MCAS Field Trip - APR 4 - MEMBERS ONLY - Oso Flaco Birding by Ear

Birding by Ear with Jessica Griffiths [photo by Bob Revel]

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents a Members-Only Event  


Oso Flaco Birding by Ear  

April 4, 2026  

8:30am - 11:30am  

Oso Flaco Lake, Arroyo Grande  

Description: Birding by Ear is back—just in time for nesting season! Join Jessica Griffiths for a special bird walk at Oso Flaco, where the focus will be on identifying birds by their songs and calls. As we stroll the trails and boardwalk, Jessica will help participants recognize a variety of vocalizations, sharing helpful tips and mnemonic devices to make them easier to remember. This is a slow-paced walk covering 2–3 miles through rich birding habitat. This event is ADA accessible and is open to all levels of experience.


Admission: This event is for MCAS Members only and is limited to 15 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.


Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qVChio3zC4vFTN499

Directions: Meet at Oso Flaco parking lot, 3004 Oso Flaco Lake Road, Arroyo Grande. There is a $5 fee for parking (may or may not be in effect).

Bring a hat, water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars and dress in layers to accommodate wind and changing weather. Cameras and Scopes are welcomed. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.

Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - APR 7 - Habitat - Shark Inlet

View over Shark Inlet [photo by Faylla Chapman]

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   


Habitat - Shark Inlet  

April 7, 2026  

9:00am to 11:00am  

Inyo Street & Monarch Lane, Los Osos  



Description: Join MCAS Leader Faylla Chapman on a guided walk to Shark Inlet, located at the southernmost edge of the Morro Bay Estuary in Los Osos—a secluded and rarely visited spot. The journey begins at the Coastal Access Butterfly Grove, where you’ll pass through stands of stately eucalyptus trees and learn about the area's rich natural and cultural history. From there, enjoy sweeping views of protected coastal land teeming with dune and shoreline plant life. You’ll encounter towering sand dunes up close and may even spot sharks gliding through the warm, shallow waters. Along the way, look for rare native plants, an ancient shell midden, and local bird species flitting through the coastal scrub. This field trip is not ADA accessible and the trip is open to all levels of experience.


Admission: This event is limited to 15 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nzc87nz781rauJhN6


Directions: Meet at Monarch Grove access on Inyo Street, the last street off Monarch Lane in Los Osos. Be prepared for walking in very soft sand, roiled up by the horses that use this trail. Bring water and binoculars and dress for the weather. Poison oak is present. No restrooms are available. 


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org

 

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MCAS Field Trip - APR 11 - Atascadero Lake Birding

Male Ruddy Duck [photo by Ben Kolstad]

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   


Atascadero Lake Birding  

April 11, 2026  

9:00am to 12 Noon  

Atascadero Lake, Atascadero  


Description: Join Ben Kolstad for a guided bird walk around Atascadero Lake. This easy, one-mile walk will be taken at a slow to moderate pace, depending on bird activity and sightings along the way. The route follows gentle terrain over flat surfaces, making it accessible for most participants. Expect to encounter a variety of species across different habitats, with likely sightings including Red-shouldered Hawks, California Quail, California Scrub-Jays, woodpeckers, and various waterfowl. This field trip is ADA accessible and the trip is open to all levels of experience.


Admission: This event is limited to 15 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KKQQ3am8MFKtx4Pt5


Directions: Meets at 9100 Morro Road (CA-41) in the parking lot next to the Central Coast Zoo in Atascadero. Bring a hat, water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars and dress in layers to accommodate wind and changing weather. Cameras and scopes are welcomed. Restrooms are available near the parking lot .


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Field Trip - APR 14 - Marina Boardwalk

Birding Marina Boardwalk [photo by Bob Revel]

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   


Marina Boardwalk  

April 14, 2026  

9:00am to 11:30am  

State Park Road, Morro Bay  


Description: Join MCAS Leaders Claudia Freitas & Karen Watts for a Leisurely Morning Bird Walk! Enjoy a relaxed morning stroll along the Boardwalk as we search for shorebirds, migrating species, and land birds inhabiting the coastal sage scrub. This peaceful outing offers great opportunities to observe a variety of birds in a beautiful coastal setting. The walk is approximately one mile, following a mix of boardwalk and dirt path. 


Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.


Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wzjGKyDERi8jphUz9

Directions: The Morro Bay State Park Marina is located across from the entrance to the Morro Bay State Park Campground. The address is: 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442. We will start at the South end of the Marina parking lot and bird our way around the boardwalk loop trail which is level. This loop provides us with views of the bay, estuary and the coastal sage scrub community of the peninsula. Bring a hat, water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars and dress in layers to accommodate wind and changing weather. Scopes and Cameras are welcomed. Restrooms are available nearby. 


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Field Trip - APR 16 - MEMBERS ONLY - Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat

Santa Margarita Lake [photo by Bob Revel]

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents a Members-Only Event  


Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat  

April 16, 2026  

9:00am to 1:00pm  

Santa Margarita Lake  


Description: Join Morro Coast Audubon on a pontoon boat ride adventure birding Santa Margarita Lake. We'll cruise most of the entire lake taking in all the migratory and permanent birds as well as shoreline wildlife that abound. The registration fee for this trip is $40. Note that there is a $12 per vehicle entry fee at the campground kiosk. Participants selected for this trip will be sent information on the method of payment for the event. This event is not ADA accessible and the trip is open to all levels of experience.


Admission: This event is for MCAS Members only and is limited to 15 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.


Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GsjyXDzJAD2LCvS76

Directions: Meets at the Marina store at Santa Margarita Lake Marina, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita. After checking in at the campground kiosk, drive down to the boat dock and Marina store parking area.


Bring a hat, water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars and dress in layers to accommodate wind and changing weather. Cameras are welcomed. Restrooms are available at the Marina store. We will also stop at a campground restroom during the voyage.


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - APR 22 - MEMBERS ONLY - Half Day Big Day on Earth Day

Pecho Road Willows [photo by Petra Scharf]
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents a Members-Only Event  


Half Day Big Day on Earth Day  

April 22, 2026  

8:00am - 12:00pm  

Los Osos Hot Spots  


Description: Help Morro Coast Audubon celebrate Earth Day and Citizen Science by joining Leader Mark Mushkat for a half-day big-day on Earth Day. This event will explore  birding hot spots in Los Osos that include Pecho Willows, Sweet Springs, and the Audubon Overlook. Expect to find birds in a variety of habitats including coastal scrub, beach, tidal marsh, mudflats, open bay, and willow thickets. eBird Checklist will be kept and submitted to document species seen. This event is not ADA compliant and is for those with moderate and advanced birding skills. Note that you must have an eBird account to attend this event.


Admission: This event is for MCAS Members only and is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3k8NRnE22BebWQ8X9


Directions: Meet at 2 Pecho Rd, Los Osos (Cuesta Inlet). Bring a hat, water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars and dress in layers to accommodate wind and changing weather. Cameras and Scopes are welcomed. No restrooms are available at the meeting point but are available along the event route. 


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - APR 25 - MEMBERS ONLY - Santa Rita Ranchland Birding

Santa Rita Ranch [photo by Bob Revel]

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents a Members-Only Event  


Santa Rita Ranchland Birding  

April 25, 2026  

8:30am to 12:30pm  

3520 Old Creek Road Templeton, CA  



Description: Join MCAS Leader Jim Royer to explore the rolling, grass-covered foothills of Santa Rita Ranch nestled in the Santa Lucia Mountains. The highlight of this trip is the stunning 234-acre foot lake, the fourth largest privately-owned lake in the county. Our approximately 1-mile loop will take us around the hill near the lake house, offering gentle hills and scenic views of the lake’s upper end. The route follows mostly dirt roads through grassland and oak savannah habitats, making for an easy and enjoyable walk. This field trip is not ADA accessible and the trip is open to all levels of experience.


Admission: This event is for MCAS Members only and is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/p7gssjKj5bw1cvuAA


Directions: Meets at 3520 Old Creek Road, Templeton. It is imperative that you arrive on time so that all attendees can be admitted through the locked gate. Bring a hat, water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars and dress in layers to accommodate wind and changing weather. Scopes and Cameras are welcomed. Restrooms (porta-potty) are available at the parking area where we assemble.


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - APR 25 - Meadow Park Easy Birding

Meadow Park [photo courtesy eBird.org]
Field Trip:  Meadow Park Easy Birding

Location: Meadow Park, 2333 Meadow Street, San Luis Obispo.

Date: Saturday, April 25th, 2026

Time: 10am -12pm

Trip Leaders: Dawn Beattie and Susie Reddy

Join MCAS for a morning of birding at Meadow Park. This is an inclusive and accessible field trip, and restrooms are available. Beginner Birders are very welcome!

We will be traveling along a wide, paved walking path through the park. The path is mostly flat and accessible for many birders. Please view Meadow Park accessibility details here: Meadow Park Birdability Map

Meadow Park is one of the best birding spots in San Luis Obispo and is a known rarity trap. The park contains wide grassy lawns, in addition to mature trees of different species including Coast Live Oak, Coast Redwood, and Bottle Brush. There are many ornamental flowering plants and bird feeders in yards along the edges of the park. This wide variety of plant life attracts many species of birds. We can expect to see hummingbirds, orioles, raptors, woodpeckers, warblers, and perhaps rare surprises!

This trip is designed to be accessible, and priority registration will be given to those with special access needs. Please register with the link below. You will receive trip confirmation via email.

Register for this field trip

Questions? Send email Susie@morrocoastaudubon.org


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