Bird Walk at Stafford Lake

Join long-time Marin County Parks interpretative naturalist David Herlocker and Jack from Nature in Novato for this fall walk at Stafford Lake. We’ll look for songbirds and woodpeckers among the trees in the picnic area then work our way along the shore looking for waterfowl on the open water and shorebirds where the water has receded (spotted sandpiper hotspot!). Numerous raptors, including potential eagles and osprey, are frequently seen overhead.

If you would like to attend this walk, please select your number of attendees and click “Confirm RSVP” above. This walk is now full; take a look at our November Walks & Talks for more upcoming events.

Details and Tips: 

• Stafford Lake has a $5 vehicle parking fee, payable by cash or credit card. You can also check out a free Marin County Parks pass at Marin County libraries.
• After entering the park, turn left and park towards the left end of the parking lot, near the restrooms. This is where our group will be meeting.
• Note that pets are not allowed in the park. Restrooms are available at the meeting location.
• If you’d like to learn more about the birds we might encounter, check out our park profile of Stafford Lake.

Location: Stafford Lake is located on the northwestern outskirts of Novato, as you head west out of town on Novato Blvd. If you are coming from Highway 101, take the Atherton/San Marin exit and head west on San Marin Dr. for about three miles. Turn right on Novato Blvd at the four-way stop after San Marin High School. Stafford Lake has a well-signed entrance and turn lane on the left hand side two-and-a-half miles from that intersection. Address for GPS is 3549 Novato Blvd.

After passing the entry kiosk and paying the $5 park entrance fee, turn left and proceed to the end of the parking lot. We’ll be meeting at this left end of the parking area, shaded by bird-laden oaks, but with convenient proximity to lake views and restrooms.

Header photo: Stafford Lake by Noondueler on summitpost.org