The complex of wildlife refuges near Los Banos and Merced in the Central Valley (two hours south of the East Bay) comprise over 50,000 acres of preserved wetlands and grasslands. They are one of the few remaining places to see … Continue reading
For John Muir the Sierras were the peak experience of California wilderness. These great forests of pine and fir, pure streams and rivers, mountain lakes and soaring peaks are a revelation of the nature of American wilderness. Our headquarters for … Continue reading
Monterey Bay is renowned as one of the most scenic areas of the central California coastline, with an extraordinary concentration of wildlife. This wildlife includes an endless wealth of birds, Sea otters and migrating whales. Outstanding beaches, headlands and state … Continue reading
This has become one of our most popular weekend tours, and no wonder: a vast and ancient lake on the eastern slope of Yosemite, Mono is famous for its unique tufa formations that surround its waters. Snow-capped Sierra peaks, forests, … Continue reading
Fri-Sunday, Nov. 8-10 Santa Cruz, located just south of San Jose, is known for its beaches, amusement park, surfers and university. But with its dramatic coastline and many parks, this college town is also known for its great birding, especially … Continue reading
Fri- Sunday, Dec. 6-8 This weekend tour of the San Luis NWR near Los Banos and Merced will provide an encyclopedic look at wintering birds of the Central Valley. The refuge is made up of several different preserves, including Merced, … Continue reading
Thurs- Sunday, Jan. 2-5 The immense Salton Sea (343 square miles), located in southern California in the Imperial Valley, is a winter hot-spot for thousands of birds of all kinds, including ducks, rails, egrets, pelicans, ibis, cranes, geese, gulls and … Continue reading
Fri-Sunday, Jan. 24-26 Monterey, with its fabulous beaches, art museums, restaurants, Aquarium and old Spanish adobes, is famous throughout the world. These unique features combine to make it a perfect weekend holiday, slightly more than a two-hour drive from San … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
Thurs-Sunday, March 19-22 Every year at the great Klamath National Wildlife Refuge on the California-Oregon border, hundreds of thousands of migrating wildfowl, shorebirds and raptors pass through or spend the winter. This country is very wild, open and rugged, with … Continue reading