Fri-Sunday, Feb. 21-23

Another one of our exciting trips this year will be a weekend tour of San Benito County to experience its many historic and wildlife treasures. This very rural area east of Monterey has a wonderful variety of birds, historic sites and great mountain scenery! This three-day, two night tour is packed with recreational, cultural and wildlife adventures: Pinnacles National Park, Mercey Hot Springs Spa, Mission San Juan Bautista and Elkhorn Preserve at Moss Landing (just north of Monterey). The area has some of the most exciting birding in California, including Long-eared, Barn and Great Horned owls, California condors (at Pinnacles National Park), Golden eagles, Chukers (very large colorful partridges), Mountain plover and Lawrence’s goldfinches, just for starters! We’ll meet Friday at 11am to begin the tour at the legendary Andersen’s Restaurant at Santa Nella, near Los Banos and I5. After lunch we’ll take off through the hills to Mercey Hot Springs. This old-fashioned spa is a hot-spot (literally and figuratively) for birds, with Lawrence’s gold-finches and several owl species (Great Horned, Long-eared, Barn). And of course their signature hot-tubs and heated pool. Depending on your preference, you can take a relaxing soak or search for owls. (Go to www.merceyhotsprings.com for a virtual tour.) Later in the afternoon we’ll drive through the dramatic Gabilan Mountains and stay overnight in Hollister, with several choices of lodging, either at the local Marriott or splendid old Victorian B&Bs. Saturday will be devoted to exploring the Pinnacles National Park, with its imposing volcanic spires and California condors circling overhead! Many other birds grace the skies here: Prairie falcons, Acorn woodpeckers and many songbirds. Returning to Hollister for the evening, on Sunday we will travel over to nearby Mission San Juan Bautista. This is one of the most atmospheric of the old missions, with the 200-year old Baroque chapel still in use. About noon we will continue north for our last stop, Elkhorn Slough near Moss Landing. Among its wonderful wildlife are Sea Otters, seals and Sea Lions and a great selection of birds, such as loons, ducks, egrets, shorebirds, cormorants, gulls and turnstones. Elkhorn is where we’ll take our leave in the early afternoon. There will be many great chances for nature, landscape and bird photography. Most tours observe 60 or more bird species over the weekend. Directions to Andersen’s from San Francisco and the East Bay: take 580 to I5, drive south to Santa Nella, exit left, look for their trademark windmill (only one in the area)! Allow 2-2.5 hours from Oakland; from Santa Barbara or LA take I5 north and allow 3-4 hours. Additional Hollister accommodations and directions provided at registration. It should be a great adventure, combining cultural history, exciting wildlife sightings and landscapes of remarkable natural beauty.