Andre Clarke Bird Refuge

I love bird refuges. There’s always something to see. The huge lagoon gives the birds a place to hide away from the people on the two islands. The tract /​path around the lake gives for plenty of opportunity to view the birds. However on the track are mostly runners and bike riders giving the birds no more than a glance. I have only found one small parking lot around the corner on what I would call the far side. The edge of the water is pretty grungy. Amazing how adaptable the birds are. Oh well.

Tranquility.
I appreciate the refuge on most days. Other days I imagine how great this place could be with a large development.

My first time here and being from Las Vegas found it to be a peaceful and serene setting. I saw several different types of birds while here including humming birds. A nice area to take your children and walk the little paths.

I bike or rollerblade here on every visit to Santa Barbara; it’s a beautiful, peaceful destination, and enjoy seeing the plants, trees and birds. I agree with Douglas M that last summer, it was very stinky. Articles said it was due to poor water circulation and a rapid algae bloom and decay, resulting in noxious odors. Don’t know about that, but I’d agree w/​the smelly part.
They must have come up with a solution, because when I visited most recently, it was just fine. Check it out!

Oh Bird Refuge, You are so beatiful but what has happened… I know you are getting a little old and tired, you are filled with silt and so many years of a bad diet seems to have your arteries clogged and your digestive system overwhelmed. Because I am a good friend I am going to tell you something, not to embarass you but because someone has to let you know. You kind of stink these days. Yes I have said it! And I can assure you that behind your back others are saying it too. We can smell you on the 101, throughout montecito and even as far away as Alston Road sometimes.
I don’t know the solution, not my area of expertise but something needs to be done! Your role in life it is to make Santa Barbara a better place and usually you do that so well, but these days not so much. I hope that the pond Dr. has paid you a visit and has a perscription to bringing you back to you your former fresh scented glory!