Bird Watching San Francisco

Keith Hansen, The Love, Joy and Art of Birding

Local artist and birder Keith Hansen explores the beauty, wonder and passion that surrounds birds and birding in the Bay Area and beyond. Explore the birds of Point Reyes, arctic Alaska, the Galapagos and beyond. Learn the importance of travel and first-hand experience in this richly illustrated program. Whether it is exploring the cloud forests of Colombia, a decade of volunteering on the Farallon Islands or studying seabirds in the tropical Pacific aboard a NOAA vessel, Hansen keeps it lively, colorful and entertaining. **This program takes place in the Steve Silver Music Center - 4th Floor of Main Library (100 Larkin Street)** **MeetUp RSVP does not guarantee registration for SFPL in person programs.** Keith Hansen is the author of *[Hansen’s Field Guide to the Birds of the Sierra Nevada](https://sfpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S93C6878096)* and *[Birds of Point Reyes](https://sfpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S93C5845406)*, both published by Heyday Books in Berkeley. Signed books will be available for purchase at the event.

Pantoll, Coastal, Cataract Loop - 6mi, 900ft.

Roaming Cayuga and Lakeview

I am very fond of this under-appreciated part of the city, and we have been roaming here for many years. On recent visits we have added [Sisterhood Gardens](https://sisterhoodgardens.org/) to the route, as they have a dahlia display probably only second to the collection in Golden Gate Park. While we are close to the freeway for much of the route, we will also be visiting some sweet lesser-known parks and viewpoints in this south west corner of the city. There will be a significant climb in the middle of the roam, and some off-roading. *Bringing water, snacks, and layers for all the microclimates is the way to go.* *These roams are offered by donation. They are one way I am able to pay my rent in San Francisco.* *Punctuality is always appreciated, for the sake of everybody's time. Please send a message on the app before the start if you are running late, and we will either wait (up to ten minutes) of I will direct you on how to catch up. Once we get underway I have to focus on those who are there, and most likely won't respond.* *Generally up to half the people who sign up don't actually show up on the day. I do track flakiness and disinvite people who have a poor attendance record. It is discourteous to those on the waitlist who would like to attend.* *Sending me a message explaining that you can't make it is always appreciated.*

Hike: Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Hey everyone, Sharing a great hike route I came across: 🥾 Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail 📏 1.4 mi ⏱ ~37 min I'd love to organise a self-hosted meet to do this hike together on Saturday, August 8. No commercial host, just members of the group meeting up to enjoy the route. Bring water, weather-appropriate gear, and the route loaded on your komoot app: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1036942171/lady-bird-johnson-grove-trail Reach out with any questions.

Sausalito Patio Drinks with New Friends

**RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/j4YfV9NceCKD3NUF1SRK **Early Bird Discounts \| More $ Later** Hey North Bay neighbors, Join me for a laid-back afternoon soaking up the sun and sipping cold drinks by the Marin waterfront. We'll spend about an hour chatting through quick, app-guided one-on-ones, and then small groups will head out to enjoy patio drinks together. We'll kick things off with a series of short conversations. The Gist IRL app takes all the guesswork out of mingling by pairing you up, letting you just relax and see who you naturally get along with. It's a really easygoing way to figure out who shares your love for the water and local hidden gems. Once the rounds wrap up, the best part begins. You'll choose your favorite matches from the afternoon, gather up a small group, and head to a nearby patio for drinks together. By the time you're sitting out on the patio, you've got a local crew to share drinks with. Whether these folks become your go-to local drinks crew or you just enjoy a really perfect sunny afternoon by the bay, you'll be glad you came out. The Plan: * 1:00 PM: Check-In. Follow the link to set up your quick profile on your phone. * 1:05 PM - 2:25 PM: One-on-One Rounds. The app pairs you for focused chats. Find out who lives nearby, loves the waterfront, and knows the best local spots. * 2:25 PM+: Form Groups & pick a nearby patio and head over for drinks. Reconnect with your favorite matches, form groups of 4-6, and your crew leaves together to grab a table in the sun. Instead of just adding names to your phone, the whole goal today is to actually grab patio drinks right now and maybe find the perfect companions for trying new patios and waterfront spots together down the line. Plus, keeping the conversation going later is incredibly easy since you can message everyone you met straight through the app without ever needing to hand out your private phone number. I'm really looking forward to a beautiful afternoon on the water with you all. A few favorite spots nearby: Cultivar Sausalito - Located directly across from the park, this cozy spot features a lovely outdoor patio where you can pair fresh Pacific oysters on the half shell with award-winning California wines and craft cocktails. Barrel House Tavern - Just steps away, this stylish waterfront hangout boasts a spectacular deck with sweeping bay views and a popular happy hour offering fresh local oysters and draft drinks. The Trident - This legendary, rock-and-roll-steeped restaurant offers an expansive outdoor deck right over the water, where you can sip signature cocktails alongside delicious California-style baked oysters. Scoma's Sausalito - Situated on a historic pier, this beloved seafood staple features scenic outdoor seating and a menu of exceptionally fresh Hog Island oysters and classic waterfront cocktails. Hanson of Sonoma Tasting Room at Hanson Gallery - This unique venue combines a fine art gallery with a tasting room, complete with outdoor seating where you can enjoy organic grape-based vodka cocktails paired with fresh Hog Island oysters. **RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/j4YfV9NceCKD3NUF1SRK **Early Bird Discounts \| More $ Later**

Mill Valley Depot - Southern Marin Sketchers

**Join the Southern Marin Urban Sketchers at Mill Valley's Depot Cafe & Bookstore, most Fridays from 12 - 2 PM.** ***\*\*\*This is a recurring invite. LOCATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE - CHECK BACK 1-2 DAYS BEFORE EVENT\*\*\**** The Depot is a historic railroad building in the heart of downtown Mill Valley and a lively community hub. Join us for the opportunity to sketch the historic downtown, people-watch, or enjoy a nice lunch or coffee. The area offers plentiful seating both inside and outside, public bathrooms, free wifi, and is flat and wheelchair accessible. Please bring your own sketching supplies. We typically meet at the picnic tables in the plaza, but some sketch inside the cafe. **About Us** We are a small group of artists based in Mill Valley, CA. We welcome all ages, skill levels, and mediums! This is a casual group where you can practice building your skills. **If you would like to join our weekly mailing list, please send me a message.**

Roaming Edgehill and Hawk Hill

We haven't over to Forest Hill since tackling all the stairs at the beginning of the year. This Friday roam won't be quite as challenging, but we will visit three peaks you might be less familiar with in the area: Edgehill Mountain, Larsen Peak (aka Golden Gate Heights Park) and Hawk Hill. This route will take us up some of the wonderful staircases in Forest Hill, and we will have other off-road climbing, so again, this is not one for those who prefer the flats. *Bringing water, snacks, and layers for all the microclimates is the way to go.* *These roams are offered by donation. They are one way I am able to pay my rent in San Francisco.* *Punctuality is always appreciated. Please send a message on the app if you are running a little late - direct messages are best, rather than a comment on the event. I can usually respond to messages before we get underway, but then I put my phone away other than to take pictures.* *I know Meetup is notorious for no-shows and late changes of rsvp. I am not as strict as other organisers (we do talk to each other!), but since generally up to half the people who sign up don't show up, my tolerance for repeated flakiness is limited. It is especially unfair to people on the wait list who would like to attend.*

Bay Farm Island Shore and Lagoon Loop (4.5 miles)

Join Randy for a scenic walk to see the many different plants and water birds that live along the Shoreline and lagoons of Bay Farm Island. The walk will be about 4.5 miles along paved trails with negligible elevation gain. Enjoy magnificent views of San Francisco Bay and the city beyond. At about the hike half-way point, we'll stop at a coffee shop for drinks and snacks. Well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. There are restrooms along the walking path. Since we are only stopping for a light snack during the hike, all who are interested are invited to join Randy at East Ocean Seafood on Alameda Island for a stupendous dim sum lunch. 😋🥰 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/TRLkDm3KQscc4Pwe8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/TRLkDm3KQscc4Pwe8) The hike will start at the very end of Veteran's Court on Bay Farm Island: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/9QHAMYnFsfV5dDPD6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9QHAMYnFsfV5dDPD6) LIABILITY WAIVER\*\* By joining The Sweeps Hiking Group for any event, you hereby release it's organizers, hosts and participants from any and all liability, claims, demands or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for injuries, damages, death and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice or information contained herein. By participating in this event, you assume all risks of injury, damage, and economic loss, without limitation, and release providers of all liability. It is advisable to consult your doctor before you participate in any physical event or hiking activity. The organizer is not trained for emergency or medical services.

Hike: Hennepin Canyon Overlook via Owl Canyon Overlook

Hi group, Adding this hike route for the group: 🥾 Hennepin Canyon Overlook via Owl Canyon Overlook 📏 2.4 mi ⏱ ~1 h 02 min I'd love to organise a self-hosted meet to do this hike together on Sunday, July 26. No commercial host, just members of the group meeting up to enjoy the route. Bring water, weather-appropriate gear, and the route loaded on your komoot app: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1295301746/hennepin-canyon-overlook-via-owl-canyon-overlook See you on the trail!

Blue Heron Lake - Golden Gate Park

Renamed famed lake in the middle of GG Park has some interesting subjects. Lake, wildfowl, trees, boats, waterfall, rock bridge, people watching. Gorgeous settings, even in fog. **Parking** lot is small and on street parking isn't the easiest, so **COME EARLY.** **Restrooms available.** **NO LUNCH PLANS**

Dahlia Time!

Among our annual routines is a mid-summer visit to the dahlias in Golden Gate Park. This year we will also return to Sisterhood Gardens in August, for the other spectacular collection in the city; I am hoping that the blooms will co-operate with my scheduling for this roam on the 25th. We will meet in front of the Conservatory of Flowers before lingering at the dahlia circle. After this we will head out to Lone Mountain and Laurel Heights, which we explored last year, before coming back to the flowers. There are some staircases and a bit of climbing on the way round, but not as much as many roams. *Bringing water, snacks, and layers for all the microclimates is the way to go.* *These roams are offered by donation. They are one way I am able to pay my rent in San Francisco.* *Punctuality is always appreciated. Please send a message on the app if you are running a little late - direct messages are best, rather than a comment on the event. I can usually respond to messages before we get underway, but then I put my phone away other than to take pictures.* *I know Meetup is notorious for no-shows and late changes of rsvp. I am not as strict as other organisers (we do talk to each other!), but since generally up to half the people who sign up don't show up, my tolerance for repeated flakiness is limited. It is especially unfair to people on the wait list who would like to attend.*

Start Your Saturday with Qigong 免费大雁功, 开始美好一天

**Start your Saturday with Qigong** Gentle movement. Mindful breathing. Restored balance. Join our **free weekly sessions** to improve focus, reduce stress, and boost energy. All levels are welcome—perfect for beginners and families! **When & Where** 📍 San Francisco Marina Branch Library – Outdoor Patio *(Between the library and the children’s playground)* 🚍 Short walk from Muni lines 30, 45, 22, 28, and 43 🚗 Free/permit parking at Marina Green Park (12-min walk) **What to Bring** ☀️ Sunscreen, hat, gloves for sun protection 🌧️ Sessions canceled if it rains **Featured on the SF Marina Branch Library calendar:** https://sfpl.org/locations/marina