San Mateo County
From SiliconValleyBirders
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San Mateo County Popular Birding Sites
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Moss Beach
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a small location inside a residential area. To get there, take highway 1 north from Half Moon Bay, turn left on California, turn right where the road ends into a small parking lot. The sandy beach has many small rock outcroppings that create a lagoon area and some very nice tide pools during low tides. A trail leading up to the top of the bluff begins as a narrow footpath which takes you through mature pine and along the stream that goes through this area. Brandt's, Double-creasted, and Pelagic Cormorants, pelicans, grebes and the occasional loon. Low tide can bring Ruddy and Black Turnstones, Surfbirds, and Oystercatchers. The ravine is good for sparrows and warblers. Northern Flicker and Spotted Towhee also seen here. Also a location where the seals come out onto the shore. (Although a bit steep, the path down to the beach can be accessed by a wheelchair with help. There is a level area with one bench that provides excellent views of the beach and tide pools. The bluff top trail is not wheelchair accessible.)
Venice Beach, Half Moon Bay
Venice beach is in Half Moon Bay, accessible on Venice road off of Highway 1. Parking fee required. This is one of the prime locations for seagulls on the coast, with multiple visits by Slaty-backed Gull.
Bluff Top Coastal Park
Many map features are best viewed if you go to the full-size Google map.
The vole and raptor show of 2007! Are you one of the many birding photographers drawn here by the highly active and numerous resident and wintering Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, White-tailed Kites, and Northern Harriers? Please add links to the photos you took here! [Map by Gordon Barrett]
Pigeon Point
Historic lighthouse on the coast, now used as a hostel. Free parking with a couple of good viewing points.
Redwood Shores and Radio Road
Artificial lagoons, sloughs, wetlands and the Redwood City Sewage outflow ponds. Lots of ducks and other birds in winter, including Northern Pintail, American Wigeons (and some Eurasian), Cinnamon and Green-Winged teal with occasional Blue-Winged, and Northern Shoveler. Radio Road ponds good for shorebirds.
