides and flanks.

• Bewick's Wren
• Bewick's Wren
• Bewick's Wren
• Bewick's Wren

A small bird bird with a brown cap, back, wings, and tail. Long, distinctive white stripe above eye and white spots on the tail. Flips it tail back and forth. Mainly eats small insects.

• Black Crowned Night Heron
• Black Crowned Night Heron
• Black Crowned Night Heron (Infrared)
• Black Crowned Night Heron (Infrared)
• Black Crowned Night Heron (Infrared)

A stocky heron with a short thick neck. Adults with a black crown and cap. Most active at dusk or evening. Feeds on small fish and invertebrates. Seen in the late evening near the lake or swamp (A1, A2, B1).

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• Black Phoebe
• Black Phoebe
• Black Phoebe
• Black Phoebe
• Black Phoebe
• Black Phoebe

A dark brown to black fly catcher with a pale lower body. The bird often sits on a open perch flying to catch insects mid-air. Often returns to same perch it flew from. Flicks tail up and down when perching.

• Bushtit
• Bushtit
• Bushtit

A very small, mostly gray bird. Often travels through trees or dense bruch in large groups, calling to each other with a one or two note high pitch call.

• California Tohee

A medium sized mostly plain brown sparrow with rusty orange undertail. Usually forages on or near the ground for insects and seeds. Can be seen any place with dense low lying shrubs (A1, H3, I3)

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• Common Yellow Throat
• Common Yellow Throat
• Common Yellow Throat

A warbler commonly found in wetland vegetation. Male has a bright yellow throat and black mask and forehead and a white stripe above the eye. Female is a dull yellow-green color. Eats insects and can been at B1, North of B2, and G3).

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• Cooper's Hawk
• Cooper's Hawk
• Cooper's Hawk
• Cooper's Hawk
• Cooper's Hawk
• Cooper's Hawk

A medium sized reddish brown bird eating hawk with a banded tail. Often seen perching or flying through the oak woodlands or near the meadow (B4 or E3).

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• Great Blue Heron
• Great Blue Heron

Largest local heron, over 1 meter tall. White face with a pale crown. Patiently hunts for fish, crayfish and frogs. Occasionally will eat land animals such as mice. Often found wading in the swamp or lake (B1 or west of A2).

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• Great Egret
• Great Egret
• Great Egret
• Great Egret

Large white heron over 1 meter tall. Black legs, black feet and yellow bill. Eat fish, frogs, crayfish and occasionally rodents. Often found wading in the swamp or lake (B1 or west of A2)

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• Green Heron
• Green Heron
• Green Heron
• Green Heron

A small heron under 0.5 meter tall. Yellow or orange legs. Reddish brown body, greenish cap, wings with green and brown with a pale fringe. Flicks tail when nervous. Feeds in shallow water for small fish. Commonly seen near the lake in the late evening (A1, B1)

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• Hermit Thrush
• Hermit Thrush
• Hermit Thrush
• Hermit Thrush

Gray brown above with a rump and tail with contrasting reddish brown. Complete, thin, white eye stripe. Hopes on ground looking for insects and tends to stay near water and shady regions. Can be found in the Oak woodlands (B4) and near the upper bridge (A3).

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• Hooded Merganser
• Hooded Merganser
• Hooded Merganser
• Hooded Merganser
• Hooded Merganser
• Hooded Merganser

Males has a puffy white crest. Female is mainly gray-brown with a a tawny-brown puffy crest. Dives to to eat small fish and invertebrates. Appears in the Lake and Pond typically in the late fall through winter.

• House Finch

A mostly mottled brown bird. Males have a reddish-orange head and chest. Eats seeds, fruit and insects.

• Hutton's Vireo
• Hutton's Vireo

A small, compact olive green bird with white wing bars and a white eye ring that is broken at the top of the eye. Eats small insects and can be found near the stream and oak woodland (A3 and B4).

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• Killdeer
• Killdeer

A noisy, medium sized plover that is common in both wetland and upland habitats. Brown back, white chest, and two black breast bands.

• Lawrence's Goldfinch
• Lawrence's Goldfinch

Olive green above and yellow below. Black cap and black wings with white large white patches on the wings and tails.

• Mallard Duck
• Mallard Duck
• Mallard Duck
• Mallard Duck

Our most familiar duck. The male has a green head and white neck ring. The female is mottled brown. Eats mainly plant material in shallow areas of the pond, lake, and swamp (B1, West of A2). This photo is a female with three ducklings

• Mourning Dove
• Mourning Dove

A smooth fawn-colored bird with pale pink and green feathers around the neck. Black spots on the wings and tail. Makes mournful "cooing" sound.

• Northern Mockingbird
• Northern Mockingbird
• Northern Mockingbird

A medium sized bird that is mostly gray with large white patches on the wings bordered by black. Has a long, rich, complex song but is also known to mimic the calls of other birds as well as other animals (including frogs and squirrels).

• Red-Shouldered Hawk
• Red-Shouldered Hawk
• Red-Shouldered Hawk
• Red-Shouldered Hawk
• Red-Shouldered Hawk
• Red-Shouldered Hawk

A large hawk with a boldly  black and white tail. Rich, rufous orange body on breast, body and shoulders. Call is often a loud down-slurred repeated "kee-oo" sound.

• Red-Tailed Hawk
• Red-Tailed Hawk

The most common and widespread large hawk in the region. Broadish, reddish-orange tail as an adult. A distinctive dark patch on the inner portions of the underwing. The call is typically a harsh, drawn out scream commonly used in movies.

• Says Phoebe
• Says Phoebe
• Says Phoebe

An open country fly catcher that is gray above and with a salmon-colored belly and contrasting black tail. Most common in late fall to early spring.

• Snowy Egret
• Snowy Egret
• Snowy Egret
• Snowy Egret
• Snowy Egret
• Snowy Egret

A medium sized heron under 1 meter tall. Black legs, black bill and yellow feet. Forages in shawllow water for small fish and crayfish. Often found wading in the swamp or lake (B1 or west of A2).

Locate on Map: 

• Song Sparrow
• Song Sparrow

A common, long-tailed sparrow that is boldly streaked below with a distinctive black central breast spot.

• Western King Bird
• Western King Bird
• Western King Bird

A large fly catcher with upper parts gray and lower parts olive green to yellow. White tail tips. This is most likely our common Western Kingbird.

• White-Crowned Sparrow

A brown sparrow with a gray breast and black white striped crown. Mainly eats seeds and is usually only present during the winter months.

• Yellow-Rumped Warbler
• Yellow-Rumped Warbler
• Yellow-Rumped Warbler

An abundant winter warbler with a gray body, yellow throat, path of yellow on sides of the body and a clear, bright yellow rump patch.