About PVBA Field Trips: Pomona Valley Bird Alliance field trips are offered at no cost (unless otherwise specified) and open to all individuals.  ALWAYS contact the trip leader if you plan to attend and to verify start time, meeting location, and confirm trip status. In case of rain, call the trip leader the night before. Many of our trips originate at Memorial Park in Claremont but you have the option to meet on site. (Carpooling is optional based on your comfort level.) Driving mileage estimates are from Memorial Park in Claremont and are round-trip. For your comfort and enjoyment, participants should plan to bring the following items: Binoculars, spotting scope, camera, water, snacks (check description for lunch needs,) walking or hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, weather appropriate clothing and a full tank of gas if driving. Trips are rated by difficulty to help you prepare.

PVBA Field Trip Difficulty Levels – Trips rated Easy through Strenuous involve walking and standing for several hours.
Minimal – Little or no walking, option to exit car and walk short distances over relatively level terrain.  Example: Drive-through wetlands.
Easy – Walking on relatively level terrain, paved or maintained dirt roads (many locations wheelchair accessible.) Example: Artificial wetlands and botanic gardens.
Moderate – Some elevation change, stairs, walking on sloped grass, rolling hills, open fields or groomed hiking trails with mild trip hazards (tree roots, rocks, etc.)  Example: Regional Parks with lakes and hiking trails.
Strenuous – Irregular or rocky terrain, > 500ft. elevation change, some off-trail walking.  Example: Natural areas and preserves (North Etiwanda Preserve.)

 


POMONA VALLEY BIRD ALLIANCE
Formerly Pomona Valley Audubon Society

                               

Family Friendly Walks at the California Botanic Garden First Sunday in the Month. (September through June)

California Botanic Garden, 1500 N College Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, USA (map) Difficulty: Easy
This family-friendly bird walk is approximately 2 hours long and is perfect for beginners and experienced birders alike. No binoculars? No worries! Loaner binoculars are available (limited number so first come first served.) You will receive instructions on their use as well. PVBA volunteer Ken Burgdorff (gwrencaps@gmail.com) and others will lead the walks.
Please RSVP with the botanic garden’s reservation site by using the DATE SPECIFIC links for each month.

Fourth Sunday Bird Walks at Bonelli Park (September through May)

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park.  San Dimas, CA 91773-(map) Difficulty: Moderate

 We meet in the parking lot of Brackett Field (airport) at 1615 McKinley Ave., La Verne, CA 91773 (better known as the Norm’s Hanger Coffee Shop parking lot.) To reach the parking lot, take McKinley Ave. west from Fairplex Drive to the parking area at the end of the road on the right. Meet at 7:45 AM to caravan into the park for free entrance and an 8:00 AM walk. 2-3 hours. Don’t forget your binoculars and comfortable shoes. Contact the trip leader listed for each month

                               

Let’s Go Birding

2025 -2026

Friday, February 20, 2026

Field Trip to San Jacinto Wildlife Area

17050 Davis Road. Lakeview, California 92567 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (walking up to 3 mi.)

An excellent site for waterfowl, Golden Eagles, raptors, shorebirds and more. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife requires all visitors to purchase a Lands Pass for admission unless one is in possession of a fishing or hunting license.  Day passes can be obtained on line at https://wildlife.ca.gov/licensing or by calling (800) 565-1458, or in-person wherever fishing and hunting licenses are sold.   Note earlier start time!  Meet at 6:00 AM at Memorial Park in Claremont. Bring snacks, water, and lunch. Est. driving 110 mi.

Contact Trip Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 456-4994 or DanRCRenee@verizon.net

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Field Trip to Lake Perris

Lake Perris 17801 Lake Perris Dr., Perris, CA 92571 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (walking up to 3 mi.)

We’ll take a walk at Lake Perris for wintering waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, sparrows and raptors including Peregrine Falcon, osprey and Bald Eagle. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Memorial Park in Claremont. Bring snacks, water, and lunch. There is a $10 vehicle entry fee ($9 if 62+) at Lake Perris State Recreation Area. Est. driving 110 mi.

Contact Trip Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 456-4994 or DanRCRenee@verizon.net 

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Fourth Sunday of the Month Bonelli Bird Walk

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park.  San Dimas, CA 91773 – Difficulty: Moderate

Enjoy one of the richest birding sites in Southern California on our fourth Sunday of the month Bonelli Bird Walk.  We meet in the parking lot of Brackett Field (airport) at 1615 McKinley Ave., La Verne, CA 91773 (better known as the Norm’s Hanger Coffee Shop parking lot.) To reach the parking lot, take McKinley Ave. west from Fairplex Drive to the parking area at the end of the road on the right. Meet at 7:45 AM to caravan into the park for free entrance and an 8:00 AM walk. 2-3 hours. Don’t forget your binoculars and comfortable shoes. Walk Leader: Keith Condon catbird117@yahoo.com

Sunday, March 1, 2026

First Sunday of the Month Family Friendly Bird Walks at the California Botanic Garden

1500 N. College Ave. Claremont, CA 91711
Meet at the entrance at 8:00 AM for free admission. This family-friendly bird walk is approximately 2 hours long and is perfect for beginners and experienced birders alike. No binoculars? No worries! Loaner binoculars are available (limited number so first come first served.) You will receive instructions on their use as well. PVAS volunteer Ken Burgdorff (gwrencaps@gmail.com) and others will lead the walks. Please RSVP using this link to the Botanic Garden’s reservation site: http://11213.blackbaudhosting.com/11213/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=0c136051-b503-49b4-a0ed-29f8cb7832c8  If you have difficulty getting around and would like to bird from the tram, please contact the garden at registrar@calbg.org to reserve a spot.

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Field Trip to the Living Desert Zoo and Vicinity

47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92660 Easy to Moderate.  Option to hike some of the garden trails.

A great spot to bird during the spring migration for migrants and desert dwellers alike.  Meet at Memorial Park, Claremont at 6:00 AM or at the Zoo at 7:45 AM.  Anticipate a full day of birding so bring lunch, snacks, ample water and appropriate clothing for desert conditions.  Admission $39.95. Est. driving 95 miles.  Contact Trip Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 456-4994 or DanRCRenee@verizon.net

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Fourth Sunday of the Month Bonelli Bird Walk

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park.  San Dimas, CA 91773 – Difficulty: Moderate

Enjoy one of the richest birding sites in Southern California on our fourth Sunday of the month Bonelli Bird Walk.  We meet in the parking lot of Brackett Field (airport) at 1615 McKinley Ave., La Verne, CA 91773 (better known as the Norm’s Hanger Coffee Shop parking lot.) To reach the parking lot, take McKinley Ave. west from Fairplex Drive to the parking area at the end of the road on the right. Meet at 7:45 AM to caravan into the park for free entrance and an 8:00 AM walk. 2-3 hours. Don’t forget your binoculars and comfortable shoes. Walk Leader: Patty Thorne pattythorne99@gmail.com

Sunday, April 5, 2026

First Sunday of the Month Family Friendly Bird Walks at the California Botanic Garden

                                                                                                                                                   

1500 N. College Ave. Claremont, CA 91711
Meet at the entrance at 8:00 AM for free admission. This family-friendly bird walk is approximately 2 hours long and is perfect for beginners and experienced birders alike. No binoculars? No worries! Loaner binoculars are available (limited number so first come first served.) You will receive instructions on their use as well. PVAS volunteer Ken Burgdorff (gwrencaps@gmail.com) and others will lead the walks. Please RSVP using this link to the Botanic Garden’s reservation site: http://11213.blackbaudhosting.com/11213/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=985c2206-f0c0-46bb-894f-85a2a59603c3 If you have difficulty getting around and would like to bird from the tram, please contact the garden at registrar@calbg.org to reserve a spot.

Friday, April 17, 2026

Field Trip and Survey of the North Etiwanda Preserve

 

4890 Etiwanda Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 Difficulty: Strenuous (rocky, uneven terrain, 3.5 miles 800+ ft elevation gain) with a moderate option to survey the southern edge of the park.

Twice a year we gather bird population data for the County of San Bernardino by doing what we love – birding! Join us for all or part of the day. Specialties include Bell’s Sparrow, Loggerhead Shrike, and other open country species.  We will be taking our usual counterclockwise route on the main trail making us easy to find, so feel free to join us at any time. Meet at Beryl Park at the West Parking Lot, 6501 Carnelian St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 for a 7 AM departure to the preserve. This is a hike and not a walk, please bring sturdy footwear, a portable lunch, water, snacks, and layered clothing for about 6 hours in the field. Please RSVP with Trip Leader: Mike Brossart mjbrossart@gmail.com