Bonus Sherpa: Winging It

Condors in the Midst: Just inland from Monterey, Pinnacles National Monument is a hiker's haven, filled with dramatic volcanic formations and rainbows of wildflowers; it's also home to the elusive and coveted California Condor—and the first condor nest in more than 100 years. Seek out a sighting on Scout Peak.

Golden Opportunity: Put yourself smack in the middle of the densest population of nesting golden eagles in the world at Vasco Caves Regional Preserve—named for eroded depressions in magnificent sandstone outcroppings. Guided tours around this sacred plot of land end in May so get there soon!

Pool Party: Las Gallinas Ponds in Marin has a bonanza of bird species, from snowy egrets and Canada geese to ducks by the dozen. Take a flat stroll around the ponds and see what all the flap's about.

Can You Keep a Segret? It's nesting and mating season for the great egret at Audubon Canyon Ranch's Bolinas Lagoon Preserve; every spring these lovely white giants lay their blue eggs and stay awhile. See them in action via a short hike to a platform viewing area.

Stowaway: Go where so many others have gone before—Golden Gate Park's Stow Lake, and have some good kitschy fun exploring the pea-green, man-made lake in a pedal boat. BONUS: Look high in the trees for nesting great blue Herons from now through mid-May.

Feathered Function: Flap your wings up to the inaugural Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival. There are just a few tickets left among the many events happening this weekend.