San Mateo County Bird Alliance Field Trips

SAS Field Trip
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

eBird/GBBC Data Entry Best Practices document

Pre-registration is required for all field trips!

>>> Registration links will be added when available <<<

Saturday August 1
Oyster Point Bay/Marina Park, South San Francisco (8:30- 10:30)

This 3 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 August 8
Covote Hills Regional Park, Fremont (8:30 - 11:00)

This park comprises 1,266 acres of marshland and rolling, grassland-covered hills along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. We'll do a 1.5-mile loop with a slight elevation change. $5.00 vehicle admission fee, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road. Meet in the parking lot at the Visitor Center.

Leader: Saatvika Despande Register

Sunday August 9
Bedwell Bayfront Park, Menlo Park (10:00 - 12:00)

Good for beginners An easy walk along the slough and tidal pond ot look for early arriving migrants as well as resident birds. Meet in the first, paved parking lot near the restrooms.

Leader: J.R. Blair Register

Friday August 14
San Bruno Mountain Bog Trail, San Bruno (8:30 - 11:00)

The Bog Trail loop winding through San Bruno Mountain Park is a wet, riparian area. The trail runs through low canopy of scrubs as well as under trees and some grassland. The pacific fog keeps the area moist most of the year. The beginning of the trail is near the beginning of the Colma creek that goes to the bay. An easy 0.80 mile gravel and dirt trail with benches. We'll meet at the Crocker Ave entrance.

Leader: Tera Freedman Register

Saturday, August 15 (9 AM - 11 AM)
Littlefield/Colma Creek, South San Francisco (9:00 - 11:00)

An easy walk along the Bay Trail. This loop will take us to Colma Creek and back.

Leader: Max Hollenback Register

Friday August 21
Alcatraz, Pier 3 San Francisco (8:00 - 12:00)

Seven species of waterbirds Western Gull, Pigeon Guillemot, Brandt's Cormorant, Snowy Egret, Black-crowned Night-heron and Great Blue Heron nest on Alcatraz Island, and it's easy to see them up close. Take a ferry ride to the island where Alcatraz docents Kimberlie and Max will take you to see these breeding colonies. Stay as long as you like after the tour to see the island, the beautiful historic gardens, and the prison (your ticket entitles you to take the audio tour of the grounds and prison) and take the ferry back when you are done. There is a tram to take you to the top if you are unable to cover the distance of 13 stories equivalent. Distance is less than 1mile, but with a significant incline and some broken and irregular pavement trails. $47.95 Ferry Ticket Fee.

Be sure to purchase this ticket for the 8:40 ferry

Co-Leaders: Kimberlie Moutoux and Max Hollenback Register

Saturday August 22
Coyote Pt Recreational Area, San Mateo (8:30 - 11:00)

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. Directions: Exit Peninsula Ave. from US 101 and follow the signs 1701 Coyote Point Drive - $6.00 admission fee. Meet near the yacht club

Leader: Doug Brown Register

Thursday August 27
Filoli: California Trail, Woodside (9:30 - 12:00)

A 2-2.5 mile moderate walk. Habitats include mixed oak, redwood, madrone woodlands, riparian corridor, and historic horse pastures offering a diversity of species. Admission fee.

Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register

Saturday August 29
Nob Hill Pond, Redwood Shores (10:00 - 12:00)

Perfect for beginners, this eBird hotspot is a wonderful place to easily see many species and an excellent place if it's your first time joining us! Time permitting, we may check some other birding sites nearby. Restrooms are available in the nearby shopping center. Directions: From US 101, take the Redwood Shores Parkway east. Turn right at the second traffic signal on Twin Dolphin Dr. Follow the road to parking at 1050 Twin Dolphin Dr.

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!