Former Arcadian Jeff Froke spent five years studying the parrots living wild in the San Gabriel Valley. He describes the different varieties and how the flock came to be established in the areas.
Why are fewer migratory birds visiting Arcadia’s Baldwin Lake at the Arboretum? The lake could see great benefit from Proposition 3 and Measure W. Audobon Society birders say there used to be approximately 330 species of migratory birds landing each winter at Baldwin Lake. In recent years that number has dwindled to about 200 species, such that the lake, which is in dire need of dredging and major ecological rehabilitation, is the focus of much debate. The lake has a low algae problem in the winter, not enough oxygen, and lots of sediment. The silt and organic matter has contributed to the shallow levels.
The peafowl population in Arcadia continues to grow and annoy some residents living near the Arboretum. Others defend the peafowl. A census three years ago found there are 228-250 peafowl in the city.