University of California Santa Cruz

[James Armstrong]

My 21 year- old daughter's off to the states for a year as part of her American Studies Degree at the University of Sussex. She's living and studying at the UCSC campus. Any of our American members know anything about it? Any useful advice I can give her about birding or non-birding in the area? Be grateful for any info you can give.

Many thanks

james

[pdpbrown]

My 21 year- old daughter's off to the states for a year as part of her American Studies Degree at the University of Sussex. She's living and studying at the UCSC campus. Any of our American members know anything about it? Any useful advice I can give her about birding or non-birding in the area? Be grateful for any info you can give.

Many thanks

james

I am an expat here in Santa Cruz. There is a very active birding community here, follow this link:

http://www.santacruzbirdclub.org/

This is a GREAT area for birders, we have pelagics because of the Monterey Bay canyon upwelling, shorebirds, migrants etc. A typical years species count is well over 300.

Santa Cruz is a wonderful place to live, not too hot like the valley because the ocean keeps us cool, great weather, beaches and the University brings a nice touch of culture. Your daughter should have a great time.

[nightheron28]

Santa Cruz used to be really nice, until recently, now it seems it has turned into a haven for junkies.

The school is very well known for its open drug abuse.

Anyway I hope she does not get caught up in that.

I had a friend that went to uscs for marine biology and had to drop out because of all the drugs and druggies.