Laurelwood Park and Sugarloaf Mountain
Sunday, January 22, 8:30 AM – Noon

Come explore this under-birded area in the heart of San Mateo. Riparian, oak, and open habitats combine to make what appears to be a small municipal park into an expansive mix of habitats. We can expect to see Nuttall's Woodpecker, Oak Titmouse, Townsend's Warbler, and raptors overhead. This walk will include some climbing, so wear good shoes. Heavy rain cancels.

Directions: Check out the entry on Laurelwood in the San Mateo County Birding Guide (http://birding.sequoia- audubon.org/description.php?loc=78&p=0). Park on Glendora Drive, and meet at the playground area below.

Leader: Jennifer Rycenga; (smcbgeditor@earthlink.net) for more information

Panoche Valley
Saturday, January 28, 8:30 AM

Panoche Valley lies between Hwy 101 and Hwy 5 in San Benito County. Winter in Little Panoche Valley is great for raptors. Golden Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, and Prairie Falcon are all possible. We also hope to see Roadrunners, Mountain Bluebirds and, in a good year, Mountain Plovers. We will plan to stop at Mercey Hot Springs where the special attraction is roosting Long-eared Owls (a $5 fee is required). Bring lunch and liquids and a full tank of gas as there are no gas stations between Hollister and I-5.

Directions: Meet at Paicines Reservoir, on the right just past the junction of Hwy 25 and County Road J1, 13 miles south of Hollister. From San Mateo, take Hwy 101 south to Hwy 25; follow Hwy 25 through Hollister to Paicines.

Leader: Leslie Flint lflint@earthlink.net

Pinnacles National Monument
Sunday, January 29, 8:00 AM

On Sunday, January 29, the day after Leslie Flint's Panoche trip, join Jeff & Laurie as they wend their way from Hollister to Pinnacles National Monument. Star attractions are, of course, California Condors, but other delights await, such as Canyon Wren, California Thrasher, an abundance of California Quail, and huge flocks of Wild Turkey. We will hike one or two trails in this gorgeous place, which may go through some of the caves. Bring a flashlight. There is a $5 vehicle fee.

Directions: Meet at Paicines Reservoir, on the right just past the junction of Hwy 25 and County Road J1, 13 miles south of Hollister. From San Mateo, take Hwy 101 south to Hwy 25; follow Hwy 25 through Hollister to Paicines.

Leader: Laurie Graham fair80@comcast.net

Mountain View Forebay and Shoreline Lake
Wednesday, February 1, 9:00 AM – Noon. (½ day trip)

This area affords some of the most varied shorebird and waterfowl wintering habitat on the bay.  We'll hope for White Pelicans and Black Skimmers, Cinnamon and Blue-winged Teal.  This trip will involve walking on level, well defined trails.  

Directions: Meet at the end of San Antonio Road at 9:00 AM.  From San Mateo, take Hwy 101 south to San Antonio Road and take the San Antonio Rd (North) exit.  Follow San Antonio Road a short distance until it makes a right turn onto Terminal Road. Stop and park as close to the intersection as possible. 

Leader: Leslie Flint lflint@earthlink.net

Owling at Gazos Creek Road
Tuesday, February 28th, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Limited, first-come-first-accepted basis, with a waiting list maintained. To join this field trip, and receive the details of when and where we are meeting, contact the trip leader.

Leader: Jennifer Rycenga; (smcbgeditor@earthlink.net)

Surprise Trip to an East Bay Location
Sunday, March 4th, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM

The exact location is to be determined based on current reports at the time. Check the Sequoia Audubon web site one week before for details. Even better, join our yahoo group so you will be notified of activities and any last minute changes. To join go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SequoiaAudubon  You can unsubscribe at any time

Leaders: Sonny Mencher <soccerquiz@yahoo.com> and Kim Kuska

Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery Day Use Area
Wednesday, March 7th, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (whole day trip)

This is a beautiful park along the banks of the Mokelumne River just below Comanche Dam.  We will walk from the hatchery along the river looking for whatever we might find.  Last year there were LOTS of Lewis' Woodpeckers.

Directions: Meet in the main parking lot for the fish hatchery which is 15 miles east of Lodi off Highway 12.  From Highway 12, turn north on McIntire Road. At the end of McIntire Road, turn right and follow the road straight until entering the Hatchery's parking lot located at the base of Camanche Dam. Bring lunch, liquids and layers.  Allow 2.25 hours driving time.

Leader: Leslie Flint lflint@earthlink.net