San Mateo County Bird Alliance Field Trips

SAS Field Trip
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

eBird/GBBC Data Entry Best Practices document

Pre-registration is required for all field trips!

>>> Registration links will be added when available <<<

Saturday September 26
Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont (8:30 - 11:00)

This park comprises 1,266 acres of marshland and rolling, grassland-covered hills along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. We'll do a 1.5-mile loop with a slight elevation change. $5.00 vehicle admission fee, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road. Meet in the parking lot at the Visitor Center.

Leader: Saatvika Despande Register

Saturday October 3
Coyote Point Recreational Area, San Mateo (8:30 - 11:00)

The diversity of habitats at Coyote Point offers the chance to see a number of species. 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

Friday October 9
Hayward Regional Shoreline, Hayward (8:00 - 11:30)

Hayward Regional Shoreline comprises five miles of mostly flat graveled shoreline public trails within a complex ecosystem of shallow water and mud flats, salt marshes, freshwater ponds, dry diked areas, and grassy uplands. A haven for migrating birds, supporting over 200 avian species.

Leader: Donna Pomeroy Register

Saturday October 10
Colma Creek, South San Francisco (9:00 - 11:00)

Good for beginners, this is an easy walk along the Bay Trail. This loop will take us to Colma Creek and back. Meet in the Public Shore Parking lot behind 310 Utah Ave.

Leader: Max Hollenback Register

Sunday October 11
"Big Sit" Pescadero Marsh (8:00 - 2:00)

The Big Sit! is an all-day event where birders count as many species as possible from a single spot. Birders count species seen from within a 17.5-foot diameter circle. All skill levels are welcome. You can help spot birds, pledge a set amount per species, and/or help collect pledges. Enthusiastic participation supports our birds, and all funds raised stay in San Mateo County to support local bird conservation, education, advocacy, and programs. Use the Central lot for parking.

Leader: Nelle Lyons Register

Thursday October 15
Filoli, California Trail, Woodside (9:30 - 12:00)

A 2-2.5 mile moderate walk. Habitats include mixed oak, redwood, madrone woodlands, riparian corridor, and historic horse pastures offering a diversity of species. Admission fee.

Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register

Sunday October 18
Natural Bridges, Santa Cruz (8:30 - 11:30)

Meet at the walk in entrance to the park at the intersection of Natural Bridges Drive and Delaware Avenue. We will look for a variety of species in the trees and scrub. We will look for nesting Brandt's cormorants and other shorebirds. There is a fee for parking inside the park, but there is free street parking at the entrance.

Leader: Nelle Lyons Register

Saturday October 24
Bair Island, Redwood City (9:00 - 11:30)

A level out and back dirt trail make this an easy outing. Curiosity-seekers and those interested in learning more about birds should join this outing. We should see a variety of ducks, shorebirds, and smaller songbirds. Directions: From US 101, exit Whipple Ave. Heading east, it winds for 0.5 mile, becoming E. Bayshore Rd, then Bair Island Rd. Meet at the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge Bair Island Trail parking lot. We'll have loaner binoculars. In collaboration with POST.

Leader: J.R. Blair Register

Thursday October 29
Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail (8:30 - 10:30)

This is a newly opened portion of the Bay Ridge Trail that extends 6 miles parrelling Skyline/Hwy 35 from Hwy 92 to the Phleger Estate. We'll travel between 1 and 1 1/2 miles before turning around. The path is hard pack gravel and accessible to hikers, mountain bikes and horses (no dogs or motorized vehicles of any kind including e-bikes) We will climb a gentle but steady 300 feet elevation before turning back. There are no bathrooms. The views are spectacular! (You will need to complete a free application to obtain a trail permit from the watershed. You do not need to show or display the permit at the time of the walk.) Parking is available at the trail head for 22 cars/ carpooling is advised. The parking lot is just south of the Hwy 35/Hwy 92 intersection.

Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register

Saturday October 31
Cypress Lawn Cemetery, Colma (8:30 - 11:00)

Established in 1892, Cypress Lawn is a historic garden cemetery and arboretum occupying over 200 acres. This eBird Hotspot is great for fall migrants.1370 El Camino Real, meet at the large stone gate. SamTrans stop.

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!