Bird Migration in the San Bernardino Mountain

Birds migrate not because the weather becomes too cold, but because they run out of things to eat. With the coming of winter, insect life diminishes, water freezes over, the cupboard becomes bare, and birds move to more hospitable areas.

Registration is now open for a San Bernardino County Museum Association field trip to the San Bernardino Mountains to witness fall migration. The one-day trip, scheduled for Saturday, September 10, will be led by San Bernardino County Museum Director Robert McKernan. Space is limited and the deadline for registration is September 2.

“How will we find good spots to observe the fall migration? Three words: habitat, habitat, and habitat,” said McKernan. “Our local San Bernardino Mountains attract southbound migrants because of their diversity of habitats. We’ll be visiting streamside, pine forest, oak woodlands, meads, and aquatic areas such as Big Bear and Baldwin Lake in search of migrant birds that will be flying south to Mexico and beyond – some travel thousands of miles to reach their winter homes!”

Participants in the field trip will meet at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands at 6:30 a.m. and return in the evening. Some hiking is involved. McKernan recommends bringing along a field guide to birds and a pair of binoculars, all available in the Museum Store.

The cost of the trip is $50 per person ($40 for members of the San Bernardino County Museum Association), which includes transportation, a light breakfast, lunch, and beverages. Children aged 9 and over are welcomed but must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited and pre-paid reservations are required.

Registration forms are available at the museum or on-line at www.sbcountymuseum.org. “Fall Bird Migration” is one of a series of field trips organized by the San Bernardino County Museum Association that offer the opportunity to learn about our region’s cultural and natural history accompanied by a museum specialist.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org or call (909) 307-2669 extension 225 / TDD/TTY: (909) 792-1462.