We'll bird first at Lodi Lake and its riparian area alongside the Mokelumne River. Plan to see waterfowl and many bird species including Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatch, Cedar Waxwing, Herons, Warblers and Wood Duck. (We've had Varied Thrush in the past but cannot guarantee!) From Lodi Lake we'll move on to Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, where we'll […]

Pacheco Marsh is a wetland along the Carquinez Strait, east of Martinez, that has been restored by the John Muir Land Trust and recently opened to the public. JMLT is giving us early access, at 8 AM, to facilitate the best birding. We'll meet at the parking lot, where there are rest rooms, and walk […]

Los Vaqueros Reservoir is a relatively remote area overseen by the Contra Costa Water District. The open savannah surrounding the reservoir is one of the best places to observe grassland species such as American Kestrels, Meadowlarks, Horned Larks, and Prairie Falcons. Rarities like Mountain Bluebird, Lewis’ Woodpeckers, and Burrowing Owl occasionally show up there as […]

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 the viewing platforms at both of these refuges, and visit a couple […]

December is prime time for seeing lots of Sandhill Cranes along Staten Island Road in the Sacramento River Delta. Snow and White-fronted Geese and lots of other waterfowl are also assured. This trip is timed to spend a couple of hours viewing the grazing birds before a hoped for sunset flight of the whole flock […]

Winter ducks on Lake Merritt and other birds are usually easy to see from the sidewalk. The lake is one of the few places in the Bay Area where Barrow's Goldeneyes can sometimes be seen. An entry fee past the gate at Children's Fairyland is usually required. We will move to Arrowhead Marsh before 10:00AM, […]

This is a great chance to see a variety of birds and ducks along Putah Creek and Lake Solano. Possible species include Osprey, Lewis's Woodpecker, Phainopepla, Barrow's Goldeneye and Hooded Merganser. Dress warmly; this is a cold, windy area. Bring lunch. Exact itinerary to be determined the day of the trip. Rain cancels. Hike rating: […]

Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento is a low-key birding hotspot, offering fairly close views of an assortment of waterfowl and shorebirds. In past years it's been a great spot for Blue-winged Teal, as well as American Avocet, Cinnamon Teal, and Sora. Easy access with a mostly flat, grassy area. Not much walking will be […]

This outing is especially suitable for people with mobility issues. A very special trip arranged with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. At 3:45 PM we'll meet their volunteer docents at the South Unit of the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, near Lodi, where they will introduce us to the many waterfowl and shorebirds that winter […]

Why do we go all the way to Bodega Bay? To see loons close up – the Common, Pacific, and Red-throated species are all possible. 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 […]

We'll take a few short-to-medium walks at locations in the Delta, hoping to see Tundra Swans, Sandhill Cranes, raptors and grassland birds. A highlight is Cosumnes Preserve. Trip will go in light rain. Bring lunch and a beverage. Leader: Mona Lange Hike rating: 1 - Easy. Elevation change: Minor Meet: 8:45 AM in Westgate Landing […]

Pacheco Marsh is a diverse new habitat managed by the John Muir Land Trust. Hosting many species, it is especially known as a good place to spot Short-eared Owls near sunset. We will walk out along level paths in search of marshland birds, including ducks and rails, and hope to see owls in flight as […]

The Las Gallinas Sanitary District maintains a complex of water treatment ponds that are a magnet for migratory waterfowl. Dozens of waterfowl species can be seen here in the winter. The presence of similar species in close proximity, such as Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, Horned Grebes and Eared Grebes, and Snowy Egrets and Great […]