Location: Point Reyes National Seashore Trip Leader(s): Derek Lecy & Bob Atwood Start Date: Saturday, February 8, 2020 Start Time: 9:00 AM End Time: 12:00 PM Description: Start the day with Derek and Bob at Kehoe Beach followed by a midday caravan to McClures Beach. The coastal California subspecies of White-crowned Sparrow (Z. I. nuttalli) start to sing more vigorously in January, so we should be able to hear them well as we walk through the coastal scrub habitat to these beaches. Other species on our way to the beaches include Wrentit, Peregrine Falcon, and other raptors such as Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, and with luck, a Bald Eagle. On the beaches, a search of the gull flocks should be fun, and a good variety of wintering gulls is expected. We will take a long look out at sea as well in an attempt to try and find all three species of scoter–Black Scoter, White-winged Scoter, and Surf Scoter. Both beaches can be one of the more reliable places in the county to encounter Black Scoter. We will keep our eyes open for a Harlequin Duck or any alcids flying out on the ocean as well. Participants should wear sturdy, waterproof shoes and warm clothing. Light rain or fog is a strong possibility. Expect to walk a quarter mile to each beach with a total of 2 miles of hiking on this trip. Bring lunch as we will break between locations for a quick lunch. High tide looks to be around 11 AM, which may impact our beach access at McClures (which we visit second), but we can always scope from above the beach or figure something out. Bring a scope if you have one. Heavy rain cancels. Directions: We will meet at the Kehoe Beach Parking area. From San Anselmo, take Sir Francis Drake Blvd to Olema. From Olema, continue north on Hwy 1 (SFDB), take the second left turn (SFDB west), continue through Inverness, turn right (north) onto Pierce Point Road, and drive approximately 4.6 miles to Kehoe Beach.

Location: Novato, CA Trip Leader(s): Bob Atwood Start Date: Saturday, March 7, 2020 Start Time: 9:00 AM End Time: 12:00 PM Description: Located west of Novato, Stafford Lake is a beautiful but less birded area that is productive for waterfowl and raptors. Approximately 172 species of birds have been spotted at Stafford Lake throughout the years with our group likely to see a considerable variety of the resident as well as wintering birds. The county park has facilities and plenty of parking. The mostly level terrain and water views make for pleasant birding as we walk around a portion of the lake and the surrounding area. Heavy rain cancels. DIRECTIONS: From Highway 101 in Novato, take the exit for San Marin Drive west 2.9 miles. Turn right onto Novato Blvd. and follow for 2.6 miles. The park is on the left. Turn left after the gatehouse and travel to the parking lot. Entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. If you have a Marin County library card, you can check out a free library park pass from any Marin County Free Library.