Pinnacles and Santa Cruz Island Birding Trip

Leader: Kevin Schwartz

Date: October 9-12 (4 days)

Price: $650 non-members and $550 members

Description: In April 1987, the last wild California Condor was captured. The entire world populationof the species was 27 birds. Thanks to protections from the Endangered Species Act and restrictions to the use of lead for hunting, the world population in 2020 was 504 with 329 wild free flying condors. Lead still causes 50% of condor deaths. We will visit the gorgeous Pinnacles National Park from the eastern side and hike up to the High Peaks Trail for our best chances to see these magnificent birds.

After our hike in the Pinnacles, we will head to Ventura, California where we will stay overnight in preparation for our trip Saturday to Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Islands National Park and the only place in the world to see the Island Scrub-Jay. Besides the spectacular scenery of Santa Cruz Island and the opportunity to see the Island Scrub-Jay and Island Fox, this trip also provides the opportunity to do pelagic birding both on the way to and from the island. Parasitic Jaeger, Pomarine Jaeger, South Polar Skua, Red Phalarope, Red-necked Phalarope, Scripps Murrelet/Guadalupe Murrelet, Cassin’s Auklet, Craveri’s Murrelet, Sabine’s Gull, Arctic Tern, Common Tern, Royal Tern, Elegant Tern, Ashy Storm-Petrel, Black Storm Petrel, Northern Fulmar, Black-vented Shearwater, Pink-footed Shearwater, and Sooty Shearwater are all possibilities at this time of year. Fall is peak migration. Dolphins, California sea lions, harbor seals, and whales may also be seen during the boat ride to and from the island.

While in the Ventura Area, we will take advantage of the excellent birding opportunities in the sod fields in the area. In October, Pacific Golden- Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper, Burrowing Owls use the sod fields for foraging opportunities as they migrate south or winter in the area. Rarities such as Red-throated Pipit, American Golden-Plover, Longspurs, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, and Baird’s Sandpiper have been known to show up at these fields around this time of year as well. If you are looking to see some spectacular endangered, vulnerable, range restricted, or vagrant birds and visit some beautiful national parks in the  company of other wonderful Golden Gate Bird Alliance (GGBA) members and participants, this is the trip for you.

The trip will require the ability to hike the 5.4-mile Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop. This trail is moderate to strenuous with a 1,633 ft gain. We will have plenty of time (4 to 5 hours) to complete the trail which will give us time to bird and take snack breaks. Be prepared for low ceilings, uneven footing, and scrambling over rocks for a portion of the hike. Carry and drink plenty of water. Wear loose-fitting clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes or boots with ankle support. The ferry to and from Ventura to Santa Cruz Island takes about 1 to 2 hours each direction stopping for wildlife along the way. Participants should be prepared for a boat ride on the open seas and weather conditions that can change rapidly in the Santa Barbara Channel. People with serious motion sickness issues or the fear of heights may want to reconsider going on this trip. Please note that the price of this trip is for the bird tour component and the boat trip to Santa Cruz Island only—you are responsible for your own transportation, accommodation, and meals.
A list of hotels and more details will be provided upon registration.

This includes the cost of the ferry and access to the island for each participant.
Please note that the prices of these trips are for the bird tour component only (and the ferry trip for the Pinnacles and Channel Islands trips).
You are responsible for your own transportation, accommodation, and meals (this gives all participants flexibility in selecting what they want and how much they want to spend). 
A list of hotels and more details will be provided upon registration. 

If you are looking to see some spectacular endangered, vulnerable, range restricted, or vagrant birds and visit some beautiful national parks, wildlife refuges, etc. in the company of other wonderful GGBA members and participants, these trips are for you.
 

Limit: 12 participants max