California
Migration, seabirds and whales of the Pacific coast

Saturday 11 - Monday 20 September 2010 (10 days)

California is widely recognized as the richest area of the US for biodiversity. Join Greg Smith for this grand exploration of California combining pelagic and coastal birdwatching in some of America's most amazing coastal scenery.

download a report of one of our previous trips to California From ocean shores to parks, we expect to experience a remarkable mix of species and scenery. Autumn brings us witness to vast bird migrations as birds move down the coast from the huge expanses of Alaska to their wintering grounds in South America. We should find a good number of western warblers and five species of hummingbirds. Some of the regional specialties include Wrentits, California Quail, White-headed and Nuttall's Woodpeckers, California Condors and Chestnut-backed Chickadees.

One of the highlights of the journey is a day on the ocean off Monterey where up to thirty species of seabirds have been seen on a single pelagic trip at this time of the year. We also hope to see Humpback Whales and dolphins among the cetaceans with sea lions (both Steller's and California) and possibly Southern Sea Otter too.

Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the most scenic areas of the Pacific Coast and its biodiversity is just as amazing. The park lists 490 species of birds - more than you would find in many single states! Shorebirds abound and we should find over 20 species, including Red-necked Phalaropes.

The tour is devised by Peg Abbott, and will be run in conjunction with her company, Naturalist Journeys, and the group will include some of her US clients.

Outline Itinerary
Day 1 We fly direct from London to San Francisco, a beautiful city on a bay of the Pacific Ocean. Overnight San Francisco
Days 2-4 We set off to find our first birds and wildlife, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and driving north along the scenic coast to Point Reyes National Seashore and surrounding areas. Three nights Petaluma
Day 5 We spend the day in Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay. Overnight Monterey
Day 6 Venture out on all-day pelagic trip from Monterey Bay. Overnight Monterey
Days 7-8 We will spend time looking for California Condors, released in the area from the captive breeding program, which saved them from extinction. We will then drive down to Morro Bay. Two nights Morro Bay
Day 9 There may be a little time to see something of the city before our flight home, arriving on Day 10.

Click here for a full, printable itinerary

Price: £ 3,345
Single supp.: £ 525
Deposit: £ 400 per person

The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of return flights London - San Francisco, full-board accommodation, transport, tips, and the services of the leaders.

The price excludes travel insurance, drinks and other personal expenses.

This trip will be run in conjunction with Naturalist Journeys

Principal Leader : Greg Smith


California map