SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY AUDUBON SOCIETY
About SBVAS
SBVAS strives to bring people to their natural environment. Focusing on birds and other wildlife, we hope to conserve natural resources in the Southern California's "Inland Empire," specifically San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial Counties.
Founded in 1948, San Bernardino Valley Audubon is southeastern California's leading non-profit engaging people in the conservation of birds and their habitats. We involve people through recreational birding, envelop them in our education programs, and engage them in conservation actions from counting birds to working with local, state, and national policy makers. San Bernardino Valley Audubon is a fully independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Contact us at:
eSBVAS@gmail.com
Meetings
Meetings are held at the San Bernardino County Museum once a month on Wednesday nights from September through May. The museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Ln, Redlands, CA 92374.
Scheduled Upcoming Events and Field Trips
Saturday, August 30, 2025
SBVAS Pelagic Trip – Dana Point
7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Leaders: Tom Benson, Curtis Marantz, Robert McNab, Brittany O’Connor, and Brad Singer
SBVAS is sponsoring a 10-hour pelagic trip to the nearshore waters between Dana Point and Catalina Island on Saturday, August 30, 2025. We will be departing from Dana Point aboard the R/V Sea Explorer at 7:00 AM and returning at 5:00 PM. This extended trip should allow us time to reach and spend some time at the north end of Thirty Mile Bank or the Catalina Escarpment after travelling through Orange County waters. We have a reasonable probability of seeing the following sought-after pelagic species on this trip: Black, Leach’s, Least, and Ashy Storm-Petrels, Long-tailed Jaeger, Craveri's Murrelet, Sabine’s Gull, and Arctic Tern. Additionally, it is a good time of year to find rarer species such as Black-footed Albatross, Red-billed Tropicbird, South Polar Skua, Townsend's Storm-Petrel, and any number of boobies. The cost for the trip is $150 per person. To reserve a space on the trip, email me (see below) with your name and phone number, the number of spaces you want to reserve, and the names of those in your party.
The Sea Explorer is a 65-foot research vessel with plenty of standing room, bench seating on both the upper and lower decks, and an interior salon with limited seating. There is no galley on board, so you should bring your own lunch for this 10-hour excursion. Weather at sea is often cool relative to the mainland, and can be unpredictable. It is recommended that you dress in layers including a light rain jacket for potential sea spray (or even rain). A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also essential. Bring your binoculars and cameras, but leave your spotting scopes at home. There are a number of over-the-counter preventative seasickness treatments available; consult with your doctor if you think you will need them. They are most effective when taken before you get on the boat; do not wait until you are sick. If you have any questions regarding the trip, please contact Tom Benson: thomasabenson AT aol.com.
Wednesday, September 17, 7:00 pm
SBVAS General Meeting, San Bernardino County Museum
Birding in Cuba
Presented by Steve Myers
Not so long ago, birders from the United States could not visit Cuba. The island has 29
endemic species including the Bee Hummingbird — the smallest bird in the world! Relatively
recent policy changes have made it possible for birders to finally visit Cuba and see its
awesome avifauna. Bee Hummingbird
Steve and Vesta Myers joined a group of birders led by Kurt Leuschner in early January 2025,
spending 10 days in western Cuba. Steve will share his photos of birds and other wildlife,
as well as the sights and cultural features of this interesting island nation. Steve is a retired
wildlife biologist who specialized in birds for over 40 years. Steve considers Gene Cardiff
to be an important mentor. Steve and Vesta live in Moreno Valley.
Everyone is welcome to join us Wednesday, September 17, at 7 pm. Cuban Tody
Come learn about this wonderful island.
Saturday, September 20, 2025 - 7:30 am
Mojave Narrows Regional Park
Leader: Steve Myers (951) 616-7578
Mojave Narrows Regional Park in Victorville has long been considered one of the biological jewels of the Mojave Desert. The park contains extensive cottonwood-willow forest that is home to species such as Summer Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Yellow Warbler, Blue Grosbeak, Bell’s Vireo, and scores of other species. The park is host to 4-5 pairs of nesting Vermilion Flycatchers. This trip will focus on fall migrants, and in addition to the forest, we will bird the two fishing lakes, open fields, and the large marsh in the park. Time permitting, we may also visit nearby Spring Valley Lake and the pond at Victor Valley College. The park opens at 7:30, and we will meet at the old silos, which can be reached by going straight after you enter the park (you can’t miss them). There is a per car entry fee into the park.
Saturday, October 11, 2025 - 8:00 am
Bearpaw Ranch
Leader: Tony Metcalf (951) 242-7038
This is a beautiful spot and very accessible from the Riverside/San Bernardino area so we expect to see a lot of you there. Birding in the area will be led by Tony Metcalf. To really enjoy the day, bring binoculars, sturdy shoes, water and maybe a jacket for the mountains, depending on the weather, and don't forget a lunch if you are planning to stay for awhile. Again, all are welcome.
Saturday, October 25, 2025 - 8 a.m.
High Desert Field Trip
Leader: Dori Myers (714) 336-1420 and Trish Thrasher (951-288-5539)
Meet at 8 a.m., at Covington Park, on Park Ave., in Morongo Valley. We will spend the morning in the park and surrounding area and then travel stopping on the way at various parks and venues looking for migrants and resident species. We will probably end the day, at sunset, in Twenty-nine Palms. Bring a lunch, snacks, water and all birding essentials including a scope if you have one.
