Sepulveda Basin Bird Walk - CANCELED
2026-01-04 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

FREE Beginner Walks at Sepulveda Basin
2026-01-10 09:00 - 11:00
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: Muriel Kotin at 213-500-4143 or San Fernando Valley Audubon at 747.237-3720.
Heavy rain cancels. Bring plenty of curiosity.
