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Wilder Ranch State Park (Santa Cruz)
Brandt's Cormorant by Teresa Cheng
Beat the heat on this coastal bird walk at Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz! This park features dramatic bluffs, sweeping views of the ocean, and many birds adapted to this habitat of sea and sand. As we walk along the bluffs, we’ll scan the water, beaches, and cliffs for Surf Scoters, Pigeon Guillemots, Brown Pelicans, and a variety of cormorants, terns, and gulls. We’ll check the rocky outcroppings for well-camouflaged Black Oystercatchers and Black Turnstones, look into the skies for Northern Harriers and Ospreys, and keep an eye out in the coastal chaparral for the non-migratory Nuttall’s subspecies of the White-crowned Sparrow. As a bonus, we will enjoy the harbor seals that haul-out here and maybe even spot a sea otter or two. Optional: Pack lunch or a snack. After the trip, we’ll grab some picnic tables and eat and chat near the historic ranch house.
Optional: pack your own lunch/snack and we'll picnic together afterwards.
Trip Difficulty: 3 miles, packed-dirt trails, uneven or rutted trails, little or no elevation gain, some steep drop offs next to trails, little to no shade
Other Trip Notes: Coastal weather can be unpredictable, so wear layers to adapt to changing temperatures and wind.
Leaders: Eve Meier (408) 569-9391, Edward Rooks (408) 318-2485
Beginner Friendly, Loaner Binoculars Available, Family Friendly Ages 14 and up, No elevation gain, I have 3 loaner binoculars, please let me know if you'd like to use one during the trip.
Meet: Wilder Ranch Parking Lot
Directions: From Santa Cruz, continue north on Hwy 1. Just under 2 miles past the intersection of Hwy 1 and Western Drive, make a left hand turn into the park. Latitude/Longitude: 36.960149, -122.085716
Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, cell phone service
Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, ADA compliant spots, parking fees, Parking fees are $10 or use the state park pass. Sometimes the kiosk is unattended so bring cash.
Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvbirdalliance.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.