On February 8, 2026, the Birdwatching Club at UCSF visited the Bay Trail at McLaughlin Eastshore State Park for a collaborative outing with students from the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Sciences. Faculty from the School of Dentistry, including Dr. Robert Ho and Dr. Oliver Vu, joined us for the trip, along with Peter Shen, a renowned photographer and National Audubon Society photo contest winner.

One of the major highlights was spotting a female Greater Scaup resting out of the water—an uncommon sight. Greater scaups are diving ducks with their legs positioned far back on their bodies, which makes them excellent swimmers but limits their ability to walk or move comfortably on land. We were also fortunate to observe a rare Pelagic Cormorant, which was beautifully photographed by Dr. Ho. Additionally, Peter Shen photographed an Anna's Hummingbird flashing, which was a treat on such a cloudy day. Other highlights included seeing Black Oystercatchers, American Wigeons, Green Winged Teals, Black Bellied Plovers, Least Sandipers, Spotted Sandpipers, and so much more. 

Beyond individual sightings, the trip was especially valuable as a learning experience. As a group, we worked on distinguishing between several shorebird species with similar appearances, strengthening our field identification skills and appreciation for subtle differences in morphology and behavior. The Hudsonian Whimbrel (Fig. 1A) has a moderately downcurved bill and a compact build while the Long-Billed Curlew (Fig. 1B) stands out with its extremely long, slender, and strongly downcurved bill and lanky appearance. The Marbled Godwit (Fig. 1C) has a mostly straight, slightly upturned bill and a thicker, warmer-toned body while the Willet (Fig. 1D) can be distinguished by its straighter, sturdier gray bill and its bold black-and-white wing pattern, which is especially visible in flight. These four birds from a distance seem very similar, but with these differentiating factors, can be easily identified.

Overall, the trip was a memorable and educational experience, combining expert guidance, rare sightings, and hands-on learning. Through careful observation, collaborative identification, and guidance from experienced leaders, we were able to successfully document 43 different bird species throughout the day. The outing also provided a meditative and restorative space, uniting healthcare and graduate professionals in appreciating the beauty of nature. It strengthened connections across schools and reinforced our shared enthusiasm for birding, conservation, and outdoor exploration.

Watch the recap on youtube here

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