Sector 49


The following is a listing of key locations within this sector that may be the most productive based on past experience. Also noted are species that are hard to find within the count circle and are possible within the habitat of this sector. Please don't limit census to just the areas mentioned, but consider them the most important. Cover as much of the sector as your time and energy allows. Remember, if your party splits or moves to another sector, please begin a new field card. Any constructive comments about this sector would be appreciated (e.g., too big or small, access problem, additional key locations). Please note actual areas covered. Also note contacts for entrance onto private property.

North Sandspit

Access - Sectors 48 and 49 are typically covered by the same party by parking as in Sector 48, walking the entire spit to the north end, and arranging for a boat ride back to the Morro Bay Embarcadero.

Sandspit - Watch for Snowy and Semipalmated plover. Offshore look through scoter flocks for Black and White-winged scoter, Harlequin Duck, and Long-tailed Duck. Also watch for jaegers, shearwaters, alcids, and Royal Tern. In dunes watch for Burrowing Owl, especially at the base of the harbor's south jetty.

North of Jetty - Same as above, but check for unusual loons, and gulls such as Herring or Glaucous.

View Sector 49 in a larger map.