Ornithology
Field Trips, Spring 2007 (tentative schedule)
9 AM to 12 Noon

Feb. 24 - LAKE MERRITT. Take the Bay Bridge to I-580 east. Take the Grand Ave exit; go right on Grand Ave for .6 mi. and make a hard left on Bellevue (one-way). There is a $ 2 fee at the toll gate to Lakeside Park. Continue until you see a large sign pointing to a public parking area next to the Sail Boat Club House on the right where we meet. Travel time about 35 minutes.

Mar. 10 - CHAIN OF LAKES, GOLDEN GATE PARK. Take Lincoln Way to 41st Ave. Go north on Chain of Lakes Drive past Martin Luther King Dr. and South Lake, and meet at the parking lot for Middle Lake on the right (east), across from the Bercut Equitation Center. Travel time 20 minutes.

Mar. 24 - SEAL ROCKS AND SUTRO PARK. Take Geary Blvd west; stay right on Point Lobos Ave. Just before you get to the Cliff House, turn right on Merrie Way and park in the unpaved area overlooking the old Sutro Baths. Travel time 20 minutes.

Apr. 14 - RODEO LAGOON. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take the second exit to Alexander Avenue. Get in the left lane following signs that read "101 San Francisco". Turn left at the stop sign and cross under the freeway. Turn right onto Conzelman Road and drive about a mile. Turn right on McCullough Rd. over the hill until you come to a "T" at Bunker Road. Turn left on Bunker until you come to Field Road. Turn left up the hill and park in the large lot adjacent to the the old church, which is now the Marin Headlands Visitor Center. If you cross the lagoon you've gone too far. Travel time about 25 minutes.

Apr. 21 - LAKE MERCED. Take Sunset Blvd. south all the way to the end and meet at the large parking circle at the north end of the lake. Travel time about 25 minutes.

Apr. 28 - RHODODENDRON DELL AND STRYBING ARBORETUM. Meet along Middle Drive East across from the former back entrance to the California Academy of Sciences (now under construction) in Golden Gate Park. Parking is along Middle Drive East. Travel time about 20 minutes.

May 5 - BRIONES REGIONAL PARK. Take the Bay Bridge to Hwy 24 (see suggested route below) east through the Caldecott Tunnel. Take the Orinda exit and proceed north along Camino Pablo. In 2.2 miles turn right on Bear Creek Rd. In 4.5 miles turn right into the park entrance & meet in the first parking area on the left after paying the $4 entry fee. Travel time about 45 minutes (allow one hour this time). Lunch optional.

Suggested route from Caltrans: Use eastbound I-80 over Bay Bridge and exit West Grand Avenue, go left on Northgate Avenue, enter the on-ramp to eastbound I-580 toward SR-24, and take eastbound SR-24 through the Caldecott Tunnel. Click here for maps of alternate routes.

All trips are expected to be held as scheduled regardless of weather. Estimated times are roughly from the Marina Middle School. Public transportation is available to some sites. Check with MUNI to be sure you will be on time. Each site has been chosen to provide high species diversity in areas in, or close to, San Francisco. Lists of birds seen on past trips to these areas will be provided in class. Please bring binoculars and scopes if you have them. I have a few pairs of binoculars to lend for the trips if you let me know in advance that you will need them. Please keep valuables secure or leave them home. Wear comfortable walking shoes or boots. No high-heels please! 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 $55 for all seven trips or $10 per trip. All fees must be paid in ADVANCE of the start of the trip.