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 <<<
Saturday January 24
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 that 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. Limited to 10.
Directions: 3471 Glendora Dr.
Leaders: Sonia Wu, Davena Gentry, and Patti Berryhill Register
Saturday January 25
Oyster Point Bay Marina/Park, South San Francisco (8:30 - 10:30)
This 33-acre bayside park offers many shorebirds and terns as well as some sparrows. There is little elevation, and this easy walk will start at the marina park, then we will head towards the canal and turn back to the start. Mass transit accessible.
Directions: 95 Harbor Master Road, South San Francisco
Leader: Max Hollenback Register
Wednesday January 28
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 Speing 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 100' elevation gain. Admission fee
Directions: 86 Cañada Road, Woodside
Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register
Thursday February 5
Filoli: Estate Trail, Woodside (9:30 - 12:00)
This eBird hotspot recorded 65 species during February '25! Habitats include mixed oak, redwood, madrone woodlands, riparioan corridor, and historic horse pastures. Admission Fee.
Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register
Saturday February 7
Bair Island, Redwood City (10:00 - 12:00)
A level out-and-back dirt trail makes this an easy outing. Curiosity-seekers and those interested in learning more about birds should join this outing. We should see a variety of ducks, shorebirds, and smaller songbirds. We'll have loaner binoculars.
Leader: J.R. Blair Register
Sunday February 8
Raptors of San Benito County, Tres Pinos (8:30 - 3:00)
Let's explore the backroads of San Benito County in search of Golden Eagles, Ferruginous Hawks, and Prairie Falcons. San Benito County is an excellent area for wintering raptors. Bring lunch, liquids, and a scope if you have one. Since parking is limited, participants on this trip must be willing to carpool with others from Tres Pinos. (We're limited to 4 cars on this trip route.) Directions will be provided. Rain will reschedule to February 22.
Leader: Leslie Flint Register by emailing lflint@earthlink.net
Sunday February 8
San Bruno Mtn, San Bruno (8:30 - 11:30)
San Bruno Mountain Park is a unique open-space island amid the peninsula's urbanization. It is home to a wealth of wildlife, hidden pockets of woodlandm and sheltered canyons. We'll walk about 1 mile on mostly flat dirt and asphalt trails. $6.00 Vehicle entry fee.
Leader: Doug Brown Register
Saturday February 14
Oyster Point Bay Marina/Park, South San Francisco (8:30 -10:30)
This 33-acre bayside park offers many shorebirds and terns as well as some sparrows. There is little elevation, and this easy walk will start at the marina park, then we will head towards the canal and turn back to the start. Mass transit accessible.
Leader: Max Hollenback Register
Saturday February 14
Shorebird Park, Foster City (9:30 - 11:00)
Slow birding to expand your experience of birding. This 3.5-acre waterfront park has paved trails and some accessible mudflats. This is more reflective and meditative rather than chasing numbers.
Leaders: Sonia Wu, Davena Gentry, and Patti Berryhill Register
Thursday February 19
FIloli: Spring Creek Trail (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 Speing 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 100' elevation gain. Admission fee
Leader: Kimberlie Moutoux Register
Friday February 27
Pillar Pt. Harbor/Mavericks Trail, Half Moon Bay (9:00 - 12:00)
Pillar Pt. is a hotspot for birding with a variety of resident and wintering birds. Walking will be on mostly level dirt trail and some sand. Scopes will be helpful here.
Leader: Donna Pomeroy Register
Saturday February 28
Oyster Pt Bay Marina/Park, South San Francisco (8:30 - 10:30)
This 33-acre bayside park offers many shorebirds and terns as well as some sparrows. There is little elevation, and this easy walk will start at the marina park, then we will head towards the canal and turn back to the start. Mass transit accessible.
Leader: Max Hollenback 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!
Legend of Field Trip Symbols |
|
|
|
|
Nature Walk or Viewing
Trip beyond local area, perhaps including an overnight stay
Beginner/Family walk
Pelagic (Ocean) Trip
Wheelchair Accessible
Birding by Bicycle