Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
2 reviews for Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary
One minute, I'm on an asphalt suburban road in Dove Canyon. Turn right behind a McMansion. Slowly wind down the canyon. Suddenly, I'm in the midst of 4,000 acres of wilderness. Woodpeckers with red crests are everywhere.
Starr Ranch is a wonderful refuge from everyday suburban life and a great reminder of what this county used to be. This is privately owned property, so unfortunately, you can't just walk in when you're having a bad day at work. Audubon California, which owns the ranch, does allow members of the public to visit through its public programs though, so watch out for opportunities on its Web site.
I went on a two-day, one-night biology camp last year. How glorious it was to be awoken at 5:30 a.m. by a symphony of birdsong!
There was a little hummingbird nest under the rafters of the dorm rooms. So pleased to see it's still in use. (The Starr Ranch Web site has a live Webcam.)
A great spot of wilderness in an otherwise nearly developed area. It isn't exactly open to the public like public parks are, so you'll have to watch for educational and other opportunities to visit this place. Lots of mule deer, rabbits, bobcats, opposums, various birds and reptiles, occasionally cougars, etc.