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Full-day Field Trips
Big Sur Ornithology Lab
“BSOL” is one of the prime birding locations in the entire state of
California. Home of the Big Sur Ornithology lab and banding station, the
BSOL trip is actually three trips in one; vagrant chasing and riparian
birding along the Big Sur River; a tour of the lab and a demonstration of
mist netting and banding birds; and, lastly, special van trips to view
California Condors. Participants will be split up into three sub-groups to
insure each person gets to experience each of the “mini-trips” in a small
group setting.
Meet at Red Roof Inn, to caravan to Big Sur.
Trip leaders: Craig Hohenberger (Sat); Karen Shihadeh (Sun)
Pinnacles National Monument
Pinnacles provides the birder with a chance to look for specialties of
the California interior landscape, including a chance at Yellow-billed
Magpie, Canyon Wren, Lawrence’s Goldfinch, Greater Roadrunner, Prairie
Falcon, and Loggerhead Shrike. Next to Big Sur, Pinnacles offers the next best chance of seeing a California Condor. A
full day trip. Make sure you have a full tank of gas.
Meet at Red Roof Inn; caravan to San Benito County.
Trip leader: Mark Paxton (Sat);
David Ekdahl (Sun)
Elkhorn Slough Grand Tour
This
trip combines the best of Elkhorn Slough – from coastal mudflats to the
uplands of the slough. Your tour will take you to the best locations
around one of the jewels of region, in search of common and rare
shorebirds, raptors, land birds and a vast array of choice locales to
consider visiting. Come see why Elkhorn Slough is known throughout the
nation as a "can’t miss" destination for visiting birders.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip leader: Rick Fournier (Sat), Bernadette Ramer (Sun)
Watsonville Sloughs & Coast – Grand Tour
Often referred to as “birding south county,” the choices around
Watsonville’s coast and sloughs offer a combination of willow patches,
beaches, mudflats, marshes, and pine forests to hold the interest of
beginning to advanced birder alike. Your trip will visit several sites to
explore a sampling of available habitats and give your leader a chance to
explore whichever areas have been “hot” in recent days – a condition
determined by field conditions and pre-trip bird reports.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip leader: Bob Ramer (Sun)
Shearwater Journeys Pelagic Trip
Monterey Bay’s
incredible submarine canyon hosts a variety of sea-life and bird-life
within just a few miles of shore. Debi Shearwater has been conducting
these trips for more than 30 years, and her tours attract seabirders from
all over the globe. We can expect to see whales and dolphins in addition
to Sooty, Pink-footed, and Buller’s Shearwaters, Rhinocerous Auklets,
Pomarine & Parasitic Jaegers, and maybe a South Polar Skua. Black-footed
Albatross, Black & Ashy Storm-Petrels, Sabine’s Gull, and Arctic Tern are
just a partial list of our possibilities.
Meet at the end of Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, at 7
a.m.
Santa Cruz & the North Coast
This
full-day trip encompasses a variety of destinations to the north end of
Monterey Bay. Neary Lagoon, West Cliff Drive, Antonelli’s Pond, Wilder
Ranch, and Swanton Road are all productive destinations showing off the
jewels of the area. Land birds, raptors and shorebirds are all likely to be
seen in good numbers on this tour designed to allow the leader to adjust
the trip based on current conditions.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
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Half-day Field Trips
Elkhorn
Slough Kayaking
Here’s your chance to take
a birding tour of Elkhorn Slough and enjoy a kayaking adventure – courtesy
of Kayak Connection in Moss Landing. Shorebirds, sea otters, grebes,
pelicans and all the rarities of fall migration are possible on this trip.
Some of the most intriguing spots of the slough are ONLY accessible by
kayak. Beginning kayakers are welcome and encouraged to sign up. (Note:
Kayak Connection is donating 35% of their fee back to the birding
festival.)
Meet at Red Roof Inn
Elkhorn
Slough Reserve (Interior)
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, in the heart of
Elkhorn Slough, is one of the premier birdwatching sites in the western
United States. Birding from this 1400 acre Reserve offers an excellent sampling of
some of the many habitats and over 340 species that visit or take refuge
throughout this watershed. Elkhorn Slough's importance as part of the
great fall and spring migrations has led the American Birding Conservancy
to declare it a "globally important" area.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip leader: Rick Fournier
Elkhorn Slough/Moss Landing (Coastal)
This
half-day trip will find us scouring locations such as the mudflats of Moss
Landing, visiting the famous Moon Glow Dairy or checking the fresh-water
pond of Zmudowski State Beach for the many migrating and wintering
shorebirds, gulls, and waterfowl of the region. Peregrine Falcons and
Merlin are often attracted to the large flocks of shorebirds, and
California Sea Otters are usually in the area. Come see why Elkhorn Slough
has long been a target destination for birders from around the world.
Exact itinerary will be determined based on local conditions.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip leader: Bruce Elliott (Fri am), Rick Fournier (Fri pm)
Watsonville Sloughs
Harkins, East & West Struve, Hanson, Gallighan and Watsonville Sloughs
comprise the heart of the Watsonville Slough system. A variety of
shorebirds, raptors, gulls, ducks, sparrows and songbirds are present at
the varied habitats of the sloughs and their associated uplands. Learn the
local access sites for finding birds in Watsonville's front yard.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip Leaders: David Suddjian (Fri am) Scott Terrill (Fri pm)
Pajaro Dunes / Sunset Beach
Shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl are all likely as we visit the varied
habitats of Sunset Beach and Pajaro Dunes. Snowy Plovers nest on the dunes
themselves, and the Pajaro River Mouth has long been one of the premier
locations for rare shorebirds, gulls and terns. Stands of Monterey Cypress
and willow patches provide habitat for a variety of passerines. This trip
highlights some of the richest birding areas of the entire Pajaro Valley.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip leader: Earl Lebow
Pinto Lake and Local Hotspots
Pinto Lake's
many trails and wetlands harbor the Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawk,
White-tailed Kite, California Thrasher, woodpeckers, ducks, and songbirds.
We’ll visit Pinto Lake City Park for a “birds quick-fix” view of the lake,
then wander the trails of Pinto Lake County Park for a more intensive
birding experience. Recommended for both beginners and experienced
birders.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip Leader: Bob & Bernadette Ramer
In Search of Rare Shorebirds: Salinas River Mouth
The
Salinas River Mouth offers an excellent opportunity to find a vagrant
shorebird, observe several species of terns, study Snowy Plovers, catch a
Northern Harrier or a Peregrine Falcon on the wing, or just enjoy a walk
to the Pacific Ocean. Fall is the premier time of the year to visit this
locale.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip leader: Bruce Elliott (Fri pm), Earl Lebow (Sat am)
Elkhorn Slough/Moss Landing (Coastal)
This half-day trip will find us scouring
the mudflats of Moss Landing, visiting the famous Moon Glow Dairy and
checking the fresh-water pond of Zmudowski State Beach for the many
migrating and wintering shorebirds, gulls, and waterfowl of the region.
Peregrine Falcons and Merlin are often attracted to the large flocks of
shorebirds, and California Sea Otters are usually in the area. Come see
why Elkhorn Slough has long been a target destination for birders from
around the world.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Bruce Elliott (Fri am), Rick Fournier (Fri pm)
Vagrant Chasing at the Carmel River Mouth
September and fall migration is the time birders head to “hot spots” such
as the Carmel River Mouth to search for vagrants and rarities not found in
the area at any other time of the year. The Carmel River Mouth’s riparian
corridor is a fine example of coastal Monterey
Bay birding. In addition to the passerines along the river, the mouth of
the river itself often provides excellent shorebird habitat.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip leaders: Bill Hill (Fri); Steve Rovell (Sat)
Rancho Del Oso
Rancho Del Oso exemplifies birding the north coast of Santa Cruz. The
combination of sandy beaches, redwood forest. and the riparian habitat of
Waddell Creek provide for a variety of habitats and bird diversity all
within a stone’s throw of each other. Everything from Snowy Plover to
woodpeckers, warblers, and thrashers is possible on this trip. If you’re
lucky, you might even get to hear a Pygmy Owl calling!
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip leader: David Suddjian
Pajaro Dunes/Sunset Beach
Shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl are all likely as we visit the varied
habitats of Sunset Beach and Pajaro Dunes. Snowy Plovers nest on the dunes
themselves, and the Pajaro River Mouth has long been one of the premier
locations for rare shorebirds, gulls and terns. Stands of Monterey Cypress
and willow patches provide habitat for a variety of passerines. This trip
highlights some of the richest birding areas of the entire Pajaro Valley.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip leader: Earl Lebow
Vagrant Chasing at Pt. Piños & the Monterey Penninsula
Besides being one of the premier birding destinations of the area, Point
Piños has the added bonus of being one of the most scenic destinations of
the region. The crashing waves and rocks are a great place for things like
Black Turnstones, Black Oystercatchers, and other rocky shorebirds,
Coastal cypress trees are often excellent for migrant songbirds, and even
true seabirds can sometimes been seen from some of the western most points
of land.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Natural Bridges State Park
Natural Bridges is another location that combines the appeal of vagrant
warblers with easy access to the beach and ocean. Three species of
cormorants are almost automatic; rocky shorebirds are expected, and a fine
variety of warblers, sparrows, and other songbirds likely along the
riparian corridor trail.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip leaders: Steve Gerow (Sat) Matthew Strusis-Timmer (Sun)
UCSC Arboretum
The
University of California at Santa Cruz Arboretum attracts birders and
botanists alike. Spectacular in spring for hummingbirds, fall can provide
a wide variety of warblers, vireos, and birds of prey. Easy access to West
Cliff drive allows participants to include some rocky shorebirding once
the arboretum is covered.
Meet at Red Roof Inn
Trip leader: Todd Newberry
New Brighton State Beach
New Brighton State Beach
includes patches of willows, oaks, and a fine Monterey Pine forest, all of
which are attractive to both migrating and wintering birds. Townsend’s
Warblers, Pygmy Nuthatches, Downey & Hairy Woodpeckers, Brown Creepers are
all likely to be seen. The adjacent waters of Monterey Bay are a good
place to view Caspian, Elegant, and Forster’s Terns, and sometimes even a
Parasitic Jaeger!
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip leader Matthew Strusis-Timmer (Sun)
Beginners Birding Trip (2 hours)
Unsure about how to find birds in your binoculars? Don't know a Great Blue
Heron from a Mourning Dove? Or, just looking for some tips about how to
improve your identification skills? Come join us for an introductory bird
walk emphasizing the ABC's of identifying and observing birds in the wild.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip leaders: David Ekdahl (Fri),
Lois and Wally Goldfrank (Sat &Sun)
Tricks of the Trade – Basic Skills for Birders
Why
do some people seem to hear and see so many more birds than others? Join
Eric Feuss for a workshop designed to teach you the tricks used by the
experts, to help you find and identify birds faster and easier than ever
before.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip Leader: Eric Feuss
Elkhorn Slough Safari
Elkhorn Slough Safari is a birding
adventure aboard an open 27 foot pontoon boat, allowing for ex;;loration of
the slough from a perspective usually reserved to birds and sea otters.
This tour will provide you with a unique opportunity to observe these
species in their native habitats, close-up and personal. Shorebirds,
raptors, grebes, and both harbor seals and sea otters are highlighted.
Meet at Red Roof Inn.
Trip leader: Jennifer Green
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Friday Evening Presentation
Jeff Davis -- Spectacular Journeys: The Migration of Monterey Bay Birds
On a windy day in mid-May, 1200 Sooty Shearwaters arrive in
Monterey Bay. Some members of this flock bred in New Zealand, others in
Chile, and all visited the Gulf of Alaska before coming here. For the next
few months they will fatten on anchovies and juvenile rockfish in the bay.
On this same May day, 30 Sabine’s Gulls grace the wind, on the outer edge
of the bay, en route from their pelagic winter range off the coast of
Chile to their tundra nesting grounds in coastal Alaska.
Then,
in early June, a male Allen’s Hummingbird leaves its breeding territory
among the gravelias in the Australian Garden at the UC Santa Cruz
Arboretum. It will buzz down the coast, visiting flowers and feeders where
available, and then cut inland to the mountains of southern California.
Here it will sip nectar from fresh blossoms at high elevations before
heading to central Mexico for the non-breeding season.
Months
later, on a clear night in September, at about 45 minutes after sunset, a
young Hermit Thrush rises above the redwoods at Big Basin State Park and
eventually reaches an altitude of 3000 feet. It will fly for a few hours
before setting down sometime after midnight each morning until it reaches
its winter retreat in southern Baja California. On this same night in
September, another Hermit Thrush lands at Big Basin. This bird, however,
is an adult that bred in central Alaska, and it will winter here in the
park among the huckleberries.
Later,
in early January, with the onset of an unusually heavy snowfall, five
Mountain Quail on Chews Ridge begin walking downslope; it will take them
three days to reach upper Carmel Valley by foot.
Migration is variable, but all journeys, even the short ones, are
spectacular Jeff Davis, a peripatetic ornithologist from the Sierra
foothills, will give a slide lecture on the matter, myths, and mysteries
of Monterey Bay bird migration.
Meet at Fox Theatre in Watsonville
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Saturday Evening Presentation
David Suddjian --
Riding the Winds of Change: Bird Populations in the Monterey Bay Area
Populations of our birds
are always changing as they respond to natural and human events in the
environment. Ornithologist David Suddjian will provide a look behind the
scenes at the ups and downs in birds of the Monterey Bay area, a sort of
avian stock market report. Which species are declining, and which
increasing? Which are no longer with us, and which have established new
populations here? What factors are affecting our birds, and what can we
look forward to in the future? This slide lecture will introduce many of
the birds of the region, and highlight some of the special stories of
species such as the Marbled Murrelet, Snowy Plover, Brown Pelican,
Peregrine Falcon, Pileated Woodpecker, and Black Swift.
David Suddjian works as an environmental consultant and has
studied birds in the Monterey Bay area for over 20 years. He has compiled
the Santa Cruz County bird records since 1986, and has developed and
coordinated many studies documenting bird populations, distribution and
habitat use in the area.
Meet at Fox Theatre
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