MDBA Field Trip — East Contra Costa County
Big Break Regional Shoreline 69 Big Break Road, Oakley, CA, United StatesWe will be birding at Big Break/Delta Science Center, Iron House Sanitary, and possibly other places in East Contra Costa. This area is usually good for waterfowl, raptors and some passerines. Dress warmly, bring lunch and drinks. This trip is appropriate for birders of all experience levels, including beginners. Hike Rating: 1-Easy Elevation change: N/A […]
MDBA Field Trip — Lake Merritt and Arrowhead Marsh at High Tide
Lake Merritt 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA, United StatesWinter ducks on Lake Merritt and other birds usually means easy viewing from the sidewalk. The lake is one of the few places in the Bay Area where Barrow's Goldeneyes can be seen. An entry fee to pass the gate at Children's Fairyland is usually required. We will move to Arrowhead Marsh at around 9:45AM, […]
MDBA Field Trip — Shollenberger Park/Ellis Creek
Shollenberger Park 1400 Cader Lane, Petaluma, CA, United StatesBoth of these locations are great for wintering waders, shorebirds, waterfowl and a few raptors. Bring lunch and a beverage. This trip is appropriate for birders of all experience levels, including beginners. Hike rating: Category 2 - Moderate. Walking some distance and gentle slopes. Elevation change: Minor Leader: Sandy Ritchie, (925) 381-2514 Meet: Point Blue […]
MDBA Field Trip — American Canyon Wetlands
American Canyon Wetlands Edge Park 2 Eucalyptus Drive, American Canyon, CA, United StatesA 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 breezy and cold in this area, so bring appropriate layers. Availability of rest rooms is uncertain. This trip is suitable for birders of all […]
MDBA Field Trip — Martinez Waterfront
Waterbird Regional Preserve, Martinez 2701 Waterfront Rd., Martinez, CA, United StatesWe will be birding multiple locations for this MDBA Martinez Shoreline field trip, looking for shorebirds, waders, waterfowl, gulls, raptors and others. Areas will include Waterbird Preserve (overlooking McNabney Marsh), TransMontaigne Pipeline, Mococo Marsh and Martinez Regional Shoreline. Precise driving directions for each location (with mileage) will be handed out when we gather in the […]
Monthly Program: February 2024
The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, United StatesCross-country Birding adventure Robert Raffel Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, February 1, in the Camellia Room at the Gardens at Heather Farm. 6:30 PM Doors Open 7:00 PM Announcements 7:15 PM Refreshments and Raffle 7:30 PM Main Program: Cross-country Birding Adventure *as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug […]
MDBA Field Trip — Thornton Area/Cosumnes Preserve
Westgate Landing Regional Park 4GF5+HP, Terminous, CA, United StatesTundra Swans, Sandhill Cranes, hawks and grassland birds. Trip will go on in light rain. Bring lunch and a beverage. If questions, call the leader. Hike rating: 1 - Easy. Elevation change: Minor Distance: Depending on the route decided. Leader: Ethan Chickering, 925-890-3833 Meet: 8:45 AM in Westgate Landing Park at end of Glascock Road. […]
MDBA Field Trip — Walnut Creek Parks
Heather Farm Park 301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek, CA, United StatesStarting in Heather Farm Park, we will walk around the large, mostly natural pond, birding along the way. We will visit one or two other parks within the city, to be determined the day of the trip. This is a great trip for beginners! Rating: Category 2-Moderate Elevation change: N/A at Heather Farm, perhaps some […]
MDBA Field Trip — Grizzly Island & Rush Ranch
Grizzly Island Wildlife Area 2548 Grizzly Island Road, Fairfield, CA, United StatesGrizzly 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 and runs through the middle of the Wildlife Area. […]
Introducing the Birds of Heather Farm
Heather Farm Park 301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek, CA, United StatesA casual walk for birders of all experience levels, and especially beginners! Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 8:30 - 10:30am Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek is an underrated birding spot, home to dozens of resident species and attracting many migrants as well! We'll meet at the overlook of the Natural Lake, west of North San […]
MDBA Field Trip — Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay Trailhead Bodega Bay Trailhead, Bodega Bay, CAWhy do we go all the way to Bodega Bay? To see loons close up – the Common, Pacific, and Red-throated species are all likely. To see Brant. To see Double-crested, Brandt’s and Pelagic cormorants side-by-side to strengthen your ID skills. This is a great place for birders of all levels and birders new to […]
MDBA Field Trip — A Poorwill Quest!
Morgan Territory Road 2800 Morgan Territory Road, Clayton, CAHike up a fire road on the east face of North Peak in Mount Diablo State Park to see Common Poorwills as they forage for moths along the fire roads through the chaparral. They will be detected by their eyeshine from our lights. This is a nocturnal hike. It is Trail Category 3 because, although […]
MDBA Field Trip — Contra Loma Regional Park
Contra Loma Reservoir 1200 Frederickson Ln, Antioch, CA, United StatesWe 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. This is a good trip for beginners! Trail Rating: 1 - Easy Elevation change: N/A Leader: Mona Lange Meet: Contra Loma Regional Park--Channel Point Parking Lot Directions: […]
Monthly Program: March 2024
The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, United StatesBirds of Palomarin Larissa Babicz Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, March 7, in the Camellia Room at the Gardens at Heather Farm. 6:30 PM Doors Open 7:00 PM Announcements 7:15 PM Refreshments and Raffle 7:30 PM Main Program: Birds of Palomarin *as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug […]
MDBA Field Trip — Mt. View Sanitary and McNabney Marsh
Mountain View Sanitary District 3800 Arthur Rd, Martinez, CA, United StatesWe'll begin by scanning McNabney Marsh from the viewing platform, then head over to Moorhen Marsh at Mt. View Sanitary District---one of the first water treatment facilities in the US to be developed as bird habitat. We expect to see a variety of waterbirds at these locations, from grebes and ducks to waders and peeps. […]
MDBA Field Trip — Valle Vista
Valle Vista RVC6+WQ, Moraga, CA, United StatesA walk through various habitats at the EBMUD property usually allows to see at least 40-50 species. Bring your EBMUD trail pass, if you have one. This property is at the upstream end of the Upper San Leandro Reservoir. If it has been raining, the first part could be a bit muddy but most of […]
Introducing the Birds of Heather Farm
Heather Farm Park 301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek, CA, United StatesThis event, which I'll try to hold monthly, is a casual bird walk meant to be especially beginner friendly. These walks will be promoted beyond MDBA, at Walnut Creek City Parks and Wild Birds Unlimited. Signups are limited to 10 to ensure beginners can receive personal attention. Experienced birders from MDBA don't need to sign […]
MDBA Field Trip — A Poorwill Quest, Redux!
Morgan Territory Road 2800 Morgan Territory Road, Clayton, CARepeating a successful expedition, we'll hike up a fire road on the east face of North Peak in Mount Diablo State Park, to see Common Poorwills as they forage for moths along the fire roads through the chaparral. They will be detected by their eyeshine from our lights. This is a nocturnal hike. It is […]
Monthly Program: April 2024
The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, United StatesRed-shafted Northern Flicker, Photo by Jeffery R. Martin Bay Area Woodpeckers Jeffery R. Martin Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, April 4, in the Camellia Room at the Gardens at Heather Farm. 6:30 PM Doors Open 7:00 PM Announcements 7:15 PM Refreshments and Raffle 7:30 PM Main Program: Bay Area Woodpeckers *as a conservation […]
MDBA Field Trip — North Briones
Briones Regional Park (North) XV37+VX, Martinez, CA, United StatesThis 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, with about 3 miles round trip over hilly dirt trails. Bring liquids & a snack if you wish. Trail Rating: Category 3 - hilly trails. Elevation change: […]