MDAS Field Trip -- Mt. Wanda
2024-09-14 08:30 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mount Wanda Trailhead, XVQ9+QW, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
Sign up HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-mt-wanda-john-muir-nhs-martinez-tickets-989719737377
This hike is especially good for beginning birders!
We’ll walk through oak woodlands and oak savannah habitats, climbing uphill on a rugged fire road with one steep section. Then we’ll walk a single track trail back to the fire road, about 2.5 miles total. We should have excellent views of Acorn Woodpeckers, likely also Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, Towhees, and Oak Titmouse.
Mt. Wanda is part of the John Muir National Historic Site, and this walk is hosted jointly by Mt. Diablo Bird Alliance and the National Park Service.
MDBA has binoculars to loan for use on our trips! If you need binos just tell the trip leaders beforehand, so they know to bring an extra pair.
Hike Rating: 3, Vigorous (by birding standards). About 2.5 miles walking on fire roads and single track trails, with 475′ elevation gain.
Leader: Cheryl Abel, 925-957-6229
Meet: Parking lot at the Mt. Wanda Trailhead, intersection of Alhambra Ave and Franklin Canyon Rd in Martinez.
Directions: From Hwy 4 westbound take the Alhambra Ave. exit in Martinez. Turn left back under Hwy 4. Franklin Canyon Rd. is the next right, parking lot immediately on the left side of Franklin Canyon Rd. Bring water and binoculars.
This hike is limited to 15 participants.

Introducing the Birds of Heather Farm
2024-09-16 07:30 - 10:30 | Heather Farm Park, 301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
The Natural Area at Heather Farm is an underrated birding site. It is possible to see five species of heron one day, and on the next five species of sparrow. Common Gallinule and Sora are frequently reported, along with wintering ducks and migrating passerines. All told, over 200 species have been recorded at Heather Farm over the years. The Natural Area is also in need of conservation advocacy, as it is under constant pressure from park users who are more interested in sports and recreation than wildlife or habitat.
“Introducing the Birds of Heather Farm” is a series of bird walks intended to promote appreciation of birds and of the Natural Area, and to help new birders improve their skills. In addition to this announcement in the Quail it will be promoted via flyers in the park and at local businesses. If you are new to birding, or would enjoy an introduction to Heather Farm, please sign up via Eventbrite! If you know anyone who’s getting their start in birding invite them to sign up too:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introducing-the-birds-of-heather-farm-tickets-991048712377
If you’re a somewhat more experienced birder—not necessarily an “expert”—your assistance in this program is invited! MDBA members who can turn out to help with this “Introduction” bird walk, spotting birds and sharing experience with new birders, do not need to sign up via Eventbrite. The low number of signup spots is intended to limit the number of beginners so that each may receive some personal attention.
If you can join us to help spot birds, or would like copies of the flyer to post somewhere in the area—your office? your favorite coffee shop? the bulletin board at a library or city facility?—please email Matt: mdbafieldtrips@gmail.com

MDAS Field Trip — Birding by Bike at Clifton Court Forebay
2024-09-21 07:30 - 13:30 | Clifton Court Forebay, Clifton Court Rd., Discovery Bay, CA, 94505
Sign up HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-by-bike-at-clifton-court-forebay-tickets-989733488507
Have a bicycle, e-bike or scooter, and like to bird? Join MDBA at Clifton Court Reservoir in eastern Contra Costa County, where we will do an out-and-back biking/birding trip of approximately 10 miles on a flat, paved levee road to see a myriad of bird species. Those who are equipped for it can also navigate a series of well-maintained gravel levee roads to avoid taking the same route back.
Clifton Court Forebay is an enormous reservoir that collects Delta water and sends it south through the Delta-Mendota canal. The reservoir itself can hold staggering numbers of waterfowl and gulls, and the surrounding habitat of slough, marshland, grassland, scrub and riparian woods is very productive. It is not uncommon to record 60-80 species of birds in a single outing, and the place is a magnet for rarities, especially in fall. There are also excellent chances to see river otters, coyotes, resident sea lions and even a beaver if we’re lucky.
Trip is approximately 5 hours, although participants can turn back at any time. There is plenty of free parking at the Forebay, but no restroom facilities or potable water. Must be able to transport your bike/scooter to the site. It can be windy out there, but is pleasant most of the time. We will monitor the forecast, gale-force winds will cancel.
Meet: at the parking lot at the end of Clifton Court Road (left turn from highway J4 approximately 2 miles southeast of Byron) at 7:30 AM. Bring layers, sunscreen, water and a snack or lunch for when we get back to the cars. Participant limit 15.
Meeting Point GPS: 37.8378308046695, -121.59322207166935
Leader: Jerry Britten
(Photo by Jerry Britten)

MDAS Field Trip -- Vaux's Swifts at McNear Brickyard, San Rafael
2024-09-25 17:30 - 19:30 | McNear Brickyard, 1 McNear Brickyard Rd., San Rafael, CA, 94901
Sign up HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vauxs-swifts-tickets-989735384177
Leader: Maureen Lahiff, MLahiff@aol.com, 510.484.6529
Vaux’s Swifts migrate south along the Pacific Americas Flyway each fall, and one of their few known stopping points in Northern California is McNear Brick and Block in San Rafael. At sunset on many September and October evenings as many as 20,000 swifts mass and fly into the decommissioned brickyard chimneys to spend the night. It’s an unforgettable sight!
Although this trip is timed for the height of the swifts’ migration, based on past years’ counts the number of swifts can vary greatly from night to night, and can range from a few hundred to thousands. Like everything else in birding, there are no guarantees!
Spotting scopes are helpful, to better view the action around the chimney mouths.
Photographers will be challenged as sunset nears (7:01 pm on the night of our field trip.)
Given the time of day, it is OK to bring snacks as well as water. However, this is a birding event, not a picnic, so please don’t bring an elaborate spread. Those who find a portable stool or lawn chair helpful are welcome to bring one.There are no restroom facilities on site.
Hike Rating: 1. This is essentially stationary observing, so there is very little walking, but a lot of standing.
(There is a shopping center on N San Pedro Road en route.)
Carpooling is strongly encouraged since there is very little parking. To respect both the swifts and the McNear property owners, this trip is limited to 20 people.
Maureen will send driving directions and parking instructions by email about a week before the trip.

Monthly Program: October 2024
2024-10-03 19:00 - 20:30 | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Wildlife Photography
Vishal Subramanyan

Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, October 3, 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: Wildlife Photography
*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea
7:30 PM Main Program: Wildlife Photography

Vishal Subramanyan

Vishal Subramanyan will share some of his amazing photos and the techniques he uses to capture remarkable images. Vishal is a 21 year old wildlife photographer and undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley. Using camera traps, telephoto lenses, and other photography techniques, he aims to capture unique imagery that raises awareness about conservation and inspires community action. With an academic background in ecology, he integrates science into his storytelling efforts, using his knowledge of the animals and environments to create compelling stories.
Vishal has been photographing since he was 14 years old, when he went on a trip to Alaska with his dad. He had always wanted to see the bears fishing salmon, and immediately got hooked onto photography when he picked up a camera there. Since then, he has been working on conservation stories across California. His work with bobcats in the Bay Area has earned him both local coverage and international recognition.
An important part of his work is directly engaging with his community. Vishal regularly gives speaking engagements in the Bay Area and beyond, where he’s able to connect with a wide audience of nature lovers. With a community of over 100,000 followers on social media, he’s been able to share stories of California’s wildlife with global audiences.
Currently, he is in his final year of university, and is collaborating with the National Park Service, UC Berkeley, National Geographic, and local non-profits on various science and storytelling projects across the state.

Mountain Lion, photo by Vishal Subramanyan

Introducing the Birds of Heather Farm
2024-10-14 08:00 - 10:30 | Heather Farm Park, 301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek is an underrated birding spot, home to dozens of resident species. We’ll hope to see some migrating birds as well! We’ll meet at the overlook of the Natural Lake, west of North San Carlos Drive, about 100 yards beyond the community center.
Meeting point GPS: 37.921260813409184, -122.04358260674651
At 8:00AM an experienced birder or two will be on hand to demonstrate how to properly use binoculars, and to discuss birding guidebooks and apps. We’ll be scanning the lake to see which ducks and other birds might be arriving to spend the winter.
When we’re good and ready, we’ll set off on a walk around the lake and adjacent Nature Area—an easy stroll of about half a mile on level, accessible trails. Along the way we’ll hope to see and hear sparrow, finch, woodpecker and warbler, along with nuthatch and dove. Wrens, thrushes, herons, and raptors are often found here too… though in birding, as in life, nothing is guaranteed! Our guides will explain what features on the birds to look for, to begin to tell one from the other.
We should be done around 10:30. Birders of all experience levels are welcome! Bring binoculars if you have them; we’ll also have a few pairs to borrow.
Sign up here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introducing-the-birds-of-heather-farm-tickets-1009474674927
(Image of White-breasted Nuthatch by Matt Tarlach)

MDAS Field Trip -- Alameda Hotspots
2024-10-26 08:30 - 13:00 | CA
Alameda has several good spots for shorebirds. We’ll probably visit Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Ballena Bay, and Crab Cove, with the exact itinerary to be determined. Meeting point will be in Alameda; registered attendees will be notified of the exact starting point and other details by email, a day or two before the trip.
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alameda-hotspots-tickets-1022691958177
Hike Rating: Easy
Leader: Mona Lange.
This trip is limited to 15 participants. Participants acknowledge the MDBA Liability Waiver, available during registration.
(Photo of Long-billed Curlew by Maren Smith)

MDBA Field Trip -- Mt. View Sanitary and McNabney Marsh
2024-11-04 08:30 - 11:30 | Mountain View Sanitary District, 3800 Arthur Rd, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
In winter McNabney Marsh, aka Waterbird Regional Preserve, hosts many species of ducks, shorebirds and waterbirds. Marsh passerines and raptors might also be present.
We’ll meet at the observation deck off of Arthur Road, and scan the marsh with our scopes. After that we’ll move the cars a short distance and take a walk around the man-made marshes operated by Mt. View Sanitary District. Bring your scope if you have one!
This trip is very suitable for beginning birders! Binoculars are available for borrowing, just let the leader know in advance to bring an extra pair.
Hike Rating: 1 – Easy. Under 1 mile on flat terrain. Unpaved paths in MVSD, potentially muddy.
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Matthew Tarlach, 925-482-6129
Meet: Meet at the observation deck off of Arthur Road at 8:30AM.
GPS: 38.01949443777331, -122.09610747171664
Directions: From I-680 northbound, exit at Pacheco Blvd, turn right onto Arthur Road and go under the freeway. Arthur Road will bend left. Where Arthur Road ends the paved road turns sharp left onto Mt. View Sanitary’s private road. Drive about .3 mile to the gravel parking lot just before the one-lane tunnel. The observation deck is to the right (east) of the road.
Limited to 15 participants. Participants acknowledge the MDBA Liability Waiver (available during registration).
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mcnabney-marsh-and-mvsd-tickets-1051583794437
(Image of Long-billed Dowitchers by Alan Bade)

Monthly Program: November 2024
2024-11-07 19:00 - 20:30 | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Pied Barbet, Namibia. Photo by J. Britten
Birds of Namibia
Jerry Britten

Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, November 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 Namibia
*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea
7:30 PM Main Program: Namibia Birds

Jerry Britten

Earlier this year, MDBA President Jerry Britten, his wife and another couple set off on a self-driving adventure to explore the vast desert country of Namibia in southern Africa. Their 3-week journey of over 1300 miles, a good portion over gravel roads driving from lodge-to-lodge, took them through magnificent desert and coastal dunes, barren deserts, rocky scrub, and flat acacia thornscrub teeming with game. While at the lodges they did game drives, a little bit of walking, sitting in waterhole hides, and relaxing. Of course, a lot of birding and photography was involved. Jerry will present highlights of the many birds and other animals he was able to photograph on this trip, and offer his perspective on the sights and sounds of this part of Africa.
When not birding or engaged with MDBA goings-on, Jerry is a mostly-retired independent contractor/consultant in the fields of optical coatings and diffractive optic design and manufacture. He retired from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in 2016 after a 30+ year career as a chemical engineer.

Introducing the Birds of Heather Farm
2024-11-11 08:00 - 10:00 | Heather Farm Park, 301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
This trip is especially good for beginners!
Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek is an underrated birding spot, home to dozens of resident species. We’ll hope to see some winter visitors as well! We’ll meet at the overlook of the Natural Lake, west of North San Carlos Drive, about 100 yards beyond the community center.
Meeting point GPS: 37.921260813409184, -122.04358260674651
At 8:00AM an experienced birder or two will be on hand to demonstrate how to properly use binoculars, and to discuss birding guidebooks and apps. We’ll be scanning the lake to see which ducks and other birds might have arrived to spend the winter.
We should be done around 10:00. Birders of all experience levels are welcome! Bring binoculars if you have them; we’ll also have a few pairs to borrow.
Trip will go on in damp weather, but significant rain or high wind cancels.
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meeker-slough-tickets-1052245593897
(Image of White-breasted Nuthatch by Matt Tarlach)

MDBA Field Trip -- Lodi Lake & Woodbridge Preserve
2024-11-14 08:30 - 13:30 | Lodi Lake, 1101 W. Turner Rd, Lodi, CA, 95242, United States
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 see waterfowl and other birds, including hopefully some early-arriving Sandhill Cranes. (The state requires a CDFW Lands Pass at Woodbridge Reserve, with a fee of $5.40 per day. An annual Lands Pass is $30.50)
Dress in layers. Bring water, snacks and lunch if so choose.
Hike Rating: 2 – Easy to moderate loop of 1.5 – 2 miles on level ground with some paved areas. A few very short off-trail lookouts with easy to moderate slope access. There are a few benches to rest on as well.
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Mona Lange 510-414-2959
Meet: Lodi Lake parking lot (1101 W. Turner Rd) (bathroom at parking lot). Bring cash to pay the parking fee of $5/car or $3/car for seniors. Exact change.
Directions: Hwy 4 East toward Antioch/Rio Vista. Go over Antioch bridge (toll). At stop light make RIGHT onto Hwy 12 toward Lodi. Stay on 12 East past interstate 5. About 2 miles past I-5 make a LEFT on DeVries Rd (the light after the RR tracks.) Carefully and safely watch for Yellow-billed Magpies in the area. At the second stop sign make a RIGHT onto W. Turner Rd. When in town, stay in the left lane. After crossing the RR tracks start looking for the Lake entrance on your LEFT. (On the other side of the Do Not Enter Sign.)
This trip is limited to 12 participants. Rain cancels.
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lodi-lake-woodbridge-reserve-tickets-1050122313107
(Photo of Great Blue Heron by Maren Smith)

MDBA Field Trip — Palo Alto Baylands/Charleston Slough
2024-11-16 08:30 - 14:00 | Terminal Boulevard, Terminal Boulevard, Mountain View, CA, United States
We see a variety of birds on the water on this trip that is only about a 55 minute drive from Walnut Creek. It is exciting to be on the largest tract of undisturbed marshland remaining in the San Francisco Bay. Locations include Charleston Slough, Shoreline Lake, Palo Alto Baylands, and Redwood Shores.
Hike Rating: 1-Easy
Distance: We do some walking on flat terrain but drive from one location to the next.
Elevation change: Minor
Leaders: Herb and Randi Long at herblong7@gmail.com 925-948-5113
Meet: Meet at entrance to Palo Alto Baylands on Terminal Boulevard in Mountain View at 8:30 AM.
Directions: If using Google maps, enter “Terminal Boulevard Mountain View, CA.”
Take I-680 South 24 miles to Exit 12 for Mission Boulevard /State Route 262 (second Mission Blvd exit so that you head west on Mission Blvd). Keep right at the fork; follow signs for Mission Blvd West and merge onto CA-262 South/Mission Blvd. Continue through two traffic lights and take I-880 ramp South. In 3 miles, use the right two lanes to take CA-237 toward Mountain View. Connect to US-101 North toward San Francisco. Once on US-101 North, take Exit 400C for San Antonio Road. Turn right on San Antonio. Continue for about 0.4 mile and turn right onto Terminal Road and park. Entrance toPalo Alto Baylands is on the left. There is a bathroom at the entrance.
Drive time is about 1 hour + 5 minutes from Walnut Creek / Danville.
Bring lunch!
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/palo-alto-baylandscharleston-slough-tickets-1050110126657
(American Avocets photo by Maren Smith)

MDBA Field Trip -- A Poorwill Quest
2024-11-21 17:00 - 19:30 | Morgan Territory Road, 2800 Morgan Territory Road, Clayton, CA, 94517
**Please note the time correction**
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 Trail Category 3 because, although only 2 miles round-trip, the road is quite steep and there is a stream crossing near the trailhead with the possibility of getting wet feet. Bring layers, wellington-type boots that can be stashed in the bushes after the stream crossing for normal hiking wear, and a flashlight/headlamp. Expect to be in the field for ~1.5 hrs.
Hike Rating: Category 3 — Strenuous. Read trip details
Elevation change: Substantial, steep in places, and we will be descending after dark.
Leader: Jerry Britten
Meet: GPS 37°53’58.7″N 121°52’24.5″W
Directions: From Clayton drive east on Marsh Creek Road. Turn right on Morgan Territory Road and go about out 1500′, to a turnout on the right.
This field trip is limited to 5 Participants max, due to limited parking and the need for quiet.
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poorwill-quest-tickets-1050120698277
(Photo by Jerry Britten)

MDBA Field Trip -- Meeker Slough
2024-12-04 10:00 - 13:30 | Meeker Slough, Bayside Dr, Richmond, CA, 94804
Meeker Slough is a wetland area in Richmond, on the coast of San Francisco Bay. We’ll look for shorebirds, ducks, herons, and coastal passerines during the incoming tide. The walk is mostly on a paved and level trail. If time permits, we will also drive a few miles to check out Vincent Park and the Richmond Marina (Inner Harbor Basin). Please bring a spotting scope if you own one, I will bring two scopes if someone can carry one of them. I have a few loaner binoculars I can bring—if contacted ahead of time.
Dress in layers. Bring water, snacks and lunch if so choose.
Hike Rating: 1 – Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Ted Robertson, 925-899-1872
Meet: Parking Circle at the end of Bayside Drive, Richmond
Trailhead GPS coordinates: 37.911705, -122.338982
Directions: Take Hwy 580 to Richmond and and take Exit 10A for S. 23rd St/Marina Bay Pkwy. Head west onto Marina Bay Pkwy. In about 1 mile, turn left onto Bayside Drive. Park at or near the parking circle at the end of Bayside Dr. Trailhead is at the parking circle.
This trip is limited to 20 participants. Rain cancels.
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meeker-slough-tickets-1052245593897
(Photo of Black Bellied Plover by Pam Lorenz)

MDBA Field Trip -- Lynch Canyon Open Space Preserve
2024-12-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Lynch Canyon Open Space Preserve, Fairfield, 3100 Lynch Rd, Fairfield, CA, 94534, United States
Lynch Canyon Open Space, an asset of the Solano County Land Trust, is a fantastic place for raptors in the winter! It’s also home to grassland species, and waterbirds on the reservoir.
The trails are wide and firmly packed but unpaved. Participants will be able to choose between two routes: A loop of about 2.5 miles around Lynch Reservoir, with some gentle elevation gain; or a longer loop of about 3.25 miles with a longer, steeper climb (14% grade at one stretch). Co-leaders will be present to accompany along either route. On both routes we’ll stop frequently to look for raptors, and to scope the reservoir.
Lynch Canyon is still a working ranch so we can expect to encounter free-ranging cattle. Some of the trails are part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, and we may encounter bicyclists, e-bikes, and equestrians.
Please bring $6 (exact bills) for the off-season parking fee. Bring ample water (none is available on site) and sun protection. There is almost no shade on the trails.
There is a pit toilet at the parking lot. Solano County Land Trust asks us to bring our own hand sanitizer.
Bring snacks or lunch. On the longer loop, there are picnic tables.
Leaders: Susana de Trapaga, trapaga@sbcglobal.net, 510.333.2693 and Maureen Lahiff, MLahiff@aol.com, 510.484.6529
Hike Rating: 2 (longer route is 3) Elevation change on the longer loop trail option is approximately 500 feet.
Meeting place: Parking lot for Lynch Canyon Open Space
URL: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7mHmYSfFws1CmowQ6
Heavy rain cancels the trip. We’ll send an email if we’re cancelling, or if weather looks iffy.
Directions: Take I-80 east to exit 36, American Canyon Road/Hiddenbrook Pkwy. At the stop sign at the end of the exit ramp, turn right and then immediately left onto McGary Road, which runs alongside the freeway. After about 1.7 miles, turn left onto Lynch Road, pass under I-80, and drive all the way to the parking lot.
For more information about Lynch Canyon Open Space: https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rm/countypark/lynchcyn.asp
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lynch-canyon-tickets-1050134830547
(Image of Golden Eagle and Raven by Isaac Aronow)

Monthly Program: December 2024
2024-12-12 19:00 - 20:30 | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Dr. Van Schmidt surveying a California Gull breeding colony on a levee in the salt ponds
Flows of Water and Waterbirds across California
Nathan Van Schmidt

Our December meeting will be held the second Thursday of the month, on December 12. We will meet in person at 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: Flows of Water and Waterbirds across California
*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea
7:30 PM Main Program: Flows of Water and Waterbirds across California
Nathan Van Schmidt

Water has always been the heart of California, providing essential habitat for both waterbirds and people. After the Gold Rush, California experienced rapid and widespread destruction and modification of natural hydrological ecosystems and wetlands. This included the rapid conversion of Delta wetlands to peat farmland, development of many North Bay and San Francisco wetlands, and the conversion of much of south San Francisco Bay to commercial salt production ponds. To recover endangered tidal marsh birds and protect communities from sea level rise, the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project is now restoring large swaths of tidal marsh habitat–but they are faced with a new dilemma: many bird species that had used wetlands lost or degraded elsewhere in California have come to use the salt ponds as accidental habitat. Drawing connections across a decade of research on waterbird use of anthropogenic habitats in California and beyond, Dr. Van Schmidt will discuss the contemporary challenges and promising paradigms for conservation of waterbirds in ecosystems that have already been grappling with repeated dramatic transformations over the past 175 years.
Dr. Van Schmidt is an ecologist whose research emphasizes understanding ecosystems and land-use as coupled systems, combining field research with simulation methodology. His talk will explore habitat use and connections between accidental anthropogenic wetland habitats not only in the San Francisco Bay’s salt ponds, but across California, and reflect on how efforts to adapt water-dependent ecosystems to climate change may have surprising trade-offs for wildlife that need to be accounted for. The talk will draw not only on his current work as Director of Landscape Sustainability Science, but also on past research at UC Berkeley on Black Rails in the Sierra Nevada, and on reintroduced Whooping Crane’s use of farmland.

Monthly Program: January 2025
2025-01-02 19:00 - 20:30 | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Blood Pheasant. Photo by Bob Lewis
Birds of Bhutan
Bob Lewis

Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, January 2 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
7:10 PM Christmas Bird Count Report
7:25 PM Refreshments and Raffle
7:40 PM Main Program: Birds of Bhutan
*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea
Along with our main program, Mount Diablo Bird Alliance President Jerry Britten will report highlights of the 2024 Christmas Bird Counts.
7:30 PM Main Program: Bhutan – A Happy Place for Birds and Birders
Bob Lewis

The Himalayan Buddhist country of Bhutan calls itself the Happiest Place in the World, and indeed, it is a delight for birders. With over 60% of its land forested, from Alpine scrub to Tropical broadleaf habitats, there are many birds to be seen. Bob joined a spring 2024 tour and will discuss many interesting families of birds seen as the group traveled east from the airport at Paro, and then returned along the Indian border in the south. The talk is illustrated with many striking bird images, as well as some illustrations to give a feeling of a lovely country.
Bob trained as a chemist and worked in the energy field for 33 years. He’s taught birding classes in the Bay Area for over 30 years and served as the chair of Golden Gate Audubon’s Adult Education Committee. Recently he’s been giving classes and talks via Zoom. Bob was honored with American Birding Association’s Chandler Robbins Award for Education and Conservation in 2016, and Golden Gate Bird Alliance’s Paul Covel Education Award in 2010 and 2017. He loves to travel and photograph birds and has chased birds in over 60 countries. His life list is over 5400 species.

Contra Costa Large Day
2025-01-04 | CA
Saturday January 4, Predawn to Dusk
Spend the first Saturday of the New Year on an all-day birding trip that will visit several different habitats spread across Contra Costa County. To maximize the fun and minimize issues with parking, we’ll carpool, starting from a place or places to be discussed by the group—perhaps Heather Farm and/or Lafayette BART.
From the meeting point we’ll drive to Valle Vista, arriving before dawn to listen for owls and maybe spot a poorwill. We’ll spend the first part of the morning at this rich hotspot, then pile into our cars and drive west to Richmond where we’ll scope the Bay, and look for shorebirds. Then back east across the county on Highway 4, making multiple stops before finishing our day in the Delta. The exact itinerary will be determined partly by what we find during our Christmas Bird Counts.
“Big” days are known for their frenetic pace, with birders pushing hard to max out their species count. This “Large” day will be somewhat more relaxed. We’ll stay together in a group as much as possible, and take relaxed breaks when needed. The pace will still be more urgent than a typical field trip, though, and this is an all-day commitment—things to consider before signing up. More details to follow by email, to those who sign up. Please note that signups for this trip (and wait list) close a week in advance.
Hike Rating: 2 – moderate grades in some places, probably a few miles total walking throughout the day.
Elevation change: TBD, probably not over 100 feet in one climb.
Leader: Matthew Tarlach, 925-482-6129, mdbafieldtrips@gmail.com
Meet: TBD
This special trip is for MDBA members only, and limited to 12 participants. We will carpool, hopefully fitting into 3 vehicles to minimize parking hassles. Register HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/contra-costa-large-day-tickets-1090305837109

MDBA Field Trip -- Putah Creek
2025-01-08 09:00 - 14:00 | Putah Creek Road, 3836 Putah Creek Rd, Winters, CA, 95694, United States
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: 1 – Easy.
Elevation change: Minor
Distance: Depending on the route decided.
Co-Leaders: Maren Smith, 925-322-9477, and Susana de Trapaga
Meet: 9 AM at the large gravel pull-out on the right side of Putah Creek Road, west of the Lake Solano dam.
Directions: When driving from the Bay Area to Vacaville on I-80, take Exit 51A at Cherry Glen and Lagoon Valley Roads. Turn left to cross over the freeway, heading north, and drive approximately 1 mile on Cherry Glen Road to stop sign at Pleasants Valley Road. Turn left on Pleasants Valley Road. Drive 12 miles and keep an eye out for Yellow-billed Magpies and raptors. Turn right on Putah Creek Road, and drive about 1.2 miles, to the large gravel parking turn-out on the right (with “no camping, no dumping” signs). About 1 hour drive from Walnut Creek area. PLEASE NOTE that the location marked on the map by Eventbrite is a few hundred yards east of the actual meeting location.
Bring $8 cash—in exact bills—for the parking fee!
This hike is limited to 20 participants. All field trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDBA liability waiver. Register HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/putah-creek-birding-tickets-1084887139639
(Photo: Female Phainopepla at Putah Creek by Isaac Aronow)

MDBA Field Trip -- Marin: Las Gallinas and Shollenberger Park
2025-01-18 08:30 - 15:00 | Las Gallinas Ponds, Las Gallinas Valley birding loop, Smith Ranch Rd, San Rafael, CA, 94903
Both 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 slopes.
Elevation change: Minor
Leader: Sandy Ritchie, (925) 381-2514
Meet: Carpool meets at Sun Valley Mall at 7:30AM. Or meet at the Las Gallinas ponds in San Rafael at 8:30AM
Directions: Check here later for updates.
This field trip is limited to 15 participants. Register HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-las-gallinas-shollenberger-park-tickets-1090298956529
(Photo: American Bittern by Beth Branthaver)

MDBA Field Trip -- Lake Merritt and Arrowhead Marsh at High Tide
2025-01-29 08:30 - 13:00 | Lake Merritt, 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
Winter 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 in time for the high tide. Ridgeway’s Rails are one of the highlights here, though we will see many other birds. A visit to Garretson Point will follow. Bring lunch and drinks.
This trip is appropriate for birders of all experience levels, including beginners.
Hike rating: Category 1–Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Sandy Ritchie, (925) 381-2514
Meet: Lake Merritt parking lot off Bellevue Avenue, 8:30 AM
Directions: Take SR 24 to Oakland and I-980, take 27th Street exit and turn left. Cross Broadway and Harrison, then join Grand Avenue. Turn into park at Children’s Fairyland (fee possible) and follow around to parking lot entrance on right between boathouse and aviary.
This field trip is limited to 15 participants. Register HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-lake-merritt-and-arrowhead-marsh-at-high-tide-tickets-1090303640539
(Photo: Ridgway’s Rail by Beth Branthaver)

MDBA Field Trip -- Bridgeway Island Pond, West Sacramento
2025-02-05 09:15 - 13:00 | McDonald’s West Sacramento, 2244 Lake Washington Blvd., West Sacramento, CA, 95691
New 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 pond.
On the way back we’ll stop at another birdy spot, to be decided.
This is a good trip for beginning birders.
Hike rating: 1, Easy.
Leader: Mona Lange, 510-414-2959
Meet: the McDonalds at 2244 Lake Washington Blvd. in West Sacramento at 9:15 AM for a restroom stop, proceeding to the pond by 9:30.
Directions:Take 80 East toward Sacramento. Exit at Enterprise and Harbor Blvd (exit 81) and go Right. Take the 2nd Left to Industrial Blvd. After a few miles Industrial Blvd changes its name to Lake Washington Blvd. Make a Left on Southport Parkway and then first left to enter the shopping center. Another first Left then leads to the McDonalds.
GPS for the meeting point at McDonalds: 38.556747929224194, -121.5399085526047
After McDonalds we’ll go back out to Southport making a Right onto it. Going a few more miles, make a Right on Oakland Bay Drive. First Right onto Bowen Island street which changes to Solomon Island Rd as it goes around the corner. First Right takes you to where we’ll park for the pond, on Pender Island Street. We may have to park in the neighborhood also.
GPS for the Pond: 38.540701884803845, -121.57782606798398
GPS for Jepson Prairie (our after-lunch stop): 38.27532148059968, -121.82378799141179
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-bridgeway-island-pond-west-sacramento-tickets-1148773916709
Photo: Blue-winged Teal, by Mona Lange

Monthly Program: February 2025
2025-02-06 19:00 - 20:30 | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Mandarin 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
7:30 PM Main Program: Birds and Art in Central Europe
*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea
Jill Hedgecock will share photos from her birding adventures, museum visits, and more during her travels through Amsterdam, Germany, Prague, and Salsburg. From taking a cable car to the highest mountain in Germany and seeing the alpine cough, to stumbling upon a stunningly beautiful nonnative mandarin duck, Central Europe was full of birding surprises. Jill will also show how birds have found their way into many art forms in Europe. She will provide background information on bird-inspired paintings such as Rembrandt’s 1639 Self-Portrait with a Dead Bittern and his 1635 Abduction of Ganymede painting, from her visit to the Old Master’s Picture Gallery in Dresden, Germany, and the parrot mosaic she saw in Berlin’s Pergamon Museum.
Jill Hedgecock, who has spoken to MDBA on topics from rhino conservation, microplastics, and falconry in Scotland, returns to share more of her international travels with the Mount Diablo Bird Alliance. She has a M.S. degree in Environmental Management and is the author of two novels inspired by her love of rhinos. She previously served as the International Conservation Coordinator for the club back in the early 1990s and was a long-term leader of the Black Diamond Mine Christmas Count circle.
Parrot Mosaic, photo by Jill Hedgecock

MDBA Field Trip -- Thornton Area/Cosumnes Preserve
2025-02-12 08:45 - 14:00 | Westgate Landing Regional Park, 4GF5+HP, Terminous, CA, 95242, United States
Tundra 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 Bridge, go north on SR 160 along the river to Rio Vista bridge. Turn right on SR 12 for 11.5 miles. East of Terminous, turn right onto the exit to Glasscock Rd. The road will go under the bridge. Turn left onto Glasscock Rd. proper and continue to the park at the end. After meeting at Westgate Landing and a quick check of the area within view, we’ll continue towards Thornton.
There is a $5 parking fee at one of the stops; bring exact change.
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-in-the-thornton-area-including-cosumnes-preserve-tickets-1148769684049
Photo: Sandhill Cranes, by Sharon Anderson

MDBA Field Trip -- Big Break and East County
2025-02-19 09:00 - 13:00 | Big Break Regional Shoreline, 69 Big Break Road, Oakley, CA, 94561, United States
We 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, Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leaders: Mona Lange, 510-414-2959
Meet: Big Break parking lot in Oakley at 9 AM
Directions: Take Highway 4 east toward Stockton/Pittsburg, after Antioch take right Exit 30 toward CA-160/Sacramento/Rio Vista. Take Exit 1A, East 18th/Main Street, turn right at the bottom of the exit onto Main Street, proceed east a little over 1 mile, then turn left onto Big Break Road. Turn into Big Break Regional Shoreline/Delta Science Center just past the last houses on the right.
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birds-of-east-contra-costa-county-tickets-1148762853619
Photo: Common Gallinule, by Maren Smith

MDBA Field Trip -- Bodega Bay
2025-02-22 09:30 - 15:00 | Tides Restaurant Bodega Bay, 835Bay Highway, Bodega Bay, CA, 94923, United States
Why 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 birders of all levels and birders new to the Bay Area.
We’ll meet at 9:30 am at the Tides Wharf and Restaurant, out on the deck behind the restaurant. There are restrooms here. From the Tides we’ll drive out to Bodega Head, and later bird Porto Bodega and other stops along the bay.
URL for meeting place: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kdi3H728KCvdn7Dj6
Be prepared for variable weather. Bring lunch, snacks, and liquids. There are pit toilets at Bodega Head, Campbell Cove, and Porto Bodega Marina.
Hike Rating: 1, Easy, with little elevation change
Leader: Maureen Lahiff, MLahiff@aol.com, 510-484-6529
Meeting point GPS: 38.328869668535894, -123.04502163182391
Directions: Take US 101 north to Petaluma. Exit at Washington and head SW. Washington becomes Bodega Ave, which becomes Petaluma-Valley Ford Rd, which eventually merges into CA Hwy 1. Take Hwy 1 to Bodega Bay. After passing the Inn at the Tides, you’ll see the Tides Restaurant on the left. From Walnut Creek, it’s about a 2 hour drive.
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-bodega-bay-tickets-1148790044949
Photo: Common Loon, by Isaac Aronow

MDBA Field Trip -- Walnut Creek Local City Parks
2025-02-26 08:30 - 12:00 | Heather Farm Park, 301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Starting 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 to a mile walking total, on level paths.
Elevation change: Minor
Leader: Randi and Herb Long, hrlong13@sbcglobal.net
Meet: Wooden railing at the Natural Lake in Heather Farm (not the pond surrounded with concrete.)
Directions: Turn into the park on North San Carlos Drive from Ygnacio Valley Road. This is east of John Muir Hospital; the intersection has a Shell and a Chevron gas station. Drive to the stop sign past the community building and turn left into the parking lot. The wooden railing is thirty yards beyond the parking lot.
The field trip is limited to 10 participants. Register HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-contra-costa-city-parks-tickets-1148797537359
Photo: White-breasted Nuthatch, by Matt Tarlach

MDBA Field Trip -- Valle Vista
2025-03-03 08:00 - 12:00 | Valle Vista, RVC6+WQ, Moraga, CA, 94556, United States
A 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 the route is on a gravel trail or a road.
Trail Rating: Category 2, Moderate. About a mile and a half walk, possible patches of mud, some short inclines.
Elevation change: Minor
Leader: Ted Robertson, 925-899-1872
Meet: Valle Vista Staging Area, Canyon Road
Directions: From SR 24 in Orinda, take Moraga Way to Moraga. From Mt. Diablo Blvd in Lafayette, take Moraga Road south to Moraga. At the Chevron station, go south 1 mile on Canyon Road to Valle Vista Staging Area.
This field trip is limited to 16 participants, with pre-registration required. MDBA members receive priority in registration but non-members are welcome, if we have enough spots.
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-valle-vista-tickets-1148801027799
(Photo of Red-breasted Sapsucker by Isaac Aronow)

Monthly Program: March 2025
2025-03-06 19:00 - 20:30 | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Juvenile 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 Main Program: Bay Raptor Rescue
*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea
Craig Nikitas, a retired urban planner, has been a wildlife volunteer working with raptors for over fifty years.His talk will provide an overview of 10 years of raptor rescue work, focusing on common issues necessitating intervention, and accounts of rescues of common and rare local species and techniques to help them.
Craig’s career has included caring for captive animals at the Randall Museum, Steinhart Aquarium, and the San Francisco Zoo, tending birds in rehab at WildCare, trapping and banding migratory and dispersive birds of prey for 30 years with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, and presenting talks on the natural history of corvids, diurnal raptors, and owls at schools, colleges, universities, local naturalist groups, park associations, the Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival, and to professional staff at the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, CuriOdyssey, and the S F and Oakland Zoos.
In 2015, Craig founded Bay Raptor Rescue to provide a free service to aid predatory birds in distress. The work is done under permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Cal Department of Fish and Wildlife. His work comprises trapping free-flighted birds in buildings, netting birds grounded by illness or injury, and transporting those who need veterinary care to local rehabilitation facilities.
Burrowing Owl

MDBA Field Trip -- Moorhen + McNabney Marshes
2025-03-15 08:30 - 12:00 | Mountain View Sanitary District, 3800 Arthur Rd, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
Two 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 1974, Moorhen Marsh was the first wetland on the west coast that made use of treated effluents as its primary water source. Today the 21-acre constructed wetland offers critical habitat for wildlife. Native species dependent on Moorhen Marsh for habitat include the western pond turtle, North American river otter, and many species of birds. Directly across the freeway, McNabney Marsh—aka Waterbird Regional Preserve—in winter hosts many species of ducks, shorebirds and waterbirds.
We’ll meet at the observation deck near the south end of McNabney Marsh, off of Arthur Road, and scan the area with our scopes. After that we’ll move the cars a short distance into the MVSD facility and take a walk around the cleverly human-made Moorhen Marsh.
Hike Rating: 1 – Easy. Under 1 mile on flat terrain. Unpaved paths can get muddy after rain.
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Matthew Tarlach, mdbafieldtrips@gmail.com
Meet: Meet at the observation deck off of Arthur Road at 8:30 AM. There’s plenty of parking.
Directions: From I-680 northbound, exit at Pacheco Blvd, turn right onto Arthur Road and go under the freeway. Arthur Road will bend left. Where Arthur Road ends, the paved road turns sharp left through a gate into Mt. View Sanitary’s private access road. Drive about .3 mile to the gravel parking lot just before the one-lane tunnel. The observation deck is to the right (east) of the road.
This field trip is free and open to the public, with prior registration required. Limited to 15 participants. Participants will need to click to acknowledge the MDBA liability waiver. Anyone entering Moorhen Marsh will need to sign the MVSD liability waiver also, to be provided on site.
Register for Saturday 3/15:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-moorhen-marsh-and-mcnabney-marsh-tickets-1250021350509
(Image of Black-crowned Night Herons by Isaac Aronow.)
