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 <<<
Saturday April 4
Cypress Lawn Cemetery, Colma (8:30 - 11:00)
Established in 1892, Cypress Lawn is a historic garden cemetery and arboretum occupying over 200 acres and eBird Hotspot. 1370 El Camino Real, meet at the stone gate. SamTrans stop.
Leader: Max Hollenback Register
Tuesday April 7
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, Santa Cruz (9:00 - 12:00)
We will look for spring visitors and spend some time observing Allen's and Anna's hummingbirds.120 Arboretum Rd off High Street/Empire Grade, meet in the Arboretum parking lot. No fee on the first Tuesday of the month.
Leader: Nelle Lyons Register
Friday April 10
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
Sunday April 12
Coyote Pt Recreational Area, San Mateo (8:30 - 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, $6.00 admission fee. Meet near the yacht club.
Leader: Doug Brown Register
Monday April 13
Arrowhead Marsh, Oakland (8:00 am - 12:00 pm)
This is a fun and easy place to find mostly water birds with level trails and a diverse species list. We will meet at the furthest parking lot and immediately start looking for rails, as high tide at 9:30 is the best time to find Ridgway's, Sora, and Virginia Rails. Bring scopes if you have one.
Leader: Donna Pomeroy Register
Monday April 13
Historic Union Cemetery, Redwood City (9:30 - 10:30)
"Nothing in life is certain but death and taxes" - AND BIRDS! Take a breather from tax prep and join us for a pop-up bird walk at Historic Union Cemetery. Our route is flat and accessible. We will explore the cemetery, which offers a surprising sanctuary to birds. At the end of our hour-long walk, stay for a brief info session and demonstration of monitoring bluebird nest boxes through our Cavity Nesters Recovery Program.
Leader: Christin New Register
Friday April 17
Pinnacles National Park, San Benito County (8:00 - 3:00)
We will look for California Condors, Canyon Wren, Lawrence's Goldfinch, migrating warblers and more. Meet at the Pinnacles Campground and Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m. Entrance fee is $30 per car unless you have a National Parks Pass. Bring lunch, liquids, and a flashlight for walking through the caves. (Headlamps are best). Directions, including carpooling options, will be provided to confirmed reservations. Maximum 12 participants.
Leader: JR Blair Register by email
Sunday April 19
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
Friday April 24
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
Friday April 24
Waddell Beach and Rancho del Oso (8:30 -12:30)
We will bird at Waddell Beach and then explore on the east side ofthe highway around the Rancho del Oso Nature Center or the Welcome Center and horse camp. Meet at the Waddell Beach parking lot on the ocean side of the highway approximately 2.5 miles south of the main entrance for Año Nuevo State Park. Restrooms are available at Waddell Beach. The buildings on the east side of the highway are closed on weekdays.
Leader: Nelle Lyons Register
Saturday April 25
Littlefield/Colma Creek, South San Francisco (9:00 - 11:00)
An easy walk along the Bay Trail. This loop will take us to Colma Creek and back.
Leader: Max Hollenback 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 or Instagram for last-minute opportunities!
Legend of Field Trip Symbols |
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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