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Surfbird by Chris Johnson
Members Only: Pigeon Point Lighthouse and Gazos Creek (Coastal San Mateo County)
Beginning at Pigeon Point Lighthouse (37.182729, -122.393801), we will head first to the observation platform to scope the ocean and rocks for birds of note. If you have a spotting scope, please bring it along as seawatching is difficult without one. Previous years have yielded a few rock-loving shorebirds such as Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Wandering Tattler, and Black Oystercatcher. The ocean may have a variety of diving birds such as ducks, grebes, loons, cormorants, and perhaps even alcids — we will want to watch for Common Murre and Rhinoceros Auklet especially. Further out, we will scan the horizon for Northern Fulmar and Black-legged Kittiwake, both of which are uncommon but possible. We will also walk along the cliff to search the rocks to the east; nearby fields are also good areas to watch for raptors.
After walking the road and searching the periphery, we will relocate our cars to the Gazos Creek State Beach parking lot: (37.166495, -122.361654). A short walk down to the beach should afford us ample opportunity to review shorebirds and gulls. In years past, the beach has hosted a variety of rarities including Lesser Black-backed Gull and Swallow-tailed Gull. Don’t count on those birds, but you never know what may show up.
After securing the beach we will then relocate the cars (or walk, keeping safety in mind) across Highway 1 to intersection with Gazos Creek Road itself (37.166623, -122.360761), and then bird a ways up the road along the creek looking for locals and early spring migrants. These might include: Pacific Wren, Pine Siskin, Orange-crowned, Townsend, and Wilson’s Warblers.
Parking at each of the locations is limited: please consider carpooling (we’ll share names, email addresses, and phone numbers for easier co-ordination).
For those who wish to have lunch before heading home, Highway 1 Brewing Company is located just down the road across from the beach. Burgers, beer, fries — we expect to go there afterwards and you are welcome to join us.
Trip Difficulty: ~1 mile, paved trails, rocky trails, sand
Other Trip Notes: Rain, dense fog or heavy winds will cancel
Leaders: Andrew Melnick 650-823-4117, Sheila Raymond 408-887-4854, Karen Rush (650) 669-9250
Auto Tour, SCVBA Loaner scope
Meet: Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, parking lot (37.182729, -122.393801)
Directions: Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park: Latitude/Longitude: 37.182729, -122.393801 is located on California Highway 1, 20 miles south of Half Moon Bay and 27 miles north of Santa Cruz.
Location may be reached either from the South via CA-17 S and CA-1 N (from Santa Cruz drive north for approximately 27 miles) or from I-280 N, CA-92 W and Cabrillo Hwy S (from Half Moon Bay drive south for approximately 21 miles)
Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, porta-potty
Parking Type and Fees: Paved parking lot, dirt parking lot. Parking is free.
Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvbirdalliance.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.