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In this four-part series, BenitoLink explores birds and birding on the Central Coast, which has been named the best state for bird watching in several categories including the number of bird species, national and state parks, bird watching groups, and Audubon Society offices and chapters. Part 4 looks at bird watching groups and upcoming events.
Among the more active local birding groups is The Central Coast Birding Collective, whose mission is: “To create a safe, welcoming, and joyous community for birders of all backgrounds and bird knowledge to revel in the magic of birding.” The collective holds many events in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties including an upcoming one for Halloween titled Cemetery Birding, which is set for El Estero Lake in Monterey on Oct. 25.
Also of note for bird watchers is the Monterey Bay Festival of Birds on Oct. 10, 11, and 12. This will be followed by a Birds & Brews Trivia Night at Fruition Brewing in Watsonville on Oct. 12 hosted by Central Coast Birding Collective, an evening of bird trivia.
An environmental education group, The Bird School, is hosting the Festival of Birds which offers several field trips and workshops ranging in price from free to $70.
Events start as early as 8 a.m. and as late as 9 p.m. and include birding at Watsonville Slough Farm, Owls of Robinson Canyon, Birds and Burritos with Latino Outdoors, Sketching Birds in the Field, and Intro to Wildlife Photography. Pinnacles Birding, set for Oct. 11 is at Bear Gulch Reservoir which is accessed from the east entrance in Paicines. Some slots are sold out or getting close so registering soon is advised.
See the full schedule here. Register here.
Northern flicker. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut. 
Double-crested cormorants and great egret. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut. 
Greater roadrunner. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut. 
Great egret. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut. 
Juvenile yellow-billed magpie. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut. 
Female green-winged teal. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut. 
Adult California scrub-jay. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut. 
Adult male great-tailed grackle. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut. 
Adult green heron. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut. 
Adult and Young American coot. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut.
Another group, the Central Valley-based Central California Birding Tours features wildlife biologist Rachel Clark guiding tours in the Central Coast area. Clark gives tours for small groups of up to four people.
For those who want to bird alone or in a small group outside an organized tour, these are the county’s most active and popular bird watching places, according to Birding Hotspots:
Clear Creek Management Area
Coalinga Road
Fremont Peak State Park
Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Lone Tree Road, San Benito County
Lonoak Road
Paicines Ranch
Pajaro River
Panoche Road
Panoche Valley
Pinnacles National Park
San Juan Canyon Road
Santa Ana Valley Road
Birding and bird watching etiquette
Take only photographs, leave only footprints
Do not disturb birds or other wildlife
Do not handle birds or other wildlife
Do not flush birds
Keep groups small
Wear neutral or muted color clothing
Avoid using flash photography
Do not pull over onto dry vegetation
Do not enter private property without the landowner or occupant’s permission
Ebird list of San Benito County birds
List of birds found in California
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