Southern California Dec '13 - Jan '14 (1 Viewer)

[ulfg]

So I have decided to escape the Swedish cold snowy weather and spend a couple of weeks around New Year’s Day in Southern California. Birding and photographing birds will be highest priority. I use Schram’s ”Birder’s Guide To Southern California” to guide me, and at this point, my route looks something like this:

Dec 26: arrive Los Angeles – 1 day San Diego – 1 day Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (Roadrunner) – 2 days Salton Sea – 1 day Joshua Tree NP – 1 day Idyllwild area – 1 day Santa Cruz Island (Island Scrub-jay) – 1 day St Ynez Valley (Y-B Magpie) – 3 days Big Sur area (Calif Condor) – 1 day Bolsa Chica/Palos Verdes. Back to Sweden on Jan 10.

I still have a couple of days to fill. Is there anybody here with experience of mid-winter birding in the area that can share some ideas about the route, perhaps other suggestions, what I should not miss, where should I stay longer or shorter, et cetera? I would also appreciate some good advice about good bird photo spots in the area.

 

[Xenospiza]

Photography is quite easy anywhere in SoCal.

I think your trip looks reasonable. I did something not dissimilar in ten days (so I had to cut away a few outliers and drive a bit too much). I had bad weather at Big Sur / felt bad / missed the condors... Make sure to have a look at the sea elephant colony: some big males there at that time of year!

I would start with in one day (just south of) Los Angeles for California Gnatcatcher (Crystal Cove State Park) which is easiest there, Bolsa Chica (shorebirds, Surf Scoter, Reddish Egret) and Huntington (Central Park had Allen's Hummingbird, which I missed on Santa Cruz Island). This was my first day in Southern California and I did not manage another day with as many species... It is also nice not having too drive too much on your first day!

I didn't see Roadrunner (!?) but Anza-Borrego was nice anyway, with e.g. Costa's Hummingbird.

Monterrey was also fun, but I should have gone on a boat trip.

The magpie was a bit difficult, but I saw three at Los Alamos Country Park. Shell Beach had very photogenic Snowy Plovers.

Be careful on the trip to Sta Cruz Island: I got very wet!

 

[ulfg]

Thank you for your reply! I'll follow your advice and start with Crystal Cove, Bolsa Chica and that area on day 1.

 

[chimung]

Bolsa Chica at around sunset for birding is nice. I was there a few times. I was able to snap a few shot of American Kestrel. I was there 3 weeks ago. There are 4 Kestrels there. The two babies are growing to be full size now although still relying on the parents for food... Bring you biggest prime lens there I was at Salton Sea today. Lots of birds there but was too hot for me to do anything as I was there late... I snapped a few shot of Burrowing Owl and head back out. I think in the winter should be nice there...

 

[ianreid]

Southwest birders site:

http://southwestbirders.com/swb_birdfinding_salton_sea.htm

is an excellent guide to the area. I used this as the basis for a two day post-conference trip in spring 2011. My report is on cloudbirders. Winter will give you a crack at longspurs in the fields near Calipatria State Prison.

Cheers, Ian

 

[Greyser]

So I have decided to escape the Swedish cold snowy weather and spend a couple of weeks around New Year’s Day in Southern California. Birding and photographing birds will be highest priority. I use Schram’s ”Birder’s Guide To Southern California” to guide me, and at this point, my route looks something like this:

Dec 26: arrive Los Angeles – 1 day San Diego – 1 day Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (Roadrunner) – 2 days Salton Sea – 1 day Joshua Tree NP – 1 day Idyllwild area – 1 day Santa Cruz Island (Island Scrub-jay) – 1 day St Ynez Valley (Y-B Magpie) – 3 days Big Sur area (Calif Condor) – 1 day Bolsa Chica/Palos Verdes. Back to Sweden on Jan 10.

I still have a couple of days to fill. Is there anybody here with experience of mid-winter birding in the area that can share some ideas about the route, perhaps other suggestions, what I should not miss, where should I stay longer or shorter, et cetera? I would also appreciate some good advice about good bird photo spots in the area.

Hi,
On the way to Monterrey you may stop in Morro Bay. There is a big onshore bird community, and I heard that the place is known for Peregrine falcons.
Possible encounter of roadrunners, kestrels and kites is in Satwiwa (they may open again by December): http://www.nps.gov/shutdown/index.html
Bolsa Chica is definitely way to go. However, very close to it there is another good spot - the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Joaquin_Wildlife_Sanctuary
If you have a few extra hrs in LA, there is an interesting place right in LA.
The location is Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve area and and nearby stretch of Los Angeles river in the center of 6 million people (at least) populated San Fernando Valley of Greater LA, which is simply amazing.
http://xplorela.com/2013/02/01/the-sepulveda-basin-wildlife-preserve/
The place is not spectacular to see, but there is a huge variety of birds present here all the time. Most of my shots in my gallery are taken here: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/sergeygrekov
The best time to visit it is at sunrise or at 2-3 p.m. till sunset. The ospreys are back. Also There is a very serene and nice place to visit right there in vicinity of the area: http://www.thejapanesegarden.com/garden.html
You may make a very good close ups (70-200mm) of many birds. You do not need long glass in the garden. They do not work on Saturdays, however.
Two bodies set up is always preferable: one with 400mm-600mm; another - something like 70-200mm.
Good luck,
SG

 

[ulfg]

Thank you chimung, ianreid and Greyser! I will use your advice when I make my final decisions of where my trip will take me ... !

 

[David Levinson]

Hi,
On the way to Monterrey you may stop in Morro Bay. There is a big onshore bird community, and I heard that the place is known for Peregrine falcons.
Possible encounter of roadrunners, kestrels and kites is in Satwiwa (they may open again by December): http://www.nps.gov/shutdown/index.html
Bolsa Chica is definitely way to go. However, very close to it there is another good spot - the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Joaquin_Wildlife_Sanctuary
If you have a few extra hrs in LA, there is an interesting place right in LA.
The location is Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve area and and nearby stretch of Los Angeles river in the center of 6 million people (at least) populated San Fernando Valley of Greater LA, which is simply amazing.
http://xplorela.com/2013/02/01/the-sepulveda-basin-wildlife-preserve/
The place is not spectacular to see, but there is a huge variety of birds present here all the time. Most of my shots in my gallery are taken here: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/sergeygrekov
The best time to visit it is at sunrise or at 2-3 p.m. till sunset. The ospreys are back. Also There is a very serene and nice place to visit right there in vicinity of the area: http://www.thejapanesegarden.com/garden.html
You may make a very good close ups (70-200mm) of many birds. You do not need long glass in the garden. They do not work on Saturdays, however.
Two bodies set up is always preferable: one with 400mm-600mm; another - something like 70-200mm.
Good luck,
SG

I agree with you about Lake Balboa and the Sepulveda Basin. There are a wonderful assortment of birds living there year around and other great birds who stop by while migrating.
http://photos.davidlevinsonphotography.com/Locations/Lake-Balboa is a link to photos that I took at Lake Balboa over the last four of five years. Not included are all of the other birds that I failed to get photos of.

There are some other great bird watching areas in and around the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys in and around Los Angeles.

It sounds like a great vacation. Enjoy!

 

[NNJFB-Rob]

I am late chiming in here, (having only recently registered) but a few ideas...

Condor, Y.B Magpie. - If Big Sur is not working for you, Pinnacles National Park often has Condor and to get there you go by areas which generally have YB Magpie.

Cactus Wren / California Gnat Catcher - Frank G Bonelli Park

Kites - Ballona Salt Water Marsh. Ballona Fresh Water Marsh and Riparian Areas.

Roadrunner / Kestrel / Peregrine - San Jacinto Wildlife Area (Riverside) Check hunting dates / days.

Depending on the route you take up and down the state a couple of small detours could get some interesting results.

Burrowing Owl - Road 88 right before the Pixley National Wildlife Reserve. (PNWR should have Sandhill Crane and White Faced Ibis also.)

I am based in Los Angeles but I get around and have reasonably good knowledge of spots to find target birds if you have any "Can't Miss" species.

Good luck!

 

[cassowary]

ulfg I have birded this area a number of times now and actually will be visiting the big sur in early Dec.

This link should help you a lot:

http://ebird.org/ebird/GuideMe?src=...ar=2013&eYear=2013&continue.x=54&continue.y=6

Anyway off the top
San Diego - Black-throated Magpie-Jay
http://ebird.org/ebird/map/btmjay?b....531&env.maxX=-114.129&env.maxY=42.01&gp=true

Big Sur california condor possible but not dead easy anymore (used to be a gimme at grimes point 1 mile south of the nepethe restaurant)
http://ebird.org/ebird/map/calcon?b....531&env.maxX=-114.129&env.maxY=42.01&gp=true

Roadrunner - fairly common
http://ebird.org/ebird/map/greroa?b....531&env.maxX=-114.129&env.maxY=42.01&gp=true

I'm sure you can navigate through the other species

Crystal Cove is a great place california gnatcatcher and a nice beach restaurant.

Anza Borrego I don't think is in flower in dec but still probably nice. There are some great serious 4x4 drives there. I haven't seen many birds there though

Point lobos near Carmel is nice

 

[ulfg]

Thank you all for your help. There are lots of places to squeeze in my scheme, so I won't be able to take them all. I don't understand that I missed San Jacinto Wildlife Area on my first plan. Depending on what happens on the first days birding, I'll probably skip Joshua Tree NP and go to San Jacinto instead.

What about road conditions around Idyllwild around New Year's Day? Normally, would the roads be dry or icy?

 

[Rich Bonser]

Sorry to Ulfg for hijacking his thread - really useful information here for me too. I'll be visiting the area from 27th December to 5th January too - a couple of days in Los Angeles, then down to San Diego over New Year, up to Palm Springs for a couple of days via Salton Sea and then a couple of days at Santa Barbera before flying home.

I've visited northern California a couple of times in the last year or two(including Big Sur this Feb - the condors were easy!) so am just targetting a few species this time around. So I'd really appreciate it if anyone can help with the following: -
- where are the best sites (guaranteed?) for California Gnatcatcher either in LA or to the south between there and San Diego?
- are there any special areas to look at in the Salton Sea for Yellow-footed Gull? I realise they'll be scarce but I'd love to see just one!
- how straightforward is Black-throated Magpie Jay near San Diego? And which is the best site for this species?
- is it possible to travel to Santa Cruz island early in the New Year (either the 3rd or 4th January). If so, any advice on how to do it?

Many thanks in advance
Rich
http://rothandb.blogspot.co.uk/

 

[wimvdam]

To get to Santa Cruz Island you have to book a boat trip by Island Packers in Ventura. According to their site (https://reserve.islandpackers.com) they have trips both on January 3 and 4. If you're aiming for Island Scrub-Jay you want to get on the island at Prisoners Harbor.

Wim

 

[gvca1]

What about road conditions around Idyllwild around New Year's Day? Normally, would the roads be dry or icy?

This is not really predictable, due to uncertainties in the weather. California winters are notoriously unpredictable, and it seems like they are getting more so recently. Roads would likely be dry, but a storm changes everything. It would probably be best to keep your options open, and decide based on weather when the dates get closer.

Enjoy your trip, and welcome to the Golden State,

Jim

 

[ulfg]

Thank you Jim - the road conditions seem to be approximately as I expected then. I will follow the weather reports thoroughly.

Good questions Rich - keep them coming! And about Santa Cruz Island: I have made a reservation for me on Jan 3rd, from Ventura to Prisoner's Harbor. Why don't you do the same - I'd like some company on the trip, and there will also be four eyes looking for the Jay instead of two!

 

[rrepp]

Lots of good suggestions. i did the scouting trip for Orange County Audubons Christmas bird count at Peters Canyon Reservoir last week. we had 67 species, included in the count were 3 Ca Gnatcatchers, 2 Blue Gray Gnatcatcher, 2 roadrunners 20+ Canvasbacks. It's about 30 minutes from Bolsa Chica. I live 5 minutes from Bolsa Chica Wetlands. For sheer numbers of birds you will love Salton Sea. Not sure why birding Idyllwild. It's about 8000 feet high could be very snowy and cold. maybe something I dont know of course. San Jacinto Wildlife refuge would be good choice, but its hunting season so its closed to all but hunters on Wednesday and Saturday I believe so plan accordingly. Well managed to help wintering birds have what they need. Great spot for golden eagle, wintering ducks and wintering sparrows. riparian areas too.Gr Big Morongo preserve is near the northwestern most portion of Joshua Tree National Monument. You should go there if you are in that area. Its not a big area but its a wonderful riparian spot in the desert. weekday and early is time to visit.My e-mail is [email protected].
if you have ?

Bob

 

[rrepp]

follow up

As a follow up to my previous: I've looked into it, and the Orange County Audubon Christmas bird count is Dec 29th, Sunday, at Bolsa Chica. You'd have at least a couple of expert birders in the group birding Bolsa Chica and several, at least, folks who would have excellent advice for you regarding where and what to do for the remainder of your trip!

Bob
Huntington Beach

 

[Rich Bonser]

Thank you Jim - the road conditions seem to be approximately as I expected then. I will follow the weather reports thoroughly.

Good questions Rich - keep them coming! And about Santa Cruz Island: I have made a reservation for me on Jan 3rd, from Ventura to Prisoner's Harbor. Why don't you do the same - I'd like some company on the trip, and there will also be four eyes looking for the Jay instead of two!

Better late than never with my reply - apologies. It's likely that I'll be going out to Santa Cruz Island the day after you, on 4th January. I'm still doing a fair bit of research and hopeful that I'll see some Blue-footed Boobies (the ones at Lake Skinner seem to be the most reliable?).

I'm still trying to get some information on where to see California Gnatcatcher. Any suggestions would be really appreciated.

Many thanks
Rich
http://rothandb.blogspot.co.uk/

 

[cassowary]

I'm still trying to get some information on where to see California Gnatcatcher. Any suggestions would be really appreciatedhttp://rothandb.blogspot.co.uk/

Rich, California Gnatcatcher are relatively easy in many places eg: the upper carpark nearest the sea at crystal cove it is a gimme, especially using it's call - (which should be used sparingly for obvious reasons) - it is very responsive to it's call as it is territorial all year I think

See link
http://ebird.org/ebird/map/calgna?b....531&env.maxX=-114.129&env.maxY=42.01&gp=true

 

[ulfg]

Thank you all for your advice! Tomorrow is departure day
Bob ("repp") - my original plan for the 29th is Anza Borrego, but if I feel I need ID help or help with other practical stuff after the first day, I might change my mind, reschedule and join the CBC at Bolsa Chica.
Mike "cassowary" - a look at Google maps suggests to me that your CalGnat spot is at the parking area that's most close to San Diego. Is that correct?