Walk the trails into different areas of habitat - live oaks forest, open areas and grassy hills, manzanita chaparral - to find a mix of different bird species.

Common bird species found in oak and chaparral woodland. Look for Hutton's Vireo, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Wrentit, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Spotted Towhee, and Orange-crowned Warbler. Spring migrants will move through the hills during the months of April and May.

This Hotspot includes part of the "Orcutt Trails" complex of hiking trails near Orcutt Community Park. This section in Orcutt Trail East is made up of several shorter loops and interconnecting trails within Black Oak Open Space. It is popular with hikers, dog walkers, and bikers, and contains a more densely-forested oak habitat compared to the west trail complex. The trail has curvy switchbacks along the sides of the hills, but it is a relatively easy hike for much of its length if one takes the straighter trails through the open space.

Adjacent to the Black Oak Trail is the Brodie Trail which enters private property at the upper end of the hill. Permission for the public to use the established trails around the Brodie Property has been granted pursuant to protections offered by Civil Code 846.

There are multiple access points to these trails. One trailhead is near Black Oaks Dr. and Oak Bluffs Dr. in the Mesa Verde development View Map. Or you can park at the intersection of Stubblefield Rd. at Sage Crest Dr. View Map which is east of Orcutt Community Park at the Rice Ranch development. Take one the pathways from the paved road that heads upward into the oil field property.

Watch for poison oak which often grows close to some of the trails, especially around the oak trees. Also, be aware of oncoming bikes. Due to ongoing development of the entire area, some of these trails may be impacted by construction which may limit future access rights.

Also see the adjacent Hotspot Orcutt Trail West--Orcutt Hill and Open Space Trails to the west of Orcutt Community Park.