Chirp Nature Centers

10/07/2026

Come see our feeder selection in person and get matched with the best setup for your space — from first-time feeders to full backyard sanctuaries.

Swing by the center for all of your birding needs! Chirp is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-6pm.

09/30/2026

As we look toward fall, we thought it fitting to feature a songbird that fits right in with the colors of the season.

The Black-headed Grosbeak is one of those birds you hear before you ever see it. Its rich, musical song drifts down from the treetops during the warmer months, making it a wonderful companion on a Big Bear hike.

These chunky orange, black, and white songbirds arrive in spring and are generally seen through summer before heading south for the winter. They eat insects, berries, and seeds, and they’re especially fond of sunflower seeds at bird feeders.
(Text from "The Songbird of Big Bear Lake)

Swing by the center for all of your bird-watching needs! Chirp is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-6pm.

09/23/2026

Our September Blog on the Songbirds of Big Bear Lake was so Wingtastic we had to highlight it twice! Here's a quick overview of one of our favorite songbirds.

If you see a small bird creeping headfirst down a tree trunk, take a closer look. It may be a White-breasted Nuthatch.
These compact songbirds are expert climbers, moving along trunks and branches in ways that seem to defy gravity. They’re common feeder birds and enjoy sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet. You can see them throughout the year here.

Read the full article at https://chirpforbirds.com/wild-bird-resources/the-songbirds-of-big-bear-lake/.

Swing by the center for all of your bird-watching needs! Chirp is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-6pm.

09/16/2026

Don't forget to check out this month's blog "The Songbirds of Big Bear Lake."

Here's a preview: Big Bear Valley is home to more than 250 species of birds, both resident and migratory, thanks to its forests, meadows, wetlands, and the lake itself. And because the area sits along the Pacific Flyway, birding changes with the seasons. Some songbirds are reliable year-round residents, while others arrive for spring and summer, pass through during migration, or move to lower elevations when winter arrives.

Read the full article at https://chirpforbirds.com/wild-bird-resources/the-songbirds-of-big-bear-lake/.

Swing by the center for all of your bird-watching needs! Chirp is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-6pm.

09/10/2026

Bird brain alert! 🐦 Don't get left high and dry without your birdseed fix! 🌼 Chirp Nature Center is flying the coop early today (Sept. 10) at 4:30 p.m. So, wing your way over before then to stock up! ⏰ Regular hours resume on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. See you then, feather friends! 😄

09/09/2026

We're just a few days away from the next Chirp Nature Center bird walk on September 12th! Join us for a free guided walk led by birding expert Matthew Schreiner. Birders of all levels are welcome to take part in this fun morning outing and explore some of Big Bear Lake’s favorite birding areas.

Find more information at https://chirpforbirds.com/events-in-big-bear-lake/september-wild-bird-walks/.

Swing by Chirp on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-6pm.

09/04/2026

Wings Over Big Bear
Wings Over Big Bear, A Community Tribute to Jackie

Some stories become part of a place forever. For Big Bear, Jackie was one of those stories.

Through the famous Big Bear Eagle Cam, Jackie gave millions of people around the world a window into the beauty, strength, heartbreak, and wonder of life in the wild. She reminded us to look up. To care deeply. To protect the places and wild creatures that make Big Bear so extraordinary.

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, Visit Big Bear, Care for Big Bear, Friends of Big Bear Valley, the City of Big Bear Lake, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, Big Bear Mountain Resort, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, the San Bernardino National Forest, Southern California Mountains Foundation, and many community partners will gather for Wings Over Big Bear, a commemorative ceremony honoring Jackie’s life and legacy.

The ceremony will take place at Bear Mountain, with the venue opening at 10:00 AM and the tribute beginning at 10:30 AM. Guests are invited to come together for music, remembrance, reflection, and an opportunity to connect with wildlife agencies and local organizations dedicated to protecting Big Bear’s natural world.

The remembrance continues on Sunday, October 4, with community activities, conservation experiences, and family-friendly ways to explore the valley, learn more about Big Bear wildlife, and support the habitats Jackie helped so many people fall in love with.

Jackie’s wings carried Big Bear farther than we ever could have imagined. Now, we come together to honor her, celebrate her legacy, and recommit to protecting the wild places she called home.

Please save the date and join us for Wings Over Big Bear.

RSVP here: https://www.bigbear.com/wings-over-big-bear/?A360=98016722&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com

Send a message to learn more

09/02/2026

LABOR DAY WEEKEND - THURSDAY, SEPT. 3 & SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 2026

Chirp's Environmentally Friendly Deck Sale - Join us in our Backyard for heavily discounted items from our store, or shop the Seed Sale inside, along with carefully curated wild bird supplies, guides, and gifts. Plus lovely bird-themed treasures for home and garden. And uniquely inspiring educational books & toys. Offers valid September 3 & 5, 2026 while supplies last, cannot be combined with other offers, and reasonable restrictions apply.

Chirp will be open Thursday and Saturday from 10am-6pm.

08/26/2026

Missed our last bird walk? Mark your calendars!

Join Chirp Nature Center for a free guided bird walk on September 12, 2026, led by birding expert Matthew Schreiner. Birders of all levels are welcome to take part in this fun morning outing and explore some of Big Bear Lake’s favorite birding areas.
Please register in advance so we know who to expect. Space is limited.

Find more information at https://chirpforbirds.com/events-in-big-bear-lake/september-wild-bird-walks/.

Swing by Chirp on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-6pm.

08/19/2026

The skies of Southern California’s Big Bear Valley are a little quieter this week. With heavy hearts, we say farewell to Jackie, the legendary wild bald eagle whose resilience, grace, and indomitable spirit captured the world’s attention along with her partner Shadow. She was more than a bird; she was a symbol of strength, hope, and the wild beauty of nature. Rest easy, Jackie.

-Chirp Nature Centers
(Open Thursday & Saturday 10am-6pm)
Image: Friends of Big Bear Valley