Our UCSF Birding Group outing to Coyote Hills Regional Park on Sunday, November 16, 2025, was a memorable adventure that showcased both the beauty of the East Bay’s wildlife and the enthusiasm of our growing community. We were especially grateful and honored to have two exceptional guides leading our exploration: award-winning birder and photographer Peter Shen, and Maria Kristianti, a dedicated Docent with East Bay Regional Park.

This outing marked the first time UCSF students from both the School of Medicine and the School of Dentistry joined together for a birding event, making the experience even more meaningful. As we made our way through the trails, we were rewarded with a rich display of biodiversity that Coyote Hills is known for.

One of the many highlights was watching a female Northern Harrier return to her perch to dry off after the rain—only to immediately defend herself from a sudden aerial attack by a White-tailed Kite swooping in from behind. The harrier reacted with remarkable instinct, giving us an unforgettable moment of drama in the wetlands. We were also thrilled to spot a rare Blue-winged Teal alongside Cinnamon Teals and Green-winged Teals.

Our walk along the Alameda Creek Trail and up the No Name Trail brought even more sightings, including American Avocets, Sandpipers, Dowitchers, and Egrets, among others. The variety of species, the scenic marshlands, and the shared excitement among students made the entire outing truly phenomenal.

To wrap up the morning, we all headed to Denny’s for a well-earned brunch, sharing stories, photos, and plenty of laughter.

Watch the recap on youtube here

Pelican photographed by Dr. Ho