MDBA Field Trip — Marin: Las Gallinas and Shollenberger Park
Las Gallinas Ponds Las Gallinas Valley birding loop, Smith Ranch Rd, San Rafael, CABoth of these locations are great for wintering waders, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors. Bring lunch and a beverage, as both sites take time to bird and there is a drive in between. This trip is appropriate for birders of all experience levels, including beginners. Hike rating: Category 2 - Moderate. Walking some distance and gentle […]
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 past the gate at Children's Fairyland is usually required. We will move to Arrowhead Marsh at around 10:00AM, arriving […]
MDBA Field Trip — Bridgeway Island Pond, West Sacramento
McDonald's West Sacramento 2244 Lake Washington Blvd., West Sacramento, CANew Trip! This is a birding hotspot. We can hope for close views of an assortment of waterfowl and shorebirds. Blue-winged Teal.,American Avocet, Cinnamon Teal, and Sora have often been seen here. Easy access with a mostly flat, grassy area. Not much walking will be required, more standing and observing at different areas along the […]
Monthly Program: February 2025
The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, United StatesMandarin Duck. Photo by Jill Hedgecock In Nature and Imaginations: Birds and Art in Central Europe Jill Hedgecock Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, February 6 in the Camellia Room at the Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. 6:30 PM Doors Open 7:00 PM Announcements 7:15 PM Refreshments and Raffle […]
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 Leader: Mona Lange, 510-414-2959 Meet: 8:45 AM in Westgate Landing Park at end of Glascock Road. Directions: Take SR 4 to Antioch […]
MDBA Field Trip — Big Break and East County
Big Break Regional Shoreline 69 Big Break Road, Oakley, CA, United StatesWe will be birding at Big Break/Delta Science Center and then driving to at least one other location, to be determined by conditions. These locations are 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, […]
MDBA Field Trip — Bodega Bay
Tides Restaurant Bodega Bay 835Bay Highway, Bodega Bay, CA, United StatesWhy 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, the sea geese that spend the winter here. To see Double-crested, Brandt’s and Pelagic cormorants side-by-side to strengthen our ID skills. This is a great place for […]
MDBA Field Trip — Walnut Creek Local City Parks
Heather Farm Park 301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek, CA, United StatesStarting in Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek, we will walk around the large, mostly natural pond, birding along the way. From there we will drive to two or three local parks, as we may venture into Concord or Clayton, to be determined the day of the trip. Trail Rating: Category 1, Easy. Maybe up […]
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 […]
Monthly Program: March 2025
The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, United StatesJuvenile Osprey KEEP ‘EM FLYING — Helping Raptors Survive in the Human Environment Craig Nikitas Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, March 6 in the Camellia Room at the Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. 6:30 PM Doors Open 7:00 PM Announcements 7:15 PM Refreshments and Raffle 7:30 PM […]
MDBA Field Trip — Moorhen + McNabney Marshes
Mountain View Sanitary District 3800 Arthur Rd, Martinez, CA, United StatesTwo trips this month! Mt. View Sanitary District has offered MDBA special access for a Saturday visit. Both trips will be open to the public, and are very suitable for beginning birders. Binoculars are available for borrowing---just email the leader in advance so they know how many extra pairs to bring. Created by MVSD in […]
MDBA Field Trip — Moorhen + McNabney Marshes
Mountain View Sanitary District 3800 Arthur Rd, Martinez, CA, United StatesTwo trips this month! Mt. View Sanitary District has offered MDBA special access for a Saturday visit. Both trips will be open to the public, and are very suitable for beginning birders. Binoculars are available for borrowing---just email the leader in advance so they know how many extra pairs to bring. Created by MVSD in […]
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. Rating: Category 2, Moderate. About a mile walk, some of it on turf. Elevation change: Minor Leader: Mona Lange Meet: Contra Loma Regional Park, Channel Point Parking […]
Monthly Program: April 2025
The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, United StatesBirds of Prey Live Animal Presentation Lindsay Wildlife Experience Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, April 3 in the Camellia Room at the Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. 6:30 PM Doors Open 7:00 PM Announcements 7:15 PM Refreshments and Raffle 7:30 PM Main Program: Live Raptors *as a […]
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 up through grasslands, ending at Sindicich Lagoons. We return the way we came, with about 3 miles round trip over hilly trails. Bring liquids & a snack if you like. Trail Rating: Category 3 - uphill climb Elevation change: […]
MDBA Field Trip — Black Diamond Mines
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve X45P+PP, Antioch, CA, United StatesThis trip includes a steep climb up a rocky trail with an elevation gain of several hundred feet. Why make the climb? Because the location offers the best chance in our MDBA territory to see and hear Canyon Wrens! Footing can be tricky---be advised! There is no guarantee on finding the wrens, but we will […]
MDBA Field Trip — Mitchell Canyon
Mitchell Canyon 96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA, United StatesWe 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 will be blooming. Trail Rating: Category 3. 3+ miles on a potentially hot, dusty trail. Elevation change: up to 400 feet Leader: Sandy Ritchie, (925) 381-2514 […]
MDBA Field Trip — Del Puerto Canyon
Del Puerto Canyon Rd & Diablo Grande Pkwy Del Puerto Canyon Rd, Patterson, CA, United StatesAs we drive along Del Puerto Canyon, on the east side of the Diablo Range, we'll be looking for Canyon Wren, Costa’ s Hummingbird, Greater Roadrunner, and other goodies. It can get very warm! Bring lunch and plenty of liquids as this trip takes us further from conveniences that most of our outings. Trail Rating: […]
MDBA Field Trip — Mitchell Canyon II
Mitchell Canyon 96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA, United StatesWe 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 will be blooming. Bring a lunch too, if you'd like to sit down and eat with the group at the end of the trip. Trail Rating: […]
MDBA Field Trip — Pine Canyon
Diablo Foothills Regional Park Trailhead Parking 1700 Castle Rock Rd, Walnut CreekThis 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, […]