Vast grassland expanses and rolling hills provide excellent opportunities to look for Ferruginous Hawks, Prairie Falcons, and other winter raptors. Payen Road has few cars and allows a leisurely visit.
Scott Road
This area is primarily open grasslands interspersed with oaks hosting a wonderful variety of passerines and raptors. The area is of particular interest from the first fall rains until the water dries up (normally in June).
Latrobe Road (Deer Creek Hills)
With a mix of blue oak woodland, savanna, and expansive grasslands, a trip along Latrobe Road has a diversity of habitats and a real sense of remoteness. Typical foothill species such as Western Bluebirds, Lark Sparrows, and Lesser Goldfinches abound. Less commonly, you may encounter a Phainopepla and Lawrence’s Goldfinches. This area is under-birded and has a lot of potential.
Michigan Bar Road
Michigan Bar Road is another location where the possibility of less common species is the draw, with Hairy Woodpeckers, Steller’s Jays, Band-tailed Pigeons, American Dippers, and Lawrence’s Goldfinches all rare but possible.
Meiss Road
An open country gem, a drive along Meiss Road can produce winter raptors and a variety of passerines. In spring and summer, this area has been fairly reliable for Lesser Nighthawks and Grasshopper Sparrows.