Birding

Birding on the Town Loop

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  • This is an easy stroll on a combination of paved path and dirt road through a variety of habitats supporting up to 20 species, including local birds and, especially in spring and summer, a number of seasonal visitors. From Mammoth Creek Park follow the Town Loop Path east through the tunnel and continue downstream along Mammoth Creek. In the pines, look for Steller's jays, mountain chickadees, nuthatches, and dark-eyed juncos. In the snags near the bridge that crosses to the Hayden Cabin, look for Cassin's finches, pine siskins, and northern flickers. Scan for nesting holes used by tree swallows and mountain bluebirds. Check the willows along the creek for migratory warblers. When you come to the dirt road, leave the path and follow the road, staying along the creek. The open Great Basin sagebrush country on your left is excellent habitat for Brewer's sparrows and green-tailed towhees. When the road comes again to the Town Loop Path, loop back toward the Hayden Cabin. Cross the bridge and explore the open meadows around the old structures, watching for flycatchers and maybe a western wood peewee. On your way back to Mammoth Creek Park scan the sky to the south, toward the Sherwin Range, for red-tailed hawks riding the thermals.

  • This is an easy stroll on a combination of paved path and dirt road through a variety of habitats supporting up to 20 species, including local birds and, especially in spring and summer, a number of seasonal visitors. From Mammoth Creek Park follow the Town Loop Path east through the tunnel and continue downstream along Mammoth Creek. In the pines, look for Steller's jays, mountain chickadees, nuthatches, and dark-eyed juncos. In the snags near the bridge that crosses to the Hayden Cabin, look for Cassin's finches, pine siskins, and northern flickers. Scan for nesting holes used by tree swallows and mountain bluebirds. Check the willows along the creek for migratory warblers. When you come to the dirt road, leave the path and follow the road, staying along the creek. The open Great Basin sagebrush country on your left is excellent habitat for Brewer's sparrows and green-tailed towhees. When the road comes again to the Town Loop Path, loop back toward the Hayden Cabin. Cross the bridge and explore the open meadows around the old structures, watching for flycatchers and maybe a western wood peewee. On your way back to Mammoth Creek Park scan the sky to the south, toward the Sherwin Range, for red-tailed hawks riding the thermals.

  • Experience Checklist

    • A good eye
    • Binoculars
    • Insect repellent
    • Local bird guide
    • Notebook
    • Spotting Scope
    • Sunglasses
    • Sun hat
    • Sunscreen/lip protector
    • Wildlife-identification guide

    Public Services

    Experience Information

    Trail Length
    1.2 miles
    Trail Surface
    Mixed
    Duration
    Less than 4 hours

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Related Trails

Town Loop

7.8 mi

  • Surface: Asphalt
  • Biking  E-Biking  Hiking  Pets 

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Sierra Park Connector 0.3 Asphalt Biking E-Biking Hiking Pets
Town Loop 7.8 Asphalt Biking E-Biking Hiking Pets

Related Destinations

Related Destinations

Destination Activities and Services
Hayden Cabin Museum Interpretive
Mammoth Creek Park West
How to get involved Local recreation resources Experiences and ratings Finding your way around the MLTS Trail System Projects