Friday, March 20, 2015

Lake Hollywood, Franklin Canyon Upper Reservoir, UCLA Botanical Garden

Fruitful day again!

Hollywood was fantastic! Not too arduous, walked the whole way around. Parked at Tahoe, that's on the NE side, but you can park at the N side or the S side (Beverly?). Of course have to approach from that direction, the South side. That side is right at the Dam.

So from NE, walked clock wise. Lots of Pine trees at the East side, so spotted some Hawks!!! Then at the Dam, wow, not much, but such interesting species! Not only the usual Mallards, Coots and House Finches; Pied-billed Grebes, and Hooded Mergansers!! My 1st?  And Swallows too. Verra impressed.
West side, lots of birds, I think I spotted Western Scrub Jays too.

The way to Franklin was confusing, at the Mulholland junction, should go straight ahead; missed it so asked at the nearby firestation. A guy explained the route kindly and even pointed out not to miss the stop sign, said it costs $300 if you violated it! They rigorously enforced it, even said on-site that it was photo-enforced. Haha, so naturally was doubly mindful! Thank ye!

Not much time so only explored FC Upper, the smaller one. Maybe because it was late? Not much birds, but at the pond spotted a couple of Mandarins! Lots of Wigeons were there.  Maybe should visit it early next time, to explore the Lower Reservoir too.  Anyway the trail was pretty nice, with lots of shades.

Went the wrong way so missed Plummer Park; LA Audubon Branch, maybe next time.

UCLA wasn't bad, either. Not that big compared to other Gardens, but was pleasant, and again, plenty of shades. Spotted a Junco and a Mockingbird methink.

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