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Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Birding Sites, Habitats, & Specialties
 

The sites listed here are just a few of the many birding sites found throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. Sites are listed by site name, location, habitat, and speciality.

 

These are what we consider to be some of the best spots, but we encourage you to explore and find your own. Enjoy!

 

 

Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa, Newbury Park:

-- Grassland, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, riparian.

–  Greater Roadrunner, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, White-shouldered Kite (and other raptors), Grasshopper Sparrow.

 

Malibu Creek State Park & Gillette Ranch, Calabasas:

-- Grassland, chaparral, oak woodland, riparian.

– Raptors, ducks, woodpeckers, Lazuli Bunting, Blue Grosbeak.

 

CheeseboroCanyon, Agoura:

-- Grassland, oak woodland.

– Raptors, Lewis’ Woodpecker (in winter).

 

Malibu Lagoon, Malibu (central):

-- Coastal estuary (brackish), marsh, seashore.

– Shorebirds, shorebirds, seabirds, rails, ducks.

 

SycamoreCanyon, Malibu (west):

-- Riparian, seashore.

– Vagrants.

Charlie Cooke, hereditary Chief of the Chumash played an important role in making sure 85 acres remained open space.  

Did You Know?
On June 13, 1980, Charlie Cooke, hereditary Chief of the Chumash and concerned citizens fulfilled a dream-- a place for families to explore our natural world and learn about the Chumash. Satwiwa in Newbury Park, CA celebrates the beauty of the mountains and all Native American cultures.

Last Updated: October 18, 2009 at 16:00 EST