This identified area by Audubon California refers to a large coastal expanse of grassland which supports an exceptionally rich and diverse wintering raptor community, colonies of nesting Grasshopper Sparrows and Horned Larks, both regionally rare breeders.

This area is reached via a windy narrow road, sometimes impassable in winter, from Ferndale, west of Hwy 101. To reach this route take 211 into Ferndale, turn west on Ocean Ave. south on Wildcat Ave, take the right fork at the Y onto Mattole Rd which will lead you through the area into Petrolia.
Read more about the wealth of this Important Bird Area at:
http://www.ca.audubon.org/maps/pdf/Cape_Mendocino_Grasslands.pdf

With a southern boundary in the King Range National Conservation Area, this area is almost entirely on private land. Please don't trespass, but contact the Redwood Region Audubon Society to learn of access, optimum viewing locations and seasons, and tour opportunities.

Audubon California has listed these sites as part of an international effort. Nominated by local experts, the sites are selected according to strict criteria:

- Support over 1% of the global or 10% of the state population of one or more sensitive species
- Support more than nine sensitive bird species
- 10,000 or more observable shorebirds in one day
- 5,000 or more observable waterfowl in one day