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Palo Alto Baylands
Cliff Swallow by Sarah Chan
On this trip, we will wander past brackish sloughs, marshes and the duck pond looking for shorebirds, egrets, ducks, raptors, and songbirds. We’ll first start birding at the marsh by the parking lot to look for shorebirds and ducks such as year-old Black-necked Stilts and Ruddy Ducks. We’ll then go to the Lucy Evans Nature Center to observe nesting Cliff and Barn swallows and may even see fledglings. We’ll then head to the duck pond while looking for more shorebirds, songbirds, ducks, and raptors. Bushtits, Northern Mockingbirds, and Song Sparrows are often found in the area. We may also spot a Northern Harrier flying low across the marsh or a Forster's Tern looking for fish in the water.
Trip Difficulty: 2 miles, gravel trails, little to no shade
Leaders: Sarah Chan (650) 549-4576
Beginner Friendly
Meet: Parking Lot for Lucy Evans Nature Center
Directions: From US-101 in Palo Alto take Embarcadero Rd east towards the bay. Pass the airport and turn left at the T-intersection. Continue for 0.5 miles passing the duck pond. Just over the bridge, the nature center (2775 Embarcadero Rd) will be on your left and the paved parking area will be on your right. Latitude/Longitude: 37.458949, -122.105212
Facilities: drinking water
Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot
Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvbirdalliance.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.