California
Migration, seabirds and whales of the Pacific coast

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.

Itinerary
Day 1
We fly direct from London to San Francisco, a beautiful city in a superb setting by a bay on the Pacific coast.
Overnight San Francisco

Day 2
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. Thunderous breakers crash into a section of California that until recently in geologic time was a part of the Mexican mainland, now separated by action of the San Andreas fault. Hosting over a thousand plant and animal species, this outstanding mosaic of California habitats is ours to explore. We will visit a few of the small state parks on our way in, which also serve as research areas for Point Reyes Bird Observatory. The Point Reyes peninsula is cloaked by varied chaparral plants such as Coyote Bush (Baccharis), Blue Blossom (Ceanothus) and Bush Lupine while birds include California Quail, Wrentit and Lawrence's Goldfinch. In the afternoon we visit the main research station for Point Reyes Bird Observatory and visit with staff ornithologists to discuss ongoing research.
Overnight Petaluma

Day 3
Today we will visit Point Reyes National Seashore, an amazing area of protected dunes and foreshore which attracts flocks of waders and is the visual highway for small birds migrating south. Point Reyes eases into the Pacific Ocean on the sea side of the San Andreas Fault which provides access to the following target species: Wandering Tattlers, Black Oystercatchers, Heermann's Gulls, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Hutton's Vireos, Townsend's and Hermit Warblers along with the native population of Tule Elk. Try some of California's famous wines tonight over an excellent dinner.
Overnight Petaluma

Day 4
We take an easy day to explore Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay and area parks looking for such local specialties as Black Rails, Allen's Hummingbirds, Nuttall's and Acorn Woodpeckers, Yellow-billed Magpies and Tri-colored Blackbirds. Tomales Bay lies on the San Andreas Fault and as such, the geology and soils provide for different habitats on the inland side of the bay. We'll enjoy fresh seafood and the ambiance of small coastal towns as we explore.
Overnight Petaluma

Day 5
We spend the day in Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay and then a visit to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium to see some of the marine wonders otherwise hidden from view when we venture out on the ocean. Among today's highlights should include White-tailed Kites, Allen's Hummingbirds and potentially some Eastern U.S. vagrants. Scenery abounds along this part of the coastline; watch surf pound against offshore sea stacks and keep your eye out for Sea Otters feeding in the kelp.
Overnight Monterey

Day 6
Venture out on all-day pelagic trip from Monterey Bay with Debra Love Shearwater, who is a legend in her own time and rightly so. This extraordinary woman runs the top seabird-watching trips in the USA and, many say, the world. This will be one of the highlights of the tour: it is not uncommon for thirty different species of seabirds to be seen on this trip. It will not be high season for whales but we could see Humpbacked Whales, Orcas and several species of dolphins, Southern Sea Otters, California and Steller's Sea Lions, Northern Elephant Seals, Harbour Seals and Dall's Porpoises.
Overnight Monterey

Day 7
In a class of its own for dramatic scenery, the coast of Big Sur is a world-renowned area where we will be starting our morning. It will not just be the scenery that calls for our attention; for 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 where we hope for the endangered Black Rail amongst other species. As Morro Bay is home to our guide, Greg Smith, we can expect some great dining hospitality here!
Overnight Morro Bay

Day 8
Today we visit sites at Morro Rock, Morro Bay and Montana de Oro State Park. Morro Bay is one of the only extant estuaries left on the coast of California and has at its entrance one of the counties legendary Seven Sisters. Great birds and beautiful scenery are highlights of this day. Local park biologists join us this evening for an informal catered dinner or barbecue.
Overnight Morro Bay

Day 9
There may be a little time to see something of the city before our flight home, arriving on Day 10.

Accommodation: Hotels and lodges with all rooms en suite. Please note that all meals are included.

Numbers: Max. 14 clients