All,
I havent birded the area but I bike this part of the Santa Ana River trail frequently. I have never seen the lot full and while I cant say anything about breakins it is out of the way and I have never sensed that issue. However, an alternative might be the Featherly Regional Park/Canyon RV park which is about the same distance from the underpass in the other direction. You would have to pay to park though, I would assume.
Jim HechtHermosa Beach CA
On Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 04:22:49 PM PDT, Mark Singer via groups.io <mark_a_singer...> wrote:
Three of us just did this hike today. Follow both Tom’s and Sylvia’s advice. Also, the parking area has had some break ins. So make sure you lock the car doors and do not leave anything visible in the car.
The bird to find is the Bell’s Sparrow. It isn’t always seen, but it might be heard as happened to us today. In So be familiar with the bird’s songs and calls. We heard the bird about an eighth of a mile before the 2 mile marker. We also found a rattle snake on the trail. Watch where you step.
Another Bell species to look for is the Bell’s Vireo. We had two today. One was along the river and the other was seen about 500 feet beyond the rusty vehicle gate which lies south of the underpass.
For ebird, there is a site for the river and a site for Coal Canyon. So keep those sightings separate.
Enjoy.
Mark SingerHuntington Beach.
On Apr 12, 2025, at 3:50 PM, Sylvia Afable via groups.io <sylvia_afable...> wrote:
Hi Ed,
Great advice and resource from Tom, and I would like to add that once you start at the trailhead, there is a gradual incline that you will have to endure, so I would suggest to bring sufficient amount of water for this hike.
Best of luck, Sylvia Afable :)) Huntington Beach
On Apr 12, 2025, at 3:32 PM, Tom Benson via groups.io <thomasabenson...> wrote:
https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L2089467 Park at the Santa Ana River Trail parking lot at the end of Green River Road off the 91 Freeway. If you go on a weekend it's best to arrive early as the trail is popular. It is a little over a mile walk along the Santa Ana River to the entrance to Coal Canyon (you cross under the 91 Freeway). Once you pass the entry gate, take the right-most trail to follow the ridge up Coal Canyon Trail. Bell's Sparrows are usually found around the 2-mile marker (so, a little over 3 miles from the parking area), but sometimes you have to hike further.
Tom BensonRedlands, CA
-------- Original message --------From: "Ed Stonick via groups.io" <edstonick...> Date: 4/12/25 3:16 PM (GMT-08:00) To: <OrangeCountyBirding...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Chino Hills--Coal Canyon
Greetings!
I would like to bird Chino Hills SP, particularly the Coal Canyon area for sparrows.
I have never been there before and would appreciate tips on parking and accessing the trails.
What is the terrain like? How much walking is needed to reach the good birding areas?
Thank you!Ed Stonick
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
