FIELD TRIPS
"Join us for a birding field trip! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced birder, all are welcome. Our mission is to cultivate a love of birding by fostering education, connection with nature, and camaraderie among birders of all levels. Come share in the adventure and joy of birdwatching with us!"
​How to sign up for a field trip:
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Scroll to the bottom of the page and fill out your name, contact info and select the trip you want to attend.
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Light drizzle does not necessarily cancel trips, but heavier rain will. For all trips, please wear appropriate clothing (layers are suggested), comfortable shoes, and bring snacks, water, hats, sunscreen, binoculars and field guides."
Questions or need help? Email fieldtrips@venturaaudubon.org
UPCOMING VAS FIELD TRIPS
CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS REGIONAL PARK
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025 - 8:30 AM
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This park has slopes of coastal sage and southern cactus scrub, wetlands and riparian habitat, and the remains of the “Scary Dairy”, the old Camarillo State Hospital Farm. A wide variety of passerines, waterfowl and raptors can be found here. Recent sightings include American White Pelican and Peregrine Falcon. Walking will mostly be on dirt and gravel trails. No restrooms or water in the park.
Directions: Take 101S to S Lewis Rd, exit and travel south about 2 miles and the entrance and gravel parking lot is on the left just off Old Dairy Road. University Day fee for parking, can be paid online in advance or on your phone at the parking lot.
KROTONA INSTITUTE
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025 - 8:30 AM
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The Krotona Institute of Theosophy welcome you to share their beautiful 115 acre grounds as we look for resident birds and springtime visitors. Various Hawks, Woodpeckers, and Songbirds nest there, and we may get to see Hooded Orioles, Ash-throated Flycatchers, and Black headed Grosbeaks. This is a working spiritual center, so please be mindful of others especially students, faculty, and residents. For safety please stay on paved roads.
Directions: Follow 33 north to Ojai, turn left at Hermosa, then bear immediately left again onto Krotona St. We will meet in front of the Bookshop.
MOUNT PINOS
SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2025 - 9:30 AM
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Our last field trip of the season is to beautiful Mt Pinos in the Los Padres National Forest. Clark’s Nutcrackers, Green-tailed Towhees, White-headed Woodpeckers, Mountain Chickadees, and many more await you. This trip will last approx 4 hours, and starts a little later to allow extra time for the drive up. The walking is mildly strenuous because of the altitude. The gravel and dirt Summit Trail rises 500 feet over 1.5 miles to the peak at 8848 feet. We will take it slow, but bring snacks and plenty of water.
Directions: Plan for a 2 hour drive from Ventura. Take 126 East to I5 North. Exit at Frazier Mountain Road, follow Frazier Mountain Road West, it will turn into Cuddy Valley Road, keep going until the road ends at the Mt Pinos Nordic Base parking lot where we will meet. This is a back country location with no facilities, so use restrooms on the drive up or be prepared to rough it!
