The North Coast extends northwest from Santa Cruz for some 20 miles to the San Mateo County line at Waddell Bluffs. A series of streams arise from the coastal slope of Ben Lomond Mountain and flow to the ocean through step-like marine terraces with extensive forest, scrub, grassland and agricultural land. Corridors of riparian habitat along the streams have yielded rare migrant landbirds and await further exploration. Some of them are not specifically mentioned below but are conveniently accessed from Hwy 1. The spectacular coastline offers rocky shore, pocket beaches, and marshes. An approved “North Coast Beaches Plan” seeks to develop access at several beaches, but is not yet fully implemented. Access to a few spots may change eventually. Significant additional areas will probably open to birding when recent land preservation acquisitions have been completed. When birding along agricultural fields remain on developed roads or paths. Do not trespass without clear permission. Mileages for this section begin at the intersection of Hwy 1 and Western Dr, at the western edge of Santa Cruz.
Walks and Talks