All field trips, unless otherwise posted, will meet at 8 AM at the parking lot in front of the Wild Bird Haven in the Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey.
Sat. Jan.19-Carmel River mouth &vic.
Leader: Robert Horn/831-372-4608
Long recognized as one of our premier birding hotspots on the peninsula, we will bird the lagoon, wetlands, beach and if time permits the Odello field along the Carmel River area. Great spot for raptors like Osprey, White-tailed Kites, hawks as well as wading shorebirds, ducks, geese and the ever possible vagrants.
Sat. Jan. 26-West Struve Slough, Watsonville
Leader: Nanci Adams/831-728-5803
We will be birding the wetlands area along a very hospitable trail that should offer great views of American Bittern, Green Heron, and several species of ducks, Hooded Merganser and as always, the “unexpected” birds of a marshland habitat. If time permits we may head over to “College Lake “ or Pinto Lake, also well know birding spots.
Sat.-Sun. Feb. 16, 17-Los Banos-Merced Nat’l Wildlife refuge& Panoche Valley
Leader: Nanci Adams/831-728-5803
This complex of National Wildlife Refuges hosts the largest wintering populations of Sandhill Cranes and Ross’ Goose along the Pacific Flyway. Thousands of cranes and arctic nesting geese make this their winter home. Numerous other species of birds, mammals (Tule Elk) amphibian, and reptiles live in this rich habitat. Call leader to reserve space and get details of the itinerary. Some may choose to stay overnight at local motels for the Panoche Valley portion the following day.
Sat. Feb. 23-North county Duck, Geese and Gulls
Leader: Tim Amaral/ 831-238-5407 email: redtailtours@earthlink.net
We'll chase around Moss Landing, Moon Glow and Zmudowski State Beach looking for winter specialties and challenging ourselves
with mid-winter gull identification. We'll meet up at the parking lot adjacent to the Sea Harvest Restaurant at 8:00 am. Rain cancels.
Sat. Mar. 2-East Pinnacles Nat’l Mon.
Leader: RJ Adams/831-771-9303
This 2.8 mile loop covers some of the most diverse terrain in the park, climbs over 500 ft., and in the process, goes through oak woods, riparian, chaparral, and rocky slopes. We will be looking for early migrants, winter holdovers, and of course, the many raptors the monument is famous for, including California Condors. The hike is a loop and is listed as "moderately strenuous". We will initially meet in the parking lot at Nob Hill Supermarket on the corner of Highway 68 and Blanco in Salinas at 7:00. We will then stop again for anyone coming from farther north at the Windmill Market in San Juan Bautista at 7:30. Please be aware that there is a $5.00 per car entrance fee to the monument and carpooling is strongly encouraged. If you are interested in joining us on this always lovely trip, please call R.J. Adams at (831) 771-9303 or email at rjadams55 (at) yahoo.com.
Sat. Mar. 16-Frog Pond Regional Park& Laguna Grande Park
Leader: Robert Horn/831-372-4608
One of the peninsula’s “Hidden Treasures”, this small Monterey Pen. Reg. Park wetland is a delight to bird with a variety of waterfowl, sparrows, warblers, finches and the occasional vagrants. The trail is an easy saunter along the pond with a surprising variety of habitats for such a small area. If time permits, we will head over to Laguna Grande Park and bird along the path surrounding the lake. Meet at the Wild Bird Haven for carpooling at 8AM
Sat. Apr.20-South Bank trail to Palo Corona Reg. Park
Leader: Bill Hill/831-624-3300
Recently the Monterey Regional Park District and the Big Sur Land Trust formed a new access trail to the east side of Palo Corona Reg. Park that runs adjacent to the Carmel River from its “trailhead” off of Rancho San Carlos rd. in Carmel Valley. We will explore this access trail as it winds its way from the Quail Lodge Golf Course area to the east entrance of the park, birding in a variety of habitats from riparian to oak woodland, grassland and golf park environments. Carpooling a must as parking is limited, also a regional park permit is recommended for those that wish to bird inside the Palo Corona Park. Group limited to 12, please RSVP leader. Permits may be obtained at the Regional Park website: www.mprpd.org
Fri-Sat. April 26-27-Spring Birdathon
Leaders: various
Come join us as we scour the county to find birds and raise money for our annual scholarship fundraiser. Details to follow in the next edition of the Sanderling.
Sat. May 4-Arroyo Seco Birds/butterflies
Leader: Chris Tenney831-/656-9830
Spring is a great time to explore the breathtaking Arroyo Seco River and gorge, before hot summer temperatures set in. In the early AM we’ll look for spring migrant warblers and flycatchers, as well as breeding birds like rufous-crowned sparrow and canyon wren. As the morning warms up, we’ll shift attention to butterflies, expecting 20 or more species, including four checkerspot species (variable, Gabb’s, Leanira, and Edith’s). Bring lunch and water, and plan on 2-3 miles of leisurely walking on Indians Rd. Meet at the Wild Bird Haven parking lot at Del Monte Center for carpooling at 6:30 AM, expected return to Monterey around 4 PM.
Sat. May 18-Andrew Molera SP
Leader/Blake Matheson/831-596-9990
Known as one of our finest areas for birding in the county, this state park offers the birder a chance to not only find outstanding native birds, but on a fairly regular basis, some of the rarer vagrant birds too. Located about 20 miles south of Carmel along scenic Hwy #1, the drive alone is worth the trip. Last year we had six Calif. Condors, Peregrine Falcon and, the bird of the day, a Yellow-breasted Chat. RSVP for carpooling/meeting location. Bring lunch and water.
Sat. June 8-Santa Lucia Preserve
Leader: Chris Tenney/831-656-9830
Join us on a visit to the Santa Lucia Preserve, a private landholding adjacent to and south of Carmel Valley. Possible breeding birds include grasshopper sparrow, MacGillivray’s warbler, hermit thrush, and mountain quail. Weather permitting, butterflies will be on the wing by late morning, and we should expect to see 20 or more species. Highlights of the day include swallowtails, fritillaries, and other species on hilltops overlooking Carmel Valley. Access to this preserve is by special permission only, and the number of participants is limited to 12 people. Call the leader in advance to reserve a spot. We will meet at the Wild Bird Haven parking lot at Del Monte Center for carpooling at 7:00 AM, and then drive 15 min. to the preserve entrance. Bring lunch and water.