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Three Los Angeles experiences that allow for close encounters with local wildlife:

In Los Angeles, a multitude of indigenous wildlife thrive across various ecosystems. The city boasts a vibrant scientific community offering numerous volunteering chances, enabling residents to get a close-up look at these creatures.

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Hummingbird Banding Station: Get Up-Close with Migratory Birds

Three Los Angeles experiences that allow for close encounters with local wildlife:

Ever wanted to get a closer look at the tiniest of fliers? The Bear Divide Banding Station invites you to do just that, right in the heart of Angeles National Forest.

Co-led by biologist Lauren Hill, a team of volunteers sets up nets across hillslopes, catching migratory birds as they make their way through a narrow canyon. Once captured, the birds are measured, banded, and released back into the wild—and you can be part of the action.

Bird-banding projects are notoriously kept on private land, but that's what sets the Bear Divide Banding Station apart. Their public outreach component makes this research accessible to all, fostering a unique bridge between science and the community.

As you walk through the station, you might come across 10 warbler species, 17 sparrows, 9 flycatchers, and 6 hummingbirds. Volunteers let you observe the process from start to finish, with priorities set for species like hummingbirds, kinglets, and towhees, which are more sensitive to stress.

So, how does it all work? Volunteers carefully remove birds from the nets, place them in breathable cotton bags, and sort them based on species. Once out of the bags, they'll attach an aluminum band with a unique number to the bird's leg and take measurements like wing length, mass, and various crown or wing patch colors. A quick examination of the feathers reveals information about fat deposits, breeding condition, and muscle health.

Safety is a top priority at the station. To ensure minimal stress for the birds, volunteers take care to handle them gently and process them as quickly as possible (30-60 seconds). Although some people may have reservations about bird-banding methods, the team at Bear Divide assures that their procedures are safe and rarely result in injured or stressed birds.

Curious to give it a try? Keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities—spots are often limited. Until then, you can visit the banding station to observe the process and learn more about the fascinating world of migratory birds.

Footnote 1: Bird-banding procedures are heavily regulated and require proper training and permits.

Footnote 2: Pasadena Audubon Society sponsors the activities at Bear Divide and likely handles registration for volunteer opportunities.

Footnote 3: Follow the Pasadena Audubon Society on Instagram or visit their website for updates on volunteer opportunities.

Footnote 4: Although avian flu precautions have led to a temporary halt in public bird releases, the species handled by the Bear Divide volunteers are at low risk of carrying the disease.

  1. The Hummingbird Banding Station, nestled within Angeles National Forest, offers a rare opportunity to observe migratory birds up close.
  2. To ensure scientific accuracy and compliance with the law, the bird-banding procedures at the station are heavily regulated and require proper training and permits.
  3. Co-led by biologist Lauren Hill, the team at the station aims to foster a bridge between science and the community.
  4. In Los Angeles, the Bear Divide Banding Station stands out as a public bird-banding activity accessible to all.
  5. Educational opportunities abound at the station, making it a great place for those interested in environmental science, lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, travel, or education-and-self-development.
  6. As you visit the station, you'll have a chance to witness the measurement, banding, and release of a diverse range of birds, including warblers, sparrows, flycatchers, and hummingbirds.
  7. Located in California, the station attracts volunteers willing to help with bird handling, taking accurate measurements, and caring for the birds while minimizing stress.
  8. The USC community has been known to contribute to the work at the station, drawing a connection between scientific research and our shared responsibility towards the environment and wildlife.
  9. Although others may question the safety of bird-banding methods, the team at Bear Divide assures that their procedures are safe and rarely result in injured or stressed birds.
  10. The small number of spots available for volunteers can make participation challenging, but staying informed about opportunities through the Pasadena Audubon Society's social media channels or website increases your chances of securing a position.
  11. Hummingbirds, with their vibrant colors and feats of aerodynamics, are sure favorites among those who visit the station, as they represent the beauty and wonder that can be found when we take a closer look at the environment and the creatures traveling through it.
In Los Angeles, a variety of native wildlife thrive across multiple ecosystems. The city's scientific community, teeming with volunteer roles, offers numerous chances for locals to observe these creatures intimately.

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