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.
2026
Pre-registration is required for all field trips!
>>> Registration links will be added when available <<<
Wednesday, May 6
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 1/2 mile on a narrow dirt track with a 100' elevation gain. Admission Fee.
Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register
Friday May 8
Neary Lagoon, Santa Cruz (8:30- 11:00)
This is a fun trail through the lagoon. We'll look for wood ducks among other species. Meet at the restroom building by the parking lot near the intersection of Bay Street and California Street. The parking lot is small but there should be street parking available.
Leader: Nelle Lyons Register
Saturday May 16
Shorebird Park, Foster City (10:00 - 12:00)
Beginning Nature Journaling - Nature journaling is a practice of recording observations, questions, and reflections about the natural world, no artistic skills required. Learn about, view some examplesofnature journaling and try yourhand at it. SMCBA will supply pens and small notebooks, but feel free to bring your own materials.
Leader: Stanton Chan & Inna Magner Register
Sunday May 17
Burleigh H. Murray State Park, Half Moon Bay (8:00 - 12:00
This is a leisurely 3-4 hour walk of ~3 miles ni this bird-rich gem on a mostly level, gravel road leading to the historic barn. Migrating breeding birds will be arriving. We'll emphasize identifying by sound. Directions: Take SR1 south from Half Moon Bay and then turn east at Higgins Canyon Rd.
Leader: Ginny Marshall Register
Wednesday May 20
Filoli; Estate Trail, Woodside (9:30 - 12:00)
A 2-2.5 mile moderate walk. This eBird hotspot recorded 69 species during February '26! Habitats include mixed oak, redwood, madrone woodlands, riparian corridor, and historic horse pastures. Admission fee.
Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register
Wednesday May 20
Pillar Pt, Half Moon Bay (9:00 - 11:30)
Pillar Point is awonderful place for birding, with a variety ofresident birds, shorebirds, and water birds. Walking will be on a mostly level dirt trail and some sand. Meet in the Mavericks parking lot.
Leader: Cedric De Bryl Register
Saturday May 23
Sign Hill, South San Francisco (8:30 - 11:00)
Sign Hill is a 30 acre hilltop preserve and a wonderful place to hike. This easy-paced 1 mile trail has a mild incline and features good views of South San Francisco. Notable species from warblers to purple finch can be found here in the middle of the city.
Leader: Max Hollenback Register
Saturday May 30
Pescadero Marsh, Pescadero (8:30 - 12:30)
Meet at the middle of three parking lots for Pescadero State Beach (the sign specifies Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve); the lot is on the west side of Highway I approximately 1/4 mile north ofPescadero Creek Road. We will view birds from the bluffs overlooking the ocean. We will choose a trail into the marsh depending on conditions. We should have opportunities for shore/ ocean birds and marsh birds.
Leader: Nelle Lyons Register
Wednesday June 17 - Saturday June 20
Gold Lakes Basin, Sierra Valley for Beginning and Intermediate Birders - Multi-day field trip!
Sierra Valley is a year-round birding paradise. In summer, it is home to breeding songbirds, waders, and waterbirds. Sierra Valley's habitats support the Sierra Nevada's greatest diversity and abundance of birds. We will also spend some time in the Yuba Pass area. Our trip leader, J.R. Blair, is the former Director of the San Francisco State University, Sierra Nevada Field Campus. The trip will commence at 1:00 PM on Wed, June 17, at the Field Campus in Sierra City and end at about 12 PM on Sat, June 20. Our days will begin at 8:30 am. Participants are responsible for their own food, lodging, and transportation. Carpooling may be an option. Limit 10 people. Accompanied young birders welcome.
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 or Instagram for last-minute opportunities!
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Nature Walk or Viewing
Beginner/Family walk
Pelagic (Ocean) Trip
Motor Tour. May include car pooling.
Wheelchair Accessible
Birding by Bicycle
Accessible by Mass Transit