Trip# 327: Birding Valentine Eastern Sierra Reserve

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Description: Located above the Town of Mammoth Lakes, Valentine Camp is a 156-acre property managed by the University of California at 8000-8500 feet. It has been protected from entry and grazing since the early 1900's and features remarkably pristine sub-alpine habitat including montane forest, chaparral, sagebrush, riparian, wet montane meadow, and seep and spring vegetation. Birdlife is plentiful and varied here, particularly those birds who enjoy mature coniferous forests (Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet), mixed montane woodland (Western Tanager, Western Wood-Pewee), and sagebrush expanses (Green-tailed Towhee, Fox Sparrow). We'll keep our ears open for Mountain Quail, more often heard than seen. We have been granted special permission to access the property and will hike the private trails through this wonderland. Participants are required to sign a waiver of liability before entering the property. This trip involves walking on a narrow steep trail with some stairs with an elevation gain of approximately 400ft. Not appropriate for persons with breathing or mobility concerns (est. driving miles: 60 round-trip from Lee Vining; hiking difficulty: moderately strenuous).

Transportation: Carpool/Personal Vehicle

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