Kinevan Rd.

Kinevan Rd.

Santa Barbara, California 93105

Tips for Birding

Parking along Kinevan Road edge is available at the start and end points of the 0.6 mile route. Also, one can pull to the side at two different places in the middle of Kinevan Road. A slightly longer hike can be obtained by parking at a small space seen immediately after turning onto West Camino Cielo from Hwy 154.

Birds of Interest

Formerly, perennial flow made this section of San Jose Creek a sanctuary for many species. Each spring, for many years, three pairs of Cassin’s Vireos bred here, making this the only readily accessible place where the public could see this species along the South Coast. It has supported at least 34 riparian breeding bird species, including Western Flycatcher, Yellow Warbler, Warbling Vireo, and Purple Finch. It is the only known location where Pacific Wren and MacGillivray’s Warbler have bred in the county (once each). A small population of Steller's Jay resides here, and it is one of the best places in Santa Barbara County for Mountain Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Varied Thrush, and Golden-crowned Kinglet.

About this Location

Kinevan Road greatly resembles the wet, canopied forests of northern California. This short section of creek supports perhaps the greatest richness of trees of any similarly sized area. The canyon supports Coast Live Oak, Western Sycamore, Big-toothed Maple, California Bay, White Alder, Coast Redwood, and Madrone. An extensive forest of Tanbark Oak dominates the upstream half of the canyon on the south side of the creek. For many years, Kinevan Road has supported a dense population of Coast Range Newt and Western Pond Turtle, both Species of Special Concern. California Red-legged Frog, a Federally Threatened species, is also present. The populations of all 3 species are reduced to a minimum as a result of drought and over-drafting by residences.

Features

  • Roadside viewing

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Mark Holmgren

Last updated November 28, 2023