Mt Baldy Scenic Lift Ride and hike to Thunder Mountain https://mtbaldyresort.com/scenic-lift/

Birding begins on the drive up while you gain altitude and start seeing montane species (Scrub Jays give way to Steller’s Jays) and continues in the parking lot as you get ready to board the Sugar Pine Chair Lift. The 20-minute ride takes you to the Top of the Notch Recreation Area at 7,800 ft. The hike east towards Thunder Mountain (9,414 ft.) is on wide dirt (fire) roads and has fabulous vistas both inland towards the desert and on a clear day, views of the ocean in the opposite direction. Expect all the usual high altitude bird species (Pygmy Nuthatch, Clark’s Nutcracker, Cassin’s Finch, White-headed Woodpecker and a nice selection of warblers) but one of the highlights for me is seeing Williamson’s Sapsuckers. 

Guasti Regional Park https://parks.sbcounty.gov/park/cucamonga-guasti-regional-park/

My closest regional park does not have a huge selection of birds, but it is convenient, and I’ve never been disappointed. Nice for first time birders because they will not be overwhelmed with too many species to remember, there is a great blend of water birds, park birds and in the north east corner of the park in a small riparian area, a nice selection of scrub and chapparal birds.

Prado Regional Park  https://parks.sbcounty.gov/park/prado-regional-park/

Rushing Clark’s and Western Grebes, breeding Vermillion Flycatchers, Bald Eagles, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, White-tailed Kites and a good size population of endangered Least Bell’s Vireo’s makes Prado one of my favorite places to bird.  With all the usual birds associated with lakes and parks, Prado also has a ‘wild side’. A large riparian area, and some grasslands at the south end of the park that are worth exploring. The long-tailed weasels are always fun to see as well.

Best Cemeteries

Cemetery birding, especially at locations that have both old and young trees are great places to bird. Here’s some favorites: Oakdale Mortuary and Memorial Park in Glendora is famous for Vermillion Flycatcher in the new area with baby trees ideal for perches and lots of grass. For big, old trees, Pomona Cemetery can’t be beat. Other favorites Oak Park in Claremont, and Bellevue in Ontario.

Chino Creek Wetlands and Education Park  https://www.ieua.org/chino-creek-wetlands-educational-park/

The restored wetland and riparian habitats at Chino Creek support favorites like Yellow-breasted Chat, Least Bell’s Vireo, Green and Black-crowned Night Herons and a variety of warblers, especially Yellow Warblers. Natural mosquito control is enhanced by a trail of Tree-Swallow nest boxes and the chicks can be seen begging food at the entry hole during the breeding season. The facility is relatively small, 22 acres, and can be done alone or, if time allows, in combination with other gems in Chino like the Mill Creek Wetlands or Chino Hills State Park.