Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin The California quail was designated the state bird of California in 1931. getty Southern California has become one of North America’s most lauded tourist destinations thanks to vibrant cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, but it’s not just humans that can be found exploring the region. Birds abound all throughout the southern reaches of the Golden State, with a diverse array of passerines, shorebirds and raptors all found thriving from the shores of the Pacific to the Arizona border.
As you plan your next all-out road trip along I-5, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for these can’t-miss ecotourism hotspots. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve The lazuli bunting is able to breed with its close relative the indigo bunting. getty Measuring in at 130 square kilometers, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve draws wildlife in droves thanks to its verdant marshes and lush riparian habitat, with no shortage of fascinating fauna to encounter during a visit.
While insects, reptiles and mammals abound, there are more two hundred different bird species that have been recorded across the area, with some particularly eye-catching specimens spanning from the vermilion flycatcher to the northern flicker to the lazuli bunting. During a stroll along the Marsh Trail, guests can discover a wealth of colorful hummingbirds flitting from plant to plant, while raptors like the red-shouldered hawk can be found soaring high in the sky as they search.