Field Trip: Coal Oil Point Escapade

Ariel view of beach

Location: Coal Oil Point

Snowy-Plover.jpg

Snowy Plover

Join us for an opportunity to see some late summer Santa Barbara specialties.

We are certain to see this years new batch of Snowy Plover chicks.

Least-Tern.jpg

Least Tern

This is also a good time of year to see Least Terns if we are fortunate. These birds do sometimes nest with the plovers at the reserve and if so can be found bring food to their young. It’s never certain they will be there but this is as good a time as ever to try for these delightful birds.


After we have scoured the plover reserve, we will then set up spotting scopes above Coal Oil Point in the hopes of seeing early migrating birds (loons, sea ducks and geese, and whatever else may be flying by). As with the least terns, no guarantee we will spot anything but this is a chance to practice a sea watch at one of the best local spots to do so.

Target Birds

  • Snowy Plover chicks
  • Least Tern
  • Migrating ocean and shorebirds

Trip Leader: Robert Lindsay

Directions

  • Take Hwy 101 to the Glen Annie/Storke Road exit
  • Proceed south (towards the ocean) on Storke Road
  • After 1.2 miles turn left on El Colegio Road
  • Turn right on Camino Corto Lane (1st light)
  • Turn right on Del Playa Drive (road tees)
  • Park and meet at the corner of Del Playa Drive and Camino Majorca
  • Map: Coal Oil Point

Other Information

  • Bring water, snack
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for oil on the beach.
  • Bring a hat
  • Binoculars a must, spotting scopes are useful

Trip Coordinator / Leader:

Rob Lindsay 

Contact Rob for questions or additional information

Sponsored By Santa Barbara Audubon Society