
If you’ve ever wondered which bird was circling above your head, whose call was coming from the brush, or what feather was lying on the trail, a series of summer birding programs will bring you up to speed on local birds.
Long time bird enthusiast and Irvine Ranch Conservancy docent Mike Clayton will share his expertise with hikers this summer by leading birding expeditions through Limestone Canyon and Round Canyon. Participants will listen and look for the birds found all around, from the ground to the sky. The series of easy hikes is free, and while participants are encouraged to bring their own bird guides and binoculars, extras of each will be available.
The docent-led hikes are from 8 am to 11 am, and will include a walk with many stops for bird watching and education. These hikes will go through a variety of local wilderness habitats, including oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub. Birders should expect to hike 1 to 2 miles and should be at least 16 years old.
Birding in Limestone Canyon will be offered August 3 and September 7. Round Canyon Birding will be offered August 18 and September 22. Registration is free and available online at www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities.