Mt. Piños Birds & Butterflies Reminder: Sat., 20 July, 2024, 8AM
[Posted by Chuck Almdale]
Mt. Piños is a great area for mountain birds such as Clark’s Nutcracker, White-headed Woodpecker, Mountain Quail, singing Green-tailed Towhees and Fox Sparrows, Pygmy & White Breasted Nuthatches, Cassin’s & Purple Finches, Lawrence’s Goldfinches and occasionally the ever-elusive Calliope Hummingbird. We’re always on the lookout for one or more of the released California Condors who are again fully licensed to fly. We will bird early, then look for butterflies.
If you want to come, Call the leader ASAP but no later than Thursday, 7/18 if you’re coming. Leader: Jean Garrett (Cell) 213-522-0062
This trip is scheduled as a day trip, with Saturday birding from 8am until mid-afternoon. We may first do some mid-elevation birding around the meeting location at the base of the mountain to give late-comers a chance to catch up. We then drive up to Iris Meadows the top of the the mountain, perhaps stopping at one location along the winding road. We’ll have lunch at a picnic table next to the meadow when a quorum of people loudly complain of hunger. Bring your lunch.
Family Guide: Lots of driving; maybe lots of walking; days can be sunny & hot or cloudy & cool. Small patches of snow may still be present. Dress in layers, bring food and water.
Mountain Adventure Pass Not Needed: The Forest Service Ranger Station for the Mt. Piños area (661-245-3731) says we do not need a pass for this area for this time of year, only during snow season which is now officially over.
[Directions] Allow 90 minutes travel time from downtown Santa Monica.
I-5 north to the Frazier Park exit. West on Frazier Mountain Road for about 6 miles. The name then changes to Cuddy Valley Road. Continue northwest about 6 miles to the intersection of Cuddy Valley and Mil Potrero Roads.
Park in the large pull-off area about 100 yards past this intersection. (If you’re really late and no cars are parked here, we will eventually be at the top end of the road around Iris Meadow.)
We may briefly bird around this area, then continue up the mountain. Gas up your car, wear layers and bring food and water. We won’t be group camping but you can at McGill or Mt. Piños campgrounds. They have no water, but do have wonderful new bathrooms.
FRS radio: Bring it if you have one, tuned to Channel 11, privacy channel 22.
Meet at 8:00 a.m., Saturday July 20.
(Cell) 213-522-0062
[Chuck Almdale]
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Wasn’t there a sci-fi movie in the early 60’s called “The Pasadoneans”? ET’s would sneak down out at night from their mountain hideout where they were repairing their spaceship and steal people’s shoes? Or was it their souls? Something like that. Maybe it was the Mysterians, from the planet Mysteroid. Anyway…see you there (assuming I make it).
If you don’t already have an FRS radio, don’t worry about it. We’re not doing that much driving other than getting there and coming home. Chances are Jean won’t remember to bring one. CVA
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Hi Chuck,
Hope you are doing well. We, the Pasadoneans, will be joining you for the bird walk at Mount Pinos this Saturday. We just spoke to Jean but wanted to make sure to inform you as well. We will try and get some FRS Radios in preparation. Looking forward to finding butterflies and birding with you! Carla Alvarado & Trevor Ritter 626.491.6063
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