A visit to the west entrance of Briones Regional Park in the spring offers views of spring wildflowers and spring birds. Lazuli Buntings are often present, along with flycatchers, vireos, and many other species. There's a nice picnic area here so consider bringing lunch and staying a while. It might get warm before our walk […]

Note: this itinerary is subject to change, as migrating birds arrive and opportunities appear. Watch the May Quail, and your email in the days before the outing, for possible updates. We plan to meet at Big Break/Delta Science Center. After birding there we'll drive to Marsh Creek Trail and, if time permits, Bethel Island. These […]

Pine Canyon, which encompasses the Castle Rock (EBRPD) recreation area and Diablo Foothills Regional Park, provides rich habitat for spring migrants and returning summer residents. Warbling Vireos and their cousins, Cassin’s Vireos, both nest within the canyon. We also hope to find orioles, flycatchers, wrens, and various warblers—and if we’re lucky, a Lazuli Bunting or […]

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 […]

Point Reyes is one of the premier birding locations in Northern California and a renowned spot for finding rarities during migration—such as the Prairie Warbler pictured above (image by Beth Branthaver). MDBA visits at least twice a year; on our spring trip, we hope to observe northbound migrants as well as resident birds in their […]