This fieldtrip is good for birders of all levels, including beginners.

Pine Canyon, which includes the Castle Rock EBRPD recreational area and the Diablo Foothills Regional Park just beyond, provides rich habitat and resources for spring migrants passing through, as well as for many returning and nesting summer residents. Warbling Vireos along with their cousins, the Cassin’s Vireo, nest within the canyon. While there are no guarantees in birding, we’ll hope to find Bullock’s Orioles, Western Flycatchers and House Wrens, and if we’re lucky, a Lazuli Bunting. Warblers often seen here include Yellow-rumped, Wilson’s, Orange-crowned, and Townsend’s. It’s migration season so we’ll be hoping for rare visitors, too!

Bring water and snacks, and lunch if you’d like to eat after the trip at one of the shady picnic tables in the park.

Trail Rating: Category 2–3. Mostly wide dirt trail with some short climbs. We’ll have to cross little Pine Creek several times—with no bridges. These crossings are not very treacherous but can be muddy, or a bit adventuresome, depending on recent rains.
Elevation change: 200 feet
Leader: Ted Robertson, 925-899-1872
Meet: Diablo Foothills Regional Park trailhead parking lot
Directions: From Ygnacio Valley Road, drive south on either Walnut Avenue or Oak Grove Road to the traffic circle. Continue south on Castle Rock Road, pass Northgate High School, then drive to the end of the road.

This field trip is limited to 18 participants. Participants must acknowledge the MDBA Liability Waiver (available during registration).

Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-pine-canyon-tickets-1295319167499

(Townsend’s Warbler photo by Jerry Britten)