Activities: Bird Watching

Welcome to California’s Eastern Sierra! Situated at the edge of two vast, geographic provinces—the Great Basin, and the Sierra Nevada—the Eastern Sierra offers dramatic beauty and great birding. The Eastern Sierra Birding Trail traverses a 200-mile stretch of this scenic landscape and includes a surprising variety of habitats and birding opportunities. Gray-crowned Rosy Finches glean insects from granite heights, American Dippers bob along roaring mountain streams, Golden Eagles ply the thermals, Piñon Jays roam scrubby woodland in search of pine nuts, Warbling Vireos establish summer quarters in stately Cottonwoods, Sage Thrashers call from tufa tower perches, and thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl descend on basin lakes, pausing to refuel during their annual migratory odyssey. Inyo and Mono counties are blessed with an abundance of public land, most of which offers excellent birding. Our communities are becoming increasingly aware that birding is good business and are eager to welcome birders to their towns. Visitors need only ask around and they’ll find helpful locals eager to share tips about birding, sites to see, places to eat, and the secret spots tucked away that only they know about. The goal of this map is to share the birds of the Eastern Sierra with you. Whether you’re just getting started in birding or an expert new to the area, this map will be your guide to finding the birds in Mono and Inyo Counties. This map covers the most dramatic scenery found anywhere along Highway 395. It includes 37 birding sites chosen for their variety of birds and habitats. The map provides enough information for several thorough birding trips, and it is only the beginning. This trail is highway-based, but there are also side roads, dirt roads, and thousands of miles of foot trails that offer several lifetimes of exploration and birding. The Eastern Sierra is an immense, rugged, and extraordinary landscape rich with birds. Let this map be your introduction. We think you’ll be migrating back for more. We hope you enjoy your visit to the Eastern Sierra. Proper planning is key to enjoying your visit to the Eastern Sierra. It’s best to be prepared for many different types of conditions by having proper clothing, water, sunscreen, bug repellant, hat, wind and rain gear, suitable footwear, and food. Binoculars, scopes, and field guides are not essential, but will help to make your birding experience more rewarding. Weather conditions vary dramatically depending on the time of year and the elevation of the site you’re visiting. Eastern Sierra winters can drop several inches to several feet of snow depending on your elevation. Summer weather can vary from over 100 degrees in the Owens Valley to cool, breezy conditions in the higher elevations. Mountain thunderstorms are also a possibility in summer. Having proper clothing and gear—and simply paying attention to the weather through observation and local reports—can make a huge difference in the type of experience you have. No matter what the season, you should always have enough drinking water for your group. The combination of desert climate, bright sun, wind, and high elevation will quickly rob your body of water. Drinking frequently, using sunscreen, and wearing clothing that keeps you well covered will go a long way in preventing problems with the sun. All sites on this map are accessible by standard two-wheel drive vehicles. Should you visit this mountain area during the winter months (November through March) or should you wish to travel on the area’s primitive roads, you should plan to carry chains or drive a four-wheel drive vehicle that can handle these conditions. Respect Wildlife, the Land, and Rights of Others All of us, whether resident or seasonal visitor, have a responsibility to our natural treasures here in the Eastern Sierra. As you leave your car and investigate the wonders of each site, please keep in mind the following: • Practice quiet observation. You will see more if you go in a smaller group. Sit quietly in one location for a while to let wildlife feel comfortable with your presence. • Stay on roads, trails, and paths where they exist. Walk on durable surfaces such as rock when trails aren’t available. • Follow all laws, rules, and regulations on the lands you visit. This map cannot include all regulations for these sites, so be sure to check before or upon arrival. • Do not enter private property without the owner’s permission. The majority of sites are on public land but many are adjacent to private property. Please help to ensure that landowners have a positive experience with birders. • Observe from a distance especially near nesting areas and important feeding areas. Disturbing wildlife causes unnecessary stress and in some cases may impair their ability to survive. Use binoculars or a spotting scope for close-up views. • Leave no trace. Take only pictures, leave only footprints. How to Watch Birds Whatever the level of your interest, there are several simple techniques that will further your enjoyment of birding. Most importantly, take time to fully observe the bird while it is in view. What do you notice first about the bird? What is its color? Its behavior? What is its posture? How does it perch? After a few minutes, revisit your first impressions of the bird’s color. What are the extent and location of prominent colors? Is there a pattern of color on the bird? What color are the wings, belly, and head? Details are crucial to making a proper identification when you finally turn to your field guide for help. Try to always scan the area with both the naked eye and a pair of binoculars; keep your eyes active. Birds often remain inconspicuous until you make an effort to find them. Look for suggestive shapes perched on wires, branches, or atop rocks; watch for unexpected movements; listen for the calls and songs of hidden birds. Over time your senses will become trained and accustomed to this effort. Round Valley Loop This beautiful pastoral area is especially good for raptors in winter when numbers of Rough-legged, Ferruginous and Red-tailed Hawks can be seen. Both Golden and Bald Eagles occur with 15 species of diurnal raptors having been reported. Long-eared Owl have nested in the old magpie nests in the trees along North Round Valley Road. Habitat: Grassland, cottonwood, willow Seasons: All, winter is best for raptors Location: North of Bishop from Hwy 395, turn west onto Pine Creek Road. Turn right in 1.7 miles onto North Round Valley Road to begin the loop route—road turns to dirt. Turn right onto Boundary Road, and right on Sherwin Grade Road/Lower Rock Creek Road to connect with the starting point on Pine Creek Road. An optional side loop along Birchim Lane is a fun road to explore as well. Access: Day-use, year-round. Contact: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (760) 872-1104 Pleasant Valley Reservoir This long, narrow reservoir is deeper than most open water in the Eastern Sierra and is especially attractive to diving ducks. The steep, rock covered hillsides provide an echo chamber for the spring songs of numerous Canyon and Rock Wren. Winter highlights can include Barrow’s Goldeneye, which are often found in with Common Goldeneye. Also in winter, American Dipper are regular at the north end of the reservoir along the river channel and Wilson’s Snipe are often seen in the grassy mud flats. Habitat: Deep water reservoir, steep rocky hillsides, sagebrush scrub Seasons: All, winter is best for waterfowl Location 1: North Entrance: North of Bishop turn east onto Gorge Road. When it ‘Ts’ at the aqueduct pipe turn right and continue down the road to the small parking lot. A short distance beyond the plant is an asphalt one-lane road through a locked vehicle gate. This road is open to pedestrians and has walk-through access. It is about a three-mile walk to the south end of the reservoir. Location 2: South Entrance: North of Bishop turn east onto Pleasant Valley Dam Road. Continue on this road for 2.3 miles from the highway to a parking lot. A gate prevents further driving but walking is permitted. It is about a 3-mile walk on the paved trail to the north end of the reservoir. Access: Day-use, year-round Fee: For campground only. Contact: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (760) 872-1104 Five Bridges & Fish Slough Nikolaus and Nikolaus gravel company has created pits to contain overflow water and designed the pond area with small islands as an enhancement for birds. This is the location of one of California’s few Bank Swallow nesting colonies. The ponds are frequently productive in winter with potential for Tundra Swan, Brant, and Greater Scaup. The Five-Bridges area contains riparian habitat where Willow Flycatcher breed. Fish Slough is a freshwater marsh that is well known as a refuge for the endangered Owens pupfish. Northern Harrier breed here and are frequently seen coursing low over the reeds. The marsh also provides habitat for waterfowl and rails. Habitat: Open water, sand cliffs, marsh, saltbush scrub, grassland, willow, riparian Seasons: All Location: From Bishop take Hwy 6 north about 1.4 miles from Hwy 395 and turn west onto Five Bridges Road. A bridge crosses the Owens River about 1.3 miles after the turn. Continue along the road past the pond on the left and the gravel company, and make a right onto Fish Slough Road. At 1 mile, cross a cattle guard—Fish Slough marshes begin here and continue several miles north. Access: Year-round, day-use only. Bishop City Park The pond in the center of the park is an excellent location for waterfowl and gulls that are usually tame enough to allow close inspection. Wood Duck are often found here and Ross’ Goose occasionally visit in winter. Red-shouldered Hawk have nested in the park and warblers are numerous during spring and fall migration. Habitat: Parkland, cottonwood, willow, introduced tree species Seasons: All Location: Park Avenue is in downtown Bishop on the east side of Hwy 395. Turn east onto Park Avenue and there are numerous parking places along the north edge of the park. The pond is located at the center of the park. Access: Year-round Sabrina Lake, North Lake, South Lake All three lakes are excellent starting points to hike into the high country. The trails wind through coniferous forest punctuated by beautiful meadows and large granite outcrops where Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch may be seen. The lakes are above 9,000 feet and host an interesting assortment of water birds. Blue Grouse, House Wren, Hermit Thrush, and Mountain Bluebird all add their color and vocalizations to the land. Pacific and Common Loons have been recorded in fall. Always be on the lookout for White-tailed Ptarmigan, a new resident to the Eastern Sierra. Habitat: Mixed coniferous forest, chaparral, meadow, riparian Seasons: Summer for breeders; spring and fall for migrants Location: From Bishop take Hwy 168 West (West Line Street). The road passes the South Lake turnoff to the left, then North Lake turnoff to the right just before ending at Lake Sabrina 19 miles south-west of Bishop. Access: Road closed in winter. Contact: Mt. Whitney Ranger Station, Inyo National Forest (760) 876-6200 Klondike Lake This lake is the happy result of overflow water from the Los Angeles Aqueduct and is one of the best water bird areas in the Eastern Sierra. Both dabbling and diving ducks utilize the lake, often in large numbers. Clark’s Grebe is a regular breeder. The lake has hosted Brant and Long-tailed Duck. Peregrine Falcon and White-tailed Kite are casual visitors seen perching in the dead trees on the west side of the lake. Habitat: Open water, saltbush scrub, grassland Seasons: Best in fall, winter, and spring Location: From Hwy 395, about two miles north of Hwy 168 in Big Pine turn east onto an unmarked dirt road. A cattle guard and information board mark the turnoff. Look for a turn lane if coming from the north. The lake can be seen from the highway. Visual access is primarily along the south and east sides but with care, if the road is dry, one can drive all the way around the lake with caution. Access: Year-round, day-use only, no camping White Mountains & Tollhouse Spring On the way to the White Mountains at the 6,000 foot level is Tollhouse Spring—a side hill seep, and an oasis of cottonwoods and willows. This is a migrant trap during spring and fall and the rewards can be surprising. Many birders stop here for Chukar and Pinyon Jay, which are regular in summer and may be found anytime of the year. Broad-tailed, Costa’s, and Calliope Hummingbirds are frequent visitors. The White Mountains have piñon-juniper woodlands at the lower elevations where Black-throated Gray Warbler breed and Juniper Titmouse and Gray Flycatcher are found. A stop at Grandview Campground provides excellent access to a mountain meadow surrounded by pines and junipers. Gray Flycatcher, Mountain Chickadee, and Brewer’s Sparrow are regular here. At the higher elevations the bristlecone and limber pine forests cover the hillsides where all three nuthatches, jays, nutcrackers, warblers, finches, and crossbills are found. Habitat: Piñon-juniper, bristlecone-limber pine, sagebrush scrub Seasons: Spring, summer, fall Location: From 395 in Big Pine take Hwy 168 East about 7.8 miles to Tollhouse Spring; continue 5.1 miles further east to White Mountain Road (13 miles total) and turn left. Grandview Campground on the left and the Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center at Schulman Grove (10.5 miles) are two good stops. Access: Hwy 168 is closed in winter. Contact: Inyo National Forest White Mountain Ranger Station (760) 873-2500 Glacier Lodge At nearly 8,000 feet elevation the rushing waters of Big Pine Creek tumble through tall pines and aspen. Many birders come here in spring and summer to see and hear Blue Grouse. The most regular sites are the big trees just north of the pack station and those southeast of the Glacier Lodge Campground. Several trails begin near the last parking lot and lead into the Sierra to the world-famous Big Pine Canyon lakes with their “glacial milk” blue color. Most of the coniferous forest species can be expected and an occasional White-headed Woodpecker seen. American Dipper is regular in Big Pine Creek and often nests near the wooden bridge on the trail to the South Fork of Big Pine Creek. The sage-covered hillsides are home to Green-tailed Towhee and in the nearby riparian zones are Fox Sparrow; their sound-alike songs test the observers’ auditory skills. Habitat: Mixed coniferous forest, aspen, sagebrush scrub, riparian Seasons: Spring, summer, fall Location: From Hwy 395 in Big Pine turn west on Crocker, in the middle of town, which turns into Glacier Lodge Road and continue to the end of the road (about 11 miles) where there are two parking lots for day users. Access: Closed in winter. Contact: Mount Whitney Ranger Station, Inyo National Forest (760) 876-6200 Fish Springs Loop Alfalfa fields near Fish Springs are well known as a Tule Elk viewing area. For birders the loop’s attractions are the raptors that hunt the fields in winter with Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks sometimes outnumbering Red-tail. The fields and edges are also excellent for sparrows and Mountain Bluebird in winter. Merlin are often found in late fall. Check the stream near the fish hatchery for ducks, rails, wrens, and sparrows. Birding around the hatchery is productive. Habitat: Agricultural fields, scattered deciduous trees, riparian Seasons: All Directions: From Hwy 395, about 5 miles south of Big Pine turn west onto Fish Springs Road. Follow the road for about 2 miles back to 395 to complete the loop. Access: Loop open year-round, 24-hour access. Fish Hatchery open 8–4 daily, year-round. Contact: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (760) 872-1104, Fish Springs Fish Hatchery, California Department of Fish and Game (760) 938-2242 Tinemaha Reservoir This large, shallow reservoir is always worth birding as it has been host to a great variety of water birds, shorebirds, and fancy gulls. Bald Eagle and Tundra Swan are regulars in winter. Inland rarities such as Long-tailed Duck, Parasitic Jaeger, Thayer’s and Sabine’s Gulls, and Arctic Tern have been found. Depending on the water level, which can fluctuate greatly, shorebird migration can bring surprises like Ruddy Turnstone, Mountain Plover, Red Knot, Sanderling, and Stilt Sandpiper. The willows south of the dam are worth checking for migrants, such as Northern Waterthrush, American Redstart, and in winter, a Winter Wren may be heard if not seen. Habitat: Open water, cottonwood, willow, saltbush scrub, mudflat Seasons: All Location: 8 miles south of Big Pine, turn east onto Elna Road. For an overview of the reservoir follow signs for the wildlife viewpoint at the top of the hill. For reservoir access turn right (south) and follow signs to the nearby fishing parking area. Walk north of the lot through a pedestrian gate to the metal bridge crossing the Owens River. There are worn paths through the willows but if the water is high some areas may be difficult to get through. Access: Year-round, day-use only, no camping Fort Independence Loop This can be an exciting place during spring migration fallout. Migrating Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, and many species of warblers flock to the tall trees in this desert oasis. The Fort provides a rewarding birding experience at all times of the year. Habitat: Cottonwood, willow, mulberry, introduced tree species, meadow Seasons: All Location: 0.7 miles south, or 1.3 miles north of Fish Hatchery Road, turn east on Fort Road. Bird along the next 1.7 miles and follow Fort Road back to 395 to complete the loop. Nearby Shabbell Lane is also good birding. Access: All of the main roads are paved. Private, Tribal property, please be respectful. Contact: Fort Independence Tribal Office (760) 878-2126 Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery A fine old rock hatchery building is the focal point in this park-like setting, with ponds and hatchery fish runs. Occasionally, Acorn Woodpecker can be found here—a rarity on the eastern slopes. Look for warblers in migration and Western Scrub and Steller’s Jays and various ducks (mostly Mallard) year round. Belted Kingfisher and Lewis’ Woodpecker can be found here on occasion. Habitat: Oak, introduced tree species, open water Seasons: All Location: Approximately 2 miles north of Independence, turn west on Fish Hatchery Road. Travel 1 mile to the hatchery entrance on right (north). Access: Open 8am to 4pm daily year-round. Contact: Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery, California Department of Fish and Game (760) 878-2272 Oak Creek Campground Oak trees are rare and local on the eastern side of the Sierra. Visit and camp here at Oak Creek for an authentic “acorn experience” on the edge of the Great Basin. Gray squirrels and Acorn Woodpeckers are a possibility. California Quail, Bushtit, and Western Scrub Jay can be found year round, and summer residents include Lazuli Bunting. Several species of warblers stop here in migration. Large numbers of Ruby-crowned Kinglet winter here, along with an occasional Townsend’s Solitaire. Keep your eyes looking up at the skyline for Golden Eagle. Campers can enjoy riparian and arid-land birds from any of the secluded streamside camp sites. Habitat: Oak, riparian Seasons: All Location: From 395 turn west onto Fish Hatchery Road for 2.6 miles, bear right at the fork in the road. Walk or drive on paved road through campground 0.3 miles to end of pavement and another 0.5 miles on a good dirt road to some lovely campsites. Baxter Pass Trailhead This is a rich example of Eastern Sierra oak habitat found in the lower reaches of canyons in the Southern Sierra. Summer breeders include Lazuli Bunting, Western Tanager, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Black-headed Grosbeak, Townsend’s Solitaire, and Dark-eyed Junco. Lucky observers may find a Northern Pygmy-Owl being scolded by a flock of juncos or a Golden Eagle soaring above the rocky peaks—home to the endangered Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep. During summer, thousands of ladybug beetles fly down the Oak Creek stream-course, about a mile up the trail. Habitat: Oak, riparian, sagebrush scrub Seasons: All Location: From Hwy 395 turn west onto Fish Hatchery Road for 2.6 miles, bearing right at the fork in the road. Then continue beyond the Oak Creek Campground on this good dirt road for 3 miles to the trailhead. Access: Snow limits winter access at elevation. Contact: Mount Whitney Ranger Station, Inyo National Forest (760) 876-6200 Pastures & Sewer Pond Loop In spring, this can be a great area to observe shorebirds attracted to the flooded fields. Regular spring visitors include White-faced Ibis, Great, Snowy, and Cattle Egrets, Long-billed Curlew, Whimbrel, and Willet. Summer residents include Western Kingbird, Blue Grosbeak, Western Meadowlark, Black-chinned Hummingbird, and Lazuli Bunting. Bobolink are fairly regular visitors in spring and autumn. Loggerhead Shrike, Red-tailed Hawk, and Barn and Great Horned Owls can be observed year-round—the owls often hunt rodents over the fields at dusk. Ferruginous Hawk, Merlin, Prairie Falcon, American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Horned Lark, and Mountain Bluebird are winter residents. The sewer ponds host a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl depending on the season. Habitat: Pastureland, open water Seasons: All Location: From Hwy 395 in the center of Independence turn east onto Market Street and cross a cattle guard at 0.4 miles. Continue 0.4 miles, turn right then left then left again (north) 0.3 miles to sewer ponds. Turn left and continue another 0.6 miles to Independence Woodlot, then turn left to intersect Market Street again. Access: Good dirt roads are accessible all year. Day-use only, no camping. Contact: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (760) 872-1104 Onion Valley Many of the higher elevation birds such as Blue Grouse, Mountain Quail, Mountain Bluebirds, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Fox Sparrow, and an occasional Gray-crowned Rosy Finch along with Hermit Thrush, Hairy Woodpecker, Green-tailed Towhee can be seen at Onion Valley and along the trail to Kearsarge Pass, the gateway to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park high country. Habitat: Oak, mixed coniferous, riparian, sagebrush scrub Seasons: Summer is best, but rewarding in spring and fall too. Location: From Hwy 395 at Market Street in the center of Independence, turn west. The Onion Valley trailhead is at the end of the steep paved road, approximately 13 miles from town. Good birding stops along the way include Upper and Lower Gray’s Meadows campgrounds and the Seven Pines residential area. Access: Road closed in winter. Contact: Mount Whitney Ranger Station, Inyo National Forest (760) 876-6200 Billy Lake The north-south drop off near Billy Lake is one of the numerous earthquake scarps that occur in the Owens Valley. Along Mazourka Canyon Road look for Le Conte’s Thrasher, Sage Sparrow, Loggerhead Shrike, Greater Roadrunner, and occasionally Sage Thrasher. Observers might also see Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Golden Eagle, or Turkey Vulture. In summer, Barn, Cliff, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows hawk insects over the Los Angeles Aqueduct. The Barn and Cliff Swallows will nest under the aqueduct bridge. From April to September small numbers of Least Bittern can be found or heard at Billy Lake. Ducks, wading birds, warblers, and other passerines visit seasonally. Habitat: Saltbush scrub, riparian, open water Seasons: All Location: From Hwy 395 at the south end of Independence, turn east on Mazourka Canyon Road and go approximately 3.2 miles (cross aqueduct bridge), then turn left at an unsigned gravel road and continue 0.8 miles to Billy Lake. Access: Year-round, day-use only, no camping. Contact: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (760) 872-1104 Hogback Creek In summer, many Phainopepla and Yellow-breasted Chat can be found along the Hogback Creek riparian area, along with Bullock’s Oriole, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Black-headed and Blue Grosbeaks, Mourning Dove, Song Sparrow, and Northern Harrier. California Quail, Spotted Towhee, and Chukar may be observed in the nearby scrub areas year-round. Loggerhead Shrike, Sora, and Virginia Rail are present in all seasons. Yellow-billed Cuckoo have been observed in the riparian areas on rare occasions. Habitat: Riparian, cottonwood, willow, saltbush scrub Seasons: All Location: From Hwy 395, 9.5 miles south of Independence and just over 5 miles north of Lone Pine, turn west on Moffat Ranch Road. Continue 0.2 miles, over the bridge turn left to stay on Moffat Ranch Road. Drive 2.3 miles along the dirt road and park at a pullout. A loose barbed wire fence allows access by foot to get close-up views of the riparian area. Continue along the road, keeping to the right at the fork, to follow the riparian area. Access: Year-round, day-use only, no camping. Please leave gates as you find them. Contact: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (760) 872-1104 Keep in mind that the Eastern Sierra is a sparsely populated landscape with most services located in towns adjacent to Highway 395. For this reason, plan meals and fuel stops accordingly. The Eastern Sierra Birding Trail map does not intend to provide detailed route information for those traveling throughout the Eastern Sierra. Rather, its purpose is specific to the various birding sites. Visitors should obtain additional detailed maps depending on their recreational goals and travel plans. These can be obtained in any of the local communities and at the various visitor centers highlighted on the map. Visitor Information: Big Pine: (760) 938-2114 ~ www.bigpine.com Bishop: (760) 873-8405 ~ www.bishopvisitor.com Bridgeport: (760) 932-7500 ~ www.bridgeportcalifornia.com Independence: (760) 878-0084 ~ www.independence-ca.com June Lake Loop: (760) 648-7584 ~ www.junelakechamber.com Lee Vining: (760) 647-6629 ~ www.leevining.com Lone Pine: (760) 876-4444 ~ www.lonepinechamber.org Mammoth Lakes: (760) 934-2712 ~ www.visitmammoth.com Lone Pine Narrow Gauge Road/Owens River Look for Loggerhead Shrike, Greater Roadrunner, and possible LeConte’s Thrasher as you drive through saltbush scrub on Lone Pine Narrow Gauge Road to the Owens River. The Lower Owens River Project, a joint effort by Inyo County and LADWP, will re-water 60 miles of the river including this portion as mitigation for groundwater pumping. At the river listen for Virginia Rail and Sora, and look for Pied-billed Grebe and varieties of ducks. The privately owned railway station seen to the south operated between 1910 and the 1970s. Habitat: Willow, riparian, saltbush scrub Seasons: All Location: From Hwy 395 at the north end of Lone Pine turn east onto Lone Pine Narrow Gauge Road. Drive 1.3 miles, jog left and then right down to the river for a total of 1.8 miles. Access: Year-round, day-use only, no camping. It is possible to hike along river bottom, but be wary of cows with calves as they can be aggressive. Contact: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (760) 872-1104 Whitney Portal Whitney Portal is the trailhead to Mount Whitney, tallest peak (14,496 feet) in the lower forty-eight. You can expect to see mountain birds such as Steller’s Jay, Clark’s Nutcracker, Mountain Chickadee, Brown Creeper and Pygmy, Red-breasted, and White-breasted Nuthatches. Near the creek with its thunderous waterfall look for Red-breasted Sapsucker and American Dipper. White-headed Woodpecker, Blue Grouse, and Northern Pygmy Owl are possibilities. Don’t forget to look up for a soaring Golden Eagle. Habitat: Piñon-juniper, ponderosa pine-white fir Seasons: All Location: From Lone Pine, drive 13 miles west on Whitney Portal Road. Access: Road may be closed in winter. Contact: Mount Whitney Ranger Station, Inyo National Forest (760) 876-6200 Diaz Lake Formed by the 1872 Lone Pine Earthquake, this popular local recreation area hosts ducks, grebes, cormorants, and American White Pelican in migration. Noticeable summer residents are the colorful and vocal Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and Great-tailed Grackle. Great Blue Heron fish from the banks and the cottonwood trees around the lake can be full of migrating warblers in spring and fall and good for Nuttall’s Woodpecker. Don’t forget to check out the pasture to the south for Mountain Bluebird and Black Phoebe. Habitat: Cottonwood, willow, riparian, open water, pastureland Seasons: All Location: 2 miles south of Lone Pine on Hwy 395 turn east into the Diaz Lake parking lot. Access: Year round Fee: Overnight camping fee, no fee for day-use. Contact: Diaz Lake County Park (760) 876-5656 Horseshoe Meadow Make your way to Horseshoe Meadow at the 10,000 foot elevation on a steep, winding paved road with spectacular views. At the meadow look for American Kestrel and Mountain Bluebird, and in the pines look for nesting Williamson’s Sapsucker. Listen for the song of White-crowned Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco and you may see or hear a Blue Grouse, and Green-tailed Towhee in the sagebrush. If you’re lucky, a Northern Goshawk may streak by. From here, a five-mile hike will take you to the Cottonwood Lakes, home of the famed Golden Trout, California’s state fish. Habitat: Foxtail pine, piñon pine, lodgepole pine, limber pine, willow, riparian, sagebrush scrub, meadow Seasons: Spring, summer, fall. Location: From the only stoplight in Lone Pine, drive west on Whitney Portal Road for 3.1 miles. Turn left onto Horseshoe Meadow Road. The trailhead and campgrounds are approximately 22 miles from the turn, so gas up in Lone Pine first. Access: Road closed in winter depending on snowfall. Contact: Mt. Whitney Ranger Station, Inyo National Forest (760) 876-6200 Elk Seep Directly below a bluff overlooking Owens Lake is a natural seasonal pond used by waterfowl and some shorebird species in winter and spring. Keep a careful eye out for hunting Prairie Falcon and Northern Harrier. Out farther to the east is a shallow mudflat seep that is wet year round. Look for American Avocet and Black-necked Stilt in spring, and throngs of Least and Western Sandpipers in April and August. Walk out and get a closer look. Habitat: Mudflat, open water, marsh Seasons: All Location: Southbound on Hwy 395 look for a dirt road and cattle guard to the east 2.6 miles south of Lubken Canyon Road (which is 4 miles south of Lone Pine). Northbound on Hwy 395 drive 4 miles north of Cottonwood Power Plant Rd. A cattle guard on the right alerts you to the turnoff. Follow a very short gravel road to park on the bluff. Access: Year-round Cottonwood Marsh West of the road is a group of shallow ponds and a marsh fed by a string of earthquake fault springs. Follow the outflow east where it meets the brine pool. Birds bathe and drink here, especially at sunset. Look for shorebirds like the American Avocet and Snowy Plover along the muddy shore. Long-billed Curlew and Wilson’s Snipe inhabit the grassy area while American Bittern and rails enjoy the cattail patches. Habitat: Freshwater marsh, open water, mudflat Seasons: All Location: From Hwy 395 turn east 0.4 miles north of the Cottonwood Power Plant Road—look for the cattle guard that marks the turnoff. Follow the road east and then north, under the abandoned railroad trestle, stay to the left when road forks after the trestle and follow the road straight to an intersection with an old paved road, then turn right (south) for 2.6 miles. Access: Year-round, day use, no camping. Roads may have sandy spots—drive carefully. Dirty Socks Once a local warm spring spa, the water from the artesian well at Dirty Socks now spills into a nearby pond and out into a tiny, but rich wetland. Snowy Plover visit the mudflats at sunset from April–July. Spring (April) and fall (August–October) migration bring large groups of American Avocet as well as Least and Western Sandpipers. Listen for Virginia Rail and Sora here too in the marsh. Just to the west is a habitat shallow flood project developed to control unhealthful dust as well as support Snowy Plover and migrating shorebirds. Cinnamon Teal and other duck species can be found in the pond in addition to Greater Yellowlegs in winter. Habitat: Alkali flat, springs Seasons: All Location: From Hwy 395 turn east onto Hwy 190 and drive 4.6 miles to an unmarked turnoff to the left (north) towards Dirty Socks spring. Don’t confuse the turnoff with the Owens Lake Dirty Socks Yard. A short 0.4-mile drive on an old paved road takes you the Dirty Socks spring. There is a pond near the parking area and extensive mud flats beyond. Access: Year-round, day use, no camping Cactus Flat This vast Joshua tree forest is summer home to Scott’s Oriole, Cactus Wren, and Ladder-backed Woodpecker making them relatively easy to find. Common Poorwill is a regular at night in spring and summer. An early morning visit in spring usually will provide a symphony with House Finch, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Mockingbird, and Ash-throated Flycatcher adding to the music. Habitat: Joshua tree, creosote, saltbush scrub Seasons: Best in spring Location: About 2 miles south of the Hwy 190/395 intersection, turn east onto Cactus Flat Road. The road is paved for the first 1.5 miles then becomes dirt. There is a major turnoff 4.3 miles from 395 to the left that goes to a pumice mine, don’t take that road, but stay to the right. The road forks immediately—stay to the left, and then remain on the main road ignoring the smaller side roads. The densest Joshua tree area stretches along this road from about 7–10 miles from Hwy 395. Access: Year-round Contact: Bureau of Land Management Ridgecrest Office (760) 384-5400 Sage Flat This area has one of the most extensive oak forests in the Eastern Sierra and is a reliable place for Oak Titmouse, California Towhee, and occasionally Band-tailed Pigeon. California Thrasher has also occurred here and can best be found in spring when singing. Habitat: Oak, riparian Seasons: All Location: About 5.2 miles south of Hwy 190 on Hwy 395 turn west onto Sage Flat Road. The road turns to dirt and forks after a cabin on the right, stay to the right, and continue to the corral and park. A trail begins behind the cabin but most of the special birds of this area can be seen from the corral area down the road to the end of the oaks. Access: Year-round Contact: Mount Whitney Ranger Station, Inyo National Forest (760) 876-6200