Central San Francisco was the planned overnight site for five nights, May 26th through to May 30th.

The first outing on Saturday was to Point Reyes National Seashore, accidently via Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. On this first day of the long weekend, it became clear that traffic was to be a problem through Monday. Travelled all the way to Limantour Beach, Point Reyes, which was very windy and mostly devoid of birds. On reaching the parking area, an Osprey was seen in the distance flying away. At the beach, just one Caspian Tern was seen, also flying away.

A trail around the marsh area yielded few birds, although the vegetation was thickly native and interesting. On returning along the road to Limantour Beach, the trailhead parking areas were packed with cars. Thus it was decided to follow Highway 1 (not good condition) back to San Francisco. A few stops were made at possible birding areas, with little success.

Sunday was spent at the Presidio in the morning, thereafter visitation time. At the Presidio there was also a large variety of native plants; some in the restoration area. Every trip is regarded as an opportunity to learn new species. In San Francisco: Dune Gilia, Dune Dandelion, SF Wallflower, Seaside Paintbrush, Ithuriel’s Spear, Redwood Sorrel, Red Clintonia, amongst others.

On Monday, 29th, travelled to a nearby destination, Crystal Springs, touted online as: “Over 180 different species of birds have been identified there. Deer, squirrels, bobcats, coyotes and rattlesnakes are often spotted. Recent sightings of mountain lions have also occurred. This pristine Watershed area surrounding the trail is recognized by the California Department of Fish and Game as a Fish Wildlife Refuge and is considered a Biosphere Reserve.”

Probably the wrong public access route was chosen – it mostly paralleled Freeway 280, and as such it was difficult to hear any birds. After walking for about three hours seeing mostly Bushtits, Robins, etc, and too tired to walk any of the other paths to see if they were better, it was decided to travel further south to Sam McDonald State Park. Here Steller’s Jays were seen for the first time and some wonderful redwood habitat flora. But, loud children probably deterred most birds. Return to San Francisco characterized by heavy traffic.

The decision was made to leave San Francisco a day early and camp at Montana de Oro on the 30th instead of staying in central San Francisco. On the way south, a quick side trip was made to Henry W. Coe State Park.

Slideshows

• San Francisco Area

Links of Interest

• Presidio WildFlowers
• Point Reyes National Seashore
• Muir Woods Flora (for Redwood Flora)
• Sam McDonald State Park
• Henry W. Coe State Park

(Samuel P Taylor Park, just north of San Francisco)