Why do we go all the way to Bodega Bay? To see loons close up – the Common, Pacific, and Red-throated species are all likely. To see Brant. To see Double-crested, Brandt’s and Pelagic cormorants side-by-side to strengthen your ID skills. This is a great place for birders of all levels and birders new to the Bay Area.

Due to the tide times, we’ll start at 9:30AM at Bodega Head – NOT our previous meeting point at the Tides restaurant. You might still want to make a rest stop at the Tides before continuing out to the Head, where there are only park-style pit toilets.

After birding Bodega Head we’ll work our way back along the western shore of Bodega Bay, with stops including the “Hole in the Head,” Campbell Cove, and Porto Bodega Marina. Somewhere along the way we’ll pause for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon we may continue to Doran Beach Road on the east side of the harbor. There’s a $7 parking fee at Doran Regional Park.

Be prepared for variable weather. Bring lunch, snacks, and liquids. There is a chemical toilet “porta-potty” at Porto Bodega Marina, pit toilets above the Hole in the Head, and restrooms with flush toilets at Doran Beach. For a comfort stop near the end of the drive out stop at Tides Wharf and Restaurant (on the shore side opposite the Inn at the Tides, 800 Highway 1), though the snack bar will probably be closed.

Hike Rating: 1 – Easy, with little elevation change
Leader: Maureen Lahiff, , 510-484-6529

Meet at Bodega Head, GPS: 38.30356934, -123.06467926

Directions: Take US 101 north to Petaluma. Exit at Washington and head SW. Washington becomes Bodega Ave, which becomes Petaluma-Valley Ford Rd, which eventually merges into CA Hwy 1. Take Hwy 1 to Bodega Bay. Just past “downtown” Bodega Bay turn left on Eastshore Road, and follow it down to Bay Flat Road and turn right. Bay Flat Road becomes the Westshore Road. Follow the Westshore Road all the way to the end, up the hill past Campbell Cove to the large parking lot. From Walnut Creek, it’s about a 2 hour drive.

This field trip is limited to 20. Sign up HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-bodega-bay-tickets-797319342617