Indiana Audubon 2024 California Birding Tour

The coastal shoreline and local marshes can host an impressive list of birds, not to mention the western specialties you can find as you venture inland. This special trip also includes two full days of pelagic boat birding, departing from Half Moon Bay. Marvel at incredible seabirds such as albatrosses, shearwaters, storm-petrels, jaegers, and auklets, while also enjoying sightings of fascinating marine mammals like sea otters, whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions.

This unforgettable journey goes beyond birdwatching—it also contributes to local conservation efforts through a donation, aligning with the Indiana Audubon's mission. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature and support the preservation of these remarkable species and their habitats!

Some of the species’ highlights expected include: Black-footed Albatross, South Polar Skua, all three jaegers, Heerman’s Gull, Elegant Tern, Black Oystercatcher, Black Turnstone, Wandering Tattler, Surfbird, Long-billed Curlew, Snowy Plover, Ridgway’s Rail, California Condor, Clark’s Grebe, Yellow-billed Magpie, California Scrub Jay, Pygmy Nuthatch, Tricolored Blackbird, Bell’s Sparrow, Townsend's Warbler, and others.

Trip Leaders: Amy Kearns and Austin Broadwater are professional ornithologists with a deep love and appreciation of birds and nature in general. Additionally, Amy has served on the Indiana Audubon Board of Directors, and Austin chairs the Bird Safe Indy initiative with Amos Butler Audubon. Both are experienced trip leaders with a combined 25+ years of birding experience.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1. September 8: Arrive in San Francisco. Overnight at Best Western Plus.

Day 2. September 9: San Franciso Bay and East Bay Hills. Overnight Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hollister.

Day 3. September 10: Birding Moss Landing, Elkhorn Slough, Point Pinos, Point Lobos, and Big Sur. Overnight Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hollister.

Day 4. September 11: Pinnacles and California Condors, Santa Cruz in afternoon. Overnight in Quality Inn & Suites.

Day 5. September 12: San Mateo Coast birding. Overnight at Quality Inn Half Moon Bay.

Day 6. September 13: Pelagic birding from Half Moon Bay. Overnight at Quality Inn Half Moon Bay.

Day 7. September 14: Pelagic birding from Half Moon Bay. Overnight at Quality Inn Half Moon Bay.
Day 8. September 15: Departures for home from San Francisco.

As part of Indiana Audubon’s commitment to conservation in areas we visit, Indiana Audubon will make a 2024 donation towards a conservation initiative along the central California coast.

Indiana Audubon Field Trip Ratings for this trip include:

Birding Pace: Moderate Day Trips-Extended Trip. Multiple days with early starts. On certain days guests may have the opportunity to take a break from the regular. Joining for the early morning birding is highly encouraged as it is the bird’s most active time. Expect more difficult birding during pelagic birding.
Physical Requirements: Medium-Moderate. Birding will cover 1-2 miles and can include irregular trail surface, moderate terrain and elevation change, and possible brush or trail obstacles.
Birding Skill Level: Mid-Level. Though suitable for beginner through experienced, the focus will be on US Western and pelagic specialties. Research of anticipated birds is encouraged.

Included with the Tour:

• IAS leaders coordinating trip logistics before and during the tour, including all eBird checklists and trip reports.
• Transportation with fuel included through the trip.
• All lodging for 8 days, 7 nights in listed hotels.
• All meals, beginning with dinner on day one, finishing with breakfast on day 8.
• All entrance fees to reserves, parks, and pelagic tours.

Not included with the Tour:

• All Airfare and airport taxes.
• Tips for hotel staff, bird guides or drivers.
• Medical expenses, prescription drugs, and other items of personal use.
• Additional tours offered in hotels (Spa, massage, etc.).
• Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and anything else not listed on the menus of restaurants.
• Health and/or trip insurance.
• Laundry service.
• Souvenirs.
• Any other expense or extra tour not listed as included above.

Additional Considerations

The trip limit is 10 participants. Prices are based on double occupancy.

$2,795 per person IAS Member. $2,845 per person non-IAS Member.
Single Supplement: $635
$90 surcharge for credit card payments

Event Venue

Half Moon Bay, United States