SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY AUDUBON SOCIETY

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SBVAS BEGINNING BIRD WALKS
8:00-10:00 am, 1st Sunday of the month EXCEPT: Sep, Nov, Jun, and July
For all new and improving birders, please join us the first Sunday of selected months for a leisurely 2-hour walk at one of our favorite local spots. We'll cover anything from the basics of binocular use to ethical birding, with a primary focus on identifying local birds through a combination of shape, field markings, behavior, and habitat. Please visit the SBVAS field trips page for dates and locations.
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FIELD TRIP CALENDAR

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Sunday, August 2, 2026, 8:00-10:00 am
Beginning Bird Walk - Heaps Peak Arboretum
Leader: Ross Thrasher 909-645-2282
Escape the late summer heat with us by trekking up into the San Bernardino National Forest to scenic Heaps Peak Arboretum. While entry is free, there is a parking charge of $5 unless one has an Adventure Pass or other valid pass. Be aware there is a $1 service charge for non-cash purchases. We will meet by the entrance in the parking lot by 8:00 am. See you there! ​
 

Saturday, September 19, 2026, 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, the large marsh, and the newly constructed Celeste de Blasis Memorial Garden. Time permitting, we may also visit nearby Spring Valley Lake and the pond at Victor ValleyCollege. The park opens at 7:30, and we will meet at the old silos, which can be reached by continuing forward after you enter the park(you can’t miss them). There is a $15 per car entry fee into the park unless you already have a regional park pass.
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Sunday, October 4, 2026, 8:00-10:00 am
Beginning Bird Walk - Glen Helen Regional Park
Leader: Ross Thrasher 909-645-2282
Offering a surprising variety of habitats, Glen Helen Regional Park sits at the base of the Cajon Pass with scenic views of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountain ranges. There is a $15/car fee so carpooling is recommended unless you want to wander in on foot for $3/person. We will meet in the Small Lake and Island Parking Lot by 8:00 am.​ After the entrance, turn left at the first stop sign, then right at the next stop sign into the parking lot.
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Saturday, October 10, 2026, 8:00 am
Bearpaw Ranch
Leader: Tony Metcalf 951-347-7710
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 a while. We will meet at Bearpaw Ranch at 8:00 am. To get there, travel east on Hwy 38, stay right at the fork to Forest Falls, then turn right into the driveway immediately after the fork. Follow the dirt road across Mill Creek, through the gate, and into the parking area on the left.
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Saturday, October 24, 2026, 8:00 am
Morongo Valley and Twentynine Palms
Leaders: Dori Myers 714-336-1420 and Tricia Thrasher 951-288-5539
We will spend the morning in Covington Park and Big Morongo Canyon Preserve 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 Twentynine Palms. Bring a lunch, snacks, water and all birding essentials, including a scope if you have one. We will meet at the north parking lot for Covington Park in Morongo Valley at 8:00 am.
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​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
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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.
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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.

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Saturday, January 23, 2027 8:00 am

Tentative: Silverwood Lake Barge Trip

Leader: Brad Singer 909-936-5087

Details TBA

 

Saturday, February 6, 2027, 8:00 am
Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
Leader: Charity Hagen 951-733-3384
The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve in Murrieta is a haven for bird life at the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains. With its multiple habitats of oak and sycamore riparian woodlands, chaparral, rare bunchgrass prairie, and ephemeral vernal pools, it is a great place to see birds of multiple habitats in one location. This trip takes place during the winter months when the diversity of birds is the highest, with resident species joined by wintering birds such as sparrows, raptors, and woodpeckers. The reserve is well-known as a reliable location to see Lewis's Woodpeckers. With any luck, winter rains will fill the vernal pools, which can be full of ducks and shorebirds of many species. The trip will begin at 8:00 am at the Visitor Center, which is 4 miles west of Interstate 15 on Clinton Keith Road in the city of Murrieta. There is a $6 per person fee to access the preserve, payable at the trailhead or visitor center. Plan on a walk up to 2-3 miles on some uneven terrain. Depending on conditions and other factors such as water in the vernal pools, we may drive to other access points on the Reserve, but the trip will begin at the Visitor Center. Bring good walking/hiking shoes, a jacket, and snacks and water. Heavy rain prior to the trip will likely cancel, contact the trip leader at the phone number listed if the weather has been bad for updates on the trip.  
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Sunday, February 7, 2027, 7:00 am
San Jacinto Valley and Lake Perris
Leader: Tony Metcalf 951-347-7710
The San Jacinto Wildlife Area (SJWA) and the San Jacinto Valley have lots of birds all year. SBVAS leads a fall trip, a spring trip, and now a winter trip to this remarkable birding hotspot. In addition to the high number of resident species, overwintering birds and the occasional spectacular occurrence, the diversity and number of birds of prey and gulls peak after the new year. So join us on a fairly intense but unstructured day. We will certainly cover the SJWA and adjacent lands, and we may go to Lake Perris and…well, who knows. We will meet at 7:00 am at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area headquarters parking lot.

 

Sunday, February 7, 2026, 8:00-10:00 am
Beginning Bird Walk - Yucaipa Regional Park
Leader: Tom Benson
Nestled at the base of the Crafton Hills, Yucaipa Regional Park offers a wonderful variety of habitats for birding, including three large lakes, coastal sage scrub, and parkland. There is a $15 per car entry fee unless you already have a regional park pass. We will meet at the parking lot between the middle and lower lakes by 8:00 am.​ After the entrance, follow the road as it curves left past the campground, turn left at the stop sign, then follow the road as it curves right and park in the spaces on your right. Arrive early, as there is often a queue to enter the park.

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Saturday March 6, 2027, 8:00 am
Lake Skinner County Park
Leader: Charity Hagen 951-733-3384
Lake Skinner County Park is an oasis for birds. In the many wild and manicured areas of the park, birders can expect to see a wide range of birds. The park contains oak woodlands, Riversidian sage scrub, riparian areas, exotic trees and shrubs, and a reservoir. This combination of habitats has attracted well over 200 species to the park. The reservoir is an important wintering ground for species such as Common Goldeneye, Common Loon, Bald Eagle, and multiple other duck and grebe species. In the riparian areas and manicured trees of the park, many wintering passerine species can be found, with such notable birds as sapsuckers, thrushes, multiple sparrow species, and the occasional wintering eastern warbler. On this field trip we will scour the many different habitats and multiple shoreline access points to find as many of these birds as possible. In early spring expect to see lingering winter visitors mixed with early arrival breeders such as orioles, along with year-round residents such as Acorn Woodpecker and California Gnatcatcher. Expect to see from 50-70 species during the field trip, with rarities always a possibility. Most areas can be accessed by vehicle, but be prepared to walk up to a mile in search of the best birding locations. Meet at 8:00 am at the Alamos Schoolhouse/Nature Center just inside the entrance to the park. There is a $6 per person fee to access the park.
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Sunday, March 7, 2027, 8:00-10:00 am

Beginning Bird Walk - Prescott Preserve
Leader: Ross Thrasher 909-645-2282
​These 120 acres of former golf course situated in the middle of Palm Springs are undergoing ecological restoration, with newly planted native species having already enticed a reported 190 species of birds. We will be exploring the progress of this restoration while enjoying the plethora of local and migrating birds that utilize this scenic desert habitat. We will park on the street along Farrell Drive near the crosswalk just north of Mesquite Ave and meet by 8:00 am.
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Saturday, March 13, 2027, 8:00 am
Bolsa Chica and Orange County Coast
Leader: Dori Myers 714-336-1420
Please join us for what should be a great day of birding in the wetland areas of Orange County. Expect to see a large variety of wintering birds including ducks, shorebirds, grebes, herons, egrets, terns, cormorants, etc. We ought to find gulls and raptors and some song birds. With any luck we will see 50 or more species just in the morning. After birding Bolsa Chica (until around noon) we will go to Newport Back Bay or the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary to eat our lunch and finish the day. We will meet in the parking lot of Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve on the inland side of Pacific Coast
Highway at 8:00 am. Please bring a lunch if you intend to stay for the day. Also bring binoculars, bird book and a scope if you have one. It can get cold along the coast in winter so dress in layers. ​
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Sunday, April 2, 2027, 8:00-10:00 am
Beginning Bird Walk - Chino Creek Wetlands
Leader: Ross Thrasher 909-645-2282
​A delightfully idyllic microcosm of the native habitats of the Prado Basin, Chino Creek Wetlands preserve provides an imminently accessible immersion into the largest riparian forest in southern California. We will meet by the entrance to the preserve in the Kimball Avenue parking lot by 8:00 am.

 

Saturday, April 17, 2027, 8:00 am & Sunday, April 18, 2027, 7:30 am
Salton Sea Shorebirds and San Jacinto Wildlife Area
Leaders: Tony Metcalf 951-347-7710 & David Rankin 619-869-3952
Hey shore-birders and April migration lovers, join David Rankin and Tony Metcalf for a two-day birding extravaganza at the north end of the Salton Sea (Saturday) and the San Jacinto Wildlife Area (Sunday). We will focus primarily on shorebirds, contrasting mid-April shorebird diversity at the Salton Sea with inland coastal shorebird diversity at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area and Mystic Lake. (Of course, we look at everything from gulls to passerines!!) On Saturday (April 17) we will meet at 8:00 am at the infamous Arco Station in Mecca (66th Ave and Hwy 86), and on Sunday (April 18) meet at the gates of the San Jacinto Wildlife Area headquarters at 7:30 am. You can join us for one or both days. Bring drinks, snacks, lunch etc. And we recommend rubber boots for the barnacle beaches at the NESS and goopy Mystic Lake shoreline. 
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Saturday, April 24, 2027, 7:00 am
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Leader: Matt Grube 909-253-3867
The last week of April is about the best time for observing migrant land birds in Southern California and Big Morongo is one of the best places for it. In addition to migrant warblers, vireos and flycatchers, we expect to see the breeding specialties including Vermilion Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bullock’s Oriole and Hooded Oriole.  Join us for a morning bird walk on the trails and roads of the preserve and surrounding areas. We will meet at the north parking lot for Covington Park at 7:00 am. To get there, take I-10 to Highway 62, go
north ten miles to Morongo Valley, then turn right on Park Avenue to Covington Park.  Weather is typically good this time of year. Bring water, snacks and lunch if you plan to make a day of it. ​
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​Sunday, May 2, 2027, 8:00-10:00 am 
​Beginning Bird Walk - Oak Glen Preserve
Leader: Ross Thrasher 909-645-2282
We're headed up to 5,000 ft above sea level to Yucaipa's second-best-kept secret in search for some of our favorite montane species. Oak Glen Preserve has an impressive variety of habitats accessible within its 909-acre boundary, but our focus will be mountain species and migratory visitors such as the charismatic Black-Headed Grosbeak. The preserve opens at 8:00 am, so we will meet by the gate to the botanic garden by 8:15 am. 
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​​Saturday, May 8, 2026, 8:00 am
Whitewater Canyon Preserve
Leader: Steve Myers 951-616-7578
Portions of Whitewater Canyon have long been more or less closed to public access, but the former trout farm is now the "Whitewater Canyon Preserve," managed by The Wildlands Conservancy. If you visited the trout farm in the past, you will not know the place now. Most of the facilities have been removed, and habitat restoration is under way. Riparian and desert scrub habitats should be teaming with birds on this trip. The canyon hosts nesting Summer Tanagers and Brown-crested Flycatchers, and migrants should be easy to find. In addition to the Preserve, we may visit Bonnie Bell, a small community in the canyon that contains excellent cottonwood and willow forest and woodland, somewhat reminiscent of Big Morongo. Meet at the Whitewater Canyon Preserve at 8:00 am. To reach the Preserve, go east on I-10, past the turn-off for Highway 111, and take the Whitewater exit. Turn left, pass over I-10, and watch for Whitewater Canyon Road on your left. The Preserve is at the end of Whitewater Canyon Road, approximately 5 miles north of I-10. Bring sturdy footwear, water, lunch, and the usual essentials. ​
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Saturday, May 15, 2027, 7:30 am
San Jacinto Mountains
Leader: Robin Roberts 770-856-4826 
The San Jacinto Mountains field trip will meet at the Lake Fulmor parking area on State Route 243 at 7:30am. From there we'll spend the day birding various places in the San Jacinto Mountains, looking for specialties like White-headed Woodpecker, Pinyon Jay, Mountain Quail, Williamson's Sapsucker and Red Crossbill We'll also stop at Lake Hemet to see what waterbirds (and maybe Purple Martins) are around, then end the trip in the Garner Valley. Bring sturdy shoes, a lunch/snacks and water. An Adventure Pass will be needed for some locations, so please purchase one ahead of time. 
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Saturday, May 29, 2027, 7:00 am
San Bernardino Mountains 
Leader: Brad Singer 909-936-5087
The San Bernardino Mountains trip will meet outside the Starbucks located in the Von's shopping center on Big Bear Blvd and Sandalwood Drive at 7:00 am. We will spend the morning at Cactus Flats and Arrastre Creek where expected species include Black-chinned Sparrow, Green-tailed Towhee, Lazuli Bunting, Scott's Oriole, Gray Vireo and Mountain Quail. We will also search for Hepatic Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Calliope Hummingbird, Plumbeous Vireo, and Pinyon Jay. About midday we'll bird around Big Bear Lake in search of any lingering shorebirds, terns, and raptors, and then spend the afternoon up either at Bluff Lake or Wildhorse Meadows in search of Williamson's Sapsucker, Dusky Flycatcher, Cassin's Finch, Townsend's Solitaire, Red Crossbill, and Clark's Nutcracker. Expect a long day, bring plenty of water, lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes. A vehicle with high clearance is recommended but not required.
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Saturday and Sunday, June 5,6, 2027
Eastern Sierra
Leader: Brad Singer 909-936-5087
Prized not only for its natural beauty but also the outstanding bird life it hosts, the Eastern Sierra gives birders the chance to enjoy both waterfowl and montane species on the same trip. The first day we explore the beautiful Owens Valley and neighboring canyons. The second day will center around Mammoth Lakes and surroundings. We will meet in Lone Pine at 7:00 am on Saturday at the Interagency Visitor Center on the corner of Highways 395 and 136. Some of the species we will look for are Sooty Grouse, Greater Sage-Grouse, Clark’s Nutcracker, Red Crossbill, Black-backed Woodpecker, Pine Grosbeak, Cassin’s Finch, Mountain Bluebird, and Sagebrush Sparrow. This is also a good time for spotting vagrants passing through the area. It is recommended that you book a hotel in Bishop for Saturday night and possibly Sunday night (if you do not want to make the long trip back on Sunday). Space is limited; if you plan to go please contact the leader, Brad Singer.
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Saturday, June 12, 2027, 7:00 am
Bearpaw Ranch
Leader: Tom Benson
This is a beautiful spot and very accessible from the Riverside/San Bernardino area. We will start early to beat the heat, hiking slightly uphill about a half-mile to look for birds. We’ll be sure to keep our eyes open for Black Swifts, which (presumably) nest just across the canyon at Monkeyface Falls. As the morning warms up, we’ll look for wildflowers, butterflies, and reptiles. If you’re so inclined, you can bring a camping chair and your lunch and sit and watch the feeders when we’re done. We will meet at Bearpaw Ranch at 7:00 am. To get there, travel east on Hwy 38, stay right at the fork to Forest Falls, then turn right into the driveway immediately after the
fork. Follow the dirt road across Mill Creek, through the gate, and into the parking area on the left. To really enjoy the day, bring binoculars, sturdy shoes, water, and maybe a jacket for the morning, depending on the weather.

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