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California Gulls by Mary Ann Robertson

Field Trip: A Noisy California Gull Colony (Palo Alto)

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, gravel trails, uneven or rutted trails, little or no elevation gain, little to no shade

Other Trip Notes: rain or extreme heat cancels the trip

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

Family Friendly Ages 10 and up, No elevation gain, Beginner Friendly

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: ADA accessible bathroom, drinking water, cell phone service

Parking Type and Fees: street parking, no fees

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