Situated at the edge of two vast, geographic provinces—the Great Basin, and the Sierra Nevada—the Eastern Sierra offers dramatic beauty and great birding. There are many great locations and resources for birding in the Eastern Sierra - see the websites of Eastern Sierra Audubon and the Mono Lake Committee for more information.

One great resource is the "Eastern Sierra Birding Trail Map," which highlights various locations along a 200-mile stretch of this scenic landscape and includes a surprising variety of habitats and birding opportunities. Gray-crowned Rosy Finches glean insects from granite heights, American Dippers bob along roaring mountain streams, Golden Eagles ply the thermals, Piñon Jays roam scrubby woodland in search of pine nuts, Warbling Vireos establish summer quarters in stately Cottonwoods, Sage Thrashers call from tufa tower perches, and thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl descend on basin lakes, pausing to refuel during their annual migratory odyssey.

The Eastern Sierra Birding Trail map is divided into north and south sections with individual birding sites identified with a number and detailed information about the site. Habitat type and elevation are also provided to assist you in deciding where to visit and what type of terrain you can expect to encounter. Universal symbols are used to identify the facilities at each particular site.

The map is available at visitor centers throughout the Eastern Sierra and is a joint project of the Eastern Sierra Audubon Society, the Mono Lake Committee, and the Owens Valley Committee. Birding events, field trips, programs, and more are offered by both Eastern Sierra Audubon and the Mono Lake Committee.

Best Time for Viewing: Seasonal

Best Months and Seasons for Viewing: Varies, details in map.

Handicap access is noted for areas that allow for wheelchair use; however, this does not necessarily imply a paved surface but rather a hardened and predominately level surface.

Birding is best when the viewer is quiet and the viewer is able to sit quietly in one location. Many of these locations are pet friendly; however, please keep your pet on a leash and consider leaving barkers at home!