~(‾▿‾)~ Jack's Place · Birding by Big Morongo

~(‾▿‾)~ ESCAPE to a serene birding paradise in Morongo Valley! A short walk to the renowned 31,000-acre Big Morongo Canyon Preserve — guided tours early Wednesday & Saturday AM — plus our adjacent 1/2-acre feathered refuge, De Las Plumas (open to the public by design — no fences or gates), home to birds and butterflies you can watch from the porch. Guest stays fuel ongoing care → delasplumas.org





YOUR STAY FUELS THE REFUGE. Guest stays at Jack's Place fuel ongoing care of De Las Plumas — seed, water, native plantings, daily stewardship. Open public refuge · delasplumas.org





ENJOY tranquil desert landscapes, breathtaking views & modern comforts. Ideal for birders & naturalists seeking a unique, immersive experience in So. California's top birding location. Perfect for adventure & relaxation alike! ~(‾▿‾)~





FROM THE GUESTBOOK

~ "Where else can you sit on the front porch w/ a cup of coffee in one hand and binoculars in the other, birding the morning away?" — previous guest

That porch life is the heart of Jack's Place: coffee, binos, and the refuge waking up right next door.





THE BIG MORONGO PRESERVE

Adjacent sanctuary: Big Morongo Canyon Preserve — diverse ecosystems and seasonal migrations (Vermilion Flycatcher, Summer Tanager). Over 247 bird species recorded; at least 72 resident breeding species. Important Bird Area; NatGeo Guide to Birdwatching Sites. Flowing water year-round — a bird magnet.





YOUR STAY FUELS OUR FUTURE ~(‾▿‾)~

Proceeds from B&B reservations support high-quality birdseed and native vegetation for birds, pollinators, and wildlife.

Jack's Place and De Las Plumas (the feathered feedery) are a philanthropic effort begun in December 2023 by descendants of the James F. Illingworth Family | Private Trust (EIN #93-6883447) — a multi-generational Illingworth–Bath family affair continuing Jack Lee Bath's 60+ years of conservation work. Assets could have been sold; the family chose the open refuge and the guests who keep it going.





PEAK BIRDING SEASONS — Morongo Valley

~ SPRING MIGRATION: late February through May

~ FALL MIGRATION (local window): mid-September through mid-November

~ WINTER BIRDING: mid-November through mid-February





THE SPACE

~ Ranch Style: 1,150 sf · 2 Bedrooms · 2 Full Baths · IDEAL for Birding & Entertaining

~ Binoculars & Scopes · Streaming TV · MAC MINI & Printer · Rowing Machine · Stationary Recursive Bike · Full Laundry

San Bernardino County Permit #: CESTRP-2023-01850