Zmudowski State Beach Birding

Description: Zmudowski State Beach is one of those coastal gems where a fresh water 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 returning winter ducks in the freshwater lagoon, returning winter sparrows in the dunes and surrounding agricultural fields, lingering shorebirds and terns along the sandbars at the mouth of the Pajaro, and perhaps a Northern Harrier patrolling the surrounding fields.

Meet: 9:00 am at the Zmudowski Beach Parking area, here: https://goo.gl/maps/4d7husDCZoXgbwEM9. You will be driving through the Giberson Rd agricultural fields to reach the parking area - follow the signs to the State Beach.

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 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. There may be additional locations or afternoon extensions depending on group interest and the discretion of the field trip leader. 

Facilities:  There are primitive bathroom facilities 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 cool in the morning and could be hot or windy towards the end of the trip. The walking will be over a well-graded, flat dirt road. Bring sunscreen, hats, water, snacks, lunch and everything you may need for the morning. 

Trip Leader: Terence Degan

Questions and RSVP:  For general questions email info@montereyaudubon.org

Bring Binoculars if you have them! No binoculars? No problem. Indicate how many pairs you need to borrow in your RSVP.