Field Trips

Pomona Valley Audubon Society

About PVAS Field Trips: Pomona Valley Audubon field trips are offered at no cost (unless otherwise specified) and open to all individuals. ALWAYS contact the trip leader if you plan to attend and to verify start time, meeting location, and confirm trip status. In case of rain, call the trip leader the night before. Many of our trips originate at Memorial Park in Claremont but you have the option to meet on site. (Carpooling is optional based on your comfort level.) Driving mileage estimates are from Memorial Park in Claremont and are round-trip. For your comfort and enjoyment, participants should plan to bring the following items: Binoculars, spotting scope, camera, water, snacks (check description for lunch needs,) walking or hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, weather appropriate clothing and a full tank of gas if driving. Trips are rated by difficulty to help you prepare.

PVAS Field Trip Difficulty Levels – Trips rated Easy through Strenuous involve walking and standing for several hours.
Minimal – Little or no walking, option to exit car and walk short distances over relatively level terrain. Example: Drive-through wetlands.
Easy – Walking on relatively level terrain, paved or maintained dirt roads (many locations wheelchair accessible.) Example: Artificial wetlands and botanic gardens.
Moderate – Some elevation change, stairs, walking on sloped grass, rolling hills, open fields or groomed hiking trails with mild trip hazards (tree roots, rocks, etc.) Example: Regional Parks with lakes and hiking trails.
Strenuous – Irregular or rocky terrain, > 500ft. elevation change, some off-trail walking. Example: Natural areas and preserves (North Etiwanda Preserve.)

Family Friendly Walks at the California Botanic Garden First Sunday in the Month. (September Through June.)

California Botanic Garden, 1500 N College Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, USA (map)
This family-friendly bird walk is approximately 2 hours long and is perfect for beginners and experienced birders alike. No binoculars? No worries! Loaner binoculars are available (limited number so first come first served.) You will receive instructions on their use as well. PVAS volunteer Ken Burgdorff (gwrencaps@gmail.com) and others will lead the walks.
Please RSVP with the botanic garden’s reservation site by using the DATE SPECIFIC links for each month.

Fourth Sunday Bird Walks at Bonelli Park (September Through June.)

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park. San Dimas, CA 91773-(map) Difficulty: Moderate

We meet in the parking lot of Brackett Field (airport) at 1615 McKinley Ave., La Verne, CA 91773 (better known as the Norm’s Hanger Coffee Shop parking lot.) To reach the parking lot, take McKinley Ave. west from Fairplex Drive to the parking area at the end of the road on the right. Meet at 7:45 AM to caravan into the park for free entrance and an 8:00 AM walk. 2-3 hours. Don’t forget your binoculars and comfortable shoes. Contact the trip leader listed for each month.

2024 Spring Field Trips and Bird Walks

Saturday, April 6, 2024

Field Trip to Hahamongna Watershed Park

4550 Oak Grove Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103 Difficulty-Easy to Moderate (walking up to 3 mi.)

This 1300 acre park in the Arroyo Seco of Pasadena extends north from the Devil’s Gate Dam and boasts an extensive Coast Live Oak forest and riparian area, conducive to a nice variety of migrant and resident birds. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Memorial Park in Claremont. Bring snacks, water, and lunch for a half-day trip. Contact Trip Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 456-4994 or DanRCRenee@verizon.net

Sunday, April 7, 2024

First Sunday of the Month Family Friendly Bird Walks at the California Botanic Garden

1500 N. College Ave. Claremont, CA 91711
Meet at the entrance at 8:00 AM for free admission. This family-friendly bird walk is approximately 2 hours long and is perfect for beginners and experienced birders alike. No binoculars? No worries! Loaner binoculars are available (limited number so first come first served.) You will receive instructions on their use as well. PVAS volunteer Ken Burgdorff (gwrencaps@gmail.com and others will lead the walks. Please RSVP using this link to the Botanic Garden’s reservation site: http://11213.blackbaudhosting.com/11213/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=2360041f-feac-4084-a74d-83306183e8c9

Friday, April 19, 2024

Field Trip and Survey of the North Etiwanda Preserve

4890 Etiwanda Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 Difficulty: Strenuous (rocky, uneven terrain, 3.5 miles 800+ ft elevation gain) New: A shorter moderate option to survey the gentler south border will be available.

Twice a year we gather bird population data for the County of San Bernardino by doing what we love – birding! Join us for all or part of the day. Specialties include Bell’s Sparrow, Loggerhead Shrike, and other open country species. We will be taking our usual counterclockwise route on the main trail making us easy to find, so feel free to join us at any time. Meet at Beryl Park at the West Parking Lot, 6501 Carnelian St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 for a 7 AM departure to the preserve. This is a hike and not a walk, please bring sturdy footwear, a portable lunch, water, snacks, and layered clothing for about 6-7 hours in the field. (Est. driving 30 miles.) Please RSVP with Trip Leader: Mike Brossart: mjbrossart@gmail.com

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Fourth Sunday of the Month Bonelli Bird Walk

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park. San Dimas, CA 91773 – Difficulty: Moderate

Enjoy one of the richest birding sites in Southern California on our fourth Sunday of the month Bonelli Bird Walk. We meet in the parking lot of Brackett Field (airport) at 1615 McKinley Ave., La Verne, CA 91773 (better known as the Norm’s Hanger Coffee Shop parking lot.) To reach the parking lot, take McKinley Ave. west from Fairplex Drive to the parking area at the end of the road on the right. Meet at 7:45 AM to caravan into the park for free entrance and an 8:00 AM walk. 2-3 hours. Don’t forget your binoculars and comfortable shoes. RSVP Walk Leader: Keith Condon catbird117@yahoo.com

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Field Trip to Prado Wetlands with David McMichael

This trip is full and the waiting list is also full

14980 River RD. Corona,CA. , Orange County Water District David McMichael, Orange County Water District biologist, will once again conduct a private tour for PVAS. Shallow ponds provide ideal habitat for wading shore birds, waterfowl, raptors, and a large population of endangered Least Bell’s Vireo. Walk from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Meet at Prado Wetlands. Trip limited to 12 people. Contact trip leader to reserve your spot and to discuss the need for carpooling. Leader: Tina Stoner: 909-292-3900. tinastoner@earthlink.net

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Field Trip to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

(11055 East Dr, Morongo Valley, CA 92256 – Difficulty: Moderate (up to 4 mi. but optional feeder watching only.) A famous desert oasis at the height of western migration with lots of local nesting activity too. Great photo ops during our lunch stop at the bird feeders. Meet at 6:00 a.m. at Memorial Park in Claremont (Note earlier start time!) We’ll also visit Covington Park next door. Bring snacks, water and lunch for a full day trip. (Est. driving 167 mi.)

Trip Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 456-4994 or DanRCRenee@verizon.net

Sunday, May 5, 2024

First Sunday of the Month Family Friendly Bird Walks at the California Botanic Garden

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Fourth Sunday of the Month Bonelli Bird Walk– Cancelled for Memorial Day Weekend

Sunday,June 2, 2024

First Sunday of the Month Family Friendly Bird Walks at the California Botanic Garden

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Big Bear Lake Area

(multiple locations – Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (up to 4 mi.) Beat the summer heat and head up to the mountains with us. Enjoy birding the Big Bear Lake area and Bluff Lake during the breeding season of montane species. Meet at 6:00 a.m. (Note earlier start time!) at Memorial Park in Claremont. Bring snacks, water and lunch for a full day of birding. (Est. driving 150 mi.)

Trip Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 456-4994 or DanRCRenee@verizon.net

Remember this tip – If the trip name is “Big” (Big Morongo and Big Bear) we start at 6:00 a.m.

Sunday, June 23, 2024

Black Swifts in the Claremont Hills

4031 N Mills Ave #1406, Claremont, CA 91711-Difficulty: Strenuous (Fire Road, 0.91 miles, 243 ft gain)

Search for Black Swifts in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Preserve with leader Tom Miko. The Wilderness Park is unique as a reliable spot to see Black Swifts as they return to their mountain roosts, deep in the San Gabriel Mountains. Plan on a one-mile walk with appropriate foot wear, ample water for afternoon heat and insect repellent. The trail ascends through a canyon shaded by ancient Coast Live Oaks, reaching the overlook where a bench is conveniently located. Black Swifts may be seen with cliff swallows as they pass above the overlook. In addition, the usual suite of chaparral birds and other creatures are expected. Meet at the gate on Mills Ave at 5:00 PM. Parking is free with a Claremont City Pass in the South lot and metered $7.00, no cash, credit card only for those without a pass. RSVP to trip leader Tom Miko tgmiko@gmail.com.

Pomona Valley Audubon Society

Field Trips

Family Friendly Walks at the California Botanic Garden First Sunday in the Month. (September Through June.)

Fourth Sunday Bird Walks at Bonelli Park (September Through June.)

This trip is full and the waiting list is also full

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