Cerro Alto From the Mouth of Chorro Creek, Morro Bay Estuary. Photo by Alan Schmierer
Cerro Alto From the Mouth of Chorro Creek, Morro Bay Estuary. Photo by Alan Schmierer
B - MORRO BAY – SAN LUIS OBISPO AREA
Back to BirdFinding Guide HOME
B-1 NORTHPOINT NATURAL AREA:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From the junction of Rte 1 and Rte 41 (in Morro Bay), drive north on Rte 1 for
1.8 miles. At the Yerba Buena Street traffic light turn left (west) and then take an immediate right (north) onto TORO Lane. Drive to
the end and park. Bird north along the bluff for about 100 yards to where you can see all of the rocky area below and can view north
along the coast. (Initial approach is a about 20 feet of sloping packed gravel, then about 100 ft of packed gravel path that appears
accessible to all. The trail then gets narrow and turns to dirt for another few hundred feet to the point. The latter is flat, but could
be muddy after rain.)
BIRDING: There is usually a raft of SURF SCOTERS here … a few in the summer, many more in the winter. From November to early April this
may be the best place in the county to look for WHITE-WINGED and BLACK SCOTERS with the more common Surf Scoters. Except for mid-summer
the rocks below are good for any of the rock-dwelling shorebirds such as BLACK TURNSTONES and SURFBIRDS. Scope offshore for SHEARWATERS
(fall), LOONS, GREBES and ALCIDS (winter).
B-2 MORRO STRAND STATE BEACH:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From the junction of Rte 1 and Rte 41 (in Morro Bay), drive north on Rte 1 for
1.8 miles. At the YERBA BUENA STREET traffic light turn left (west) and then take the first left (south) onto Beachcomber Drive. Park
on the right (west) side just before the road turns abruptly inland onto Java Street. Take the obvious trail that leads to the beach.
(The trail starts out down a steep banking, then is relatively flat sand, sometimes deep. For an easier approach, park in the Morro
Strand State Park Campground day use parking lot (fee required).
BIRDING: Just as the trail reaches the beach sand there is a seasonal pool. In another 100 yards to the north there is another seasonal
pool. (Using the alternate, fee-parking-lot approach, walk to the beach and go south.) These pools, although small, can sometimes have
an amazing variety of species present and easy to view! Look for GULLS, TERNS and SHOREBIRDS. In early October 2006 there was a RUFF, a
PECTORAL SANDPIPER, a VIRGINIA RAIL and 3 other species of shorebirds in one end of this 30 foot pool!
B-3 THE CLOISTERS:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From the junction of Rte 1 and Rte 41 (in Morro Bay) drive north on Rte 1 for
about a mile to the first traffic light and turn left (west) onto San Jacinto, and then an immediate left (south) onto Coral. In a few
blocks you will see a parking lot with rest rooms on the right. Park there. Walk the paved trail around two sides of the
small wetland, and north and south on the trail. (Flat and paved. Easy access to all.)
BIRDING: The wood platform has the best potential for birding although the cattails are rapidly obscuring the view. Year-round it has
an assortment of local birds, but winter is best. Locals feed bread to the ducks here, so when birds are seen here they often stay
around for weeks or months, like the LEAST BITTERN in 2006 and a SNOW GOOSE and a ROSS’S GOOSE all winter in 2007. Even the SORAS are
trained to come out of hiding into full and apparent fearless view to feast on the bread! It is one of the better places, except in
winter to see GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES, as they fly back and forth to the nearby restaurant and market parking lots for food. Occasionally
a TRI-COLORED BLACKBIRD is seen with the RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS. There are a variety of breeding and migrant birds in the willows along
the trail north and south. The nuttalli race of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW breeds nearby and is often seen well.
B-4 LILA KAISER PARK / MORRO CREEK:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) Lila Kaiser Park is immediately west of the junction of Rte 1 and Rte 41 (in
Morro Bay) behind the motels. Park on the main road (Atascadero Road, the west extension of Route 41), in front of the Motels. Walk
south on a paved bike trail that parallels Route 1. At the upstream side of the bridge, one can enter the streambed and walk up or down
stream. Upstream you will be walking behind a trailer park and Ace Hardware parking lot. Downstream you will walk past the ballpark into
thicker and thicker willows. Conditions are quite variable depending on recent rains and floods: at this writing in the summer of 2007
the creek bed is dry but is very overgrown with weeds and willows … tough walking. In winter it may require boots. After floods the
willows are scoured out and walking is easier for a few years. Winter or summer, rain or shine, walking down between the ballpark and
the willow edge is easy and may yield a few birds. (Walking up and down stream can be difficult due to dense weeds and willows. May
be wet in winter and spring. The part along the ball field is flat and easy. An additional word of caution: there is evidence that the
creek bed and bridge are used by kids and the homeless.)
BIRDING: A good place in migration and winter to look for warblers, but the thickness of the vegetation makes it less than easy birding.
B-5 MORRO CREEK MOUTH (North):
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From the junction of Route 1 and Route 41 (Atascadero Rd), drive west on Atascadero
Road, and turn south on Morro Dunes Road when the road bends. There is a dirt parking lot at the end of the road. (Accessible to all.)
BIRDING: Dependent on creek flow and tides, there is generally a fresh or brackish pool just down the banking from the parking lot, and a
marshy area at the up-stream end. This pool is easy to check and can be the best place around to look for SHOREBIRDS, WADERS and GULLS
(winter). This is a particularly reliable spot for MEW GULLS (winter) since they feed at the nearby waste treatment plant. Most of the
county’s rare GULLS have been seen there at least once. BLACK-NECKED STILT, RUFF, PECTORAL and BAIRD’S SANDPIPERS and many other species
have been found there in recent years. Also look upstream to the edge of the willows for waders and passerines. AMERICAN PIPITS are often
easy to see along the edges in winter.
B-6 CERRO ALTO CAMPGROUNG ROAD / TRAILS:
DIRCTIONS: (MAP) (Detail Map) From the junction of Route 1 and
Route 41 drive east on Route 41 for just over 7 miles. Turn right (south) onto Cerro Alto Campground Road and park at the first spaces
on the right. This is a National Forest fee area. Pay fee ($5) at sign or leave Golden Age Pass on dashboard. The road dead-ends at the
campground in just over a mile. There are numerous trails in the area. See (map) of road and trails. See options below for birding
strategies.
BIRDING: This area is one of the best birding spots around. It is a shaded riparian corridor filled with willows and
large oaks. It is especially good in breeding season, but presents a unique birding habitat at any time of year. There are several options
for birding the area:
1) A popular option is to park as noted above at the base of the road and walk the paved road. Traffic is generally minimal. The
paved road slopes gently uphill all the way to the campground. The parking area, despite the traffic noise from Route 41, is
excellent. The road is one of the most reliable spots in the county for BROWN CREEPERS, HOUSE WRENS, MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLERS (along
the lower half in the willow areas), and NORTHERN PYGMY OWLS (mid-road area). CASSIN’S VIREOS and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS breed along
the upper part near the campground. (It is about one mile from the parking spot to the campground. There are rest rooms along the
road at the campground.)
2) At the campground, one may quit and return to the parking area or continue, following the east side of the creek on a trail that
continues (gently up) for another half mile or so through generally the same habitat. MOUNTAIN QUAIL are regularly heard calling,
especially in spring, above the last stream crossing, but as anywhere are very difficult to see. The trail then starts to get very
steep (see #3).
3) One can turn around here or start up the steep part of the trail. After about a half mile of steep trail, turn right onto the
AT&T road / trail. It goes up a short steep area then levels out and goes through dense chaparral, good for FOX SPARROWS from
September through April. Many of these are of the “THICK-BILLED” and some of the “SLATE-COLORED” race. Soon one comes to a trail
junction.
4) From this junction one can take a right and return to the campground, or one may hike a steep trail to the top of Cerro Alto Peak
(about 2600 ft), with a fantastic view! Proceeding straight on the AT&T trail, however, provides an interesting and less steep
alternative to the trail to the top and completes a six mile loop back to the parking area at the base of the road. This is the route
described here … proceeding straight at this junction, continue on the AT&T road. It dips down a little, then steeply up to a
ridge. As the trail gets less steep and passes a gate one enters “BELL’S” SAGE SPARROWS habitat, breeding and wintering. Soon the
trail tees into a main dirt road; this is TV Tower Road (see #B-30, MILE 9.7); one can drive from Route 101 to this point on TV Tower
Road. If you do, park here because the road gets bad just past this point.) Turn right on TV Tower Road. Shortly one goes through a
grove of eucalyptus trees. Sometimes there are RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS along the road.
Keep going straight through
the grove. Just as the trail leaves the grove, and until the trail leaves the ridge at the Boy Scout Trail, listen for BLACK-CHINNED
SPARROWS from April through June. There are generally 6-8 pairs breeding along the ridge here. There are also many FOX SPARROWS of
various races along this same area. At one point shortly after the eucalyptus grove the trail (old road) takes a sharp right around
a “hairpin” turn. At the far end of the ridge, as one starts to see the Route 41 valley approaching, one must look for a trail on the
right side of the road. It is sometimes marked with a cairn, and there is a trail sign after you start down the trail. This
is the Boy Scout Trail. It descends steeply, goes past a spring, enters a riparian area, crosses the creek and joins the Cerro Alto
Campground Road at the base parking lot. The loop from the parking lot up the road, through the campground, up the creek trail to the
AT&T Road, to TV Tower Road, north along the ridge and down the Boy Scout Trail is about 6 miles and gains a total of about 900 ft.
It passes through a variety of habitats and has beautiful views. A great birding hike!
B-7 MORRO CREEK MOUTH (South):
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) Drive north on The Embacadero (the waterfront street in Morro Bay). Shortly after passing the power plant and as the
paved road turns left (west) toward the Rock (and becomes Coleman), continue straight north on a wide gravel road and drive to the end
of the road. (Accessible to all.)
BIRDING: See B-5. This is the same location, but approached from the south; easier to see the marshy creek mouth, but harder to see the
pool.
B-8 MORRO ROCK AREA:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) As in #B-7, but bear left on Coleman to the Rock. ( Accessible to all,
except jetty base view, which is a very short but rocky walk)
BIRDING: There area a number of excellent places to view birds at “The Rock”. Parking just before the rock on the left side of the
road is a good central location from which to work. This parking lot is the chief gull-feeding area and thus one of the better areas
around to study GULLS up close. In the summer they are mostly all WESTERN and HEERMANN’S GULLS. From mid-October through March any of
the western gull species may be present there: lots of RING-BILLED and CALIFORNIA, small numbers of GLAUCOUS-WINGED, a few HERRING and
THAYER’S from time to time, and rarely a GLAUCOUS. (Mew Gulls are more much more regular at #B-7.) Scanning the channel in both directions
there is the potential for finding most of the LOONS, GREBES, CORMORANTS and DIVING / SEA DUCKS that can be expected in the county. The
large rock along the shore edge of the parking lot is called “Target Rock” and is used at times to describe the location of a rare bird.
Progressing to the far parking lot, look and listen for CANYON WRENS on sides of Morro Rock. This is a reliable spot for
this rather uncommon and local resident. Several pairs of PEREGRINE FALCONS breed on ledges high on the rock. The outer channel
should be scanned, especially in winter. Then walk to the jetty, staying as close to the rock as you can. There is a small area
to set up a scope tripod just around a corner that is an excellent vantage point to scan for ALCIDS, especially in winter, and it
is often protected from the wind. (Direction is sometimes confusing out there; the jetty goes due south from the rock.)
B-9 EMBACADERO:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) The Embacadero is the main waterfront street in Morro Bay. (Accessible
to all.)
BIRDING: Most of downtown area is difficult to access and the birds there tend not to be unique. The Coast Guard Pier, opposite the
power plant, however, offers some access and allows views at the strong tidal flow area from there to the Rock. At the south end of
the Embacadero there is a parking lot with water access. (Driving from Embacadero one block east on Marina Street and one block right
(south) on Morro Ave gives one a slightly better view of the bay. Scan the bend in the sand spit for shorebirds, gulls and terns.
A BLACK SKIMMER can sometime be found roosting (spring and fall) in that area.)
B-10 “GRASSY ISLAND”:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From the Embacadero drive 2 blocks away from
the water on Marina Street and take a right (south) on Main Street. In about 0.7 miles turn right (south) into the Bayshore Village
condos and park. (Accessible to all.)
BIRDING: At all but the highest tides there is a large green (salicornia) “island” on the mudflats west of there called “Grassy Island”.
It is a long distance away even with a scope. Although not an overly “productive” spot, it is worth scoping for the chance of BLACK
SKIMMERS (very uncommon in the county; spring and fall).
B-11 HERON ROOKERY:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) (Detail Map) From downtown Morro Bay go
south on Main Street. About 0.3 miles past (south of) the entrance gate to Morro Bay State Park, there is a dirt pull-off on the
right (west) with a small kiosk. (A short 50 ft walk. Flat but may be sandy or muddy.) (See also http://docents.info/images/10-27-05-rookery-sign/index.htm.)
BIRDING: A rookery with nesting and roosting GREAT BLUE HERONS, GREAT and SNOWY EGRETS, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS and TURKEY VULTURES
(roosting only).
B-12 WINDY COVE:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) (Detail Map) From #B-11, drive another
0.1 miles south on the shore road and park in the dirt pull-off (accessible to all).
BIRDING: Not an exceptionally good birding spot, but worth scanning for SHOREBIRDS, and DIVING DUCKS (winter).
B-13 NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) (Detail Map) The parking lot is just
a few hundred feet south of #B-12 on the shore side. From Route 1, take the South Bay Blvd exit and drive west. In 0.7 miles turn
right onto State Park Drive. Bear left at the fork and go a total of about 1.2 miles to the museum. (See http://www.slostateparks.com/natural_history_museum/default.asp)
BIRDING: “The Birds of San Luis Obispo County”, an indispensable checklist showing abundance and seasons for all of the county birds
is available at the museum bookstore. The area just outside the museum is good for scoping the estuary. (Paved. 200ft walk.)
B-14 MORRO BAY STATE PARK MARINA AREA AND CAMPGROUND:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) (Detail Map) The entrance to the marina
parking lot is just a few hundred feet south of #B-13 on the shore side. From Route 1, take the South Bay Blvd exit and drive west.
In 0.7 miles turn right onto State Park Drive. Bear left at the fork and go a total of about 1.1 miles and turn left (south) into the
parking lot. (See
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/594/files/MorroBaybrochureFINAL.pdf) (Birding from the parking lot is accessible to
all. The trails are flat but may be muddy after rain. The trail on the estuary side may be muddy due to tidal flooding. The campground
is flat and accessible to all.)
BIRDING: One of the best birding spots on the estuary! The north-west end is good for scoping the deeper water for
LOONS, GREBES, BRANTS and DUCKS. The cypress trees here are roosting areas for sometimes large numbers of BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS.
Often GREBES and LOONS are seen at rather close range in the boat basin. Trails go from the south-east end out to the point, where
there are often large numbers of SHOREBIRDS. The coastal scrub often has wintering passerines. Hundreds of AMERICAN PIPITS (winter)
use the salicornia (pickle weed) on the flats as a night roost. In winter many SAVANNAH SPARROWS, including a few “LARGE-BILLED”
SAVANNAH SPARROWS, rest in the bushes at the end of the easterly most point (near where there is a beached log) during morning very
high tides (maybe with >5.5ft and certainly with 6.0+ft tides). Some years there have been one or several NELSON’S SHARP-TAILED
SPARROWS that over-winter in the same area (none, however, since the winter of 2005-6). Do not crowd the birds there.
During high tides use rubber boots and stay in the shallow water away from the bushes!
Walk across the street to the campground. Check the pines and eucalyptus for migrant and wintering warblers. At the far eastern end,
just east of the trailer dump station, there is a single large bottlebrush tree near the buildings. This is popular with hummers
and warblers.
B-15a BLACK MOUNTAIN (WEST APPROACH):
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) (Detail Map) Two approaches:
The first, from #B-14, is to head back toward Morro Bay and turn right (east) onto Black Mountain Road. Just past the golf course
clubhouse bear left. Drive to the end of the road and park. (From the parking lot there is a trail to the top of Black Mountain.
The top offers spectacular panoramic views of the estuary and the whole Morro Bay area, but has no unique birding.)
BIRDING: From the parking lot walk down the road and take any of the trails. These trails lead through coastal sage and pine
habitats. WOODPECKERS, migrant WARBLERS, wintering RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, BROWN CREEPERS and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS are often
found in the pines. (See #B-15b for the second, and perhaps more productive approach to the same general area.)
B-15b BLACK MOUNTAIN (EAST APPROACH):
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) (Detail Map)
Second approach. From #B-14 turn right when leaving the State Park Marina parking lot. At the stop sign (South Bay Blvd)
turn left. Just before the Rte 1 junction turn left (north) onto Quintana Road. Take the first left (west) onto La Loma
Ave. Near the end of the road there are informal parking spaces on the left. (There is about a mile of dirt trails
through the pines on this side of the mountain; flat to mildly hilly.)
BIRDING: More pines on this side of the mountain, so better birding. Birds same as #B15a.
B-16 CHORRO CREEK WILLOWS:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) Along South Bay Blvd between 0.4 miles from Rte 1 (or 0.3 miles
from the State Park Road junction) there is a dirt pull-out on the south side of the road. Park near, but not blocking, the
locked gate. (Walk in past the gate on a dirt road that is muddy in the wet season for 0.25 miles as far as the buildings.)
BIRDING: A short walk, seldom birded. The thick willows hold migrant and wintering WARBLERS, but they are difficult to pursue
through the thick vegetation.
B-17 QUARRY TRAIL (OVERLOOK):
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) Along South Bay Blvd 1.3 miles south of Rte 1 (0.7 miles south
of State Park Rd) turn into a dirt parking lot on the left (east) side of the road. Traffic on South Bay Blvd is heavy and
the turn can be dangerous.
BIRDING: There is a complex of trails through this part of Morro Bay State Park. It is mostly grassy mixed with coastal sage
habitat. Of particular interest to birders is the informal trail that goes south along the road for about 100 yards up a short
steep slope to a flat old quarry area. This provides a good place to scope the flats for DUCKS and SHOREBIRDS at very
high tides (>6ft). Best is early morning.
B-18 TURRI ROAD TIDAL PONDS / MUDFLAT:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) Turri Road is reached by driving south on South Bay Blvd
from Rte 1 for 2.0 miles and turning left (east); or by driving north on South Bay Blvd Rd from Los Osos Valley Rd for 1.9
miles and turning right (east). There is a dirt parking area at the very start of the Turri Road or 100 yards down the road
on the right there is a small pull-off. (One birds from near the car: little or no walking.)
BIRDING: High tides leave shallow ponds and mudflats along Turri Road. The best pond is usually the first pond; the closest
to South Bay Blvd, but there are others along Turri for about half a mile. In late summer and early fall it is one of the
best spots to see RED-NECKED (common) and WILSON’S (uncommon) PHALAROPES. LESSER YELLOWLEGS are often seen here in late summer.
Also a good place to look for SEMI-PALMATED (very rare), BAIRD’S and PECTORAL SANDPIPERS (both rare). From the parking area one
can walk (run?) across busy South Bay Blvd and walk north along the shore for a few hundred yards (at the time of this
writing this area is under restoration and is closed). During 6ft+ high tides this offers a good view of the flooded
salicornia and small mud flats. Another side trip is to park on Turri Road 0.5 miles from South Bay Blvd in late afternoon and
hike the trail that goes north from there for about half a mile through the grasslands. This is a reliable spot for SHORT-EARED
OWL (fall through spring). The owls usually appear after sundown, with just enough light to see them. Be sure to have
a flashlight to get back out the trail in the dark. The trail is narrow and can be muddy.
B-19 ELFIN FOREST:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From Rte 1 in Morro Bay, take South Bay Blvd south for about 3 miles to the
first traffic light and turn right (west) onto Santa Ysabel Ave; or from Los Osos Valley Road take South Bay Blvd north to the second
traffic light and turn left (west) onto Santa Ysabel. All of the side streets on the right (north) side of San Ysabel from 16th through
12th Streets have access to the Elfin Forest. (The 16th Street access has the best parking and has direct access to the boardwalk
(generally accessible to mobility-impaired); the other access points start with deep- sand paths.)
BIRDING: Coastal scrub species plus access to an overlook to view the estuary. The overlook is the site each fall when local birders
do a “big sit”, counting as many species as possible from one spot in a 24-hour period. (We held the world record of 122 species until
recently, and are consistently in the top ten in the world!) A scope is needed for birding effectively from this spot. Mid-tide and
morning light are best. BLACK RAILS are rarely heard at night from the overlook. Look for EURASIAN WIDGEONS from here in the winter;
most winters from 1-3 are present.
B-20 AUDUBON / 4TH STREET OVERLOOK:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From #B-19 continue west on San Ysabel Ave and turn right (north) on 3rd Street.
In one block, where Santa Lucia turns left, turn right (east) onto a single-lane dirt road and park at the end. (It is an easy
50-foot walk to the overlook; generally accessible to all.)
BIRDING: Provided and maintained by the Morro Coast Audubon Society, the covered deck with benches makes it a comfortable spot to look
out over the estuary. Good birding for SHOREBIRDS, DUCKS, BRANT, etc, except during the summer, when it is not very productive. As in
all estuary locations, it is tide-dependent; about +2 ft to +4 ft tide is best for most viewing, but there are different birds as the
tide changes. SORAS and VIRGINIA RAILS are sometimes seen just below the platform. Look for EURASIAN WIDGEONS from here in the winter;
most winters from 1-3 are present.
B-21 BAYWOOD PIER:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From #B-20, go west on Santa Lucia, which in a few blocks curves left and becomes
Pasadena Drive. (You will pass a small dirt parking area on the right (west) side of the road giving access to the estuary shore. One
can park here and walk to #B-20 from here except at high tide.) Continue to 2nd Street in “downtown” Baywood Park, take a right (south)
and park at the paved lot at the south end of the street. (100 ft paved walk.)
BIRDING: Not a major birding area, but worth a quick check of the GULLS and BLUE-WINGED TEALS in winter.
B-22 AUDUBON / SWEET SPRINGS NATURE PRESERVE:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From #B-21, continue south along the edge of the estuary via 3rd and 4th Streets
to Ramona Ave. Turn right (west) on Ramona and park at the kiosk / entrance gate. From Los Osos Valley Road in Los Osos, take a right
(north) on 9th Street which in 5 blocks curves left (west) and becomes Ramona. Continue west on Ramona for 5-6 blocks until you see the
kiosk / entrance gate. See: http://morrocoastaudubon.org/sweet.htm. (There are
two ways to enter the preserve. The main kiosk gate approach takes one on an easy but sloping trail with several steps, for about 350
yards to the estuary viewing platform. The second approach, easier for mobility-impaired, is accessed by driving a 100 yards farther
west and turning right (north) on Broderson and parking at the end of the street. Space is very limited there; do not block driveways.
There is a short (100 ft) dirt path that is a bit difficult for wheelchairs, then a flat boardwalk to the platform. See: http://ryono.net/sweetsprings/boardwalk1.jpg.)
BIRDING: The highlight of this 24 acre Morro Coast Audubon Society preserve is the viewing platform, allowing close views of the estuary,
wetlands and mudflats. Mid-tide generally provides the best viewing. It is north facing so time-of-day is less important. It offers views
of a variety of SHOREBIRDS, BRANTS (November – April), and various DABBLING and DIVING DUCKS. It is the best place in the county to see
BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Look for EURASIAN WIDGEONS from here in the winter; most winters from 1-3 are present from here to #B-19. A “EURASIAN “
(crecca) GREEN-WINGED TEAL was present one winter. (See:
http://www.birdingamerica.com/California/sweetsprings.htm.)
B-23 PECHO ROAD WILLOWS / PECHO MARSH:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From the main business district of Los Osos go west on Los Osos Valley Road for
about half a mile and turn right (north) on Pecho Road. In a few blocks, at the corner of Henrietta Ave, there is a wooded and rather
boggy area with a primitive trail, called “Pecho Road Willows” or “Pecho Marsh” by locals. (This area is very small, the trail often
muddy, the willows thick and poison oak present … but the birding can be quite good during migration.)
BIRDING: One of those spots where most any passerine could show up in migration or winter.
B-24 SHARK INLET:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From the main business district of Los Osos go west on Los Osos Valley Road for
about half a mile and turn right (north) on Pecho Road. Take the first left (west), then an immediate right (north) onto Solano. Solano
curves left (west) to become Butte. Park near the end, (Walk the sand path or follow the shore for about half a mile to the south
most tip of the estuary. The sand is deep and the shore can be muddy.)
BIRDING: The trail goes through coastal scrub, past some beautiful wind-sculptured eucalyptus to a small corner of the tidal flat surrounded
by marsh grasses/sedges. One of the least-disturbed parts of the estuary. Seldom birded. Mid-tide best.
B-25 SEA PINES GOLF COURSE:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From the main business district of Los Osos go west on Los Osos Valley Road for
about half a mile and turn right (north) on Pecho Road. Take the first left (west), then an immediate left (south) on Solano. Solano
immediately curves right (west) and becomes Howard. Park where it dead-ends. (no walking; just looking from the car-park.)
BIRDING: There are 2 small golf course ponds on the right (north) viewed through a chain-link fence that sometimes have GEESE in the
winter, otherwise there is no birding here.
B-26 MONTANTA DE ORO STATE PARK:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) (Detail Map) From the main business district
of Los Osos go west on Los Osos Valley Road. Los Osos Valley Road becomes Pecho Road and curves left (south). Continue to the park
entrance. Distances and directions to birding areas in the park are given from the entrance gate. (More information at: http://www.slostateparks.com/montana_de_oro/default.asp.)
BIRDING: (Map B-26)
B-26a SAND SPIT:
DIRECTIONS: From the park entrance drive 0.7 miles and take a right (west) on Sand Spit Road. The area around the parking lot is
coastal scrub, home to WRENTITS, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS and CALIFORNIA THRASHERS. Take the trail to the ocean. (It goes down a number
of scattered steps and then into deep dune sand to the beach.) The often deserted beach can be walked for many miles south or north.
BIRDING: Look for SHOREBIRDS and past the wave-line in winter for rafts of SCOTERS (mostly Surf Scoters).
B-26b HAZARD CANYON / REEF:
DIRECTIONS: From the park entrance drive 1.7 miles and park in the marked parking lot. The trail goes for 100 yards down intermittent
steps into a shallow canyon.
BIRDING: Check the willows in the gulch for WARBLERS in migration and winter. A WINTER WREN is sometimes found in this area also. Walk another
100 yards to the ocean. The shore north is mostly sandy and joins #B-26a in a half mile or so. At the trail end and south along the shore
it is rocky. In winter look for rock-loving shorebirds such as WANDERING TATTLER, SURFBIRD and BLACK OYSTERCATCHER. Be careful, the rocks
can be very slippery and the beach (north and south) is narrow so be careful not to be trapped by the tide. The sand bluff, a short
but steep sand walk that makes up the north edge of the canyon mouth provides a nice vantage point for scoping the ocean for SHEARWATERS
and ALCIDS in migration and winter.
B-26c ISLAY CREEK MOUTH:
DIRECTIONS: From the park entrance drive about 2.4 miles. Just after crossing a small bridge, park in the large parking lot on the right (west).
BIRDING: Check the beach for GULLS in winter. In migration and winter check the willows along the creek from the ocean upstream as far as
you can. The upper part of the area is particularly good, especially when the sun first hits the willows. CHIPPING and CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS
have been seen here a number of times in fall, as have some of the more rare migrating WARBLERS. (Short walk in beach sand.)
B-26d SPOONER’S COVE CAMPGROUND:
DIRECTIONS: From the park entrance drive about 2.4 miles, just past #B-26c, turn left (east) toward the campground and park in front of the
Visitor’s Center. Check the cypress trees for WARBLERS during migration and winter. Walk the road through the two loops of the campground (
round trip less that one mile of flat to gently sloping paved road).
BIRDING: In migration and winter the pines and willows are good for some of the more rare vagrant WARBLERS (look and listen for chickadees to find
the warbler flocks), PURPLE FINCHES, WOODPECKERS and sometimes GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS. Check the SPARROWS around the campsites for FOX
SPARROWS (of at least 3 races) and in some years WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS. CALIFORNIA THRASHERS, WRENTITS and other coastal scrub species
are common here. One of the best spots in the area during migration.
B-26e BLUFF TRAIL:
DIRECTIONS: From the park entrance drive about 2.4+ miles, just past #B-26d, and park along the road on the right. From that spot, a
wide, marked (not wheelchair accessible) trail follows the sea-bluffs along the south shore of Spooner’s Cove.
BIRDING: In winter all 3 species of CORMORANTS are often found together on the big rock below. PIGEON GUILLEMOTS nest along the bluff.
The point (about 0.25 miles) is a good place to “sea-watch” for SHEARWATERS and ALCIDS. The rocks at the point and along the very scenic
shore should be checked for rock-loving shorebirds such as WANDERING TATTLER, BLACK TURNSTONE, SURFBIRD and BLACK OYSTERCATCHER.
From the parking area to the south limit of the shore is about 3-4 miles round trip. Watch for rattlesnakes along the trail
in summer; they are rather common because of the large number of California ground squirrels.
B-26f COON CREEK TRAIL:
DIRECTIONS: From the park entrance drive about 4 miles to where the paved road dead-ends. Take the marked trail. It is about 3 miles
round trip to the end.
BIRDING: The trail first goes through coastal scrub and a large patch of coffee berry, good for THRUSHES and GROSBEAKS when the fruit
is ripe. The trail then goes through dense willows for most of the rest of the way. These dense and dark areas are home to about 12
pairs of resident WINTER WRENS, generally rare in the county. They are easily heard in breeding season, but seen only with patience.
In fall and winter they are quiet and hard to lure out of the thickets. There is a resident population of CANYON WRENS part way along
the trail where a rocky area is seen just above the trail on the right. Although migrant and wintering WARBLERS are present in there,
they are usually hard to see. WAINSON’S THRUSHES and PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHES are common in the summer; HERMIT THRUSHES and FOX
SPARROWS in the winter. (Trail is narrow, with some steps. At times poison oak and stinging nettle encroach on the trail.)
B-26g POINT BUCHON:
DIRECTIONS: From the park entrance drive about 4 miles, to where the paved road dead-ends (Same parking lot as used for Coon Creek).
In late 2007 a new area of the park was opened to the public extending the Bluff Trail. This new trail section is currently open
only on weekends from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM (with the last person out by 4:30 PM), and the number of visitors per day
may be limited. Be there early for the best birding and because it is popular on weekends. Walk the trail to the mouth of Coon Creek;
riparian and with a small beach. Walk to the point.
BIRDING: Point Buchon potentially is one of the best “sea-watch” spots in the county for both birds and whales!
B-27 EL CHORRO REGIONAL PARK:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From Morro Bay, drive south on Rte 1 for about 7 miles to the second traffic
light and take a left (east). From Rte 101, take Rte 1 north for about 5.5 miles and turn right (east) at the first Cuesta College
traffic light. There are brown signs marking the turn. Go past the softball field, past the new botanical garden building and park
in the second group picnic site parking area.
BIRDING: The area represents both riparian and oak habitats, with HUTTON’S VIREOS and OAK TITMICE rather common. BLUE GROSBEAKS
and LAZUILI BUNTINGS are often seen along the road in the weedy / brushy areas (summer). GOLDEN EAGLES, WHITE-TAILED KITES and other
RAPTORS are often seen on the slopes. In winter this is one of the most accessible and reliable spots for RED-BREASTED, and rarely
RED-NAPED SAPSUCKERS, in the California pepper trees (the obvious scattered trees with compound leaves and finely-divide leaflets).
(Mostly flat and accessible to all.) Up-canyon, past where cars are allowed, there are trails through the oaks and to the ridge top.
B-28 CAL POL CAMPUS:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) (CAMPUS MAP with areas marked) From the south on Rte 101, take
the Grand Ave/Cal Poly exit, then left (north) at the stop sign onto Grand Ave, which will enter campus in a few blocks. From the north
on Rte 101, take the Monterey Street exit, take a right at the top of the exit ramp, and then an immediate left on to Loomis Ave. Take
a right turn at the stop sign on Grand Ave and follow it a few blocks to the campus entrance.
Note: Parking on weekdays on campus requires a permit that can be purchased at the kiosk as you enter
campus on Grand Ave. There are also a limited number of parking meters on campus. Traffic is very heavy and parking is almost non-existent
when school is in session. Parking permits are not required on the weekend or campus holidays.
B-28a CENTRAL CAMPUS:
DIRECTIONS: Continue on Grand Ave to the “T” intersection with Perimeter Road and take a right, and then another right at Poly Canyon Road.
There is a large parking area at this intersection for access to the central campus area and to Poly Canyon. Walk south toward the core of
campus and explore the extensive lawn and landscaped areas. (Access to all.)
BIRDING: Flocks of COMMON BUSHTITS and CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES work their way through campus and should be checked for other species as well.
In the winter watch for SPARROW flocks, HERMIT THRUSHES and CEDAR WAXWINGS. The line of California Pepper trees along University Drive in
front of the Kennedy Library have produced RED-NAPED, RED-BREASTED, and YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS. Listen for CASSIN’S KINGBIRDS calling in
the winter.
B-28b POLY CANYON:
DIRECTIONS: From the parking lot at the corner of North Perimeter and Poly Canyon Road (see B-28a), walk north following Poly Canyon Drive,
keeping the transportation yard on your left, and the electric substation on your right. Bear right past the substation and walk around the
metal gate at the entrance to Poly Canyon. This dirt road quickly leaves the developed part of campus and follows Brizzolara Creek.
BIRDING: The canyon is a good spot for breeding LAZULI BUNTINGS and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS. Many of the county common birds utilize the riparian
and chaparral along Poly Canyon. Also watch for BLUE GROSBEAKS, COOPER’S HAWKS and the occasional YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE near the archway
at the “end” of the canyon. Note: Poly Canyon continues past the obvious end of the road and is open to the public. You
may continue walking past the yellow house and barn and follow the road for many miles through open grassland and riparian habitats.
Walking is along dirt roads and can be strenuous and steep in parts.
B-28c SPORTS COMPLEX AREA:
DIRECTIONS: From the Poly Canyon parking lot, drive back to Perimeter road and take a right, continuing downhill. At the stop sign at
Via Carta Road turn right (north) and follow it to the left turn at Sports Complex Road. Park in the small dirt lot on the right, adjacent
to the softball field. Climb the wooden split rail fence and walk toward the group of willows surrounding the small Smith Reservoir.
BIRDING: HOODED MERGANSERS and WOOD DUCKS have been seen here. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS regularly roost here and GREEN HERONS and WHITE-TAILED
KITES have nested around the pond. Continue driving along Sports Complex Road and watch the soccer fields for AMERICAN PIPITS. TRI-COLORED
BLACKBIRDS have been seen in this area also. After the soccer fields watch for the two small ponds on your left (west) associated with the
swine unit. RING-NECKED DUCKS and NORTHERN SHOVELERS are regular in the winter and WOOD DUCKS have been seen here. As the road passes the
ponds and begins to enter the wider parking area for the swine unit, watch for a dirt road to the right. Park at the swine unit and walk
southeast down the road to Shepard’s Reservoir. (About a half mile round trip on a flat dirt road. Watch for SPARROWS along the
weedy roadside. This is a good spot for a flyby GOLDEN EAGLES and other raptors. The reservoir has harbored nesting TRI-COLORED BLACKBIRDS.
In the winter CATTLE EGRETS have been found here. The tules and willows around the reservoir can produce a variety of ducks, herons, and
land birds.
B-28d DAIRY UNIT:
DIRECTIONS: Retrace your route back along Sports Complex Road then turn right (south) onto Via Carta, then another right onto Highland
Drive. Just past the railroad bridge, turn right (north) onto Mt. Bishop Road, follow it to the Eugene and Rachel Boone Dairy Science
complex and turn into the driveway.
BIRDING: You may park in the lot and walk around the dairy for large flocks of BLACKBIRDS which can include YELLOW-HEADEDS and TRICOLOREDS
in the fall and winter. BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS are abundant here. Remember that this is a working dairy operation. Please do not disturb the
workers or cattle. The walking is limited and on relatively flat ground, but it can be muddy in winter.
B-28e “NORTH” CATTLE BARN AREA:
DIRECTIONS: From the Dairy unit parking lot drive back out to Mt Bishop Road and turn right (north) and follow it for about a mile from
the Dairy Unit to the cattle corrals on the left (west) side of the road.
BIRDING: These can be checked for the above-mentioned rarer BLACKBIRDS. Also check the large pasture areas across the street from the
corrals for raptors. FERRUGINOUS HAWK can sometimes be found here in winter.
B-28f CHEDA RESERVOIR / NORTH AREA:
DIRECTIONS: Continue north on Mt Bishop Road to the “T” intersection with Stenner Creek Road and turn right.
BIRDING: The poultry unit at this intersection can be scanned for flocks of BLACKBIRDS. The weedy roadside and pastures along Stenner
Creek Road have yielded CATTLE EGRETS and BOBOLINK (rarely). Watch for WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, BLUE GROSBEAKS (uncommon) and KINGBIRDS along
the power lines and fence lines. As you approach a large railroad bridge over Stenner Creek, watch for a left turn toward the city’s
water treatment plant, then take an immediate left (west) turn onto a dirt road. There is a small pond at the intersection that should
be checked for WATERFOWL. A few hundred yards along this dirt road on the right is the larger Cheda Reservoir. The trees and tules around
the pond have yielded CASSIN’S KINGBIRDS and SWAMP SPARROWS. Nesting WESTERN BLUEBIRDS and the much rarer MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS have been
seen here. HOODED and BULLOCK’S ORIOLES have been found in the large eucalyptus trees in the summer, and the trees harbor large flocks
of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS in the winter which should be checked for other passerines. Generally accessible to all.
B-28g STENNER CREEK:
DIRECTIONS: Retracing your route back from Cheda Reservoir, park at the aforementioned railroad bridge over Stenner Creek road.
BIRDING: This dirt road follows the creek and can be productive for BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, CHESNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES, and most of the common
passerines in the weedy roadsides and sycamores, oaks, and willows along the creek. Check the steep rocky hillsides for RUFOUS-CROWNED
SPARROWS. At dusk in the warmer months listen for COMMON POORWILLS on the hillsides. This road can also be driven a short way to a small
parking area just beyond a wooden bridge over the creek. This is a good spot for OAK TITMOUSE, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS and WARBLING
VIREO The parking area should be used for a turn around, as the road passes private property and ends a few miles past the bridge.
B-29 RESERVOIR CANYON:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From San Luis Obispo drive north on Rte 101 from the Rte 1 exit for about 2 miles,
and take a right (south) onto Reservoir Canyon Road. Stay right where it forks, and park before the gate.
BIRDING: A trail follows the creek, with oak-sycamore-willow habitat on one side of the trail and oak-savannah with rocky outcroppings
habitat on the other side. Particularly good for a VARIETY OF BREEDING BIRDS. LAZULI BUNTINGS are rather easy to find. The grassy/rocky
slopes are reliable for breeding RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS. A good place to look for breeding BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS. (The first
mile of trail is somewhat narrow at times and has areas where poison oak encroaches along the sides. It ascends about 250 vertical feet.)
The trail then crosses the creek and is in chaparral habitat for the remainder. This part of the trail may have breeding “BELL’S” SAGE
and BLACK-CHINNED SPARROWS, but this is uncertain due to lack of recent surveys of the area. (This latter section climbs about 500
vertical feet in about half a mile to the ridge top.)
B-30 CUESTA RIDGE WEST / TV TOWER ROAD:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) Drive north from San Luis Obispo on US 101. Just before the top of Cuesta Grade (long upgrade with 3
northbound lanes) get in the left lane and with caution make a left turn across the southbound traffic at the protected left turn lane.
Go straight across and bear right on the “paved” road. This is TV Tower Road. This road is somewhat steep, narrow in spots and is
very bumpy! There are deep potholes! It is regularly driven by locals in sedans, but must be done slowly and with care.
Some of the worst parts of the road are at the beginning, so have faith. Watch for mountain bikers, especially on weekends. Another
factor to consider is wind. Being a ridge top it tends to compress the wind. Before a trip up there, it is advisable to check the
forecast, and if possible watch the “Cuesta Grade” traffic camera on local NBC TV CH 6 during the morning news (weekdays 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM)
… if the camera image is shaking at all, it is probably too windy up there for fun birding.
BIRDING: All that (the warnings) being said, it is worth the trip!
B-31 LAGUNA LAKE PARK:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) Located in San Luis Obispo midway along the north side of Madonna Road. (Madonna
Road exits Rte 101 in San Luis Obispo or can be reached at a major intersection on Los Osos Valley Road about a mile west of Rte 101.
There is access for all mobility levels there.
BIRDING: All year, but best in winter. Take the first left inside the park and park at the “goose feeding” area. Look for wild GEESE
(winter), including a few CACKLING, SNOW, ROSS’S and GREATER WHITE-FRONTED among the many domestic geese. Anything could show up. Same
with GULLS …a great place to see gulls up close and to look for rarities. WESTERN, CALIFORNIA, RING-BILLED, BONAPARTE’S and GLAUCOUS-WINGED
are regular (winter). THAYER’S, HERRING and a few unidentifiable gulls might also be found. There is another parking area where the road
dead-ends in a short distance. The willows there are good for migrating WARBLERS, the weedy areas for BLUE GROSBEAK (summer) and wintering
SPARROWS. The extensive wetland area has (hard-to-find) AMERICAN BITTERNS. The trails through the grassland areas have SAVANNAH and
sometimes GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS. The rocky areas have ROCK WRENS. The rocky slopes have RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS. The open space and power
poles are good for wintering RAPTORS.
B-32 PREFUMO CANYON ROAD:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From Rte 101 in San Luis Obispo take the Los Osos Valley Road exit and drive
west. One block after the 4th traffic light (about 1.6 miles from Rte 101; just past the school on the right), take a left (west) on
Prefumo Road.
BIRDING: At a bridge crossing there is a parking area for some general birding. The target birds along this road, however, are GRASSHOPPER
SPARROWS and OWLS. The GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS are found on the steep grassy slopes after the road starts up a steep area and on up to the
first houses at the top of the road. Exact locations vary with cattle grazing. The sparrows like relatively ungrazed grassy slopes with
a few taller weeds or bushes for singing perches.
Prefumo Road becomes See Canyon Road as it starts down the south slope toward Avila Beach (see South County section C-1). The two roads
/ canyons provide the best OWLING opportunities in the county. If you plan to look for owls there, explore it by daylight first to note
where there are houses tucked away in the trees, and to look for safe pull-offs, which are few in number.
