Bird-watching in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

More than 200 species of birds inhabit Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Not seen in most parts of the United States, the white-headed woodpecker and the pileated woodpecker are common in most mid-elevation areas here. There are also many hawks and owls, including the renowned spotted owl. Species are diverse in both parks due to the changes in elevation, and range from warblers, kingbirds, thrushes, and sparrows in the foothills to goshawk, blue grouse, red-breasted nuthatch, and brown creeper at the highest elevations. Ranger-led bird-watching tours are held on a sporadic basis. Call the park's main information number to find out more about these tours.

Sequoia Natural History Association. The association's highly regarded Sequoia Field Institute conducts single-day and mulitiday "EdVenture" tours that include backpacking hikes, natural-history walks, and kayaking excursions. Sequoia National Park, CA, 93271. 559/565-3759. www.sequoiahistory.org.