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.
Black-bellied Plover by Mary Ann Robertson
Members Only Field Trip: 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. 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: 3 miles, packed-dirt trails, uneven or rutted trails, some hills (less than 300 ft elevation gain), steep in some sections, little to no shade, there's one steep but short section of this trail
Other Trip Notes: Weather variable, be prepared for cold or hot weather. Scopes helpful. The reserve opens at 9 am. Please note: SCVBA doesn’t arrange carpools, but attendees are welcome to organize their own. If you are interested in carpooling and would like to share your email address with other interested attendees, please email fieldtrips@scvbirdalliance.org.
Leaders: Eve Meier (408) 569-9391
Family Friendly Ages 14 and up, Beginner Friendly, Loaner Binoculars Available
Meet: Visitor Center Parking Lot
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/). GPS: 36.816823, -121.730074
Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, drinking water, cell phone service, bike rack
Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, no fees
Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvbirdalliance.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.