Friday Bird Walks

San Marcos Foothills Preserve is an open space encompassing 200 acres. It offers exceptional views of the channel Islands and the Santa Ynez mountains. It provides habitat for Roadrunners, White-tailed Kites, American Kestrels and several species of Hawks. It is also home to many grassland and chaparral  bird species.

The Andree Clark Bird Refuge is a 42-acre open space which includes a 29-acre brackish lake and wetlands. The lake includes three islands which are sanctuary for many species of birds. One of Santa Barbara’s birding hot spots which includes three platforms for wildlife observations.

Lake Los Carneros (LLC) is one of Goleta’s premier birding hot spots.  Its 25 acre lake and varied wooded and grass land habitats make LLC a wonderful place to visit in the middle of Goleta. Once a part of Rancho La Patera it is now a Mecca for anyone wanting to get in touch with nature.

North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course) has been restored back to a natural environment more like what existed on this property prior to creation of the golf course in 1965. There are trails for public access and passive recreation. This open space is a great addition to Santa Barbara’s natural heritage which makes our community so special. It will be preserved for the enjoyment of the local community in perpetuity. Come with us to explore how this site is recovering back to it’s natural state.

The Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park is located on the southern (eastern) end of the salt marsh. It provides views into some of the tidal wetlands in that area as well as the area where Franklin creek enters the marshland. A good area for a wide range of avian species.

The UCSB Lagoon area covers many habitats. Views of Goleta Bay, and ocean south of Campus Point provide many chances for observing shorebirds and seabirds. The fresh water lagoon provides habitat for additional water birds and the surrounding terrestrial areas have potential for many other species.