Shorebirds by Kayak

Elkhorn Slough is a wonderful place to watch a broad diversity of shorebirds. Our kayaks allow close observation without disturbance. If you want to see the difference between a least sandpiper and a western sandpiper or you want to experience the thrill of hearing the wings of a tight flock of dunlin, this trip is for you.

Brooks Island

A 'secret' island in San Francisco Bay, Brooks offers the opportunity to visit a large colony of Caspian terns, nesting Canadian geese and to see a variety of other waterbirds, all in an outing close to home. This trip is perfect for advanced to beginning birders and is a generally short and easy paddle by kayak to the island.

Salinas River

In summer and fall, the mouth of the Salinas River becomes a quiet lagoon on the shores of Monterey Bay. Thousands of birds congregate here to rest and feed. It is a terrific spot to see threatened species such as white pelicans, peregrine falcons, snowy plovers and the occasional least tern. Once again, the use of sea kayaks allows close observation without disturbance.

Bair Island

The marshlands of San Francisco Bay still provide habitat for a great many migratory and resident birds. Using kayaks to access the protected waters of Redwood Creek and Corkscrew Slough, we will look for shorebirds, ducks and wading species. In the spring, herons nest overhead and marshhawks patrol the grasslands of Bair Island.

Bald  Eagles of Lake San Antonio

About 2.5  hours south of San Jose is the oak-lined reservoir, Lake San Antonio.   Wildlife is abundant along the lake shore, particularly birds.  In fact, San Antonio is home to one of the largest wintering populations of bald eagles in California.   We will kayak around the lake looking for eagles and then stop under the oaks for lunch. The calm, protected waters of the lake make this a perfect trip for the beginning kayaker and all nature enthusiasts.  Every year we have a new and spectacular sighting and people are always impressed by the subtle beauty of this hidden lake.

Winter Birding in the Central Valley

The desert lands of the Central Valley were once a vast and thriving wetland with many species of birds and mammals.. This wildlife heritage still remains in pockets of habitat around the town of Los Banos. In these reserves, we will bird by car and short walks to view the numerous waterfowl and wading birds which visit the Great Valley. Our goal will be to see and hear the enormous flocks of Sandhill Cranes that dance on the plains of Sandy Mush...