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
SBVAS general meetings are held at San Bernardino County Museum at 2024 Orange Tree Lane in Redlands.
Everybody is welcome.
Upcoming Events and Field Trips
Wednesday, September 20, 7 p.m.
General Meeting, San Bernardino County Museum
Hummingbirds
Presenter: David Rankin, Biologist
San Bernardino Valley Audubon Meets Again
David is a Specialist at UC Riverside, studying both insects and hummingbirds. He is a licensed hummingbird bander, and has worked on a variety of projects studying their diet, mating displays and song learning activities. In his talk he will share some of his findings from these projects, including the high number of insects in their diet, rates of hybridization and amazing displays. Please come out to hear from David. This should be a terrific talk and a great way to start your Audubon year.
Sunday, September 24, 2023 - 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.
Sunday, October 1, 2023- 8:00-10:00 am
Beginning Bird Walk at Glen Helen
Leader: Dave Goodward, davegoodward@earthlink.net
Our goal will be to teach you enough basic birding techniques and identification skills so that you will feel comfortable birding on your own or joining our longer birding trips throughout the year. We will introduce you to some of our local species. The walk is free, but there is an entry fee for the park; see below. No reservations are needed. Everyone is welcome.
We will meet at the Ash Cove parking lot at the north end of the park. If you do not have a San Bernardino County Regional Parks pass, you will have to pay the $10 daily entry fee for the park. Please contact Dave Goodward for further information. Rain or other conditions may cause last minute changes.
Saturday, October 7, 2023 - 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 14, 2023 - 8 a.m.
High Desert Field Trip
Leader: Dori Myers (714) 336-1420 and Gene Cardiff
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.
Sunday, November 19, 2023 - 7:00 am
Northern San Jacinto Valley
Leader: Tony Metcalf (951) 242-7038
Ah, cooler weather. Wintering birds of prey and waterfowl, coastal sage scrub and wetlands, all close by. Please join us for our fall field trip to the northern San Jacinto Valley. We have two goals for this trip. First is to have fun. Second, is to see 100 species. We always accomplish the first goal and have come very close to the second. Maybe this is the year. The northern San Jacinto Valley is known for its high species diversity. We have ranked highest in number of bird species seen for inland areas in North America for Audubon's Christmas Bird Counts, and are usually in the top 1-2% for all counts. At the heart of the region is the public San Jacinto Wildlife Area.We will meet at the parking lot at the gates of the San Jacinto Wildlife Area. From Riverside go south on 215 then east on Ramona, then north on Davis road three miles to parking lot. From Hemet, go west on Ramona to Davis road. From Redlands, go east on 10, then south on 215, then east on 60 or go south on Redlands Blvd, east on 60, East on Gilman springs, south on Bridge Street, west on Ramona and north on Davis road. As Davis is a dirt road, it is not recommended if there have been recent rains. The dirt roads are too dangerous for normal travel when wet. You can call or e-mail Tony Metcalf or the San Jacinto Wildlife Area headquarters (951-654-0580) for updated road info to the Wildlife Area.