Jewel Lake, Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley Thursday September 1, 7:30am - 11:30am A short walk along Wildcat Creek and around Jewel Lake in Tilden Park. Possible highlights include fall warblers, Red-breasted and Pygmy Nuthatch, Pacific Wren, and maybe an early Varied Thrush. Hike Rating:  Category 1 - Easy Elevation change:  slight Leader:  Matt Tarlach, 925-482-6129 […]

Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge--Docent-led public tour Saturday, September 10, 10 AM to 11 AM MDAS Coordinator:  Hugh Harvey Antioch Dunes is the only unit of the National Wildlife Refuge system in Contra Costa County.  It was set aside for two plants and a butterfly; Contra Costa Wallflower, Antioch Dunes Evening Primrose and Lang's Metalmark […]

Vaux's Swifts at McNear Brickyard Thursday, September 15, 5 PM to dark Leader: Hugh and Rosita Harvey, 925-935-2979 Every fall when Vaux's Swifts fly to Central and northern South America, they pass through the Bay Area and take advantage of chimneys for evening roosts.  Two well-known locations are in Healdsburg and San Rafael.  Due to […]

Hayward Regional Shoreline - Frank's Dump Saturday September 17, 2:30pm - 5:30pm We will meet at the very end of Winton Ave, walk out to the Bay Trail and head north. We should arrive at Frank’s Dump - a major high tide roost for shorebirds - when the tide has been coming in for about 4 […]

Birding by Bike at Clifton Court Forebay Saturday September 24, 2022, 7:30am-1:30pm Have a bicycle, e-bike or scooter, and like to bird? Join MDAS at Clifton Court Reservoir in eastern Contra Costa County, where we will do an out-and-back biking/birding trip of approximately 10 miles on a flat, paved levee road to see a myriad of bird species. Those who are equipped for it […]

Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Alameda Wednesday October 5, 9am - 1pm A visit to the Alameda shoreline as the tide rises should produce good views of shorebirds. A viewing platform and trails will give us excellent opportunities to study these birds at close range. We may drive to other nearby locations for additional birding. Hike Rating:  Category 1 - Easy […]

Five Brooks/Bear Valley, West Marin County Saturday October 15, 9:00am - 1pm This trip visits two inland areas near Point Reyes, environments of trees and meadows that are miles from the windswept dunes. Five Brooks is a reliable location for California Quail. All sorts of interesting birds show up around the pond at Five Brooks: […]

Palo Alto Baylands/Charleston Slough Saturday November 5, 8:30am - 2pm We see a variety of birds on the water on this trip. Locations might include Charleston Slough, Shoreline Lake, Palo Alto Baylands, Alviso and Redwood Shores. Hike Rating: Category 2 - Moderate. We do some walking, but drive from one location to the next. Elevation […]

Shadow Cliffs Regional Park Tuesday, November 15, 8:15am - Noon Expect to see a good variety of different birds. In years past Bald Eagles, Osprey, Herons, Kingfishers, various ducks; Owls, Hawks, Grackle and many smaller birds have all been seen here. Hike rating: 1 - Easy Elevation change: Minor Leader: Steve Taylor, 925-828-8810 Meet: at […]

Sacramento & Colusa National Wildlife Refuges Saturday, December 3, 8:15 AM-5 PM Sacramento and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges are premier locations to see massive flocks of Snow and White-fronted Geese and tons of other waterfowl, raptors and other birds. They are must-see annual winter destinations. We will drive the auto tour routes and stop at […]

NEW TRIP! The Sandhill Cranes of Staten Island, plus Cosumnes Preserve Tuesday, December 6th, 9 AM-1 PM Staten Island is an excellent area to see Sandhill Cranes, and Cosumnes Preserve provides habitat for more than 200 species of birds. We will meet and coordinate cars at the Walnut Grove Elementary School. From there, our trip […]

American Canyon Wetlands Thursday, December 8, 8AM-Noon A walk out to the wetlands, ponds and sloughs along the Napa River produces many exciting birding opportunities. We expect plenty of waterfowl, raptors, waders, shorebirds and passerines. It can be quite cold in this area, so bring appropriate warm layers. Availability of rest rooms is uncertain. Rating: […]

East Contra Costa County Wednesday, January 11, 9 AM - 1 PM We will be birding at Big Break/Delta Science Center, Iron House Sanitary, and possibly other places in East Contra Costa. Usually good for waterfowl, raptors and some passerines. Dress warmly, bring lunch and drinks. Rating: Category 1-Easy Elevation change: N/A Leader: Paul Schorr, […]

Lake Merritt, and Arrowhead Marsh at High Tide Saturday, January 21, 8:30am-1pm We should find a good variety of wintering ducks and gulls at Lake Merritt, before driving to Arrowhead Marsh at around 9:45 AM. The rising tide should flush out rails that are usually hard to see. The area is also good for shorebirds, […]

Birding the Martinez Waterfront Wednesday, January 25, 9 AM-2 PM We will be birding waterfront areas in the Martinez area, looking for shorebirds, waders, waterfowl, gulls, raptors and others. Dress warmly, bring a lunch and drinks. These areas may include Waterbird Preserve, TransMontaigne Pipeline, Mococo Marsh and Martinez Regional Shoreline. Hike Rating: Category 1--Easy Elevation […]