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Event #2 Bird Day

The second event I attended was the Botanical Gardens for Bird Day LA. To be honest I have always wanted to explore the garden as I live extremely close to it and pass it by every day. I am so glad I did because I had no idea actually how VAST and lush the garden was. They really do have plants from all over the world. It was also incredible seeing how spaces within the garden harken climates from across the globe. The garden itself is 90 years old, so some of the plants were here when my parents attended UCLA!


Example of one of the climates an area in the garden emulates

We temporarily sat in a tour of the garden with tour guide Michelle 
The self-guided bird tour was really cool because even though from the outside it just looked like you had your headphone in, it really allowed the viewer to feel as if they were standing in the tropics, dessert, or Mediterranean climate. My favorite bird noise was the Kaua'i 'O'o from the islands of Hawaii. Hawaii has always had a special place in my heart, so hearing this bird brought me back to memories of family vacations we would take there.

Largest/Oldest Tree in the Garden! 
One specific tree that stood out was this one, which Michelle said was the largest and oldest tree in the garden.
Another super interesting fact about the garden is that they are hoping to be 100% self-sufficient in irrigation. Thus far, the new trees and ferns receive the most water through self-timer sprinklers. However, Michelle was saying how they hope to use the natural resources of water to supply nutrients to all the plants throughout the entire garden! Their goal to be self-sufficient in irrigation combines nature and technology. Using nature to self supply itself with streams of water. It is super innovative!

Me in front of one of the largest bodies
of water they have in the Garden 
Me with my BirdLA passport 

Part of the Tour 
Unfortunately, it was pretty difficult to spot the birds; however, listening to them through the guided tour made me feel like they were there and gave me a greater appreciation of the experience. The sounds of botanical gardens are already soothing enough as they manage to eliminate any city noise, and the bird sounds only further enhanced this! I would recommend this event to my classmates and anyone else because it is affordable, accessible (you can do it on your own time, and super peaceful!



Cute Turtles in the River!! 

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