May 12: Placerita Canyon
May 12, 2024, 7:00 AM -- mid-day
Trip leader: Kaija Gahm
Just east of Santa Clarita, Placerita Canyon State Park is a patch of diverse habitats that is likely to have some interesting migrants at this time of year. There is a mix of oak woodland, chaparral, and riparian habitat, with a small stream running through the canyon. Migrants that are possible at this time of year include Black-chinned and Costa's Hummingbirds, White-throated Swift, several flycatchers, Lawrence's Goldfinch, Lazuli Bunting, and assorted warblers (Townsend's, Macgillivray's, Yellow, Wilson's, etc.) We will wander the trails, hiking up to 2 miles over terrain that is sometimes rugged, with the possibility for stream crossings and uphill stretches.
Participant number: 20 people and 10 cars maximum, determined by lottery. Sign up before Thursday, May 9, at 6 PM.
Trip details such as meeting location will be emailed to signed-up participants before the trip.
PHOTO: MacGillivray's Warbler (Geothlypis tolmiei). Photo by Susan T. Cook/Channel City Camera Club. (License)
May 11: Antelope Valley: Summer Specialties and Migrants
Saturday May 11, 2024, 7:00 AM -- end of day
Trip leader: Darren Dowell
This trip will meet in the high desert of the Antelope Valley, which is the only reliable place in Los Angeles County to find Scott’s Oriole, Verdin, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, and a few other species on their breeding grounds. Given the timing of the trip, we’ll also be on the lookout for migrants. The Antelope Valley is a >1 hour drive from Pasadena, so we might as well make a full day of it; participants are welcome to continue into the afternoon, searching the A.V. migrant hotspots. Expect short walks on mostly flat terrain, and maybe breezy conditions, at multiple stops through the area.
Participant number: 20, determined by lottery. Sign up before Wednesday, May 8, at 6 PM.
Trip details such as meeting location will be emailed to signed-up participants before the trip.
PHOTO: Scott's Oriole (Icterus parisorum). Photo by Chris Spurgeon.