Breakfast:
In the Dining Room.
Morning:
We will ride to Moss Landing for a nature excursion by boat (weather permitting). Playful Sea otters, Harbor seals, Sea lions, and hundreds of bird species abound as we explore one of California’s most spectacular wetlands, the Elkhorn Slough, aboard a 37' fully electric catamaran. The Elkhorn Slough is one of the premier bird watching sites in the western United States. More than 340 species visit or find permanent refuge here, including several rare and endangered species such as the Brown Pelican, Snowy Plover, and Peregrine Falcon. We will learn about this diverse ecosystem and birds with commentary by both the boat captain and our expert.
Lunch:
In the field, we’ll have sack lunches.
Afternoon:
During the second half of the day, we will be birding other microhabitats around Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, and Moonglow Dairy, one of the premier vagrant traps in Monterey County (depending on availability). We will visit a variety of habitats including oak-eucalyptus groves, Great Egret-Great Blue Heron-and-Double-crested Cormorant rookeries, mud flats, salt marshes, and freshwater ponds for ducks and shorebirds. A number of raptors frequent the Slough, including the White-tailed Kite, Red-shouldered Hawk, Merlin, Golden Eagle, Elegant Tern and a target bird for many, Tricolored Blackbird — to name a few.
Dinner:
In the Dining Room.
Evening:
At Hidden Valley, we’ll enjoy a film highlighting Monterey's region and culture. Prepare for check-out and departure after brunch in the morning.