Posted by on 29 June 2011 | 0 Comments

As the water and wildlife habitats of the Los Angeles River continue to improve, an increasing number of birds and animals are making our favorite waterway their home. Case in point, the great blue heron and great egret caught in this photo by Sarah Char, a first-time river visitor who is now a convert to the city's hidden gem.

Eager to find your own waterfowl? The Audubon Society has just the thing --  a shore bird migration field trip along the lower LA River on August 27. Led by Kimball Garrett, local birder extraordinaire, participants will get a guided look at some of the 133 species spotted along the river in recent years. Reserve early to be assured a spot.

Can't wait until August? Then check out our great Guide section, with everything you need to know about bird watching, including the top 20 birds you're likely to see.

Send us your river stories and pix and we'll post 'em.

Photo used by permission of Sarah Char on Flickr.