Mike,

Be sure and check the water and the pilings around Fisherman's Wharf for
Rhinocerous Auklets and Pigeon Guillemots--also sea otters. The little
cove around to the left from Fisherman's Wharf sometimes has Pacific Loons.
Check the Coast Guard Pier for Black Turnstones.

Jack's Peak Regional Park is at the end of the road directly across from
the road to the Monterey airport--no more than 10 minutes from the
aquarium. I hiked and birded there last October following 2 Shearwater
Journeys pelagic trips and had the whole park to myself. Found a flock of
California Quail, California Towhee, California Thrasher, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Bewick's Wren, Pigmy Nuthatches (4), Golden-crowned Sparrow, Fox
Sparrow, Hermit Warbler, and Brown Creeper. Also beautiful views of the
coast--clear to Point Lobos.

Point Lobos is about 10 minutes south of Monterey off Highway 1 and has
gorgeous views, excellent trails, and good birding--Pelagic Cormorant,
Black Phoebe, Black Oystercatcher, Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Western
Gulls, Brandt's Cormorant, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Chestnut-backed Chickadee,
Golden-crowned Kinglet, Rufous-sided (spoted) Towhee, Winter Wren, Bewick's
Wren--last October.

>From the boat, we saw a minke whale in the harbor and a blue whale farther
out. Take a whale-watching trip if possible. And, of course, the pelagic
birding was great!

Have a great trip!

Enviously,

Kit




Kit Struthers
kit at srv.net
Idaho Falls, Idaho