Why bird California?
Our state list is at 635 at the moment, with more than ten birds pending. California has many different habitats available for birds, with a total of 155,973 square miles, making it the third largest state. All coastal counties have a checklist of over 400 species. California has several of the highest peaks in the lower 48 states, which are adjacent to the two of the lowest points in the northern hemisphere. The differences are more than 10,000 ft., creating many different habitats in a relatively short distance. There are many pelagic and coastal bird species seen off and along the 3,427 miles of coastline. The Pacific Flyway runs through California. Each of Southern California’s many habitats offers its own specialties. There are several specialties, including the Island Scrub-Jay, that are close to Santa Barbara. In Santa Barbara County, where I live, it is possible to visit ocean, marsh, desert and mountain habitats in one day. My friends & I get together for “Big Days” in SB Co.
