San Mateo County Bird Alliance Field Trips
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
Pre-registration is required for all field trips!
>>> Registration links will be added when available <<<
Sunday March 8
Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont (10:00 - 12:00)
This park comprises 1,266 acres of marshland and rolling grassland-covered hills located along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. eBird cites 222 species at the Visitors Center! $5.00 vehicle admission fee, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road
Leader: J.R. Blair Register
Saturday March 14
Seal Point Park, San Mateo (10:00 - 12:00)
Nature Journaling invites you to slow down and take notice of the world around you, where you'll learn about observing using the I notice, I wonder, It reminds me of framework, learn about and view some examples of nature journaling, and try your hand at it with birds and flowers right at the park. SMCBA will supply pens and small notebooks. Feel free to bring your own materials and a small, lightweight chair if you have one. We'll meet at the North Parking Lot of Seal Point Park.
Leaders: Stanton Chan and Inna Manager Register
Sunday March 15
Woodside Horse Park, Woodside (10:00 - 12:00)
Coffee and refreshments will be provided by the Horse Park for this more stationary and educational outing for those with limited mobility.
Leaders: Christin New and Doug Brown Register
Monday March 16
Filoli: Estate Trail, Woodside (9:30 - 12:00)
A 2-2.5 mile moderate walk. This eBird hotspot recorded 65 species in February 2025! Habitats include mixed oak, redwood, madrone woodlands, riparian corridor, and historic horse pastures. Admission fee.
Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register
Thursday March 19
Las Gallinas, San Rafael (8:00 - 11:00)
The Las Gallinas Ponds are an excellent area to view a wide variety of waterfowl and other wetland birds. This is a slow-paced trip, along level trails, excellent for all levels of birding. A scope is useful here, if you have one, but many of the birds are close enough for great photo opportunities. Directions: from Highway 101 take the Smith Ranch Road exit, then go east on Smith Ranch toward the McInnis Park entrance. Turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks, staying on Smith Ranch, and go about 0.5 miles to the end of the road, to the Las Gallinas Ponds parking lot where we'll meet.
Leader: Donna Pomeroy Register
Saturday March 21
Laurelwood Park, San Mateo (9:30 - 11:00)
Slow birding is a unique way of being in nature and experiencing birds. Scientific studies have shown intentionally slowing down, engaging our senses, and being aware of the present moment is beneficial for our wellness. Mostly paved level paths, bring a small lightweight chair if you have one. Please note this is a meditative experience, we won't be keeping an eBird list! 3471 Glendora Dr.
Leader: Sonia Wu, Davena Gentry, and Patti Berryhill Register
Sunday March 22
Burleigh H. Murray State Park, Half Moon Bay (8:00 - 12:00)
This is a leisurely 3-4 hour walk of ~3 miles in this bird-rich location on a level gravel, former ranch road leading to the historic barn. Directions: Take SR1 south from Half Moon Bay and then turn east at Higgins Canyon Rd.
Leader: Ginny Marshall Register
Tuesday March 24
Filoli: Spring Creek Trail, Woodside (9:30 - 12:00)
Join us for a 3 mile hike. This trail gains 100' elevation in 1/4 mile on a dirt path - not recommended if you have mobility issues. We will spend most of the morning on the California Trail in the Oak and Madrone forest and the Spring Creek Trail through the Redwoods. The California Trail is over dirt paths with a slight incline and is one mile long. The Spring Creek Trail is 1/2 mile on a narrow dirt track with a 100' elevation gain. Admission Fee.
Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register
Saturday March 28
Oyster Point Bay Marina/Park, South San Francisco (8:30 - 10:30)
This 33 acre bayside park offers many shore birds and terns, as well as some sparrows. There is little elevation and this roughly 2 mile walk will start at the marina park, then we will head towards the canal and turn back to the start. Easily mass transit accessible.
Leader: Max Hollenback Register
Saturday March 28
Coyote Pt Recreational Area, San Mateo (8:30 - 11:30)
The diversity of habitats at Coyote Point offers the chance to see a number of species. With luck, we may see the resident Harlequin Duck. $6.00 admission fee. Meet near the yacht club.
Leader: Doug Brown Register
Sunday March 29
Palo Alto Baylands, Palo Alto (10:00 - 12:00)
Perfect for a first outing, this is a beginner and family-friendly outing! Meet in the parking lot for the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center, 2775 Embarcadero Rd. for a leisurely walk on level gravel trails where we will explore this San Francisco Bay treasure. Loaner binoculars are available.
Leader: J.R. Blair 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!
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Nature Walk or Viewing
Trip beyond local area, perhaps including an overnight stay
Pelagic (Ocean) Trip
Motor Tour. May include car pooling.
Wheelchair Accessible
Birding by Bicycle