MacKerricher Field Trip Report February 14, 2026
Rock sandpiper photo by Lisa Walker
The day before all the late-February rains hit, a group of MCAS members were treated to decent weather and some great birding on our Valentine’s Day field trip to MacKerricher State Park. We got excellent views of all three of our loon species, Red-Necked and Western Grebes, Red-Breasted Mergansers, and Black Oystercatchers, plus two exciting rarities.
We headed straight out to Laguna Point at 8:30 a.m. to catch the peak of the high tide, hoping to see some rock-dwelling shorebirds pushed up and into view by the rough seas and high waters. Luck and conditions were in our favor, as we first spotted a Surfbird among a scattered group of Black Turnstones, and then two Rock Sandpipers resting in clear view for the group. The Rock Sandpiper breeds in the arctic and is rare in our area. An Ancient Murrelet was also spotted from the platform, though it was a challenge for most to find as it repeatedly dove back under the water immediately after popping up.
After a good, long stay at the platform appreciating the Rock Sandpipers and scoping the ocean, we marched to Virgin Creek Beach in hopes of finding the female Harlequin Duck that had been seen there several times within the previous week.
When we arrived at the bluffs just north of the beach, at first we were disappointed and could only find Surf Scoters. But finally, the Harlequin was spotted riding out the rough surf, as is their wont, and the group got some definitive, if sporadic, views and photos.
We also saw first-hand the unusually large number of Brown Pelicans overwintering on the Mendocino Coast this winter, with several small groups flying past throughout the morning. Overall it wasn’t an impressive day in terms of the number of species seen (35), but the unusual birds, good weather, and, as always, good company of MCAS members made for a brisk and fun morning of birding for all. For a typically slow month, it was a great February trip!
To see the full list of birds seen, including photos, see the eBird Trip Report here.
Rock sandpiper photo by Lisa Walker
