BIRDER’S PARADISE:

Santa Barbara is One of the Nation’s Top Spots for Birding—From Lake Cachuma to the Channel Islands, 473 Species Flock Along the American Riviera®

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Fortuitously located along the Pacific Flyway, Santa Barbara County is one of the nation’s hot spots for birding. A perfect habitat for resident and migratory birds, Santa Barbara sports an enviable combination of salt water, coastal wetlands, freshwater marshes, coastal sage scrub, native grasslands, riparian woodlands, oak woodlands, chaparral and pine forests. Currently, 473 species of birds are accounted for in the county.

Rare species, such as the Island Scrub-Jay, can only be found on Santa Cruz Island, which is quickly accessed by a variety of high-speed boat tours. Other great finds listed as endangered include the Western Snowy Plover, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Least Bell’ Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Although California Condors are rarely sighted today, the Los Padres National Forest (805/968-6640) was the original home of the largest population living in the wild and today is the only California location to boast a reestablished wild population of 40+ birds. This 2 million-acre forest is a wonderful stop for birders, with 350+ species to be found throughout the forest.

Transitory birds are best spotted in the spring and summer during their northern migration and winter, as they fly to the southern hemisphere. For an inside line, free tours of private ranches such as Las Crucitas and Lone Star are available through the Santa Barbara Audubon Society field trips (805/964-1468; rain.org). The “Rare Bird Report” is a sure bet to find out about rare bird sightings in Santa Barbara County and is a good resource for inbound visitors (805/964-8240). Also free for the asking is the four-color Central Coast Birding Trail guide (805/964-1468).

Consistently ranked among the top birding destinations in the country (based on recorded species), Santa Barbara’s diverse topography and microclimates, coupled with a rich supply of year-round food, have made it a haven for native and migratory birds. This seaside community is consistently a top pick among traveling birders who enjoy the wide variety of species and great locations for sighting, from scenic La Purisima Mission to the Guadalupe Dunes, Lake Cachuma County Park, the Waterfowl Natural Resource Area at Vandenberg Air Force Base and Loon Point near Summerland.

TOP TEN BIRDING SPOTS IN SANTA BARBARA:
TAP INTO A TREASURE TROVE OF FEATHERED FRIENDS FROM THE CHANNEL ISLANDS TO LAKE CACHUMA AND BEYOND

By Karen Bridgers

“Bird Watch” Columnist, Santa Barbara News-Press

Santa Barbara sports a wealth of opportunities for the avid birder. Local “Bird Watch” columnist Karen Bridgers provides an insider’s guide to the best bets along the American Riviera®:

1) Andre Clark Bird Refuge – Walk the nature trail on the north side of the refuge to see wintering ducks, herons, egrets, and sparrows. Check the observation platforms for denizens of the reeds, including rails and marsh wrens. In fall, native vegetation holds migrating warblers.

2) Santa Barbara Botanic Garden – A breathtaking collection of native plants and trees along the banks of Mission Creek draws birds to the Botanic Garden at any time of year. California Quail often frequent the upper meadow, and many other California specialties (California Towhee, Wrentit, Oak Titmouse, California Thrasher) can be found here year-round.

3) East Beach – Look for wintering Black Skimmers on the sand, and observe shorebirds at the creek outfalls. This is also a great spot for gull-watching, and the tall eucalyptus trees in Chase Palm Park occasionally hold a wintering Peregrine Falcon.

4) Rocky Nook Park – Fabulous in spring, as several species of warblers congregate to begin their spring migration. Oak Titmice, Downy and Nuttall’s Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatches, and Bushtits breed here, and Red-tailed or Red-shouldered Hawks often nest in the tall pines or eucalyptus.

5) Atascadero Creek – Walk the bike paths that stretch along Atascadero Creek from the south end of Turnpike Road to Goleta Beach. Willows harbor migrating warblers and, in fall, Lazuli and occasionally Indigo Buntings, as well as Blue Grosbeaks, frequent the grassy creek bottom. Check the adjacent farm fields for sparrows.

6) Devereux Slough – This coastal lagoon and mudflat, managed by the University of California, Santa Barbara, is a great place to observe herons, egrets, gulls, terns, and waterfowl. When the mudflats are exposed, shorebirds can be extremely numerous. You’ll need a scope for the best view.

7) Lake Los Carneros – Raptors, sparrows, hummingbirds, kingbirds, and nearly all the California specialties can be found around the lake and the adjacent Stow House. Berry bushes attract waxwings, robins, tanagers and thrushes in season, and Hooded Orioles nest around the house. The lake hosts wintering ducks and geese. Look for bitterns and rails from the wooden bridge at the north end of the lake.

8) Lake Cachuma Recreation Area – Hike the trails of this county park, take a guided nature walk, or stop by the nature center, where there’s a bird feeder for guests to enjoy. Of special interest, November through February, are the two-hour guided boat trips that focus on wintering Bald Eagles and other birds of the lake.

9) Miguelito Park – Just outside of Lompoc, this small park has a wealth of birds in any season. Recent rarities found here include the county’s first Louisiana Waterthrush, and a wintering Golden-winged Warbler. The park is also a great place for the western specialties, including Hutton’s Vireos, Phainopeplas, and mixed flocks of warblers, especially in spring.

10) Nojoqui Falls County Park – Prime oak woodland and chaparral includes Yellow-billed Magpies, woodpeckers, owls, and Oak Titmice. Purple Martins, Blue Grosbeaks, and Lazuli Buntings breed in spring and summer. A short walk to the falls exposes you to birds of the adjacent riparian area.

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11/2005