Trip Date: September 2019 | Location: California
An unexpected business trip to Burbank, California, turned into the highlight of my September! Beyond the great food scene, the canyons and mountains surrounding the city offered fantastic birding opportunities and a chance to add to my year list.
Brand Park Birding
My first stop was Brand Park, a lovely green space where I was greeted by the familiar call of a California Scrub-Jay and the unmistakable squawks of Red-crowned Parrots. Later, I learned these parrots aren’t common in the area, making the sighting even more exciting.
One flowering tree was absolutely packed with mostly Allen’s Hummingbirds. I loved the park so much that I returned two weeks later during a follow-up trip. That second visit brought even more treasures: a Townsend’s Warbler high in the treetops, a lively Bewick’s Wren, and a flock of beautiful Western Bluebirds.
Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Preserve
Saturday’s adventure took me to the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Preserve. I was fortunate to meet a fellow birder who generously helped identify some western species. In just an hour and a half, we tallied 41 species!
The preserve’s mix of open water, woodlands, and scrub produced an impressive variety of birds: ducks, shorebirds, passerines, and raptors. Some western specialties were new for my year list, including Bushtit, Lesser Goldfinch, and Nuttall’s Woodpecker.
The highlight was spotting a pair of Ross’s Geese flying past the dam, and a later review of my bird recordings confirmed the song of a “Least” Bell’s Vireo!
Burbank Trip #2: Exploring the Ridges
On our second trek to Burbank, we couldn’t resist a stop at Porto’s Bakery, where cakes topped with a single, elegant rose are a must-try. Next, we headed to Betty Davis Park, where we enjoyed sightings of Black Phoebe, Acorn Woodpecker, and Anna’s Hummingbird.
While I was at work, Mike explored the Toyon Trail in Griffith Park and found a trio of California classics: California Towhee, California Thrasher, and another California Scrub-Jay. The trail, perched on a steep ridge, offered fantastic views of Los Angeles.
A trip northwest t to O’Melveny Park and Aliso Canyon added several new birds to the list: Wood Duck, California Quail, Oak Titmouse, Wrentit, Cassin’s Kingbird, and Nuttall’s Woodpecker. As a bonus, we also spotted a playful Fox Squirrel darting through the trees.
As we navigated the dry oak woodlands, we were reminded of the importance of fire safety in such fragile habitats, where strict rules against smoking and open flames are vital.
A Coastal Weekend with Ventura Audubon
We always recommend checking local Audubon chapters for bird walks, and this time, the Ventura Audubon’s outing at Surfer’s Knoll was a highlight. In two hours, we spotted 41 species, including the Red-necked Phalarope, Elegant Tern, Surfbird, and Wandering Tattler. We highly recommend taking the time to walk from the wetlands all the way to the rock jetty to get the best variety of birds.
Malibu Park and Beach Birding
Afterward, we enjoyed a fantastic lunch of Angel Shark at Andria’s Seafood, followed by quick stops at the Ventura Settling Ponds and Malibu Creek State Park. The park has numerous trails, including one to the original M*A*S*H filming site and popular swimming holes. Although the midday heat made the park quiet, we still managed to add a Pacific-slope Flycatcher and Band-tailed Pigeons to our list.
But the real gem was Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, the wetlands and shoreline offer incredible birding. In just 90 minutes, we spotted 32 species, including “Western” Snowy Plover, Whimbrel, Red-necked Phalarope, and Heermann’s Gull. Seeing hundreds of shorebirds together is always a spectacular sight.
A Successful Trip Comes to a Close
Looking back, this whirlwind adventure was the perfect blend of professional growth and great birding. Leaving Burbank, I wasn’t just heading home with a bigger year list; I was also energized by a new business partnership that is already off to a fantastic start.
Trip Summary:
Trip Totals: 84 species • 27 year birds • 0 life birds
Next Up: Southern California – From the Temecula Wine region to San Diego
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