The Ojai Valley, including Meher Mount is a bird enthusiast’s delight. Pause a moment, and even the casual bird watcher can view the different species that find Meher Mount a welcome home or a good place to visit during migration.
OAK TITMOUSE at the water spigot at Meher Mount. (Photo: Adele Fergusson, Ventura Audubon Society, January 2019)
Because of the varied habitats, mild climate, and proximity to the ocean, this area is particularly suited for bird watching.
Come join the Ventura Audubon Society on several bird watching walks at Meher Mount suited to both novice and experienced bird watchers.
Mid-day, there will be an ambassador red-tailed hawk courtesy of the Ojai Raptor Center. All are invited for this free event.
BIRD WATCHING SCHEDULE
8:00 a.m. — Gates open and visitor sign-in
8:30 - 10:30 a.m. — Early bird watching walk led by the Ventura Audubon Society
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. — Second bird watching walk led by the Ventura Audubon Society
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — Special guest appearance of Rosie the Red-Tailed Hawk, an ambassador bird presentation by the Ojai Raptor Center
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. — Lunch (bring your own) on the Topa Topa Patio
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. — Beginners’ bird watching walk
5:00 p.m. — Gates close and farewell
ALL DAY ACTIVITIES
Bird arts and crafts for kids of all ages
Hummingbird watching
Quiet time for seeing the views
WHAT TO BRING
Bring layers, including a windbreaker, as the temperature changes throughout the day
Wear sturdy, close-toed walking shoes that can get muddy and wet
Bring a hat and sunglasses
If you have binoculars, mark your name on them and please bring them
Please bring your own lunch and water
Camera
Smaller backpack or fanny pack to carry your belongings
WEATHER
The weather should be cool and sunny. The temperatures will change depending upon the time of day and if you are in the shade or in the open.
Also, if it has rained or there is fog or drew, the grasses will be wet and you could pick up moister on your pants and shoes as you do your bird walk.
BIRD WATCHING TIPS
To see nature, and particularly the birds, it helps to be silent and listen. Through their individual songs you can recognize specific birds and know what to look for. Birds can be found on different levels of the territory they occupy.
To help identify a bird, note whether it is hopping on the ground, perching on a low limb, or circling high overhead. Notice they physical outline, overall color, and the shape of the tail, wings and bill, as well as how it is behaving. Happy bird watching!
ROSIE the Red-tailed Hawk will make a special guest appearance at Meher Mount for the Family Bird Day on Saturday, April 6, 2019, courtesy of the Ojai Raptor Center. (Photo: Ojai Raptor Center)
BIRDER’S FIELD LIST, OJAI VALLEY, CA
Download this list of wild birds frequently seen in the Ojai Valley at various times of the year.
Birds can be found on different levels of the territory they occupy. To help identify a bird, note whether it is hopping on the ground, perching on a low limb, or circling high overhead. Notice the physical outline, overall colors, and the shape of the tail, wings and bill, as well as how it is behaving. Happy bird watching!
BIRD WATCHING APPS
Audubon Bird Guide: North America (Android and iPhone) (free)
eBird (Android and iPhone) (free)
Song Sleuth (iPhone and maybe Android) ($9.99)
Merlin Bird ID (Android and iPhone) (free)
Raptor ID (iPhone and Android) (free)
iBird Pro ($14.99)