Upcoming Trip
Hit the open road for an unforgettable birding adventure along California’s spectacular coast! This nine-day tour begins in San José and winds along the iconic Highway 1 to Los Angeles. Along the way we will explore some of the state’s most breathtaking landscapes and birding destinations. From rugged cliffs and coastal estuaries to oak woodlands and productive wetlands, each stop offers the opportunity to encounter California’s remarkable diversity of birds and wildlife. Destinations will include Pinnacles National Park, Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz Island, Big Sur, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, and Angeles National Forest.
The road trip includes an offshore detour to the Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park, where participants will search for endemic island species. Whether you’re hoping to add new life birds, experience world class coastal scenery, or simply enjoy the journey with fellow bird enthusiasts, this road trip promises an incredible blend of birding, natural history, and
unforgettable California landscapes.
As always, this is an all-inclusive trip from Pittsburgh. The trip cost includes round-trip airfare, 8-nights accommodations, all meals beginning with lunch on Nov 9 and ending with breakfast on Nov 17, ground & sea transportation, and entrance fees. Alcohol and items of personal nature are not included.
Registration is nearly full!
Please complete the form below to join the waitlist.
You may also contact Nick Stahlman (nstahlman [at] aswp.org) or call
412-963-6100.
Register Here
Trip Details
Trip Cost
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY….. $4,995
SINGLE OCCUPANCY….. $5,795
A non-refundable 50% deposit is due upon
registration. The remaining balance of the
trip will be due by October 31st.
HIKING DIFFICULTY….. Moderate
BIRDING LEVEL ….. Moderate
ACTIVITY LEVEL ….. Low to Moderate
Trip Leaders
Nick Stahlman
Nick is the Community Conservation Coordinator at ASWP. You may have attended one of his guided walks or interacted with him through the Certified Backyard Habitat program. With a background in Wildlife Habitat Management, Nick has developed a knack for finding birds by understanding the habitats they depend on. Having birded California’s coast on three previous trips, he is excited to return and share its incredible diversity of birds, breathtaking scenery, and unique natural history with fellow travelers.
Favorite Bird: Belted Kingfisher
Trip Target: Tricolored Blackbird
Favorite Bird Sound: Hermit Thrush’s Ethereal Flute Song
Go-To Birding Snack: Dill Pickle Flavored Sunflower Seeds
Dan Mendenhall
Dan is a Naturalist at ASWP, where he manages trails and facilities. He is a former science teacher and came to Audubon in 2021 to pursue his passion for birds. Dan leads weekly walks at Beechwood Farms, national Eco Tours, and has recently led outings for the Biggest Week in Birding in Ohio. Dan is a highly skilled birder and nature photographer who is now building experience in videography. Having birded in Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico, he is excited to now explore California and share his expertise.
Favorite Bird: Any Woodpecker or Sparrow
Trip Target: California Condor
Favorite Bird Sound: Mourning Dove cooing
Go-To Birding Snack: Dried Mango
Past experiences
Domestic
- Minnesota: Boreal Birds in Winter
- Texas Gulf Coast
- South Florida: the Keys and Dry Tortugas
- Sky Islands of Southeast Arizona
- Colorado: from the Prairies to the Rockies
- Rio Grande Valley
- Southern California and the Salton Sea
- Maine’s Bold Coast
- Washington’s Puget Sound and Cascades
International
- Nova Scotia
- Newfoundland
- Belize
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Tanzania
- Colombia
