Friends of the Inyo’s 2025 Owens Lake Bird Festival, with generous funding support from AltaOne Federal Credit Union, returns April 11-13, with birding tours on and off the famous Owens Lake as well as plein air painting, photography, advocacy, botany, geology, hydrology, mining history tours, and MORE.

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• Patsiata’s (Owens Lake) importance to migrating and nesting birds as a resting and feeding stopover each fall and spring. Explore the roads in Pasiata’s habitat/dust control locations and learn to access the lake on your own. We will drive, stop, observe and discuss the massive return of inspirational feathered friends who have rediscovered Patsiata. Once again they use her as a place to rest and forage putting on more fat for their marathon journey. The lakebed is mostly owned by the State of California and, therefore, is open to the public. Lead by Mike Prather.
• Birding on Owens Lake with Ali Sheehey. Join a long-time birder, Ali Sheehey, on a tour of high-concentration bird areas on Owens Lake. This is a trip for people with all levels of birding experience. Bring binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one.
• Non-Technical Bird Photography on Owens Lake with Martin Powell.  Martin Powell will lead attendees on a trip out to Owens Lake to look for birds and photograph them in a relaxed manner. Attendees are encouraged to bring a camera with at least a 400mm lens.
• Riparian Birding and Ecology with Russell Kokx. We will explore some of the historic tributaries to Owen’s Lake and their associated riparian woodlands. These vestiges of once larger swaths of woodlands are becoming increasingly important havens for local and migratory birds. Due to more frequent droughts driven by climate change these habitats provide critical water, shelter and food. We can expect to see a good variety of bird species, observe nesting behavior and if the flycatchers arrive in time we will demystify the identification of Empidonax flycatchers. Lead by Russell Kokx.
• Geology and Natural History of the Alabama Hills with Dave Kirk. We’ll take a walk through this unique landscape and talk about the forces which shaped it. There will also be an opportunity to view the diversity of native desert plants that survive and thrive in this landscape including several species of wildflowers in bloom. Dave will also talk about the effects that decades of irresponsible recreation had on the hills and the restoration efforts that have been putting the ‘scenic’ back into the National Scenic Area.
• Introduction to Birding for Kids in Spainhower Park and Edwards Field, with Maggie Riley. This tour is open to kids from ages 6-12. No experience needed. Parents are welcome if you want to bird with your child. First, we’ll learn how to use binoculars safely and effectively to observe birds. Then, we will learn how to identify common birds using field marks and behavior, using bird books (provided), along with take-home Common Birds posters and printed checklists to keep track of what you find. After introductions and learning how to use binoculars and our other tools, we will spend time finding and identifying birds in the park and nearby wild areas. Binoculars, Bird Books, Common Birds posters, checklists, and pencils provided.
• Plein Air Session at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center. This Saturday afternoon plein air has great views of the Alabama Hills and the Sierras, including Mount Whitney. The Visitor Center has picnic tables, shade, and restrooms as well as access to exhibits and a gift/book shop. There will be quick introduction on setting up for a plein air session (more challenging than painting in a studio!) then painting for a couple of hours. Participants can bring their own supplies (any medium is welcome) but a basic water color kit can be purchased for $15. This kit includes a small palette of colors, a 11” by 15” sheet of Arches cold press paper, and a couple of ok brushes. Participants will need to provide a water container, a ceramic or plastic plate for mixing colors and a sturdy board for the watercolor paper. Lead by Edie Trimmer.
• Desert Plant Walk in the Alabama Hills with Sierra Forever’s Ashley Anderson. With the Eastern Sierra as a backdrop and the whimsical rock formations of the Alabama Hills as a stage, enjoy learning about the ecology and plant species unique to this area with their fascinating adaptations. Discuss plant behavior, defenses, and communication with Alabama Hill’s staff member Ashley Anderson.
• Beyond the Binoculars, Birding on Owens Lake with Gena Wood from Eastern Sierra Land Trust. Take a closer look at the lives of the birds around us on this guided walk focused on their natural history. From courtship and nesting to migration and survival strategies, we’ll explore the behaviors and adaptations that make each bird unique. This is more than just a bird walk—it’s an opportunity to connect with the stories behind the species we see and gain a deeper appreciation for their roles in the natural world.
• Lower Owens River Project with Friends of the Inyo’s Wendy Schneider and Sierra Club’s Lynn Boulton. 80 years after water was diverted to the Los Angeles Aqueduct, the Owens River began flowing again as part of a settlement between stakeholders in the Owens Valley and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Wendy and Lynn will be taking participants on stops along the Owens River discussing the history of the River and the LADWP project known as the LORP.
• Plein Air Session Overlooking the Owens River. This Sunday morning plein air event is on a bluff that overlooks the meandering Owens River backed by great views of the Alabama Hills and Sierras. There will be quick introduction on setting up for a plein air session (more challenging than painting in a studio!) then painting for a couple of hours. Participants can bring their own supplies (any medium is welcome) but a basic water color kit can be purchased for $15. This kit includes a small palette of colors, a 11” by 15” sheet of Arches cold press paper, and a couple of ok watercolor brushes. Participants will need to provide a camp chair, water container, a ceramic or plastic plate for mixing colors and a sturdy board for the watercolor paper. There are no restrooms or shade so plan accordingly. Lead by Edie Trimmer.
• Historic Mining Town of Cerro Gordo with Max Rosan. A fascinating look at early western mining history, with stunning views of Owens Lake, Saline Valley, the Panamint Mountains, and Death Valley along the way. High-clearance vehicles strongly recommended. Bring binoculars for this all-day tour. Yes, there are birds up there, away from Owens Lake. You never know what you may find up there. Also, in this old mining town, there is a stunning opportunity to glance down into Saline Valley, really just a few minutes walk from the town.
• Conglomerate Mesa Hike with Friends of the Inyo’s Jaime Lopez Wolters. Come see the beautiful Conglomerate Mesa before the proposed gold mining exploration roads are built. K2 Gold and its subsidiary Mojave Precious Metal, have proposed to build 5 miles of new roads on Conglomerate Mesa. While we wait for the draft Environmental Impact Statement to be released on the proposal, we will be hiking up to see the area in its current condition. Caravan in your high-clearance vehicle (required but carpooling is an option) past extensive Joshua Tree groves to the south end of Conglomerate Mesa for a hike with stunning desert views, a look at mining threats to the area and a short section of Class 3 scrambling up rocks.

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