This event as been cancelled due to COVID-19 health concerns. There are plans to reschedule in the late fall, early winter 2020.
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.
And each spring after the winter rains, the hills and valleys of Meher Mount are dotted with the wildflowers that delight the birds and visitors alike.
A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW at Meher Mount. (Photo: Juan Mendez)
Because of the varied habitats, mild climate, and proximity to the ocean, this area is particularly suited for bird watching and seeing the California wildflowers.
Come join the Ventura Audubon Society and the California Native Plant Society, Channel Islands Chapter, for bird watching and wildflower walks suited to both novice and experienced observers of nature.
Mid-day, there will be ambassador raptors courtesy of the Ojai Raptor Center. All are invited for this free presentation.
Bird Watching & Wildflower Schedule
8:00 a.m. — Gates open and visitor sign-in
8:30 - 11:30 a.m. — Early bird watching and wildflower walk led by the Ventura Audubon Society and the California Native Plant Society, Channel Islands Chapter
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. — Second bird watching walk led by the Ventura Audubon Society
11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Bird and nature arts and crafts for kids of all ages
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — Special guest appearance of Rosie the Red-Tailed Hawk and other ambassador raptors presented by the Ojai Raptor Center
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. — Lunch (bring your own) on the Topa Topa Patio
5:00 p.m. — Gates close and farewell
All Day Activities
Hummingbird watching from the Visitor Center
Quiet time for seeing the views
Personal walks on Meher Mount
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 dew, the grasses will be wet and you could pick up moisture on your pants and shoes as you do your walks.
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 the bird’s 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 — along with other raptors — will make a special guest appearance at Meher Mount for the Family Bird & Natur Watching Day on Saturday, April 4, 2020, courtesy of the Ojai Raptor Center. (Photo: Ojai Raptor Center)
RSVP - FAMILY BIRD DAY
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)