TRIP POLICY: Please limit your sign-ups to 1 weekend trip and 2 weekday trips per month. Also, please take a moment to read our other policies here.

Coastal Birding and Fall Migration in Pacific Grove

Black Oystercatcher by Vinayak Hebbagil

The area around Point Pinos and the rocky shores of Asilomar Beach in Pacific Grove is a great spot to look for coastside birds like Black Turnstones, Surfbirds, Ruddy Turnstones, Black Oystercatchers among others. We will also look in the trees near Crespi Pond and visit the El Carmelo Cemetery to look for fall migrants like Yellow Warblers in addition to the residents like Townsend's Warbler, Pygmy Nuthatches, etc. and take a chance at any vagrants. Based on timing and recent sightings, we may head to another spot before concluding the trip.

Trip Difficulty: 3 miles, packed-dirt trails, rocky trails, little or no elevation gain, little to no shade, sandy trails along beach

Other Trip Notes: Weather is highly variable along the coast, be prepared for cold fog or bright sun. And, remember to bring your lunch/snack.

Leaders: Vinayak Hebbagil (585) 705-6643, Shweta Shidhore (585) 748-5117, Eve Meier (408) 569-9391

Beginner Friendly

Meet: Parking lot for Heart Shaped Rock along Ocean View Blvd near Pt Pinos Lighthouse

Directions: 

From Asilomar Ave in Pacific Grove, turn left onto Ocean View Blvd. Drive about 0.3 mile and turn into the oceanside parking lot on your right (the "Heart Shaped Rock" parking lot). If this lot is full, park in one of the other dirt pull-out spots along Ocean View Blvd. Latitude/Longitude: 36.636700, -121.936279

Facilities: No, nearest public bathroom at Crespi Pond (36.636492, -121.933511)

Parking Type and Fees: dirt parking lots and street parking, no fees

Banner Photo: Black Oystercatcher by Vinayak Hebbagil

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