The importance of Silver Lake to migratory birds:
Silver Lake Reservoir hosts migratory birds using one of the great migration routes of the world, the Pacific Flyway, stretching from northern Alaska to the tip of South America. 137 species have been sighted on this open body of water, numbering into the thousands of birds at the height of the migratory seasons.
Included in those species is at least one listed as threatened in California by the CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife - the bank swallow.
As part of this Flyway, conservation efforts for our Reservoir would join national and state areas in linking protected bird habitats.
In addition, Silver Lake Reservoir is a national treasure as a birding hotspot (designated by Cornell Lab of Ornithology - eBird) and is part of Los Angeles’ designation as an international bio-diversity hotspot within the California Floristic Province by Conservation International.
The importance of Silver Lake to urban wildlife:
More and more recognition is being given to the necessity of preserving land that will serve as both habitat and corridors for our urban wildlife. Silver Lake Reservoir serves as both. This includes both wildlife such as coyote and skunks that residents see often, and also rarer, more secretive ones such as the American Bobcat.
Yes That Was A Bobcat On Talmadge Street
Thats Not a Cat: Video Captures Backyard Bobcat In Silver Lake