On a November morning, Arroyo Green Team, boarded white vans, headed to Occidental College. Located just a few miles from Debs Park, the College seems like a whole other world and the Green Team’s visit to the Moore Laboratory of Zoology proved to provide a world tour via the specimens housed there.  Dr. John McCormack was our host for this tour. 

The Green Team was most interested in the birds that are found in the Western Hemisphere.  There is something very cool about seeing a condor wing or hummingbird up close and personal.  The Green Team learned about the birds in the collection while sketching and photographing them.  All of this research is helping the Green Team understand more about birds, their habitats, and way they can help make LA a better place for birds and people.

Here is a little of what the Green Team members had to say about their trip:

My favorite birds that we saw on the whole tour was the Cooper’s and Red-tailed Hawks.  When I see them flying in the sky they look not that big and up close I realized how big they are – Maya

My favorite bird of all was a part of a bird!  It was the California Condor’s wing.  It was my favorite because it was huge! – Manny

I finally understand the desire and the effects of necessity.  Long bills and long tail feathers and fluorescent green or blue or red feathers and thick beaks….Evolution!  - Armando

Going to the Moore Lab was amazing.  Getting to see all kinds of birds, even birds that are extinct, was a great experience – Nikky

Looking at and examining the birds of so many vibrant colors was a cultural shock of ornithological proportions.  Birds in South America have a completely different structure than birds in California - Jesusdaniel

Thanks to Occidental College and Dr. McCormack for the great morning!

(Photo by Armando Herrera)