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

Top rated by guests
Lodgify Cover | De Las Plumas | Seated View
Kitchen Nook
Kitchen View | SW
Lodgify Cover | De Las Plumas | Seated View SE
View of Front Door | SE
review stars
10Outstanding
(2 Ratings)
"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 wh..."
Barbara M.
Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
10 / 10
Outstanding(2 Ratings)

House in Southern California, CA

6 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
High-end valueWell priced for this area

About this house rental

~(‾▿‾)~ 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

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

Non-smoking
Pets allowed
Family friendly

Map of Southern California, CA


Ratings and reviews

10 / 10
Outstanding(2 Ratings)
10 / 10Outstanding·Nov 2025
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.

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FAQs

Is parking included with this house?

Parking is not specified as an available amenity at ~(‾▿‾)~ Jack's Place · Birding by Big Morongo. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this house?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

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

Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.

What amenities are available at ~(‾▿‾)~ Jack's Place · Birding by Big Morongo?

We found 3 amenities for this rental. This includes non-smoking, pets allowed, and family friendly.