Grizzly Island Refuge Tuesday, February 28th, 9 AM-1 PM Grizzly Island provides habitat for more than 200 species of birds and is home to a variety of threatened or endangered wildlife and plants. Our trip will begin at the Refuge Headquarters and continue for about 7 ½ miles along Grizzly Island Road, which is unpaved […]

Contra Loma Regional Park Wednesday, March 8, 8:30 AM -3 PM Leader: Paul Schorr, 925-998-0070 We will be birding the reservoir, Loma Island and surrounding grassland areas. Expected species include waterfowl, woodland, riparian/marsh, shore and grassland birds. Dress appropriately, bring lunch and drinks. Rating: Category 1-Easy Elevation change: N/A Leader: Paul Schorr, 925-998-0070 Meet: Contra Loma Regional Park--Channel Point […]

Valle Vista Friday, March 17, 8 AM-Noon A walk through various habitats at the EBMUD property will allow us to see 50-60 species. If you have one, bring your EBMUD pass. This property is at the upstream end of the Upper San Leandro Reservoir. If it has been raining, the first part could be a […]

North Briones Tuesday April 4, 8:30 - Noon This walk begins in oak woodlands with lots of spring wildflowers and birds. We then continue through grasslands ending at Sindicich Lagoons. We return the way we came, making about a 3 miles round trip with some climbing. Bring liquids & a snack if you wish. Rating: […]

Orinda Connector Trail Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM A walk through an EBMUD property, requires a trail permit. If you have one bring it with you.  We walk downhill to San Pablo Creek, then toward the face of Briones Dam.  Wood Ducks are hard to find but some spring birds will […]

Black Diamond Mines Thursday, April 13, 8 AM to 1 PM Black Diamond Mines is a wonderful, varied habitat but the centerpiece of this trip is a vigorous climb up through Canyon Wren habitat. Other woodland and grassland birds are also likely. Tricky footing through the wren's rocky habitat, and no guarantees on finding them. […]

Pine Canyon Monday, April 17, 8 AM to 1 PM This field trip is especially good for beginning birders! 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 […]

Mitchell Canyon Thursday, April 20, 8 AM to 1 PM We will walk into Mitchell Canyon on the lower slopes of Mount Diablo State Park. Many spring birds are possible here, warblers, hummingbirds, flycatchers, gnatcatchers and more. Spring flowers should still be blooming. Trail Rating: Category 3, hot, dusty trail, 3+ miles Elevation change: up […]

Del Puerto Canyon Monday, April 24 Trail Rating: 1 - Easy walking, mostly driving. Leader: Steve Buffi (925) 200-4555 Meet: Carpool leaves at 7:30 AM from Sycamore Valley Road Park and Ride. OR, meet on Del Puerto Canyon Road west of I-5 at 9 AM at Patterson Exit (Diablo Grande Parkway and Sperry Road) off […]

Mount Diablo State Park Tuesday, May 2, 8 AM to 1 PM MDSP is a treasure trove for birders. Although every season in the park has its special qualities, late spring on the mountain has its own beauty, as wildflowers add color to the vistas. Usually hot! Bring lunch and drinks. Many migrant and nesting […]

West Briones Regional Park Thursday, May 11, 8 AM to 1 PM A visit to the west entrance of Briones Regional Park in the spring offers views of spring wildflowers and spring birds. Lazuli Buntings are usually present; many years this trip provides the first viewings of these beautiful birds for most of us. Bring […]

East Contra Costa County Monday, May 15, 7 AM to 12PM Note starting time: we start this trip early as the location can be very hot by mid-day. We will walk part of the Marsh Creek Trail, and then visit Piper Slough north of Bethel Island. Other locations are possible. Target birds include: Blue Grosbeak, […]

Outer Point Reyes Saturday, June 3, 8:30 AM to 3 PM Point Reyes is one of the premiere birding locations in Northern California, a great spot to find rarities during migration---like the Prairie Warbler pictured on the registration page (image by Beth Branthaver). MDAS tries to visit at least twice a year. On this trip […]

Bodega Bay Saturday, August 19, 9 AM to 3 PM The last trip of our annual field trip calendar, but sometimes considered the first trip for fall birding. At Bodega Bay we'll encounter flocks of shorebirds including Black Oystercatcher and Marbled Godwit, as well as terns, gulls, cormorants, near-shore pelagics and more - perhaps a […]