The Mourning Dove, which belongs to the same family as the Rock Dove, is a familiar bird of our gardens, well-adapted to human surroundings. Every year, many newcomers join those already enjoying this activity. The Botanical Garden is a prime location for bird observation because the diversity and quality of trees and shrubs provide the food and protection birds need as well as a suitable habitat for building their nests.
Spring is the ideal time to watch the return of migrating birds sporting their nuptial plumage.
Some of these stay with us into the summer, affording astute observers the chance to study nesting and breeding behavior. In the fall , large mixed flocks of southbound migrants yield many subtlely-colored immature warblers, whose identification can challenge even the seasoned ornithologist. The activity continues into the winter , with itinerant northern birds visiting our feeding stations to stock up on corn, sunflower seeds, millet, niger seed, and suet. Users and visitors are reminded to walk carefully and to be respectful of the beauty of the site. Please be particularly observant during the winter season because delicate plants are always present even if covered with snow.