Birdwatching in California

Birding contacts and birdwatching information

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Local Birdwatchers

Using the Birdingpal resources you must agree to the following: If you contact a local Birdingpal and make arrangement to go birding, you should note it is common courtesy to make sure you show up for the appointment. If for any reason you are unable to do this, the least you must do is contacting the local Pal right away.
Please note that most Birdingpals are serious birdwatchers. It is a privilege to contact them, and your message should reflect it. A local Pal does not get paid, but should he/she offer to take you out birding, using their own vehicle, it would be courteous to pay for the fuel. A lunch and/or a small gift would also be appropriate, something as simple as a souvenir of your country, or a pin from your local birding club.
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Shortcuts to Local Pals in major cities:
Hollywood Los Angeles Palm Springs Sacramento San Diego San Francisco
Santa Barbara Santa Cruz Professional Guides

Initial Last Name Area Available Language

 
Inactive
  D Lee Alameda Anytime English
  I am past president of Napa-Solano Audubon and enjoy taking people birding in the Bay Area, Sierras, nearby ocean, and Central Valley. Area:


Area Birds:
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching

I've been a Birding Pal on Knud Rasmmusen's (http://www.birdingpal.org/) website for about 30 years. My office was in Alameda, CA then, so I'm the first Bay Area California birder that many people encounter when they're looking for a California birding pal.

We are volunteers who try to show visiting birders their target species.

Over the years, I've gone out with birders from the UK, Germany, Scotland, Maine, Virginia, etc. looking for their target birds.

This year, I had the test of my life. An Australian birder came halfway around the world in pursuit of one target bird, a Black Rail, just 5 days after my (successful) spinal stenosis surgery. Black Rails are notorious skulkers. Birders can hear them, and see the vegetation moving as a rail walks through it, but they won't see a feather.

Most North American birders put Black Rails atop their most difficult to see lists. Phil Hansbro, my Australian birder started birding in the UK, so he follows the UK rules requiring him to see a bird to count it. He is a world expert on respiratory disease research. He had 1 birding day between 2 conferences to get a Black Rail.

Fortunately, we were able to schedule it when high tide was 1/2 hour after sunrise. Some of Phil's US birding friends had suggested he try for a Black Rail in Lodi. I replied that my local Benicia CBC regularly leads the nation for rails, and I would get him in an area where he would hear Black Rails.

Whether he saw them or not would be a matter of his skill and luck. He heard, but didn't see, Black Rails for 2 hours. Finally, one chased another one, and Phil saw them.

BTW, he and I were already a couple of degrees closer than six before we met. Phil founded the Souhern Oceans Seabird Study Association, and I took SOSSA's montnly pelagic birding trip out of Wollengong, NSW in 2006, seeing 9 albatross species.

We don't charge birders for being birdingpals, but we hit it off.

Inactive 		G Friedrichsen Arcata Anytime English
I've been an active birder for 40 years and would enjoy sharing our area with guest from abroad.
C Moyer Arcata Weekend English
Arcata is on the Coast 6 hours drive north of San Francisco. We have a variety habitats - marsh, dune forest, beach, Redwood forest, fields, ocean, bay, and more.


J Curley berkeley, CA Some weekends or early morning Thursdays English, Spanish
I work developing science curriculum for schools. I'm excited to explore urban, bay-shore, forest and grasslands in the hills, or by canoe to see birds and meet interesting folks.

I'm not an expert birder but have lived and birded in the area for 15+years.

My favorite local birds include western bluebirds, lazuli bunting, and forster's terns. I have a small child and work full time so my availability is limited. 		Area:
Tilden Regional Park, McLaughlin Eastshore Park, UC Berkeley Botanical Garden,

Area Birds:
unusual urban nesting population of western bluebirds, burrowing owls in winter 		Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, butterflies, swimming, beach, amphibians Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, biking, long walk, backpack, canoe, Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, club, vineyard, ski run/trail, arboretum, architecture appreciation, Attend: concert, dance show, theatre, live music, sports event, Participate: night life, party, dance, club, bar, rock, classical, jazz, hiphop, rap, swing, wine, beer, liquor, social games, basketball, soccer

Inactive 		P Wiggins Carpinteria/Santa Barbara Weekend English
I am an experienced birder and live near Santa Barbara, California. The annual Christmas bird count regularly lists this area as one of the top five locations for bird diversity in the United States. Besides birding, I am a volunteer at our local seal rookery (wildlife protection), and I previous worked at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden where I learned about native plants. I wouldn't consider myself an expert naturalist, but I enjoy hikes and the outdoors and like sharing my interests with others.

 

  L Winslow Chico, California, USA Anytime English
  Area:
If you are active, can take you on some great hikes to see birds! Oxi Ponds, Gray Lodge, Bidwell Park

Area Birds:
Yellow-billed Magpie, California Towhee, White-headed Woodpecker
Interests:
Nature: bird watching, photography
Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, kayaking
Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, vineyard
Participate: local brewery's and distillery's


Inactive		 M Muchowski Chico Anytime English
I live in Chico, CA. We are close to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex and Gray Lodge Wildlife Area (both great winter birding areas). Chico oxidation ponds at the sewer treatment plant are a great place to bird any time of the year. Chico also has a large city-owned park (Bidwell Park) which is good for local birds. It is easy to get yellow-billed magpies here. There are also two reserves: Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve and Butte Creek Ecological Reserve. Chico is also only about a two-hour drive from Lassen Volcanic National Park. I am willing to take people out birding in this area if I am available (no charge).
C Kisling Dorris(Klamath Basin) Anytime English



J Twamley Exeter, California Anytime I'm not traveling English (some Spanish)
Birding is not like going to the zoo. Sometimes you get lucky and see dozens of species sometimes you just see a few.

My wife and I are just your average crazy birdwatchers! I've been known to put the car into a skid and make a sharp "U" turn just to see what I thought was a widgeon.

I should probably not be allowed to drive anywhere there are birds because I am always "watching." But if that were the case I would never be able to go anywhere. 		Area:
Sequoia National Park, Pixley Reserve

Area Birds:
Many common North American birds native to the Western USA. 		Interests:
Nature: birdwatching

Inactive		 K Amstutz El Portal Anytime English, little German
I live in Yosemite National Park. Great birding as the elevation ranges from 2000 feet to over 13,000 feet above sea level (500-4000m). Mono Lake is near, accessible in summer months. This is a must for birders as it is a migration stopover for many species. A great area all around!
Birds here in Yosemite are in the beginnings of Spring Showing-their-stuff season. Watched a robin gathering nesting materials and hummingbirds, chickadees, kinglets, Northern Flickers, Song Sparrows, Red-winged Blackbirds and many more displaying and singing their hearts out! Black-headed Grosbeak also seen and heard singing today! Four woodpeckers...ahhh. It is beginning!

 

  J. Poole Emeryville Anytime English, enough Italian to get along
  I live right next to San Francisco Bay (on a peninsula). I've been birding for 25 years. Area:


Area Birds:

Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, hiking, butterflies, fishing, sport fishing, boating, skiing, swimming, surfing, snowmobiling, sky diving
Travel: train, bus, car, hitchhiking, biking, long walk, packpack, canoe, portage, dog sled, snow mobile
Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, club, vineyard, outdoors, nature spot, beach, lake, ocean, architecture, shop, antique, swap
Attend: concert, horse race, ballet, dance show, theatre, live music, sports event, auction, antique, convention, political rally, protest, competition
Participate: night life, party, dance, club, bar, rock, country, classical, hiphop, rap, swing, wine, beer, liquor, social games, computer games, casino


 

  K Silver Ferndale Anytime English
  I'm a retired veterinarian and have been birding since the 60's. Not a birding expert but getting better. I have time to show the wonderful coastal and inland wetlands, forests (conifer and mixed deciduous) and grasslands in the area Area:
Humboldt Bay, redwood forests

Area Birds:
egrets,herons, snowy plover, waterfowl, raptors
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, , photography, butterflies, fishing, snowboarding, swimming, SCUBA diving, beach, surfing,

Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, car, long walk, backpack, portage, canoe, ship, cruise

Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, club, vineyard, ski run/trail, monument, arboretum, architecture appreciation, shop, antique, fashion, tech

Attend: concert, ballet, dance show, theatre, live music, sports event, auction, antique, competition, swap Participate: night life, party, dance, bar, rock, country, classical, wine, beer, table

Play: cards, sports, boardgames, billiards, chess, checkers, scrambled letters games, lawn games, water sports, computer games,playing guitar, darts


 
K Stockton Foothill Ranch Weekend English, Spanish
Happy to share some prime Southern California birding spots with visitors.

 

  T McIntosh Forest Falls Anytime English
  Patricia and I have supported local and migrating birds for over 30 years with food and water sources in our own yard. This past sunny New Years day we recorded 20 species in our backyard including Hairy, Acorn and White-headed Woodpeckers sharing the water source together.

Summer brings an abundance of Hummingbirds including Anna's, Rufus and Black-chinned daily with occasional visits of Costa's and Calliope. Fall migration has brought 7 Warbler species plus a year 'round population in Forest Falls of 7 species of Woodpeckers and Sapsuckers. Spend hours on our deck and property.

Forest Falls is a HotSpot with 114 species recorded. Hike the trials into the San Bernardino National Forest or to SoCals tallest year 'round waterfall.

Local lodging available including discounts to birders at The Cabinn of the Falls, aka "Birders Retweet". 		Area:
Forest Falls, San Bernardino National Forest, SoCals tallest year 'round waterfall

Area Birds:
White-headed Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, Warblers, Hairy-headed Woodpeckers, Acorn-headed Woodpeckers, Anna's Hummingbirds, Rufus Hummingbirds, Black-chinned Hummingbirds, Sapsuckers
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, butterflies, fishing, skiing, swimming, beach, surfing, snowmobiling, sky diving
Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, climbing, train, bus, car, hitchhiking, biking, long walk, backpack, portage, canoe, ship, cruise, pilot, dog sled, snow mobile
Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, club, vineyard, ski run/trail, monument, arboretum, architecture appreciation, shop, antique, fashion, tech, casino
Attend: concert, horse race, ballet, dance show, theatre, live music, sports event, auction, antique, convention, political rally, protest, competition, swap
Participate: night life, party, dance, club, bar, rock, country, classical, hiphop, rap, swing, wine, beer, liquor, revival, ceremony, flash mob, round table
Play: cards, sports, boardgames, billiards, chess, checkers, scrambled letters games, lawn games, water sports, computer games, motor sports



 

  D Rolfsema Near Fresno Weekends English
  I live near entrance to Kings Canyon Park which has sections of Forest, Foothill, and higher elevation birds. Most weekends, I am volunteering at the Park and can give walks to see birds in the area. Area:
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Area Birds:
Acorn woodpecker, California Towhee, Steller Jay, other forest birds.
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, photography, hiking, fishing, skiing
Travel: train, bus, car, long walk, backpack
Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, outdoors, nature spot
Attend: concert
Participate: rock, classical, jazz

K Enns-Rempel Fresno Weekend English
I've been birding since the late 1990s and am quite familiar with birding locations in the San Joaquin Valley.

Inactive		 J Shower Greenville/Lake Almanor Anytime English, a little Spanish
We have a nice studio apartment that is available to share with birding/flyfishing guests, that is located in N. CA. (Sierras). We are part of the Pacific Flyway and welcome visitors to our home and studio. There are excellent birding and fishing opportunities. We area near Lassen Nat. Park, Sierra Valley, Numerous lakes and streams and the northern part of the Great Central Valley (which has quite a number of protected birding areas). The stay at our studio would be without cost. Birding visitor(s) would be our guest(s)and we are avid birders.
M Taylor Irvine Anytime English, a little Japanese, Chinese
Have birded for the last 50 years, over 40 in southern California and have led field trips to areas throughout southern California for Audubon chapters and personalized groups.
A Cain Lafayette Anytime English
M Alderson Laguna Beach Weekend English
I have been a backyard birder for many years. Very familiar with the local song and sea birds. When traveling, I always try to add to my lifelist. Think this is a wonderful site. Hope many people can connect and enjoy new discoveries.
M O'Reilly Lake County Anytime English
R Carlson Lake Tahoe(summer only) Anytime English
J Ivanov Lawnfale Anytime English
Life long birder/naturalist who works as a biologist in the environmental compliance field. Nearby birding places within an hour or less drive include: shorelines, wetlands, coastal scrub, chaparrel, riparian, desert, and montain habitats.


C Hawley Lincoln Weekend English
M Fuhs Lodi Anytime English
We have 10 acres of easy birding, The Mokelumne River and the delta are a 20 minute drive, 330 bird species in this county, 70 nest here. Sacramento airport is 45 minutes away, Amtrak and Greyhound stop in Lodi. This is a great area to bicycle as well.
H Bennish Long Beach Anytime English, some German
I am a professional singer/performer and give voice lessons privately in my home. My schedule is flexible, giving me the opportunity to take people birding on most days. The most famous birding place near Long Beach is Bolsa Chica Wetlands. Central Park in Huntington Beach and Eldorado Park in Long Beach are also popular spots for birdwatching that I am close to.


C Cases Millbrae, CA Anytime English, am learning Spanish
I have been birding my entire life but really dove into it and photographing birds as a passion in 2017. I love the area I live in (San Francisco Bay Area) as it has many diverse birds and mild weather year-round. I grew up in Florida which also has great birding. I love traveling and seeing new birds. Area:
Some of my favorite birding spots in the SF Bay Area are:

-Coyote Point Marina for a plethora of shorebirds, I've seen a Black Oystercatcher there before ($6/per car for entry)

-Hawk Hill for a variety of hawks, common ravens, California quail (free)

-Golden Gate Park/specifically the San Francisco Botanical Gardens has a lovely variety of birds (and plants) since no dogs are allowed (depending on the ticket type prices vary from $0-$17)

-Heron's Head Park has various wetland birds and is a peaceful and easy walk (free)

Area Birds:
winter birds 		Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, photography, hiking, fungi
Travel: train, car, long walk, backpack, canoe, kayak
Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, club, vineyard, outdoors, nature spot, beach, lake, ocean, architecture, shop, antique, swap
Attend: concert, ballet, dance show, theatre, live music, antique, convention
Participate: night life, dance, bar, rock, classical, hiphop, rap, wine, beer, liquor, social games, computer games
E Pandolfino Loomis Anytime English
K Robertson Los Altos Weekend English
Los Altos is located 30 miles south of San Francisco on the peninsula. Extensive birding opportunities are available, including shore, wetlands and forest environments. Birds of Northern California is a useful guide. Also Sibley's Birds of the Western United States.

H Sabin Northeast LA Weekend English, a bit of French
I have been watching birds all my life, but always in a very casual way, so I won't necessarily be able to ID everything, but I love meeting new people and sharing my city.

I am a Certified California Naturalist, and have a particular interest in pollinators, esp. bumblebees and butterflies besides birds.

LA Arboretum, CA Botanic Garden, Eaton Canyon
E Alvarez Los Angeles Anytime English, minimal Spanish, French
I have birded for years - am a moderate birder not a twitcher - I have traveled extensively and bird wherever I go. If I can be helpful to someone, I would be happy to do so.
E Greenspan Culver City/West Los Angeles Anytime English, Spanish
D Norton Topanga, Los Angeles Anytime English


C Nelson Tujunga, CA weekdays during birding season. English, Spanish
LA is known for many wintering birds, rarities and migration sittings; there are too many to list. The best time for birding is from late August to early June and from the ocean to mountain tops. Area:
Los Angeles area

Area Birds:
winter birds 		Interests:
Nature: bird watching, wild plant identification. Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, climbing, train, bus, car, biking, backpack. Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, trail, monument, national parks, arboretum. Attend: concert, ballet, dance show, theater, live music. Gardening, yoga, genealogy, exploring new territory, foreign travel, studying Spanish.

E Uyeki McKinleyville Anytime English
M Kotin Malibu/Los Angeles Anytime English
D Willey Mammoth Lakes Anytime English
I live in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Beginning in March when the Mt. Bluebird arrives and the greater sage grouse begin to gather on their leks we have birds non-stop. Many Neo-tropical migrants pass through our mountains and many stay and nest before heading north. I live at 8200 feet,(2400 meters) and near Mono Lake and the eastern entrance to Yosemite N.P. Close by to my home is a unique geo-thermal area called Hot Creek. In the summer many raptors nest in the area.
C Vaughn Ukiah/Mendocino County Anytime English
E Goodill Menlo Park Weekend English
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area with access to the Pacific Coast, San Francisco Bay, and the surrounding hills. I am a solid intermediate birder and am fairly good with bird calls and songs.
J Goerke Mill Valley Anytime English
My wife, Betty, and I are interested in bird calls and bird identification. We are average birders. Our area is just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and includes PBay, hills, one mountain, and a few creeks.
Retired and enjoy birding in the spring and early fall. I live in Orange County not far from the coast and Saddleback Mts. Not as strong on shore birds as I am on land birds.
J Herr Moraga Weekend English
J Royer Los Osos/Morro Bay Weekend English
I live on the edge of Morro Bay and have actively birded in this beautiful area since 1980. September - May, it is easy to see over 100 species in a day. Winter: waterfowl, shorebirds, and owls plus inland wintering hawks, eagles, and Mountain Plovers. Spring: a good variety of migrating warblers,etc. and Allen's Hummingbird as well as breeding LeConte's Thrasher. Summer: breeders such as MacGillivray's Warbler, Lazuli Bunting, Black-chinned Sparrow, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher, etc. Fall: good for passerine migration and pelagics. Local resident species include Wrentit, Yellow-billed Magpie, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, etc. Condors are seen 1 1/2 hours drive north of here. I have led bird trips in California for over 30 years and am available many weekends and some weekdays. Local whale watching and Elephant Seal viewing are also recommended. Local events include the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival in January and the local Big Sit on the second Sunday in October where we always see over 100 species from one spot during that one day. If visiting California for the first time, combine a visit here with the Kern Valley Nature Festival in May or a visit to Yosemite in the Summer.


J Angelo Newark Weekend English
I Live near the Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge. I'm an avid birder with about 7-8 years worth of birding to my experience. Yet I still feel an amateur with many aspects. I have three young children who enjoy meeting other kids. My kids are 9, 5, and 3.


M Newdow Nice, CA Anytime English (y poquito espanol)
Area:
Clear Lake, Rodman Slough

Area Birds:
Osprey, Double-Crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, White Pelican, Killdeer, ... 		Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, photography, butterflies, fishing, water skiing, swimming, beach, sky diving

Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, climbing, train, bus, car, hitchhiking, biking, long walk, packpack, portage, canoe, pilot

Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, club, vineyard, monument, arboretum, architecture appreciation, shop, antique, fashion, tech

Attend: concert, horse race, ballet, dance show, theatre, live music, sports event, auction, antique, convention, political rally, protest, competition, swap

Participate: night life, party, dance, club, bar, rock, country, classical, hiphop, rap, swing, wine, beer, liquor, social games, computer games, casino
E Gierson Oakland Anytime English
Retired Educator and proud lesbian birder in Northern California.

S Girard Nipomo Anytime English
I'm just a beginning birder myself, but have lived in San Luis Obispo county for 45 years. Can assist with suggestions for dining, lodging, local communities and history; antiqueing trips on back roads; local year-round farmer's markets; local wine industry. Located near the Morro Bay Estuary and Pismo-Oceano Dunes complex, 60 miles south of Big Sur on the Calif central coast.



B Power Oakland, California Anytime English; Smattering of Spanish
I have a good sense of humor. I'm an excellent driver. I have a keen knowledge of where the species are in the east bay and the likelihood of finding them. I don't do this to miss birds. We have way more hits than misses. Area:
Hayward Shoreline, Redwood Regional Park, Mines Road, Valle Vista

Area Birds:
Most species with the name California or Western attached to them. Lewis's WP 		Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, digi-scoping photography
Travel: hiking, train, car, backpack
Visit: restaurant, vineyard,
R Dailey Orinda Anytime English, some Spanish
Intermediate birder familiar with local birding sites. Best birding in April/May.
C Greenstreet Pacific grove Anytime English, some Spanish
I am an advanced beginner birder, NOT an expert. I have just retired and now have time to spend on improving my birding. I live in an absolutely fabulous area for birding, the Monterey Peninsula of coastal California. I know many of the local birding sites and would enjoy sharing them and learning to be a better birder.
B Mantell Palm Springs Anytime English, French, Spanish, Hebrew
I am very happy to go out with visiting birders. There is good birding year round in the area including the Salton Sea/Imperial Valley, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and San Jacinto Wildlife Area(winter) plus many other local spots. Visitors favorites include Burrowing Owl, Vermillion Flycatcher, Roadrunner, Abert's Towhee and Bell's Vireo.
P Rouzer Palo Alto Weekend English
W Bousman Palo Alto/San Jose Anytime English
J Manoliu Palo Alto Weekends English, French, Japanese
Areas around the Bay are on a bird migration route and rich in birds; the hills around the area attract different bird species; not very far away the Pacific Ocean affords different bird species viewing; also travel to other birding areas around the world.
W Zimmerly Paradise Anytime English


E Stonick Pasadena, CA Most Saturdays, Mondays, and Tuesdays English
I've been birding for many years and enjoy sharing my hobby and finding birds in different places. Area:
Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura Counties

Area Birds:
Residents and migrants in season 		Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, butterflies,
Travel: stroll, walking, car, biking, long walk
Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, club, vineyard, ski run/trail, monument, arboretum, architecture appreciation, shop, antique, fashion, tech, casino
Attend: concert swap
Participate: rock, country, classical,
Play: cards, sports, boardgames

R Moss Pasadena Anytime English, Spanish, Russian
No really good birding near Pasadena, but some decent hikes close by if one has a few hours.
K Lehr Patterson Anytime English
C Selvig Petaluma, Pt Reyes Peninsula Weekend American English, un peu de Francais, some German, Spanish
I'm near the Pt Reyes Peninsula and San Francisco Bay. I enjoy photography and I'm happy to go out in any weather.



J Gray Petaluma, Petaluma, California Anytime. English
I have been enthusiatically birding for the last two years, and would love to show visitors some of the great birding hotspots here in Sonoma county. I typically like to go out to a single hotspot for 3 to 4 hours and take my time noting all of the birds that I see. I am also love to photograph birds when they are cooperative enough to let me. I have been working on birding by ear, but still have much room for improvement. Area:
Shollenberger Park, Ellis Creek, Spring Lakee, Bodega Bay, Willowside Road

Area Birds:
American White Pelican, Brown Pelican, Western Bluebird, American Avocet 		Interests:
birdwatching, photography, swimming, hiking, biking
C Spaid Petaluma, Two Rock Anytime English
J Ross Pleasanton (Alameda County) Weekend English
I have been birding for 10 years and volunteered with Golden Gate Raptor Observatory as a hawkwatcher for 5 years. Alameda County is just across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco and has great birding locations like the Hayward Shoreline; Coyote Hills, Shadow Cliffs, and Pleasanton Ridge Regional Parks; Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness; and many other local hot spots. I'd be happy to show any out-of-town birders some of my favorites.
M Brady Potter Valley Anytime English
some Spanish
World birder as well as local.
J Coumoutso Rancho Cucamonga Anytime English
J Cash Redding Anytime English
I am just getting into studying birds, especially birds of prey. I have a great appreciation for them and hope to learn more. I love to watch them soar!
R Bruun Redding Weekend English, Norwegian
I live 30 miles east of Redding in the community of Shingletown. Lassen Volcanic National Park is 20 minutes from our house.

 

  A Eisner Redwood City/SF Peninsula Anytime English
  The areas described have many excellent birding spots. I have been birding in this area for three decades. With sufficient advance notice, I can be available on the majority of days. Area:
My local areas are San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, just south of San Francisco. Together they cover a wide range of habitats, from the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco Bay, from wetlands to the Santa Cruz and Diablo-range mountains, oak woodlands, agricultural areas and suburban parkland.

Area Birds:

Interests:
Nature: birdwatching



 
V Vaira Rio Linda Anytime English, Spanish
I live in the heart of California's great Central Valley where wintering waterfowl is a tremendous birding experience. The Sacramento National Wildlife refuges are all within an hour or so of my home. This area is also home to the Yellow-billed Magpie. We are within two hours of more great birding in the San Francisco Bay area. The Sierra Nevadas are an hour to the east with lots of high elevation birding possibilities including White-headed Woodpecker, Williamson's Sapsucker, White-breasted, Red-breasted, and Pygmy Nuthatches. I am a member of the National, Sacramento,and San Joaquin Audubon Societies. I work as a Critical Care RN and am available for ideas, directions,local information, and love meeting fellow birders!
D Jaffe San Simeon Weekend English, intermediate Spanish
I have lived and worked in the Sierra Nevada of CA for about 13 years. Working at in a remote location in the Santa Lucia Mountains. I get to town for shopping and outings every 10 days or so. Email to see if we can mingle one of these excursions. I am still learning the coastal birds and feel pretty comfortable with the inland species.



J Caplan Santa Cruz, California Varies by the week with work. English, Spanish
Great Blue Herons,Western Grebes, Black Necked Stilts Area:
Elkhorn Slough

Area Birds:
Willets, Godwitts, White Pelicans 		Interests:
Nature: birdwatching,butterflies, hiking, snorkeling.

 

  J Moser Santa Clarita Anytime English
  Available most weekends and some weekdays upon my soon retirement, 4 yrs birding, member National Audubon Society, Pasadena Audubon, San Fernando Audubon, Los Angeles Audubon and occasionally attend their birding events. Post bird sightings on Ebird. Volunteer on Birdin Counts when able. Am a most terrain all weather birder. Often travel out of area to bird. Looking foreword birding with fellow birders. Area:
Santa Clarita is in the Santa Clarita Valley nestled between Angeles Nation Foret (North) San Grabriel Mountains) South East) Santa Susana Mountains (West) and New Hall Pass (South) which separates Santa Clarita from Los Angeles. The Santa Clara Riverbed runs thru the heart of Santa Clarita providing habitat for riparian birds.

Area Birds:
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, twitching new be, photography new be, butterflies, fishing, snorkeling, sledding, exploring, hunting, spelunking, star gazing
Travel: stroll, walking, hiking most terrains, climbing, car, long walk, exploring, plane, bus, train, ship, RVing
Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, monument, arboretum, architecture appreciation, shop, antique, attractions, out of way spots
Attend: theatre, sports event, auction, antique, convention, political rally, protest, competition, swap meets, state fairs, rodeo,
Participate: rock, country, classical, social games, chess, card games, board games, horseshoes, various outings



L Selman Santa Cruz Anytime English
I am a Bird photographer and birder. Interested in showing other interested photographers around the area.


R Iaea Sacramento, Ca Weekends English, Broken Dutch
I've been birding for two or three years now and love it and I enjoy taking great photos of birds. I find bird behavior very interesting. My favorite birds are songbirds. Area:
Cosumnes River Preserve

Area Birds:
Waterfowl and shorebirds 		Interests:

K Guse Sacramento Weekend English
B Mendenhal Sacramento Anytime English, Spanish
M Getty Sacramento Anytime English
C Allen Sacramento Anytime English
K Petrik Sacramento Weekend English
1.5 hours to Sacramento NWR, 1 hour Gray Lodge Wildlife Area [WA], 10 minutes to Yolo Bypass WA
L Heinz San Diego Anytime English



G Schechter Los Angeles, CA anytime English
Bit of a twitcher. Love helping people get new life or state birds. Can also show local reptiles and amphibians if the location and time of year is right. Area:


Area Birds:
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography Travel: walking, hiking, climbing, car, long walk

 

  D Assman San Francisco Anytime English
  I am a field trip leader for the Golden Gate Bird Alliance, and am a Compiler for the San Francisco Christmas Bird Count. I have birded in San Francisco for more than 15 years, and have seen 364 species in San Francisco County. I prefer to do half day birding trips, although full day is sometimes possible with enough notice, in San Francisco and neighboring Marin County. Area:
San Francisco has many wonderful birding locations, with my favorite being Fort Mason, located on the northern waterfront. It is consistently one of the best hotspots in the City, with up to 185 species a year. A few of the resident species include Anna's Hummingbirds, Western Bluebirds, Nuttall's Woodpeckers, Red-Masked Parakeets, Lesser Goldfinch, White-Crowned Sparrows, Orange-Crowned Warblers, Black Phoebes, and California Towhees. Spring and summer bring Hooded Orioles, Pigeon Guillemots, Allen's Hummingbirds, Caspian Terns, Elegant Terns, and Violet-Green Swallows. Many migrants move through in the spring and fall, including up to 15 species of warblers, 13 species of sparrows, tanagers, vireos, orioles, grosbeaks, flycatchers and buntings. Wintering specialties include Red-Breasted Sapsuckers, Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, Yellow-Rumped and Townsend's Warblers, Red-Throated and Common Loons, Surf Scoters, Northern Flicker, Say's Phoebe, and Hermit Thrush.

Area Birds:
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, hiking, butterflies
Travel: train, bus, car, walk
Visit: outdoors, nature spot, beach, lake, ocean


 
  E Beeftink San Francisco (Bay area) Anytime Dutch, English, German, French
  Formerly a musician, I have recently made a career change into conservation. I have lived in Europe, Canada, and the United States and am a life-long birdwatcher. I have birded all continents except for Antarctica.

The San Francisco Bay Area is that rarest of things: a densely populated urban area that is simultaneously an area of important ecological, meteorological, and geological diversity.

The area is riddled with preserves, parks, and other natural areas that offer great opportunities for birdwatching. The San Francisco Bay is a globally important staging area for migrating shorebirds as well as a vital wintering area for waterfowl. The waters off California are some of the world's best for seabirds.

California has many endemic or near-endemic species that are guaranteed to be lifers for first-time visitors. 		Area:
Bay area. Transportation: I have a car available to take visitors around the area.

Area Birds:
Pacific Loon, Clark's and Western Grebes, Brown and American White Pelicans, Brandt's and Pelagic Cormorants, Least Bittern, California Quail, Ridgway's Rail, Snowy Plover, Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Wandering Tattler, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Heermann's Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Elegant Tern, Black Skimmer, Pigeon Guillemot, Band-tailed Pigeon, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Acorn Woodpecker, Western Flycatcher, Hutton's Vireo, Steller's Jay, California Scrub-Jay, Oak Titmouse, Chesnut-backed Chickadee, Bushtit, Pygmy Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Rock Wren, Wrentit, Varied Thrush, California Thrasher, Phainopepla, Townsend's Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, California Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Tricolored Blackbird. 		Interests:
Nature: Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, hiking, botany

D Diller San Francisco (Bay Area) Anytime English, German, French, Spanish
C Okon San Francisco Weekend English, some German
I'm happy to point visiting birders to areas where they can experience the beautiful and diverse wildlife habitat of San Francisco and the Bay area. I also encourage visitors to check out goldengateaudubon.org to find out about birding trips.
J Brodkin San Francisco Anytime English
Birding about 15 years in San Francisco, Bay Area and Point Reyes. Do not drive.
M Shulman San Francisco Anytime English
I am retired.
C Evenhouse San Francisco Anytime English, Spanish, French
I've hosted several birdingpals in the past and enjoy taking people around the San Francisco Bay area. I'm a teacher so I am not available everyday, but certainly when school is out and during school vacations.
L Huttinger San Francisco Weekend English, basic French
Novice birder who is enthusiastic and eager to learn more birding skills.
J Mulero San Francisco Bay (South) Weekend English, Spanish
I live in the Palo Alto/San Jose area (1 hr south of the city of San Francisco) and have a keen knowledge of our South Bay parks. I can help you find our local specialties such as Yellow-billed Magpie, California Thrasher and Wrentit as well as some of our feeder birds such as Oak Titmouse, Nuttall's and Acorn Woodpeckers, California Towhee and Chestnut-backed Chickadees. I travel frequently out of town due to my job but if I am in town I should be able to help you.
S Mencher San Francisco Bay area Anytime English
I am an active birder in area. I do keep up on recent sightings and know where to bird. I may have to rely on your eyes and ID skill a bit.
J Ritchie Concord/San Francisco Anytime English
Concord is 30 miles inland from San Francisco. I have been birding for about 20 years, but a lot of my experience has been in Australia. I belong to my local birding club, and I enjoy many of their field trips.
C Cummings Napa/San Francisco (Bay Area) Weekend English, Japanese
G Kinsley San Gabriel Weekend English
I am a member of the Pasadena Audubon Society

 

  A Teng San Jose Weekend English
  I work full time in the tech industry in Silicon Valley. It is amazing how many birds thrive in the heart of Silicon Valley. The San Francisco Bay and the mountains surrounding Silicon Valley are hot spots and protected. Area:
SF Bay, Napa, Moss Landing, Santa Cruz, Stanford Campus

Area Birds:
Hummingbird, Junco, chickadee
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, photography, RV camping, travelling, bicylcing

M Stiles San Luis Obispo County Weekend English
D Worland San Simeon Anytime English



M Thompson Santa Barbara, CA anytime English, some Spanish
many California specialties Area:


Area Birds:
ducks, shorebirds, local parks 		Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, stroll, walking, contra dancing, art


C Chang Santa Barbara Anytime English, Mandarin, some French, /Spanish
Santa Barbara is absolutely brilliant for wildlife---we're just right next to the Los Padres National Forest, have an abundance of riparian, woodland and shrub habitat, and our coastlines support a staggering array of migratory shorebirds. Please feel free to contact me with questions about the area! I'm still relatively inexperienced, though I like to think that I've got a good grasp of local birds in my area.
R Denholtz Carpinteria, Santa Barbara Anytime English, a little French
Santa Barbara County lists 460 species. About 180 resident species. Wintering area for shorebirds and waterfowl. I am a docent at the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park. I am retired and am often available for spur-of-the-moment birding.
G Kincaid Santa Barbara Anytime English, poco Espanol
Intermediate level birder, sometimes digiscoper. Santa Barbara has a diverse set of ecosystems, from shoreline to mountainous.
M Allen Santa Barbara Anytime English
Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

 

  P Brown Santa Cruz Anytime English
  I am very much a local patch birder, more than half of the species I have seen in the US are on my Santa Cruz county list. I have been birding in the area for 18 years, and have led field trips for the local Santa Cruz bird club for 15 years. Area:
Local hotspots include Natural Bridges State Beach, Antonelli pond, Swanton Road, Westcliff drive and the Watsonville sloughs (Watsonville and Struve).

Area Birds:
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, hiking, skiing
Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, vineyard, nature spot, beach, lake, ocean, architecture
Attend: theatre
Participate: wine, beer, computer games

S Phukan Santa Cruz Anytime English, Spanish, Italian, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Persian
I am a mid-level birder, but I know the central coast of California quite well; I am also a foodie, so if you are looking for good eats to celebrate a good sighting of a local bird, I can definitely help with that. The best days for me to go out birding are Fridays and Saturdays. Thursdays may also work.
D Vander Pluym Santa Cruz/Ventura Anytime English
J Deacon Santa Maria Weekend English, some Spanish
The Central Coast of California is an amazing birding area. The Santa Maria area, Santa Barbara, Lompoc and Morro Bay are all within easy driving distance. It is conceilvable to see 100 or more species in day.
K Rodriguez Santa Rosa Anytime English
A lot of parks, wetlands. Great for birding or just hiking.
D Rasmussen Scotts Valley Anytime English
Born and raised in Monterey Bay, relocated throughout the Pacific flyway, returned retired to Santa Cruz, CA. An intermediate birder for 50 years. Back packer, hiker and inland kayaker. Married to an awesome newby!
W Kalwies Sebastopol Anytime English, Spanish
Coastal farmland and redwoods. Great area for birding. A must for any Birdingpal coming to the North Bay area.


 

  P Maffei Sonora Anytime English
  We are not experts, but we do lead some trips with our local Audubon and know all the local birds and best places to find them.

Having lived in Europe and Latin America, we speak Spanish, French, German (and Swiss German) 		Area:
Sierra Foothills, from blue oak savanna to chaparral, mixed oak/conifer forest, mixed conifer to alpine to Sonora Pass at 10,000ft.

Mediterranean climate with hot summers

New Melones, Rock Creek Rd., Lyons Dam

Area Birds:
Acorn Woodpecker, Rock Wren; Osprey
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, photography, butterflies, swimming
Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, car, long walk, kayak, cruise
Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, vineyard, monument, arboretum, architecture appreciation, antique
Attend: concert, ballet, dance show, theatre, live classical music, antique, convention, political rally, protest
Participate: party, dance, classical, wine, beer, liquor
Play: cards



 
A Armstrong Sunnyvale Weekend English
East Coast transplant living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Great birding here.
C Reid Torrance Anytime English, some Spanish
I am a docent at the Madrona Marsh Preserve, a stopover on the Pacific Flyway. I live very close to Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes Peninsula. There are free bird walks regularly with expert guides in my area.
R Foote Ukiah Anytime English, Spanish, German, Swiss German
Active in local Peregrine Audubon Club. Two hours north of San Francisco Bay Area.
D DesJardin Ventura Anytime English
J Jardine Walnut Creek(San Francisco) Anytime English
J Friedberg Watsonville, Santa Cruz to Monterey area Weekend English, some German
Several sloughs in the Watsonville area provide excellent wetlands birding, while inland birding also is available at Watsonville parks and lakes. I am a beginning-intermediate level birder, with much more enthusiasm than expertise. My wife and I are only available on Sundays.
A Sheehey Weldon Weekend English, very limited Spanish, French
Master Naturalist/Photographer. Information on area at my website...www.natureali.org Outreach Director - Audubon Kern River Preserve.
Information on preserve here.
J Hughes Westchester Anytime English
Retired, new to birding. Began backyard bird feeding but wish to expand interest and appreciate assistance in learning.

 

  L Helfman Woodacre, California, USA Anytime English (just americun, sadly)
  Area:
Point Reyes, Marin County, any of numerous state and federal parks in Marin County

Area Birds:

Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, butterflies, swimming, beach,
Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, train, bus, car, hitchhiking, biking, long walk, backpack, canoe, ship, cruise,
Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, club, vineyard, monument, arboretum, architecture appreciation, shop, antique, tech,
Attend: concert, ballet, dance show, theatre, live music, sports event, auction, antique, political rally, protest, competition, swap
Participate: rock, country, classical, wine, Play:, scrambled letters games


 
D Myers Yorba Linda Anytime English


Professional Guides

If you contact a professional Birdingpal guide you must be prepared to pay a fee for guiding services.

Name Company Area Available Language


 



  Benny Jacobs-Schwartz BIRDS by BIJS Valley Village Anytime English and Spanish
 

I love to explore all birding habitats. Los Angeles is a very large area and holds a diversity of bird species from rare wintering vagrants, to the more expected but equally impressive breeding and winter residents.

Whether we go to wetlands, forest habitats, coastal birding, or even to the desert, I am happy and experienced in all habitats.

I'm a very strong birder by sight and sound. I also have an exceptional Vortex spotting scope for long distance sighting.

Instagram.com/birdsbybijs

Email: bijsbijsbijs@gmail.com

Area:
Sepulveda Basin, Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles Arboretum, Wetlands

Area Birds:
California Gnatcatcher, Mountain Quail, Shorebirds, Waterfowl, Songbirds


Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, hiking, butterflies, fishing, sport fishing, boating, skiing, swimming, surfing, snowmobiling, sky diving
Travel: train, bus, car, hitchhiking, biking, long walk, packpack, canoe, portage, dog sled, snow mobile
Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, club, vineyard, outdoors, nature spot, beach, lake, ocean, architecture, shop, antique, swap
Attend: concert, horse race, ballet, dance show, theatre, live music, sports event, auction, antique, convention, political rally, protest, competition
Participate: night life, party, dance, club, bar, rock, country, classical, hiphop, rap, swing, wine, beer, liquor, social games, computer games, casino




K Barnett Borrego Springs Anytime English
I've been working as a park ranger and naturalist in the desert for 20 years. I love sharing the many faces of the Salton Sea with folks.

It is a hot bed for migratory birds in winter months with a diverse habitats to see a large variety of bird life. In a recent birding extravaganza at the sea we saw 78 species, including spoonbills, nesting burrowing owls and Sandhill cranes. 		Area:
Salton Sea region, Sony Bono Wildlife Refuge, Mullet Island, Obsideon Butte

Area Birds:
migrating,nesting great blue herons, snow geese, sandhill cranes, burrowing owls 		Interests:
birding


M Ross Yosemite NP Anytime English
Really enjoyed the last two days of bird study. It has been a long time since I have gone out "into the bush" to look for birds. Most of my watching has been at the seashore. Very different, as the birds are in plain sight- the lazy man's birding.
Craig Knox, CA
Kathi and I just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed our outing. The pygmy owl was the bird highlight.
Kathi and Greg Jacobs, CA
Here are some of the pictures from our June trip to Yosemite. I had a great time! I hope all is well.
Prem McMurdo, CA

Local Information
Name Description
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia California
Local weather Yahoo
Audubon, California Club
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Yosemite Area Audubon Society Club
Audublog, conservation news and notes Blog
San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory Banding
Golden Gate RaptorObservatory Site
Aleutian Goose Festival Festival
Central Valley Birding Symposium Festival
Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua Festival
Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival Festival
Flyway San Francisco Bay Festival
Bird Guide Sites
Monterey Bay Sites
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve Sites
Joe Morlan's, Birding California Sites
Kendric C Smith's Palo Alto Sites
Kern Valley Photos
Shearwater Journeys Pelagic
Breeding Bird Atlas
NABA Orange County Butterflies
Birding Hotspots around the world Sites