The birding group Los Angeles is a community organization dedicated to promoting the enjoyment and conservation of birds and bird habitats in the Los Angeles area. Founded in 1973, it provides education, field trips, conservation initiatives and networking opportunities for birdwatchers across Los Angeles County.
Some quick facts about the birding group:
- Founded in 1973
- Over 500 members
- Monthly meetings and field trips
- Partners with local conservation groups
- Active email listserv and online community
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history, activities, membership and impact of this avian-focused organization. Whether you’re a lifelong birder or just starting out, joining the birding group Los Angeles is a great way to meet fellow bird enthusiasts while learning more about the incredibly diverse avian life found right in LA.
History of the Birding Group
The roots of the birding group Los Angeles stretch back to the early 1970s, when a small group of birders began holding informal gatherings to share sightings and socialize. As the city’s birdwatching community grew, there was increasing interest in creating a more formal club.
In 1973, the birding group Los Angeles was officially established as a local chapter of the National Audubon Society. It provided a centralized hub for the many active birders in the region to come together and coordinate their efforts.
In the early years, most activities revolved around monthly meetings featuring guest speakers and slideshows of bird sightings. The fledgling club also began leading field trips to popular regional birding sites like the Ballona Wetlands.
Membership grew steadily as the club raised its profile during the 1970s and 1980s. In the 1990s, the group became an independent non-profit organization no longer directly affiliated with the Audubon Society. This allowed for greater flexibility in activities and initiatives tailored specifically to the LA birding community.
Major efforts in recent decades have focused on conservation, education and bringing new birders into the fold. The birding group now has over 500 members and remains one of the most active organizations of its kind in the western United States.
Timeline of Major Milestones
- 1973 – Founded as LA chapter of National Audubon Society
- Late 1970s – Began leading regular field trips
- 1980s – Membership grows to over 300 people
- 1990s – Became independent non-profit organization
- 2000s – Expanded education and outreach programs
- 2010s – Membership exceeds 500, 70th anniversary
Activities and Programs
The birding group Los Angeles provides a diverse array of programming aimed at engaging both veteran and novice bird enthusiasts across LA County. Some of the major activities include:
Monthly Meetings
On the second Tuesday of each month, the group holds an open monthly meeting featuring informative speakers on birds and conservation. Topics range from spotlights on rare species to habitat protection efforts. Meetings provide a great chance to socialize with fellow birders.
Field Trips
One of the most popular offerings is the wide variety of field trips organized by the club. These trips visit hotspots across Southern California guided by experienced birders. Some trips target specific species or events like migrations, while others cover interesting habitats. Trips are free for members.
Special Events
Throughout the year there are engaging special events like the Parrots of Telegraph Hill event in March, summer and winter bird counts, owl prowls, pelagic birding boat trips and more. These fun seasonal happenings cater to birders’ diverse interests.
Conservation Initiatives
The birding group is actively involved in conservation activities like habitat restoration, citizen science projects, and advocacy campaigns. They partner with groups like Audubon California on efforts to protect endangered species.
Publications and Communications
Members receive newsletters, e-mail broadcasts and social media updates on group activities, bird sightings and conservation topics. An extensive library of birding resources is also available.
Membership Details
Anyone interested in birds is welcome and encouraged to join the Los Angeles birding group. Here are some key details about becoming a member:
- Dues: Annual membership dues start at $30 for individuals, with options for families and students.
- How to Join: Sign up through the group website. Dues can be paid online via PayPal.
- Benefits: Members get free/discounted field trips, the newsletter, email updates, ability to vote, discounts from partner organizations and more.
- Events: Most regular events like meetings and field trips are free for members.
Beyond these basics, being part of the club connects you into the broader community of LA area birders. It provides an instant social group to learn from and share your passion with. Members span from youth to seniors, beginners to lifelong experts.
Impact and Conservation
While the birding group offers plentiful opportunities for spotting species, it provides critical conservation benefits too. Through habitat initiatives, environmental education, and advocating sound policy, the club protects the future of bird populations for all to enjoy.
Some major conservation initiatives the group has participated in over the decades include:
- Habitat restoration projects in the Ballona Wetlands.
- Annual Christmas Bird Counts providing population data to scientists.
- Campaigning for the preservation of critical stopover sites for migratory birds.
- Monitoring and protecting endangered species like the Coastal California Gnatcatcher.
- Educating thousands of students and adults on bird ecology through classes and talks.
The birding group also builds public appreciation for the value of common urban species like hummingbirds, raptors and shorebirds. This grassroots local engagement inspires people to advocate for birds in their neighborhoods and spread awareness.
Citizen Science Programs
The club actively contributes to scientific study of birds through citizen science programs like:
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology projects
- Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Counts
- Breeding bird atlas initiatives like LA County Breeding Bird Atlas
- Banding and tagging programs to track migratory patterns
By mobilizing its members, the birding group generates invaluable data for researchers seeking to understand environmental changes over time. The findings directly inform conservation efforts.
Birding Hotspots in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles area offers world-class birding opportunities despite its sprawling urban character. From mountains to wetlands to urban parks, a surprising diversity of species can be found. Below are some top sites to visit on your own or on a guided field trip with the birding group:
Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve
Located between Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey, this wetland preserve hosts over 175 species like peregrine falcons, shorebirds, gulls and terns.
Santa Monica Mountains
Raptors, woodpeckers and songbirds abound in the wooded canyons and chaparral of the Santa Monica range.
Malibu Lagoon
One of the top migratory hotspots in California, with warblers, flycatchers, terns, herons and more passing through in spring and fall.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
This urban oasis consists of woodlands and chaparral minutes from downtown LA, home to species like California quail, sparrows and hawks.
Hansen Dam Recreation Area
Discover raptors, hummingbirds, sparrows and woodpeckers at this scenic wetlands and wildlife area in the San Fernando Valley.
Birding Site | Best Birds | Tips |
---|---|---|
Ballona Wetlands | Shorebirds, peregrine falcon | Morning walks best during winter |
Santa Monica Mountains | Raptors, sparrows, woodpeckers | Hike early to see species |
Malibu Lagoon | Warblers, terns, flycatchers | Visit during spring/fall migration |
Kenneth Hahn Park | California quail, sparrows, hawks | Quiet trails for urban birding |
Hansen Dam | Raptors, hummingbirds, songbirds | Morning walks to wetlands |
From the coastal wetlands to the inland valleys, the diversity of LA habitats make it a birders’ paradise. Joining the Los Angeles birding group is the perfect way to explore and learn more about the region’s avian treasures.
Beginner’s Guide to Birding in LA
New to birdwatching? No problem! LA provides great opportunities to start spotting species even right in your neighborhood. Here are some tips:
Get a Field Guide
Pick up a bird identification guide like the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America or the Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America. Learn how to recognize distinct plumage, listen for songs and calls, and note key identification marks.
Invest in Binoculars
A good pair of binoculars makes birding much more enjoyable. Look for 8x or 10x magnification models made by quality brands like Nikon and Leica. Make sure they feel comfortable with the right eye spacing for you.
Start Simple
Observe the birds in your own backyard or neighborhood park. Common LA birds like hummingbirds, sparrows, jays and woodpeckers are perfect starters. Apps like Merlin Bird ID can help with IDs.
Find Birding Hotspots
Consult resources like eBird to locate productive birding sites. Parks with water features or wooded areas are usually best. The LA birding group field trip schedule is another excellent resource.
Go on Weekday Mornings
This is when birds are most active and visible. Sunrise walks are ideal, but even just getting out early before work can yield sightings. Avoid windy or rainy days.
Join Guided Trips
Sign up for LA birding group trips to productive spots like Ballona Wetlands. Experienced group leaders will teach you a ton in a fun social setting.
Enjoy the Journey
Don’t worry about identifying every bird. Appreciate their beauty, behaviors and songs. Birding is meant to be a life-enriching hobby for all levels.
Conclusion
For over 40 years, the Los Angeles birding group has connected enthusiasts in enjoying, learning about, and protecting LA’s remarkable diversity of resident and migratory birds. From bald eagles to burrowing owls, the region harbors hundreds of species.
Whether you’re a beginner getting started or a seasoned expert, joining the community of this vibrant organization opens up a world of feathered discoveries. Through field trips, special events, and conservation initiatives, the birding group promotes the continued appreciation and study of birds across Los Angeles County.