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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CONTACT US ____________________________________________________________________
I am past president of Napa-Solano Audubon and enjoy taking people birding in the Bay Area, Sierras, nearby ocean, and Central Valley.
E
Josephy
Alameda
Weekend
English, some Spanish
I actually live in Alameda - a five by three mile island adjacent to Oakland. It has a 5 mile beach. I am a beginning bird watcher and a nursing student. I am 60 years young.
R
Wyna
Anaheim
Anytime
English
F
Gray
Antelope
Anytime
English, some Spanish
I recently retired from employment as a biologist for the California Department of Fish and Game. I am interested in birding with visitors to California and also birding with Birdingpals in other states.
S
Bentall
Aptos
Anytime
English, a little French
We have incredible birding in our area! I have contacts in this area, bird walks,etc.
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.
M
McQuerrey
Bakersfield
Anytime
English
S
Williams
Bakersfield
Anytime
English
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
M
Schwartz
Berkeley
Weekend
English
M
Abbott
Bolinas & Sonoma County
Anytime
English
I've been birdwatching for years and am especially interested in identifying by song and calls. I live in Bolinas (Marin County), California. Very near to Pt Reyes National Seashore and Sonoma coast sites. I am not exactly advanced but could steer out of towners to the right spots in the Marin and Sonoma area.
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
D
Batzler
Carlsbad
Anytime
English
Started birding in my forties and now recently retired and in my early sixties. Enjoy the natural world, including birds, mammals, insects, butterflies etc. as well as capturing them with my digital camera. Carlsbad is a coastal community in one of the better bird counties (San Diego) in the U.S.
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
Petrulias
Cazadero
Anytime
English
L
Krasnovsky
Chatsworth
Anytime
English
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
I am a biologist. I am interested in mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and plants. The area in which I live has riparian, wetland, grassland, oak forest, coniferous forest, and alpine ecosystems. The Altacal Audubon Society and the CSU,Chico Bird Club hosts free birding field trips within the area.
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).
R
Peterson
Chico/Sacramento
Anytime
English, Spanish
D
Quigley
Clearlake Oaks
Anytime
English, a little French
I live on a canal that leads to Clear Lake and have stable pedal kayaks (1 one-person and 1 two-person) for us to use. I am a beginning birder.
K
Hendrickson
Clipper Mills
Anytime
English
We are an hour from great wintertime birding in the Sacramento valley. We often try to do a 100 bird day starting at our house(3600ft), working our way down through the foothills, stopping at the Feather River and ending at Graylodge Wildlife Refuge.
E
Mayer
Corte Madera
Anytime
English, Spanish
B
Byerley
Covina
Weekend
English
A begining birdwatcher, I work full time but have some weekdays off.
D
Mehta
Daly City
Anytime
English
L.
Richter
Davis, California
Anytime
English, some Spanish
I live in Davis, California, which is next to the UCD Arboretum, Vic Fazio Yolo Bypass Wetlands, Yolo County's settling ponds, and various City of Davis ponds (all especially great places to bird in the winter).
Nearby are Lake Solano Park (good any time of the year), Jepson Prairie, Cache Creek Conservancy, and various rural areas in the county.
Within 1-2 hours drive are Sacramento NWR, Colusa NWR, Sutter NWR, and Gray Lodge Wildlife Area.
For several years, I have been giving an annual presentation thru the UCD Arboretum called Winter Birds in Davis.
I am happy to take people out birding most days (no charge).
Area:
Yolo County, Davis, Sacramento, Fazio Yolo Bypass Wetlands, Lake Solano Park, Jepson Prairie, Cache Creek Conservancy
Area Birds:
Yellow-billed Magpie
Swainson’s Hawk
White-tailed Kite (aka Black-shouldered Kite)
California Scrub Jay
Wood duck
a rookery of egrets and herons
(summer) Western Kingbird
(s) several kinds of swallows
(winter) Yellow-rumped Warbler
(w) Hermit Thrush
(w) Red-shafted Flicker
Annas Hummingbird (nesting!) and other hummingbirds in migration season
Interests:
Nature: birding, photography, animals, flowers, gardening
Travel: seldom go out of town except for birding -- drive a hybrid car; Hawaii next year!
Visit: local ponds, creeks, and birding hotspots; UCDavis Arboretum and other public gardens; California festivals and fairs; architectural salvage shops, antique stores, yard sales, swaps; historical sites
Attend: art exhibits, garden tours, Whole Earth Festival (every May), club meetings, game days, art classes, live radio and history events
Participate: in Quaker meetings for worship, social games, community celebrations, neighborhood activities, yard sales, Arboretum docent (annual birding talk)
Teach: various art techniques (both at home and thru local creativity clubs)
Create: display cases for promoting various events (e.g., Senior Center Jewelry Sale); stage sets or backdrops for studio productions (e.g., KDRT fundraisers or DCTV shows); various exhibits of my art work (e.g., Yolo County Fair in August).
T
Colborn
Davis
Anytime
English
R
Keister
Davis
Weekend
English
S
Elliott
Davis
Anytime
English
I have just moved to the area and look forward to exploring the wildlife.
L
Wallace
Davis
Anytime
English, some French, Italian
I have been birding for nearly 10 years. There are great birding spots within a 10 minute to 2 hour drive from Davis. I bird in fall, winter and spring. In summer, you'll find me birding in and around Yellowstone Nat'l Park.
C
Kisling
Dorris(Klamath Basin)
Anytime
English
N
Ramirez
El Cajon
Anytime
English
My name is Nicole and I am a photographer of nature and do love birds, as well as flowers, bugs, trails. I live in the suburbs of San Diego, California. Though I am a photographer, I have a published book of the work I have done. Most of my photography is of San Diego, but I have visited other places here in the United States. I have my work in stores around San Diego mostly as greeting cards, but the book is offered as well.
K
Berniker
El Cerrito
Anytime
English, some Spanish
San Francisco Bay area, more to east (Richmond, Berkeley, Oakland) and north (Marin County).
S
Santa Anna
El Dorado Hills
Weekend
English, Spanish
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
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
V
Calhoun
Encinitas
Anytime
English, French, Spanish
Docent at Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad and San Elijo Lagoon in Cardiff. Excellent birding locations in north San Diego county!!!!!
D
Weinstock
Fairfax
Anytime
English
I live 20 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. I am a casual but interested bird watcher. I would be glad to help anyone looking for birds in Marin and Sonoma counties and I can help in Contra Costa county and the San Francisco peninsula. A lot of local obsessive birdwatchers use this site to post observations
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
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
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
McNew
Fresno
Weekend
English
P
Palisoc
Fresno
Anytime
English, Tagalog
Fresno is known for agriculture land.
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.
J
Sooter
Garberville
Anytime
English, Spanish
200 miles north of San Francisco, just off hwy101. Community park with bird checklist and trails nearby (1mile), a good stop on the way to Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Arcata Marsh, Godwit or Aleutian Goose Festivals.
A
Avnit
Gilroy
Anytime
English, Hebrew
My wife Julie and myself live in the breathtaking Santa Cruz mountains. we have every habitat conceivable within 45-60 minutes drive (Forests, brush, riparian, slough and lagoons, seashore and foothills, mountains, lakes and the list goes on). You're also welcome to bird on our property (over 100 species in our property life-list). There are over 25 national, state and county parks within 30 miles of us... you can spend a week here and enjoy only a fraction of the offering. We both work from home and are flexible in our ability to advise, guide, recommend and accompany you if you wish.
J
Olsen
Grass Valley
Anytime
English
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. Our phone # is 530-284-6856.
D
Studebaker
Hollister
Anytime
English, some German
I am a Registered Nurse who enjoys the birding opportunities of the Central Coast
area of California. I live only 30 minutes from the Pinnacles National Monument (one of the locations where the California Condors are being released and are seen frequently) and not far from the Elkhorn Slough on the Pacific Flyway.
H
Sabin
Hollywood
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.
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. Visit my website.
T
Harrison
La Canada
Weekend
English
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.
V
Gersh
Lee Vining
Anytime
English
Mono Lake is a good hot spot at the intersection of mountain and sage desert
Area:
Mono Lake, Yosemite
Area Birds:
Eared grebes, Lewis woodpeckers, Clark's nutcrackers
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.
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.
J
Raskin
Los Angeles
Anytime
English
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.
J
Ivanov
Los Angeles
Weekend
English
Coastal, montane, desert, and near shore pelagic birding via whale watching boats in winter, within reach in a single day. Would be birding with my wife and I.
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.
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.
J
DeLeon
Mission Viejo
Anytime
English, basic Spanish
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.
C
Johnson
Mountain View, CA
Weekends in the morning/early afternoon
English
I am a long time birder (20+ years) who has also recently taken up bird photography.
I was born and raised in Thailand and saw over 600 species while I was there. I've lived in CA for 15 years and have seen over 400 species in the state.
I've also birded in the Neotropics including Costa Rica and Mexico, and get really excited about small woodland birds like warblers.
I have a good network of birding friends, so if I can't find the bird you're looking for odds are I'll know someone who can.
Area:
Pescadero Marsh and Beach, Shoreline Lake, Rancho San Antonio Preserve
Area Birds:
Nuttal's Woodpecker, California Thrasher, Burrowing Owl, Lawrence's Goldfinch
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
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
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; gone 2nd half of May; gone 2nd half of June; gone all of August (2015).
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
Retired Educator and proud lesbian birder in Northern California.
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
N
Teater
Palo Alto
Anytime
English
South San Francisco Bay and the surrounding area has many birding hot spots, from the Bay, to the valley floor, to the surrounding foothills. We are blessed with abundant open space. Birders see about 300
different species each year.
R
Furrow
Palo Alto
Weekend
English fluently, Italian decently, French poorly, Spanish very poorly
I tend to bird quite locally in the southern part of the SF bay area, mostly confined to Santa Clara and San Mateo County. I especially like birding by bike, and I have an extra (if you're tall) if you wanted to bird by bike. I can give information on birding anywhere in the bay area, but I would probably only come birding with you if you wanted to stay within a 45 minute drive of Palo Alto.
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.
No really good birding near Pasadena, but some decent hikes close by if one has a few hours.
K
Gin
Pasadena
Anytime
English, German
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.
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
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
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.
C
Walker
Redlands
Anytime
English, some German
I am a semi-retired professional person. I love birding, but I am not a world-class birder. I still struggle with many of the raptors and flycatchers but am glad to share what I do know. The Morongo Wildlife Preserve is my favorite place to bird and it is indeed a world-class hot spot featuring birds like the Vermillion Flycatcher, Summer Tananger, Western Tananger, Western Blue Bird, Townsend's Solitaire,and Cactus Wren. Morongo is an oasis in the desert so many species are just passing though. One never knows what will be there even in the heat of the summer. Morongo Preserve is located about 2 1/2 hours east of Los Angeles. There is not charge to visit Morongo. We have a guest house nearby that is available free to birders for stays of up to 3 nights. Joshua Tree National Park is 20 minutes away. You will have to rent a car for there is no public transportation.
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!
J
Caplan
Santa Cruz, California
Varies by the week with work.
English, Spanish
Great Blue Herons,Western Grebes, Black Necked Stilts
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
G
Upchurch
Sacramento
Anytime
English
The California Delta area. Center stage for migratory birds.
K
Petrik
Sacramento
Weekend
English
1.5 hours to Sacramento NWR, 1 hour Gray Lodge Wildlife Area [WA], 10 minutes to Yolo Bypass WA
T.
Hyde
San Diego, western Riverside County
Anytime
English
I live in Riverside County but spend a lot of time in San Diego County. I can offer tips on target birds and good birding spots.
San Diego County is large county with both desert birds in the east, coastal birds in the west and several mountain ranges that separate the two zones. Southern California is a magical place and a wonderful place to bird.
As it currently stands San Diego County has 522 recorded species in the county. LGBT friendly.
Retired husband & wife. Live near bay and bird all San Diego County. Not life time birders but accomplished enough to assist in enjoying our area.
Area:
Tiajuana Sloughs, Tecolote Canyon, Lake Murrey, Mission Trails, Mission bay
Area Birds:
Warblers, Grosbeaks,Thrashers,Sparrows,Kinglets,Hawks,Waders, +
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching,photography, butterflies, fishing, swimming, beach, surfing, Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, climbing, train, bus, car,biking, long walk, packpack,Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant,monument, arboretum, architecture appreciation, Attend: concert, theatre, live music, sports event,competition, Participate: rock, country, classical, definitely wine, beer,
R
Cuthbertson
San Diego, California
Anytime
english
Many claim that our area has the most birds in the US. I don't know if that's true but we can have a good day all year long.
Area:
San Diego River, along the border with Mexico, National Wildlife Refuge
Area Birds:
We have a diversity of habits close by.
Interests:
Birding and traveling.
D
Nail
D
Nail
Fallbrook/San Diego
Anytime
English
I live in Fallbrook 60 miles north of San Diego, but I also bird San Diego, so folks from overseas also can contact me. Some people that come into Los Angeles can also contact me, since I am south of LA and able to take them out in Riverside and San Bernadino Counties.
L
Heinz
San Diego
Anytime
English
G
Schechter
San Francisco, 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
C
Evenhouse
San Francisco
Weekend
English, French, Spanish
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.
D
Assmann
San Francisco
Weekend
English
I've birded in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than a decade, and am pretty familiar with the best spots in San Francisco, and many in Marin County.
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.
M
Youngman
San Francisco
Weekend
English
60, male, have lived in SF since 1973, birder for about 6+ years, knowledgeable about most local birds, weak on shore birds. Know area well, am willing to share City and area birding/hiking spots. I work full time, so availability is variable, but Sunday mornings present possiblitles.
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
Have been birding for many years, I know all Western bird calls and have guided small groups. I bird in my local area as much as possible and at Mammoth Lakes where I have a condo. I like to travel and bird. Santa Barbara has many good bird sites.
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.
T
Newberry
Santa Cruz
Anytime
English, French
P
Brown
Santa Cruz
Anytime
English
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.
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.
S
Laturner
Ventura
Anytime
English, some Spanish
I live near N.P.S. Channel Islands marine sanctuary's federal visitor center. I spend a lot of time around Ventura harbor and beach area. Lots of seabirds, some waders, and avian panhandlers around outdoor resturants. I lead a busy life becuase I'm retired but I'll try to contribute as often as possible.
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
If you contact a professional Birdingpal guide you must be prepared to pay a fee for guiding services.
Initial
Last Name
Area
Available
Language
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