Spring and early summer is the most productive time for birding at this Hotspot. During spring migration, passerines will be found in the large Valley Oaks within the park and in the smaller Coast Live Oaks clustered along the hills. Walk along Drum Canyon Road to find birds in the adjacent ranch properties. Traffic is light on the road but be aware on oncoming vehicles. Bird activity is typically slow during winter months, but good for sparrow flocks around the low shrubs. You may spot a Ferruginous Hawk or a White-tailed Kite flying over the open field areas at the north end of the park during winter months.

Los Alamos County Park is a reliable spot for observing western bird species common to the region. This includes White-breasted Nuthatch, Acorn Woodpecker, Dark-eyed “Oregon” Junco, Western Bluebird, Oak Titmouse, Bullock’s Oriole, Purple Finch, and Black-headed Grosbeak. Varied Thrush is a rare and irregular winter visitor and may be found on the lawn area around the ranger residence toward the south end of the park. Los Alamos Park is perhaps best known for its resident population of Yellow-billed Magpies. Magpies may be absent as they roam to other areas of town and into the oak savannah in the nearby valleys and foothills, but when present in the park they are conspicuous as they call from the tops of the oaks where they make their nests, or they will be found feeding on the lawn. Unusual sightings include Steller’s Jay, Black-chinned Hummingbird, MacGillivray’s Warbler, and Chipping Sparrow.

Los Alamos County Park is located at 500 Drum Canyon Road just outside the town of Los Alamos. This 51 acre park of oak woodland and open space is situated at the entrance to Drum Canyon. Very large Valley Oaks are found in the main area of the park and provide shade in warm summer months. The park contains barbecue pits, picnic tables, public restrooms. Hours are 8:00 AM to sunset.

Suggested Hotspot boundaries: Olga Reed Elementary School and adjacent neighborhood (north), the hills bordering the sides of the park (east and west), Drum Canyon Road at Los Alamos Cemetery (south)

Continue south of the park on Drum Canyon Road for more interesting birding opportunities, especially in spring. Drum Canyon Road winds into the hills south of the park and crosses over the Purisima Hills, and drops down to Highway 246 east of Lompoc. A distance of about 8.5 miles.