Showing posts with label Field Trips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Field Trips. Show all posts

MCAS Field Trip - NOV 10 - Habitat: Shark Inlet

View North Over Shark Inlet During Low Tide [by Faylla Chapman] 

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   

Habitat - Shark Inlet  

November 10, 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. Loose, deep sand makes this walk very challenging and is not advised for anyone with walking problems. This field trip is not ADA accessible and the trip is open to all levels of experience.



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, snacks and binoculars. Wear layers and appropriate shoes.


No restroom is available.  


Not ADA accessible


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - NOV 13 - Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat Birding

Birders on Pontoon Boat at Santa Margarita Lake [by Bob Revel] 

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat Birding  

November 13, 2026  

8:00am to 12:00pm  

Santa Margarita  

Leaders: MCAS Leaders  


Description: Join Morro Coast Audubon on a pontoon boat ride adventure birding Santa Margarita Lake. We'll cruise the entire lake taking in all the nesting birds as well as shoreline wildlife that abound. We will be on the lake for about 3 ½ hours, returning before midday heat. In our most recent visit, we saw lots of Grebes still in their nests, but we also saw baby Grebes on mom’s back. We also saw an adult Black Bear and her 3 cubs. 


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 field trip is not ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.



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 and on the lake. 


ADA: not accessible


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - NOV 14 - Villa Creek

Beach at Villa Creek with Oyster Farm on Hill [by Mike Bush]

 Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents

Villa Creek  

November 14, 2026  

8:00am to 11:00am  

Mark Mushkat  


Description: Join Mark Mushkat to explore the Villa Creek headlands, beach and estuary, part of Estero Bluffs State Park. This will be a slow-paced walk of 2-3 miles along a beautiful and wild ocean bluff trail along with a sandy beach stroll to Villa Cove. Expect rock-loving shorebirds such as Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Surfbirds, Whimbrels, scoters, terns, gulls. Look for herons and egrets in the estuary created by Villa Creek. Moderate hike due to hiking through sand for 1/2 mile.  


Be prepared to walk through sand, wear layers, bring water, snacks, and binoculars. 


This field trip is not ADA accessible, restrooms are NOT available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bReEnDCnbZRKsPAb9

 

Directions: The Villa Creek location is a bit obscure and is not marked. Download the Google Maps app beforehand on your phone and use this “pin” for the exact location. Press, hold and tap “Open in Google Maps”.  It is the last, most northern parking pull out at Estero Bluffs State Park. 


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - NOV 21 - Montaña de Oro & Islay Creek

Bluffs at Montaña de Oro [by Bob Revel]
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents

Montaña de Oro & Islay Creek

November 21, 2026  

9:00am to 12 Noon  

Michael Moss 


Description: Join Michael Moss for a scenic, bird-filled walk through the diverse habitats of Montaña de Oro State Park! We’ll start by following Islay Creek back through the pine-dotted campground, searching for passerines, woodpeckers, and other birds of the coastal scrublands.


Next, we’ll return to the coast and scan Spooner’s Cove for shorebirds and gulls before heading out along the Bluff Trail. We’ll explore the coastal sage scrub and continue to the rocky point, looking for shorebirds that favor rocky shores, sea ducks, and soaring raptors. 

This relaxed outing covers approximately 1–2 miles on mostly flat trails and paved roads, offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery and birdlife.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FxLQvaCCZSJzxCyu7

 

Directions:  Meet in front of the Visitors Center / Spooner Ranch House across from Spooner’s Cove. From the main business district of Los Osos go west on Los Osos Valley Road. Los Osos Valley Road becomes Pecho Valley Road and curves left (south). Continue to the park entrance sign. From the park entrance sign drive about 2.4 miles, turn left (east) toward the campground and park in front of the Visitors Center. Wear layers, walking shoes, bring snacks, water and binoculars. 


Restrooms are available.


ADA accessible 


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - NOV 25 - Marina Boardwalk King Tide Stop & Scope

Looking over the Estuary at King Tide (by Bob Revel]
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Marina Boardwalk King Tide Stop & Scope

November 25, 2026  

8:30am to 11:00am  

Marina Boardwalk, Morro Bay State Park

MCAS Leaders


Description: Experience the King Tide at the Marina Boardwalk! Drop in anytime between 8:30–11:00 AM. Take a break from the turkey stuffing —bring the kids and grandkids and enjoy nature’s spectacle at its finest! Join us at the Marina Boardwalk to witness one of the first King Tides, the highest tide of the year, peaking at 6.9 feet at 9:13 AM. This isn’t a traditional field trip—just stop by and take in the view! We'll have spotting scopes set up along the boardwalk and at the back platform, offering up-close views of winter shorebirds and migrating species as the high tide brings them in. Leaders will be on hand to help identify birds, including those found in the surrounding coastal sage scrub habitat.


No Registration Required. Just Stop & Scope.


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. 


Restrooms are available at the trailhead.


The Boardwalk is ADA accessible, but tight.


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - OCT 23 - Los Osos Oaks

Oak Tree at Los Osos Oaks [by Robbie Revel]

REGISTRATION CLOSED.


Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

 

Habitat - Los Osos Oaks 

October 23, 2026  

9am to 12 Noon  

Los Osos Oaks

Leader: Faylla Chapman

 

Description: Join naturalist Faylla Chapman for a guided tour through the diverse habitats of The Oaks Reserve. Along the way, you'll learn about both native and invasive plant species and their importance to humans, animals, and birds. The trail is a 2-mile round trip with moderate elevation changes and sections of loose sand. While the path is well-marked and generally easy to walk, it is narrow in places. Please be aware that poison oak is present along the route, so appropriate clothing is recommended.

 

Please note: there are no restroom facilities available at this location.

 

 

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zhgeya5rGpRwkHN4A 

 

Directions:  Meet at the parking lot of the Los Osos Oaks Reserve, off Los Osos Valley Road about 1 mile south of South Bay Blvd. If for some reason, you need to cancel your reservation(s), please contact Robbie Revel (robbie.revel@morrocoastaudubon.org) ASAP as others on the “waitlist” may be able to take your place. 

 

ADA - not accessible

 

Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Field Trip - OCT 24 - Morro Strand Fall Shorebirds

Long-Billed Curlew eating Sand Crab [by Mike Baird]

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

 Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Morro Strand Fall Shorebirds

October 24, 2026  

9 am to 12 Noon  

Morro Bay State Park Strand Campground

Leaders: The Bird Nerds


Description: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Morro Strand and through coastal sage scrub habitat in search of arriving fall migrants and beach-dwelling shorebirds. We'll explore the pond and outflow of Alva Paul Creek, a freshwater source that attracts a variety of birds—including gulls, terns, and more. This easygoing walk covers about 2 miles along a flat trail and beach, with some sections of deep sand. We’ll move at a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time for observation.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8KfCKBhQ9wZL9Yph8 


Directions: We will meet at the day parking area of the Morro Strand State Park Campground, next to the Kiosk. Take Highway one north of Morro Bay and exit west on Yerba Buena St. Turn left on Trinidad and park in the day use area. If the lot is full, you may go back up Trinidad and park on the street. 


Bring a hat, water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars and field guides (if you have them) and dress in layers to accommodate wind and changing weather. Cameras and Scopes are welcome. Scopes are helpful to spot birds on the beach without disturbing them. Expect to walk about two miles(total) on the beach with some areas of deep sand. Sturdy shoes are recommended.  Restrooms are available.


ADA - not accessible


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - OCT 27 - Sweet Springs Birding

Sweet Spring Pond, Storm Damaged Stumps, Path and Estuary [by Karen Perry]
 REGISTRATION CLOSED.

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Sweet Springs Birding

October 27, 2026  

9 am to 12 Noon  

Sweet Springs Preserve, Los Osos

Leader: Grace Hayes


Description: Audubon Sweet Springs Nature Preserve offers an ideal setting for birding, with two viewing platforms and meandering trails that provide panoramic views of the estuary, wetlands, and mudflats—prime habitat for a variety of shorebirds. The on-site pond attracts ducks, while the surrounding diverse vegetation supports many breeding and migratory bird species during the spring season and fall seasons. The walk covers approximately 1 mile on level boardwalks and dirt paths, making it an easy and enjoyable stroll for all experience levels. 



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1xR6bM1dWWevQig29 


Directions: Sweet Springs Nature Preserve is located at 660 Ramona Ave. in Los Osos. We will meet at the Central Kiosk entrance. There is street parking all along Ramona in front of the preserve.


Wear a hat, sturdy walking shoes and dress in layers as it can be cool and windy. Bring binoculars, sunscreen, water and snacks as needed. Restrooms (port-a-potty) are available at the East entrance. 


ADA - not accessible


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - OCT 31 - Laguna Lake Birding

Birding Open Fields at Laguna Lake [by Robbie Revel] 

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Laguna Lake Birding

October 31, 2026  

9 am to 12 Noon  

Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo

Leader: Mark Mushkat


Description: We’ll explore the park’s trees and meadows in search of wintering songbirds, flycatchers, and raptors. Open spaces and power poles offer great vantage points for spotting raptors during the winter, while marshy areas can be productive for warblers, wrens, and munias.  The lake will be scanned for  returning  water foul. The trail is flat, and we’ll cover approximately 1.5 to 2 miles.


This trip is for birders with ebird accounts. 



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GfvyENUnoeTB3vdG8


Directions: Meet at the Off Leash Dog Park Lot. Laguna Lake Park is located in San Luis Obispo midway along the north side of Madonna Road. Madonna Road exits US 101 in San Luis Obispo or can be reached at a major intersection on Los Osos Valley Road about a mile west of US 101. 


Please bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, and field guides (if you have them), and dress in layers for wind and changing conditions. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.


ADA: not accessible


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - OCT 11 - Oso Flaco Fall Birding

Boardwalk on right leading across lake on left [by Joanne Aasen]  

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  


Oso Flaco Fall Birding  

October 11, 2026  

8:30am to 11:30am  

Oso Flaco Lake

Leader: Jessica Griffith


Description: Explore a rich variety of habitats on a relaxed birding walk at Oso Flaco Lake. Enjoy close-up views of waterfowl—and possibly elusive bitterns and rails—from the boardwalk overlooking the lake and marsh. We'll also bird two prime willow habitats known for attracting returning warblers and other migrants. The route includes 2–3 miles of slow-paced walking through riparian woodland, across the lake boardwalk, and into coastal sage scrub. If time allows, we’ll continue on to the beach to search for coastal specialties. The trail is mostly level, with a mix of boardwalk and packed trail—plus sand if we reach the beach. 


Please bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, and field guides (if you have them), and dress in layers for wind and changing conditions. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.



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). Wear a hat, sturdy walking shoes, and dress in layers as it can be cool and windy. We will gather at the picnic tables. 

Please bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, and field guides (if you have them), and dress in layers for wind and changing conditions. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.


ADA accessible for most of the walk.


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - OCT 8 - Santa Margarita Pontoon Boat Birding

Birders in Pontoon Boat at Santa Margarita Lake [by Bob Revel]  

 REGISTRATION CLOSED.  

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat Birding  

October 8, 2026  

8:00am to 11:00am  

Santa Margarita  

Leaders: MCAS Leaders  


Description: Join Morro Coast Audubon on a pontoon boat ride adventure birding Santa Margarita Lake. We'll cruise the northwest portion of the lake taking in all the nesting birds as well as shoreline wildlife that abound. We will be on the lake for about 2 hours, returning before midday heat. In our most recent visit, we saw lots of Grebes still in their nests, but we also saw baby Grebes on mom’s back. We also saw an adult Black Bear and 3 cubs. 


The registration fee for this trip is $30. 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 field trip is not ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.



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. 


ADA: not accessible


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - SEPT 27 - Oso Flaco Birding for Beginners

Overlooking Oso Flaco Lake and bank of rushes on left with boardwalk path on right. Sand Dunes in the distance. [photo by Joanne Aasen]
Oso Flaco Lake & Boardwalk [photo by Joanne Aasen]

REGISTRATION CLOSED. 


Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  


Oso Flaco Birding for Beginners  

September 27, 2026  

8:30am - 12:00pm  

Oso Flaco Lake, Arroyo Grande  

Leaders: Linda Signal & Tony Gayfield  


Description: Explore a rich variety of habitats on a relaxed birding walk at Oso Flaco Lake. Enjoy close-up views of waterfowl—and possibly elusive bitterns and rails—from the boardwalk overlooking the lake and marsh. We'll also bird two prime willow habitats known for attracting returning warblers and other migrants. This trip is intended for beginning and intermediate birders. 


The route includes 2–3 miles of slow-paced walking through riparian woodland, across the lake boardwalk, and into coastal sage scrub. The trail is mostly level, with a mix of boardwalk and packed trail—plus sand if we reach the beach. 


Please bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, and field guides (if you have them), and dress in layers for wind and changing conditions. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.


This trip is ADA accessible. 


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/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).


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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