San Fernando Valley Audubon Society

Birdathon 2026: Sepulveda Basin
2026-05-03 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Area, 6350 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA, 91436, United States
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Estimated Species: 60
Walk Leader: Alexander deBarros
Contact: alexanderdebarros@yahoo.com

Looking for more info on this year’s Birdathon? Please check the links below!
Birdathon 2026 Official Announcement
Make a Pledge or Donation

Sepulveda Basin Bird Walk
2026-05-03 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-07 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-05 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-08-02 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.

Birdathon 2026: Glendale Narrows
2026-05-09 08:00 - 10:00 | CA
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Estimated Species: 35
Walk Leader: Bruin Birding Club & Junco Grad Students
Contact: jfdiliberto@g.ucla.edu
We will plan to park and meet at this area: 300 Paula Ave., Glendale, CA 91201. There is a
lot there for parking at the Riverwalk but there are additional spaces on the pullout outside
of the tiny lot. We will meet around the parking lot area and then walk towards the path on
the river. We tentatively plan to walk to the Mariposa bridge and back (~2.25mi). If there is
interest/it’s not too hot we’ll go further or cross the river. (Google Map)

Looking for more info on this year’s Birdathon? Please check the links below!
Birdathon 2026 Official Announcement
Make a Pledge or Donation

A Bird Sit with Nature Journaling
2026-05-14 10:00 - 11:45, 2026-06-11 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 restrooms. What to bring: binoculars, a journal, something to write/draw with and a beverage/snack.
This event is limited to 10 people. To reserve your spot, contact Teri Carnesciali at teri.carnesciali@sfvaudubon.org or Mary Lou Sharp at mary.lou.sharp@sfvaudubon.org.
In the event of rain, extreme temperatures or high winds, the bird sit will be moved to the 3rd Thursday. If you’re unsure whether a bird sit is taking place, please contact Teri or Mary Lou to confirm.

Birds & Beer with SFVAS
2026-05-14 18:30 - 21:00 | Woodley Lakes Golf Course – Best Ball Bar, 6331 Woodley Avenue, Van nuys, 91406, United States
Evening excursion to Lake Balboa and the Bull Creek Restoration Area ! Sunset get together at Best Ball Bar- Woodley Lakes Golf Course.
Meet at the Woodley Lakes Golf Course flag pole at 6:30 PM, directions are below. Plan for a leisurly excursion crossing Hayvenhurst Creek from the golf course to the lovely Lake Balboa. We will wander along the north shore to the trail east of Bull Creek, turning north then crossing the footbridge and circling through the Bull Creek Restoration Area, crossing the southern footbridge to follow the lake to the the golf course path – a total of approximately 1.2 miles. Likely LA28 venues will be noted. We will arrive at the Best Ball Bar at the golf course for appetizers and no-host bar at about 7:30 PM.
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, will re-survey social hour! The walk and social hour are free but donations are appreciated – you may make a donation using this link!
Best Ball Bar at Woodley Lakes Golf Course: 6331 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91406. You need to turn west on “Lake Balboa”. It is 2 drives south of the Orange line. You may also access the venue by driving through the Lake Balboa park from Balboa Blvd. – continue all the way around to the golf course.
Equipment and Clothing: Wear sturdy shoes, and otherwise dress appropriately for the weather. You may want to bring drinking water dependiong on temperature. Bring binoculars and cameras!
NOTE: This event will feature a birding books donation from one of our members. These books will be available to take home during our social hour.
More Information: pat.bates@sfvaudubon.org or San Fernando Valley Audubon at 747-237-3720.

SBWR Habitat Restoration
2026-05-16 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-27 08:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-25 08:00 - 11:00 | Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Area, 6350 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA, 91436, United States
SFVAS is continuing to work with our partners, the Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) and the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) on the ongoing Habitat Restoration efforts in the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve (SBWR). This group gathers every Fourth Saturday morning to work and weed. If you would like to get involved and get your hands dirty, this is for you!
SFVAS offers an Audubon guided walk after the work. (Volunteer Walk Leaders always needed.)
What is this all about? See this video from FoLAR.
NOTE: Start time may be subject to change. Please check the FoLAR website for latest details and sign up before attending this event.

Birdathon 2026: CSUN Campus
2026-05-17 08:00 - 11:00 | CA
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Estimated Species: 30-35
Walk Leader: Natalie Beckman-Smith
Contact: nataliebeckmansmith@yahoo.com
Meet walk leader Natalie at the CSUN Duck Pond at 8:00AM. Free street parking
surrounding the campus and paid visitor parking in campus lots. Walk will be a 3-hour loop
around the campus, ending where we started. (Google Map)

Looking for more info on this year’s Birdathon? Please check the links below!
Birdathon 2026 Official Announcement
Make a Pledge or Donation

Malibu Creek Bird Walk
2026-05-17 08:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-21 08:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-19 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
2026-05-19 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.

Hansen Dam - CANCELED
2026-05-23 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.

Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Areas Steering Committee - CANCELED
2026-05-26 18:30 - 20:30 | Balboa Sports Center, 17015 Burbank Blvd., Encino, CA, 91316
The Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Areas Steering Committee (SBWASC) oversees, in its advisory capacity, the wildlife reserve areas and other areas of present or potential natural value within the Sepulveda Basin, including the Los Angeles River and its tributaries; and supports policies and programs that ensure their long term preservation and protection. The SBWASC is advisory to the City of Los Angeles and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and members include Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley Audubon Societies, Angeles and San Fernando Valley Sierra Club, California Native Plant Society, Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains and Friends of the Los Angeles River.

Annual Meeting
2026-05-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Encino Community Center, 4935 Balboa Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 91316, United States
Join us at the Encino Community Center for updates on important issues – past, present and future. Members present at the meeting will be able to cast ballots for directors and officers for our next fiscal year (beginning July 1, 2026). The meeting will also be on Zoom but voting must be in person. Our monthly presentation the Bird Genoscape Project will immediately follow at 7 PM.

Zoom Event: The Bird Genoscape Project
2026-05-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Encino Community Center, 4935 Balboa Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 91316, United States
Erica Robertson, a graduate student from the University of Colorado, will be doing a presentation on the Bird Genoscape Project. She will talk about how the Project and its partners are studying the genetic markers of migratory North, Central, and South American birds to enhance conservation of these species. In 2009, the Bird Genoscape Project was created with the goal of developing connectivity maps of at least 100 species of North American migratory birds to understand population- specific trends. The team of people working with this organization include university faculty, postdoctural researchers, and graduate students. The Project also partners with National Audubon Society, Institute for Bird Populations, and the University of California, Los Angeles.
A genoscape is a map of genetic variation across a breeding range of a species. The Project uses a single feather to scan for the genome of the bird in a geographic population. So far, they have completed genoscapes for 19 species and are working on 17 more at this time.
More information from the Bird Genoscape Project website with some great videos about the project:
https://www.birdgenoscape.org/

Erica graduated from George Washington University in 2020 with a B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Although she planned to pursue graduate school, she wanted to first spend time exploring the country and dedicating herself to rock climbing. She moved to Jackson, Wyoming, where she lived for two years and developed a deep interest in alpine climbing, particularly in the Teton Range. During one climbing trip, she encountered the Black Rosy-Finch: a striking black-and-pink bird that breeds above 12,000 feet. She was infatuated by this species and the broader rosy-finch complex, and that experience ultimately inspired her to pursue research on alpine birds in graduate school. Through this interest, she discovered the Ruegg Lab and the Bird Genoscape Project. Conservation genomics felt like a natural integration of her background in genetics with her growing interest in ecology and evolution. In 2022, she joined the Ruegg Lab as a Ph.D. student, where she studies the Brown-capped Rosy-Finch, Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, and Bank Swallow. Broadly, her research seeks to understand how these species adapt to environmental change, and she hopes that her work can help inform conservation strategies that protect vulnerable migratory species in a rapidly warming world.

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The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society 2026 Conservation Awards Luncheon
2026-06-06 12:00 - 15:00 | Sooky Goldman Nature Center, 2600 Franklin Canyon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA, 90210, United States
The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society 2026 Conservation Awards Luncheon takes place Saturday, June 6 @ 12PM at the Sooky Goldman Nature Center, Franklin Canyon Park, 2600 Franklin Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills, California. Tickets are available May 2 through June 1 – don’t miss out! Individual tickets are $45 each, and couples receive a discounted rate of $80 for 2 tickets.
Please join us to celebrate the Honorees: Charlie Wilken, Chapter Service Award, and The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, Conservation Award.
Come at 10 AM for Birding Walks Join Alexander de Barros for a birding journey at 10:00 AM. Alexander will spot and identify birds while providing instruction to enhance your birding experience. The group will meet at the Nature Center. Alternatively, join Susan White for a lakeside stroll to spot local birds and discuss the vital role native plants play in our ecosystem.
As a part of the celebration, SFVAS is hosting a watercolor workshop and a photography tutorial!
Watercolor Workshop: SOLD OUT! Cassandra Cunningham invites you to join her in a nature journaling class at Heavenly Pond, a short walk from the parking lot near the Franklin Canyon Nature Center entrance. She will explore color theory and practice plein air painting with the group. All experience levels are welcome. Meetup is at 9:30. There is a $10.00 reservation fee, and the class is limited to 10 participants. All art materials will be provided.

Photography: Birding with a Camera 101: David Barton will lead this session focusing on using the camera as a tool to improve your birding skills. The group will meet at the Nature Center at 10:00 AM. Please bring a camera and a guidebook if you have one. There is a $10.00 reservation fee, and the group is limited to 10 participants.
Get Tickets

Priority Breeding Bird Mapping
2026-06-22 09:00 - 10:00
Zoom presentation on status of west-coast breeding bird habitat mapping tool. SFVAS is one of the donors to this project and is proud to host an update on this important project presented by:
Sara Barker
Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative Program Leader
Cornell Lab of Ornithology | Center for Avian Population Studies
Contact pat.Bates@sfvaudubon.org for Zoom login information

Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Areas Steering Committee
2026-06-23 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-07-28 18:30 - 20:30 | Balboa Sports Center, 17015 Burbank Blvd., Encino, CA, 91316

Hansen Dam Bird Walk
2026-06-27 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-07-25 08:00 - 10:00 | Hansen Dam Recreation Area, 10965 Dronfield Ave, Pacoima, CA, 91331, United States

Beginner Bird Walk at Sepulveda Basin
2026-07-11 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-08-08 08:00 - 10:00 | Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Area, 6350 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA, 91436, United States
San Fernando Valley Audubon invites you to guided tours of the reserve on Second Saturdays. The walks will include the many birds, other wildlife, habitat, and recovery from the devastating fire of September 2020. The emphasis of each tour will vary with participants’ interests.
Tours of this special place will last 1.5 – 2 hours, depending on the group’s wishes.
These Walks are for:

Beginning birdwatchers, including first timers
Families with school-age children
People who want to visit the Wildlife Reserve

Meeting Place: The Wildlife Area entrance and amphitheater are in the southeast part of Woodley Park. Meet at the small amphitheater on the south side of the rock-faced buildings.
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. Continue straight (don’t turn into the garden) and drive past the Cricket Fields and around the tree in the middle of the road, continuing to the parking lot at the end of the road. Meet at the amphitheater. GPS coordinates of parking lot: 34.179942,-118.472595.
Equipment and Clothing: Wear sturdy shoes, layered clothing, and a cap or hat with a brim. Water and Sunscreen suggested. Binoculars are available to borrow. Please leave your pets home.
More Information: Natalie Beckman-Smith at 818-926-7825 or San Fernando Valley Audubon at 747-237-3720.
Heavy rain cancels. Bring plenty of curiosity.

Ides of July Birds & Beer
2026-07-15 18:15 - 21:00 | Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Area, 6350 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA, 91436, United States
Evening walk to the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Lake! ! Sunset get together at Best Ball Bar- Woodley Lakes Golf Course.

Meet in the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve parking lot at 6:15 PM., directions are below (go to the end of the road). Plan for a leisurly excursion to the wildlife reserve and lake, continuing to the relatively shady “peninsula observation area” – about 1/3 mile. We will then head back to the parking lot to depart for the Best Ball Bar at the Woodley Lakes Golf Course for appetizers and no-host bar, arriving at 7:30 PM.
We are asking people to RSVP for the Best Ball Bar – Woodley Lakes Golf Course so we can make the appropriate arrangements and also contact you in the event of changes! Significant heat (like 95-100° at 6PM) will cancel the walk and we will do a bird sit in the shade at the amphitheatre! The walk and social hour are free but donations are appreciated – you may make a donation using this link!
Do you have extra bird/native plant-related paraphernalia (books, etc.) and it’s time to downsize? Bring your stuff and see if it can find a great home with someone!
Best Ball Bar at Woodley Lakes Golf Course: 6331 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91406. You need to turn west on “Lake Balboa”. It is 2 drives south of the Orange line. You may also access the venue by driving through the Lake Balboa park from Balboa Blvd. – continue all the way around to the golf course.
Equipment and Clothing: Wear sturdy shoes, and otherwise dress appropriately for the weather. Be sure to stay hydrated – bring water. Bring binoculars and cameras!
More Information: Pat.Bates@sfvaudubon.org or San Fernando Valley Audubon at 747-237-3720.
