The county’s largely forested mountain region is the most extensive of any birding region, yet it is birded the least. Santa Cruz County is blessed with several large parks that form the core of the mountain birding experience, and it is gaining new parklands each year, especially through the actions of the Sempervirens Fund and the Save-The-Redwoods League. The imposing redwood forest, including ancient 1,500-year-old stands, dominates birding here. But mixed evergreen forest, oak woodland, deciduous riparian forest, and varied scrub, chaparral, and grassland habitats add variety to the area’s bird life. Some sites reach over 3,000 feet, the highest elevations of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The panoramic views en route make even getting to and from such locales among the pleasures of Santa Cruz County birding.
A few mountain areas reward the birder who drives, gets out, and looks around; but better birding lies in store for those who take the time to explore, walking along trails and roads. Most parks also offer fine opportunities to combine mountain biking with birding, for people who want to cover more terrain. Camping at parks such as Big Basin and Henry Cowell is a great way to be out birding early and the extended time spent in the forest will help in finding some of the specialties.
Forest birding takes patience and is aided greatly by a keen ear. Especially in the tall conifer forests, you will cue into most birds by sound first. Keep in mind that forest birding, especially in the warm months, is liveliest well before mid-morning, and best near dawn.
Many mountain areas are great for owling, but pick your spots well. The state park lands are excellent, but many parks are officially open only for day use; camping in those parks with campgrounds will allow easy access to good owling. Outside of parks, select roads that have little to no traffic at night. Narrow roads with forest closed over the roadway are often the most productive. You will have the best success if you try well after dark, or more than one hour before first light.