Birding for Beginners: A Bird Walk at Mount Tamalpais State Park

The first day of the 3rd annual California State Parks Week features the theme "Explore New Experiences". Birding can be an excellent outdoor activity, but there are likely many reasons people haven't given it a try. Well, if your reasons are that you don't know where to go and what you need to be a birder, this bird walk is the answer! State Park staff will lead the way on a 1-2 mile walk on unpaved trails going through mixed oak woodland and coastal scrub, looking for a variety of birds from strutting turkeys to soaring hawks, and raucous jays to musical tree creepers.

Participants should wear shoes and clothing suitable for walking along unpaved trails. You are also recommended to have sun protection, water, snacks, and an extra layer (in case of chilly morning breezes). If you have binoculars (any old pair will do!), go ahead and bring them along, but they are not required. There is no fee to participate, but there is an $8 per vehicle fee to park at Pantoll.