Bird Watching at Rancho Los Cerritos

The monthly Bird Walk at Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach offers a peaceful way to start your day, reconnect with nature and maybe see the world a little more beautifully. Held on the second Thursday of each month, this free, easygoing event is not only an opportunity to spot local and migratory birds, it’s also a great reason to get outside, move your body and calm your mind, all while taking in the quiet beauty of a historic setting.

Located in the heart of Long Beach, Rancho Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Rd) offers its Bird Walk on the second Thursday of every month from 8 to 9:30 AM. This free, guided walk invites bird enthusiasts of all levels–including first timers–to explore the historic grounds and observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. The walk is led by knowledgeable staff, who point out birds and can answer your bird and nature-related questions. (Be advised that the event is weather-dependent. Rain cancels the walk.)

Participants who meet up for this 90-minute stroll in the Rancho’s parking lot are advised to wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes or sneakers. Also, sunscreen and a hat are strongly recommended as are binoculars, to not only see birds perched high in the rancho's trees, but also to observe the physical details of these amazing creatures. If you don’t have binoculars, the rancho has some for you to borrow.

Rancho Los Cerritos is an exceptional location for birdwatching due to its diverse habitats and strategic location along migratory routes. The site's varied landscapes, including gardens, wetlands, and open spaces, attract a wide range of insects and bugs that attract a wide range of bird species. Participants can observe both resident and migratory birds, making each walk a unique experience.

Spending a morning birding isn’t just fun, it’s actually quite good for you. While everybody knows that walking outdoors helps boost your physical health, simply being in nature has been shown to further reduce stress while it lifts your mood and sharpens your focus. Taking time to look and listen for birds encourages you to slow down and be fully present, and that kind of mindfulness can provide a long-lasting impact well beyond the walk itself.

In fact, many people find that regularly noticing birds—whether on a trail, in a tree, or even in your own backyard—can shift your perspective in powerful ways. You start to pick up on details you might have missed before: the bright flash of color on a hummingbird’s wing, the way a hawk circles overhead, or the sound of birdsong drifting through the morning air. It’s a gentle reminder that nature’s beauty is all around us if we just take the time to look and listen. Other local birding spots include the Golden Shore Marine Biological Reserve, Los Cerritos Wetlands, El Dorado Nature Center, Willow Springs Park, and Colorado Lagoon.

Long Beach’s amazing ranchos–Rancho Los Cerritos and Rancho Los Alamitos (6400 E Bixby Hill Rd)–offer a wide variety of events throughout the year—from garden tours and historic home visits to the annual Ranchos Walk, a guided community hike that links both sites and celebrates local heritage and open space. Whether you’re into birds, history, or just a nice walk outdoors, there’s always something worth discovering.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.