Crab Cove and Ballena Bay, Alameda

Leader: Maureen Lahiff, MLahiff@aol.com, 510.484.6529

Date: Sunday August 23 -- 11 am to 1 pm

Description: Shorebirds are arriving on San Francisco Bay from their nesting grounds in the Arctic and in the Great Basin and Great Plains. Some of them are using the Bay for a refueling stop before heading south, while others will here through next spring.  Many species are still molting.

This trip features sand and mudflats as well as rocky shore, so we should see a good variety of birds. 

If you’d like to borrow a pair of GGBA’s loaner binoculars, please let Maureen know by Wednesday, August 19.

Spotting scopes welcome and appreciated. 

After observing the birds on the cove, we’ll walk a short distance on paved paths and then on hard-packed dirt to Ballena Bay. Round trip walking distance from meeting point less than half a mile; more walking to and from wherever you park or get off the bus.

There are chemical toilets in the EB Parks parking lot near the Visitor Center.  (The restrooms with flush toilets have been closed for months and months.)

Bring water and sun protection, as there is no shade.  It might be cloudy, a bit breezy, and pleasantly cool, but it could also be hot and sunny, so be prepared for variable weather. There is no shade, so bring sun protective clothing and sunscreen. 

Limit: 20

Directions: We’ll meet at the foot of McKay Ave, near the Crab Cove Visitor Center.  Parking on McKay or on Webster Street and the streets off Webster to the north. 

Best access by public transit is AC Transit Line 20 from 12th Street BART Station to Webster and Central, then a 0.3 mile walk to the meeting place.

Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RibcaQxfbfAYoYPp6

Registration opens Tuesday, July 21 at 1 pm and closes on Thursday, August 20 at 11 pm.