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2011 Field Trips and Water Adventures

FULL-DAY FIELD TRIPS

VENTANA WILDLIFE SOCIETY- Condors, Bird banding demonstration and searching for rarities.
Date  Friday, Sept. 23 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Sunday, Sept. 25 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Description Join us for a trip to one of the most spectacular areas of the World; the Big Sur Coast. Ventana Wildlife Society will provide leadership on this outstanding trip to view California Condors. As you probably know, the Ventana Wildlife Society is actively managing the release and return of condors into the wild. Besides Condors, the destination is also an outstanding opportunity to view migrating and resident birds, and learn about other activities VWS is conducting.
Limited to 20 per day.
Cost: $115
Trip Leaders: Ventana Wildlife Society
Transportation: Escort caravan 50 miles from Watsonville Civic Plaza.
Activity: Moderate


SAN FELIPE LAKE/LLAGAS CREEK
Date  Friday, Sept. 23 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Description Explore the upper reaches of the Pajaro River watershed on this rare opportunity to bird the privately held wetlands surrounding San Felipe Lake in northernmost San Benito County. While it is still early for wintering waterfowl, we should encounter a good mix of raptors, rails, songbirds and waterfowl summering over, as well as a large resident population of American White Pelicans. This 2,300-acre ranch is the location of many first county records. Fall records have included Tropical and Eastern Kingbird. Loggerhead Shrikes spin away off fences, Prairie Falcon is regular and a resident healthy colony of Burrowing Owls may make an appearance. The property is home to a robust deer herd and coyotes are also frequently seen. Nearby, we will explore a tributary to the Pajaro, Llagas Creek. This creek, managed by the Santa Clara County Water District, is bounded by a restored native plant corridor. Paralleling the city of Gilroy's waste water treatment plant, it consistently offers surprises in any season. Again, access at this location is restricted. Participants should pack lunches and drinks for this nearly-all-day trip. We will need to carpool as parking is limited.
Cost: $25
Trip Leaders: Mark Paxton
Transportation: Caravan/Carpool 50 miles from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Limited


PINNACLES BIRDING AND THE CALIFORNIA CONDOR
Date  Sunday, Sept. 25 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Description 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. This is a full day trip. Make sure you have a full tank of gas.
Cost: $25
Trip Leaders: Daniel George and A.J. Adams
Transportation: Caravan/Carpool 60 miles to San Benito County
Activity: Moderate


CALIFORNIA SPECIALTIES
Date Thursday, Sept. 22, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
   Sunday, Sept. 25, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Description This trip will focus on seeing birds unique to California and the Western United States, such as Yellow-billed Magpie, California Thrasher, Wrentit, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Snowy Plover, California Towhee, Lawrence's Goldfinch, Clark's Grebe, White-tailed Kite, etc. Ranging from Pacific beaches to the foothills to the Salinas Valley, this fast-paced trip will help maximize your list of western birds. Perfect for the out-of-state birder, but fun for anyone.
Cost: $25
Trip Leaders: TBA
Transportation: Caravan from Watsonville Civic Plaza; have a full tank of gas for extensive travel
Activity: Moderate


BEACHES OF SAN MATEO COUNTY
Date  Sunday, Sept 25, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Description This trip will explore the sequence of State Beaches along the San Mateo coast: Pigeon Point, Bean Hollow, Pescadero, Pomponio, and San Gregorio. Rocky shorebirds, pelagic species, migrating sparrows and warblers, and an unmatched panorama of scenic vistas. This full-day trip moves northward along the coast, leaving participants in position to easily travel to San Francisco, the East Bay, the airports, and the peninsula, and includes a stop for lunch (not included in trip fee) at the famous Duarte's in Pescadero.
Cost: $25
Trip Leaders: Jennifer Rycenga
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Moderate


HALF-DAY FIELD TRIPS


KIRBY PARK & ELKHORN SLOUGH RESERVE (Interior)
Date Thursday, Sept. 22, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
   Saturday, Sept. 24, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Description Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, in the heart of Elkhorn Slough, is one of the premier bird watching sites in the western United States. Birding from the 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 is part of the great fall and spring migrations has led the American Birding Conservancy to declare it a "globally important" area.
Cost: $15
Trip Leaders: TBA
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Moderate


WOODPECKERS & THE FOREST OF NISENE MARKS
Date  Friday, Sept. 23, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Description The Forest of Nisene Marks offers a variety of woodland habitats for the birder and birds alike, and is especially appealing to our target birds; woodpeckers! Northern Flicker, Hairy and Downey Woodpeckers, sapsuckers, Acorn Woodpecker and even Pileated regularly occur, and we'll attempt to see as many of these species as possible. Our Thursday evening featured speaker Stephen Shunk's favorite family of birds is woodpeckers, so this trip will highlight not only his overall birding skills but also provide an opportunity to share in his knowledge of woodpeckers. An excellent trip to combine with Stephen's Thursday afternoon Woodpecker workshop.
Cost: $25
Trip Leaders: Stephen Shunk
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Moderate


ELKHORN SLOUGH/MOSS LANDING (Coastal)
Date  Friday, Sept. 23, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  Saturday, Sept. 24, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Description 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.
Cost: $15
Trip Leaders: TBA
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Moderate


WATSONVILLE SLOUGHS
Date  Friday, Sept. 23, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  Saturday, Sept. 24, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
   Sunday, Sept. 25, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Description 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.
Cost: $15
Trip Leaders: TBA
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Moderate, Limited


PAJARO DUNES/SUNSET BEACH
Date Thursday, Sept. 22, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  Saturday, Sept. 24, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Description 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.
Cost: $15
Trip Leaders: TBA
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Moderate


PINTO LAKE AND LOCAL HOTSPOTS
Date Thursday, Sept. 22, 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
   Sunday, Sept. 25, 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Description 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 birder's quick-fix view of the lake, and then wander the trails of Pinto Lake County Park for a more intensive birding experience. Recommended for both beginners and experienced birders.
Cost: $15
Trip Leaders: TBA
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Moderate


SALINAS RIVERMOUTH
Date  Friday, Sept. 24, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  Sunday, Sept. 25, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Description The Salinas Rivermouth 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.
Cost: $15
Trip Leaders: TBA
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Moderate


VAGRANT CHASING AT THE CARMEL RIVERMOUTH
Date Saturday, Sept. 24, 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
   Sunday, Sept. 25, 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Description September and fall migration is the time birders head to hot spots such as the Carmel Rivermouth to search for vagrants and rarities not found in the area at any other time of the year. The Carmel Rivermouth'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. Rubber boots or hip waders are advised to enable stream crossings.
Cost: $15
Trip Leaders: TBA
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza, caravan to Carmel
Activity: Moderate


BIRD STUDY MERIT BADGE FIELD TRIP
Date Saturday, Sept. 24, 8:30 a.m. to Noon
Description Elkhorn Slough is one of the premier birding spots in California, and an ideal location to work on the Bird Study Merit Badge. This special field trip is specially designed for Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts, Scout Leaders, and their families, and will cover most of the requirements for the Bird Study Merit Badge. Our adventure will explore several habitats including a coastal slough, mudflats, a sandy beach, a rock jetty, and the open ocean, where we will identify and learn the habits of over 20 species of birds from the numerous shorebirds, egrets, ducks, gulls and hawks that feed in these areas. Learning about using binoculars and field guides, preparing a field notebook, bird calls and songs, and bird feeding will also be covered. Dress in layers, and bring a hat, sunscreen, water, a pencil, notebook, and your enthusiasm. If you have binoculars or a bird book, bring those as well. A limited number of loaner binoculars and bird guide will be available.
Cost: $15
Trip Leaders: Kim Kuska
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Moderate


NATURAL BRIDGES STATE BEACH
Date Saturday, Sept. 24, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Description Natural Bridges is another locations 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 are likely along the riparian corridor trail.
Cost: $15
Trip Leaders: TBA
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Moderate, Limited


GREEN BIRDING TRIP (AKA BIRDING BY BICYCLE)
Date Sunday, Sept 25, 8 a.m. to Noon
Description What better way to enjoy birds and nature than without the noise of autos and consumption of fossil fuel! Bring your bike and join us in a people-powered birding trip in the heart of Pajaro Valley. Exact itinerary will be at the leader's discretion, but will probably include several south Santa Cruz County hotspots such as Struve Slough and Sunset State Beach. Join us for an all-fresh air outing, and enjoy birding and nature observation without a carbon footprint!
Cost: $15
Trip Leaders: Scott Smithson
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Strenuous


RANCHO DEL OSO
Date  Friday, Sept. 23, 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  Saturday, Sept. 24, 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Description Birding at this beautiful and historic locale brings together birds of a variety of habitats in a limited area. Turning from the birds of the ocean, beach, creek mouth and marsh, one can search amid riparian, Monterey pine, mixed evergreen and coast redwood forests. Along with local favorites, such as Wrentit, Pygmy Nuthatch, Purple Finch, House Wren, Hermit Warbler, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Marbled Murrelet, and various woodpeckers, this is a good place to encounter raptors and a chance for rare migrants and vagrants. Plan for a few miles of walking on mostly gentle slopes.
Cost: $15
Trip Leaders: Jennifer Rycenga
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Moderate


NEW BRIGHTON STATE BEACH
Date Friday, Sept. 23, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Description 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, Downy & Hairy Woodpeckers, and 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!
Cost: $15
Trip Leaders: TBA
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Moderate, Limited


POINT PINOS & THE MONTEREY PENINSULA
Date   Friday, Sept. 23, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  Saturday, Sept. 24, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
   Sunday, Sept. 25, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Description Besides being one of the premier birding destinations of the area, Point Pinos 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 birds like Black Turnstones, Black Oystercatchers, and other rocky shorebirds, Coastal cypress trees are often excellent for migrant songbirds, and even true seabirds can sometimes be seen from some of the westernmost points of land adjacent to Monterey Bay.
Cost: $15
Trip Leaders: TBA
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Moderate


OWLS OF ROBINSON CANYON
Date  Friday, Sept. 23, 8:45 p.m. to After Midnight
  Saturday, Sept. 24, 8:45 p.m. to After Midnight
Description Robinson Canyon is one of California's most productive owling sites and is sure to be one of our first trips to sell out. Western Screech, Great Horned, Barn and Northern Saw-White Owls are all likely, and Northern Pygmy and the endangered Spotted Owl are possible. This field trip, limited to 10, is a must if you're looking for owls. Bring a flashlight if possible. Please be aware that most owls will be heard and not seen. This trip is not recommended for those with an early field trip the following morning and especially not for those taking a pelagic trip!
Cost: $25
Trip Leaders: Steve Rovell
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Limited


OWLS OF GAZOS CREEK AND BUTANO STATE PARK
Date  Friday, Sept. 23, 8:45 p.m. to After Midnight
Description Gazos Creek and Butano State Park offer not only excellent spring birding but can also be an after-hours hotspot for owls in fall and winter. The one-hour commute to the north coast is worth the trek if you're an owl aficionado, as Western Screech, Great Horned, Barn and Northern Saw-White Owls are all likely, and Northern Pygmy is possible. Owling trips are limited to ten, and are always the first to sell out, so sign up early. Bring a flashlight if possible. Please be aware that most owls will be heard and not seen. This late-night trip is not recommended for those with an early field trip the following morning, and especially not for those taking a pelagic trip!
Cost: $25
Trip Leaders: Jennifer Rycenga, Dominik Mosur
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Limited


BIRDING 101
Date   Friday, Sept. 23, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  Saturday, Sept. 24, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
   Saturday, Sept. 24, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
   Sunday, Sept. 25, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Description 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.
Cost: $15
Trip Leaders: Wally and Lois Goldfrank
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Moderate


PHOTOGRAPHING NATURE AND WILDLIFE AROUND MONTEREY BAY
Date   Saturday, Sept. 24, 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Description Join professional photographer and naturalist David Rosen for a morning of nature and wildlife photography around Monterey Bay. He'll share some "tricks-of-the-trade" with you regarding equipment and techniques, from macro to telephoto. We'll visit a few locations where we may find good opportunities to photograph birds, sea otters, harbor seals, landscapes, plants, and some of the less conspicuous aspects of nature such as invertebrates. David will discuss different ways of creatively "seeing" your subject, as well as working with patterns and textures in nature.
Bring your camera gear and lots of enthusiasm! David's natural history background, photographic expertise, and humor combine to provide you with a valuable learning experience and a lot of fun! This field trip is limited to 10 participants.
Cost: $15
Trip Leaders: David Rosen
Transportation: Departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza
Activity: Moderate


WATER ADVENTURES


SHEARWATER JOURNEYS PELAGIC TRIPS
Date Thursday, Sept. 22, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
   Friday, Sept. 23, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  Saturday, Sept. 24, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
   Sunday, Sept. 25, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Description Monterey Bay's incredible submarine canyon hosts a vast variety of seabirds and marine mammals and bird-life within just a few miles of shore. Debi Shearwater has been conducting these trips for 35 years, and her tours attract sea birders from all over the globe. We can expect to see whales and dolphins in addition to Sooty, Pink-footed, and Buller's Shearwaters, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Cassin's and 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. Limited to 40 per day.
Cost: $140, festival rate, non-refundable.
Make reservations through Shearwater Journeys www.shearwaterjourneys.com

Transportation: Go directly to Chris' Fishing Shop on Fisherman's Wharf Monterey. Do not meet at Watsonville Civic Plaza. Allow 1 hour travel time from Watsonville.
Monterey Trips: Meet Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Fisherman's Wharf Monterey. Parking is available in the large lot that connects Fisherman's Wharf and Commercial Wharf #2. Go to Chris' Fishing Shop at 7 a.m. on Fisherman's Wharf where they will direct you to the boat for board and pre-trip briefing. The boat will depart at 7:30 a.m. and will not wait for latecomers who will forfeit their fees. Allow for delays of several hours in returning to the dock if unusual wildlife may be encountered. Be sure to get a parking voucher at Chris' Fishing Shop. Parking is $5 with Shearwater Journeys Pelagic Trip. Please note: The dock is not able to accommodate wheelchairs. Trip is not suitable for pregnant women. Dress in layers due to the changing weather conditions. Lunch will not be available on the boat.
Cost: $150
Trip Leaders: Sept. 22 Jennifer Green, Debi Shearwater; Sept. 23 Jennifer Green, Debi Shearwater, Abe Borker; Sept. 24 Abe Borker, Debi Shearwater, Scott Terrill, Linda Terrill; Sept. 25 Joe Morlan, Abe Borker, Debi Shearwater; Sept. 26 Debi Shearwater.
Transportation: Departs from Fisherman's Wharf Monterey


ELKHORN SLOUGH SAFARI
Date     Thursday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  Friday, Sept. 23, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  Saturday, Sept. 24, 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
   Sunday, Sept. 25, 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Description Elkhorn Slough Safari is a birding adventure aboard an open 27-foot pontoon boat, allowing for exploration of the slough from a perspective usually experienced only by 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. Limited to 10 per day.
Cost: $40
Trip Leaders: Captain Yohn Gideon and crew
Transportation: Go directly to Elkhorn Slough Safari in Moss Landing. Do not meet at Watsonville Civic Plaza. Allow 30 minutes travel time from Watsonville.
For directions, www.elkhornsloughsafari.com


KAYAK CONNECTION - ELKHORN SLOUGH
Date Thursday, Sept. 22, 9 a.m. to Noon
   Friday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. to Noon
  Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m. to Noon
   Sunday, Sept. 25, 9 a.m. to Noon
Description Here's your chance to take your own birding tour of Elkhorn Slough and enjoy 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 guided trip. Some of the most intriguing spots of the slough are ONLY accessible by kayak. Beginning kayakers are welcome and encouraged to sign up. Limited to 10 people in a double kayak per day.
Cost: $55
Trip Leaders: Kayak Connection to provide map of Elkhorn Slough.
Transportation: Go directly to Kayak Connection in Moss Landing. Do not meet at Watsonville Civic Plaza. Allow 30 minutes travel time from Watsonville. For directions,
www.kayakconnection.com.

Carpooling is encouraged for all field trips - be sure to start the day with a full tank of gas before heading out! Participants on long field trips should pack a lunch and drinks for the day. All field trips held rain or shine.