When we think about bird habitat in California, we all too often overlook the importance of the deserts. That’s understandable given our lush forests, oak woodlands, and energetic coastlines. But when one looks at the maps of California Important Bird Areas, it becomes clear that the deserts are vital places for birds, particularly during spring [...]

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Since the release of captive bred and wild condors back to their coastal and southern California habitats began in 1991 the wild population has swelled from only 22 to 410. In anticipation of the return of the condor, the Kern River Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest, California Audubon’s Kern River Preserve, and Friends [...]

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We’ve all seen the movie. Our hero, lost in the desert, unscrews the cap from his canteen and pours his last drop of water into his parched mouth. He stumbles on under a relentless sun. Ominous shadows on the ground prompt him to look skyward. Circling overhead are one, then two, then three vultures. We [...]

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Who says you can’t see rare birds in L.A.? John Garrett, an intern at Audubon Center at Debs Park reports that he saw a Yellow-filled Cuckoo while at work this week in Ernest E. Debs Park. Yellow-billed Cuckoos, while common in the East, have been greatly reduced in the West in the last 100 years, [...]

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As we predicted a few weeks ago, the arrival of the Western Tanager in California has been sudden and spectacular. We’re seeing reports of sightings on the birding listservs from all over the state. And as spring migrants go, this one is hard to miss. It’s yellow and black coloring stands out marvelously. The Western [...]

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If you’re looking to get your spring migration on this weekend, we want to remind you about two great nature festivals going on. First, there’s a Audubon Kern River Preserve’s Spring Festival. It’s a bit of a drive for most, but the chance to enjoy one of the state’s great birding areas makes it well [...]

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There are few places in California better to witness the wonder of spring migration than the Audubon Kern River Preserve. It’s not exactly easy to get there, but if you’re a nature fan, it’s well worth the trip. And there’s no better time to visit the Preserve than during our annual spring festival on April [...]

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Visit Audubon Kern River Preserve on Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 9 a.m – 3 p.m. for the 17th Annual Audubon sponsored Autumn Nature & Vulture Festival. Click here for the schedule of activities. This amazing sanctuary in the southern Sierra Nevada is just 1 hour from Bakersfield.  Maps and directions to the preserve. Share [...]

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The Audubon Kern River Preserve will hold another of its free monthly family nature explorations on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 9 to 11 a.m. Come learn how to identify the dozens of species of birds in Kern River Valley backyards from Alison Sheehey, Outreach Director at the Audubon Kern River Preserve. More about the class [...]

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If you’re going to be in the vicinity of Kern County this Saturday — or even if you’re not — drop by the Audubon Kern River Preserve for the annual Kern River Valley Turkey Vulture Festival. Great event with tours, birding, nature walks, presentations, picnics, and more. Share on Facebook

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If you’re in the area, you may want to stop by the Audubon Kern River Preserve’s Hummingbird Celebration this Saturday. Everybody likes hummingbirds, right? (photo by Alison Sheehey) Share on Facebook

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Our colleagues at the Kern River Preserve recently received a wonderful email from Father Daniel Barica, pastor of the Santa Barbara Mission. He is a frequent visitor and friend to the Preserve, and is a big fan of the Summer Tanagers there. He sent along some great photos that he encouraged us to share. Click [...]

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Hey, the 16th annual Kern River Valley Spring Nature Festival will be held April 29 through May 4 at the Audubon Kern River Preserve. On Saturday, May 1, the Preserve will host numerous free events, including bird walks led by Kerncrest Audubon Society volunteers, and information booths and exhibits. Much more information on the website. [...]

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The Audubon Kern River Preserve’s Reed Tollefson will be one of two featured hosts on a May 20 natural history and wildlife cruise down the Sacramento River to San Francisco Bay. The 12-hour cruise aboard the WWII Liberty Ship U.S. Jeremiah O’Brien will take passengers down the Sacramento River through Suisun Bay, San Pablo Bay [...]

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In recognition of his years conserving habitat in the South Fork Kern River Valley, the Sierra Business Council this week gave Reed Tollefson one of its prestigious Vision 2020 Awards. Tollefson, who has been manager of the Audubon Kern River Preserve for 13 years, was given the award in thanks for his work to both [...]

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