Ornithology
Field Trips, Fall 2012 (Tentative)
9 AM to 12 Noon except as noted.

Sep. 23 (Sunday) - POINT REYES. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head north on Hwy 101 to Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Go west through the towns of Kentfield, Ross, San Anselmo, and Fairfax to Olema. Turn right on Hwy 1 and then left, still on Sir Francis Drake through Inverness. Continue west out toward Point Reyes and turn left at the sign for Drake's Beach Visitors' Center. Meet in the parking area at the center. Travel time about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Oct. 7 (Sunday) - REDWOOD SHORES. From Hwy 101, take exit 411, Brittain Ave. Follow signs for Redwood Shores Pkwy and merge onto Holly St. Continue east on Redwood Shores Pkwy, crossing over the freeway. Turn right on Twin Dolphin Dr, cross the bridge and park. Travel time about 45 minutes.

Oct. 21 (Sunday) - BODEGA BAY. Take Hwy 101 north to Petaluma. Exit at East Washington Street in Petaluma. Turn left at the stoplight onto East Washington Street. This road will change names (Bodega Ave., Valley Ford Road, Hwy 1). The road will take you through farmlands and eventually (about 30 minutes) you will come to the town of Valley Ford. Keep going and you will automatically merge onto Hwy 1 which will bring you right into the town of Bodega Bay. At the north end of town, turn left on East Shore Road. At the bottom of the hill continue straight and and meet at the Porto Bodega Marina parking lot at 1500 Bay Flat Road. Travel time about 1hour and 30 minutes.

Nov. 3 (Saturday) - COYOTE POINT. Take Hwy 101 south to San Mateo. Take the Poplar Ave. Exit. Turn right on Humboldt until Peninsula Ave. Turn right on Peninsula. Go over the freeway, stay straight at the light and you will be on Coyote Point Drive. See detailed map. Admission to the park is $5 but if you tell the attendant you are going to the yacht harbor you may not have to pay. Please don't tell the attendant I said that! Meet in the parking lot next to the museum at 8:30AM. Travel time 30 minutes.

The following field trip is postponed because of weather! It has been rescheduled for Saturday, December 8th.
Dec.2 (Sunday) - LAS GALLINAS SEWER PONDS. From Highway 101 exit Lucas Valley Road/Smith Ranch Road. Drive east about 0.7 mile on Smith Ranch Road, then at the McInnis Park entrance, turn left to remain on Smith Ranch Road. Drive on Smith Ranch Road about 0.8 mile, to the signed trailhead at the end of the road. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot. Travel time 45 minutes.

Dec.8 (Saturday) - LAS GALLINAS SEWER PONDS. From Highway 101 exit Lucas Valley Road/Smith Ranch Road. Drive east about 0.7 mile on Smith Ranch Road, then at the McInnis Park entrance, turn left to remain on Smith Ranch Road. Drive on Smith Ranch Road about 0.8 mile, to the signed trailhead at the end of the road. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot. Travel time 45 minutes.

We expect all trips to be held as scheduled regardless of weather, but please check this web page before leaving for possible last minute changes. Estimated times are roughly from the Marina Middle School. Please bring binoculars and scopes if you have them. Please keep valuables secure or leave them home. Wear comfortable walking shoes or boots. Avoid sunglasses if possible. Participation is at your own risk.

Trips are open only to registered class members. Guests may attend by permission of the instructor. Cost is $10 per trip. All fees must be paid BEFORE the start of the trip.