Las Gallinas & Healdsburg Vaux’s Swift Spectacle
Saturday, September 19, 3:00pm – sunset
Leaders: Bob Toleno & Juli Chamberlin

Join us to see thousands of migrating Vaux’s Swifts entering a single chimney at Rio Lindo Adventist Academy in Healdsburg at sunset! It’s truly a spectacle not to be missed. We’ll meet first at Las Gallinas in Marin County, where we’ll walk a flat trail, birding the ponds and marshes. If we’re very lucky, we might spot a Least Bittern. Then we’ll continue about an hour north to Healdsburg, allowing some time for folks to grab dinner along the way, then meet at Rio Lindo around 6:45, in time for sunset at 7:15 PM. The sky will be swirling with birds as they descend into the chimney. The field trip ends after the swifts have entered the chimney.

Directions to Las Gallinas: Take I-580 west and cross the Richmond Bridge to connect to 101 north. In about four miles, exit at Lucas Valley Rd/Smith Ranch Rd, and turn right on Smith Ranch Rd. Continue for about half a mile then turn right to stay on Smith Ranch and continue to the parking lot at the end. Directions to Rio Lindo Academy: Take 101 N for about 60 miles to Exit 502 for Healdsburg Ave, where you’ll turn right, then turn right again onto Bailhache Ave. Continue until the name changes to Rio Lindo Ave. The road winds up into the hills, and in 3 miles you’ll reach the Academy’s main entrance. Follow the swift signs to reach the chimney, and park on the right. Bring a folding chair and enjoy the show.