Sterling Forest Hiking/Birding - See RSVP Note [~7 Miles | Car Pooling]

This event is not full. Please add yourself to the waiting list and message me (Andre) if you are interested - I'd like to make sure everyone's expectations are aligned.

Hi Hikers & Birders,

It is springtime, which means it is "Fancy Warbler Season". I'm looking for Cerulean Warblers, among others, with lots of scarlet tanagers and indigo buntings likely as well.

• Sterling Forest Trail map
• Sterling Forest eBrid

If you are both a hiker and birder, this should be a great outing. Bring your camera and optics! If you're a hiker, you will likely get frustrated waiting around while we are birding. If you are only a birder, be aware this is a hike and we likely cover 6-8 miles of trails.

Contact Andre with any questions about this meetup.

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Hiking level: Moderate Pace, Suitable for Fit Beginners
Trails are well marked (for trails), and there are shorter trails back for those who cannot complete the entire loop.

This is not a guided hike. We make an effort to stay together as a group, but sometimes the group does need to split up. Everyone attending must be comfortable hiking alone and be prepared to do so.
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• Meeting Location: Sterling Forest Visitors Center
• Meeting Time: 8:30 am
• Public Transit: None
• Car Pooling: Please use the comment section to organize riders if you are driving from the city. Passengers should chip in for gas and tolls (usually at least $10).

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Standard day-hiking gear:

• Hiking footwear (boots or trail shoes), non-cotton clothing, sunscreen, bug spray, sunhat, sunglasses. (I highly recommended treating clothing with Permethrin insecticide for protection against ticks).
• Be prepared for weather changes—bring rain gear and an extra warm layer.
• 2 liters/ 2 quarts of water minimum, 3 liters are suggested for a hot day.
• Lunch, Snacks, and electrolytes for hot days
• Map & Compass or GPS app with offline maps: The Avenza Maps App often has free maps, but some locations require a one-time purchase. If you hike regularly, I recommend CalTopo ($20/yr) which is an excellent general purpose GPS program. (AllTrails $36/yr is fine for specific hikes, but not really a general purpose GPS. GaiaGPS keeps raising their price.)

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General Rules & Guidelines:

• No dogs allowed, sorry
• Everyone needs to sign up on meetup.com and accept the waiver; No guests and no one under 18 allowed
• Hikes are generally rescheduled for thunderstorms or heavy rain (but not for passing summer showers), heat index above 90, or poor air quality