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 […]

A short-and-easy bird walk with the Mt. Diablo Bird Alliance. Non-members are welcome, with pre-registration. This is a great outing for beginning birders! Heather Farms is a small pocket of wildlife habitat in suburban Walnut Creek. It provides a nice mix of riparian, oak woodland, and wetland habitat that attract many winter visitors such as […]

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. Hike Rating: 2, Moderate. We usually walk just over a mile. Elevation change is minimal, with optional excursions of up to 200 yards over turf. Elevation change: […]

An outing for birders of all experience levels, and especially good for beginners. Moorhen Marsh in Martinez was one of the first water treatment facilities in the US designed to provide healthy habitat for birds. Today its several ponds are home to many resident species, and it's often visited by migrants as well. Managed by […]

An outing for birders of all experience levels, and especially good for beginners. Moorhen Marsh in Martinez was one of the first water treatment facilities in the US designed to provide healthy habitat for birds. Today its several ponds are home to many resident species, and it's often visited by migrants as well. Managed by […]