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Cliff Swallows by Teresa Cheng
Palo Alto Baylands
On this trip, we will learn about the summertime breeding and nesting behaviors of Cliff and Barn Swallows and may even observe fledglings. We will wander past brackish sloughs to look for shorebirds including year-round American Avocets and Black-necked Stilts, as well as returning migrants such as Least and Western Sandpipers, Marbled Godwits, Dowitchers, Plovers and Greater Yellowlegs. At the duck pond and on the Marsh Trail, we'll look for Black-crowned Night Heron, Forster's Terns, and American White Pelicans. We may spot Northern Harrier low across the marsh and Turkey Vultures overhead.
In addition to observing diverse bird species, we will stop at several buildings and locations steeped in local history and explore the special plants that have learned to adapt, grow, and thrive in the marsh, sustaining the wonderful bird and animal life. This trip is designed for families, but all are welcome to attend.
Trip Difficulty: 2 miles. Easy, flat, wide, dirt-packed trails. Some trails have crushed oyster and decomposed granite tread. Some shade, some benches. The Lucy Evans Interpretive Center has a short gravel ramp. Its slope is 5.7%.
There is a wheelchair accessible wooden ramp/path on both sides of the EcoCenter building, leading up to the deck. There are handle bars/railing leading up to and along the deck.
Other Trip Notes: There can be lots of sun exposure. Hats and/or sun screen encouraged. There are usable public water fountains and a Portable Restroom available. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Leaders: Diane McCoy (650) 714-3769 and Sarah Chan (650) 549-4576
Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly All Ages, Wheelchair Accessible
Meet: On path in front of the Lucy Evans Interpretive Center.
Directions: From US-101 in Palo Alto take Embarcadero Rd east towards the bay. Pass the airport and turn left at the T-intersection. Continue for 0.5 miles passing the duck pond. Just over the bridge, the interpretive center (2775 Embarcadero Rd) will be on your left and the paved parking area will be on your right. Latitude/Longitude: 37.458949, -122.105212
Facilities: Working public water fountains. Portable Restroom. Cell phone service area.
Parking Type and Fees: Paved parking, no fees; one ADA-compliant porta-potty with two ADA parking spots near the sailing dock, one porta-potty at the duck pond. Nearby Byxbee Park has an ADA-accessible bathroom but only one accessible parking spot which fills up early.
Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.