Introduction to South County Raptor Watching – MAS Members Only

Description: Take a Sunday drive amid the grasslands east of King City with two veteran hawk watchers from the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. We will be on the lookout for eagles, hawks and falcons. Non-raptor specialties include Mountain Bluebird, Yellow-billed Magpie and Loggerhead Shrike. This relaxed-paced trip is intended for those curious about the birds of this special area, some of which visit only during the winter months. See this eBird trip report from December 2021, which reflects the pace, timing and duration of this trip: https://ebird.org/tripreport/23685 

Meet for carpools: 9:30 am at the King City Starbucks parking lot here: https://goo.gl/maps/4MzTqeiZhaZatBBE8 . From there we’ll organize into three cars and drive east towards Highway 25 and the Peach Tree Valley.  Carpooling is critical due to some small pullouts so the trip will be limited to 12 participants and 3 cars.

Trip Logistics: This is a car-birding trip. We’ll stop at several pullouts and bird from there. The exact route for the trip may depend on recently seen birds, but will generally include Peach Tree Valley. We’ll return to King City by mid-afternoon. Inclement weather will cancel the trip, at the discretion of the trip leaders. 

Special Considerations: 

Participants must be comfortable carpooling in groups of four. 

There are no gas stations, restaurants or stores after leaving King City. Please plan accordingly by bringing everything you’ll need during the trip including water, food, and sunscreen. January can be chilly. Dress in layers.

There are NO restrooms anywhere along the route. If Nature calls before returning to King City, be ready to answer the call in the wild.

Trip Leaders: Jane Rudebusch and Mary Kenney

Questions and RSVP:  For general questions email montereyaudubon@gmail.com. Contact Mary for any additional logistical questions: mary.kenney@me.com