San Rafael Bay Trail Bird Walk

Join guest leader Rich Cimino from Yellowbilled Tours and Jack from Wild Birds Unlimited for this walk on San Rafael’s Bay Trail. This is some of our closest access to the immediate bayshore, giving us a chance to see shorebirds, gulls, and a wide variety of ducks and grebes. Species that favor open, deep water like ruddy ducks, scaups, bufflehead, and the larger Clark’s and western grebes can often be seen here. We will also look for the Puget Sound variety of White-Crowned Sparrow and other songbirds. For more on the birds found here, check out the eBird Hotspot.

Bring binoculars (and a spotting scope if you have one); we will have a few extra loaner pairs of binos and a few scopes to share. The trail is level and easy walking (mostly paved) and extends about 1.5 miles to the north (3 miles round trip). Restrooms available at the trailhead.

Reserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above.

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.

Directions to meeting area: The walk will begin at 9:30 AM on Saturday, October 12th at the southern end of the San Rafael Bay Trail section, at the petite Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park, located at the end of Francisco Blvd shortly before the Richmond Bridge entrance (see map below; if your GPS does not recognize the 2175 San Francisco Bay Trail address of the park, you can also use 2171 Francisco Blvd for the adjacent office building).

Header photo: Spotted Sandpiper by Tony Gray