There are three distinct birding entities that fall under this hotspot: the tree-covered area by the intersection of CA-33 and Quatal Canyon Road, the nearby irrigation pond, and Quatal Canyon Road itself. As for the latter, it includes mostly agricultural fields, which offer the same set of species as other hotspots in the valley proper. Note: only the first mile of Quatal Canyon Road is in Santa Barbara Canyon. There is good birding further in, but this falls under a different hotspot.

The patch of trees at the intersection can be birded from the road (do not stray from the roadside since the land here is private). Check the trees and lawns, and keep an eye out in the sky for raptors. The houses are usually not occupied, but if they are, please respect the owners' privacy.

The pond near the intersection can also be birded from the road, and the shoulder is wide and suitable for pulling over.

The patch of trees holds passerines all year and can be a significant migrant trap in spring and fall. Warblers recorded here include Nashville, MacGillivray's, Black-throated Gray, and Hermit. Lawrence's Goldfinch is regular.

The pond has Killdeer and sometimes other shorebirds as well as ducks.

Some birds recorded for this hotspot might refer to the areas further up Quatal Canyon Road, which are in Ventura County; only the first mile of the road is in Santa Barbara County. Species include Gray Flycatcher, Mountain Chickadee, Rock Wren, Mountain Bluebird, Cassin's Finch, Red Crossbill, Black-chinned Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Bell's Sparrow, and Scott's Oriole. Don't expect most of these on the Santa Barbara side, but do explore the upper part of the canyon - just make sure to use the appropriate hotspot for Ventura County.

Cuyama Valley offers a range of habitats, many of which are not found elsewhere in Santa Barbara County.

The valley itself has grasslands and croplands and can be birded from many roads such as Bell and Foothill Road, Aliso Canyon Road, Wasioja Road, and Cottonwood Canyon. This area has hundreds if not thousands of Horned Larks in winter, and the occasional longspur. Winter brings Ferruginous Hawks and Mountain Bluebirds. In spring, the valley becomes a stopover point for migrating Swainson's Hawks, with as many as 74 seen at one time! Note that most land in the valley is private, so do not venture beyond the roadside.

The canyons east of the valley offer desert habitat and species like Black-throated Sparrow, Bell's Sparrow, Black-chinned Sparrow, and Scott's Oriole. The best hotspot here is Ballinger Canyon. Nighthawks can be heard here in early spring mornings. Santa Barbara Canyon offers some of the same species, especially Bell's Sparrow and Scott's Oriole.

To the south of the valley are the foothills of the Sierra Madre. These can most easily be accessed at Aliso Park and Bates Canyon. Many songbirds breed here, including Cassin's Vireo and Black-throated Gray Warbler. Six owl species have been recorded here, and Common Poorwills are regular, especially in spring. The upper reaches of Bates Canyon have Brown Creeper and sometimes Golden-crowned Kinglets, and in the high-altitude chaparral, Bell's Sparrow and Black-chinned Sparrow.

A few ponds attract shorebirds and ducks, including New Cuyama Water Treatment Plant, Quatal Canyon, and what is referred to as the "nighthawk pond" on State Road 33. These also attract dozens of nighthawks in late summer, at dusk. Caliente Ranch Wetland is a natural depression on farmland, and attracts ducks and sometimes shorebirds when there is water (usually after the winter rains).

Since the valley is mostly tree-less, patches of trees attract passerines year-round, and particularly during migration. Check out Quatal Canyon, Richardson Park, and Santa Barbara Pistachio.

Dry Canyon has one of the few patches of Pinyon Pine in Santa Barbara County. A small patch of pine forest can also be found at Miranda Pine Campground.

The Cuyama Dairy attracts hundreds of blackbirds, often including Tricolored.