Birdwatching in California

California is the third largest and most populous state in United States bordered by Oregon to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, Mexico to the south and Arizona and Utah to the east.
With its staggering array of natural habitats, many National Parks, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, mountains, desert, forest, lakes and coastline it is a birders paradise boasting more than 600 bird species recorded including 105 endemics to North America and 2 state endemics.
The popularity of birdwatching in California reflects in the many Birdingpals willing to help a visiting birder.

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Local Birdingpal Contacts

Local Birdwatchers
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.
Shortcuts to Local Pals in major cities:
Los Angeles Monterey Sacramento San Diego San Francisco Santa Cruz Professional Guides

Initial Last Name Area Available Language
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.
R Wyna Anaheim Anytime
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.
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
S Williams Bakersfield Anytime
M Schwartz Berkeley Weekend
D Dash Berkeley Anytime English
Fantastic birding around the Bay Area - loads of different microclimates for varied species sightings. I'm not an expert, but rather a novice for life. I keep learning all the time. Happy birding!
S Remley Big Bear Lake/San Bernardino Mountains Anytime
S Dryden Carmel Anytime English
Un poquito Espanol
I have been birding for about 10 years and know almost all of the birds and the best birding sites on the Monterey Peninsula, and can identify most local birds by sound. Monterey County is one of the birdiest counties in the USA, with a wide variety of habitats -- shore, wetlands, forests, etc.
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
L Krasnovsky Chatsworth Anytime
M Skram Chico Anytime
S Kirn Chico Anytime
D Koenig Chico Weekend English
some Spanish
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.
R Peterson Chico/Sacramento Anytime English/Spanish
E Mayer Corte Madera Anytime English/Spanish
D Mehta Daly City Anytime
T Colborn Davis Anytime English
R Keister Davis Weekend English
C Kisling Dorris(Klamath Basin) Anytime English
J McKenzie El Segundo Weekend English
I live in So. California not to far from LAX and the beach areas. I like to bird the Del Rey Lagoon and Ballona Freshwater Marsh on a fairly regular basis. Occasionally some of the neighboring parks such as Sand Dune Park and Pollywog Park. I'm looking for a birding buddy to do birding field trips with, especially the ones offered by the Los Angeles Audubon Society.
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!!!!!
R Hewitt Eureka Anytime English/Scottish
K Stockton Foothill Ranch Weekend English/Spanish
Happy to share some prime Southern California birding spots with visitors.
K McNew Fresno Weekend
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.
J Olsen Grass Valley Anytime
J Shower Greenville 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.
J Marshall Jacumba Anytime
T Harrison La Canada Weekend
K Johnson La Canada Weekend
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.
R Carlson Lake Tahoe(summer only) Anytime
C Hawley Lincoln Weekend
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.
P Croft Lodi/Sacramento Anytime English
My husband and I will take people out anytime. We live l hour from Sacramento and 15 minutes from Stockton in the Central Valley of California.
E Pandolfino Loomis Anytime
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.
S Wells Los Angeles Anytime
J Raskin Los Angeles Anytime
B Zielenbach Los Angeles Anytime English
I live in Los Angeles County and have a keen interest in reviving my birding skills.
C Taylor Los Angeles Anytime English
I have been birding with my dad since I was 8 years old. I also enjoy bird and wildlife photography: http://www.kiwifoto.com
E Uyeki McKinleyville Anytime
M Kotin Malibu/Los Angeles Anytime English
C Vaughn Ukiah/Mendocino County Anytime English
R Little Milpitas/San Jose Areas Weekend
D Gurley Miranda Anytime English(American style)
enough of a 'smattering'
of Spanish to have fun
I live in Humboldt County. The Humboldt Bay NWP is an hour's drive to the north. The Arcata Marsh is also close by, and there's a newly discovered breeding area for the Grasshopper Sparrow in our local community park. I am not a professional birder by any means. I am a very enthusiastic four year novice married to a very understanding Woman. I have an irresistable Marsh Wren call imitation, and my imitation of a Western meadowlark has gotten me into trouble with a couple of my professional guide-friends who are also members with me in the Redwood Region Audubon Society.
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 Rudesill Modesto Anytime English
I live in the Central Valley of California which is a winter flyway for many waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes. We have several wildlife refuges nearby that are full of birds in the winter time.
J Herr Moraga Weekend
S Brown Los Osos/Morro Bay Anytime English/French
Great birding area. Brant Geese, waterfowl and hawks in winter.
J Royer Los Osos/Morro Bay Weekend English
Great coastal birding September - April, but May - August is a little slow except for shorebirds in July and August. It is not too difficult to see over 100 species in a day. I am an experienced fieldtrip leader and birder for over 25 years.
B Adams Monterey Anytime English/French
Frequent Big Sur and Elkhorn Slough.
J Vincent Monterey Anytime English/Spanish
some French
I have been birding since 1980s in Houston, Texas for 10 yrs, Salem, Oregon for 15 yrs and now in Monterey, CA. Not a lister but at last count had seen 475+ birds in North Central Americas + Galapagos. I know the good places to see birds on Monterey Bay Peninsula, one of unique habitats in the world.
P Turner Myrtle Beach Anytime
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 Scannell Novato Anytime
B Messmore Oakland, near San Francisco Anytime English
I travel a lot, but happy to help whenever I can.
E Harold Orange County Anytime English/French
B Mantell Palm Springs Anytime English/French
Spanish/Hebrew
P Rouzer Palo Alto Weekend
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.
W Bousman Palo Alto/San Jose Anytime
W Zimmerly Paradise Anytime English
E Stonick Pasadena Weekend
K Lehr Patterson Anytime
C Spaid Petaluma, Two Rock Anytime
R Cimino Pleasanton Weekend
M Brady Potter Valley Anytime English
some Spanish
World birder as well as local.
J Coumoutso Rancho Cucamonga Anytime
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!
M Baker Redlands Anytime English
Southern california!! Near mountains, desert, ocean, and the Salton sea.
A Eisner Redwood City/SF Peninsula Anytime
K Guse Sacramento Weekend
P Toomey Sacramento Weekend
B Mendenhal Sacramento Anytime English/Spanish
M Getty Sacramento Anytime
C Allen Sacramento Weekend
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
W Arnn San Diego Weekend English/y poquito espanol muy mal
San Diego County is the second 'birdiest' county in the USA.
M O'Reilly San Francisco Anytime
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.
G Kinsley San Gabriel Weekend English
I am a member of the Pasadena Audubon Society
J Cole San Jose Anytime
M Stiles San Luis Obispo County Weekend
D Worland San Simeon Anytime
D Das Santa Clara Anytime English
I am interested in Birding, Wildlife Watching and Photography. I live and work close to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Palo Alto Baylands Park, Shoreline Park, Stevens Creek Park.
M Thompson Santa Barbara Anytime English/Spanish
B McLaughlin Santa Cruz Anytime
T Newberry Santa Cruz Anytime English/French
G Meyer Santa Cruz Anytime
P Brown Santa Cruz Anytime
L Selman Santa Cruz Anytime English
I am a Bird photographer and birder. Interested in showing other interested photographers around the area. Visit my website http://MostlyBirds.com.
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
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.
D Norton Topanga(Los Angeles) Anytime
A Armstrong Sunnyvale Weekend English
East Coast transplant living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Great birding here.
A Oddo Truckee Anytime English
Truckee is 20 minutes from Lake Tahoe at and above 6000'. We have many woodpeckers including the Pileated and lots of Finches, Sparrows and Mountain Bluebirds. Although we have less birds that winter-over, we do have many spring and summer visitors. I am an avid but not professional bird watcher.
D DesJardin Ventura Anytime
J Jardine Walnut Creek(San Francisco) Anytime
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.
L Richter Yolo County Anytime English
some Spanish
Birder, artist, homemaker, kittenpetter, Quaker, radio host*, TV show producer*, garden enthusiast, letter-writer, Arboretum docent, teacher/tutor, founder of several clubs including "ATC Exchange of Northern California" and "Internet Users Group", problem solver, woman.
(*= shows on local public access stations).
D Myers Yorba Linda Anytime
J Myers Yosemite Anytime


Professional Guides

Initial Last Name Area Available Language
S Huber Chico Anytime English
S Sosensky Los Angeles Weekend
K Dailey Arcata Anytime English
R Fournier Monterey Anytime English
D Edelstein Novato Anytime
N Weeden San Francisco Anytime

Local Information
Name Description
Audubon, California Club
Western Field Ornithologists Club
Altacal Audubon Society Club
Buena Vista Audubon Club
Conejo Valley Audubon Society Club
Eastern Sierra Audubon Society Club
El Dorado Audubon Society Club
Fresno Audubon Society Club
Golden Gate Audubon Society Club
Kerncrest Audubon Society Club
Los Angeles Audubon Society Club
Madrone Audubon Society Club
Mendocino Coast Audubon Society Club
Marin Audubon Society Club
Mojave Desert Bird Club Club
Morro Coast Audubon Society Club
Ohlone Audubon Society Club
Palomar Audubon Society Club
Palos Verdes/South Bay Audubon Society Club
Pasadena Audubon Society Club
Peregrine Audubon Society Club
Redwood Region Audubon Society Club
Sacramento Audubon Society Club
San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society Club
San Diego Audubon Society Club
San Fernando Valley Audubon Society Club
Santa Barbara Audubon Society Club
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society Club
Santa Cruz Bird Club Club
Sierra Foothills Audubon Society Club
Whittier Audubon Society Club
Yolo Audubon Society Club
Audublog, conservation news and notes Blog
Latest Sights RBR
San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory Banding
Golden Gate RaptorObservatory Club
Godwit Days Festival
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
Bodega Bay, Chanslor Wetlands Project Wetlands
Monterey Bay Sites
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve Sites
New River Wetland Wetlands
Joe Morlan's, Birding California Sites
Mojave Desert Shorebirds
Kendric C Smith's Palo Alto Sites
Birding Hotspots around the world Festival
Kern Valley Photos
Searcher Natural History Tours, San Diego Pelagic
Shearwater Journeys Pelagic
Breeding Bird Atlas
NABA Los Angeles Butterflies
NABA Orange County Butterflies
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia California
Local weather Yahoo
Electronic maps MapQuest
Find lowest prices for field guides, books, maps etc.
Field guides recommended by Birdingpals
Printable bird check list
Trip Reports from California
Steve Sosensky's guide to Southern California

Last update 18/06/2009