Skip to main content

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

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

De Las Plumas | View of Observation Seating E
Kitchen View | SW
LivingRoom | E
Lodgify Cover | De Las Plumas | Seated View SE
Local Avian Photo Gallery

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Wildlife at your doorstep
    Guests love spotting wildlife right on the property grounds.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Dogs and cats allowed
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Porch or lanai
  • Internet access

Explore the area

View in a map
Morongo Valley, CA
  • Place, Sand to Snow National Monument
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
    ‪37 min drive‬
  • Airport, Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.)
    ‪37 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area

About this property

~(‾▿‾)~ 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
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Exterior
Casa de Azul - Modern Desert Retreat w/MTN VIEWS
Morongo Valley
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (25 reviews)
Casa de Azul - Modern Desert Retreat w/MTN VIEWS

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 99 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number CESTRP-2023-01850
Property # 4341338vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Morongo Valley

Located in Morongo Valley, this holiday home is in a rural area. Groves Cabin Theatre and Hi-Desert Nature Museum are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Desert Hot Springs Town Center and Pioneertown.
View more Holiday homes in Morongo ValleyOpens in a new window
Map
Morongo Valley, CA

What's nearby

  • Sand to Snow National Monument - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Big Morongo Canyon Preserve - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Palm Springs Air Museum - 30 min drive - 37.1 km
  • Palm Springs Convention Center - 32 min drive - 31.5 km
  • Palm Springs Aerial Tramway - 37 min drive - 35.7 km

Getting around

  • Palm Springs Station - 25 min drive
  • Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪The Desert Dog - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Sand Wedge Cafe - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Spaghetti Western - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Just A Small Town Grill - ‬13 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is ~(‾▿‾)~ Jack's Place · Birding by Big Morongo pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 99 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at ~(‾▿‾)~ Jack's Place · Birding by Big Morongo?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at ~(‾▿‾)~ Jack's Place · Birding by Big Morongo?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is ~(‾▿‾)~ Jack's Place · Birding by Big Morongo located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Sand to Snow National Monument and Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. Groves Cabin Theatre and Mojave Desert Land Trust are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 2 out of 2 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 2 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a wonderful haven for birders! We were delighted with the cozy ornithological decor, the availability of extra binocs, and the many feeders attracting birds from the nearby preserve, which is just around the corner. Was also fun to see other birders strolling by to see who was at the feeders. Had a lovely dinner at Spaghetti Western, came back and watched The Big Year, then had great diner coffee at the cafe up the street in the morning. What a lovely treat for our birder friend's birthday! Thanks, Jack and co!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Barbara M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jack's is adjacent to the Big Morongo Preserve where unbelievably huge trees and greenery spring forth amidst the desert, inviting the migratory flocks of many species of birds. We met a volunteer who knew "Jack", praising his conservation and extension of habitat efforts; he helped us beginners ID many birds. Gorgeous! Jack's has its own bird observation area along with binoculars and books to identify your finds. This was our first visit, but we'll be back for a Nature Conservancy hike and program about the Preserve and other visits. You will love the house and amenities afforded.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

About the host

Hosted by Ron Bath

Host profile image
After 35yrs of Corporate Life:
~ We Save Mining: Indigenous Mercury-Free Mining ~ Paramaribo, Suriname So. Am.
~ Furever Heaven.Org: Urban Cat Rescue ~ Costa Mesa, CA USA
~ De Las Plumas.Org: Public/Private Birding Refuge ~ Morongo Valley, CA USA

Why they chose this property

Proximity to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

What makes this property unique

Adjacent to Private Desert Birding Refuge
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback