This trip is full. You can still register to be on the waitlist. 

Experience the sounds and sights of spring migration on this walk through the heart of the Presidio: the Tennessee Hollow Watershed. Learn how San Francisco’s unique ecology combines with the wonders of migration to create a magical place. What birds will we find? Where did they come from? And what makes them stop here? 

Crissy Lagoon by Ilana DeBare

We’ll start at Inspiration Point and walk approximately two miles down hill to end at Crissy Lagoon. COVID-safe car rides will be provided back to the starting location. We’ll walk on mostly unpaved but well graded trails, and down some stairs.

This trip could require carpooling. Participants will need to have a complete course of vaccination and booster shots and should bring a mask.  

Registration will close at 11pm on April 13, 2022.

Registrants: If you have any questions email rn*****@********************ce.org or call Ryan at (510) 227-6190. …

This trip is now full. You may register to be on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

With astonishing volcanic formations, majestic Valley Oaks and a resident flock of California Condors, a visit to Pinnacles can be unforgettable. April wildflowers should be a bonus. When was the last time you saw a mountainside adorned with wild Clematis? Three baby condors hatched into this world as wild birds at Pinnacles this past season (and three more on the Big Sur Coast). Perhaps we’ll see them. It’s not impossible: young condors remain with their parents for 18 months.

We’ll have a veteran condor tracker with us to maximize our chances of seeing these magnificent birds, as well as a variety of other birds that inhabit  this beautiful and fascinating place.

Condor Gulch Trail is a 3 mile round trip with 900 foot elevation gain. You should be in reasonably good hiking shape. You should bring lunch and you must bring water for the trail.

Registration will close at 11pm on March 24, 2022.

Registrants: If you have any questions email rn*****@********************ce.org or call Ryan at (510) 227-6190. …

House Wren

This trip is now full. You may register to be on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

This trip is timed to enjoy the arrival of springtime’s special birds. House Wrens will be singing. Both Bullock’s and Hooded Orioles are usually present. Other birds we’ll be looking for include Lazuli Bunting, Black-headed Grosbeak, and American and Lesser Goldfinches. We’ll watch for Golden Eagles soaring overhead, as well as White-tailed Kites. In the past, we’ve been treated to views of both Rufous-crowned and Grasshopper Sparrows.

Registration will close at 11pm on March 9 2022.

Registrants: If you have any questions email rn*****@********************ce.org or call Ryan at (510) 227-6190. …

This trip is full. You can still register to be on the waitlist. 

Enjoy a bird-filled jaunt on the finest remaining tract of the Franciscan Biological Region: San Bruno Mountain.

Called “one of the most important and threatened biodiversity sites in the world” by E.O. Wilson in 1999, this unique area hosts an incredible number of species including many endemics. Over 660 native plant species and almost 200 species of birds have been documented here.  The 42 butterfly species included three endangered ones—Mission Blue, San Bruno Elfin, and the Callippe Silverspot.

Hermit Thrush by Rick Lewis

We should encounter typical California grassland, oak, and scrub habitat residents such as Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, White-tailed Kite, Band-tailed Pigeon, Hutton’s Vireo, Wrentit, California Thrasher, Pacific & Bewick’s Wren; lingering winter species like Hermit Thrush, Fox, and Golden-crowned Sparrows; and possibly passing migrants and early-arriving summer breeders such as Swainson’s Thrush, Wilson’s Warblers and Black-headed Grosbeak. A wonderful time to see a diverse assemblage of birds!

What to expect: generally hilly forested to open terrain, wide to double-track trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Heavy rain cancels.

Registration will close at 11pm on March 23, 2022.

Registrants: If you have any questions email rn*****@********************ce.org or call Ryan at (510) 227-6190. …

This trip is now full. You may register to be on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Journey by boat up the Elkhorn Slough with noted GGBA instructor and photographer Bob Lewis. There will be opportunities to see ducks and other aquatic birds (coots!) as well as, possibly, loons in breeding plumage. There might be sea otters and baby harbor seals. An early start and an optimal tide promise good photos, as does a captain experienced at leading photo tours. 300-400 mm lens is optimum.

Registration will close at 11pm on March 9 2022.

Registrants: If you have any questions email rn*****@********************ce.org or call Ryan at (510) 227-6190. …