By Guest Blogger Jesse Amital
“What are the best spots to find beautiful birds around the Bay Area?” If you’ve ever wondered this, you’ll be excited to hear about our new social media series: Bay Area Birding Hotspots.
I’ve been a lifelong lover of nature, but I’m a relatively new birder. Exploring new places and getting to know their local bird communities has quickly become one of my favorite ways to connect with the environment. I’m also fairly new to photography, and I have so much admiration for people with the patience, skill, and timing to capture birds so beautifully. Some of my most meaningful birding experiences have come from interactions with birders, photographers, and conservationists who point out something I might have missed, or recommend a favorite trail. And as I’ve learned more, I’ve found a lot of joy in passing that spark along by sharing my binoculars with a curious passerby to show them what I’m so intently observing.
The Birding Hotspots series grew out of these experiences. As a digital creator for SFBBO, I hope to introduce people at all stages of their birding journey to some of the Bay Area’s great local spots, along with a few tips on what to look for at each one. I’m also especially excited to highlight the work of local wildlife photographers and community members by sharing their images with a wider audience.
So far, the series has featured Vasona Reservoir, Shoreline Park, Seal Point Park, and Palo Alto Baylands. We would love to continue expanding to hotspots across the region—especially in the East Bay, North Bay, and San Francisco—and to collaborate with photographers who know and love these places. If you’re interested in sharing photos and tips from your favorite spot, please email us at outreach@sfbbo.org or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram.
I’ve already learned so much from our social media community (including a few well-earned, cheeky corrections), and I’m grateful for the thoughtful comments, feedback, and enthusiasm people have shared. If you haven’t yet, we hope you’ll explore the series, spend some time outside, and maybe even discover a new favorite place to watch birds!