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: […]
MDBA Field Trip — Black Diamond Mines
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve X45P+PP, Antioch, CA, United StatesThis trip includes a vigorous climb up a steep trail with an elevation gain of several hundred feet. Why? Because the location offers the best chance in our MDBA territory to see and hear Canyon Wrens! The trail is rocky, and footing can be tricky. Be advised! There is no guarantee on finding the wrens […]
MDBA Field Trip — Orinda Connector Trail
Orinda Connector trail VQXQ+XR, Orinda, CA, United StatesA walk through an EBMUD property requires a trail permit. If you have one, bring it with you. We'll walk downhill through riparian woods to San Pablo Creek, then across some open lands toward the face of Briones Dam. Wood Ducks are possible though hard to find; some spring birds will have arrived. Trail Rating: […]
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 may still be blooming. This is a good trip for beginners. Trail Rating: Category 3. 3+ miles on a potentially hot, dusty trail. Elevation change: up […]
MDBA Field Trip — Pine Canyon
Diablo Foothills Regional Park Trailhead Parking 1700 Castle Rock Rd, Walnut CreekThis 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 summer residents. We should expect to find nesting pairs of […]
MDBA Field Trip — Del Puerto Canyon
Del Puerto Canyon Rd & Diablo Grande Pkwy Del Puerto Canyon Rd, Patterson, CA, United StatesAs we drive through 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. Carpool leaves from […]
MDBA Field Trip — Putah Creek at Pedrick Rd.
Putah Creek Parking Lot Putah Creek Parking Lot, Davis, CAThis delightful, fairly short stretch of Putah Creek (~3/4 miles), can be very productive during Spring migration. It's a fairly easy walk through lovely riparian right down in the creek bed. And the occasional sandy stretch will often host several species of birds bathing in the shallows. Expect to find a nice selection of warblers: […]
Monthly Program: May 2024
The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, United StatesImprint of a Mourning Dove on a sliding glass door, Photo by Glenn Phillips Building a Bird-Friendly City Glenn Phillips Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, May 2, 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: […]
MDBA Field Trip — Lagoon Valley & Pena Adobe — NEW TRIP!
Peña Adobe Regional Park 4699 Peña Adobe Rd., Vacaville, CAWe will first bird at Pena Adobe Park, located off I-80 just west of Vacaville. Pena Adobe is a historic park with well established trees, including an orange tree planted as early as the1860s. Birds we've seen here include Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush and Black-headed Grosbeak. After exploring Pena Adobe we'll drive to Lagoon Valley […]
MDBA Field Trip — West Briones Regional Park
Bear Creek Staging Area Briones Bear Creek Staging Area, 16 Bear Creek Rd, Lafayette, CA, United StatesA visit to the west entrance of Briones Regional Park in the spring offers views of spring wildflowers and spring birds. Lazuli Buntings are often present, along with flycatchers, vireos, and many other species. Bring water and snacks. It might be warm by mid-day. Rating: Category 2 - moderate hiking over dirt and gravel trails […]