[lassa8]

I just found out today that I'll probably be going to a conference at Asilomar on the Monterey Peninsula in California in mid-March. Are there any good sites about birding out there? I won't have much time, but I should be able to walk around in the mornings before the meetings start. Are there any common western birds I should have a good shot at seeing? I've never really birded west of central Missouri...

[Kolya]

There are some spots around the peninsula. This has been my best experience.This is about 10 minutes north on Route 1 . . direct highway . . Elkhorn Slough.

Good place for all kinds of sandpipers and egrets. I like the Pacific Turnstones. Curlews and Godwits and such at the right time of year . . not sure what to expect in March . . might be some migratories there . . .rent a kayak and go back in the Slough, Pelicans and even sea otters are seen here.

They have a thorough and up to date website: http://www.elkhornslough.org/index.html

Cheers (and report back!),

Kolya

[jcwings]

Be sure to check out Joe Morlan's website which has a good selection of Monterey County birding links:

http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~jmorlan/mty.htm

[sbrasuel]

California bird digest - posts for listservs around Ca. MBB isMonterey Bird Box
http://www.sialia.com/s/calists.pl

and
http://www.montereyaudubon.org/

have a great time
Summer

Originally Posted by lassa8

I just found out today that I'll probably be going to a conference at Asilomar on the Monterey Peninsula in California in mid-March. Are there any good sites about birding out there? I won't have much time, but I should be able to walk around in the mornings before the meetings start. Are there any common western birds I should have a good shot at seeing? I've never really birded west of central Missouri...

[DonStarks]

Monterey has rocky coast as well as sandy beaches. March is an excellent time. If you have a car you can go further afield such as Elkhorn Slough (at Moss Landing). Anyway, Pt. Pinos State Reserve is just south of Carmel and has breeding Brandt's and Pelagic Cormorants so easy to separate. Also breeding Western (Northern race) Gulls. If you go to Pacific Grove beaches and rocky coasts you should get up to nine common gulls, both turnstones, Whimbrel, Black Oystercatcher, etc. It's a good place to visit as well as bird. Have fun.

[emupilot]

Originally Posted by DonStarks

Monterey has rocky coast as well as sandy beaches. March is an excellent time. If you have a car you can go further afield such as Elkhorn Slough (at Moss Landing). Anyway, Pt. Pinos State Reserve is just south of Carmel and has breeding Brandt's and Pelagic Cormorants so easy to separate. Also breeding Western (Northern race) Gulls. If you go to Pacific Grove beaches and rocky coasts you should get up to nine common gulls, both turnstones, Whimbrel, Black Oystercatcher, etc. It's a good place to visit as well as bird. Have fun.

I think you mean Point Lobos State Reserve, south of Carmel. Point Lobos is good for Pygmy Nuthatch as well. Point Pinos is in Pacific Grove and is excellent for Oystercatchers. I agree with the recommendations for Moss Landing as well. Watch for the sign to turn left and go through Moss Landing proper (before you reach the power plant) and work your way north through the tiny town to the inlet of Moss Landing harbor. The harbor is excellent for loons, grebes, sea otters, and I've seen Common Murre there too. The Elkhorn Slough reserve, a few miles inland from the power plant, has water birds and some typical land birds. The trails into state parks south of Carmel like Garrapata and Andrew Molera can be good for things like California Thrasher, Wrentit, and other land birds.

[DonStarks]

Originally Posted by emupilot

I think you mean Point Lobos State Reserve, south of Carmel. Point Lobos is good for Pygmy Nuthatch as well.

My bad. You're right and my own back yard, too. Senior moment.