Indiana Audubon 2027 California Birding Tour

Join Indiana Audubon for fall birding in California! Pelagic boat trips, coastal & marsh birding, marine mammals, and conservation impact. Come join Indiana Audubon on an exhilarating journey of fall birding in California, where you'll encounter a diverse array of bird species during the peak of fall migration. The coastal shoreline and local marshes can host an impressive list of birds, not to mention the western specialties you can find as you venture inland. This special trip also includes one full day of pelagic boat birding, departing from Half Moon Bay. Those that can’t get enough seabirds can sign up for an optional second pelagic day trip. Marvel at incredible birds such as albatrosses, shearwaters, storm-petrels, jaegers, and auklets, while also enjoying sightings of fascinating marine mammals like sea otters, whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. This unforgettable journey goes beyond birdwatching—it also contributes to local conservation efforts through a donation, aligning with the Indiana Audubon's mission. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature and support the preservation of these remarkable species and their habitats! Some of the species highlights expected include: Black-footed Albatross, South Polar Skua, all three jaegers, Heerman’s Gull, Elegant Tern, Black Oystercatcher, Black Turnstone, Wandering Tattler, Surfbird, Long-billed Curlew Snowy Plover, Ridgway’s Rail, California Condor, Clark’s Grebe, Yellow-billed Magpie, California Scrub Jay, Pygmy Nuthatch, Tricolored Blackbird, Bell’s Sparrow, Hermit Warbler, and others. Trip Leaders: Amy Kearns and Libby Keyes are long-time Indiana Audubon members. They bring a combined 25 years of birding passion. Both Amy and Libby are known for their deep conservation work,birding experience, and creating welcoming birding spaces. The complete itinerary for this trip can be found here. Indiana Audubon Field Trip Ratings for this trip include: Birding Pace: Moderate Multiple days with early starts. Most days follow a full day trip format, with some flexibility built in. Early morning birding is highly encouraged as it coincides with peak bird activity. Pelagic days are more physically and logistically demanding. Physical Requirements: Medium-Moderate Expect 1–2 miles of walking per outing on varied terrain, including uneven trail surfaces, moderate elevation change, and possible brush or trail obstacles. Birding Skill Level: Mid-Level Suitable for beginners through experienced birders. The focus will be on western U.S. and pelagic specialties. Participants are encouraged to research expected species in advance. Included with the Tour: • IAS leaders coordinating trip logistics before and during the tour, including all eBird checklists and trip reports. • Transportation with fuel included through the trip. • All lodging for 9 days, 8 nights in listed hotels. • All meals, beginning with dinner on day one, finishing with breakfast on day 9. • All entrance fees to reserves, parks, and pelagic tours. Not included with the Tour: • All Airfare and airport taxes. • Tips for hotel staff, bird guides or drivers. • Medical expenses, prescription drugs, and other items of personal use. • Additional tours offered in hotels (Spa, massage, etc.). • Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and anything else not listed on the menus of restaurants. • Health and/or trip insurance. • Laundry service. • Souvenirs. • Any other expense or extra tour not listed as included above. Additional Considerations This tour involves 1–2 miles of walking per outing on varied terrain, including uneven trails, some moderate elevation changes, and potential brush or trail obstacles; participants with mobility concerns are encouraged to contact the trip leaders before registering to discuss suitability. Pelagic days are more physically demanding and may involve rough seas, so participants prone to motion sickness should consult their physician about preventive medication in advance. The trip limit is 10 participants. Prices are based on double occupancy. $4,169 per person IAS Member. $4,269 per person non-IAS Member. Single Supplement: $975 A $500 deposit is required at the time of reservation booking. If you use Apple's "Hide My Email" feature to register, forwarding may stop after 30 days, which can block event correspondence. Use a regular email to make sure you receive all event info. We do not add you to our mailing list unless you opt in during registration. Long-billed Curlew by Ryan Sanderson. Brown Pelican by Ryan Sanderson.