On the southeast flank of the Sierra Nevada range, Inyo County spans a huge range of habitats and elevations, and offers some of the best inland birding in California. On this proposed tour, we would explore those extremes, from moist fir and aspen forests in the Sierra Nevada to the dry bristlecone pine forest of the White Mountains, which contain the oldest living things on our continent. From the rich lowland riparian areas of the Owens Valley to the natural and artificial oases of the extreme deserts of the region, including the lowest place on the continent, Death Valley.

In addition to all the great breeding birds, early June is prime time to find migrants, especially vagrants from eastern North America. As nocturnal migrants fly over the deserts, when the sun rises, they must find patches of habitat where they can feed so they can continue northward. The artificial and natural oases act as magnets for migrating birds, and in early June, many of those can be rare eastern birds. For example, in just one short morning walk at Furnace Creek a few years ago, I was able to see Gray Catbird, American Redstart, Bobolink, Indigo Buntings, and two Cape May Warblers! You just never know what can show up.

If you’re interested, please email to let me know. At least six participants would be needed to make the tour work, and the maximum number would be ten. This would be a caravan-style tour, so participants would need to arrive in their own vehicles (carpooling is always encouraged, when possible). Lodging would be in motels and hotels, meals in restaurants, and all would be reserved for you in advance. It should be a lot of fun in a unique and exciting birding area in California!