Hansen Dam Bird Walk
2024-12-28 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-01-25 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-22 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-22 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

Sepulveda Basin Bird Walk
2025-01-05 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-02 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-03-02 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-04-06 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.

A Bird Sit with Nature Journaling
2025-01-09 10:00 - 11:45, 2025-04-10 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.

Malibu Creek State Park - CANCELED
2025-01-19 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.

O’Melveny Park Bird Walk - CANCELED
2025-01-21 09:00 - 11:00 | 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.

In Person/Zoom Event: Behind the Scenes of Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education
2025-01-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Tarzana Community and Cultural Center, 19130 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA, 91356, United States
Join Jaclyn DeSantis, Education Program Manager at the Ojai Raptor Center, for an engaging presentation that takes you into the world of wildlife rehabilitation and education. Through a captivating slideshow and videos, Jaclyn will share an inside look at the rehabilitation process for injured and orphaned raptors. She’ll discuss the most common reasons these birds are admitted, trends in species seen over the years, and the criteria used to release them back into the wild.
In addition, Jaclyn will introduce key aspects of the center’s education program, using biofacts and mounts of native raptors. These specimens will highlight specific rehabilitation considerations for each species and provide insights into their care in both rehab and human care settings.

Jaclyn’s creative career took a turn in 2007 when rescuing an injured opossum led her to wildlife rehabilitation. She apprenticed with Kimberly Stroud and Peter Triem, attended various wildlife conferences, and studied with experts worldwide. In 2010, Jaclyn became the first staff member at the Ojai Raptor Center (ORC), managing the wildlife hospital and education program. By 2020, ORC expanded, and Jaclyn focused on the education program, promoting biodiversity and conservation.
Jaclyn is a certified environmental educator with AEOE and a licensed wildlife rehabilitator with IWRC. She is also a member of NWRA, CCWR, NEEA, and IAATE.

Attend Our Hybrid Meeting!
Come in Person:
Tarzana Community and Cultural Center
19130 Ventura Blvd
Tarzana, CA 91356-3225
Doors Open: 6 pm
Refreshments Served
OR
Join by Zoom:
Please sign up below if you’d like to be notified of this and other upcoming Zoom events. If you’ve previously signed up for notifications, you can skip this step – you’re already on the list!

Young Birders Walk - CANCELED
2025-01-26 09:00 - 11:00 | O’Melveny Park, 17300 Sesnon Blvd., Granada Hills, CA, 91344, 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, contact Paula at the SFV Audubon Chapter at 747.237.3720.
Learn. Explore. Protect.
Let’s discover the wonders of birds together!

Malibu Creek State Park
2025-02-16 08:00 - 11:30, 2025-03-16 08:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-20 08:00 - 11:30 | Malibu Creek State Park, 1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA, 91302, United States

O’Melveny Park Bird Walk
2025-02-18 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-03-18 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-04-15 09:00 - 11:00 | O’Melveny Park, 17300 Sesnon Blvd., Granada Hills, CA, 91344, United States

A Bird Sit with Nature Journaling
2025-02-20 10:00 - 11:45 | Lake Balboa/Beilenson Park, 6300 Balboa Blvd,, Van Nuys, CA, 91406, United States

Young Birders Walk
2025-02-23 09:00 - 11:00 | King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA, 91302, United States

Tarzana Annual Native Plant Fair
2025-02-23 11:00 - 16:00 | Tarzana Community and Cultural Center, 19130 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA, 91356, United States
TARZANA NATIVE PLANT FAIR
FEB. 23, 2025 – 11 AM – 4 PM
Tarzana Community & Cultural Center,
19130 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana, CA 91356
An annual free celebration of California native plants for all age groups.
Plants for sale, gardening advice, workshops.
SFV AUDUBON will be there to showcase our activities and support of local native plants.
Native Plants are for the Birds – Grow Native SFV!

Zoom Event: Phalarope Preservation from Mono Lake to Mar Chiquita
2025-02-27 19:00 - 21:00 | CA
Saline lakes are shrinking around the world, threatened by water diversion and climate change. Great Salt Lake and other large, iconic saline lakes have reached the brink of ecosystem collapse in recent years, threatening both toxic dust storms and loss of essential bird habitat. Phalaropes are tiny but charismatic swimming shorebirds that specialize on saline lake habitat in both North and South America and need a hemispheric network of living saline lakes to survive. Since 2019, Ryan has been working with an international network of collaborators from Canada to Argentina to bring attention to the conservation needs of saline lakes, through the story of phalaropes. Ryan will discuss this many-faceted program including new research on tracking phalarope migrations with tiny transmitters, coordinated population surveys across the Americas, international artistic collaborations, and how the Wilson’s phalarope could help save Great Salt Lake through the Endangered Species Act.

“Like” Olivia Smartt Photography and visit www.OliviaSmartt.com for more gorgeous imagery!
Ryan Carle is the Science Director of Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, a conservation science non-profit focused on protecting imperiled ecosystems. Ryan has a special connection to Mono Lake because he grew up there, raised by park ranger parents. With Oikonos, Ryan has worked in the U.S. and Chile for the last 15 years on conservation research for a variety of bird species, including auklets, shearwaters, and hummingbirds. Ryan also is a lecturer at UC Santa Cruz where he teaches experiential natural history courses. Ryan’s work focuses on finding collaborative and community-based conservation solutions and sharing a passion for the wonder of the natural world. Ryan graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Environmental Studies and Moss Landing Marine Labs with a master’s degree in Marine Science.
If you plan to attend via Zoom, please enter your info and we’ll send you a link prior to the event.
If you’ve signed up for previous events, feel free to skip this step – you’re already on our list!

A Bird Sit with Nature Journaling (Rescheduled)
2025-03-20 10:00 - 11:45 | Lake Balboa/Beilenson Park, 6300 Balboa Blvd,, Van Nuys, CA, 91406, United States

In Person/Zoom Event: Conservation of the Salton Sea
2025-03-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Tarzana Community and Cultural Center, 19130 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA, 91356, United States
This presentation by Andrea Jones will focus on the Salton Sea, an inland saline lake covering 35 square miles in Southern California. The Salton Sea is a critically important area that hosts two-thirds of California’s bird species.
The future of the lake, and the effect on all its wildlife, is very much uncertain. In this presentation, attendees will learn which species are most threatened and what is being done by SFVAS and our partners to preserve this unique habitat.
Photo Credit: Ryan LLamas

For the past 12 years, Andrea Jones has been at the forefront of conservation programs, collaborating with staff and Audubon chapters across the state to implement projects in high-priority bird areas. As the Interim Executive Director and Senior Director of Conservation for Audubon California, Andrea leads efforts to protect vulnerable bird species and serves as the spokesperson for bird conservation throughout the state. She holds an M.S. in Wildlife Conservation/Ornithology and a B.S. in Wildlife Biology, both from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Attend Our Hybrid Meeting!
Come in Person:
Tarzana Community and Cultural Center
19130 Ventura Blvd
Tarzana, CA 91356-3225
Doors Open: 6:30 pm Presentation 7-8 pm
Refreshments Served
OR
Join by Zoom:
Please sign up below if you’d like to be notified of this and other upcoming Zoom events. If you’ve previously signed up for notifications, you can skip this step – you’re already on the list!

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Young Birders Walk
2025-03-30 09:00 - 11:00 | Malibu Lagoon State Beach, 23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA, 90265, United States

Birdathon 2025: O’Melveny Park
2025-04-15 09:00 - 11:00 | O’Melveny Park, 17300 Sesnon Blvd., Granada Hills, CA, 91344, United States
Start Time: 9 AM
Estimated Species: 30
Walk Leader: Alexander deBarros
Contact: alexanderdebarros@yahoo.com

Looking for more info on this year’s Birdathon? Please check the links below!
Birdathon 2025 Official Announcement
Make a Pledge or Donation

Zoom Event: Morning Rush Hour on the Feathered Highway
2025-04-24 19:00 - 20:30 | CA
Lauren Hill, co-founder of The Bear Divide Banding Station, will provide a presentation on migration studies, banding training, and collaborative projects that serve as a hub for comment, outreach, and avian conservation.
Every spring, millions of birds migrate along the Pacific Flyway from their wintering grounds to their breeding grounds. Few places highlight the spectacle of migration in western North America quite like Bear Divide. It is a low-elevation pass in the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles County, and provides an unequal opportunity to study a vast number of migratory landbirds.

Lauren Hill is a local avian biologist and current graduate student in the M.S. Environmental Biology program at California State University Los Angeles, where she conducts research in the Wood Lab of Avian and Urban Ecology. Her primary focus is avian migration ecology, and her thesis investigates the migratory population.
If you plan to attend via Zoom, please enter your info and we’ll send you a link prior to the event.
If you’ve signed up for previous events, feel free to skip this step – you’re already on our list!

First Name

Last Name

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you're human:

Young Birders Walk
2025-04-27 09:00 - 11:00 | O’Melveny Park, 17300 Sesnon Blvd., Granada Hills, CA, 91344, United States
