Nick Lethaby has offered to lead an impromptu field trip to Surf Beach in Lompoc.
Note Time and Location change due to conditions at Ocean Park and Nick’s recent gull observations.
The main focus of this field trip will be to study gulls. There is often a flock of a few hundred gulls at the Santa Ynez River mouth and species like Herring Gull and Black-legged Kittiwake are more likely to be seen here than on the south coast. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull has been wintering for several years in the area and we will be looking out for this bird as well. We will also check the river estuary for ducks, grebes and shorebirds.
We will do everything we can for a safe experience, but COVID is always a risk. Additionally, SBAS may decide to cancel events should pandemic conditions warrant it. For these reasons, we ask that:
- All attendees be vaccinated, each participant bring a mask to the event, and social distancing be practiced to the greatest extent practicable.
- Masks be worn in car pool situations.
- Prior to attending any bird walk or field trip, please go to santabarbaraaudubon.org/activities for directions and event updates.
Target Birds:
- Herring Gull
- Black-legged Kittiwake
- Lesser Black-backed Gull
Trip Leader:
Nick Lethaby
Directions:
From Hwy 101 Northbound from Santa Barbara
- Take Exit 132 (Hwy 1, Lompoc Vandenberg SFB)
- Turn left onto Hwy 1 North
- Follow Hwy 1 for 22 miles until it Tees with Hwy 246
- Turn left onto Hwy 246
- Drive straight for about 11.2 miles (Hwy 246 turns into Ocean Avenue at the edge of town)
- Just after the “Road Ends” sign, turn right into Park Road, the Surf Beach Parking Lot is just across the RR Tracks
- We will meet in the parking lot
From Hwy 101 Southbound from North County
- Take Exit 140A (Hwy 246, Lompoc – Solvang)
- Turn right onto Hwy 246
- Follow Hwy 246 for 16 miles (it crosses the intersection of Hwy 1)
- Continue driving straight for about 11.2 more miles (Hwy 246 turns into Ocean Avenue at the edge of town)
- Just after the “Road Ends” sign, turn right into Park Road, the Surf Beach Parking Lot is just across the RR Tracks
- We will meet in the parking lot
Other Information:
- Bring water & snack
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Bring a hat
- Binoculars a must, spotting scopes are useful
Trip Coordinator:
Dane St. George
Contact Dane for questions or additional information HERE
