Field Trip: Spring Migration in Signal Hill and Long Beach

Sat, May 04, 2024

Leaders: Merryl Edelstein and Christine Jacobs

Join us to explore spring migration hotspots around the cities of Signal Hill and Long Beach. Stops may include the Signal Hill - north side trails, and/or and Willow Springs Park. Both locations should have views of flowering silk oak and eucalyptus trees and tall snags at elevated positions. We hope to find orioles, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, assorted flycatchers and warblers.

Signal Hill trails (lower portions) have some loose rock and gravel and pass through oil well operations. There is a narrow path to return which requires stepping over pipelines. The upper portions are closed due to erosion. Willow Springs has an easy loop at the top which allows an overlook of the Harbor and adjacent cemetery plantings. Continuing downhill, a wide trail follows a graded road along the cemetery wall, passes the restored willlow wetlands, to a reconstructed “spring” and a sump. Some may continue up a narrow steep path past the sump back to the parking lot, others may return via the road. We will monitor construction and migration activity and adjust the route as needed.

There are no bathrooms on the trail. Parking at Willow Springs is limited, and carpooling is strongly encouraged.

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