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.
Meetings
Meetings are held at the San Bernardino County Museum on the third Wednesday from September through May. The museum is located at
2024 Orange Tree Ln, Redlands, CA 92374.
Contact us at:
eSBVAS@gmail.com
Scheduled Upcoming Events and Field Trips
Sunday, November 22, 2026, 7:00 am
Northern San Jacinto Valley
Leader: Tony Metcalf 951-347-7710
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 San Jacinto Wildlife Area headquarters parking lot on Davis Road at 7:00 am. The San Jacinto Wildlife area may be closed so be prepared for alternate sites. 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 at the wildlife area.
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 7:00 am
Salton Sea Goose and Crane Trip
Leaders: Tom Benson and Brittany O’Connor
This trip at times has been called the “waterfowl trip”, the “goose trip”, and a “wonderful field trip.” It is all of those and more. We usually tally over 100 species. We will make an effort to see regional specialties including Snow Goose, Ross’s Goose, Sandhill Crane, Mountain Plover, Stilt Sandpiper, and Burrowing Owl. We will meet at 7:00 am behind the Del Taco in the Mecca Travel Center at 66th Avenue and the 86 Expressway. We will work south from Mecca on Highway 111 to North Shore, Salton Sea State Recreation Area (SRA), Salton Sea NWR visitors' center, Brawley, and our eventual terminus at Unit 1 Salton Sea NWR. Please bring your California State Parks pass or $5 for parking at the SRA.
Sunday, December 6, 2026, 8:00-10:00 am
Beginning Bird Walk - Art Smith Trail
Leader: Ross Thrasher 909-645-2282
Located across the street from the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center at the base of Hwy 74, Art Smith Trail offers an excellent introduction to birding in the deserts and canyons of the Coachella Valley. Bring some sturdy shoes, as we'll be avoiding cactus while we look for the iconic Black-throated Sparrow, the sleek Greater Roadrunner, and the elusive Canyon Wren. Park either at the trailhead or across the street at the visitor center. We will meet by the large stone trailhead marker in the parking lot by 8:00 am.
December 14, 2026 – January 5, 2027
Audubon Christmas Bird Count
See CBCs
Sunday, January 3, 2027, 8:00-10:00 am
Beginning Bird Walk - Rancho Jurupa Park
Leader: Ross Thrasher 909-645-2282
Winter at Rancho Jurupa Park is a wonderful time to learn about ducks and winter residents in the Riverside area. Join our leader on a short walk around the park's verdant grounds and lakes. Meet at the picnic lakes parking lot by 8:00 am. As you enter the park, veer right and pass the first lot on the right and take the next right; as you circle around the main lake keeping it on your left, you'll arrive at the picnic lakes parking lot. There is a $6 fee for entry to the park.
Saturday, January 9, 2027, 8:00 am
Malibu Lagoon to Point Mugu
Leader: Dori Myers 714-336-1420
Malibu is always a special place to visit. Meet at the entrance to the Malibu Pier at 8:00 am, after breakfast. Try to park along the highway on the beach side up a little and across from the Jack in the Box. We will bird the pier and lagoon area in the morning and have lunch on the beach and then we will drive up the coast making several stops along the way. Be prepared for cool to cold conditions on the pier and hope that it warms during the day. We should stay to see the sunset so dress in layers, bring water and lots of snacks and a lunch. A spotting scope would be useful.