eBird/GBBC Data Entry Best Practices document

Sunday, January 8
Sunrise Drive, Woodside (8:30-11:00)

We will look for birds in an area of willows, oak, and buckeye trees along a small creek and in second-growth redwoods. We are likely to see year-round resident birds and winter visitors. Our ~2.5 mile walk will take us by tributaries of Alambique Creek to a historic logging bridge. Our route has paved or unpaved roads of slight to moderate grade. There are no facilities at the parking area but a pit toilet about 1/3 of the way along the walk.

Directions: Take Hwy 84 (La Honda Rd) headed west from I-280 to Skywood Way, then turn right onto Sunrise Dr and park near 100 Sunrise Dr. Heavy rain cancels.

Leader: Christin New, new.a.christin@gmail.com Register: http://bit.ly/3i2Ytec

Saturday, January 14
Palo Alto Baylands Beginner/Family trip (9:00 – 11:00)

A leisurely walk on level gravel trails where we will explore this San Francisco Bay treasure. We should see a variety of waterbirds, and l look for wintering sparrows. Rain cancels.

Directions: Meet at the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center, 2775 Embarcadero Rd..

Leader: JR Blair, jrblair20@gmail.com. Register: http://bit.ly/3VwxS7X

Monday, January 16
Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay (8:00-11:00)

This is a hot spot for birding year-round. We should find a variety of resident and wintering birds. Most of the walk will be on mostly level dirt trail with some sand. A scope will be helpful here. A primitive restroom is available at the parking lot.

Directions: From CA 1, turn west at the stoplight at Capistrano Rd and continue along the harbor's north side to Prospect Way. Turn left onto Prospect, then a brief jog right on Broadway, to an immediate left on Harvard Ave. Proceed through the boat yards to the end of Harvard Ave, then turn right onto West Point Ave, which curves around the marsh and heads uphill. Meet at the "West Shoreline Access," popularly known as the parking lot to Mavericks, just below the radar station "golf ball".

Rain cancels.

Leader: Donna Pomeroy, dpom@comcast.net. Register: http://bit.ly/3u5yYLW

Thursday, January 19
Filoli Historic House and Garden, Woodside (9:30-12:00)

Join us for a ~2.5 mile moderate bird walk on the Filoli Gardens and Estate trail in mixed oak, redwood, madrone woodlands and a riparian corridor. The paths are either flat or slightly inclined. Restrooms are available. We may see as many as 50 bird species, 33 of which are year-round residents. Directions: 86 Canada Road, From Highway 280, exit on Edgewood Rd and head west. At the T-intersection, turn right onto Canada Rd. Entrance is a 1⁄2 mile on the left. Continue to the parking lot and park on the left side of the lot under the oaks.

Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux, kimberliemoutoux@gmail.com.

For Reservations: Register by emailing the leader. Your confirmation email will provide ticket purchase instructions. Tickets are $25/ adult, $22/ senior, $20/ student, teacher, military, and free for Filoli members. It can be used to further explore the historic house and grounds after the bird walk.

Rain does not cancel.

Thursday, January 26
Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz (8:30-12:00)

Join us for a ~ 2.5 mile mostly level walk through a variety of habitats including Douglas-firs and coast redwoods while coastal prairie covers much of the flatter terrain. Drier areas include oak woodland, knobcone pines, and manzanitas. These areas contain a variety of resident and wintering bird species. The parking area has restrooms. Entrance fee $10.

Directions: Wilder Ranch SP is located west of SR 1, north of Santa Cruz. We will meet in the day use parking lot at 1842 Coast Road. Rain cancels

Leader: Nelle Lyons 1tigger1nl@gmail.com. Register: https://bit.ly/3gQWXMg

Saturday, January 28
Raptors of San Benito County, Tres Pinos, (8:30-3:00)

Let's explore the backroads of San Benito County in search of Golden Eagles, Ferruginous Hawks, and Prairie Falcons. San Benito County is an excellent area for wintering raptors. Bring lunch, liquids, and a scope if you have one. Since parking is limited, participants on this trip must be willing to carpool with other participants from Tres Pinos (we are limited to 4 cars on the trip route). All participants must have the most current COVID-19 booster vaccination 2 weeks prior.

Directions: Meet at Catholic Church (7290 Airline Highway (SR 25)-coordinates 36.787133, -121.316453) in the small town of Tres Pinos, San Benito County, south of Hollister. From San Mateo, allow about 2 hours driving time. Take Hwy 101 south to Hwy 25, continue through Hollister to Tres Pinos. The large Catholic church is on the right. Park in the lot farthest from the church. Take advantage of bathroom facilities in Hollister before you drive to Tres Pinos.

Leader: Leslie Flint. Register by emailing: lflint@earthlink.net

Saturday, February 11
Charleston Slough for Beginners, Palo Alto (8:30 – 11:00)

This is a beginner and family-friendly 1-2 mile bird walk along easy level trails at Charleston Slough. The slough and Coast Casey Forebay are a hotspot for birds year-round. We will look for shorebirds, ducks, waterfowl, and some little brown birds (sparrows, wrens, etc.) Restroom available near the parking area.

Directions: from US 101 exit 400 B San Antonio Rd North. Follow San Antonio Rd to the end, which becomes Terminal Rd where a large parking area fills up quickly on weekends. Meet near the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve Trailhead.

Rain cancels.

Leader: Emily Kim, ekim56310@gmail.com. Register: http://bit.ly/3XvKLkh

Sunday, February 12
Sunrise Drive, Woodside (8:30-11:00)

We will look for birds in an area of willows, oak, and buckeye trees along a small creek and in second-growth redwoods. We are likely to see year-round resident birds and winter visitors. Our ~2.5 mile walk will take us by tributaries of Alambique Creek to a historic logging bridge. Our route has paved or unpaved roads of slight to moderate grade. There are no facilities at the parking area but a pit toilet about 1/3 of the way along the walk.

Directions: Take Hwy 84 (La Honda Rd) headed west from I-280 to Skywood Way, then turn right onto Sunrise Dr and park near 100 Sunrise Dr. Heavy rain cancels.

Leader: Christin New, new.a.christin@gmail.com Register: http://bit.ly/3F1W9NC

Thursday, February 16
Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge, Santa Cruz (9:00-12:00)

This is a level walk around the City of Santa Cruz Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife inhabiting or visiting the refuge include resident and wintering birds and water birds. Neary Lagoon features a wooden pontoon walkway and trail system, allowing a complete circuit around and through the refuge. There is a public restroom in the park.

Directions: Entering Santa Cruz from the north on SR 1 turn right on Laurel Street and right on Chestnut Street proceed to 89 Chestnut Street and park at the parking meters. Bring coins!

Heavy rains cancels.

Leader: Nelle Lyons 1tigger1nl@gmail.com. Register: https://bit.ly/3OXCZvR

Thursday, February 16
Filoli Historic House and Garden, Woodside (9:30-12:00)

Join us for a ~2.5 mile moderate bird walk on the Filoli Gardens and Estate trail in mixed oak, redwood, madrone woodlands and a riparian corridor. The paths are either flat or slightly inclined. Restrooms are available. We may see as many as 50 bird species, 33 of which are year-round residents. Directions: 86 Canada Road, From Highway 280, exit on Edgewood Rd and head west. At the T-intersection, turn right onto Canada Rd. Entrance is a 1⁄2 mile on the left. Continue to the parking lot and park on the left side of the lot under the oaks.

Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux, kimberliemoutoux@gmail.com.

For Reservations: Register by emailing the leader. Your confirmation email will provide ticket purchase instructions. Tickets are $25/ adult, $22/ senior, $20/ student, teacher, military, and free for Filoli members. It can be used to further explore the historic house and grounds after the bird walk.

Rain does not cancel.

Friday, February 17
Arrowhead Marsh, MLK Regional Shoreline, Oakland (8:00-11:30)

This is a slow-paced trip along a level trail, excellent for all levels of birding. A scope is useful here. Many birds can be close enough for great photo opportunities. We should see various water birds with a chance for Ridgway's Rail.

Directions: From I-880 in Oakland, take Hegenberger Rd or 98th Ave to Doolittle Dr, turn right (west), turn right (north) at Swan Way and take first left to Arrowhead Marsh and proceed to the last parking lot (Coordinates 37.74194693104805, -122.20896756181864).

Heavy rains cancels.

Leader: Donna Pomeroy dpom@comcast.net . Register: http://bit.ly/3AO3AFQ

Saturday, February 18
Pacific Commons Linear Park, Fremont (9:00-12:00)

Join us for an approx. 2-mile bird walk on level ground bordering wetlands with some grassland. We will look for resident birds, wintering waterbirds, grassland birds, and raptors. No restrooms or water on-site.

Directions: From I-880 in Fremont, take the Auto Mall Parkway Exit heading west. Go approx. 1.5 miles to a cul-de-sac (7020 Auto Mall Parkway) and park in the dirt parking lot before the railroad tracks. (Coordinates 37.4956800, -121.9885690).

Leader: Don Pendleton. thyinspector@gmail.com. Register: http://bit.ly/3EE63DV

Sunday, February 19
Pescadero State Nature Preserve, Pescadero (8:30-12:00)

Join us for a walk on dirt trails with some sand. Pescadero State Nature Preserve is an important wintering ground and breeding area for a diversity of birds. We hope to see, or at least hear, the elusive Virginia Rail and/or Sora. Restrooms are available.

Directions: Take SR 1 south from Half Moon Bay. Cross the Pescadero Creek Bridge and turn into the first parking lot just south of the bridge (also known as the Cabrillo Highway South Parking). If you get to Pescadero Road. you've gone too far south.

Rain cancels.

Leader: Nelle Lyons 1tigger1nl@gmail.com. Register: https://bit.ly/3VOmwMv

Saturday, February 25
Nob Hill Pond, Redwood Shores for Beginners (9:00-11:00)

A beginner and family-friendly bird walk at an excellent area to view a variety of ducks and waterbirds. Time permitting, we may check some other birding sites nearby. Bring spotting scopes if you have them. Restrooms are available in the nearby shopping center.

Directions: From US 101 in San Carlos, take the Redwood Shores Parkway exit, pass the shopping center, turn right on Bridge Parkway, then right at Tiller Lane. Follow Tiller Lane. to Spar Drive and turn left. where there is a small cul-de-sac with street parking where we'll meet.

Rain cancels.

Leader: Leader: JR Blair: jrblair20@gmail.com. Register: http://bit.ly/3gzvv5h

Sunday, March 5
Sunrise Drive, Woodside (8:30-11:00)

We will look for birds in an area of willows, oak, and buckeye trees along a small creek and in second-growth redwoods. We are likely to see year-round resident birds and winter visitors. Our ~2.5 mile walk will take us by tributaries of Alambique Creek to a historic logging bridge. Our route has paved or unpaved roads of slight to moderate grade. There are no facilities at the parking area but a pit toilet about 1/3 of the way along the walk.

Directions: Take Hwy 84 (La Honda Rd) headed west from I-280 to Skywood Way, then turn right onto Sunrise Dr and park near 100 Sunrise Dr. Heavy rain cancels.

Leader: Christin New, new.a.christin@gmail.com Register: http://bit.ly/3GJojhB

Tuesday, March 7
U.C. Santa Cruz Arboretum, Santa Cruz, (8:45-12:00)

The UCSC Arboretum, is a popular birding location for both resident and wintering birds including raptors and sparrows. The Arboretum includes a California native plant garden and specializes in plant collections from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. As we are visiting on the first Tuesday of the month (Community Day), the admission fee is waived. Restrooms available.

Directions: Approaching Santa Cruz from the north on SR 1, turn left on Bay Street and proceed east. Turn left at the High St. traffic light at the base of campus (don't go in the main entrance). Proceed on High Street for approx. 1/2 mile to the entrance.

Leader: Nelle Lyons 1tigger1nl@gmail.com. Register: https://bit.ly/3B4t9Cn

Wednesday, March 8
Lower Windy Hill, Portola Valley (8:00-11:30)

Join us for a moderately strenuous, approx. 2-mile walk on dirt trails through a diverse range of habitats, which hosts oak specialties like White-breasted Nuthatch, Oak Titmouse, and Nuttall's Woodpecker, and a small pond that hosts Wood Ducks in some years. Primitive restrooms in the parking lot.

Directions: Windy Hill Open Space Preserve lower parking lot (555 Portola Valley Road, Portola Valley).

Rain cancels.

Leader: Donna Pomeroy, dpom@comcast.net Register: http://bit.ly/3B8UPGD

Saturday, March 11
Pacific Commons Linear Park, Fremont (9:00-12:00)

Join us for an approx. 2-mile bird walk on level ground bordering wetlands with some grassland. We will look for resident birds, wintering waterbirds, grassland birds, and raptors. No restrooms or water on-site.

Directions: From I-880 in Fremont, take the Auto Mall Parkway Exit heading west. Go approx. 1.5 miles to a cul-de-sac (7020 Auto Mall Parkway) and park in the dirt parking lot before the railroad tracks. (Coordinates 37.4956800, -121.9885690).

Leader: Don Pendleton. thyinspector@gmail.com. Register: http://bit.ly/3GKXRUO

Thursday, March 16
Filoli Historic House and Garden, Woodside (9:30-12:00)

Join us for a ~2.5 mile moderate bird walk on the Filoli Gardens and Estate trail in mixed oak, redwood, madrone woodlands and a riparian corridor. The paths are either flat or slightly inclined. Restrooms are available. We may see as many as 50 bird species, 33 of which are year-round residents. Directions: 86 Canada Road, From Highway 280, exit on Edgewood Rd and head west. At the T-intersection, turn right onto Canada Rd. Entrance is a 1⁄2 mile on the left. Continue to the parking lot and park on the left side of the lot under the oaks.

Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux, kimberliemoutoux@gmail.com.

For Reservations: Register by emailing the leader. Your confirmation email will provide ticket purchase instructions. Tickets are $25/ adult, $22/ senior, $20/ student, teacher, military, and free for Filoli members. It can be used to further explore the historic house and grounds after the bird walk.

Rain does not cancel.

Saturday, March 18
Bedwell Bayfront Park, Menlo Park (10:00-12:00)

Family-friendly beginner bird walk on fairly level trails exploring the upland and wetland areas of the park. Wintering shorebirds and waterfowl will still be present, raptors, egrets, and LBBs (little brown birds) can also be found. Bring your binoculars or borrow ours.

Directions: From US 101, take Marsh Rd. east (SR84 East), then continue straight into the park. Meet at the parking lot near the restrooms.

Rain cancels.

Leader: JR Blair, JRBlair20@gmail.com Register: http://bit.ly/3EDzQfU

Thursday, March 23
Water Lane and Pescadero Marsh, Pescadero (8:30-12:00)

A 2 to 3-mile walk at Water Lane on the eastern marsh edge featuring a mix of habitats. We will start at the Water Lane parking lot and visit other areas of the marsh. There are no facilities at Water Lane, restrooms are nearby at Pescadero State Beach.

Directions: Take SR1 towards Pescadero and then turn east at Pescadero Creek Rd. Proceed about 1.1 miles east to Water Lane and turn left to approx. 350 Water Lane, to the California State Park sign.

Rain cancels.

Leader: Nelle Lyons 1tigger1nl@gmail.com. Register: https://bit.ly/3Hr5PDd

Saturday, March 25
Mori Point, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Pacifica (8:30-11:00).

Beginner and family-friendly bird walk on accessible level trails through coastal scrub, lagoon, salt marsh, beach, and ocean rocks. We will look for sparrows, finches, gulls, wading birds, seabirds, and more! Most of the walking is flat, with a slight incline toward the beach. However, the optional walk up to the elevated bluff is short but moderately steep and less accessible. Restroom and port-a-potty at the trailhead.

Directions: From SR 1 south of Sharp Park Rd, turn right on Mori Point Rd and follow it west to the parking area at Mori Point Rd and Bradford Way (798 Bradford Way) in Pacifica. The Moose-Lodge Pacifica is right across the street from the trailhead. Limited parking spaces in the Mori Point parking lot with nearby street parking.

Rain cancels.

Leader: Emily Kim. Ekim56310@gmail.com. Register: http://bit.ly/3V9HZzw