Group Name: This fieldtrip will showcase the avian biodiversity of the South San Francisco Bay, and is appropriate for all levels of birding experience, from beginning to advanced. We will begin our excursion at a group of salt ponds and salt marsh habitat. This property is part of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Species we are likely to see here include Western Snowy Plovers (a federally listed threatened species), American avocets, black-necked stilts, and other waterbirds. The surrounding habitat supports burrowing owls, western meadowlarks and savannah sparrows. From there, we will continue our birding adventure in a riparian area along Coyote Creek where we are likely to see a variety of riparian songbirds, such as chestnut backed chickadees, Nuttall’s woodpeckers, California towhees and Bullock’s orioles. Led by biologists Roy Churchwell and Caitlin Robinson from the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, this trip should provide participants with ample opportunity to view a number of birds that are native to the South San Francisco Bay region. Additionally, participants will learn about the natural history and conservation challenges faced by many of these species in the human-influenced landscape of South San Francisco Bay. Wear sturdy shoes for walking short distances on flat but uneven ground. Participants should wear layers and bring sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Bring binoculars. This field trip is open to children who can participate in the walking sections of the tour. San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory www.sfbbo.org