Local Birding
[NOTE: This page is currently under construction. The initial information was collected over a decade ago and we're just now getting around to using it now, so parking fees, etc. are probably out of date. The birding locations and the birds haven't changed much, however.]
The information presented here is primarily for birders visiting the Los Angeles area or residents new to birding. The information was supplied by members of the L.A. County Audubon chapters listed below and compiled by Chuck Almdale of Santa Monica Bay Audubon.
Have only a few hours or a day to bird in LA, somewhere near LAX airport?
You’d do best by visiting both a seaside area and a mixed riparian-chaparral habitat. Large grassy parks usually don’t have much variety. We suggest the following locations. You could spend 1-5 hours at any of these locales, or bird them all in 5 hours, and easily find 50 – 80 species (depending on the time of year). These areas are quite safe, which can’t be said about every birding locality in LA County.
D8. BALLONA CREEK, MARINA DEL REY HARBOR ENTRANCE, PLAYA DEL REY LAGOON, BALLONA WETLANDS
Highlights: Seabirds, cormorants, ducks, grebes, loons, raptors, waders, gulls, migrants. Brown Pelican, nesting Great Blue Herons, Black Oystercatcher, Wandering Tattler, Black Turnstone & Surfbird in winter & migration. Large-billed Savannah Sparrow (except high tide) is an occasional winter resident on the fishing jetty. Least Terns nest May-August on Venice Beach north of north MDR jetty. Anna’s and Allen’s Hummingbirds in the flowers, California Towhees in the dune scrub, warblers and Bushtits in the brush alongside the south jetty. Local parakeets are either Rose-ringed or Yellow-chevroned.
MapQuest link & directions from LAX: http://mapq.st/hmdMoq
By Cab: About 10 minutes from LAX to Playa del Rey. Have the cab drop you off at the north end of Pacific. From here you can walk the jetties and beaches, check Del Rey Lagoon which you just passed, walk back into town and call a cab from any of the restaurants which also have better food than the airport.
Habitat: Open sea, rocky shore, beach, marshland, pond.
Best Season/time: Sept through Apr. All day. Fishermen can crowd jetties on weekends.
Monthly Birdwalk: 3rd Sunday, 8 AM, led by Los Angeles Audubon Society.
Facilities: Paved road, flush toilets (southeast corner of Playa del Rey lagoon), picnic tables, phone.
Parking: $5 in beachside lots. Free parking on street and next to Del Rey Lagoon.
Disabled Access: Paved bike path & jetty sidewalks.
General Location: On the beach north of LA airport, 18 miles WSW of downtown LA.
Directions: East out of the airport, keep right to take exit onto Sepulveda Blvd. north. Move to left, in about 1/4 mile bear left onto Lincoln Blvd/Westchester Parkway. Continue on Lincoln as it bends right (north and continue about 2 miles to Jefferson Blvd. As you turn left onto Jefferson, the Ballona Fresh Water Marsh will be on your left (see below). Continue 0.6 mile to Culver Blvd. Bear left and continue 1.0 miles straight through the stop lights (don’t follow curve to south) until you reach Pacific Ave., the last street before the beach. Turn right (north). About 1/10 mile, park in the lot next to the lagoon or on the street. From here it is a short walk farther north on Pacific to the Ballona Channel. Walk along south side of Ballona Creek to right (east), or north side bike path left or right.
Suggestions: Check lagoon for various ducks and geese, cross footbridge at end of Pacific Ave. to the South Jetty of the MDR entrance and go left, all the way to the end if you want. Rocky shore birds like the south side of this jetty, or the north side of the jetty across the creek. Scan outer jetty for oystercatchers, cormorants and tattlers. Loons, grebes and scoters can be anywhere. Return inland. Along this jetty, up to 500 yards inland of the footbridge, many shorebirds, gulls and terns relax. Ducks are in the creek or main boat channel, as is the occasional alcid. Back across the footbridge, walk left past apartment houses and warning fences to stroll along the south side of the creek, from where you can look over the fence into the wetlands. Back at the beach, you may find gulls, terns and skimmers resting on the sand south of Ballona Creek. Large rafts of grebes and sea ducks winter offshore. These rafts continue southward down Dockweiler Beach; careful scoping often turn up Black & White-winged Scoter, Red-necked and Clark’s Grebe. Snowy Plovers winter on Dockweiler Beach near the trailer park in front of the Hyperion Sewage Plant. Many gulls, including Mew, gather in winter seaward of the fee parking lot across from Hyperion.
To return to LAX airport:
Back down Pacific to Culver Blvd., left on Culver 1 mile to Jefferson Blvd., dogleg right ½ mile to Lincoln Blvd., right on Lincoln 2 ½ miles to Sepulveda Blvd. (Lincoln takes a curve to the left when it reaches the north edge of the airport), right on Sepulveda ¼ mile to airport entrance on right or ¼ mile further to Century Blvd., where a right turn takes you to LAX or a left leads to most of the airport area hotels.
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If you have your own car, here’s a nearby fresh water and field habitat:
BALLONA FRESH WATER MARSH
Highlights: Ducks, raptors, Moorhen & Sora, waders, gulls, ground & bush birds; Marsh Wren, Least Bittern (hard to see), Great-tailed Grackle, Total list is over 150 species.
Habitat: Fresh water marsh, reed beds, ponds, open fields.
Best Season/time: Sept through Apr. All day.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Port-a-potties
Parking: No lot. Free on Jefferson Blvd. south side, alongside marsh.
Disabled Access: Level crushed granite and dirt path.
General Location: Intersection of Lincoln & Jefferson Blvds, 1 mile east of Playa del Rey, 17 miles WSW of downtown LA.
MapQuest link & directions from Playa del Rey: http://mapq.st/eBbdGN
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 south 4 miles, #90 west 2 miles, Culver Blvd southwest 2 miles to end (don’t follow curve to south), north (right) on Pacific to end & park wherever available. Walk along south side of Ballona Creek to right, or north side bike path left or right.
MapQuest link & directions Back to LAX: http://mapq.st/dLSLIn
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If you have more time, and want some woodland and chaparral birds:
D11. KENNETH HAHN / BALDWIN HILLS RECREATION AREA
Highlights: Local birds, ducks in pond, migrants in season, wintering vagrants.
Habitat: Lake, trees, brush, plantings.
Best Season/time: Winter & Spring. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: 3rd Saturday, 8am, turn left after gate into 1st lot and park; led by Los Angeles Audubon Society.
Facilities: Paved roads, bike paths, flush toilets, phone, water, picnic tables. This park is under development with many facilities including camping to be added, but some undeveloped areas will remain. It is the closest park to Los Angeles Airport, so if you have only a few hours to spare, you could take a taxi and pick up a few common SoCal birds.
Parking: Pay $3 for all lots.
Disabled Access: Paved roads and sidewalks.
General Location: 8 miles WSW of downtown LA in Culver City in the Baldwin Hills.
MapQuest link & directions from LAX: http://mapq.st/foFMer
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 east 3 miles to La Cienega Blvd exit, right (south) 2 miles to Ken Hahn Park exit, then left into park, pay at entrance gate.
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A bit farther afield, with a nice riparian area and plenty of chaparral:
D7. TEMESCAL CANYON
Highlights: Raptors, chaparral & riparian birds, migrants in season. Black-hooded Parakeets commonly seen. Nesting Band-tailed Pigeons, hummers, Woodpeckers, flycatchers, Wrentit, Canyon Wren, Phainopepla, many others.
Habitat: Riparian, chaparral hillsides, creek and small waterfall.
Best Season/time: All year. Morning and early evening. Trail can be busy on weekends.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road, flush toilets, picnic tables near Sunset Blvd., phone, miles of trails.
Parking: $5 in lot. Lot can be crowded. Free street parking across Sunset Blvd.
Disabled Access: Paved sidewalk in picnic areas; hard packed dirt paths but steep, uneven climbs.
General Location: 17 miles W of downtown LA in Pacific Palisades just above Sunset Blvd. This is about 16 miles from LAX, 12 of which are freeway.
MapQuest link & directions from LAX: http://mapq.st/hTPyIN (Note: This map gives directions to Temescal Gateway Park. Drive through this park to the trailhead and best birding, located a bit farther up Temescal Cyn. Rd.
Directions: From the airport main exit, go east on Century Blvd about 1 ½ miles to the #405 San Diego Fwy, north about 7 miles to the #10 Santa Monica Fwy (connector overpass is on the right), west 4 miles until you go through a short tunnel and the Fwy becomes Pacific Coast Hwy, continue west approx. 2.8 miles west to Temescal Canyon Rd, right (north) 1 mile to Sunset Blvd. Park on Temescal or continue north 1/10th mile to park entrance.
Suggestions: Park for free on Temescal Cyn Rd just below Sunset Blvd. Walk into the park, keeping your eyes open for Black-headed Parakeet which are commonly seen in this area. At the far end of the parking lot, trail maps are usually available for a dime, but you don’t really need a map. The trail starts on the left, following the paved road for about 50 yards, then goes uphill. It soon splits: the left fork continues uphill through pure chaparral; take the right fork for a better walk through mixed riparian and chaparral. You can continue for about a mile up to a small waterfall. On the way back, you can divert through the conference grounds for possibly some different birds.
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – ISLAND SCRUB-JAY
Highlights: The Island Scrub-Jay is endemic to Santa Cruz Island.
How to get there: Island Packers http://www.islandpackers.com/index.html
Suggestion: Read the Island Packers website and book ahead. Dress for cooler weather on the ocean than on land. Have seasickness medicine at hand. The channel can be rough.
Which Trip: Santa Cruz Island trip that docks at Prisoner’s Harbor on the island’s north side.
Why There: The birds are easily seen. If you go to Scorpion Anchorage on the east end of Santa Cruz Island, the birds are far less common and you will probably have to take a rugged hike of several hours to fine one.
Best Season/time: All year, although seas tend to be rougher in the winter.
Cost: Day trip to Prisoner’s Harbor is currently $56.
Island Packers Boat Dock: 1691 Spinniker Drive, Ventura, CA. 93001-4367 Phone: 805-642-6573
Map to Ventura Harbor Boat Dock
Directions from LAX Airport
Travel Time: 75 minutes in good traffic. Best to allow 2 hours.
Alternate Pacific Coast Hwy Route: More scenic but slower.
MORE LOS ANGELES COUNTY INFORMATION USEFUL TO BIRDERS
As of July 2006, Los Angeles County had over 490 species of birds, not counting the parrots and other uncommon escaped or feral species. This breaks down into over 270 non-passerines and over 210 passerines, a higher species count than 80% of the other 49 states. This high diversity is because: major land and sea migration routes pass through, many habitats and elevations, many species winter here, and the warm weather of the southern United States.
Local bird-finding guide book:
A Birder’s Guide to Southern California $25.95 ABA/Schram, 2007. Covers area from Mexico & Arizona borders north to San Luis Obispo & Mono Counties.
Available from:
American Birding Association (800-634-7736, http://www.aba.org/siteguides/scal.html)
Los Angeles Audubon Society Bookstore (888-522-7428, 323-876-0202), http://www.losangelesaudubon.org/store/
located at 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. (Plummer Park), West Hollywood, Ca. 90046.
Tues – Sat 10am – 4pm. The LAAS bookstore is well stocked with birding books and goodies, but may have to move soon to a new location.
See also Amazon.com
Subscribe to local email bird chat lines.
Send an email by clicking a link below; put “subscribe” without the quotes on the subject line. The chat line will automatically send you a confirmation email to which you must respond to successfully sign up. If your email system/program has a spam blocker, you must first tell it to let their confirmation through.
Los Angeles County: LACoBirds-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
San Diego & Imperial Counties: SDBIRDS-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Orange County: OrCoRBA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
San Bernardino, Riverside & Imperial Counties: inlandcountybirds-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Ventura County: venturacobirding-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Santa Barbara County: sbcobirding-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Kern County: kerncobirding-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
General California bird chit-chat: CALBIRDS-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
L.A. County Audubon Chapter web sites:
All Chapters have bird walks open to the public.
The Links below will take you to their local bird-finding tips page, if any.
Conejo Valley Audubon Bird Finding Tips (Ventura Cnty & SW LA Cnty)
El Dorado Audubon
Los Angeles Audubon
Palos Verdes Audubon
Pasadena Audubon Bird Finding Tips
Pomona Valley Audubon Bird Finding Tips
San Fernando Valley Audubon Bird Finding Tips
Santa Monica Bay Audubon Website
Whittier Audubon
Links to maps, lists or Audubon Chapters of other counties and areas
Central Coast Birding Trail (Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura Counties)
Eastern Sierra Audubon
Fresno Audubon Bird Finding Tips (Fresno County)
Joe Morlan’s California County Birding Page
Kern County (Nature Ali’s list)
Pasadena area Bird Map
San Bernardino Valley Audubon Bird Finding Tips (San Bernardino County)
San Diego Audubon Bird Finding Tips (San Diego County)
Santa Barbara Audubon (Santa Barbara County)
Sea & Sage Audubon Bird Finding Tips (Orange County)
Tulare Audubon Bird Finding Tips (Tulare County)
Ventura Audubon Bird Finding Tips (Ventura County)
Weather:
We have four seasons, which are, roughly:
Fog: April – June, sometimes into July, mostly along the coast.
Smog: April – November. We have a natural temperature inversion layer which holds the smog close. If you can see the mountains, no matter how poorly, the smog isn’t too bad. If you can’t see them, it’s a bad smog day.
Fire: June – December, especially August to October.
Mudslide (aka rainy season): November – April, especially January – March. If the fires were bad, so too will be the mudslides.
Mid-to-late summer is slow for birding in the SoCal lowlands, but can be good in the cooler mountains and at the really hot (110-120°) Salton Sea. Winters can be cool, plunging way down into the 40’s near the ocean, often with a strong wind. Inland valleys and desert summers are usually over 100; winters can be cool (high of 45 – 50) and windy, but rarely snowy. Mountain mornings are always cool, and the mountains freeze and snow up in the winter, closing some roads. Winter rainstorms can be fierce (usually in El Nino years) and mudslides can close canyon roads. Humidity is generally very low. Hey, it’s a desert here!
Driving:
Have a very good idea how to get somewhere before you set out. If possible, get a map(s) that cover the areas you’ll be in. This is a very big city. Know which direction (N-S-E-W) you want to go, as the road signs often refer to distant towns – often hundreds of miles away – you’ve never heard of. Many streets are many miles long (Western Blvd. is reportedly the longest straight city street in America), and many names are re-used in various locales, so your GPS might lead you astray unless you know exactly where you’re going.
Always, always yield to pedestrians crossing at an intersection, whether or not a crosswalk is painted on the pavement. The police run sting operations in order to catch and ticket drivers who don’t stop for pedestrians. Stay stopped until the pedestrian reaches the opposite sidewalk. Signal all lane changes. Be courteous and thoughtful.
Please don’t drive and talk on a cell phone at the same time, even if it does seem like everyone around you is doing it.
Never throw anything burning out the window: major local forest fires have started this way.
Links to SIGALERT and to TRAFFIC411.
Pedestrians:
Stay on the sidewalk while waiting to cross the street. Standing in the street while waiting for the light to change immediately brands you as an out-of-towner. Pedestrians, in a crosswalk (and any intersection is considered to have a crosswalk whether or not the lines are actually painted on the road), always have the right-of-way unless the traffic has a green light. Native and/or courteous drivers observe this law; unfortunately many drivers from out-of-town do not, so taking this right for granted can be a dangerous matter.
Food: Great food everywhere. The dumpy little burger, burrito, falafel, Chinese, Thai, Indian or whatnot hole-in-the-wall places usually have better-tasting and more interesting food than the well-known fast food chains. We have the best chiliburgers in the world! (Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to eat one without making a mess all over yourself.) All eateries must prominently display their food safety rating; A is the highest rating. Don’t eat anywhere rated C or lower.
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LOS ANGELES COUNTY BIRDING LOCATIONS
Region A – Antelope Valley
Highlights: Raptors (especially in winter), field birds, high desert birds, many migrants in season. Numerous wintering birds. LeConte’s Thrasher, Burrowing Owl, Black-throated Sparrow, Gray Vireo (possibly extirpated).
Habitat: Mostly flat high desert, occasional riparian areas, chaparral hillsides, north slope of San Gabriel Mountains, several small lakes.
Best Season/time: Nov through May. Morning and early PM. Often extremely hot PM late spring to early fall.
Facilities: Paved & dirt road. Fast food, gas, phones and lodging in Palmdale and Lancaster. Camping at Saddleback Butte State Park, Big Rock Creek & Devil’s Punchbowl State Park.
Parking: Free nearly everywhere.
Disabled Access: Most birding done from or near your car on mostly paved roads. Paved bike/walking path at Apollo Lake.
General Location: Palmdale is on Fwy #14, 60 miles N of downtown LA.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 north 19.3 miles, #5 Fwy north 3.9 miles, #14 Fwy northeast 34.2 miles to Palmdale. The valley is laid out in a huge grid. The north-south #14 Fwy bisects the valley. Letter Avenues (A, B, etc.) run east-west: Ave. A is the northern LA County border with Kern County; Ave. B is 1 mile south of A, and so on down to Ave. T. Numbered streets run north-south: Division St., 1 mile east of the Fwy., is the starting point for east-west counting; E. 10th St. is 1 mile east of Division; W. 10th St. 1 mile west of Division; E. 50th St. is 5 miles east of Division and so on. Strange birds show up nearly anywhere, so don’t be afraid to just cruise around, checking out interesting places. Take care not to trespass. Many possible locations to visit, including:
West of #14 Fwy
A1. QUAIL LAKE: Hwy #138 just east of #5 Fwy, 6 miles southeast of Gorman. Wintering ducks, shorebirds, raptors.
A2. ROAD TO OSO PUMPING STATION: Hwy #138 5 miles east of Quail Lake, left onto paved road. Wintering raptors & field birds.
A3. HOLIDAY VALLEY LAKE AREA: From Hwy 138 (W Ave D), north on 260th St, east on Ave B to 250th, turn right, lake is on right in about 1/3rd mile, entrance on south side. Many migrant ducks, shorebirds & passerines in spring & fall. Winter has owls in trees, 4 Blackbird species at lake and in fields, field birds, winter Sage Thrashers possible in Joshua tree forest 1 mile north down Pipeline Rd. Spring Nesting Lawrence’s Goldfinches at lake, Burrowing Owls, Roadrunners in nearby fields.
A4. CALIFORNIA POPPY RESERVE: Between W Ave D and Lancaster Rd (W Ave I), 110th & 170th Sts., with entrance on Lancaster Rd. Wintering raptors and field birds, but notable for stunning spring flowers if winter rains were sufficiently heavy. Best flower displays are usually found at east end of preserve, accessible from unmarked dirt roads.
A5. APOLLO LAKE: Entrance at W Ave G & 50th St. Great-tailed Grackle, water birds, migrants, wintering birds including owls and Red Crossbills. Picnic tables, toilets, lawns and strolling paths.
A6. WEST AVENUE A & GASKELL RD: Winter raptors, Mountain Bluebirds & field birds.
East of #14 Fwy
A7. LANCASTER SEWAGE PONDS: W Ave. D & 20th St. Turn east, then immediately north into the ponds. Ask permission at office to drive around ponds. Watch where you drive! Not as good as it used to be since the ponds were expanded, but Black Terns and various ducks and shorebirds in migration are regular.
A8. LOCKHEED Way & BLACKBIRD Dr.: Area NE of Sierra Hwy & Ave. P east. Several undeveloped blocks south of the Lockheed plant. LeConte’s Thrasher, Mountain Bluebird, Cactus Wren, Scott’s Oriole, various sparrows.
A9. PARK AND RIDE LOT: Ave. S, Lake Palmdale exit: convenient spot to meet, park and carpool with friends. Overlooks Lake Palmdale (private and fenced).
A10. DESERT AIRE GOLF COURSE: E Ave. P & 40th St. An oasis for birds that need shady deciduous trees, grass or water. Bird from roadside.
A11. 50th ST. EAST: A good street to cruise in winter,, from Palmdale Blvd. North to Ave A, looking for geese, raptors, owls, Mtn. Plovers, Mtn Bluebirds, Horned Larks and Longspurs.
A12. LITTLE ROCK WASH: Runs from Pearblossom Hwy between E 50th & 90th Sts. North to E. Ave. J. LeConte’s Thrasher, Scott’s Oriole and other desert birds possible as well as migrants, raptors and owls.
A13 . ANTELOPE VALLEY INDIAN MUSEUM: Ave M & E. 160th St. Great exhibits of local Native Americana. Desert birds nearby.
A14. AVENUE J EAST: Raptors, owls and migrants in trees. Horned larks, etc. in the fields. Best between 50th and 200th Sts.
A15. SADDLEBACK BUTTE: E Ave. J & 170th St. Desert birds. Black-throated Sparrow, migrant and wintering sparrows, breeding Scott’s Oriole and Cactus Wren. Camping.
A16. BIG ROCK WASH: Runs from Pearblossom Hwy between E 110th & 170th Sts. north to E. Ave. O. LeConte’s Thrasher, Scott’s Oriole, other desert birds possible as well as migrants, raptors and owls. Check out the Alpine Butte Wildlife Sanctuary at E. Ave O and 130th St.
A17. BOB’S GAP: South of Pearblossom Hwy, 165th St becomes Bob’s Gap Rd. Park near the Limekiln ruins on the east side dirt road. Check for Costa’s & Black-chinned Hummers, Gray Vireo (prob. extirpated), Black-chinned and Black-throated Sparrows. A tape helps.
A18. BIG ROCK CREEK: Take N6 south from Pearblossom, left on Valyermo Rd., beyond Valyermo PO bear right twice onto Big Rock Canyon Rd. Creek and riparian areas draw many migrants in Spring. Campsites available. You can continue uphill until the road become gravel and dirt, eventually reaching Angeles Crest Hwy about 28 miles east of Buckhorn Campground and 3.2 miles west of the turnoff to Guffy Campground (see #6). Along this road desert & riparian birds are replaced by mtn. birds; nuthatches, etc.
General Information for Areas south of Antelope Valley
1. All directions start from the intersection of #10 Santa Monica Freeway & #405 San Diego Freeway.
2. The California State Park System offers an annual pass, currently $35, allowing unlimited access to all state parks. Not valid for national, regional, county or city parks.
Region B – Mountains
B1. PYRAMID LAKE WATER INFLOW CHANNEL
Highlights: Winter ducks, including possible rarities such as Tufted Duck
Habitat: View downward from roadside to theoncrete channel with rushing water.
Best Season/Time: Winter months
Facilities: None. Free parking, unless you enter the Pyramid Lake park.
General Location: 65 miles NW of downtown LA.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, 53.4 miles north via #405 to 5 to Pyramid Lake north side turnoff, 1.4 mi back to channel.
ANGELES CREST HIGHWAY – SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS LOCATIONS
Note: You may need to purchase a “Mountain Fun Pass”, approximately $7. If you don’t, you may be ticketed. They are available at various sports stores and some ranger stations.
Highlights: Mountain birds such as Mountain Quail, Williamson’s Sapsucker, White-headed Woodpecker, Clark’s Nutcracker, Dipper, Green-tailed Towhee, Large-billed Fox Sparrow. Also raptors, owls, nuthatches; warblers and sparrows, particularly in migration. Also Black-chinned Sparrow.
Habitat: Mountains 5000-9000 ft. Chaparral, riparian, coniferous, rocky peaks, meadows, creeks & cliffs.
Best Season/time: June through Oct. All day. Winter snows close portion of road. Occasional rarities in winter.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved & dirt roads, interpretive center, camping, flush toilets, port-a-potties, picnic tables, phones, hundreds of miles of trails, high mountains.
Parking: Free, except possible Mountain Recreation Fee. Some lot can be crowded on weekends.
Disabled Access: Paved access roads; boardwalk near bird feeders at Chilao Interpretive Center.
General Location: Highway starts 20 miles N of downtown LA, via La Canada-Flintridge.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 east 9.5 miles, #110 Fwy north 4.3 miles, #5 Fwy west 2.1 miles, #2 Fwy north 7.9 miles, #210 Fwy east 1 mile east to Angeles Crest Hwy exit in La Canada-Flintridge, north (left) uphill. Road continues for 68 miles to Wrightwood. Many places to visit along the way, including:
B2. SWITZER PICNIC AREA: PASADENA 10 miles from #210 Fwy. Permanent creek & waterfall. Can be very crowded on weekends.
B3. CHARLTON FLAT PICNIC AREA: PASADENA About 11 miles past Switzer. Nice trails with typical mtn. birds available.
B4. CHILAO CAMPGROUND: PASADENA 3 miles past Charlton. Feeders (when tended) and water seep at the visitor center bring in Mtn. Quail, Band-tailed Pigeons, woodpeckers, flycatchers, chickadees, finches and sparrows. Good birding near streambed and on hillsides.
B5. CLOUDBURST SUMMET: 5 miles past Chilao. 7018 ft, the high point on road. Scan for raptors, Clark’s Nutcracker, birds in conifers.
B6. BUCKHORN FLAT CAMPGROUND: PASADENA 1 mile past Cloudburst. Good birding above and below campground. Flammulated Owl nests here, but is difficult to view. Dipper along stream late spring to early fall: drive to trailhead below campground, walk about 1/5th mile down trail, descend to stream wherever possible, walk or wait quietly along streamside.
B7. ROAD TO BIG ROCK CREEK: Various mountain birds, including owls. About 18.5 miles past Buckhorn, turn left (north) on dirt road, 2.8 miles to Big Rock Campground (no water), then about 8 paved miles further to Valyermo in the Antelope Valley. Species change as you drop from mountain conifers to high desert Joshua Tree & Cottonwoods.
B8. GUFFY CAMPGROUND: Williamson’s Sapsucker, other mountain birds. 61.5 miles from La Canada-Flintridge, turn right (east) on dirt road, 5.4 miles to campground. One of the highest spots in the county accessible by road.
Region C – San Fernando Valley
C1. PLACERITA CANYON STATE PARK & WALKER RANCH
Highlights: Raptors, chaparral & riparian birds, migrants in season. Orioles, warblers & flycatchers in migration. Resident woodpeckers. Walker Ranch additionally has: Mountain Quail about 1 mile along streambed uphill, Lazuli Buntings on grassy slopes.
Habitat: Riparian, chaparral hillsides, creek.
Best Season/time: Spring. Morning and early PM. Group camping at Walker Ranch.
Monthly Birdwalk: 2nd Saturday 9 am in lower park. Children with responsible adults welcome.
Facilities: Paved road, miles of trails. Lower park: interpretive center, injured bird care, flush toilets, picnic tables, phone. Walker Ranch: pit toilets, water, group camping.
Parking: $3 in lower lot. Lot can be crowded. Free at upper (Walker Ranch) section.
Disabled Access: Paved walk in interpretive center; hard packed but uneven dirt paths.
General Location: 30 miles NW of downtown LA, a few miles off Fwy #14.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 Fwy north 19.3 miles, #5 Fwy north 3.9 miles, #14 Fwy east 3.2 miles to Placerita Canyon Rd, 2 miles to lower park, 1.5 miles further to Walker Ranch.
C2. O’MELVENY PARK – SAN FERNANDO AS
Highlights: Chaparral & riparian birds, migrants in season, owls, raptors, sparrows, Canyon Wren, Mountain Lion (rare).
Habitat: Trees, brush, chaparral, grass lawn, creek, hills.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, spring. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road, interpretive center, flush toilets, picnic tables.
Parking: Free in paved lot, street parking.
Disabled Access: Some paved paths, hilly hard packed dirt paths.
General Location: 25 miles NW of downtown LA in northern San Fernando Valley.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 north 17.5 miles, #118 Fwy 1.5 miles west to Balboa Blvd exit, right (north) 2 ¼ miles to Sessnon Blvd, left ½ mile to park entrance on right.
C3. BEE CANYON PARK
Highlights: Common local birds, migrants in season, occasional vagrants.
Habitat: Trees, brush, grass lawn adjoining creek flowing out of O’Melveny Park through suburban residential area.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, spring. Morning, late PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road, no other facilities.
Parking: Free on street.
Disabled Access: Grass lawn.
General Location: 25 miles NW of downtown LA in northern San Fernando Valley. Park is just downhill from O’Melveny Park
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 north 17.5 miles, #118 Fwy west 1.5 miles to Balboa Blvd exit, right (north) 2 ¼ miles, left on Sessnon Blvd ½ mile, park is on left. Park anywhere on street.
C4. LIMEKILN CANYON PARK
Highlights: Common local birds, migrants in season.
Habitat: Grass lawn, riparian & chaparral.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, spring. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road, pit toilets no other facilities.
Parking: Free on street.
Disabled Access: Downhill dirt path to grassy lawn.
General Location: 25 miles NW of downtown LA in northern San Fernando Valley. Park is just downhill from O’Melveny Park.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 north 17.5 miles, #118 Fwy west about 4.5 miles to Tampa Blvd exit, right to parking area on dead end street.
C5. WILSON CANYON
Highlights: Wintering woodpeckers and sparrows, migrants, Rufous-crowned Sparrow on grassy hillsides near the dam. Overlooks parrot roost in trees of Olive View Hospital below, in early AM or late PM.
Habitat: Small marsh, riparian oak groves, chaparral areas.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, Spring. Morning, early PM, late PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road to parking, pit toilet, dirt trails.
Parking: Free.
Disabled Access: Most trails are dirt fire roads.
General Location: 25 miles NW of downtown LA, just off #210 Fwy in north San Fernando Valley.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 Fwy north 21.5 miles, #210 Fwy east 2 miles to Roxford St exit, left (north), as road turns east it becomes Olive View, continue past Oliveview Hospital to a paved driveway on the left with a sign for Wilson Canyon, uphill about ½ mile to parking lot overlooking a small dam.
C6. VETERAN’S PARK – SAN FERNANDO
Highlights: Fall sparrows, Wintering woodpeckers, spring migrants, parrots. All four sapsucker species recorded here in several winters.
Habitat: Eucalyptus groves, conifer groves, brush, grassy lawns.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, Spring. Morning and early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road, Frisbee golf course, flush toilets, picnic tables, phone, potable water.
Parking: Free.
Disabled Access: Paved roads & sidewalks, grassy lawns.
General Location: 25 miles NW of downtown LA, just off #210 Fwy in north San Fernando Valley.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 Fwy north 21.5 miles, #210 Fwy east 4 miles to Hubbard St exit, left (north) to Gladstone (1st light), left 3 blocks to Sayre St, right (northeast) 1.5 miles to park entrance.
C7. RESEDA PARK
Highlights: Many ducks, gulls, blackbirds, migrants in trees. Most ducks are Mallards, but wild Ducks and Geese also show up, such as Wood, Ring-necked, Bufflehead, Canada, Snow, and there are often Tricoloreds among the Brewer’s Blackbirds.
Habitat: Freshwater pond, large trees, grassy lawn, LA River channel.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, Spring. Morning and early PM. A popular park for picnicking and lawn games.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road, flush toilets, picnic tables, phone, potable water.
Parking: Free.
Disabled Access: Entirely flat grassy lawn or cement pathways.
General Location: 17 miles NW of downtown LA, in central San Fernando Valley, just NW of intersection #10 & 101 Fwys.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 Fwy north 10.5 miles to #101 Fwy, 4 miles west to Reseda Blvd, right (north) 1 mile, park is on NE corner Reseda and Victory Blvds., park on street or turn right to small lot north side of Victory.
C8. SEPULVEDA BASIN WILDLIFE AREA AND BALBOA LAKE – SAN FERNANDO AS
Highlights: Water, riparian and field birds. Migrants in season. Wintering raptors, sparrows and (often) vagrants. Tricolored and Yellow-headed Blackbirds often around Balboa Lake and the golf course.
Habitat: Freshwater lake. Riparian area, fields, grassy lawns among trees.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, Spring. Morning and early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: 1st Sunday 8am, 2nd Saturday 8:30am, meet in Nature Center parking lot. Led by San Fernando Audubon Society.
Facilities: Paved road, flush toilets, picnic tables, phone, potable water. Also archery, golf, cricket, fishing on Balboa Lake.
Parking: Free.
Disabled Access: Hard packed level dirt trails in Nature Center. Paved roads, bike paths and grassy lawns in rest of park.
General Location: 17 miles NW of downtown LA, in central San Fernando Valley, just NW of intersection #10 & 101 Fwys.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 Fwy north 10.5 miles to Burbank Blvd, left (west) ½ mile, right on Woodley Ave ½ mile to park entrance on right, ½ mile to nature center near end of road.
Nature Center: Freshwater pond, riparian area, fields, several miles of trails.
Balboa Lake: Return to Woodley, turn right, ¼ mile to golf course entrance on left, pass golf course to the lake. Picnicking, Tricolored Blackbirds, ducks on lake may include Ross’ Goose.
C9. BETTE DAVIS PARK – SAN FERNANDO AS
Highlights: Migrants in willows, shorebirds & ducks in LA river.
Habitat: Park with grass & trees. Access to LA river by Riverside Drive.
Best Season/time: Fall, spring. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: None.
Facilities: Street parking, flush toilets, picnic tables
Parking: Free on streets.
Disabled Access: Level grass and dirt trails.
General Location: 12 miles N of downtown LA, NW of intersection #5 & 134 Fwys.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 Fwy north 10 miles, #101 Fwy east 10 miles to Riverside Dr. exit, left ½ mile to park on left, park on Buberta or Rancho Ave.
C10. DESCANSO GARDENS – PASADENA AS – SAN FERNANDO AS
Highlights: Common local birds, ducks, spring migrants, winter vagrants.
Habitat: Many trees, brush, pond, grass, plantings, extensive gardens.
Best Season/time: Spring for migrants. Fall & winter. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: 2nd & 4th Sundays, 8 am, by San Fernando Valley Audubon Society.
Facilities: Paved road, interpretive center, flush toilets, phone.
Parking: Free entrance to gardens to early birders on birdwalk.
Disabled Access: Paved sidewalks, hard packed dirt trails, some uphill.
General Location: 12 miles N of downtown LA in La Canada-Flintridge, SE of intersection #2 & 210 Fwys.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 east 9.5 miles, #110 north 4.3 miles, #5 left (west) 2.1 miles, #2 Fwy north 9 miles to Verdugo Blvd exit, right ¾ mile to Descanso Dr, ¼ mile south to garden.
Region D – Northern Santa Monica Bay
D1. ZUMA CANYON & BEACH
Highlights: Various typical riparian and chaparral birds. Woodpeckers, possible Canyon Wren up the creek. Migrants in spring. Shorebirds, gulls, terns on beach, Loons, grebes, sea ducks in water. Roosting site of 100+ Snowy Plover flock Oct-Apr.
Habitat: Chaparral, woods, brush, fields, permanent stream. Many wildflowers in spring.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, Spring. Morning and early PM. Can be hot in summer.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road to sand beach, flush toilets on beach, pit toilet at trailhead, dirt trail.
Parking: Free, but limited at trailhead. Large beach pay parking lot, free on PCH.
Disabled Access: Paved beach parking lot. Dirt trail flat at beginning.
General Location: 33 miles W of downtown LA, just off Pacific Coast Hwy 7 miles west of Malibu.
Directions: From intersection 10 & 405 Fwys, #10 Fwy west 4 miles, continue on Pacific Coast Hwy west 19.5 miles; right at light and uphill to canyon trailhead, beach is on left.
D2. SOLSTICE CANYON
Highlights: Riparian and chaparral birds. Woodpeckers, possible Canyon Wren at end of paved trail. Migrants in spring.
Habitat: Chaparral, woods, brush, fields, permanent stream. Many wildflowers in spring.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, Spring. Morning and early PM. Can be hot in summer.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road, interpretive center, flush toilets, picnic tables.
Parking: Free, but limited. No parking available outside park.
Disabled Access: Long paved driveway (now trail) to ruined house. Uphill sometimes steep.
General Location: 29 miles W of downtown LA, just off Pacific Coast Hwy 3 miles west of Malibu.
Directions: From intersection 10 & 405 Fwys, #10 Fwy west 4 miles, continue on Pacific Coast Hwy west 15.7 miles, right (north) on Solstice Cyn. Rd and .7 mile to park entrance on left.
D3. MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK – SAN FERNANDO AS
Highlights: Raptors, migrants, chaparral & riparian birds. Winter Red-breasted Sapsucker, also Lewis’ Woodpecker occasional.
Habitat: Riparian, chaparral, fields, hills, creeks.
Best Season/time: Sept through May. Morning. Can be hot in summer.
Monthly Birdwalk: 3rd Sunday 8:00am by San Fernando Valley Audubon Society.
Facilities: Paved road, camping, flush toilets, port-a-potties, interpretive center, picnic tables, phone, rock climbing, miles of trails, old M*A*S*H filming site.
Parking: $5 in lot.
Disabled Access: Paved parking areas & unused side road; hard packed dirt paths.
General Location: 34 miles WNW of downtown LA, between Pacific Coast Hwy and #101 Fwy.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 Fwy west 4 miles to Pacific Coast Hwy, continue approx.13 miles west, right (north) on Malibu Canyon Rd (becomes Las Virgenes Rd), approx. 7 miles north to park entrance on left.
D4. MALIBU LAGOON, SURFRIDER BEACH & ADAMSON HOUSE
Highlights: Offshore, shorebirds and waterfowl fall, winter, spring. 60+ species common in winter. Belding’s Savannah Sparrow, Allen’s Hummingbird, Sora, wintering Snowy Plover & Peregrine Falcon.
Habitat: Ocean, shore, salicornia coastal marsh, creek, brush & trees.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, spring. All day; beach can be crowded in afternoon.
Monthly Birdwalk: 4th Sunday 8:30 am by Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society
Facilities: Paved road, pit toilets, interpretive center, picnic tables, phone, beach, surfing.
Parking: $5 in lot, or free nearby street parking.
Disabled Access: Limited paved sidewalks; hard packed dirt paths & wooden boardwalks.
Adamson House: Across the bridge from the lagoon parking lot. Trees & flowers. Free entrance.
Pepperdine Ponds: One mile to west, turn right, 1/4 mile to Pepperdine University entrance, or park on Malibu Canyon Rd. and walk up grassy knoll. Two settlement ponds have freshwater ducks, occasional snipe and migrant passerines.
General Location: 26 miles W of downtown LA in central Malibu.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 Fwy west 4 miles to Pacific Coast Hwy, continue approx. 12 miles west to Malibu Pier, continue past the bridge to park entrance on left or park on PCH or Cross Creek Rd.
D5. COLD CANYON PRESERVE
Highlights: Riparian and chaparral birds, migrants in season, Robin and (occasional) Varied Thrush in winter.
Habitat: Trees, brush, chaparral, creek.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, spring. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved main road to access gates. No facilities.
Parking: Free on street.
Disabled Access: Steep, uneven dirt paths.
General Location: 28 miles W of downtown LA, 15 miles NW of Santa Monica in mountains.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 Fwy west 4 miles to Pacific Coast Hwy, continue approx. 8 miles west to Las Flores Canyon Rd, right & uphill 5 miles to Schueren Rd, right 2 miles to Saddle Peak Rd, left 2 miles to gate in fence (preserve is not well marked).
D6. TOPANGA STATE PARK – TRIPPET RANCH
Highlights: Raptors, chaparral & riparian birds, migrants in season.
Habitat: Riparian, chaparral & fields, rocks & cliffs. Great views.
Best Season/time: Sept through May. Morning. Can be hot in summer.
Monthly Birdwalk: 1st Sunday 8:00am, led by Sierra Club.
Facilities: Paved road, interpretive center, flush toilets, picnic tables, phone, miles of trails.
Parking: $5 in lot. Lot can be crowded.
Disabled Access: Paved parking areas; hard packed dirt paths, but many hills.
General Location: 27 miles W of downtown LA, between Pacific Coast Hwy and #101 Fwy.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 Fwy west 4 miles, continue on Pacific Coast Hwy west 6 miles, right (north) on Topanga Canyon Rd 7 miles through village, right (uphill) Entrada Rd. & follow signs to park entrance.
D7. TEMESCAL CANYON
Highlights: Raptors, chaparral & riparian birds, migrants in season. Nandy Conure parakeets commonly seen. Nesting Phainopepla, Canyon Wren, Acorn Woodpecker, many others.
Habitat: Riparian, chaparral hillsides, creek and small waterfall.
Best Season/time: All year. Morning and early PM. Trail can be busy on weekends.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road, flush toilets, picnic tables near Sunset Blvd., phone, miles of trails.
Parking: $5 in lot. Lot can be crowded. Street parking across Sunset Blvd.
Disabled Access: Paved sidewalk in picnic areas; hard packed dirt paths but steep, uneven climbs.
General Location: 17 miles W of downtown LA in Pacific Palisades just above Sunset Blvd.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 Fwy west 4 miles, continue on Pacific Coast Hwy west approx. 2.5 miles west to Temescal Canyon Rd, right (north) 1 mile to Sunset Blvd. Park on Temescal or continue north ¼ mile to park entrance.
D8. BALLONA CREEK & MARINA DEL REY HARBOR ENTRANCE
Highlights: Seabirds, shorebirds, gulls, ducks, waders, raptors, migrants, nesting Great Blue Herons. Black Oystercatcher on outer jetty, Wandering Tattler & Surfbird in winter & migration, cormorants, sea ducks, grebes & loons, Brown Pelicans, Large-billed Savannah Sparrow (except high tide) in winter on fishing jetty. Least Terns nest May-August on Venice Beach north of north MDR jetty.
Habitat: Open sea, rocky shore, beach, marshland, pond.
Best Season/time: Sept through Apr. All day. Fishermen can crowd jetties on weekends.
Monthly Birdwalk: 3rd Sunday, 8 AM, led by Los Angeles Audubon Society.
Monthly Kayak: 1st Sunday 7:30am. Birders welcome. Meet at UCLA Boathouse 14001 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey. Call 310-823-0048 for information and/or reservations. From end of #90 Fwy & Culver Blvd (see below), continue W on #90 ½ mile to Mindinao Way, left ¼ mile to Admiralty Way, left ¼ mile to Fiji Way, right ¾ mile to cul-de-sac end, right to boat house at end. Limited parking, you may have to use lot further back on Fiji Way.
Facilities: Paved road, flush toilets (southeast corner of Playa del Rey pond), picnic tables, phone.
Parking: $5 in beachside lot. Street parking.
Disabled Access: Paved bike path & jetty sidewalk.
General Location: On the beach north of LA airport, 18 miles WSW of downtown LA.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 south 4 miles, #90 west 2 miles, Culver Blvd southwest 2 miles to end (don’t follow curve to south), north (right) on Pacific to end & park wherever available. Walk along south side of Ballona Creek to right, or north side bike path left or right.
D9. DOCKWEILER STATE BEACH
Highlights: Shore and ocean birds. Large rafts of sea ducks, loons & grebes in winter.
Habitat: Beach, unfortunately under takeoff flight path of LAX airplanes.
Best Season/time: Late fall, winter, early spring. Morning, early PM (avoid setting sun).
Monthly Birdwalk: None.
Facilities: Paved parking lot, flush toilets, picnic tables, bicycle path.
Parking: $5 in lot, free where available on street.
Disabled Access: Paved bicycle/skating path.
General Location: 18 miles WSW of downtown LA.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, 3.5 miles south on #405, west 2 miles on #90 Fwy, southwest on Culver Blvd 2 miles to where it curves left and becomes Vista del Mar, stop wherever legal and available, scan for rafts of seabirds, park where available or in pay lots.
D10. FRANKLIN CANYON – SAN FERNANDO AS
Highlights: Local birds, water birds, migrants in season, wintering vagrants, Wood Duck. Owls.
Habitat: Lake, trees, brush, plantings.
Best Season/time: Winter & Spring. Morning, early PM, dusk.
Monthly Birdwalk: 4th Saturday 8 am, 2nd Saturday evening owl walk, led by William O. Douglas Outdoor Classroom.
Facilities: Paved road, interpretive center, flush toilets, phone.
Parking: Free parking lot.
Disabled Access: Paved roads and sidewalks.
General Location: 12 WNW of downtown LA in NW Beverly Hills in the Santa Monica Mtns.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 north 1.5 miles to Santa Monica Blvd exit, right (east) 3 miles to Coldwater Canyon Drive, then left onto Beverly Drive, (north) 2.5 miles to Franklin Canyon Dr, right 2 miles to reservoir.
D11. KENNETH HAHN / BALDWIN HILLS RECREATION AREA
Highlights: Local birds, ducks in pond, migrants in season, wintering vagrants.
Habitat: Lake, trees, brush, plantings.
Best Season/time: Winter & Spring. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: 3rd Saturday, 8am, turn left after gate into 1st lot and park; led by Los Angeles Audubon Society.
Facilities: Paved roads, bike paths, flush toilets, phone, water, picnic tables. This park is under development with many facilities including camping to be added, but some undeveloped areas will remain. It is the closest park to Los Angeles Airport, so if you have only a few hours to spare, you could take a taxi and pick up a few common SoCal birds.
Parking: Pay $3 for all lots.
Disabled Access: Paved roads and sidewalks.
General Location: 8 miles WSW of downtown LA in Culver City in the Baldwin Hills.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 east 3 miles to La Cienega Blvd exit, right (south) 2 miles to Ken Hahn Park exit, then left into park, pay at entrance gate.
Region E – Central & Eastern Los Angeles County
E1. GRIFFITH PARK
Highlights: Local chaparral and woodland birds, migrants, vagrants.
Habitat: Woodlands, chaparral.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, spring. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: None.
Facilities: Griffith Observatory, city views, paved parking lots, flush toilets, picnic tables, miles of trails.
Parking: Free in lots, but crowded on weekend or summer afternoons.
Disabled Access: Paved nature trails and hard packed dirt trails. Paved and level at observatory.
General Location: 8 miles NW of downtown LA.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 Fwy east 9.5 miles, #110 Fwy northeast 4.3 miles, #5 Fwy northwest 3.75 miles to Los Felez Blvd, left (west) to any of 3 entrances, then right (north): a) .3 mile to Griffith Park Dr, right to LA Zoo and northern section of park. b) 1.3 miles to Hillhurst Ave, right to Greek Theatre, merry-go-round and Observatory/Planetarium. c) 2.4 miles to Fern Dell.
E2. DEBS PARK – PASADENA
Highlights: Riparian and chaparral birds, migrants in season.
Habitat: Trees, brush, chaparral, hills.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, spring. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: 4th Saturday, 8am, led by Los Angeles Audubon Education Center.
Facilities: Paved road, flush toilets, phones, National Audubon Society Interpretive Center coming.
Parking: Free in lot.
Disabled Access: Paved and dirt paths.
General Location: 7 miles NE of downtown LA.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 east 9.5 miles, #110 northeast 7 miles to Marisol exit, east ¼ mile to Monterey Rd, right (south) ¾ mile to Eugene V. Debs Park entrance on right.
E3. EATON CANYON NATURE CENTER – PASADENA
Highlights: Riparian and chaparral birds. Woodpeckers. Migrants in season.
Habitat: Chaparral, oak & riparian woodlands.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, Spring. Morning and early PM. Can be hot in summer.
Monthly Birdwalk: 3rd Sunday 8 AM, led by Pasadena Audubon Society.
Facilities: Paved road, flush toilets, picnic tables.
Parking: $ ??
Disabled Access: Paved roads and sidewalks. Hard packed dirt trails.
General Location: 16 miles NNE of downtown LA in NE Altadena.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 east 9.5 miles, #110 north 4.3 miles, #5 west 2.1 miles, #2 Fwy north 3.6 miles, #134 Fwy east 4.4 miles, #210 Fwy east 3.25 miles to Sierra Madre Rd. exit, take frontage road to Altadena Blvd, left (north) up the hill 1.75 miles, bear right on Canyon Close Dr. into the park.
E4. HUNTINGTON LIBRARY & BOTANIC GARDENS – PASADENA
Highlights: Red-whiskered Bulbul; lush vegetation & beautiful gardens; migrants in season; wintering orioles, tanagers, warblers, etc.
Habitat: Brush, gardens, trees, ponds.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, Spring. Morning and early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: None.
Facilities: Paved road, flush toilets, extensive gardens, rare books in library.
Parking: $ ??
Disabled Access: Paved roads and sidewalks. Hard packed dirt and gravel trails.
General Location: 11 miles NE of downtown LA in SE Pasadena.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 east 9.5 miles, #110 northeast 11.5 miles, when Fwy becomes Arroyo Parkway continue ½ mile to California Blvd, right (east) on California 1.4 miles to San Marino Ave, right (south) & follow signs about ½ mile to library.
E5. LOS ANGELES ARBORETUM – PASADENA
Highlights: Common local birds, ducks, spring migrants, Ground Dove, Red-whiskered Bulbul, parrots.
Habitat: Pond, trees, brush, plantings including over 700 species of eucalypts.
Best Season/time: All year. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road, interpretive center, flush toilets, phone, gift shop.
Parking: Free parking lot.
Disabled Access: Paved sidewalks, electric tram with drop-off & pickup.
General Location: 20 miles NE of downtown LA in Arcadia, just off #210 Fwy.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 east 9.5 miles, #110 north 4.3 miles, #5 west 2.1 miles, #2 Fwy north 3.6 miles, #134 Fwy east 4.4 miles, #210 Fwy east 6.25 miles east to Baldwin exit, right (south) ¼ mile to entrance on right.
E6. SANTA ANITA CANYON – CHANTRY FLATS – PASADENA
Highlights: Chaparral, riparian & low mountain birds, Black Swifts by falls at dusk June-July. Canyon Wren.
Habitat: Mixed forest & chaparral, creek, coniferous forest.
Best Season/time: Spring & summer. Morning, dusk.
Monthly Birdwalk: None.
Facilities: Paved road, flush & pit toilets, phone, camping.
Parking: $ ??
Disabled Access: Paved roads and sidewalks. Hard packed dirt trails.
General Location: 25 miles NE of downtown LA, in NE Sierra Madre in the foothills.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 Fwy east 9.5 miles, #110 north 4.3 miles, #5west 2.1 miles, #2 Fwy north 3.6 miles, #134 Fwy east 4.4 miles, #210 Fwy east 7.5 miles to Santa Anita Blvd exit, left (north) about 5 miles to end of road.
E7. MONROVIA CANYON PARK
Highlights: Oak woodland and chaparral birds, Dipper, quail, Roadrunner.
Habitat: Oak & riparian woodlands, chaparral.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, spring. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: None.
Facilities: Paved parking lot, interpretive center, flush toilets, picnic tables
Parking: $2 in lot.
Disabled Access: Paved nature trail and hard packed dirt trails.
General Location: 20 miles NE of downtown LA in foothills above Monrovia.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 Fwy east 27.3 miles (becomes San Bernardino Fwy), #605 Fwy north 5.5 miles, #210 Fwy west 2.5 miles to Myrtle Ave exit, right (north) 1.7 miles to Hillcrest Blvd, right (east) ¼ mile to Canyon Blvd, left (north) uphill 1mile to park entrance.
E8. SANTA FE DAM RECREATION AREA – PASADENA
Highlights: Winter water birds on lake. Migrants in Spring & fall. Canyon Wren, Phainopepla.
Habitat: Large lake, Schabarum Trail north of lake, chaparral area south of lake.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, Spring. Morning and early PM. Can be hot in summer.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road, interpretive center, flush toilets, picnic tables, phone, fishing, weekend snack bar.
Parking: $6.
Disabled Access: Nature trail hard packed dirt, fairly level & even.
General Location: 18 miles ENE of downtown LA in Duarte, SE of intersection #210 & 60 Fwys.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 Fwy east 27.3 miles (continuing onto San Bernardino Fwy), #605 Fwy north 4 miles to Arrow Hwy exit, right (east) 2.2 miles to Azuza Cyn Rd., left (north) into park
E9. BIG DALTON WILDERNESS PARK
Highlights: Riparian and chaparral birds, migrants in season especially along stream, Hutton’s Vireo, Rufous-crowned Sparrow.
Habitat: Lake, reed beds, flood retention basin, woods, brush, chaparral, creek.
Best Season/time: Fall, spring. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved access road & parking lot, picnic tables. Open sunrise to sunset.
Parking: Free in lot
Disabled Access: Only on the road.
General Location: 25 miles NE of downtown LA in the foothills.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 Fwy east 27.3 miles (becomes San Bernardino Fwy), #605 Fwy north 5.5 miles, #210 Foothill Fwy east 5 miles to Grand Ave exit, left (north) 1.8 miles, right on Sierra Madre Ave 2 miles, left on Glendora Mountain Rd ½ mile, right on Big Dalton Cyn Rd into park.
E10. BONELLI REGIONAL PARK – POMONA VALLEY
Highlights: Water birds on reservoir in winter, Clark’s Grebe, Tufted Duck accidental, raptors including Prairie Falcon & White-tailed Kite.
Habitat: Large reservoir, grasslands.
Best Season/time: Late fall through early spring. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: General nature walk 4th Sunday, 8 am.
Facilities: Paved road, flush toilets, picnic tables, phones, snack bar weekends only.
Parking: $2 lot. No street parking available.
Disabled Access: Some paved walkways.
General Location: 27 miles E of downtown LA in San Dimas, NE of intersection #10 & 210 Fwys.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 east 39.5 miles (becomes San Bernardino Fwy) to #210 Fwy, #210 north 1 mile to Via Verde exit, right (east) into park.
E11. RANCHO SANTA ANA BOTANNIC GARDENS
Highlights: Common local birds, migrants in season, vagrants, hummingbirds spring & summer.
Habitat: Riparian, gardens, chaparral.
Best Season/time: All year. All day.
Monthly Birdwalk: Beginning birdwalk 1st Sunday, 8 am, by Pomona Valley Audubon Society.
Facilities: Paved road, gift shop, flush toilets, phone.
Parking: $ ???
Disabled Access: ???
General Location: 33 miles E of downtown LA in NE Claremont.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 east 45.9 miles (becomes San Bernardino Fwy) to Indian Hill Blvd exit, left (north) 1.75 miles to Foothill Blvd, right ¼ mile to College Ave, left ¼ mile to gardens.
E12. WHITTIER NARROWS & LEGG LAKE – POMONA VALLEY AS
Highlights: Riparian and chaparral birds, raptors, migrants in season, water birds, No. Cardinal, Chevron-winged Parakeet in area. Black-crowned Night-heron, White Pelican & ducks on Legg Lake.
Habitat: Lake, ponds, reed beds, woods, brush, fields.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, spring. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: 2nd Sunday 8 am at Whittier Narrows, led by Los Angeles Audubon Society.
Facilities: Paved parking lot, flush toilets, picnic tables. Hard packed dirt trails. Legg Lake fishing.
Parking: Free in lots.
Disabled Access: Hard packed dirt trails. Grass lawns at Legg Lake.
General Location: 10 miles E of downtown LA in South El Monte.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 east 13 miles, #60 Fwy east 9.4 miles to Santa Anita Ave exit, right (south) ¾ mile (passing one entrance to Legg Lake on the right) to Durfee Ave, left (east) ¼ mile to Whittier Narrows park entrance on right. Go west on Durfee for more Legg Lake parking lots.
E13. MURPHY RANCH
Highlights: Common local birds, nesting raptors, migrants in season, warblers in the willows.
Habitat: Mixed planted woodland.
Best Season/time: Winter, spring. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road, no toilets, picnic tables.
Parking: Free lot.
Disabled Access: Fairly level and even hard packed dirt path.
General Location: 18 miles SE of downtown LA in SE Whittier.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 east 13 miles, #60 Fwy east 11.1 miles, #605 south 3.75 miles to Whittier Blvd exit, left (east) 5.2 miles to La Serna, left (north) .6 mile to Youngwood Dr, turn right and keep to right .7 miles to park on left.
E14. SAN GABRIEL RIVER & SETTLING BASIN
Highlights: Wintering birds in the settling basin, Peregrine Falcon along the river.
Habitat: River, mudflats, all encased in concrete.
Best Season/time: Winter. All day.
Monthly Birdwalk: None.
Facilities: Paved road, no toilets or other facilities.
Parking: Free on street.
Disabled Access: Level paved path.
General Location: 16 miles SSE of downtown LA in west Whittier.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 east 13 miles, #60 Fwy east 11.1 miles, #605 Fwy south 4.25 miles to Washington Blvd exit. To settling basin: turn right (west), cross river, turn right at first street and park. To river: From exit turn left (east) ½ mile to Norwalk Blvd, left (north) ¾ mile to Dunlop Crossing Rd, left to end and park, walk through gate to riverside.
E15. WILDERNESS PARK
Highlights: Winter waterfowl including (sometimes) Eurasian Widgeon, migrants in season.
Habitat: Lake, grassy lawns.
Best Season/time: Winter, spring. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road, flush toilets, picnic tables, phone.
Parking: $ ?? weekends in lot.
Disabled Access: Level paved paths, grass lawns.
General Location: 14 miles SE of downtown LA in Downey.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #10 east 13 miles, #5 Fwy southeast 9.7 miles, take transition onto#605 Fwy but exit at Florence Ave rather than continue onto #605, continue past Florence into the park.
Region F – Palos Verdes Penninsula & South Bay
F1. MADRONA MARSH
Highlights: Water birds on pond, migrants in season, grassland birds.
Habitat: Pond, grasslands, brush, trees.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, spring. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: None.
Facilities: Paved parking lot
Parking: Free in lot.
Disabled Access: Level hard packed dirt trails.
General Location: 18 miles S of downtown LA in Torrance.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 Fwy south 15.2 miles to Redondo Beach Blvd exit, left to Prairie Ave, almost immediate right (south) on Prairie (becomes Madrona Ave) 3 miles to Plaza del Amo, left ½ block, park in lot on left.
F2. KEN MALLOY – HARBOR REGIONAL PARK
Highlights: Ducks, gulls, raptors, passerines. Migrants in season, nesting Least Bittern. Often has Tricolored Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Ground Dove.
Habitat: Manmade freshwater lake, grass lawn, fields, riparian area.
Best Season/time: All year , but best migrants in Spring & Fall. Morning and early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: 2nd Sunday 8 am, meet in south parking lot. Led by Palos Verdes Audubon Society.
Facilities: Paved road, flush toilets, picnic tables, phone, fishing, potable water.
Parking: Free.
Disabled Access: Paved sidewalk along lakeside.
General Location: 17 miles S of downtown LA just off #110 Harbor Fwy.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 southeast 19 miles, #110 Fwy south 5.6 miles to Anaheim St. exit, right (west) 1 mile to park entrance on right just before Vermont/Gaffey intersection.
F3. SOUTH COAST BOTANNICAL GARDEN
Highlights: Common local birds, migrants in season, nesting Allen’s Hummingbird.
Habitat: Gardens, trees, brush, water.
Best Season/time: All year. Morning, early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: 1st Sunday and 3rd Wednesday, 8 am.
Facilities: Paved road, flush toilets, picnic tables, gift shop, phone.
Parking: $3 lot, or free on street.
Disabled Access: Fairly level paved paths.
General Location: 20 miles SSE of downtown LA on northern Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Directions: From intersection 10 & 405 Fwys, #405 south 16.5 miles to Crenshaw Blvd exit, right (south) 5.75 miles, park entrance is on left as you go up the hill.
F4. ROYAL PALMS BEACH – WHITE’S POINT
Highlights: Rocky & sandy shore birds, seabirds offshore, raptors along cliff, shearwaters, cormorants, Black Oystercatcher, Surfbird, Wandering Tattler, Black Turnstone, Cactus Wren.
Habitat: Sandy beach, rocky shore, cliffs, fields & cactus.
Best Season/time: All year, all day.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road, flush & pit toilets.
Parking: Free in clifftop lot and street. $2-5 sometimes in Beachside lot, especially summer weekends.
Disabled Access: Paved access road. Paved sidewalk in clifftop park.
General Location: 25 miles S of downtown LA on Palos Verdes Peninsula south side.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 south 19 miles, #110 Fwy south 6.25 miles to end, continue south on Gaffey St. 2.75 miles to end, right (west) on Paseo del Mar 1.75 to clifftop park and entrance to beachside parking lots.
F5. CABRILLO BEACH & POINT FERMIN
Highlights: Rocky & sandy shore birds, seabirds offshore, raptors along cliff, shearwaters, cormorants, Black Oystercatcher, Surfbird, Wandering Tattler, Black Turnstone, Cactus Wren.
Habitat: Sandy beach on sea & harbor, rocky shore, cliffs, jetties and fishing pier.
Best Season/time: All year, all day.
Monthly Birdwalk: None
Facilities: Paved road, flush & pit toilets.
Parking: Free on nearby streets. $2-5 sometimes in Beachside lot, especially summer weekends.
Disabled Access: Paved access road. Paved sidewalk to jetty & pier.
General Location: 25 miles S of downtown LA on Palos Verdes Peninsula south side.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 south 19 miles, #110 Fwy south 6.25 miles to end, continue south on Gaffey St. 2.75 miles to Pt. Fermin clifftop park. Beach and museum entrance & pay parking lot are on 36th St. off of Pacific Ave. (parallels Gaffey to east).
F6. EL DORADO PARK
Highlights: All kinds of birds. Migrants in season. Wintering raptors, sparrows and (often) vagrants.
Habitat: Freshwater pond & lake. Riparian area, fields, grassy lawns among trees.
Best Season/time: Fall, winter, Spring. Morning and early PM.
Monthly Birdwalk: 2nd Sunday 8:30 am, meet in Nature Center parking lot. Led by El Dorado Audubon Society.
Facilities: Paved road, interpretive center, flush toilets, picnic tables, phone, fishing, potable water.
Parking: $5. One admission covers entire park.
Disabled Access: Hard packed level dirt trails in Nature Center. Paved roads, bike paths and grassy lawns in northern section of park.
General Location: 21 miles SE of downtown LA, just off #605 Fwy in NE Long Beach.
Directions: From intersection #10 & 405 Fwys, #405 south 8.8 miles, #105 Fwy east 15.5 miles, #605 south 7.5 miles to Spring St exit, right (west) ¼ mile to park entrances, Nature Center on left and main park on right, accessable from one to another via underpass.
Nature Center: Freshwater pond, riparian area, fields, several miles of trails.
Northern Section: Freshwater lake, grassy lawns, tree groves.
