It is our tradition to hold “Birdathon”, our major annual fund-raising event for the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society (SFVAS), during the months of April and May. Once again, we will have a dedicated team of leaders who will ask for our pledges of support based on the number of bird species they can spot during a single day’s outing at popular birding destinations throughout southern California or, in the case of John Willis, the Pacific Northwest.
You can pledge donations to any of the team leaders, and for most outings, you can join as a team member. Your participation helps in two ways: through pledges and by increasing the number of birds spotted during the event. You’ll also enjoy a great outdoor experience with friends and experienced birders.
If you’d prefer to make a general donation, please click the link below. We appreciate your support!
Support Birdathon 2026 – Pledge or Donate
Feel free to email us at birdathon@sfvaudugon.org if you have any questions/concerns. You may also email your Team Leader directly to clarify any details.
If an outing shows no contact information, the leader has chosen to bird alone or with a personal team. These dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly for decades to advance SFVAS’s conservation and education mission. They richly deserve your support.
You’ll notice several new outings on our list, including Lake Balboa with Alexander deBarros and Sheldon Arleta Park with Rod Rodriguez. We’re especially excited to welcome two new team walks: Joey Di Liberto is leading a team from the Bruin Birding Club at UCLA, and Natalie Beckman-Smith is representing CSUN.
You can also lead your own Birdathon outing and solicit support from your friends. Send the details to birdathon@sfvaudugon.org and we’ll pledge to your event!
Where your Money Goes
Birdathon is the major funding source for our Sepulveda Basin Environmental Education Program (SBEEP).
In partnership with the Resource Conservation District of Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM), we provide teacher training and field trips to the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve for sixty classes, nearly 2,000 children from the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Many of these students attend Title 1 schools that need our support most.
New Event: Raptor Photography Workshop
This year, we’re offering something special for a limited number of supporters: a two-day raptor photography workshop led by wildlife photographer and SFVAS director Ryan Carter, whose work has appeared on numerous magazine covers.
Don’t miss your chance! Click the flyer for more details.
Schedule of Birdathon 2026 Events
Please click the event title for more info/directions.
April 1 – Sheldon Arleta Park
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Estimated Species: 25
Walk Leader: Rod Rodriguez
Contact: rodthebirder@gmail.com
April 11 – Lake Balboa
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Estimated Species: 40
Walk Leader: Alexander deBarros
Contact: alexanderdebarros@yahoo.com
April 18 – Harmon Canyon Preserve
Start Time: 7:30 AM
Estimated Species: 45
Walk Leader: Kris Ohlenkamp
Contact: kris.ohlenkamp@sbcglobal.net
April 18 – Serrania Park, Woodland Hills
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Estimated Species: 30
Walk Leader: Paula Orlovich & Jolene Herz
Contact: RSVP (747) 237-3720
April 19 – Malibu Creek State Park
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Estimated Species: 35-40
Walk Leader: Katheryn & David Barton
Contact: katheryn.barton@gmail.com
April 21 – O’Melveny Park
Start Time: 8:30 AM
Estimated Species: 30
Walk Leader: Paula Orlovich
Contact: RSVP (747) 237-3720
April 25 – Hansen Dam
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Estimated Species: 40
Walk Leader: Pat Bates & Hansen Harriers
Contact: batesbird@gmail.com
May 2 – Aliso Canyon Park
Start Time: 8:30 AM
Estimated Species: 30
Walk Leader: Charlie Wilken
Contact: cswilken@gmail.com
May 3 – Sepulveda Basin
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Estimated Species: 60
Walk Leader: Alexander deBarros
Contact: alexanderdebarros@yahoo.com
May 9 – Glendale Narrows
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Estimated Species: 35
Walk Leader: Bruin Birding Club & Junco Grad Students
Contact: jfdiliberto@g.ucla.edu
May 17 – CSUN Campus
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Estimated Species: 30-35
Walk Leader: Natalie Beckman-Smith
Contact: nataliebeckmansmith@yahoo.com
Malibu and Nearby
Date/Time: TBD
Estimated Species: 50
Walk Leader: Allan & Muriel Kotin
Lori Willis Memorial Fund
Date/Time: TBD
Estimated Species: TBD
Walk Leader: John and Andrew Willis