Field Trip: Birding Catalina Island's Interior

Sat, Oct 21, 2023

Leader: Laura Vandezande and Mark Scheel

This is a unique opportunity to bird in the interior of Catalina Island. We will be traveling throughout the island in a 14-passenger van and the trip will include some moderate walking (5-6 miles total throughout the day).

Resident species include Spotted Doves and island endemic subspecies including the Bewick’s Wren, Hutton’s Vireo, Spotted Towhee, and California Quail. Last October brought an unprecedented number of rare and unusual species to the island including: Cerulean Warbler, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Magnolia Warbler, Brown Thrasher, Dickcissel and Harris’ Sparrow to name a few.

The itinerary will include Avalon, Middle Ranch Reservoir (aka Thompson Reservoir- McGee Lake) and Little Harbor on the backside of the island.

Bring your own lunch, snacks, and water - we may have time to stop at the Catalina Airport where they sell food (and famous killer cookies), but this is not a guaranteed stop.

Cost: Please bring $5 cash (optional) to help cover gas prices for the van.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE ISLAND. As soon as you have confirmation you are on the trip, please make your reservations with the Catalina Express ferry, which costs about $85 round trip. Either take the 6am boat leaving from Long Beach, or stay on the island overnight Friday. Expect to return on the 6:30pm boat. More details will be emailed to you when you sign up for the trip.

Here is a 2015 bird list for the island. Many of the recent rarities/vagrants are not listed on this list.

Consider becoming a Catalina Island Conservancy member! The Catalina Island Conservancy is a non-profit organization that manages 88% of the island with a focus on conservation, recreation and education.

Here is an article in the Catalina Islander newspaper regarding last October’s incredible birds!

Currently signup is limited to LAB members, who will receive an email with instructions for how to sign up.