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Pigeon Guillemot by Treasa Hovorka

Members Only Pigeon Point Lighthouse and Gazos Creek (San Mateo County)

Beginning at Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park (37.182729, -122.393801), we will head first to the observation platform to scope the ocean and rocks for birds of note. If you have a spotting scope, please bring it along as seawatching is difficult without one. We will have at least two scopes for participants to share if you do not have one.

Along the coastal rocks, we will be looking for rock-loving shorebirds such as Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Wandering Tattler, and Black Oystercatcher in addition to breeding Pigeon Guillemots. The ocean may have a variety of diving ducks, grebes, loons, and cormorants which will all be in stunning breeding plumage. Other alcids are possible as well - we will want to watch for Common Murre and Rhinoceros Auklet especially. Further out, we will scan the horizon for Sooty Shearwaters which are Spring arrivals to California waters. We will also walk along the cliff to search the rocks to the east; nearby fields are also good areas to watch for raptors.

Parking at the Pigeon Point lighthouse is limited: please consider carpooling. (We’ll share names and email addresses for easier co-ordination). Porta potties are located beside the parking lot.

After walking the road and searching the periphery, we will relocate our cars to the Gazos Creek Beach parking lot: (37.166495, -122.361654). Porta potties are located at the lot. A short walk to the beach should afford us ample opportunity to review shorebirds and gulls. Any coastal California shorebird is possible here during Spring migration, and this timing allows us to appreciate both lingering wintering gulls as well as Spring migrants such as Bonaparte's and Heermann’s Gulls.

After securing the beach we will then relocate the cars (or walk, keeping safety in mind) across Highway 1 to intersection with Gazos Creek Road itself (37.166623, -122.360761), and then bird a ways up the road along the creek looking for locals and Spring migrants. These might include: Pacific Wren, Pine Siskin, Orange-crowned, Townsend, Wilson’s, and MacGillivray's Warbler.

For those who wish to have lunch before heading home, Highway 1 Brewing Company is located just down the road across from the beach. Burgers, beer, fries - we expect to go there afterwards and you are welcome to join us.

Trip Difficulty: 1 mile, paved trails, rocky trails, sand

Other Trip Notes: Rain, dense fog or heavy winds will cancel.

Leaders: John Tsortos (408) 348-6805, Raminder Bajwa (650) 861-1439

1 mile or shorter

Meet: Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park parking lot

Directions: Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park is located on California Highway 1, 20 miles south of Half Moon Bay and 27 miles north of Santa Cruz. Location may be reached either from the South via CA-17 S and CA-1 N (from Santa Cruz drive north for approximately 27 miles) or from I-280 N, CA-92 W and Cabrillo Hwy S (from Half Moon Bay drive south for approximately 21 miles). Latitude/Longitude: 37.182729, -122.393801

Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, porta-potty, No drinking water available at these locations.

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.