Every year, Herons and Cormorants nest in the tall trees within the park’s riparian area. We will visit these rookeries, hopefully catching glimpses of chicks within the nests. The park also hosts several Wood Duck nest boxes; with luck, we may spot ducklings and other young waterfowl as well.

Shadow Cliffs, located in Pleasanton, can get quite hot this time of year. Please dress appropriately (a broad-brimmed hat is highly recommended) and bring sunscreen and plenty of water. There is a restroom located near the trailhead.

Please factor in the potential for traffic when planning your departure.

Parking Fee: $5 per vehicle.

Trail Rating: 2 – One hill to get onto the levee trail and just over a mile of walking with few places to sit.
Leader: Elisa Fernandes-McDade ()
Meet: Small shade structure near Levee Trail trailhead and next to the shaded/solar panel parking lot
GPS: 37.9277763, -122.0644239. Shadow Cliffs Regional Park, 2500 Stanley Blvd, Pleasanton, CA 94566 USA
Directions: From Walnut Creek, take I-680 South. In Dublin, take Exit 30 to merge onto I-580 East toward Stockton. Stay on the I-580 for about 3 miles, then take Exit 47 for Santa Rita Rd toward Tassajara Rd. After about 1.5 miles, take a left onto Valley Ave. After about 1 mile, take another left onto Stanley Blvd. Continue for 1 mile, then turn right into the Shadow Cliffs entrance.

There will be a large, brown sign with white lettering. After paying at the entry kiosk and going through the roundabout, turn right into the parking lot with solar panels near the base of the hills.

This trip is limited to 20 participants. Carpooling is encouraged!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-shadow-cliffs-registration-1987575958195

(Photo of Great Blue Heron by Warren Regelmann)