This trip will visit Zzyzx, Baker, Horse Thief Springs, Beck Spring, Crystal Spring, China Ranch, and perhaps the Ivanpah Valley, Nipton, and Kelso. Meet at 7:00 am at the Desert Studies Center at Zzyzx (map). Follow the I-15 freeway north and east from Cajon Pass to the Zzyzx Road exit. Turn right, and follow the road to its end at the Desert Studies Center. From the intersection of I-215 and I-15 at Devore, it is 114 miles to Zzyzx Road, so allow about 2 hours from there (depending on how fast you drive). Be sure to bring plenty of food and water on this trip. This weekend should be at the peak of fall migration, and there is potential for all sorts of interesting migrants.
Saturday, October 15, 2011 - 8:00 am
Bearpaw Ranch
Gene Cardiff (909) 875-5358 and 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 (map). Birding in the area will be led by Gene Cardiff and 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. Please call Gene at home if you have any questions.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 - 7:30 pm
SBVAS General Meeting - San Bernardino County Museum (map)
But It Doesn't Look Like the One in the Book! by Kimball Garrett
This illustrated talk explores the reasons behind a constant frustration many birders experience: the birds we see in the field often don't match what the field guides show. Reasons for this may be due to the bird, the book, the birder, or some combination of the three. We'll discuss better approaches to bird identification than simply trying to match up the bird you see to the picture in a book.
Kimball Garrett has been the Ornithology Collections manager at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County since 1982 and is a board member and past President of Western Field Ornithologists. With Jon Dunn he co-authored Birds of Southern California: Status and Distribution, A Field Guide to Warblers of North America, and Birds of the Los Angeles Region. Please join us for what promises to be an interesting and amusing evening with a terrific speaker. Come early to visit with friends. Doors open at 7:00 pm and the meeting starts at 7:30 pm. Everyone is always welcome.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011 - 7:00 pm
SBVAS Board Meeting - San Bernardino County Museum (map)
Sunday, November 6, 2011 - 8:00-10:00 am
Beginning Bird Walk at San Jacinto Wildlife Area (map)
Gene Cardiff (909) 875-5358, Kirk & Linda Stitt (909) 886-5513
Visiting the wildlife area allows great opportunities to view waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors. For those of you who are just beginning the wonderful pastime of bird watching, please join us for a fun, slow-paced morning of birding in one of our local wildlife habitats. 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 bird species. You may be surprised at what wonderful birds can be seen! Wear comfortable walking shoes, hats and sunscreen and bring water and binoculars. The walk is free and no reservations are needed. Everyone is welcome.
We will meet at the main parking lot at the wildlife headquarters. From Riverside go south on I-215 then east on Ramona Expressway. Turn north (left) on Davis Road which soon becomes dirt. The entrance to the wildlife area is approximately three miles down Davis Road on the right. Turn here and the parking area will be on your left. You can no longer enter the wildlife area from the north. Please contact Gene Cardiff or Kirk & Linda Stitt for further information. Rain or other conditions may cause last minute changes. You may call ahead to confirm location and time.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 - 7:30 pm
SBVAS General Meeting - San Bernardino County Museum (map)
The Birds of San Bernardino County by Tom Benson
Join us as we take a trip across San Bernardino County from Prado Basin through the coastal slope, up and over the San Bernardino Mountains, and then across the Mojave Desert to the Colorado River. Along the way we will sample some of the 434 species of birds that have been recorded in San Bernardino County, exploring the different habitats in which they occur, their seasonal distribution, and how these have changed over the years.
Tom got his start in bird watching by taking a vertebrate natural history course during his senior year at UC Riverside in 1998, and has been obsessed with birding ever since. He currently has 354 species on his San Bernardino County list, and completed a county Big Year in 2010 tallying 312 species, tied for the fourth highest total in the county. In addition to his birding accomplishments he is known as an all-around good guy, and is the basis for the Dos Equis most interesting man in the world commercials (though for some reason the marketing department thought that an older, darker, accented actor would be better for television--go figure). Please come enjoy this program. Our doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is always welcome.
Sunday, November 20, 2011 - 7:00 am
Northern San Jacinto Valley
Tony Metcalf (951) 242-7038 and Dave Goodward (909) 783-2417
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 - Mystic Lake is full. 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 (map). 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 91, 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.
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Saturday, December 3, 2011 - 8:00 am
Daggett & Newberry Springs
Gene Cardiff (909) 875-5358
We will look for wintering birds at Newberry Springs and Daggett areas in the alfalfa fields and ponds, especially birds of prey. If we have the time we may head over to Harper Dry Lake and see what we can find there. We will meet at the Denny's on Lenwood Road in Barstow (map) at 7:00 am (before breakfast) or 8:00 am (after breakfast). To get there, take I-15 north to Barstow and turn right at the Lenwood Road offramp. Denny's will be on the right hand side. Bring a lunch, water, snacks and warm clothes, because summer may be over by then. After lunch we will caravan and do some more looking for hawks and other birds. For more information on weather etc., call Gene at the number above.
Sunday, December 4, 2011 - 8:00-10:00 am
Beginning Bird Walk at Fairmount Park - Riverside (map)
Tom Benson (909) 648-0899
For those of you who are just beginning the wonderful pastime of bird watching, please join us for a fun, slow-paced morning of birding in one of our local wildlife habitats. 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 bird species. You may be surprised at what wonderful birds can be seen! Wear comfortable walking shoes, hats and sunscreen and bring binoculars and water. The walk is free and no reservations are needed. Everyone is welcome.
To reach Fairmount Park from downtown Riverside take Market Street north to the signal at Fairmount Park and turn left, then turn immediately to the left towards the tennis courts then right into the parking lot. Follow the lot all the way to the end and park near the bandstand. Please contact Tom Benson for further information. Rain or other conditions may cause last minute changes. You may call ahead to confirm location and time.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - 7:00 pm
SBVAS Board Meeting - San Bernardino County Museum (map)
DATE CHANGED!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - 6:30 pm
SBVAS General Meeting - San Bernardino County Museum (map)
Come & Celebrate the Holidays
Our traditional potluck dinner will be held at the San Bernardino County Museum, on Wednesday, December 14, at 6:30 p.m. Turkey, ham and beverages will be provided. Please bring your own table service & your favorite dish to share: a salad, vegetable, casserole, side dish, or dessert. Come early to visit with friends and to do a little last minute holiday shopping at our bookstore. Our program will be provided by our members who should bring 10-15 nature pictures to show and share. We'll also be having a silent auction to share the book collections of our members. If you have a nature-related book or two you would like to donate, please bring them to the potluck. Or, perhaps you'd like to bid on the treasured bird book brought by another member. Either way, plan on an enjoyable evening.
December 14, 2011 - January 5, 2012
112th Annual Christmas Bird Count
Sunday, January 1, 2012 - 8:00-10:00 am
Beginning Bird Walk at San Jacinto Wildlife Area (map)
Doug Karalun (909) 425-5355
Visiting the wildlife area in winter allows great opportunities to view waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors. For those of you who are just beginning the wonderful pastime of bird watching, please join us for a fun, slow-paced morning of birding in one of our local wildlife habitats. 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 bird species. You may be surprised at what wonderful birds can be seen! Wear comfortable walking shoes, hats and sunscreen and bring water and binoculars. The walk is free and no reservations are needed. Everyone is welcome.
We will meet at the main parking lot at the wildlife headquarters. From Riverside go south on I-215 then east on Ramona Expressway. Turn north (left) on Davis Road which soon becomes dirt. The entrance to the wildlife area is approximately 3 miles down Davis Road on the right. Turn here and the parking area will be on your left. You can no longer enter the wildlife area from the north. Please contact Doug Karalun for further information. Rain or other conditions may cause last minute changes. You may call ahead to confirm location and time.
Saturday, January 7, 2012 - 7:00 am
Salton Sea Goose & Crane Trip
Chet McGaugh (951) 781-3699 & John Green (951) 686-2956
This trip at times has been called the "waterfowl trip," the "goose trip," and "a wonderful field trip." It is all of that, and more. Perhaps a glimpse at some of the species seen on previous trips will help stoke the fires of desire: American White Pelican (hundreds), American Bittern, White-faced Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Snow Goose (thousands), Ross's Goose (hundreds), Greater White-fronted Goose, Bald Eagle, four falcon species, Sandhill Cranes, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Burrowing Owl, Mountain Bluebird, and American Redstart. We usually tally over 100 species, and don't have to count individuals (for an opportunity to count every single bird on and around the sea, join us at the Salton Sea North Christmas Bird Count).
We will meet at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area at 7:00 am (map). Exit Highway 111 at Davis Road and look for us in the parking lot there. We will bird around the south end of the sea; also the surrounding agricultural lands looking for raptors, Mountain Plovers, and the always entertaining Sandhill Cranes.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 - 7:00 pm DATE CHANGED!
SBVAS Board Meeting - San Bernardino County Museum (map)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 - 7:30 pm
SBVAS General Meeting - San Bernardino County Museum (map)
Papua New Guinea: Birds and People by Chuck and Lillian Almdale
Papua New Guinea is a land of huge diversity, in terrain, birds and people. Almost half of its 750 avian species are endemic. Of its indigenous languages, half have fewer than 1,000 speakers. In 2008, the Almdales visited six locales in three weeks. Their presentation features many endemic birds especially the birds-of-paradise as well as the fascinating people of New Guinea, including the Huli Wigmen of the central highlands and Karawiri River in the east Sepik lowlands. Come and remind yourself why you really want to get there.
Chuck and Lillian Almdale have been active in the Audubon Society for over 25 years. When not birding internationally, they lead local field trips, maintain records of Malibu Lagoon birds, census Snowy Plovers, comment on local and national bird blogs and chatlines, and have been on the board of Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society for over 20 years. They are retired accountants.
Saturday-Sunday, January 28-29, 2012
Weekend along the Central Coast
Brad Singer (909) 838-7951 & Howard King (951) 203-8711
Join us for two days of exploration along the Central Coast of California in search of gulls, shorebirds, pelagics, passerines, raptors, and owls. Saturday will be spent in San Luis Obispo County birding along the seashore and a few places inland. Saturday night we'll search for owls in the Santa Ynez Valley. Sunday will be spent in Santa Barbara County birding both the coastline and inland. A few expected species are Yellow-billed Magpie, Hutton's Vireo, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Snowy Plover, and Mew Gull. Some of the time will be spent chasing wintering vagrants. Last year's trip produced nearly 140 species, including five species of owls.
We will meet at 7:45 am at the parking lot of Oso Flaco State Park (no fee; map) on Saturday morning. The park is located about 10 miles west of Santa Maria. To get there, drive west on Hwy 166 from Santa Maria to Guadalupe Road (Highway 1); go north a few miles to Oso Flaco Lake Road, turn left and follow this to its end. I recommend staying in Santa Maria Friday night and Solvang on Saturday night. For more info, call Brad at the number above.
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Wednesday, February 1, 2012 - 7:00 pm
SBVAS Board Meeting - San Bernardino County Museum (map)
Sunday, February 5, 2012 - 8:00-10:00 am
Beginning Bird Walk at Cal State San Bernardino (map)
Tom Benson (909) 648-0899
For those of you who are just beginning the wonderful pastime of bird watching, please join us for a fun, slow-paced morning of birding in one of our local wildlife habitats. 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 bird species. You may be surprised at what wonderful birds can be seen! Wear comfortable walking shoes, hats and sunscreen and bring binoculars and water. The walk is free and no reservations are needed. Everyone is welcome.
We will meet at the northeast corner of parking lot G near the Student Recreation and Fitness Center (map). If you do not have a Cal State San Bernardino parking permit you must purchase a daily parking permit ($5) from the kiosk attendant on Coyote Drive or from the automated permit dispensers. Please contact Tom Benson for further information. Rain or other conditions may cause last minute changes.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - 7:30 pm
SBVAS General Meeting - San Bernardino County Museum (map)
How Birds Get Their Names by Kurt Leuschner
Today birds tend to be named after some anatomical feature, e.g., Yellow-rumped Warbler. But this wasn't always the case. In the 1800's it was common to name a bird after a special person. Have you ever wondered who Costa (hummingbird) or Lawrence (goldfinch) or Scott (oriole) is? In this colorful presentation the origin of many of our local birds' names will be revealed. You might be surprised to hear that a number of the namesakes never even saw their own bird. One such person was a flashy-dressing neat freak who had the nickname "old fuss and feathers"...you'll have to come to the presentation to find out who! Lots of other interesting stories and neat tidbits of ornithological history will be shared.
Kurt Leuschner is a Professor of Natural Resources at College of the Desert where he teaches courses on Conservation, Entomology, Field Ornithology, Native Plants, and GPS Navigation. He has a Bachelor's degree in Zoology from U.C. Santa Barbara and a Master's in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Florida. Kurt is very active locally - volunteering for the Mt. San Jacinto State Park, the Living Desert, the BLM, the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association, and the National Audubon Society. He is the founder of the Desert Cities Bird Club and serves as President of the Natural Science Collaborative. His most recent publication is the Palms to Pines Birding and Nature Trail map and brochure. Kurt also teaches weekend courses and workshops on birdwatching, insects, GPS, and backyard habitats for UCR Extension, the Desert Institute, the Desert Studies Center, and the Living Desert.
Sunday, March 4, 2012 - 8:00-10:00 am
Beginning Bird Walk at San Jacinto Wildlife Area (map)
Doug Karalun (909) 425-5355
Visiting the wildlife area in winter allows great opportunities to view waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors. For those of you who are just beginning the wonderful pastime of bird watching, please join us for a fun, slow-paced morning of birding in one of our local wildlife habitats. 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 bird species. You may be surprised at what wonderful birds can be seen! Wear comfortable walking shoes, hats and sunscreen and bring water and binoculars. The walk is free and no reservations are needed. Everyone is welcome.
We will meet at the main parking lot at the wildlife headquarters. From Riverside go south on I-215 then east on Ramona Expressway. Turn north (left) on Davis Road which soon becomes dirt. The entrance to the wildlife area is approximately 3 miles down Davis Road on the right. Turn here and the parking area will be on your left. You can no longer enter the wildlife area from the north. Please contact Doug Karalun for further information. Rain or other conditions may cause last minute changes. You may call ahead to confirm location and time.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - 7:00 pm
SBVAS Board Meeting - San Bernardino County Museum (map)
Saturday, March 17, 2012 - 8:00 am
Bolsa Chica & Orange County Coast
Dori Myers (714) 779-2201 (h) or (714) 336-1420 (m)
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 at the PCH parking lot of Bolsa Chica at 8:00 am (map). To reach Bolsa Chica, take the 91 freeway south to the 55 (Newport freeway). Continue on the 55 to the 405 and go north towards Long Beach. Exit at Beach Blvd. (south) and continue to Pacific Coast Highway. Turn right and head north on PCH, past Huntington Beach. We will meet in the parking lot of the Ecological Preserve (Bolsa Chica) on the inland side of Pacific Coast Hwy at the signal between Seagate and Warner. 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.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 - 7:30 pm
SBVAS General Meeting - San Bernardino County Museum (map)
TBA
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Sunday, April 1, 2012 - 8:00-10:00 am
Beginning Bird Walk at Rancho Jurupa Park (map)
Doug Karalun (909) 425-5355
NORTH H.S. STUDENT CREDIT POLICY
For those of you who are just beginning the wonderful pastime of bird watching, please join us for a fun, slow-paced morning of birding in one of our local wildlife habitats. 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 bird species. You may be surprised at what wonderful birds can be seen! Wear comfortable walking shoes, hats and sunscreen and bring binoculars and water. The walk is free and no reservations are needed. Everyone is welcome.
The park is located at 4800 Crestmore Road in Riverside. Please see (map) for directions. Please contact Cathy Tobin for further information. Rain or other conditions may cause last minute changes. You may call ahead to confirm location and time.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 7:00 pm
SBVAS Board Meeting - San Bernardino County Museum (map)
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - 7:30 pm
SBVAS General Meeting - San Bernardino County Museum (map)
TBA
Saturday, April 21, 2012 CANCELLED
Shorebird Migration at the Salton Sea
Sunday, April 29, 2012 - 7:30 am
Prado Regional Park
Howard King
NORTH H.S. STUDENT CREDIT POLICY
We will be looking for some of the breeding birds of the Prado Basin. Our target birds include Least Bittern, Grasshopper Sparrow and Vermilion Flycatcher. Along Chino Creek we should find Bell's Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat and other riparian species. We'll be doing some walking, mostly flat. There is a $10 entrance fee to Prado Regional Park
Meet in Parking Lot 1 at 7:30 am (map). To get to Prado Regional Park, take the 91 Freeway west from Riverside to the 71 Freeway north for three miles. Take the Butterfield Ranch Road/Euclid Avenue exit, turning right onto Euclid Avenue, and proceed just over one mile to the entrance to Prado Regional Park on the right hand side of the road. Parking Lot 1 is the first parking lot on the right past the entrance kiosk.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - 7:00 pm
SBVAS Board Meeting - San Bernardino County Museum (map)
Saturday, May 5, 2012 - 7:00 am
Big Morongo
Chet McGaugh (951) 781-3699
NORTH H.S. STUDENT CREDIT POLICY
The first week in May 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 specialities including Vermilion Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Bullock’s Oriole and Hooded Oriole.
Join us for a morning birdwalk on the trails and roads of the preserve and surrounding areas. We will meet at the preserve parking lot at 7:00 am (map). 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. Turn left at Covington Park, then do a quick right-left-right into the preserve. Weather is typically good this time of year. Bring water, snacks and lunch if you plan to make a day of it. Some of us will probably stay out all day. Who knows where the afternoon will lead us?
Sunday, May 6, 2012 - 8:00-10:00 am
Beginning Bird Walk at Fairmount Park (map)
Doug Karalun (909) 425-5355
NORTH H.S. STUDENT CREDIT POLICY
For those of you who are just beginning the wonderful pastime of bird watching, please join us for a fun, slow-paced morning of birding in one of our local wildlife habitats. 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 bird species. You may be surprised at what wonderful birds can be seen! Wear comfortable walking shoes, hats and sunscreen and bring water and binoculars. The walk is free and no reservations are needed. Everyone is welcome.
To reach Fairmount Park from downtown Riverside take Market Street north to the signal at Fairmount Park and turn left, then turn immediately to the left towards the tennis courts then right into the parking lot. Follow the lot all the way to the end and park near the bandstand. Please contact Doug Karalun for further information. Rain or other conditions may cause last minute changes. You may call ahead to confirm location and time.
Sunday, May 6, 2012 - 8:00 am
Box Springs Mountain
John Green (951) 686-2956
NORTH H.S. STUDENT CREDIT POLICY
Our main target birds here will be Black-chinned, Rufous-crowned, and Bell's Sage Sparrows, which should be present and singing. We'll look for them and more while going on a figure eight loop hike through the fragmented chaparral and sage scrub and past several springs. A few of the other resident and/or breeding birds to be expected on the trip include Greater Roadrunner, Black-chinned and Costa's Hummingbirds, Nuttall's Woodpeckers, Wrentit, Rock and Canyon Wrens, California Thrasher, and Bullock's and Hooded Orioles. We will, of course, also be hoping for a nice crop of migrants including flycatchers, vireos, warblers, buntings, grosbeaks, and ??? Over 170 species of birds have been recorded in the Box Springs, but 40 species is a more realistic goal for this trip. We should also see some wildflowers and shrubs in bloom, and a variety of butterflies, reptiles, mammals, etc. as well. THIS INCLUDES RATTLESNAKES, which have been encountered on the trip in recent years. Other concerns include ticks, poison oak, and stinging nettle. None of these are abundant, and can be avoided with reasonable care. The walk is all on official trails, but some are narrow. The full hike is about 3.5 miles, with a couple of climbs, and a maximum elevation gain of about 650 feet. Those not wanting the full walk can break back to the parking lot at the end of the first loop of the figure eight (that first loop is about 1.25 miles and 450 foot elevation gain). Expect to arrive back at the parking lot by lunchtime.
We will meet at 8:00 am at the upper parking lot of Box Springs Mountain Reserve (map). From Highway 60 in Moreno Valley take the Pigeon Pass Road / Frederick Street exit. Take Pigeon Pass north and continue for about 4.2 miles. When Pigeon Pass makes a sharp turn to the right, you will continue straight on Box Springs Mountain Road for about 1.3 miles to the parking area. There is a $2 per person parking fee box. We will do a lot of walking, so wear appropriate shoes and dress comfortably in layers. Some trails may be overgrown, long pants are advised. Carry water and snacks. There are picnic tables at the parking area, so bring a lunch if you'd like to eat after the hike. See you there!
Saturday, May 12, 2011 - 8:00 am
Whitewater Canyon
Steve Myers (951) 634-9767
NORTH H.S. STUDENT CREDIT POLICY
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. There are still a few ponds with trout, but riparian and desert scrub habitat 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 will 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 (map). 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.