Zmudowski State Beach

Zmudowski State Beach

Saturday January 4, 2025

8:00-noonish

Description: Zmudowski State Beach is one of those coastal gems where a freshwater lagoon abuts the coastal dunes, and within walking distance to the north the Pajaro River empties into the Pacific. It’s a location where the close proximity of several distinct habitats provide opportunity to see a large variety of bird species at a single hotspot location. More than 50 species are often tallied in a few hours at Zmudowski. We’ll see winter ducks in the freshwater lagoon, winter sparrows in the dunes and surrounding agricultural fields, as well as shorebirds, gulls, and terns along the sandbars at the mouth of the Pajaro, and perhaps a Northern Harrier patrolling the surrounding fields.

Meet: 8:00 am at the Zmudowski Beach Parking area, here: https://goo.gl/maps/4d7husDCZoXgbwEM9 

This location has experienced car break-ins in the past, so we advise not leaving any valuables behind in the car. 

Trip Logistics: We’ll walk a flat and relatively smooth 0.75 mile dirt road to the mouth of the Pajaro River and back, viewing the sand dunes and the freshwater lagoon on the way. We’ll return to the parking lot around noon. Hard rain cancels.

Facilities:  There is a primitive porta-potty at the parking lot. 

Trip Difficulty: Over the course of the morning, the total walking distance will be approximately 1.5  miles at a slow, birding pace. It may be cold in the morning but will hopefully warm up later in the morning. The walking will be over a well-graded, flat dirt road. Bring sunscreen, hats, water, snacks, and everything you may need for the morning. 

Trip Leader: Paul Fenwick, Long-time Monterey County birder and former Monterey Audubon Society Board member

Questions and RSVP:  For general questions email montereyaudubon@gmail.com. To RSVP, contact the trip leader at paulwfenwick@gmail.com