A blip of lush greenery in the vast arid scrubland of the Antelope Valley is unsurprisingly one of the region’s great wetlands. Treated water from the city of Lancaster flows into the historic Amargosa Creek drainage to the shore of Rosamond Lake creating an oasis for both breeding waterbirds and a whole host of migrating waterbirds and landbirds. The list of great bird sightings from the Piute Ponds is long (with a cumulative list over 300 species), but even a “boring” visit will have observations of hundreds to thousands of ducks, including locally uncommon species like Redhead, often flocks of shorebirds that could include Baird’s or Pectoral Sandpipers, warblers working the rows of trees along the ponds, plus lots of herons, ibis, maybe some gulls, terns, rails, and many more. A list approaching 100 different species is possible on a good September day.
Be prepared for some serious heat. We will do some driving on the dirt access roads, but there will be a lot more walking around as well as standing in the sun looking out over the ponds. Bring plenty of water, some salty snacks, and a spotting scope if you have one.
Please note: Piute Ponds is part of Edwards Air Force Base. Recreational use of this area is available to U.S. Citizens and Green Card holders ONLY after vetting through Edwards Air Force Base Security Office prior to visiting. Those chosen by lottery for this trip must have either an annual pass or go through the vetting process to receive a day pass - which requires a weekday trip to Edwards Air Force Base on a day PRIOR to the field trip itself. You will be required to show proof of your pass in order to attend the field trip.
Participant number: 15, by lottery. The signup window will close on Sept. 14th to allow adequate time for the permitting process with Edwards Air Force Base.
PHOTO: Northern Pintail (Anas acuta). Photo by Chris Spurgeon.
This field trip is filled. Sign up here and we'll contact you if space opens up.
Sunday, September 27th, 2026
7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Leaders: Jon Feenstra and Alex Coffey
A blip of lush greenery in the vast arid scrubland of the Antelope Valley is unsurprisingly one of the region’s great wetlands. Treated water from the city of Lancaster flows into the historic Amargosa Creek drainage to the shore of Rosamond Lake creating an oasis for both breeding waterbirds and a whole host of migrating waterbirds and landbirds. The list of great bird sightings from the Piute Ponds is long (with a cumulative list over 300 species), but even a “boring” visit will have observations of hundreds to thousands of ducks, including locally uncommon species like Redhead, often flocks of shorebirds that could include Baird’s or Pectoral Sandpipers, warblers working the rows of trees along the ponds, plus lots of herons, ibis, maybe some gulls, terns, rails, and many more. A list approaching 100 different species is possible on a good September day.
Be prepared for some serious heat. We will do some driving on the dirt access roads, but there will be a lot more walking around as well as standing in the sun looking out over the ponds. Bring plenty of water, some salty snacks, and a spotting scope if you have one.
Please note: Piute Ponds is part of Edwards Air Force Base. Recreational use of this area is available to U.S. Citizens and Green Card holders ONLY after vetting through Edwards Air Force Base Security Office prior to visiting. Those chosen by lottery for this trip must have either an annual pass or go through the vetting process to receive a day pass - which requires a weekday trip to Edwards Air Force Base on a day PRIOR to the field trip itself. You will be required to show proof of your pass in order to attend the field trip.
Participant number: 15, by lottery. The signup window will close on Sept. 14th to allow adequate time for the permitting process with Edwards Air Force Base.
PHOTO: Northern Pintail (Anas acuta). Photo by Chris Spurgeon.