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.
Least Sandpiper by Joanna Koziara
Members Only Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (Watsonville)
Located a few miles east of Moss Landing, Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve supports one of California’s largest coastal salt marshes and provides vital habitat for thousands of migratory shorebirds that use this location as a resting stop or wintering feeding ground. We’ll explore the trails that meander through oak woodlands, grasslands, and scrublands; scan the slough at the overlooks; and check out the tidal mudflats from the boardwalks. In addition to the shorebirds, we’ll also look for other wading birds, gulls, terns, raptors, woodpeckers, and songbirds.
Optional: pack your own lunch/snack and we'll picnic together afterwards.
Trip Difficulty: 2 miles, packed-dirt trails, little to no shade, some hills (less than 300 ft elevation gain)
Carpooling: Please note: SCVBA doesn’t arrange carpools, but attendees are welcome to organize their own carpools among themselves. If you are interested in carpooling, and want to share your email address with other attendees who also want to carpool, please email fieldtrips@scvbirdalliance.org.
Other Trip Notes: Weather variable, be prepared for cold or hot weather. Scopes helpful. Reserve opens at 9 am.
Leaders: Eve Meier (408) 569-9391, Edward Rooks (408) 318-2485 and Andy Melnick (650) 823-4117
Beginner Friendly, Loaner Binoculars Available, Family Friendly Ages 14 and up,
Meet: Parking Lot near Visitor Center
Directions: 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA 95076, about halfway between the coastal towns of Santa Cruz and Monterey. Visit the reserve website for step by step driving directions if you would like them (https://elkhornslough.org/visit/). Latitude/Longitude: 36.816823, -121.730074
Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, drinking water, cell phone service
Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, dirt parking lot
Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvbirdalliance.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.