San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory in Milpitas, Santa Clara County, United States | Birding | Eco Tourism | Tours | Walks | Guided tours | Day tours

San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory office is located at the Sobrato Center for Nonprofits in Milpitas, California, United States.

The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory is dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats through science and outreach, and to contributing to informed resource management decisions in the San Francisco Bay Area in Milpitas, California.

Founded in 1981, the Bird Observatory has produced more than 25 years of scientific information on local bird populations working with both government agencies and partner organizations.

In the 1970's, people including Prof. Richard Mewaldt and Michael Rigney of San Jose State University began studying the birds on the commercial salt ponds of the South Bay. With other local residents from a Birding class, they investigated the seasonal use of the ponds by roosting and nesting water birds under the auspices of the South Bay Institute for Avian Studies, now the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory.

In 1999, Coyote Creek Field Station became a part of the Bird Observatory's Land bird Program, and continues the bird-banding operation that began in 1982.

ITE: Meet at Borders in McCarthy Ranch in Milpitas and then head to Coyote Creek Field Station. Visit the Bird Observatory?s field station and experience conservation in action. Tour mist nets, watch a bird banding demonstration, and explore a restored riparian habitat. We are likely to capture Song Sparrows, Wilson Warblers, and more. Learn why bird banding is important and how it helps protect birds and their habitats.

Walks are free for Bird Observatory members; a non member donation is requested. RSVP before 3 p.m. the Friday before the walk to the Outreach Specialist. Space is limited to 15 - 20 people.

The Walks occur once a month, usually starting at 8 a.m. and lasting about 2 - 3 hours. Participants should be able to walk continuously on relatively flat trails and paths for the duration of the trip. For all Walks, please bring binoculars and wear comfortable walking shoes. You may also want to bring a spotting scope, sunscreen, a hat, a field guide, water, and a snack. If you would like to bring children younger than 7 or have any questions about accessibility, please contact the Outreach Specialist to discuss options.

The Bird Observatory offers workshops, Birding resources, and other special presentations for you to explore and learn more about the birds and habitats of the San Francisco Bay Area. Please click the workshops link on the left to view upcoming "Workshops for the Birder and Naturalist" with Al Jaramillo.