Grizzly Island provides habitat for more than 200 species of birds and is home to a variety of threatened or endangered wildlife and plants. Our trip will begin at the Refuge Headquarters and continue for about 7 ½ miles along Grizzly Island Road, which is unpaved and runs through the middle of the Wildlife Area. […]

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. 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: […]

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 […]

This 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: […]

This 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 […]

A 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: […]

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 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 […]

This 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 […]

As 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 […]