El Dorado Park

El Dorado Park is a lovely, multi-purpose park  in Long Beach, containing the kind of recreational opportunities found at our own Sepulveda Flood Control Basin. Two large water features and plenty of grassland and trees provide excellent birding. Last year's finds included Tropical Kingbird, Hairy Woodpecker, Greater White-fronted Goose, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Belted Kingfisher, Green Heron, Hutton’s Vireo, Western Meadowlark, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Whitebreasted Nuthatch, Western Tanager, Bullock’s Oriole, Pacific-slope Flycatcher (heard), and Hermit Thrush. The warbler list featured Wilson’s, Townsend’s, Yellow-rumped, Orange-crowned and Common Yellowthroat. The raptor list: Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, American Kestrel and Turkey Vulture. Other "usual suspects" included Western Grebe, Eared Grebe, Northern Flicker, Cassin’s Kingbird, Say’s Phoebe, Downy Woodpecker, House Wren, and Spotted Towhee. There is no reason to think this year's walk won't be just as productive and enjoyable!

Walk leader is  Richard Barth, (310) 276-0342.

Directions: Take the 405 Freeway to the Studebaker Road exit in Long Beach. Go north on Studebaker to Spring Street, then turn east (right) on Spring to the park entrance. The parking fee is $7. Meet in the Nature Center parking lot.