PLEASE NOTE: Because of Covid-19, we require advance registration and are limiting the size of trips. Some trips require masks; but you are always welcome to wear a mask, even if it’s not required.
Field Trips
Golden Gate Audubon offers more than 150 field trips annually for birders of all levels. Our trips explore local areas from Golden Gate Park to the East Bay shoreline and hills, as well as such wildlife-rich destinations as California’s Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada.
Local trips are generally free except for any park entrance fees. Advance registration is required. For most trips, registration will open two weeks before the trip date and close a few days before the trip. We are currently limiting the size of most trips to allow for social distancing; no drop-ins, please.
See the calendar below (which you can also view as a list) for information on upcoming trips. Once registration opens for a trip, you will find a sign-up link on its information page.
We also sponsor trips to other parts of the U.S. and to international destinations, including Latin America, Africa, and Australia. See our Travel with GGAS page for upcoming travel opportunities.at
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
2 events,
San Francisco Botanical Garden
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Slowly stroll around the S.F. Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park, exploring the many birds that thrive amidst several micro-habitats with more than 8,000 kinds of plants. This trip is oriented towards helping beginning birders develop their skills, and recurs on the first Sunday of each month. Entry to the Garden is free before 9 ... Read more
Lafayette Community Center (Lafayette)
Lafayette Community Center (Lafayette)
This trail features a variety of mature trees and grassy hillsides alongside a stretch of riparian habitat. Raptors, nuthatches, and woodpeckers are sighted regularly, along with a variety of sparrows. This is a dirt trail, wide in most areas, mostly level although there are some elevation changes. There are no areas to sit along this ... Read more
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Salesforce Park Bird
Salesforce Park Bird
Please join us in Salesforce Park. We will take a leisurely birdwalk through the park and encounter common and not so common year round residents and migrant birds throughout the year. This trip is especially good for beginners as we often have very close views of the birds and can really closely study their distinguishing ... Read more
Hilltop Lake Park (Richmond)
Hilltop Lake Park (Richmond)
Join me for an easy, flat stroll (about a mile) around Hilltop Lake in Richmond to look for migrants and resident passerines, woodpeckers, raptors and more. Freshwater pond surrounded by willows, cattails, and native and ornamental trees and shrubs.The trail is paved and there are cement block benches in 2 places. We’ve seen lots ... Read more
0 events,
1 event,
Big Leaf Picnic Area, Tilden Regional Park (Berkeley)
Big Leaf Picnic Area, Tilden Regional Park (Berkeley)
Last weekend was International Dawn Chorus Sunday, making this our (almost) Annual Dawn Chorus Birdwalk. Note special meeting place and time. No regular First Friday walk today! Early Birdwalk, No regular Birdwalk. Dawn Chorus: What are the birds saying so early and who are they saying it to? Leader: Alan Kaplan LNKPLN67@gmail.com, landline (510) 526-7609 ... Read more
2 events,
Miller-Knox Shoreline Park (Richmond)
Miller-Knox Shoreline Park (Richmond)
Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline is truly one of the gems of the East Bay. Along the shoreline, beautiful views of the Bay complement the opportunity to see a variety of waterbirds. As you head inland, you pass through open fields, dense scrub, and then up into the rolling hills, some of which are blanketed in forest. ... Read more
Mount Sutro Open Space Preserve (San Francisco)
Mount Sutro Open Space Preserve (San Francisco)
The UCSF Mount Sutro Open Space Preserve is a 61-acre remnant of more than 2000 acres of eucalyptus trees planted by Adolf Sutro in the late 1800s. UCSF has instituted a long term management plan for the OSP with the initial phase focused on removing dead and dying trees to improve fire safety. Some tree ... Read more
2 events,
Fort Mason (SF)
Fort Mason (SF)
The focus of the May field trip will be looking for late migrants. May can bring a surprise migrant, and there should still be migrating flycatchers, vireos and warblers moving through. In previous years, we have had a Western Wood Pewee, a Western Tanager and a Black Headed Grosbeak. Nesting birds could include Pigeon Guillemots, ... Read more
Sibley Volcanic Regional Perserve (Oakland)
Sibley Volcanic Regional Perserve (Oakland)
This will be a half day walk in a good variety of habitats: Baccharis chaparral, grassland, Monterey Pine and Eucalyptus woodland. This area has been historically good for Lazuli Bunting, Pygmy Nuthatch and Rufous-crowned Sparrow. Wear good hiking shoes and bring water. Indoor restrooms at the parking lot. We’ll cover about 2.5 miles. Leader: Rusty ... Read more
0 events,
1 event,
Blake Garden (Kensington)
Blake Garden (Kensington)
We are well into spring and the Blake Garden is full of activity! Come bird the garden with us to observe bird species nesting and fledging young. We have had a turn-around in species from wintering birds to summer residence. The garden is full of bird chatter now with territorial disputes. If you are a ... Read more
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Valle Vista EBMUD Watershed (Moraga)
Valle Vista EBMUD Watershed (Moraga)
Birding in the Moraga area on level trails and fire roads owned by East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). This area features a variety of habitats: chaparral and scrub, grassland, pine-oak woodland, marsh, and the top of the reservoir. Likely birds include raptors, sparrows, California Thrasher, nuthatches, wrens, and the shy Wood Ducks. We will ... Read more
1 event,
Vollmer Peak (Berkeley/Orinda)
Vollmer Peak (Berkeley/Orinda)
Vollmer Peak, at 1,905 feet tall, is considered the highest point in the Berkeley Hills and a magnet for migrating birds and rarities. The combination of hilly, shrubby, and open habitats give us excellent opportunities to view a variety of birds, while also enjoying spectacular views from the Bay to Mt. Diablo (and all the ... Read more
3 events,
Joaquin Miller Park (Oakland)
Joaquin Miller Park (Oakland)
We will meet at the bottom of the Woodminster Cascade (the series of fountains) for a walk through the forest of Joaquin Miller Park. Expect our resident breeding birds and migrating birds if we're lucky! This walk will be moderately strenuous with elevation gain on both stairs and trails. Leader: Megan Jankowski, mindfuldocumentation@gmail.com, (415) 515-0732 ... Read more
Introduction to Point Reyes (Point Reyes)
Introduction to Point Reyes (Point Reyes)
Curious about birding Point Reyes but unsure of where to go? Join ranger Carlo Arreglo and explore some of the park's birding "hotspots." Birdwatchers of all levels are welcome. We'll start at the Bear Valley area then drive towards the Outer Point with possible stops at Drakes Beach, A, B, and C ranches, the lighthouse ... Read more
Stow Lake, Golden Gate Park (SF)
Stow Lake, Golden Gate Park (SF)
All are welcomed on this easy-paced trip around Stow Lake in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. We will go around the lake, about one mile. The path is flat and paved, with many benches spaced along the way. Accessible bathrooms and parking are behind the boat house. Afterwards you have the option of exploring Strawberry ... Read more
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (Bridle and Stream Trails)
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (Bridle and Stream Trails)
Special target birds include California Quail, Wilson’s Warbler, Pacific-slope Flycatcher and Pacific Wren. This is a great trip for those who want to start learning to identify birds by sound, as several of the birds that make their homes here or arrive for the summer have distinctive songs and calls. (I’ll email some suggested birds ... Read more
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park (Oakland)
Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park (Oakland)
Come see what's happening at Lake Merritt as spring winds toward summer. Most of the winter migrants will be gone, but we have a chance to see some laggards, plus some local residents in the family-growth business.... MASKS REQUIRED FOR THIS WALK. Leader: Hilary Powers, hilary@salamanderfeltworks.com, Lyla Arum, lyla.arum@gmail.com This trip is free but advance ... Read more
1 event,
Jewel Lake (Berkeley)
Jewel Lake (Berkeley)
All shapes, sizes are welcome, though LGBTQ+ and BIPOC folks are especially invited to this participatory field trip. We all benefit when anyone shares their observations, knowledge and enthusiasm! Binoculars help, so let Rachel know in advance if you’d like a loaner pair. We'll explore 1-2 miles on flat terrain from the parking lot to ... Read more
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (Stream Trail)
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (Stream Trail)
This is a shorter trip with less walking than our usual field trips at this location. We will enjoy quality time, what Malcolm Margolis calls “deep hanging out,” but will finish before it gets really hot and the park gets very crowded on Memorial Day Weekend. Special target birds include California Quail, Wilson’s Warbler, Pacific-slope ... Read more
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Salesforce Park
Salesforce Park
Please join us in Salesforce Park. We will take a leisurely birdwalk through the park and encounter common and not so common year round residents and migrant birds throughout the year. This trip is especially good for beginners as we often have very close views of the birds and can really closely study their distinguishing ... Read more
0 events,
1 event,
Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Regional Park (Berkeley)
Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Regional Park (Berkeley)
Today’s theme: Features of Nests, Eggs, and Incubation. Why are eggs “the most perfect thing”? How do cigarette butts benefit baby birds? Is nest building all instinct? Meet at the Tilden Nature Area parking lot at the entrance to the Environmental Education Center/Little Farm. We’ll walk a wide path to Jewel Lake and back. Restrooms ... Read more
1 event,
Mount Sutro Open Space Preserve (San Francisco)
Mount Sutro Open Space Preserve (San Francisco)
The UCSF Mount Sutro Open Space Preserve is a 61-acre remnant of more than 2000 acres of eucalyptus trees planted by Adolf Sutro in the late 1800s. UCSF has instituted a long term management plan for the OSP with the initial phase focused on removing dead and dying trees to improve fire safety. Some tree ... Read more
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- There are no events on this day.
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About our Field Trips
Our trips welcome birders of all skill levels, especially beginning birders. We encourage experienced birders to help the newcomers in the group. And beginners: Don’t be shy! We warmly invite you to identify yourself at the start of the walk so the leaders and more experienced birders can help you.
Cancellations: Heavy rain almost always cancels trips. Other cancellations may be posted on the GGAS-Chat discussion group, described below. If you’re uncertain about whether a trip has been cancelled, please contact the trip leader.
We invite your feedback on any aspect of our trips (leadership, venues, schedules). Send an email to Field Trip Coordinators Steve Lombardi at hotrock175@gmail.com or Christina Tarr at christina.tarr@gmail.com. For questions about individual trips, contact the leaders. If you cannot reach a leader, contact our office at 510.843.2222 or email hotrock175@gmail.com.
Summaries of field trips from 2004-2020 are available online in our Trip Report Archives. For more recent trip sightings, see eBird.
GGAS chat group
Join our online chat group to get updates about field trips and share general birding/conservation discussions. Membership is free: visit groups.io/g/GGAS-Chat and click on the “subscribe” link
Pelagic trips, including the Farallones
We are not affiliated with these birding-by-boat trips but list them for your convenience. Please contact them directly for details, cost, and reservations.
Alvaro’s Adventures
Web: alvarosadventures.com
Email: alvaro@alvarosadventures.com
Alvaro Jaramillo leads outstanding trips and brings experienced sea-birders along as spotters. His trips leave from a variety of harbors, including Monterey (with the submarine canyon in Monterey Bay). The Farallon Islands trips leave from Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay.
Oceanic Society
Web: oceanicsociety.org
They offer whale watching trips that include the Farallones. For these, look at the biographical sketches of the guides and ask which trips have guides who are enthusiastic about birds as well as marine mammals. These trips leave from Sausalito and San Francisco. Follow the links for whale watching and then Farallones. Web site has phone numbers.
Grebe Courtship
Web: eyesofthewild.com
Email: faithrig@gmail.com
Watch the courtship rituals of the Western and Clarke’s Grebe from a comfortable 10-seat boat on Clear Lake. The best time to witness the grebe courtship displays is in late spring and early summer.
Seeking New Field Trip Leaders
If you’re a birder with favorite spots you’d like to share, consider joining our cadre of volunteer field trip leaders. It might sound a little scary (“Who, me? I can’t lead a field trip!”) but it’s really fun and quite easy.
We can provide training walks and mentors, help you write trip descriptions, and find background resources on the birding spots you love. You don’t need to be able to identify every bird: You’ll be successful by organizing an enjoyable walk at an interesting location.
If you’re interested (even if you’re maybe a little interested, but also a little nervous) contact Maureen Lahiff, Adult Education Committee chair, at 510.484.6529, MLahiff@aol.com or Field Trip Coordinator, Steve Lombardi at hotrock175@gmail.com.
Upcoming Field Trips
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
2 events,
San Francisco Botanical Garden
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Slowly stroll around the S.F. Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park, exploring the many birds that thrive amidst several micro-habitats with more than 8,000 kinds of plants. This trip is oriented towards helping beginning birders develop their skills, and recurs on the first Sunday of each month. Entry to the Garden is free before 9 ... Read more
Lafayette Community Center (Lafayette)
Lafayette Community Center (Lafayette)
This trail features a variety of mature trees and grassy hillsides alongside a stretch of riparian habitat. Raptors, nuthatches, and woodpeckers are sighted regularly, along with a variety of sparrows. This is a dirt trail, wide in most areas, mostly level although there are some elevation changes. There are no areas to sit along this ... Read more
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Salesforce Park Bird
Salesforce Park Bird
Please join us in Salesforce Park. We will take a leisurely birdwalk through the park and encounter common and not so common year round residents and migrant birds throughout the year. This trip is especially good for beginners as we often have very close views of the birds and can really closely study their distinguishing ... Read more
Hilltop Lake Park (Richmond)
Hilltop Lake Park (Richmond)
Join me for an easy, flat stroll (about a mile) around Hilltop Lake in Richmond to look for migrants and resident passerines, woodpeckers, raptors and more. Freshwater pond surrounded by willows, cattails, and native and ornamental trees and shrubs.The trail is paved and there are cement block benches in 2 places. We’ve seen lots ... Read more
0 events,
1 event,
Big Leaf Picnic Area, Tilden Regional Park (Berkeley)
Big Leaf Picnic Area, Tilden Regional Park (Berkeley)
Last weekend was International Dawn Chorus Sunday, making this our (almost) Annual Dawn Chorus Birdwalk. Note special meeting place and time. No regular First Friday walk today! Early Birdwalk, No regular Birdwalk. Dawn Chorus: What are the birds saying so early and who are they saying it to? Leader: Alan Kaplan LNKPLN67@gmail.com, landline (510) 526-7609 ... Read more
2 events,
Miller-Knox Shoreline Park (Richmond)
Miller-Knox Shoreline Park (Richmond)
Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline is truly one of the gems of the East Bay. Along the shoreline, beautiful views of the Bay complement the opportunity to see a variety of waterbirds. As you head inland, you pass through open fields, dense scrub, and then up into the rolling hills, some of which are blanketed in forest. ... Read more
Mount Sutro Open Space Preserve (San Francisco)
Mount Sutro Open Space Preserve (San Francisco)
The UCSF Mount Sutro Open Space Preserve is a 61-acre remnant of more than 2000 acres of eucalyptus trees planted by Adolf Sutro in the late 1800s. UCSF has instituted a long term management plan for the OSP with the initial phase focused on removing dead and dying trees to improve fire safety. Some tree ... Read more
2 events,
Fort Mason (SF)
Fort Mason (SF)
The focus of the May field trip will be looking for late migrants. May can bring a surprise migrant, and there should still be migrating flycatchers, vireos and warblers moving through. In previous years, we have had a Western Wood Pewee, a Western Tanager and a Black Headed Grosbeak. Nesting birds could include Pigeon Guillemots, ... Read more
Sibley Volcanic Regional Perserve (Oakland)
Sibley Volcanic Regional Perserve (Oakland)
This will be a half day walk in a good variety of habitats: Baccharis chaparral, grassland, Monterey Pine and Eucalyptus woodland. This area has been historically good for Lazuli Bunting, Pygmy Nuthatch and Rufous-crowned Sparrow. Wear good hiking shoes and bring water. Indoor restrooms at the parking lot. We’ll cover about 2.5 miles. Leader: Rusty ... Read more
0 events,
1 event,
Blake Garden (Kensington)
Blake Garden (Kensington)
We are well into spring and the Blake Garden is full of activity! Come bird the garden with us to observe bird species nesting and fledging young. We have had a turn-around in species from wintering birds to summer residence. The garden is full of bird chatter now with territorial disputes. If you are a ... Read more
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Valle Vista EBMUD Watershed (Moraga)
Valle Vista EBMUD Watershed (Moraga)
Birding in the Moraga area on level trails and fire roads owned by East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). This area features a variety of habitats: chaparral and scrub, grassland, pine-oak woodland, marsh, and the top of the reservoir. Likely birds include raptors, sparrows, California Thrasher, nuthatches, wrens, and the shy Wood Ducks. We will ... Read more
1 event,
Vollmer Peak (Berkeley/Orinda)
Vollmer Peak (Berkeley/Orinda)
Vollmer Peak, at 1,905 feet tall, is considered the highest point in the Berkeley Hills and a magnet for migrating birds and rarities. The combination of hilly, shrubby, and open habitats give us excellent opportunities to view a variety of birds, while also enjoying spectacular views from the Bay to Mt. Diablo (and all the ... Read more
3 events,
Joaquin Miller Park (Oakland)
Joaquin Miller Park (Oakland)
We will meet at the bottom of the Woodminster Cascade (the series of fountains) for a walk through the forest of Joaquin Miller Park. Expect our resident breeding birds and migrating birds if we're lucky! This walk will be moderately strenuous with elevation gain on both stairs and trails. Leader: Megan Jankowski, mindfuldocumentation@gmail.com, (415) 515-0732 ... Read more
Introduction to Point Reyes (Point Reyes)
Introduction to Point Reyes (Point Reyes)
Curious about birding Point Reyes but unsure of where to go? Join ranger Carlo Arreglo and explore some of the park's birding "hotspots." Birdwatchers of all levels are welcome. We'll start at the Bear Valley area then drive towards the Outer Point with possible stops at Drakes Beach, A, B, and C ranches, the lighthouse ... Read more
Stow Lake, Golden Gate Park (SF)
Stow Lake, Golden Gate Park (SF)
All are welcomed on this easy-paced trip around Stow Lake in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. We will go around the lake, about one mile. The path is flat and paved, with many benches spaced along the way. Accessible bathrooms and parking are behind the boat house. Afterwards you have the option of exploring Strawberry ... Read more
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (Bridle and Stream Trails)
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (Bridle and Stream Trails)
Special target birds include California Quail, Wilson’s Warbler, Pacific-slope Flycatcher and Pacific Wren. This is a great trip for those who want to start learning to identify birds by sound, as several of the birds that make their homes here or arrive for the summer have distinctive songs and calls. (I’ll email some suggested birds ... Read more
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park (Oakland)
Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park (Oakland)
Come see what's happening at Lake Merritt as spring winds toward summer. Most of the winter migrants will be gone, but we have a chance to see some laggards, plus some local residents in the family-growth business.... MASKS REQUIRED FOR THIS WALK. Leader: Hilary Powers, hilary@salamanderfeltworks.com, Lyla Arum, lyla.arum@gmail.com This trip is free but advance ... Read more
1 event,
Jewel Lake (Berkeley)
Jewel Lake (Berkeley)
All shapes, sizes are welcome, though LGBTQ+ and BIPOC folks are especially invited to this participatory field trip. We all benefit when anyone shares their observations, knowledge and enthusiasm! Binoculars help, so let Rachel know in advance if you’d like a loaner pair. We'll explore 1-2 miles on flat terrain from the parking lot to ... Read more
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (Stream Trail)
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (Stream Trail)
This is a shorter trip with less walking than our usual field trips at this location. We will enjoy quality time, what Malcolm Margolis calls “deep hanging out,” but will finish before it gets really hot and the park gets very crowded on Memorial Day Weekend. Special target birds include California Quail, Wilson’s Warbler, Pacific-slope ... Read more
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Salesforce Park
Salesforce Park
Please join us in Salesforce Park. We will take a leisurely birdwalk through the park and encounter common and not so common year round residents and migrant birds throughout the year. This trip is especially good for beginners as we often have very close views of the birds and can really closely study their distinguishing ... Read more
0 events,
1 event,
Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Regional Park (Berkeley)
Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Regional Park (Berkeley)
Today’s theme: Features of Nests, Eggs, and Incubation. Why are eggs “the most perfect thing”? How do cigarette butts benefit baby birds? Is nest building all instinct? Meet at the Tilden Nature Area parking lot at the entrance to the Environmental Education Center/Little Farm. We’ll walk a wide path to Jewel Lake and back. Restrooms ... Read more
1 event,
Mount Sutro Open Space Preserve (San Francisco)
Mount Sutro Open Space Preserve (San Francisco)
The UCSF Mount Sutro Open Space Preserve is a 61-acre remnant of more than 2000 acres of eucalyptus trees planted by Adolf Sutro in the late 1800s. UCSF has instituted a long term management plan for the OSP with the initial phase focused on removing dead and dying trees to improve fire safety. Some tree ... Read more
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
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- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
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Birding Ethics Statement
Golden Gate Audubon Society adheres to the Code of Birding Ethics of the American Birding Association and to the National Audubon Society’s Guide to Ethical Bird Photography.
Please follow these codes whether you are birding by yourself or attending a GGAS or other birding event.
The golden rule of birding: When in doubt, first consider the welfare of the bird.
Thanks for being a responsible birder!