MDBA Field Trip -- Birding Moorhen Marsh
2026-03-25 08:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mountain View Sanitary District, 3800 Arthur Rd, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
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 the Mountain View Sanitary District, Moorhen Marsh is open for birding only by appointment. This is not a two-day class: Similar outings will be held on both Wednesday and Sunday, to accommodate various schedules.
We’ll meet at 8:30AM in front of the MVSD administration building, then proceed together into Moorhen Marsh. There will be a short introductory presentation on the birds we hope to see and on birding in general. Then we’ll take a walk around the marsh, hoping to see and hear egrets, herons, warblers and wrens, with raptors and other species also possible. As we depart Moorhen Marsh we’ll stop at Waterbird Regional Preserve, just across the freeway, where we’ll use scopes to identify the variety of long-legged shorebirds, ducks, and more who winter there.
Binoculars will be available to lend. If you’d like to borrow a pair please contact the leader in advance, so we have enough on hand.
Hike Rating: 1 – Easy. Under 1 mile on flat terrain. Unpaved paths, potentially muddy if it’s rained recently.
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Matthew Tarlach, MDBAFieldtrips@gmail.com, Cheryl Abel and Elisa Fernandes-McDade.
Meet: In front of the MVSD administration building at 8:30AM. Please note that Moorhen Marsh is gated. If you’re more than a few minutes late you won’t be able to get in.
Directions: From I-680 northbound, exit at Pacheco Blvd, turn right onto Arthur Road and go under the freeway. At the end of Arthur Road, continue ahead and left through the MVSD gate. Follow the service road about half a mile and proceed through the tunnel under the freeway—watch for oncoming traffic! After emerging from the tunnel, the admin building will be on your right.
Register HERE for Wednesday March 25:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-moorhen-marsh-tickets-1983167706997
or HERE for the same itinerary on Sunday March 29:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-moorhen-marsh-beginners-welcome-tickets-1983197453971
(Image of Black-crowned Night Herons by Isaac Aronow)

MDBA Field Trip -- Birding Moorhen Marsh
2026-03-29 08:30 - 12:00 | Mountain View Sanitary District, 3800 Arthur Rd, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
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 the Mountain View Sanitary District, Moorhen Marsh is open for birding only by appointment. This is not a two-day class: Similar outings will be held on both Wednesday and Sunday, to accommodate various schedules.
We’ll meet at 8:30AM in front of the MVSD administration building, then proceed together into Moorhen Marsh. There will be a short introductory presentation on the birds we hope to see and on birding in general. Then we’ll take a walk around the marsh, hoping to see and hear egrets, herons, warblers and wrens, with raptors and other species also possible. As we depart Moorhen Marsh we’ll stop at Waterbird Regional Preserve, just across the freeway, where we’ll use scopes to identify the variety of long-legged shorebirds, ducks, and more who winter there.
Binoculars will be available to lend. If you’d like to borrow a pair please contact the leader in advance, so we have enough on hand.
Hike Rating: 1 – Easy. Under 1 mile on flat terrain. Unpaved paths, potentially muddy if it’s rained recently.
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Matthew Tarlach, MDBAFieldtrips@gmail.com, Cheryl Abel and Elisa Fernandes-McDade.
Meet: In front of the MVSD administration building at 8:30AM. Please note that Moorhen Marsh is gated. If you’re more than a few minutes late you won’t be able to get in.
Directions: From I-680 northbound, exit at Pacheco Blvd, turn right onto Arthur Road and go under the freeway. At the end of Arthur Road, continue ahead and left through the MVSD gate. Follow the service road about half a mile and proceed through the tunnel under the freeway—watch for oncoming traffic! After emerging from the tunnel, the admin building will be on your right.
Register HERE for Sunday March 29:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-moorhen-marsh-beginners-welcome-tickets-1983197453971
or HERE for the same itinerary on March 25:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-moorhen-marsh-tickets-1983167706997
(Image of Black-crowned Night Herons by Isaac Aronow)

Monthly Program: April 2026
2026-04-02 19:00 - 20:30 | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
How the East Bay Got Its Regional Parks
Amelia Marshall

Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, April 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
7:15 PM Refreshments and Raffle
7:30 PM Main Program: History of the East Bay Regional Park District
*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea

Learn about the founding of the East Bay Regional Park District with a presentation about the history of the Park District.
Amelia Sue Marshall is a 27-year volunteer for the East Bay Regional Park District, with the Volunteer Trail Patrols and the District archives and history center. There, a team of park district retirees, staff members, and others curate materials, develop oral histories, and recall stories that rarely appear in official documents. She was awarded the 2023 “Outstanding Volunteer” award by the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts.
Her first book on local history was Oakland’s Equestrian Heritage (Arcadia Publishing 2008). The second is East Bay Hills: A Brief History (The History Press, 2017), which describes the origins of parks in Oakland, Moraga, and Castro Valley. She is currently collaborating with the Verona Band of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe.
Amelia serves as trails chair for California State Horsemen’s Association. Region 5 (Alameda and Contra Costa Counties). She sits on three nonprofit boards: the Regional Park Association, the Oakland Heritage Alliance, and the Friends of Joaquin Miller Park. She and her family live on Peralta Creek in Oakland with a plus-size German Shepherd named Chewy.

MDBA Field Trip -- North Briones
2026-04-07 08:30 - 12:30 | Briones Regional Park (North), XV37+VX, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
This 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, hiking about 3 miles round trip over fire roads and hilly trails. Bring liquids & a snack if you like.
Trail Rating: Category 3 – uphill climb.
Elevation change: 300+ feet.
Leader: Cheryl Abel, 925-957-6229
Meet: Parking area at the north entrance of Briones Regional Park.
Directions: Take Briones Road south off Alhambra Valley Road and drive up this narrow, winding road. Park at the end.
The field trip is limited to 15 participants. Participants must acknowledge the MDBA Liability Waiver. Register HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-north-briones-tickets-1983165537508
(Photo of Red-tailed Hawk by Isaac Aronow)

MDBA Field Trip -- Mitchell Canyon
2026-04-14 08:00 - 13:00 | Mitchell Canyon, 96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA, 94517, United States
We 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
Meet: Mitchell Canyon parking lot, Clayton.
Directions: From Ygnacio Valley Road in Concord, turn south on Clayton Road. Turn right onto Mitchell Canyon Road and drive past the quarry to the end.
Unless you have a State Parks pass a $6 parking fee is required—bring exact bills.
This field trip is limited to 15 participants. Register HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-mitchell-canyon-tickets-1983196665613
(Wilson’s Warbler photo by Jerry Britten)

MDBA Field Trip -- Black Diamond Mines
2026-04-17 08:00 - 13:30 | Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, X45P+PP, Antioch, CA, 94565, United States
This trip includes a vigorous climb up a steep 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! The trail is rocky, and footing can be tricky—Be advised!
There is no guarantee of finding the elusive wrens, but we will certainly see many other birds. California Thrasher, Rufous-crowned Sparrow and Phainopepla are often seen here. At the worst, we will share an adventure in a beautiful and historically interesting location. Be sure to bring enough water, and lunch or a snack.
Rating: Category 3, steep rocky trail, potentially hot.
Elevation change: 600 feet
Leader: Matt Tarlach, MDBAFieldtrips@gmail.com
Meet: Black Diamond Mines parking lot at the south end of Somersville Road.
Directions: Exit Hwy 4 at Somersville Road in Antioch. Drive south, enter the park gate and drive about 1 mile uphill to the last parking lot at the road’s end.
This trip is limited to 12 participants. Register HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-hike-at-black-diamond-mines-tickets-1983196862201
(Photo of Canyon Wren by Vicky Atkinson)

MDBA Field Trip -- Del Puerto Canyon
2026-04-21 09:00 - 15:00 | Del Puerto Canyon Rd & Diablo Grande Pkwy, Del Puerto Canyon Rd, Patterson, CA, 95363, United States
We’ll drive along Del Puerto Canyon, on the east side of the Diablo Range, looking for Canyon Wren, Costa’ s Hummingbird, Greater Roadrunner, and other special birds. 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: 1 – This is mostly a car trip, with several easy walks.
Leader: Steve Buffi (925) 200-4555
Carpools should plan to leave at 7:30 AM from Sycamore Valley Road Park and Ride. OR, meet on Del Puerto Canyon Road west of I-5 at 9 AM at the Patterson Exit (Diablo Grande Parkway and Sperry Road) off I-5 (56 miles from Sycamore Valley Road). Take I-580 east to I-5 south.
We’re usually home for dinner.
There is no capacity limit on this trip. Carpooling is strongly recommended. We usually meet at Sycamore Valley Road.
Register HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-del-puerto-canyon-tickets-1983169624733
(Western Kingbird photo by Isaac Aronow)

MDBA Field Trip -- Lagoon Valley & Pena Adobe
2026-04-23 09:00 - 13:30 | Peña Adobe Regional Park, 4699 Peña Adobe Rd., Vacaville, CA, 95687
We 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 will drive to Lagoon Valley Park. There is a $5 parking fee here, and note the kiosk only takes either exact cash—no change given!—or debit/credit card. Birds seen at Lagoon Valley have included Western Bluebird, Cliff Swallow, Bullock’s Oriole and Western Kingbird. If the lake level is low, there is a good chance for Wilson’s Snipe and Greater Yellow-legs. Bufflehead and American Wigeon are often among the waterbirds on the lake.
Trail Rating: 1 – Easy. Mostly level paths.
Leader: Mona Lange, 510-414-2959
Meet: Pena Adobe Park, off I-80 between Fairfeld and Vacaville.
Directions: Take 680 to 80 East towards Sacramento. Take Exit 51B, Pena Adobe Road.
DO NOT take the Lagoon Valley Road exit. After the stop sign, proceed straight veering to the LEFT onto Pena Adobe Road. Meet at the restroom building. Address is 4699 Pena Adobe Road, Vacaville, CA.
This field trip is limited to 12 participants. Participants must acknowledge the MDBA Liability Waiver (available during registration). Register HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-lagoon-valley-tickets-1985234526911
(Photo of Brown Creeper by Mona Lange)

MDBA Field Trip -- Brannan Island & Delta Rookery
2026-05-01 08:30 - 12:30 | Brannan Island State Recreation Area, 17645 CA-160, Rio Vista, CA, 94571
We’ll start at the entrance to Brannan Island SRA, in the parking lot east side of Hwy 160. Pay the entrance fee at the station or by envelope if no one’s there, $10 or $9 for seniors. Note that most public libraries have a pass you can check out that allows free day use parking. Western Kingbird, Western Bluebird and Bullock’s Oriole have been seen there, plus raptors. Then we’ll drive to the site of a rookery where, in past years, several species of heron and egret have nested, along with cormorants. There are picnic tables from which you can enjoy the rookery while having a snack. This trip is good for beginners.
Hike Rating: 1, Easy. A few walks on level trails adding up to probably less than a mile.
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Mona Lange, 510-414-2959
Meet: Brannan Island State Recreation Area. GPS: 38.11017164265391, -121.6966400433512
Directions: Central Contra Cost take Hwy 4 towards Antioch. Where the highway forks take Hwy 160 north over the Antioch Bridge (toll). After crossing the bridge, continue about 7 miles to Brannan Island. The park entrance is on your right, 1/4 mile after crossing 3-Mile Slough. Meet at the parking lot, 200 yards east of Hwy 160.
This field trip is limited to 12 participants. Register HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-brannan-island-delta-rookery-tickets-1985233802745
(Image of Great Blue Heron by Warren Regelmann)

MDBA Field Trip -- West Briones Regional Park
2026-05-05 08:30 - 13:00 | Bear Creek Staging Area Briones, Bear Creek Staging Area, 16 Bear Creek Rd, Lafayette, CA, 94549, United States
A 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.
There’s a nice picnic area here so consider bringing lunch and staying a while. It might get warm before our walk is done, so bring sufficient water.
Leader: Cheryl Abel
Rating: Category 2–moderate hiking over dirt and gravel trails with mild slopes.
Elevation change: 200 feet
Meet: Bear Creek Staging Area parking lot
Directions: From SR 24 in Orinda, drive north on Camino Pablo about 2.25 miles, turn right on Bear Creek Road, continue for 4.5 miles to park entrance. Drive to farthest parking lot on the right.
This field trip is limited to 15 participants. Participants must acknowledge the MDBA Liability Waiver (available during registration). Register HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-west-briones-regional-park-tickets-1985181520367
(Lazuli Bunting photo by Jerry Britten)

MDBA Field Trip -- East Contra Costa County
2026-05-07 08:00 - 13:00 | Big Break Regional Shoreline, 69 Big Break Road, Oakley, CA, 94561, United States
Note: this itinerary is subject to change, as migrating birds arrive and opportunities appear. Watch the May Quail, and your email in the days before the outing, for possible updates.
We plan to meet at Big Break/Delta Science Center. After birding there we’ll drive to Marsh Creek Trail and, if time permits, Bethel Island. These locations are usually good for waterfowl, raptors and some passerines not easily found elsewhere in the county.
It may get hot by mid-day.
Hike Rating: 1-Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leaders: Randy Huey, 925-518-8439
Meet: Big Break parking lot in Oakley at 8 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.
This field trip is limited to 20 participants. Register HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-eastern-contra-costa-county-tickets-1985236060498
(Photo: Western Kingbird by Mona Lange)
