San Mateo County Bird Alliance Field Trips
Filoli Field Trip
Pre-registration is required for all field trips!
- Advance registration and field trip size limit: SMCBA 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.
- Please: Out of respect for our members and community, we ask participants to take sensible precautions for everyone's health when carpooling and sharing spaces. If you're not feeling well, please cancel.
- Participants required to sign liability waivers to participate: SMCBA 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.
2025
Pre-registration is required for all field trips!
>>> Registration links will be added when available <<<
Friday, August 29
Bedwell Bayfront Park, Menlo Park (5:30 - 6:30)
TGIF! A first, unwind after the week with birds. We'll bring a scope and extra binoculars and walk along the slough to the tidal pond to look for early arriving migrants and resident birds.
Directions: Meet in the first paved parking lot near the restrooms.
Leader: Chris MacIntosh Register
Friday, September 5
Filoli: Spring Creek Trail, Woodside (9:30 - 12:00)
Join us for a 3 mile hike. This trail gains 100' elevation 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 forest 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 ½ mile on a narrow dirt track with a 100' elevation gain. Admission Fee.
Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register
Sunday, September 7
San Bruno Mountain, Brisbane (8:30 - 11:30)
San Bruno Mountain Park is a landmark of local and regional significance, standing as a unique open-space island amid 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.
Directions: Meet at 555 Guadalupe Canyon Parkway.
Leader: Doug Brown Register
Wednesday, September 10
Nob Hill Pond, Redwood Shores (5:30 - 6:30)
Birds & Brews! Another first, join us to unwind after work to enjoy birding and a beer afterwards!
Leader: Doug Brown Register
Saturday, September 13
Palo Alto Baylands, Palo Alto (10:00 - 12:00)
Perfect for a first outing, this is a beginner and family-friendly outing! Meet in the parking lot for the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center, 2775 Embarcadero Rd. for a leisurely walk on level gravel trails where we will explore this San Francisco Bay treasure. Loaner binoculars are available.
Leader: J.R. Blair Register
Sunday, September 14
Pillar Point, Half Moon Bay (8:00 - 11:00)
Pillar Point is a hot spot for birding. Walking will be on a mostly level dirt trail and some sand. Scopes will be helpful here.
Directions: Meet at the "West Shoreline Access," popularly known as the parking lot to Mavericks, just below the radar station "golf ball".
Leader: Tom Duncan Register
Sunday September 21
Wavecrest Open Space, Half Moon Bay (8:00 - 11:00)
This is a 2-3 mile level walk through a vital hawk and raptor site, ending with an ocean scan for loons and other seabirds. Scopes are useful.
Directions: Meet at 399 Wavecrest Rd by Smith Field, 1.5 miles south of SR 1 & 92.
Leader: Ginny Marshall Register
Friday, September 26
Coyote Pt Recreational Area, San Mateo (8:00 - 11:30)
The diversity of habitats at Coyote Point offers the chance to see a number of species. With luck, we may see the resident Harlequin Duck.
Directions: Exit Peninsula Ave. from US 101 and follow the signs 1701 Coyote Point Drive—admission fee. Meet near the yacht club.
Leader: Donna Pomeroy Register
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@smcbirdalliance.org
Additional outings will be added as they become available. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for last-minute opportunities!
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Trip beyond local area, perhaps including an overnight stay
Volunteer Opportunity
Nature Walk or Viewing
Pelagic (Ocean) Trip
Motor Tour. May include car pooling.
Wheelchair Accessible
Birding by Bicycle