Mount Diablo Bird Alliance

Monthly Program: June 2022
2022-06-02 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Birding Information: Local Birds from MDAS Photo Contests
Krista Vossekuil, MDAS Education Chair
Krista Vossekuil will share some of the photos from the MDAS Photo Contests! Check out all the amazing entries and enjoy pictures of some of our incredible local birds.
Bullock’s Orioles, Morgan Territory, photo by Jerry Britten
Main Program:
Emperors of the Ice: Ecology and physiology of an iconic Antarctic predator, the emperor penguin
Dr. Gitte McDonald
Emperor penguins are the largest species of marine bird, and perhaps because of its size, it is able to fast longer, dive deeper, and endure harsher conditions than any other avian species. As a top predator in the Antarctic ecosystem, they have a significant top-down effect on prey. Additionally, as top predators, their survival and reproduction depends on the functioning of the entire food web.
Join Gitte McDonald as she talks about her research expeditions to the Ross Sea to study the ecology and physiology of emperor penguins. She will start off with an introduction on basic biology and ecology of emperor penguins before talking about current research on the behavioral and physiological adaptations that allow them to thrive in the Antarctic ecosystem. The talk will conclude with a discussion of current and future challenges.
As a physiological and behavioral ecologist, Dr. Gitte McDonald investigates adaptations that allow animals to survive in extreme environments. Marine mammals and birds provide an ideal study system to investigate how animals deal with extreme conditions because of their large size variation, geographic distribution and physiological challenges they face on a daily basis including hypoxia, extreme temperatures, and fasting. Understanding the mechanisms that allow an organism to interact and survive in its environment is crucial for predicting, and potentially mitigating, their response to climate change. Her research has provided opportunities to work with a broad range of species in a diversity of habitats from the Antarctic to the Galapagos.

Gitte McDonald, photo by Greg Marshall

MDAS Field Trip -- Outer Point Reyes
2022-06-04 08:30 - 15:00 | Bear Valley Visitor Center, 25RX+CV, Inverness, CA, 94956, United States
Outer Point Reyes
Saturday, June 4, 8:30 AM to 3 PM
Leaders: Hugh Harvey and Beth Branthaver
This is a trip to see some spring birds, and visit some of the migrant traps. We will stop at the lighthouse overlook and spend some time above the fish docks. Bring water and lunch.
Rating: Category 1 — some walking through grass under trees and on paved roads
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Hugh Harvey, 925-935-2979, Beth Branthaver, 510-502-4860
Meet: Bear Valley Visitor Center, Olema
Directions: From US 101 north of San Rafael, take Lucas Valley Road to Nicasio, at the reservoir turn left. Follow signs to Point Reyes Station, stop for coffee and pastries at the Bovine Bakery, then drive to Olema and the Visitor Center. From the Concord/Pleasant Hill area it may be advantageous to cross the top of the Bay on SR 37, exit at Atherton Avenue, turn left and cross US 101 to San Marin Drive. Turn right at the high school and drive about 6 miles to stop sign, turn left on Point Reyes-Petaluma Road for 7 miles to another stop sign. Turn right at the painted bridge, drive 3 miles to SR 1 and turn left into Point Reyes Station.
This field trip is limited to 10 participants. Register for this event HERE starting on 5/22. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(Western bluebird photo by Jerry Britten)

MDAS Field Trip -- Yuba Pass (2-day outing)
2022-06-11 07:00 - 2022-06-12 13:00 | Yuba Pass, Yuba Pass, Yuba Pass Road, Calpine, CA, 96124, United States
Yuba Pass
Saturday-Sunday, June 11-12, 7 AM Saturday to 1 PM Sunday
Leaders: Hugh and Rosita Harvey
This is always a productive and well-favored weekend trip to the northern Sierra which requires driving and walking, some of it over rough terrain. Saturday we will bird in the Sierra Valley for basin birds. Sunday we will be birding in the Yuba Pass area for mountain birds.
Rating: Category 2–Walking at high elevation
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Hugh and Rosita Harvey, 925-935-2979
Meet: Yuba Pass parking lot at top of Hwy 49
Directions: Yuba Pass is located at 6700 feet of elevation and a popular place to see many species of California’s mountain birds. It is north of Truckee on Hwy 49, between Sierraville and Sierra City. Saturday we will bird around the Sierra Valley, Sunday we will be in the mountains.
Campgrounds are closed except for possibly Sardine Lake. Hotels are: Sierra PInes Resort (530-862-1151), this is the largest accommodation in Sierra City; The Buttes Resort (530-862-1170); Bassetts Station (530-862-1297); Yuba River Inn (530-862-1122). Best to make reservations early.
This field trip will be limited to 15 participants. Register for this event HERE starting on 4/24. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(Cassin’s Finch photo by Jerry Britten)

13th Annual Martinez Beaver Festival
2022-06-25 11:00 - 16:00 | Susana Park, Estudillo St. & Susana St., Martinez, CA, 94553
Come show your support for urban beavers and visit the Mt. Diablo Audubon Society booth and other favorite nature organizations at the 13th annual Martinez Beaver Festival.

MDAS Field Trip -- Bodega Bay
2022-08-20 09:00 - 15:00 | Tides Restaurant Bodega Bay, 835Bay Highway, Bodega Bay, CA, 94923, United States
Bodega Bay
Saturday, August 20, 9 AM to 3 PM
Leader: Hugh Harvey, 925-935-2979

The last trip of our field trip calendar, but sometimes considered the first trip for fall birding. At Bodega Bay are flocks of shorebirds including Black Oystercatcher, Wandering Tattler, Marbled Godwit, as well as tern, gulls, cormorants, near-shore pelagics and more. Bring liquids, lunch and sunscreen.
Rating: Category 1–moderate walking
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Hugh Harvey, 925-935-2979
Meet: The Tides Restaurant
Directions: From Concord/Pleasant Hill, take I-680 across the Benicia Bridge, go west on I-780 to Vallejo, then I-80 toward Sacramento. Exit to SR 37, then drive about 15 miles to Lakeville Road. In Petaluma, tur left on E. Washington Street and continue on bodega Road, Valley Ford Road and SR 1 to Bodega Bay. Walk through or around The Tides Restaurant to find the group. Bring lunch, liquids and sunscreen.
This field trip is not limited to participants. Register for this event HERE starting on 5/22. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).

MDAS Field Trip — Jewel Lake
2022-09-01 07:30 - 11:30 | Jewel Lake, Tilden Nature Area, California, 600 Canon Dr, Berkeley, CA 94708, Berkeley, CA, 94708, United States
Jewel Lake, Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley
Thursday September 1, 7:30am – 11:30am
A short walk along Wildcat Creek and around Jewel Lake in Tilden Park. Possible highlights include fall warblers, Red-breasted and Pygmy Nuthatch, Pacific Wren, and maybe an early Varied Thrush.
Hike Rating: Category 1 – Easy
Elevation change: slight
Leader: Matt Tarlach, 925-482-6129
Meet: Parking lot at Tilden Nature Area
GPS: 37.908534, -122.264268
Directions: Highway 24 to Fish Ranch Road.
Go up the hill 0.7mi and turn Right on Grizzly Peak Blvd.
Follow Grizzly Peak for 4.1mi; turn Right on Muir in 100 yards turn Left on Park Hills.
Watch for signs to “Little Farm” which is near the meeting point.
Continue 0.3 miles, then turn Left on Central Park Rd.
Continue about 1 mile to the meeting point.
This hike is limited to 20 participants. Register for this event HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/392114463917
All field trips require registration and may have a limit on the total number of participants. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(Wilson’s Warbler photo by Maren Smith)

Monthly Program: September 2022
2022-09-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Lakeside Room of the Heather Farm Community Center at Heather Farm, 301 N. San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Birding Information: Eagle Scout Nest Box Projects
Georgette Howington, Nest box monitor for the California Bluebird Recovery Program
Georgette Howington will introduce several Eagle Scouts who completed Nest Box and other projects to help birds and wildlife in our community. Be inspired by their hard work and ingenuity!
Main Program:
A Gallop Through the Galapagos
Wayne Narr
The Galapagos Islands sit in isolation more than 1000 km west of northern South America. This small, remote archipelago has had a strong impact on us as observers of nature. Its fauna provided a key to our understanding of biological evolution thanks to the islands’ isolation and the efforts of many scientists, including Charles Darwin during his visit on the HMS Beagle. Wayne Narr will review the tectonics that shaped the island’s presence and briefly discuss how the geology set the stage for our understanding of organic evolution. Then we will discuss Mr. Darwin. Finally, we’ll enjoy many images that show the splendor of some of the engaging and lovely animals (mainly birds) that comprise the Galapagos Island’s ecosystem and the beautiful landscapes they inhabit. The animals really do tolerate close encounters with humans.
Wayne Narr is a photography enthusiast, a novice bird-watcher, and a geologist with PhD, MS, and BS degrees in geology. He retired from a long career with Chevron where he did oil exploration, geological research, and technical consulting. He lives with his wife, Sandy – a retired elementary school teacher – in Danville, where they’ve been members of MDAS for five years.

Cactus on basalt, photo by Wayne Narr

Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge
2022-09-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, 2683+CH, Antioch, CA
Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge–Docent-led public tour
Saturday, September 10, 10 AM to 11 AM
MDAS Coordinator: Hugh Harvey

Antioch Dunes is the only unit of the National Wildlife Refuge system in Contra Costa County. It was set aside for two plants and a butterfly; Contra Costa Wallflower, Antioch Dunes Evening Primrose and Lang’s Metalmark Butterfly. The refuge is in two properties. The second Saturday of every month a docent leads the public around the Stamm Unit.
Learn history of the refuge, see some of the biology and walk on access roads around the dunes during a one-hour walk, sometimes a little longer.
Rating: Category 2–walking on dirt/sandy roads in warm weather, no shade
Elevation change: N/A
MDAS Coordinator: Hugh Harvey, 925-935-2979
Meet: Antioch Dunes gate, Fulton Shipyard Road
Directions: From CA 4 exit at A Street in Antioch, drive north about a mile to Wilbur Avenue, then turn right. Drive about 1/2 mile and turn left onto Fulton Shipyard Road. Cross the railroad tracks and look for the gate on the right. Bring water.
No registration necessary, and no limit on participants. For more info, visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/antioch-dunes.

MDAS Field Trip — Vaux's Swifts at McNear Brickyard
2022-09-15 17:00 | McNear Brickyard, 1 McNear Brickyard Rd., San Rafael, CA, 94901
Vaux’s Swifts at McNear Brickyard
Thursday, September 15, 5 PM to dark
Leader: Hugh and Rosita Harvey, 925-935-2979
Every fall when Vaux’s Swifts fly to Central and northern South America, they pass through the Bay Area and take advantage of chimneys for evening roosts. Two well-known locations are in Healdsburg and San Rafael. Due to its proximity, the MDAS trip this year will visit McNear Brickyard in San Rafael. This is our first trip to this site. We may easily see more than 10,000 swifts enter a tall brick chimney.
Rating: Category 1 — short walk and sitting
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Hugh and Rosita Harvey, 925-935-2979
Meet: McNear Brickyard in San Rafael
Directions: Drive to San Rafael and exit Hwy 101 at 3rd Street near the downtown area when driving north–4th street when driving south. Turn east onto 3rd Street which becomes Point San Pedro Road. Drive about 5-1/2 miles and look for the entry road to McNear Brickyard. Turn right and park on the side of the road before the closed gate.
We shall arrive while it is still light, then watch the Swifts circle before they enter the chimney. Bring a lawn chair and take-out dinner. We shall eat while waiting for the big show. Call leaders for exact details.
This field trip is limited to 13 participants. Register for this event HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/401539735157/
Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(Vaux’s Swifts photo by Maren Smith)

MDAS Field Trip — Frank’s Dump
2022-09-17 14:30 - 17:30 | Hayward Regional Shoreline, 3010 W. Winton Ave, Hayward, CA, 94545, United States
Hayward Regional Shoreline – Frank’s Dump
Saturday September 17, 2:30pm – 5:30pm
We will meet at the very end of Winton Ave, walk out to the Bay Trail and head north. We should arrive at Frank’s Dump – a major high tide roost for shorebirds – when the tide has been coming in for about 4 hours, and with the afternoon sun at our backs for good viewing. We’ll walk about 3 miles on flat, unpaved trails.
Birders of all levels welcome!
Hike Rating: Category 2 – Easy paths, with 3 miles round trip distance
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Maureen Lahiff, 510-484-6529
Meet: Hayward Regional Shoreline, parking lot at end of Winton Ave.
https://goo.gl/maps/HLVbFgiD6nKHW1Bj9
Directions: From I-880, take exit 28 for Winton Avenue and drive west all the way to the end of Winton and into the Hayward Shoreline area. At the EB Parks sign at the end of the road, turn to the right to the parking area near the restroom and the gate across the trail. (If that lot is full, drive back to park along the road.)
Bring water and snacks. There is no shade on the trail, so bring appropriate clothing and sunscreen. There is a pit toilet at the Winton Ave lot.
This hike is limited to 25 participants. Register for this event HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/392821057357
All field trips require registration and may have a limit on the total number of participants. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).

MDAS Field Trip — Birding by Bike at Clifton Court Forebay
2022-09-24 07:30 - 13:30 | Clifton Court Forebay, Clifton Court Rd., Discovery Bay, CA, 94505
Birding by Bike at Clifton Court Forebay
Saturday September 24, 2022, 7:30am-1:30pm
Have a bicycle, e-bike or scooter, and like to bird? Join MDAS 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. Participant must be able to transport their own
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. Bring layers, sunscreen, water and a snack or lunch for when we get back to the cars.
Hike Rating: N/A. Bicycle/scooter trip
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Jerry Britten
Meet: Parking lot at the end of Clifton Court Road
GPS: 37.8378308046695, -121.59322207166935
Directions: From highway J4 approximately 2 miles southeast of Byron, turn left on Clifton Court road and drive out to the end.
This trip is limited to 15 participants. Register for this event HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-by-bike-at-clifton-court-forebay-tickets-401666444147
(Photo by Jerry Britten)

MDAS Field Trip — Outer Point Reyes
2022-10-01 08:30 - 13:30 | Bear Valley Visitor Center, 25RX+CV, Inverness, CA, 94956, United States
Outer Point Reyes, Marin coast
Saturday October 1, 8:30am – 1pm
The Outer Point Reyes area is a wonderful place to find fall migrants, many of them Eastern passerine vagrants. Warblers spotted here have included Blackburnian, Blackpoll, Chestnut-sided, Connecticut, Black-and-white, Magnolia, Prothonotary, Yellow-throated, and Black-throated Blue. We have seen Yellow-green, Red-eyed and White-eyed Vireos, Orchard Orioles, Ovenbirds, American Redstarts, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Peregrine Falcons, and Broad-winged Hawks. In the water we usually have Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Cormorants, and Loons. The chance to see migrants is very much dependent on the weather; the absence of winds from the northwest and an overcast night sky will help trap these land birds at the Outer Point.
Meet at 8:30 am at Bear Valley Visitor Center in Olema. Weather is unpredictable, bring layers and be prepared for damp wind. Gale cancels. Bring lunch and liquids.
Hike Rating: Category 2 – Moderate
Elevation change: Minor
Leader: Matt Tarlach (925-482-6129), Tracy Farrington
Meet: Bear Valley Visitor Center, Olema
GPS: 38.04015134873366, -122.79957253617275
Directions: After crossing the San Rafael Bridge, go north on 101 to Lucas Valley Road. Drive toward Nicasio.
After passing the town, turn left on Point Reyes-Petaluma Road for 3 miles to another stop sign.
Turn right across the bridge, go 3 miles to SR 1.
Turn left into Point Reyes Station. Some enjoy stopping at the Bovine Bakery for coffee and pastries.
Continue out of town towards Olema, then turn right onto Bear Valley Road. The Visitor Center is off Bear Valley.
This hike is limited to 15 participants. Register for this event HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/outer-point-reyes-tickets-401672642687
All field trips require registration and may have a limit on the total number of participants. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).

MDAS Field Trip — Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary
2022-10-05 09:00 - 13:00 | Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Shore Line Drive, Broadway, Alameda, CA, 94501, United States
Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Alameda
Wednesday October 5, 9am – 1pm

A visit to the Alameda shoreline as the tide rises should produce good views of shorebirds. A viewing platform and trails will give us excellent opportunities to study these birds at close range. We may drive to other nearby locations for additional birding.
Hike Rating: Category 1 – Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Hugh Harvey, (925) 935-2979
Meet: Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Broadway and Shoreline, Alameda, CA 94501
GPS: 37.753096130035445, -122.24728246225817
Directions: From Hwy 880 take exit 39A.
After exiting, turn right on Fruitvale Ave.
Take Fruitvale over the bridge into Alameda
Turn left on Broadway, and continue through Alameda to Shore Line Drive. Consider parking along Broadway just before the intersection.
Meet at the observation deck off of Shore Line Drive.
This trip is limited to 15 participants. Register for this event HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elsie-roemer-bird-sanctuary-tickets-392120090747
All field trips require registration and may have a limit on the total number of participants. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).

(Long-billed Curlew photo by Rosita Harvey)

Monthly Program: October 2022
2022-10-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom, CA, United States
Birding Information: MDAS President Jerry Britten will present highlights of his summer Alaskan birding trip to the High Arctic Tundra and the Anchorage area.
Main Program:
Gardening for Birds with California Native Plants
Eddie Bartley and Noreen Weeden
You can have a beautiful native plant garden that attracts amazing birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Learn about the benefits of local, native plants and some of the wonderful birds that are drawn to this place and to these plants. We will discuss what migrating and resident birds need and how to provide what the birds are seeking.
While there are hundreds of bird species that have been observed in Contra Costa County, learn which native plants attract which bird species and why they are attracted to them. This presentation will cover what to think about in designing your backyard and when to plant. This will inspire you to have an awesome variety of native plants for birds. Golden Gate Audubon and the California Native Plant Society have partnered on Plants for Birds which promotes several local native plants that attract local birds and are available at local nurseries. The Plants for Birds program is all about local and each year more plants are added so that you can grow your garden while increasing biodiversity.
Eddie Bartley and Noreen Weeden are both active volunteers with the Golden Gate Audubon Society, California Native Plant Society (CNPS), and with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory.
Eddie is President of the Yerba Buena chapter of CNPS and the Farallones Islands Foundation. He is an avian researcher and instructor for the California Academy of Sciences and Golden Gate Audubon. Noreen Weeden was formerly Volunteer Director with Golden Gate Audubon and managed a habitat restoration project. She is on the board of Yerba Buena CNPS. Both Eddie and Noreen regularly lead natural history field trips. They can often be found in California’s natural areas birding, removing weeds and tending native plants.

Lazuli Bunting, photo by Eddie Bartley and Noreen Weeden
Webinar Access Info:

Date:
Oct 6, 2022 7:00 PM Pacific Time

Time:
7:00 PM–8:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Location:
Zoom online meeting

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852 3019 7486

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MDAS/SMD Field Trip—Curry Canyon
2022-10-08 08:00 - 12:00 | Curry Canyon Ranch
Mount Diablo Audubon Society and Save Mount Diablo are partnering up for a hike on Save Mount Diablo’s gorgeous Curry Canyon Ranch. This portion of Curry Canyon Ranch showcases beautiful rangeland ecosystems and valley oak and riparian habitat. We’ll be looking for fall migrants, arriving wintering birds, and raptors. You might even see a golden eagle or two! This is a chance to get to know the east side of Mount Diablo, a side that’s not normally open to the public. You’ll pass a beautiful valley with rolling hills as you walk along the creek, then transition into riparian habitat, where sun hardly breaks through the canopy of the trees.
Be sure to dress in layers and wear sturdy boots or shoes; bring a mask, plenty of water, binoculars (if you have them) sunscreen, and a snack.
Land: Save Mount Diablo
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 4-5 miles
Elevation change: 200’
Leader: Jerry Britten, Save Mount Diablo Hike Leader
Meet: Address Provided After Registration
Register for this field trip HERE, beginning August 8th at 10am. This field trip is limited to 20 participants.
Photo: Hermit Thrush by Jerry Britten

MDAS Field Trip — Five Brooks & Bear Valley
2022-10-15 09:00 - 13:00 | Five Brooks Trailhead, 8001 California 1, Bolinas, CA, 94924, United States
Five Brooks/Bear Valley, West Marin County
Saturday October 15, 9:00am – 1pm

This trip visits two inland areas near Point Reyes, environments of trees and meadows that are miles from the windswept dunes. Five Brooks is a reliable location for California Quail. All sorts of interesting birds show up around the pond at Five Brooks: Wood Ducks, Wilson’s Snipe, a Merlin hawking dragonflies. Some years there are good numbers of Varied Thrush at Bear Valley.Weather is unpredictable, so dress in layers. Bring water and trail snacks.
Hike Rating: Category 2 – Moderate. Walking on mostly level trails, about a mile at each site.
Elevation change: Minor
Leader: Maureen Lahiff, 510.484.6529, MLahiff@aol.com
Meet: Five Brooks Trailhead, which is about 4 miles south of the intersection of Sir Francis Drake Blvd and California Highway 1 in Olema.
GPS: 37.9974, -122.7579

This hike is limited to 20 participants. All field trips require registration and may have a limit on the total number of participants. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration). Register for this event HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/five-brooks-bear-valley-tickets-419665329297
Directions: After crossing the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, take Hwy 101 north to Lucas Valley Road. Take Lucas Valley Road west about 10 miles until it ends at Nicasio Valley Road. Turn right, go through Nicasio, and turn left at the T-intersection with Point Reyes-Petaluma Road. In about 3 miles, you will come to the intersection with the gaily painted Platform Bridge. Continue straight; when the road ends at Sir Francis Drake Blvd, turn right. At the flashing stop light in Olema, turn left on Hwy 1. In about 4 miles, turn right on the gravel road to Five Brooks Trailhead. Drive all the way to the end, curving around to the right. (This route is about 5 miles longer than taking Sir Francis Drake all the way, but can actually take less time.)

There are park-style pit toilets at Five Brooks and full-service restrooms at Bear Valley Visitor Center, about 5 miles away.
(Varied Thrush photo by Isaac Aronow)

Monthly Program: November 2022
2022-11-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom, CA, United States
Birding Information: Mt. Diablo Audubon Society is way ahead of a lot of other bird conservation groups. We help birds where they live year round, not just where we see them around Diablo. Many of California’s birds are migratory, and spend half the year south of the border. We financially support conservation groups in Latin America where birds winter, but also where the species and habitats are much more numerous and diverse than around here. Juan Pablo Galván Martínez, our Conservation Chair, will share information about these special places and the groups we support, and what a difference we’ve made in the lives of both birds and people in the biodiversity hotspots far to the south.
Main Program:
The Secret Perfume of Birds
Danielle Whittaker
Smell has been called the most ancient sense, yet the myth that birds have no sense of smell has persisted for nearly 200 years. Behavioral, genomic, and neurobiological work has demonstrated that, like other animals, birds can use smell to navigate, find food, avoid predators, and even communicate with each other. The primary source of odors in most birds is preen oil, a substance secreted by the uropygial gland and used by birds in grooming and maintaining their feathers. The compounds that make up these odors provide important information about a bird’s identity, health, breeding status, aggressiveness, and more. By smelling odors from this oil, birds can recognize and assess potential mates and rivals. Dr. Danielle J Whittaker will discuss her research on dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis), a widespread North American sparrow, investigating how these odors are produced, what they communicate, and how they relate to bird behavior. Additionally, she will draw connections to our understanding of the human sense of smell, which has similarly been underestimated.
Dr. Whittaker is the author of The Secret Perfume of Birds, published by Johns Hopkins University Press in 2022. Whittaker is an evolutionary biologist who has studied chemical communication in songbirds for over a decade. Formerly the Managing Director of the BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action at Michigan State University, she is now the Managing Director of the COLDEX Center for Oldest Ice Exploration at Oregon State University, where she is learning about Antarctic ice cores and the study of paleoclimate.

Danielle Whittaker. Photo by Nicole Cottom.
Webinar Access Info:

Date:
November 3, 2022 7:00 PM Pacific Time

Time:
7:00 PM–8:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Location:
Zoom online meeting

Access:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82788395928?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID:
827 8839 5928

Passcode:
[REDACTED]

Phone access:
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MDAS Field Trip — Palo Alto Baylands/Charleston Slough
2022-11-05 08:30 - 14:00 | Terminal Boulevard, Terminal Boulevard, Mountain View, CA, United States
Palo Alto Baylands/Charleston Slough
Saturday November 5, 8:30am – 2pm
We see a variety of birds on the water on this trip. Locations might include Charleston Slough, Shoreline Lake, Palo Alto Baylands, Alviso and Redwood Shores.
Hike Rating: Category 2 – Moderate. We do some walking, 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.
This hike is limited to 15 participants. All field trips require registration and may have a limit on the total number of participants. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration). Register for this event HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/palo-alto-baylandscharleston-slough-tickets-421084173097
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 to Palo Alto Baylands is on left. There is a bathroom at the entrance. Drive time is about one hour/ 5 minutes from Walnut Creek/Danville.
Bring lunch!
(American Avocets photo by Maren Smith)

MDAS Field Trip — Shadow Cliffs Regional Park
2022-11-15 08:15 - 12:00 | Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, 2500 Stanley Blvd, Pleasanton, CA, 94566, United States
Shadow Cliffs Regional Park
Tuesday, November 15, 8:15am – Noon
Expect to see a good variety of different birds. In years past Bald Eagles, Osprey, Herons, Kingfishers, various ducks; Owls, Hawks, Grackle and many smaller birds have all been seen here.
Hike rating: 1 – Easy
Elevation change: Minor
Leader: Steve Taylor, 925-828-8810
Meet: at the park at 8:15am, in the parking lot to the left side after passing the Kiosk. There is an entrance fee, currently $6, or you can use your East Bay Regional Park pass.
This hike is limited to 20 participants. All field trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration). Register for this event HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shadow-cliffs-regional-park-tickets-421091093797
Directions: To reach Shadow Cliffs drive South on Highway 680 and then East on Highway 580. Take the Santa Rita Exit and go right. Drive about a mile South to Valley Ave.. make a left on Valley Ave and in less than a half mile make a left on Stanley The park entrance will be on your right about a mile on Stanley.
(Red-breasted Sapsucker photo by Isaac Aronow)

MDAS Field Trip -- MVSD - McNabney & Moorhen Marshes
2022-11-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Mountain View Sanitary District, 3800 Arthur Rd, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
MVSD – McNabney and Moorhen Marshes
Tuesday, November 22, 9am – Noon
We expect to see a variety of water birds here, from grebes and ducks to waders and peeps. Marsh passerines and raptors might also be present.
Hike Rating: 2 – Moderate. Almost entirely flat, but over half a mile of walking around the ponds.
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Randy Huey, please call to confirm: 925-518-8439
Meet: Meet at Mt. View Sanitary Visitor Center at 9:00 AM
This hike is limited to 15 participants. All field trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration). Registration at this link, beginning two weeks before and closing two nights before the trip:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mt-view-sanitarymcnabney-marsh-tickets-440164603177
Directions: Exit from I-680 southbound at Arthur Road, turn left and go under the freeway. Exit I-680 northbound at Pacheco Blvd, turn right onto Arthur Road and go under the freeway. Arthur Road will turn left. At .4 miles turn sharp left onto Mt. View Sanitary’s private road. Follow the road through the entry gate, alongside the freeway and through the tunnel under I-680. Park and sign-in at the Visitor Center.

Exit from I-680 southbound at Arthur Road, turn left and go under the freeway. Exit I-680 northbound at Pacheco Blvd, turn right onto Arthur Road and go under the freeway. Arthur Road will turn left. At .4 miles turn sharp left onto Mt. View Sanitary’s private road. Follow the road through the entry gate, alongside the freeway and through the tunnel under I-680. Park and sign-in at the Visitor Center.
(Snowy Egret photo by Beth Branthaver)

Monthly Program: December 2022
2022-12-01 19:00 - 21:00 | McHale Room of the Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, 94523, United States
Birding Information: The Race to Bring Northern White Rhinos Back from the Brink of Extinction
Jill Hedgecock
Northern white rhinos were deemed functionally extinct in March 2018 after the death of Sudan, the last male rhino. Currently, only two females remain on the planet. Jill Hedgecock will describe science’s innovative solution to hopefully save the species.
Jill Hedgecock has long-standing roots with MDAS, serving as the International Conservation Coordinator in the early 1990s. She has a master’s degree in Environmental Management from USF and has written two rhino-inspired suspense novels to promote awareness about the plight of rhinos.
Main Program:
Harmonizing Bird Conservation with Food Production in Farming Landscapes
Daniel Karp
A critical challenge for this century is transitioning towards sustainable farming systems that simultaneously produce food and conserve wildlife. Yet conservation scientists and practitioners have traditionally fixated on protected areas and overlooked opportunities for conserving wildlife alongside us in working landscapes. Dr. Daniel Karp uses ecological research to develop strategies for co-managing agriculture for bird conservation, crop production, and food-safety outcomes, both in the tropics and here in California. For this talk, Daniel will first discuss how climate change and habitat conversion are affecting tropical bird communities, and how shifts in farming practices may mitigate their combined impacts. Then, Daniel will shift his focus to California agricultural systems, where birds play multiple roles on farms, not only consuming crops and spreading foodborne diseases, but also consuming crop pests. Daniel will outline his lab’s work striving to find ways to manage California birds and take advantage of the benefits they can provide farmers, while minimizing harms to food production.
Daniel Karp is an associate professor in the Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology at UC Davis. Daniel completed his Ph.D. in 2013 and undergraduate studies in 2009 at Stanford University’s Department of Biology. Following his graduate studies, Daniel became an inaugural NatureNet postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Berkeley and the Nature Conservancy. He then received a Killam Postdoctoral Fellowship to conduct research at The University of British Colombia, before beginning his position at UC Davis in 2017.

MDAS Field Trip — Sacramento & Colusa National Wildlife Refuges
2022-12-03 08:15 - 17:00 | Sacramento/Colusa National Wildlife Refuges, Dunnigan Northbound Rest Area I-5 North of Dunnigan, Dunnigan, 95695, United States
Sacramento & Colusa National Wildlife Refuges
Saturday, December 3, 8:15 AM-5 PM
Sacramento and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges are premier locations to see massive flocks of Snow and White-fronted Geese and tons of other waterfowl, raptors and other birds. They are must-see annual winter destinations. We will drive the auto tour routes and stop at the viewing platforms at both of these refuges, and visit a couple of other nearby locations.
Rating: Category 1-Easy
Distance: Little walking, but plenty of driving, 250-300 miles.
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Jerry Britten, 925-321-5332
Meet: North Dunnigan rest area on I-5 at 8:15 AM
Directions: Go north on I-680, cross the Benica Bridge (toll), merge onto I-80 East at Cordelia. At Vacaville, merge onto I-505 North, follow for 34 miles and merge onto I-5 North just south of Dunnigan. Continue past the town to the rest stop. This is an all day trip and we will not be home until after dark.
This trip is limited to 15 participants. Registration at this link, beginning two weeks before and closing two nights before the trip:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sacramentocolusa-national-wildlife-refuges-tickets-440165204977
Photo: Peregrine Falcon at Sacramento NWR by Jerry Britten.

A Day with Richard Crossley
2022-12-04 | Wild Birds Unlimited, Pleasant Hill, 692 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA, 94523, United States
A DAY WITH RICHARD CROSSLEY
Wild Birds Unlimited of Pleasant Hill is pleased to present, A Day with Richard Crossley on Sunday, December 4, 2022. Please join us at the store for either a “Learning to Look – A Field Exercise” and/or the “Past, Present and Future” talk and book signing. Richard Crossley is an internationally acclaimed birder, photographer and award-winning author of “The Crossley ID Guide” series.
THESE ARE FREE EVENTS BUT RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Please email the store at wbursvp@gmail.com to RSVP for the following events:
Learning to Look – A Field Exercise
@ Wild Birds Unlimited
692 Contra Costa Blvd.
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Program times:
8:00am – 10:00am
10:30am – 12:00pm
Program Description: You will enjoy an intimate setting connecting with nature. You will learn to look like the experts do with Richard. This program focuses on how to understand and interpret what you are seeing, observe interesting behaviors and discover identification tricks of the birding trade!
Past, Present and Future
@ Wild Birds Unlimited
692 Contra Costa Blvd.
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Program time:
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Program Description: Tales of lessons learned while growing up in the wild British birding scene, from travels around the world, to living in Japan and settling down in his birding utopia, Cape May, NJ. It will be a fast-paced story told in a Yorkshire brogue, through a camera lens that loves color and art, but with a strong point of view.
With humor and depth Richard will also highlight the thoughts behind the revolutionary ‘The Crossley ID Guide’ series to self-publishing his latest guide on Western Birds. He also talks about the positive impact of birds on people through Ornitherapy: For your Mind, Body and Soul (co-authored with Holy Merker, Sophie Crossley).
Come and listen to Richard’s optimistic outlook for birding, lifestyles and conservation. It’s sure to change the way you think!
Richard will have all of his books available for sale during the programs.

RICHARD CROSSLEY BIO
Richard Crossley is an internationally acclaimed birder, photographer and award-
winning author of ‘The Crossley ID Guide’ series. Born in Yorkshire, he also lived in
Japan, and birded worldwide before settling down in the USA.
After one of his frequent mid-life crises at the turn of the millennium, Richard decided it
was time to spend less time obsessively birding and to focus on paying it forward.
Sometimes called crazy (his badge of honor), wildly passionate, and driven, Richard’s
focus is youth birding, and connecting people to a fuller appreciation and understanding
of nature.
Richard’s recently published books The Crossley ID Guide: Western Birds, The
Crossley ID Guide: Waterfowl, and Ornitherapy April 2021. These books continue to
connect us all to nature with a stronger appreciation and understanding of our
surroundings, including their many health benefits. Self-published, these new guides
encourages all outdoor conservation groups to view each other as one.
Richard also co-founded the global birding initiative Pledge to Fledge, Race4Birds and
The Cape May Young Birders Club. He served on the board of directors at Hawk
Mountain Sanctuary. He has contributed to most major birding publications, is frequently
heard on radio, and is a sought-after public speaker.

MDAS Field Trip — The Sandhill Cranes of Staten Island, plus Cosumnes Preserve
2022-12-06 09:00 - 13:00 | Walnut Grove Elementary School, 14181 Grove Street, Walnut Grove, CA, 95690, United States
NEW TRIP!
The Sandhill Cranes of Staten Island, plus Cosumnes Preserve
Tuesday, December 6th, 9 AM-1 PM
Staten Island is an excellent area to see Sandhill Cranes, and Cosumnes Preserve provides habitat for more than 200 species of birds. We will meet and coordinate cars at the Walnut Grove Elementary School. From there, our trip will begin with a drive along Staten Island Road, primarily to view the migrating Sandhill Cranes. Next we will drive to the Cosumnes Wildlife Preserve for a walk along the several trails throughout the Preserve. Some things you may need for our outing: binoculars, drinking water, sun block, insect repellent, warm jacket, and appropriate footwear. Also, bring lunch and drinks.
Hike Rating: Category 1-Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Randy Huey, 925-518-8439
Meet: Walnut Grove Elementary School, 14181 Grove St, Walnut Grove, CA 95690
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5TGTQoAfja2ubauU9
Directions: From Central Contra Costa County, take I-680 N toward Sacramento. Keep right at the fork to continue on CA-242 N, follow signs for Concord/Pittsburg/State Route 242. Use the left 3 lanes to take the CA-4 E exit toward Stockton/Pittsburg. Take exit 30 for CA-160 toward Sacramento/Rio Vista. Continue straight onto Isleton Rd. Turn left to stay on Isleton Rd. Turn left onto River Rd. Turn right onto Depot Ln. Turn left onto Grove St. Turn right onto N South St. Arrive at Walnut Grove Elementary.
This trip is limited to 20 participants. Registration is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sandhill-cranes-of-staten-island-plus-cosumnes-preserve-tickets-467255542907
Photo: Sandhill Cranes at Staten Island by Paul Schorr.

MDAS Field Trip — American Canyon Wetlands
2022-12-08 08:00 - 12:00 | American Canyon Wetlands Edge Park, 2 Eucalyptus Drive, American Canyon, CA, 94503, United States
American Canyon Wetlands
Thursday, December 8, 8AM-Noon
A walk out to the wetlands, ponds and sloughs along the Napa River produces many exciting birding opportunities. We expect plenty of waterfowl, raptors, waders, shorebirds and passerines. It can be quite cold in this area, so bring appropriate warm layers. Availability of rest rooms is uncertain.
Rating: Category 2-Moderate
Distance: We may walk 2-3 miles depending on the route decided.
Elevation change: none
Leaders: Chris & Teri Wills: 925-408-5364
Meet: Meet at parking lot at the end of Eucalyptus Drive at 8 AM.
Directions: Go north on I-680 to Benicia, merge left onto I-780 west to Vallejo, exit to I-80 East, merge to Hwy 37 west (Exit 33). Exit at CA 29/Sonoma Blvd toward Napa. After 1.5 miles turn left on W American Canyon Road, at end turn right on Wetlands Edge Road. Turn left on Eucalyptus Drive and into parking lot.
This field trip is limited to 20 participants. Registration at this link, beginning two weeks before and closing two nights before the trip:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/american-canyon-wetlands-tickets-440179196827
Photo: Northern Harrier over the Napa River by Isaac Aronow.

2022 East Contra Costa Christmas Bird Count
2022-12-14 | CA
The 23rd Annual East-County count will be held Wednesday, December 14. Again, you can participate by being part of a group in the field, or by doing a count at your property if it is within the East-County Count Circle. If you’d like to participate, please send an email to mdaseasterncbc@gmail.com. The countdown event for this one is again virtual, at 7 PM on the count day and is open to all participants.

2022 Central Contra Costa Christmas Bird Count
2022-12-17 | CA
The 68th Annual Central Contra Costa Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for Saturday, December 17, and participants are needed! You can participate by being part of a group in the field, or by doing a count at your property if it is within the Central-County Count Circle. We have many routes to cover with varied habitats and varying degrees of walking involved, so there will be something suitable for everyone. If you’d like to help us find the birds on that day, please send an email to mdascentralcbc@gmail.com. The countdown event, where we get together to find out how many species were tallied, will again be held virtually this year at 7 PM on the same day and is open to all participants.

Monthly Program: January 2023
2023-01-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
Birding Information: Highlights Of The 2022 Christmas Bird Counts
Jerry Britten, MDAS President
Mt. Diablo Audubon Society President Jerry Britten will report highlights of the 2022 Christmas Bird Counts.
Main Program:
Highlights of a Career in Journalism
Joan Morris
Joan Morris will talk about the highs, lows, and crazy assignments she had during her 44-year career as a newspaper reporter and columnist — assignments that included a double homicide on her first day on the job, a mass shooting in Concord on her shift covering night cops, wading through ankle-deep water hours after a violent prison riot, to the landing of the shuttle in a New Mexico desert, launching a community garden, and the biggest challenge of all, taking over Gary Bogue’s column when he retired. Joan knew she wanted to write for newspapers in the 6th grade, when her essay on the life of a pack rat was chosen to be “published” and placed in the school library. Did it get any better than that? Yeah, it kind of did. Joan will talk about her career and how journalism changed over the years.
Joan Morris started her career in 1978 at the Artesia (N.M.) Daily Press after graduating from the University of New Mexico with a BA in journalism. She later became chief of bureau for the El Paso Times’ Alamogordo and then Las Cruces bureaus. She joined the staff of what was the Contra Costa Times in 1988, taking on a number of assignments including covering the death and dying beat. In 2006, Joan became the Home & Garden editor for the Times, and then as the paper was sold and merged with other newspapers, for the Oakland Tribune and San Jose Mercury News.
In 2012, Joan was asked to take over the pets and wildlife column, replacing Gary Bogue, who started the column 42 years earlier. Joan held that position until her retirement in mid-November 2022. She continues to write the column once a week for the East Bay Times and Mercury News. Joan lives in Brentwood.

Joan Morris
Photo: Bay Area News Group

Webinar Access Info:

Date:
January 5, 2023 7:00 PM Pacific Time

Time:
7:00 PM–8:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Location:
Zoom online meeting

Access:
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Meeting ID:
883 2745 6278

Passcode:
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Phone access:
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Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kes5ZROHtA

MDAS Field Trip — East Contra Costa County
2023-01-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Big Break Regional Shoreline, 69 Big Break Road, Oakley, CA, 94561, United States
East Contra Costa County
Wednesday, January 11, 9 AM – 1 PM
We will be birding at Big Break/Delta Science Center, Iron House Sanitary, and possibly other places in East Contra Costa. Usually good for waterfowl, raptors and some passerines. Dress warmly, bring lunch and drinks.
Rating: Category 1-Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Paul Schorr, 925-998-0070
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.
This field trip is limited to 12 participants. All trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDAS liability waiver, available during registration. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birds-of-east-contra-costa-county-tickets-467240889077
Photo: Pied-billed Grebe by Isaac Aronow

MDAS Field Trip — Lake Merritt and Arrowhead Marsh at High Tide
2023-01-21 08:30 - 13:00 | Lake Merritt, 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
Lake Merritt, and Arrowhead Marsh at High Tide
Saturday, January 21, 8:30am-1pm
We should find a good variety of wintering ducks and gulls at Lake Merritt, before driving to Arrowhead Marsh at around 9:45 AM. The rising tide should flush out rails that are usually hard to see. The area is also good for shorebirds, and more wintering ducks on the estuary. A visit to Garretson Point will finish our trip. Bring lunch and a beverage.
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 the park at Children’s Fairyland (fee possible) and follow around to the parking lot entrance on right between the boathouse and aviary.
This field trip is limited to 15 participants. All trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDAS liability waiver, available during registration. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lake-merritt-and-arrowhead-marsh-at-high-tide-tickets-465975093047
Photo: Barrow’s Goldeneye
