Birdability at Toro Park

Full Description: Join us for a slow-paced, inclusive birding excursion at Toro County Park! We’ll explore the park’s oak woodlands on the paved roads of the group picnic areas.  Likely birds may include oak woodland species such as woodpeckers, sparrows, raptors flying overhead, the resident Wild Turkeys, and perhaps some seasonal fall migrants.

This Birdability field trip is designed to be welcoming to birders of all experience levels.

Logistics: We’ll meet in the first parking lot on the left after entering Toro County Park. There is no entrance fee, although there is a kiosk at the park entrance. Turn left after the kiosk and continue to the first parking lot on the left, approximately here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pehgpMUNW5JubGjv7. Parking and public restrooms are available near the picnic and day-use areas.

We’ll primarily use wide park roads and maintained trails. Surfaces may include pavement, compacted dirt, and uneven areas. The park is an outdoor environment, so participants should expect natural sounds such as bird calls, wind, and insects, as well as occasional sounds from other visitors or vehicles. There may be sun and shade along the route.

There are accessible parking spots and accessible bathrooms available. This path should be accessible to those who use walkers, manual, or motorized wheelchairs.

Trip Difficulty: This will be an easy-to-moderate path. The usual route is a mostly flat loop of approximately one mile, but participants are welcome to shorten the length. We’ll move at a slow pace with frequent stops, and the group may spend extended periods in one location watching and listening for birds. Some areas may have gentle slopes or uneven surfaces. Benches or natural places to rest may be available, but seating is not guaranteed.

Distance: The total distance for the usual loop is approximately one mile, with the option to do less.

Leader: Birdability Captains Rita Carratello, Jennifer Paquelier, and Bev Gatliff

Other: Bring binoculars if you have them, water, sun protection, and anything else that will help you feel comfortable outdoors. We’ll be observing birds both by sight and by sound, so participants are welcome to use whatever combination of visual and auditory observation works best for them. Indicate in the registration if you need binoculars.

For general questions, email info@MontereyAudubon.org. Please RSVP through our website.