San Fernando Valley Audubon Society

Young Birders Walk
2026-01-25 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Area, 6350 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA, 91436, United States
Join the Audubon Society’s SFV Chapter Eagle Eyes Young Birders Club!
Are you curious about the world of birds? Do you love exploring nature and discovering feathered friends in your own backyard or local park? The Eagle Eyes Young Birders Club is the perfect place for you to connect with nature and learn about the fascinating world of birds!
What We Offer:

Fun Outdoor Adventures: Join us for bird watching hikes and local outings that help you learn to identify birds in suburban habitats.
Nature Journaling: This activity allows each participant to share their experience using drawing tools. Leaders will provide instruction and guidance.
Interactive Learning: Our experienced leader will guide you in spotting birds and understanding their behaviors, all while sharing tips on how to protect local wildlife.
Community & Friendships: Meet other children who share your love for nature and make new friends through fun, bird-themed events and challenges!

Why Birding?
Bird watching is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to connect with the environment, learn about conservation, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world around you. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get outside, explore your neighborhood, and enjoy the beauty of suburban wildlife!
Who Can Join?
The Eagle Eyes Young Birders Club is open to all children aged 6-12 who are excited to discover the amazing variety of birds living right in their own backyards and local parks. No prior experience needed—just bring your curiosity! All children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.
Ready to Explore?
Become part of a fun, supportive community where your passion for birds can soar. Sign up today and start your adventure with the Audubon Society’s Eagle Eyes Young Birders Club!
Outings will occur on the last Sunday of every month except for July and August. Locations will vary and will be announced in advance. We will have binoculars available to borrow, and journals and art supplies available to keep for children who sign up.
For more information or to RSVP (required), please contact Paula at the SFV Audubon Chapter at 747-237-3720.
Learn. Explore. Protect.
Let’s discover the wonders of birds together!

Hansen Dam
2026-01-24 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-12-27 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-11-22 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-10-25 08:00 - 10:00 | Hansen Dam Recreation Area, 10965 Dronfield Ave, Pacoima, CA, 91331, United States
Hansen Dam is a huge area with varied habitat, and like the Sepulveda Basin is part of the City of Los Angeles flood control infrastructure operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Unlike the Sepulveda Basin, in the event of heavy and prolonged precipitation water may be retained behind Hansen Dam for prolonged periods. This means it is not possible to follow the same route for all outings. In general they cover between 1 and 3 miles, and will be geared to the abilities of participants.
Reportedly over 280 species of birds have been seen at Hansen Dam, which holds the record for most species seen in a day in the San Fernando Valley at 120. The area we traverse is largely riparian adjacent to the lake and swamp, but also includes grassy lawns dotted with trees, Tujunga Creek, and the large rock rip-rap areas extending out from the dam (Rock Wrens!). Typically we see 30-50 species there on an outing, and it can be interesting. For example diving ducks in a parking lot submerged under 3’ of water!
Outings are on the fourth Saturday of every month at 8 AM. Please meet at the Ranger Station. Walks will be canceled in the event of rain. If you’re unsure whether a walk is taking place, please contact your walk leader at batesbird@gmail.com or call 747-237-3720.

BIRDS & BEER - Welcome 2026!
2026-01-22 16:00 - 20:00 | CA
See Great Horned Owls, Great and Snowy Egrets, and American White Pelicans! Get together at Best Ball Bar- Woodley Lakes Golf Course. Sign up HERE.

We will meet at the first parking lot at the entrance to the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve in Woodley Park at 4:00PM, directions are below. First we will make a brief excursion to the Wildlife lake to hopefully view our amazing American White Pelicans as well as Snowy and Great Egrets arriving at the island to roost. Round trip distance is about 1 mile. We will then return to the parking lot area to hunt for Great Horned Owls. The owls have nested in that area as long as most of us can remember. We will depart for the Best Ball Bar – Woodley Lakes Golf Course at about 6:00 and meet there for appetizers and no-host bar at 6:15. [If the rangers close the parking lot earlier, we can move cars to the street].
We are asking people to RSVP for the walk and Best Ball Bar – Woodley Lakes Golf Course so we can make the appropriate arrangements and also contact you in the event of changes! Significant rain will cancel birding portion, will re-survey social hour.
Directions: Woodley Park: 6350 Woodley Avenue, Encino CA 91436 Driving on Woodley Ave. north from Burbank or south from Victory Blvd., go ½ mile and turn east at the sign for the Japanese Garden. Stay right past the Japanese Garden, park in the first lot you encounter.
Best Ball Bar at Woodley Lakes Golf Course: 6331 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91406. You need to turn west on “Lake Balboa” – not sure there is a sign there. It is 2 drives south of the Orange line.
Equipment and Clothing: Wear sturdy shoes, and otherwise dress appropriately for the weather. You may want to bring a flashlight.
More Information: Pat.Bates@sfvaudubon.org or San Fernando Valley Audubon at 747-237-3720.
Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1KzyqYPe7ktULWQ3A6OI8g8OAO-5QEBg&usp=sharing

O’Melveny Park Bird Walk
2026-01-20 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-12-16 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-11-18 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-21 08:30 - 10:30 | O’Melveny Park, 17300 Sesnon Blvd., Granada Hills, CA, 91344, United States
O’Melveny Park and the trails which begin there into Bee Canyon provide an interesting contrast. The park is home to an orange grove and trails through sycamores and alders. The Bee Canyon trail is chaparral and riparian area set between high rock walls. The last rest area for birds going north over the Santa Susana Mountains, this is an excellent migrant trap.
The park is named after Henry W. O’Melveny, in 1927 one of the original members of the California State Parks Commission. Originally called C.J. Ranch, O’Melveny Park was purchased in 1941 by attorney John O’Melveny of O’Melveny & Myers and later acquired by The Trust for Public Land and turned into a park.
At 675 acres, O’Melveny Park is the second largest public park in Los Angeles after Griffith Park. O’Melveny Park is managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
The park is unstaffed. It provides large grassy areas, picnic tables, and is known for its extensive hiking and horse trails and the stunning views they lead to. Near the entrance is a grove of citrus trees.
Accessibility at O’Melveny Park

Parking

Restrooms

Benches (Shaded in Spring/Summer)

The outing is approximately two-thirds accessible, with some travel on manicured lawns. Midway through, we transition to hiking up hillside trails. Those who prefer not to hike can relax on shaded benches or conclude their outing at that point. Upon our return, we take a different route back to the starting point.
Directions: Take the 118/Ronald Reagan Freeway and exit at Balboa Blvd. Turn north, driving two miles to Sesnon, turn left going west 0.6 miles, turn right at park entrance. Meet in the parking lot.
Events may be canceled due to inclement weather. If you’re unsure whether a walk is taking place, please contact your walk leader at 747-237-3720.

Malibu Creek State Park – CANCELED
2026-01-18 08:00 - 11:30 | Malibu Creek State Park, 1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA, 91302, United States
Kathy and Dave
Participants in this outing will enjoy a leisurely stroll along Malibu Creek, its oak and sycamore woodlands set amidst a stunning backdrop of chaparral-covered slopes and rocky buttes. Birds, deer, bobcat, butterflies, reptiles and, in season, a bewildering array of wildflowers can be found in this jewel of the Santa Monica Mountains, now mostly recovered from the devastating Woolsey fire. Our focus will be on finding and identifying many of the over 200 species of birds that have been recorded here. You can expect to see thirty to fifty species during these three to four hour walks, depending on the season. Common resident species include Acorn Woodpecker, Oak Titmouse, California Quail, and White-breasted Nuthatch, and spring brings us Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, and Lazuli Buntings. Meet at the main lot, which is the second (lower) day-use parking lot per the Google map. Entrance to the park is on the west side of Las Virgenes Road, just south of Mulholland Hwy.
Entrance fee is $12 per car. Click location below for more about MSCP and an Accessibility Note.
Walks will be cancelled in the event of rain. If you’re unsure whether a walk is taking place, please contact your walk leaders at 747-237-3720.

A Bird Sit with Nature Journaling - POSTPONED
2026-01-15 10:00 - 11:45 | O’Melveny Park, 17300 Sesnon Blvd., Granada Hills, CA, 91344, United States
A Bird Sit is an alternative approach to birding. Instead of extended walking and standing, it involves finding a comfortable spot in nature to sit, slow down, be in the moment, and notice details and behavior patterns.
A Bird Sit is not list-driven. It is not always trying to get the next bird. It is a way of expanding your awareness of and connection to birds (and all of nature!) And recording your Bird Sit experiences in a journal using words, numbers, and/or pictures can be very rewarding!
If you would like to mindfully connect with birds and all of nature, join us at the picnic tables near the bathrooms. What to bring: a cushion or a comfortable chair, a beverage/snack, binoculars, a journal, and something to write/draw with.
This event is limited to 10 people. To reserve a spot, contact Teri Carnesciali at teri.carnesciali@sfvaudubon.org.
In the event of rain, sit will be moved to the 3rd Thursday. If you’re unsure whether a sit is taking place, please contact Teri to confirm.

Sepulveda Basin Bird Walk - CANCELED
2026-01-04 08:00 - 11:00 | Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Area, 6350 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA, 91436, United States
The first Sunday of every month brings San Fernando Valley Audubon Society’s iconic Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing. Over 300 avian species have been reported to eBird along the route of this approximate 2 mile tour, from the huge American White Pelican wintering in the Wildlife Lake to the tiniest of hummingbirds there year round. It is common to see over 60 species of birds on a three hour outing beginning at 8 am.
The Sepulveda Basin is a 2,100+ acre flood control basin, with the Los Angeles River and several tributaries coursing through it. Various portions are occupied by golf courses, sports fields and facilities, agriculture, military and sanitation facilities, and two wildlife areas. The SFVAS outing traverses the wildlife area east of Woodley Avenue through riparian habitat, a portion of which is carefully nurtured to promote native flora. The pathway winds between the Wildlife Lake and Haskell Creek, both of which are supplied with reclaimed water year round. If conditions permit, the outing extends south of Burbank Boulevard to the Sepulveda Dam and the Los Angeles River.
The area has recovered remarkably from a devastating fire in September 2020. Though most of the large trees were lost leaving skeletal remains (and homes for cavity nesters), new sycamores and cottonwoods are quickly emerging.

There is ample free parking in the “amphitheater” area of Woodley Park, where the walk begins. Most of the tour is flat and on hard packed decomposed granite or dirt pathways and is wheelchair accessible with a small detour required near the river.
The outing will be canceled in the event of rain or flooding (it is, after all, a flood basin). If you’re unsure whether a walk is taking place, please contact your walk leaders at 747-237-3720.

Young Birders Walk - CANCELED
2025-12-21 09:00 - 11:00 | King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA, 91302, United States

Malibu Creek State Park
2025-12-21 08:00 - 11:30, 2025-11-16 08:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-19 08:00 - 11:30 | Malibu Creek State Park, 1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA, 91302, United States

Celebrate the 2025 CBC - Birds & Beer with SFVAS
2025-12-20 16:30 - 19:00 | Woodley Lakes Golf Course – Best Ball Bar, 6331 Woodley Avenue, Van nuys, 91406, United States
The Christmas Bird Count is one of the world’s oldest and longest-running civic science efforts. You are welcome to join us on the 126th annual CBC and get together after to share data, stories, food and drink (CBC participation not required!). The after-CBC celebration at Best Ball Bar – Woodley Lakes Golf Course begins at 4:30 with appetizers and no-host bar.
Please RSVP at this link so we can make the appropriate arrangements and also contact you in the event of changes!
Best Ball Bar at Woodley Lakes Golf Course: 6331 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91406. You need to turn west on “Lake Balboa” – not sure there is a sign there. It is 2 drives south of the Orange (G) line and tricky to find in the dark.

2025 Christmas Bird Count
2025-12-20 08:00 - 16:00 | CA
SFVAS is thrilled to participate in the 126th annual Christmas Bird Count on December 20, 2025! Click CBC Details for more information about the count including the 13 different sites included in our 177 square mile San Fernando Valley count circle. After the count, join SFVAS at the Woodley lakes Golf Course bar for Birds & Beer (See separate event listing)!
The CBC is perhaps the longest running civic science project, beginning in 1900 with the objective of stopping the senseless slaughter of birds. From the National Audubon Society: CBC data have been used in hundreds of analyses, peer-reviewed publications, and government reports over the decades. Yearly summaries of CBC data submitted by each circle compiler can be found through this page.

Sepulveda Basin Bird Walk
2025-12-07 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-02 08:00 - 11:00 | Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Area, 6350 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA, 91436, United States

Young Birders Walk – CANCELED
2025-11-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Area, 6350 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA, 91436, United States

A Bird Sit with Nature Journaling - CANCELED
2025-11-20 10:00 - 11:45 | O’Melveny Park, 17300 Sesnon Blvd., Granada Hills, CA, 91344, United States

BIRDS BATS BEER
2025-11-19 16:00 - 20:00 | CA
See Great Horned Owls, bats, Great and Snowy Egrets, and American White Pelicans! Get together at Best Ball Bar- Woodley Lakes Golf Course. Sign up HERE.

We will meet at the first parking lot at the entrance to the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve in Woodley Park at 4:00PM, directions are below. First we will make a brief excursion to the Wildlife lake to hopefully view our amazing American White Pelicans as well as Snowy and Great Egrets arriving at the island to roost. Round trip distance is about 1 mile. We will then return to the parking lot area to hunt for bats and Great Horned Owls. The owls have nested in that area as long as most of us can remember. We will depart for the Best Ball Bar – Woodley Lakes Golf Course at about 6:00 and meet there for appetizers and no-host bar at 6:15. [If the rangers close the parking lot earlier, we can move cars to the street].
We are asking people to RSVP for the walk and Best Ball Bar – Woodley Lakes Golf Course so we can make the appropriate arrangements and also contact you in the event of changes! Significant rain will cancel birding portion, will re-survey social hour.
Directions: Woodley Park: 6350 Woodley Avenue, Encino CA 91436 Driving on Woodley Ave. north from Burbank or south from Victory Blvd., go ½ mile and turn east at the sign for the Japanese Garden. Stay right past the Japanese Garden, park in the first lot you encounter.
Best Ball Bar at Woodley Lakes Golf Course: 6331 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91406. You need to turn west on “Lake Balboa” – not sure there is a sign there. It is 2 drives south of the Orange line.
Equipment and Clothing: Wear sturdy shoes, and otherwise dress appropriately for the weather. You may want to bring a flashlight.
More Information: Pat.Bates@sfvaudubon.org or San Fernando Valley Audubon at 747-237-3720.
Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1KzyqYPe7ktULWQ3A6OI8g8OAO-5QEBg&usp=sharing

Sepulveda Basin - What the City is Doing!
2025-11-12 08:00 - 10:00 | Hjelte Park, 16200 Burbank Blvd., Encino, 91436, United States

Young Birders Walk
2025-10-26 09:00 - 11:00 | O’Melveny Park, 17300 Sesnon Blvd., Granada Hills, CA, 91344, United States

P-22 Day Festival
2025-10-25 11:00 - 15:30 | Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, United States
San Fernando Valley Audubon Society will be an exhibitor at this year’s P-22 Day Festival! At our exhibit, we will share all things birds, wildlife, and appreciation for conservation. Be sure to stop by and say hi!

For an entire week, thousands of community members across the LA region come together to celebrate the majestic urban wildlife and remarkable ecosystems that thrive right in the heart of our bustling metropolis. Always free and open to the public, a variety of exciting events and educational activities offer inspiring opportunities to connect with the natural wonders that surround us every day.
Urban Wildlife Week culminates with the annual P-22 Day Festival, a celebration of the famous Hollywood cougar who catalyzed the #SaveLACougars movement. Join us in celebration of all that we’ve accomplished to #SaveLACougars and all that we can do to build bridges to a thriving future for both our human and wild neighbors! urbanwildlifeweek.org

Zoom Event: Sepulveda Basin Update-Fires, Solutions, and More.
2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:30 | CA
An update on the Sepulveda Basin including the Wildlife Areas. As a result of the many fires over the past few years a multi-agency project including the Los Angeles City Mayor’s office, Council Districts 6 and 4, LA Fire Department, Sanitation, Street Services, homeless services providers, and NGOs is underway to improve safety. That includes vegetation management, encampment removals, enforcement and more. SFV Audubon is one member of the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Areas Steering committee which is working closely with City agencies to monitor and advise on environmental issues. We will address questions of what is going on, which areas are affected, and what to expect in the future.

Postponed to next year: Fire Safe Solutions for Design, Building, and Upkeep
2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:30 | CA
Feeling overwhelmed about wildfire in California? You are not alone, but the good news is that there is a lot you can do to reduce risk and help your family and community withstand wildfire. In her current work with the University of California Fire Network, Yana Valachovic has conducted post-fire assessments in California and Colorado, including in Altadena and Palisades. For this program, she will bring key insights into building and landscaping design and maintenance that make a difference in building survivability and property protection. Yana will give a brief overview of her research findings and share practical, low-cost, science-based actions that can help you protect your house and family. As Yana says, “wildfire adaptation will not occur overnight, but there is a pathway and clear evidence to help all of us live successfully with wildfire now and into the future”.

Yana Valachovic, a scientist with the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources Fire Network, is passionate about helping communities learn to live with wildfire. She works at many scales and is a state leader in developing and delivering local and state strategies to improve wildfire resilience. Yana has over 25 years of experience in county government and community engagement. She also has a perspective on how California is attempting to pivot to address the wildfire and insurance crises and holds roles with the Governor’s Wildfire Forest Resilience Task Force and the Wildfire Mitigation Committee. In addition to her research experience, she also has practical skills gained from a ‘back to the land’ upbringing where her family believed plants were more important than people—they provided essential food, didn’t talk back, and never started wars. Living off the grid, Yana gained an early appreciation for building design, construction, and maintenance; a love of plants; and an appreciation of how a community can come together to support each other’s needs.
She was also Humboldt County’s 2024 Birder of the Year for the discovery of a purple gallinule!
Yana Valachovic
Forest Advisor and County Director (Humboldt and Del Norte)
UC ANR Fire Network- Community Resiliency and Built Environment
UC Policy Institute- Associate Director, Natural Ecosystems and Working Landscapes
RPF #2740
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A Bird Sit with Nature Journaling
2025-10-09 10:00 - 11:45 | O’Melveny Park, 17300 Sesnon Blvd., Granada Hills, CA, 91344, United States
