Drop-in: Fall Migrants on the Bay (Mountain View)
American Avocet by Chris Johnson
The fall migration is under way. In case you have any doubts, the SF Bay Area is a fantastic place to winter according to the tens of thousands of birds who choose to stay September through May. In addition to the estuary’s year-round residents such as Northern Harriers, Turkey Vultures, Snowy and Great Egrets, Marbled Godwits, American Avocets, and Black-necked Stilts, we are likely to encounter newly arrived “snow birds” such as Northern Shovelers, Green-winged Teals, Northern Pintails, and White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows. We will observe them dabble, dive, dine and hobnob with one another. Bring binoculars if you have them. Otherwise, there will be some binoculars available. Drop in anytime during the event, stay for as long or as little as you would like, no reservations required but they are recommended so we can notify you of any changes.
Trip Difficulty: short walk from parking to observation deck, paved trails, gravel trails, packed-dirt trails, little or no elevation gain, little to no shade
Trip Notes: Can be cool at the bay, so wear layers
Leaders: Peg Albrets (408) 891-3554, Diane McCoy (650) 714-3769, Mary Ann Robertson (650) 521-3910, SM
Additional Languages: English will be the primary language of this field trip, but other languages spoken by our trip leaders include German, Tamil and Spanish.
Family Friendly - all ages, Loaner Binoculars Available, Beginner Friendly, No elevation gain, 2 hours or less, 1 mile or less
Meet: Charleston Slough observation deck
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. Once parked, use the trail that starts at the restrooms near the corner of Terminal and San Antonio to walk to the observation deck which is about one eighth of a mile into the park. Latitude/Longitude: 37.436059, -122.098875
Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, bathroom, drinking water, cell phone service
Parking Type and Fees: street parking, no fees
Banner Photo: American Avocet Chris Johnson
Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvbirdalliance.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.