Sunday, February 9

Newport Back Bay

NO SIGN-UP, NO FEE

Leaders: Mary and Nick Freeman. Meet at 8:00 a.m. for the 6.7’ high tide. Ridgway’s Rail, Sora, American Bittern, Peregrine Falcon, Blue-winged Teal and California Gnatcatcher are expected. Short-eared Owl is rare. High tide force the rails out of their hiding places in the pickleweed and we will watch and count the rails basking in the small vegetation islands just above the high tide. We will have lunch and finish up at San Joaquin Marsh, upstream. Take the 405 Fwy S to the 73 Toll Road (free this far) to the Campus Dr. exit. Turn right on Irvine Ave., and left on University Drive. Park beyond the Preserve HQ (2301 University Dr., Newport Beach 92660), and walk down the trail and over the bridge to the boardwalk to meet.