• Afternoon clouds cover the distance peaks of the iconic Boney Mountain

    Santa Monica Mountains

    National Recreation Area California

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Update on Park Closures

    All NPS trails are open, w/the exception of part of the Satwiwa Loop Trail. Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is only open sunrise to sunset. Point Mugu State Park re-opens 5/24. More »

  • Trucks on Cheeseboro Canyon Trail

    Occasional truck traffic (approx 6 trips per day) will take place on Cheeseboro Cyn Trail weekdays between 8am & 4pm for demolition and removal of Cheeseboro Tank. Should be completed by 5/31/13. Check back for updates or call 818-889-8996. More »

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.

Did You Know?

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

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.