Nojoqui Falls County Park in Santa Barbara County, California is a well-kept secret among the locals. This rarely visited park has an easy, out-and-back hike of approximately 1/2 mile (roundtrip) to a peaceful waterfall setting (although it can be just a trickle when the weather is dry).
Interesting Birds of Nojoqui Falls
Birders visiting the site during the spring will be pleased with the bird watching opportunities available beginning with the drive down the entrance road to the park and ending at the picnic tables underneath the oaks. Upon reaching the park, plant enthusiasts will be surprised to see a number of tree species unusual to the area due to the park's elevation and location on a fault which allows water to come to the surface.
Another unusual perk is the existence of a small breeding population of Purple Martins that inhabit the park in spring and summer and can be found in the sycamores near the entrance of the park. Finally, keep an eye out for Yellow-billed Magpies which is a California endemic found in Southern Coastal Ranges.
Bird Watching in Nojoqui Falls County Park
While traveling down the entrance road to the park, visitors will easily spot a number of Crows and may also see White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows and some Western Bluebirds. Visitors should listen for the calls of Titmice and Purple Finches when beginning the hike up to the falls. Dark-eyed Juncos flit through the underbrush and various wrens in trees along the trail. Birders may also spot vireos, warblers and and migrant grosbeaks and orioles. Once the falls are within earshot, it may be difficult to hear bird calls that assist in spotting, so just continue to follow the path upwards and enjoy the view.
Upon completing the hike, it is worth hanging around the picnic area to watch for Western Bluebirds, Acorn Woodpeckers, Black Phoebes, Cedar Waxwings and Violet-green Swallows. Acorn Woodpeckers have created a number of granaries around the park in oaks and palms.
Nojoqui Falls County Park is a must-visit site for birders interested in increasing their life list due to its easy access and exciting array of bird species. The National Audubon Society California and the Central Coast Audubon chapters have produced a colorful brochure listing favorite birding locations in this area. Information and brochures can be obtained at the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau. For additional information on interesting birding sites on California's Central Coast see Bird Watching on California's Central Coast - Oso Flaco Lake.
Rory Bratcher - Rory is currently a freelance writer and mother of two. Rory travels frequently and has taken her family on a variety of trips including ...
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