Featured Hike: Mill Pond & Earthquake Trail

Spring migration hits full stride in April. The Five Brooks Mill Pond hosts dazzling Wood Ducks – watch for day-old ducklings leaping from nest boxes on their big “jump day”. Returning Wilson’s Warblers, Vireos, and Kinglets inhabit bordering willows and adjacent woods. Purple Martins swoop over the water darting for insects while Western Wood-Pewees wait patiently to snatch passing insects. Along the Earthquake Trail, Spotted Towhees are active in the understory, and petite Downy Woodpeckers hitch up tree trunks foraging for insect larvae in the bark. The blend of pond and riparian habitats makes these areas especially rich. April’s overlap of residents and migrants ensures nearly every step brings something new.

Hike: Five Brooks Mill Pond

Less than a mile, loop

Start at the Five Brooks Trailhead.

Stroll around the Mill Pond scanning carefully for birds on the water and in the dense edge foliage. Listen for birds in the forest surrounding the pond. Most importantly, watch for possible baby Wood Ducks making their “jump day” leap from nest box to water. The legendary birder, Rich Stallcup installed the boxes in the 1990’s. Expert local birders, Jim White and Bob Battagin lovingly refurbish them every spring. View the eBird bird list for Five Brooks Mill Pond

Hike: Earthquake Trail

0.5 miles, loop

Start at the Bear Valley gravel parking lot near the restrooms. Hike on the paved Earthquake Trail in a 0.5 mile loop. Watch for recently arrived nesting birds such as Warbling Vireo, Western Wood- Pewee, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and Pacific Slope Flycatchers. Scan the oaks, bays, and firs along the trail, and listen for riparian loving birds in the trees and shrubs around Bear Valley Creek.

Get details about this hike

eBird bird lists for: Five Brooks Mill Pond and Earthquake Trail