Los Angeles Birding: Chino Creek Wetlands
There are plenty of covered areas that break up the hot sun.
Since we are deep in nesting season, there is plenty to see around Los Angeles. I wanted to visit the Chino Creek Wetlands, which is a vital ecological sanctuary located in Chino, dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and the education of the public about water conservation. This expansive wetlands area features diverse habitats that support an array of flora and fauna, making it a critical resource for both local ecosystems and community engagement. By offering educational programs and recreational opportunities, the park emphasizes the importance of protecting our natural resources while fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of the environment. Visitors are encouraged to explore the beauty and ecological significance of the wetlands while learning about sustainable practices and conservation efforts that are essential for preserving these vital habitats for future generations. Check out their Instagram for updates and events.
Common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas). We also heard a yellow warbler (Setophaga petechia) in the tree over, but only caught a glimpse before it disappeared into the leaves.
The Chino wetlands offered a delightful and accessible walking experience, perfect for enjoying a day outdoors despite the heat. Native trees provided ample shade as we navigated the maze of paths. Everywhere you turned, the presence of wildlife was abundant, with numerous red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) basking in the ponds and an array of birds. The wetlands are a popular photography spot, attracting families to capture group portraits. We saw a few other naturalists enjoying the local wildlife, but overall, there were few people in the area. The trails are quite peaceful and we had an incredible time. The trails are a part of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, a laboratory that works on water quality in the area. The area around the lab grounds is open to the public and has a small creek and a beautiful garden to wander around as well.
Lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria), which we see often in Los Angeles. I always enjoy their song.
Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus). We saw plenty of bushtits, but this was one I was able to capture a photo of.
In our recent outing, we were greeted by the familiar sounds and sights of the usual suspects: bushtits flying through the branches, woodpeckers drumming the trees, a few birds of prey soaring above, and of course, plenty of waterfowl. Since I hadn’t been to this spot before, I wasn’t sure exactly how many birds we would see - there weren’t that many observations on iNaturalist. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the avian diversity and would recommend it to locals if they are looking for a leisurely birding experience. On one of the paths, they had a large water tower that had been converted into a viewing station at the tree line. It had plenty of signage about the local fauna and flora and a 360 view of the preserve.
Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus). This hawk flew over us quickly - always a fan of seeing a good red-shouldered hawk.
Cinnamon teal (Anas cyanoptera), one of my favorite teals! I was so excited to see one here.
The Chino Wetlands are a remarkable testament to conservation efforts, reflecting the dedication of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency in creating and maintaining a thriving ecosystem. Their commitment to restoring native plant species and ensuring water sources for local bird populations is evident throughout the area. It is clear that they genuinely care about the health of their local environment, and as a visitor, I deeply appreciated their valiant efforts in fostering such a vibrant and sustainable habitat.
Tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor). We saw plenty of swallows, but at one point we were able to see a few taking a break on a tree.
Check eBird or iNaturalist to see what is in the area at any given time of the year! If you are new to birding and want to learn how to bird by ear, I also recommend the app Merlin Bird ID.
Location: Entrances located at 15975 El Prado Rd, Chino, CA 91708
& 6075 Kimball Ave, Chino, CA 91710
Hours: Daylight (7 am - 7 pm)
Additional information:
Parking: there are two parking lots. We parked in the Northern lot off Kimball Ave since the other entrance was closed.
Accessibility: Although the area around the lab is paved, most of the trails are rocks. The area is primarily flat ground, but the rock path is loose and some people may have trouble navigating using walking aids.
Signage: There are plenty of signs posted around the trails that talk about what animals you may see in the park, the lab’s goals, etc.
Nature center: This reserve has no nature center.
Bathrooms: I read online that there were public restrooms, but I personally did not see any. However, this is in Chino where there are establishments in the area that have open restrooms.
Friendly reminder to leave no trace and respect wildlife when birding.
