San Mateo County, California
Sequoia Audubon Field Trips
Filoli Field Trip
Pre-registration is required for all field trips!
- Advance registration and field trip size limit: SAS is currently requiring RSVPs for all field trips and is limiting the trip size. We are using Eventbrite as our reservation platform. Please no drop-ins.
- COVID Vaccination Required to Participate: SAS field trips are open to individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Participants required to sign liability waivers to participate: SAS is now using a electronic Waiver and Photographic Release Form that is sent to participants about a week before the event that is easily signed on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- Trip cancellations: If the weather is bad enough that you don't want to go on a field trip that day, chances are your trip leader doesn't want to go either! Field trips will typically be cancelled for heavy rain, but not for light mist.
- Please note that rain or Air Quality Index over 150 cancels, unless otherwise stated. Bring binoculars, water, snacks, sunscreen, and dress in layers as weather can change.
Note: All phone numbers are for Area Code 650, unless otherwise stated.
2024
eBird/GBBC Data Entry Best Practices document
Please note that rain or Air Quality Index over 150 cancels, unless otherwise state. Bring binoculars, water, snacks, sunscreen, and dress in layers as weather can change.
Pre-registration is required for all field trips!
>>> Registration links will be added when available <<<
Wednesday, October 16
Filoli: Estate Trail, Woodside (9:30 – 12:00)
This is a 2–2.5 mile moderate walk on the Filoli Gardens and Estate trail. Habitats include mixed oak, redwood, madrone woodlands, riparian corridor, and historic horse pastures.
Directions: Directions: From Hwy 280, exit at Edgewood Rd and head west. At the T intersection, turn right onto Canada Rd. In 1⁄2 mile, turn left into the property. Park under the oaks on the left side of the lot to find the leader. Filoli admission fee required.
Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register: https://bit.ly/3XasSIG
Saturday, October 19
Bair Island, Redwood City (10:00 – 12:00)
Level dirt trails make this an easy outing for beginners. We should see a variety of ducks, shorebirds, and smaller songbirds.
Leaders: JR Blair Register: https://bit.ly/472qmbE
Monday, October 21
Filoli: Spring Creek Trail, Woodside (9:30 – 12:00)
Join us for a 3-mile hike, including the newly opened Spring Creek Trail through the Redwoods on the Filoli Estate. This trail has a 100-foot elevation gain in 1⁄4 mile on a dirt path- not recommended if you have mobility issues. We will spend most of the morning on the California Trail in the oak and madrone forests and the Spring Creek Trail through the redwoods. The California trail is over dirt paths with a slight incline and is one mile long. The Spring Creek trail is 1⁄2 mile on a narrow dirt track that has a 100-foot elevation gain. There is a possibility of seeing up to 45 bird species, 33 of which are year-round residents. Filoli admission fee required.
Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register: https://bit.ly/3AElIoi
Sunday, October 27
San Pedro Valley Park, Pacifica (9:00 – 10:30)
This coastal wooded county park features a variety of habitats for migrating and resident birds.
Directions: Meet in the parking lot to the right of the Visitor Center. $6.00 Vehicle entry fee. Parks Passes are available through the Library System. 600 Oddstad Blvd.
Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register: https://bit.ly/476fTfj
Friday, November 1
Union Cemetery, Redwood City (10:00 – 11:00)
If you've not been to the Historic Union Cemetery, here's an opportunity to learn some of its fascinating history. The hour-long walk will also introduce you to Sequoia's conservation efforts through the cavity nesters recovery program.
Directions: 316 Woodside Rd.
Leader: Christin New Register: https://bit.ly/3X2d4rd
Sunday, November 3
Wavecrest, Half Moon Bay (8:00 – 12:00)
This is a 2-3 mile level walk through a vital hawk and raptor wintering site ending with an ocean scan for loons and other seabirds. Scopes are useful. We expect to see Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, White- tailed Kites, and others!
Directions: Meet at 399 Wavecrest Rd by Smith Field, 1.5 miles south of SR 1 & 92.
Leader: Ginny Marshall Register: https://bit.ly/3yKUoUZ
Monday, November 4
Filoli: Estate Trail, Woodside (9:30 – 12:00)
Join us for a 3-mile hike, including the newly opened Spring Creek Trail through the Redwoods on the Filoli Estate. This trail has a 100-foot elevation gain in 1⁄4 mile on a dirt path- not recommended if you have mobility issues. We will spend most of the morning on the California Trail in the oak and madrone forests and the Spring Creek Trail through the redwoods. The California trail is over dirt paths with a slight incline and is one mile long. The Spring Creek trail is 1⁄2 mile on a narrow dirt track that has a 100-foot elevation gain. There is a possibility of seeing up to 45 bird species, 33 of which are year-round residents. Filoli admission fee required.
Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register: https://bit.ly/3AISqVG
Saturday, November 9
Christmas Bird Count Basics, Lower Windy Hill, Portola Valley (8:00 – 11:00)
Have you ever thought about participating in a Christmas Bird Count (CBC) but had no idea what you might be getting yourself into? If so, join Leslie Flint, former CBC Coordinator for the Crystal Springs and Ann Nuevo CBCs, to learn what is required of a CBC counter; how to count birds, how to complete paperwork, and what will be expected of you as a participant.
Directions: Meet at the Lower Windy Hill parking lot 555 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Overflow parking is available 0.4 mile north at the Portola Valley Town Center. Be prepared for hiking, wear layers, bring binoculars, water, and snacks.
Leader: Leslie Flint Register: https://bit.ly/3U1Mjm7
Sunday, November 10
San Bruno Mountain, Brisbane (8:30 – 11:30)
San Bruno Mountain Park is a landmark of local and regional significance, a unique open-space island in the midst of the peninsula's urbanization, on the border of San Mateo and San Francisco counties. It is home to a wealth of wildlife, hidden pockets of woodland, and sheltered canyons. We'll walk about 1 mile on most flat dirt and asphalt trails. $6.00 Vehicle entry fee (See note about passes on 10/27 outing.)
Directions: Meet in the parking lot, 555 Guadalupe Canyon Parkway.
Leader: Doug Brown Register: https://bit.ly/4dF2duq
Wednesday, November 20
Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, Woodside (8:00 – 11:30)
Walk through the habitats of Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, including riparian, chaparral, lake, and oak woodland areas. It encompasses remarkable geologic, topographic, and biotic diversity within its 1,193 acres and provides a natural laboratory for researchers worldwide and educational experiences for students and docent-led visitors. We will cover ~ 4 miles on packed earth trails and roads, with mild to moderate elevation gain. This docent-led field trip is limited to 15 participants ages 14+. Participants must stay with the docent-led group for the entire trip. Stanford University access requirements include signing Stanford's waiver of liability.
Directions: will be emailed to participants.
Leader: Emily Kim and Co-leader: Sonny Mencher. Register: email fieldtrips@sequoia-audubon.org
Thursday, November 21
Nob Hill Pond, Redwood Shores (9:00 – 11:00)
This area is very productive for various ducks and other waterbirds. Easy walking on mostly level ground. Bring scopes if you have them. Restrooms in the nearby shopping center.
Directions: Take the Redwood Shores Pkwy exit east from Hwy 101, turn right on Bridge Pkwy, right at Tiller Ln. Follow Tiller Ln to Spar Ln and park in the cul-de-sac. Heavy rain cancels
Leader: Donna Pomeroy Register: https://bit.ly/3Z2Y7HT
Saturday, November 23
Palo Alto Baylands, Palo Alto (10:00 – 12:00)
Join us for a leisurely walk on level gravel trails where we will explore this San Francisco Bay treasure. We should see a variety of shorebirds and waterbirds with migration in full swing.
Directions: Meet in front of the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center, 2775 Embarcadero Rd.
Leader: JR Blair Register: https://bit.ly/3MoGg6U
Monday, November 25
Filoli: Spring Creek Trail, Woodside (9:30 – 12:00)
Join us for a 3-mile hike, including the newly opened Spring Creek Trail through the Redwoods on the Filoli Estate. This trail has a 100-foot elevation gain in 1⁄4 mile on a dirt path- not recommended if you have mobility issues. We will spend most of the morning on the California Trail in the oak and madrone forests and the Spring Creek Trail through the redwoods. The California trail is over dirt paths with a slight incline and is one mile long. The Spring Creek trail is 1⁄2 mile on a narrow dirt track that has a 100-foot elevation gain. There is a possibility of seeing up to 45 bird species, 33 of which are year-round residents. Filoli admission fee required.
Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register: https://bit.ly/4e0JoBz
Wednesday, December 4
Pillar Pt Bluff, Half Moon Bay (9:00 – 12:00)
This small County Park has sweeping views of both the agricultural land and the ocean, with an uncrowded trail system. There is a nice mix of birds here, including breeding California Thrashers. The trail is moderately easy, with a short but steep descent at the end of the loop.
Directions: Meet at the Pillar Point Bluff parking lot on Airport St, across from the Half Moon Bay airport on the west side. Heavy rain cancels.
Leader: Donna Pomeroy Register: https://bit.ly/4cI1vv2
Wednesday, December 11
Filoli: Estate Trail, Woodside (9:30 – 12:00)
This is a 2–2.5 mile moderate walk on the Filoli Gardens and Estate trail. Habitats include mixed oak, redwood, madrone woodlands, riparian corridor, and historic horse pastures.
Directions: Directions: From Hwy 280, exit at Edgewood Rd and head west. At the T intersection, turn right onto Canada Rd. In 1⁄2 mile, turn left into the property. Park under the oaks on the left side of the lot to find the leader. Filoli admission fee required.
Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register: https://bit.ly/3AAIQE4
Saturday, December 21
Bedwell Bayfront Park, Menlo Park (10:00 – 12:00)
Beginner and family-friendly bird walk on fairly level trails exploring the upland and wetland areas of the park. Raptors, egrets, and LBBs (little brown birds) can be seen. Loaner binoculars are available.
Directions: Meet in the parking lot with the restrooms.
Leader: JR Blair Register: https://bit.ly/4dDIJpP
Consider sharing your enthusiasm for birds by becoming a field trip leader or co-leader. One doesn't have to be an expert; we'll train you and provide support to make it an enjoyable experience for all! Or if you know of some other areas that would be good for outings, please email fieldtrips@sequoia-audubon.org
Additional outings will be added as they become available. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for last-minute opportunities!
Legend of Field Trip Symbols |
|
Wildlife Viewing Fee required for part or all of this event Trip beyond local area, perhaps including an overnight stay Volunteer Opportunity Beginner/Family walk |
Nature Walk or Viewing Pelagic (Ocean) Trip Motor Tour. May include car pooling. Wheelchair Accessible Birding by Bicycle |