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A Noisy California Gull Colony (Palo Alto)

California Gull by Mary Ann Robertson

Breeding California Gulls in the South Bay have been monitored since 1980 when there were only 24 gulls. A count in 2024 showed 7,201 nests at the Palo Alto Flood Control Basin; that is around 14,400 adult gulls! Very noisy. Add in the cute, fuzzy gray chicks and there is a lot to watch. We will walk the Adobe Creek Loop Trail to an area across from the basin islands used for nesting by California Gulls. There we will look for the chicks and some early fledglings for about 30 minutes. On the way back we will meander and look for shorebirds on Charleston Slough on the left and ducks and pelicans in Adobe Creek on the right. At the pump house we'll look for Barn and Cliff Swallows. For a preview check out https://scvas.org/self-guided-birding/california-gull-colony.

Trip Difficulty: 3 miles, paved, gravel and packed-dirt trails, no elevation gain.

Other Trip Notes: Bring your binoculars, and if you have them, cameras with telephoto lenses, and spotting scopes.

Leaders: Diane McCoy (650) 714-3769, Julie Amato, and Vicki Silvas-Young (408) 807-6993

Beginner Friendly, No elevation gain

Meet: Trailhead at the intersection of San Antonio Road and Terminal Boulevard

Directions: From US-101 in Mountain View, exit San Antonio Rd. Continue north to the end of San Antonio Rd then turn right onto Terminal Blvd. Park along Terminal Blvd. Latitude/Longitude: 37.433605, -122.099551

Facilities: Wheelchair accessible restroom; drinking water at trailhead. Cell phone service is good.

Parking Type and Fees: Parking (free) along Terminal Boulevard. There are two ADA parking spots and a curb cut and path leading to the trailhead, at the San Antonio Gate.

Banner Photo: California Gull by Mary Ann Robertson

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvbirdalliance.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.