Events

799 American Way, Los Angeles, CA 90042- Difficulty: Easy

New for 2024!  Visit the Moore Lab for a behind-the-scenes first hand tour of their extensive (>60,000) bird skin collection and see their famous murals.  Meet at Memorial Park by 09:15 AM.  Anticipate a one-hour tour followed by lunch at a nearby hot spot with the opportunity to bird there.  Bring lunch, binoculars, walking shoes and water. Limited to 25 participants.  Free with a donation to the lab suggested.  Mileage:  64 miles roundtrip.  Contact trip leader Scott Marnoy gopherus2@gmail.com to reserve a spot.

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park.  San Dimas, CA 91773 – Difficulty: Moderate

Enjoy one of the richest birding sites in Southern California on our fourth Sunday of the month Bonelli Bird Walk.  We meet in the parking lot of Brackett Field (airport) at 1615 McKinley Ave., La Verne, CA 91773 (better known as the Norm’s Hanger Coffee Shop parking lot.) To reach the parking lot, take McKinley Ave. west from Fairplex Drive to the parking area at the end of the road on the right. Meet at 7:45 AM to caravan into the park for free entrance and an 8:00 AM walk. 2-3 hours. Don’t forget your binoculars and comfortable shoes. RSVP Walk Leader: Ken Burgdorff gwrencaps@gmail.com

 

   

4550 Oak Grove Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103 Difficulty-Easy to Moderate (walking up to 3 mi.)

This 1300 acre park in the Arroyo Seco of Pasadena extends north from the Devil’s Gate Dam and boasts an extensive Coast Live Oak forest and riparian area, conducive to a nice variety of migrant and resident birds.   Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Memorial Park in Claremont. Bring snacks, water, and lunch for a half-day trip. Contact Trip Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 456-4994 or DanRCRenee@verizon.net

 

1500 N. College Ave. Claremont, CA 91711
Meet at the entrance at 8:00 AM for free admission. This family-friendly bird walk is approximately 2 hours long and is perfect for beginners and experienced birders alike. No binoculars? No worries! Loaner binoculars are available (limited number so first come first served.) You will receive instructions on their use as well. PVAS volunteer Ken Burgdorff (gwrencaps@gmail.com and others will lead the walks. Please RSVP using this link to the Botanic Garden’s reservation site:  http://11213.blackbaudhosting.com/11213/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=2360041f-feac-4084-a74d-83306183e8c9

4890 Etiwanda Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 Difficulty: Strenuous (rocky, uneven terrain, 3.5 miles 800+ ft elevation gain) New: A shorter moderate option to survey the gentler south border will be available.

Twice a year we gather bird population data for the County of San Bernardino by doing what we love – birding! Join us for all or part of the day. Specialties include Bell’s Sparrow, Loggerhead Shrike, and other open country species.  We will be taking our usual counterclockwise route on the main trail making us easy to find, so feel free to join us at any time. Meet at Beryl Park at the West Parking Lot, 6501 Carnelian St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 for a 7 AM departure to the preserve. This is a hike and not a walk, please bring sturdy footwear, a portable lunch, water, snacks, and layered clothing for about 6-7 hours in the field. (Est. driving 30 miles.) Please RSVP with Trip Leader: Mike Brossart: mjbrossart@gmail.com

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park.  San Dimas, CA 91773 – Difficulty: Moderate

Enjoy one of the richest birding sites in Southern California on our fourth Sunday of the month Bonelli Bird Walk.  We meet in the parking lot of Brackett Field (airport) at 1615 McKinley Ave., La Verne, CA 91773 (better known as the Norm’s Hanger Coffee Shop parking lot.) To reach the parking lot, take McKinley Ave. west from Fairplex Drive to the parking area at the end of the road on the right. Meet at 7:45 AM to caravan into the park for free entrance and an 8:00 AM walk. 2-3 hours. Don’t forget your binoculars and comfortable shoes. RSVP Walk Leader: Keith Condon catbird117@yahoo.com

         

14980 River RD. Corona,CA. , Orange County Water District David McMichael, Orange County Water District biologist, will once again conduct a private tour for PVAS. Shallow ponds provide ideal habitat for wading shore birds, waterfowl, raptors, and a large population of endangered Least Bell’s Vireo. Walk from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Meet at Prado Wetlands. Trip limited to 12 people. Contact trip leader to reserve your spot and to discuss the need for carpooling. Leader: Tina Stoner: 909-292-3900. tinastoner@earthlink.net 

 

(11055 East Dr, Morongo Valley, CA 92256 – Difficulty: Moderate (up to 4 mi. but optional feeder watching only.) A famous desert oasis at the height of western migration with lots of local nesting activity too. Great photo ops during our lunch stop at the bird feeders. Meet at 6:00 a.m. at Memorial Park in Claremont (Note earlier start time!) We’ll also visit Covington Park next door. Bring snacks, water and lunch for a full day trip. (Est. driving 167 mi.)

Trip Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 456-4994 or DanRCRenee@verizon.net

1500 N. College Ave. Claremont, CA 91711
Meet at the entrance at 8:00 AM for free admission. This family-friendly bird walk is approximately 2 hours long and is perfect for beginners and experienced birders alike. No binoculars? No worries! Loaner binoculars are available (limited number so first come first served.) You will receive instructions on their use as well. PVAS volunteer Ken Burgdorff (gwrencaps@gmail.com and others will lead the walks. Please RSVP using this link to the Botanic Garden’s reservation site: http://11213.blackbaudhosting.com/11213/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=a9311530-1fdf-4995-9714-5483f3bef4a3

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park.  San Dimas, CA 91773 – Difficulty: Moderate

Enjoy one of the richest birding sites in Southern California on our fourth Sunday of the month Bonelli Bird Walk.  We meet in the parking lot of Brackett Field (airport) at 1615 McKinley Ave., La Verne, CA 91773 (better known as the Norm’s Hanger Coffee Shop parking lot.) To reach the parking lot, take McKinley Ave. west from Fairplex Drive to the parking area at the end of the road on the right. Meet at 7:45 AM to caravan into the park for free entrance and an 8:00 AM walk. 2-3 hours. Don’t forget your binoculars and comfortable shoes. RSVP Walk Leader: Brian Elliott: brianelli@aol.com

1500 N. College Ave. Claremont, CA 91711
Meet at the entrance at 8:00 AM for free admission. This family-friendly bird walk is approximately 2 hours long and is perfect for beginners and experienced birders alike. No binoculars? No worries! Loaner binoculars are available (limited number so first come first served.) You will receive instructions on their use as well. PVAS volunteer Ken Burgdorff (gwrencaps@gmail.com and others will lead the walks. Please RSVP using this link to the Botanic Garden’s reservation site: http://11213.blackbaudhosting.com/11213/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=7a35c216-bd70-40f9-a1d3-b514302e11c6

(multiple locations – Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (up to 4 mi.) Beat the summer heat and head up to the mountains with us. Enjoy birding the Big Bear Lake area and Bluff Lake during the breeding season of montane species. Meet at 6:00 a.m. (Note earlier start time!) at Memorial Park in Claremont. Bring snacks, water and lunch for a full day of birding. (Est. driving 150 mi.)

Trip Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 456-4994 or DanRCRenee@verizon.net

Remember this tip – If the trip name is “Big” (Big Morongo and Big Bear) we start at 6:00 a.m.

 

4031 N Mills Ave #1406, Claremont, CA 91711-Difficulty: Strenuous (Fire Road, 0.91 miles, 243 ft gain)

Search for Black Swifts in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Preserve with leader Tom Miko.  The Wilderness Park is unique as a reliable spot to see Black Swifts as they return to their mountain roosts, deep in the San Gabriel Mountains.  Plan on a one-mile walk with appropriate foot wear, ample water for afternoon heat and insect repellent. The trail ascends through a canyon shaded by ancient Coast Live Oaks, reaching the overlook where a bench is conveniently located.  Black Swifts may be seen with cliff swallows as they pass above the overlook.  In addition, the usual suite of chaparral birds and other creatures are expected.  Meet at the gate on Mills Ave at 5:00 PM.  Parking is free with a Claremont City Pass in the South lot and metered $7.00, no cash, credit card only for those without a pass.  RSVP to trip leader Tom Miko tgmiko@gmail.com.

News

Michael Klein, long standing PVAS member, winner of the 2012 Flock Leader Award, pioneer web creator and master, and skilled birder, passed away on March 3.  Those of us who worked closely with him will miss his willingness to tackle new challenges, his dedication and generosity, and his sense of humor.

(see below for baby birds)

Kandie Cansler, is a licensed bird rehabilitator in Oak Glen and affiliated with Bear Paw Ranch (also in Oak Glen), who specializes in orphaned and injured raptors. Her home phone number is 909-790-1010 and her cell phone number is 909-289-0166.
Leslie Triplett, Pond Digger Ranch Wildlife Rehab 909-800-7676 9012 Oak Glen Road, Cherry Valley specializes in passrines

Dave Bedell was a long time, very involved, member of PVAS who will be deeply missed by is many friends and fellow birders.  Read more here

A report on the day here

Live feed from the world famous Bald Eagle nesting pair at Big Bear

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE

Each year the June party/meeting features a member slide show presenting their favorite pictures submitted by PVAS members AND a special PHOTO CHALLENGE, a competitive showcase of photos with a theme.  The theme of the 2024 challenge is youth.  We’re looking for the best shots of baby or juvenile birds.  Ag stake are bragging rights for “The Best Picture of a Young’un.” More details announced soon

Join us in celebrating these intrepid little owls with videos of owls at work and play, information on their lives and the challenges they face in the Pomona Valley, stories and games for kids and even an advice columnhttps://www.pvasburrowingowlfestival.com/

Click here for the latest edition of the most authoritative book on bird houses

CLICK HERE FOR WHAT TO DO

Birds are better than poison for commercial orchards (and less expensive) the inside story is here

Hawks, owls, and coyotes prey on rats and mice.  “Rat” poisons kill more than rats and mice.    Click here to learn how you can get rid of rats and mice without poisoning any animal.

Spring 2024 Chaparral Naturalist is HERE

Christmas Bird Count 2023

“Christmas is coming,” goes the old English carol, “the geese are getting fat”  Those geese, and all the other birds need counting.  What started 125 years ago as an attempt to counter the custom in some parts of the country of holding a Christmas bird shoot with prizes going to the hunters who shot the most birds in a single day, has become an  annual event for some 8,000 Audubon chapters across the United States. With the informal motto “count ‘em; don’t shoot ‘em” volunteers head out to count each individual bird within their chapter’s counting circle.

On Saturday December 16, some 80 PVAS members in 23 small teams covered designated areas from Mt. Baldy Village to Chino, Glendora to Ranch Cucamonga, with binos and the ebird app on their phones.   Some were veterans of decades of CBC; others were new this year.  We counted 140 species and a little over 8,000 individual birds during the day.  That is a puzzling result. The number of species is in line with the numbers from the last few years but the number of individuals is markedly smaller. There is some speculation that the prolonged drought led to lower rates of nesting success for several years but we won’t have a good idea until the state-level data is available from National Audubon.

The CBC is a unique birding experience. It is more like birding with a buddy than a conventional field trip.  The pace is slower because it is not enough to identify a species, each individual has to be counted.  [Instead of “(sigh) just another warbler” it’s “tally another warbler!”] There are two challenges:  figuring out what that bird is and then recording how many of them there are. The CBC is an excellent activity for both experienced and inexperienced birders.  On a typical team one person is responsible for spotting and identification, another is responsible for helping with the counting and recording the totals.  So even if you’re in the same boat as the new birder who said they knew only two birds; one was a robin and the other wasn’t, you can be a vital member of a team and enjoy the rewards and camaraderie of the day.

We look forward to seeing you in the field next December 14.

Field Trips

Field Trips

Birders of all levels of skill are welcome on our free field trips
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Meetings

Meetings

Member meetings are on the first Thursday of each month from September to June.
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Newsletter

Newsletter

Read the latest Chaparral Naturalist, and past issues  on line. 
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conservation and advocacy

conservation and advocacy

How you can help birds through advocacy and action in your own backyard.
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Education

Education

Resources for educators and others.
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Local Birding

Local Birding

Best places to find birds in our area. 
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Burrowing Owl Project

Burrowing Owl Project

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Projects & Volunteer Opportunities

Projects & Volunteer Opportunities

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