Field Trip Report

Redwood Shores
March 27, 2010

On Saturday 3/27/10 I led a walking tour of Redwood Shores for Sequoia Audubon. There were 10 participants and we walked about 5 miles. Starting at the Nob Hill Pond where we saw the Gadwall x Northern Shoveler (usually found in the slough behind the Redwood Shores Library), a female Common Merganser, many Ruddy Ducks in blue-billed finery and a Greater Yellowlegs in addition to the usual mix.

Headed along the bank towards Radio Road and had several Anna's Hummingbirds, Mockingbirds and a Tree Swallow. We cut through an apartment complex and headed to Davit Lane. Along Redwood Shores Parkway a small flock of Cedar Waxwings landed briefly. At the lagoon on Davit Lane we saw a female Common Goldeneye, Pied billed Grebe, Brown Pelican along with the usual Coots, Scaups, Mallards, etc. Heading back towards Marlin Drive we were surprised to find a pair of Hooded Mergansers in the channel. While watching them, a Hooded Oriole settled in the trees.

Then through Marlin Park to the beach area- Several female Common Mergansers and a Double Crested Cormorant with head plumes showing. Continuing around to Starboard and then to the area under the Bridge Parkway bridge. Here we had a Downy Woodpecker as well as Cliff and Northern Rough-winged Swallows.

Took a brief stop at the Redwood Shores Library to use the facilities and check out the environmental center, then off to the Oracle Pond. Highlight here was a Spotted Sandpiper.

Then checked out the main lagoon behind the Hotel Sofitel - quiet except for several rowing teams working out and two swimmers. Continued along Twin Dolphin Drive. Heard Nuttal's Woodpecker and Oak Titmouse. Saw Eurasian Collared Dove, Copper's and Red tailed Hawks. Back to our cars behind the Pacific Athletic Club. As we crossed the small bridge there were many Swallows foraging and a number of Snowy Egrets had settled on the island in the Nob Hill Pond

Redwood Shores is a great place to bird. Don't limit yourself to Radio Road

— Sonny Mencher