Tassajara Rd.--Conejo Creek riparian

Tassajara Rd.--Conejo Creek riparian

Jamesburg, California 93924

Tips for Birding

Tassajara Road heads south from Carmel Valley Road at milepost 23.5. Within a mile, Tassajara Road bends right where a tall stand of cottonwoods and willows now skirt the left edge of the roadway as the road straightens and heads basically west. On the left side is a dirt road, heading south, and a set of mailboxes. Just beyond that is a small house and then a wide pullout on the right side of the road; park there, well off Tassajara Road (which can be very busy at times). Walk back to the dirt road, which is the start of a private road to multiple houses, but is okay to bird for the first few hundred yards as the dirt road goes between willows (photo above). 

Although this is a private road, residents have been friendly so far. Do not walk anywhere near any houses, but devote your time to the willow/cottonwood patch. The habitat is good for riparian breeders but this Hotspot is noted primarily as a migration spot in spring and fall for passerines. 

Birds of Interest

In April, look for migrant western warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and swallows. By May, Lazulii Buntings may be singing on territory there. Watch for raptors overhead, including Accipiters and even Bald Eagle.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

  • Roadside viewing

Content from Don Roberson

Last updated April 16, 2023