Grand California
September 11-19, 2010
Join Greg Smith for this grand exploration of California. From ocean shores to parks, expect to experience a remarkable mix of species and scenery. Fall brings us witness to vast bird migrations as birds move down the coast from the huge expanses of Alaska to their wintering grounds in South America. We should find a good number of western warblers and five species of hummingbirds. Some of the regional specialties include Wrentits, California Quail, White-headed and Nuttall's Woodpeckers, California Condors and Chestnut-backed Chickadees.
One of the highlights of the journey is a day on the ocean off Monterey where up to thirty species of seabirds have been seen on a single pelagic trip at this time of the year. We also hope to see Humpback Whales and dolphins among the cetaceans with sea lions (both Steller’s and California) and possibly Southern Sea Otter too.
Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the most scenic areas of the Pacific Coast and its biodiversity is just as amazing. The park lists 490 species of birds - more than you would find in many single states! Shorebirds abound and we should find over 20 species, including Red-necked Phalaropes.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Sat., Sept. 11) Arrival San Francisco
Arrive today in San Francisco, a beautiful city on a bay of the Pacific Ocean. Plan to arrive by late afternoon so you can settle into our comfortable accommodations and rest up from your travels. Or, plan to arrive early, or stay on after your tour, to further explore this great city at your leisure.
Overnight San Francisco (D)
Day 2 (Sun., Sept. 12) Point Reyes Bird Observatory
We set off to find our first birds and wildlife, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and driving north along the scenic coast to Point Reyes National Seashore and surrounding areas. Thunderous breakers crash into a section of California that until recently in geologic time was a part of the Mexican mainland, now separated by action of the San Andreas fault. Hosting over a thousand plant and animal species, this outstanding mosaic of California habitats is ours to explore. We will visit a few of the small state parks on our way in, which also serve as research areas for Point Reyes Bird Observatory. The Point Reyes peninsula is cloaked by varied chaparral plants such as Coyote Bush (Baccharis), Blue Blossom (Ceanothus) and Bush Lupine while birds include California Quail, Wrentit and Lawrence’s Goldfinch. In the afternoon we visit the main research station for Point Reyes Bird Observatory and visit with staff ornithologists to discuss ongoing research.
Overnight Petaluma (B,L,D)
Day 3 (Mon., Sept. 13) Point Reyes National Seashore
Today we will visit Point Reyes National Seashore, an amazing area of protected dunes and foreshore which attracts flocks of waders and is the visual highway for small birds migrating south. Point Reyes eases into the Pacific Ocean on the sea side of the San Andreas Fault which provides access to the following target species: Wandering Tattlers, Black Oystercatchers, Heermann’s Gulls, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Hutton’s Vireos, Townsend’s and Hermit Warblers along with the native population of Tule Elk. Try some of California's famous wines tonight over an excellent dinner.
Overnight Petaluma (B,L,D)
Day 4 (Tues., Sept. 14) Tomales Bay / Bodega Bay
Enjoy an easy day as we explore Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay and area parks looking for such local specialties as Black Rails, Allen’s Hummingbirds, Nuttall’s and Acorn Woodpeckers, Yellow-billed Magpies and Tri-colored Blackbirds. Tomales Bay lies on the San Andreas Fault and as such, the geology and soils provide for different habitats on the inland side of the bay. Enjoy fresh seafood and the ambiance of small coastal towns as we explore.
Overnight Petaluma (B,L,D)
Day 5 (Wed., Sept. 15) Monterey Bay
We spend the day in Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay and then a visit to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium to see some of the marine wonders otherwise hidden from view when we venture out on the ocean. Among today’s highlights should include White-tailed Kites, Allen’s Hummingbirds and potentially some Eastern U.S. 
vagrants. Scenery abounds along this part of the coastline; watch surf pound against offshore sea stacks and keep your eye out for Sea Otters feeding in the kelp.
Overnight Monterey (B,L,D)
Day 6 (Thurs., Sept. 16) Pelagic trip on the Pacific Ocean with Debra Shearwater
Venture out on all-day pelagic trip from Monterey Bay with Debra Love Shearwater, who is a legend in her own time and rightly so.This extraordinary woman runs the top seabird-watching trips in the USA and, many say, the world. This will be one of the highlights of the tour: it is not uncommon for thirty different species of seabirds to be seen on this trip. It will not be high season for whales but we could see HumpbackedWhales, Orcas and several species of dolphins, Southern Sea Otters, California and 
Steller's Sea Lions, Northern Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals and Dall's Porpoises.
Overnight Monterey (B,L,D)
Day 7 (Fri., Sept. 17) Big Sur / Morro Bay
In a class of its own for dramatic scenery, the coast of Big Sur is a world-renowned area where we will be starting our morning. It will not just be the scenery that calls for our attention; for we will spend time looking for California Condors, released in the area from the captive breeding program, which saved them from extinction. We will then drive down to Morro Bay where we hope for the endangered Black Rail amongst other species. As Morro Bay is home to our guide, Greg Smith, we can expect some great dining hospitality here!
Overnight Morro Bay (B,L,D)
Day 8 (Sat., Sept. 18) Morro Bay / Montana de Oro State Park
Today we visit sites at Morro Rock, Morro Bay and Montana de Oro State Park. Morro Bay is one of the only extant estuaries left on the coast of California and has at its entrance one of the counties legendary Seven Sisters. Great birds and beautiful scenery are highlights of this day. Local park biologists join us this evening for an informal catered dinner or barbecue.
Overnight Morro Bay (B,L,D)
Day 9 (Sun., Sept. 19) Departures
Today you can depart after 1 PM, or choose to stay on to explore the city.
PLAN AHEAD!
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COST
OF THE JOURNEY:
Cost of the journey is $2590.00 from San Francisco, based on double occupancy. This cost includes all accommodations, ALL MEALS as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, other park and program entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.
Tour cost does not include: round-trip transportation from your home city to San Francisco or optional activities or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, maid gratuities, or beverages from the bar.
Single supplement is $585.00.
Group Size: Maximum of 14, minimum of 4. Tour price is based on 8 persons,
with fewer than 8 a small group surcharge (typically $100-$300) may apply.
Pace of the tour: Moderate with some field days, with possible walks of up to 2-3 miles over undulating terrain.
TRANSPORTATION:
Most major airlines serve San Francisco (SFO). Plan to arrive by dinner on Sept. 11th. You may wish to arrive early to rest up from your travels and see a bit of the city. Plan early if you can, as Sept. 7th is Labor Day. You may depart San Francisco at your leisure on or after Sept. 19th
Naturalist Journeys, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider and committed to the goal of ensuring equal opportunity for all in employment and program delivery.
Photo Credits:
Long-billed Curlew, Point Reyes Light Station, Tule Elk, Greg
Smith; White-tailed Kite, Semi-palmated Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitcher and Acorn Woodpecker, Tony Beck - to see more of his images, go
to: www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ |
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