Four years after the first survey, Fairview Park continues to surprise with new species, memorable encounters, and the quiet rewards that come from returning to the same place month after month.

Three years into the Fairview Park bird surveys, familiar routes continued to produce memorable surprises, from Loggerhead Shrikes and Vermilion Flycatchers to owls, meadowlarks, and more.

The second year of Fairview Park bird surveys brought familiar species, exciting new discoveries, and a growing appreciation for one of Costa Mesa's most rewarding birding locations.

Follow my first year of monthly bird surveys at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa, discovering the birds, habitats, and seasonal changes that make this urban park such a rewarding place to explore.

A spring pelagic trip out of Dana Point brought storm-petrels, Red-necked Phalaropes, a Brown Booby, migrating warblers resting aboard the boat, and thousands of By-the-wind Sailors drifting across calm Southern California waters.

The best of my “balcony birds” are the hummingbirds that nest in the trees right off my patio. They squeak, squirm, test their wings and tiny feet… enjoy some baby hummingbird photos!

A rare Snowy Owl landed on a rooftop in Orange County in December and caused quite a stir. This owl was a welcome visitor. It was last seen in mid-January 2023, so hopefully it has made a safe journey back north to find her other Snowy Owl friends!

This is a great trail for a quick morning or evening hike, or a great loop to do a few times if you are trail running or desperate to get out on your mountain bike! It’s easy to access and provides a great amount of wildlife and wilderness in a fairly busy area.

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a coastal estuary that covers around 1,300 acres. It features many scenes and habitats for all kinds of wildlife, including open water, mudflats, salt marsh, coastal dunes, seabird nesting islands, riparian, and freshwater marsh.

If you live in Orange County, you have probably heard of Peters Canyon Regional Park. It’s a part of the OC Parks system with multiple trails and even a lake.