Loma Alta Bird Walk

Join Jack and Don from Wild Birds Unlimited for a spring walk on the Loma Alta Fire Road. This trail heads south from Lucas Valley Road over wildflower-covered grasslands dotted with groves of oaks and rocky outcroppings, a unique habitat type that hosts a number of special birds. We’ll be looking in particular for lazuli buntings, lark and grasshopper sparrows, meadowlarks, and possible horned larks, as well as enjoying the birdsong from a variety of other spring songbirds. To learn more about the birds at Loma Alta, see our park profile. 

We’ll be heading up the trail at 9 AM on Saturday, May 12th, aiming to wrap up around 11:30. Note that this walk includes a few miles round-trip of slow-paced but steadily uphill walking on a rocky, uneven fire road. There are no restrooms or other facilities at this preserve. We encourage participants to meet at Wild Birds Unlimited at 8:30 AM to carpool, since parking at the trailhead is somewhat limited. (If you are leaving your car at the shopping center, please park outside of the first row in front of the store.) Alternatively, meet the group at the trailhead on the south side of Lucas Valley Rd 5.5 miles west of Highway 101, across from the unmistakable “Big Rock,” for a 9 AM start to our walk.

Wild Birds Unlimited bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Wild Birds Unlimited and its officers, employees, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities.

Header photo: lazuli bunting by Larry Scheibel