MDBA Field Trip -- Black Diamond Mines
2025-04-10 08:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, X45P+PP, Antioch, CA, 94565, United States
This trip includes a steep climb up a rocky 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! Footing can be tricky—be advised!
There is no guarantee on finding the wrens, but we will certainly see many other birds. California Thrasher, Rufous-crowned Sparrow and Phainopepla are often seen here though again, nothing is certain. At the worst we will share an adventure in a beautiful and historically interesting location. Be sure to bring enough water, and lunch.
Leader: Matt Tarlach, MDBAFieldtrips@gmail.com
Rating: Category 3, difficult uphill trail, potentially hot.
Elevation change: 600 feet, steep in places.
Meet: Black Diamond Mines parking lot at the top 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-1250808354459
(Photo of Canyon Wren by Vicky Atkinson)

MDBA Field Trip -- Mitchell Canyon
2025-04-17 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. Participants must acknowledge the MDBA Liability Waiver (available during registration).
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-mitchell-canyon-tickets-1292232354759
(Wilson’s Warbler photo by Jerry Britten)

MDBA Field Trip -- Del Puerto Canyon
2025-04-22 07:30 - 15:00 | Del Puerto Canyon Rd & Diablo Grande Pkwy, Del Puerto Canyon Rd, Patterson, CA, 95363, United States
As we drive along 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.
Trail Rating: 1 – This is mostly a car trip, with several easy walks.
Leader: Steve Buffi (925) 200-4555
Carpool/caravan leaves at 7:30 AM from Sycamore Valley Road Park and Ride lot.
OR, meet on Del Puerto Canyon Road at 9 AM, west of I-5 at 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.
Note that the Larry Combs Rest Area near Westley, our first stop in past years, is closed. If services are needed, try the Love’s Travel Stop in Patterson just off I-5. There are no other facilities on this trip until our lunch stop.
There is no limit on this trip. Carpooling from Sycamore Valley is recommended.
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-del-puerto-canyon-tickets-1292214812289
(Western Kingbird photo by Isaac Aronow)

MDBA Field Trip -- Mitchell Canyon II
2025-04-22 08:00 - 14:00 | 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.
Bring a lunch too, if you’d like to sit down and eat with the group at the end of the trip.
Trail Rating: Category 3. 3+ miles on a potentially hot, dusty trail. It is an out-and-back so anyone who gets too hot or tired can head back early.
Elevation change: close to 400 feet
Leader: Ted Robertson, 925-899-1872
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 10 participants.
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-mitchell-canyon-tickets-1295311584819

MDBA Field Trip -- Pine Canyon
2025-04-28 08:00 - 13:00 | Diablo Foothills Regional Park Trailhead Parking, 1700 Castle Rock Rd, Walnut Creek, 94598
This fieldtrip is good for birders of all levels, including beginners.
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. Warbling Vireos along with their cousins, the Cassin’s Vireo, nest within the canyon. While there are no guarantees in birding, we’ll hope to find Bullock’s Orioles, Western Flycatchers and House Wrens, and if we’re lucky, a Lazuli Bunting. Warblers often seen here include Yellow-rumped, Wilson’s, Orange-crowned, and Townsend’s. It’s migration season so we’ll be hoping for rare visitors, too!
Bring water and snacks, and lunch if you’d like to eat after the trip at one of the shady picnic tables in the park.
Trail Rating: Category 2–3. Mostly wide dirt trail with some short climbs. We’ll have to cross little Pine Creek several times—with no bridges. These crossings are not very treacherous but can be muddy, or a bit adventuresome, depending on recent rains.
Elevation change: 200 feet
Leader: Ted Robertson, 925-899-1872
Meet: Diablo Foothills Regional Park trailhead parking lot
Directions: From Ygnacio Valley Road, drive south on either Walnut Avenue or Oak Grove Road to the traffic circle. Continue south on Castle Rock Road, pass Northgate High School, then drive to the end of the road.
This field trip is limited to 18 participants. Participants must acknowledge the MDBA Liability Waiver (available during registration).
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-pine-canyon-tickets-1295319167499
(Townsend’s Warbler photo by Jerry Britten)

MDBA Field Trip -- Lagoon Valley & Pena Adobe
2025-04-30 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-1292279555939
(Photo of Brown Creeper by Mona Lange)

Monthly Program: May 2025
2025-05-01 19:00 - 20:30 | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
California Condors – Conservation and Return to Mount Diablo
Juan Pablo Galván Martínez

Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, May 1 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: California Condors
*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea
After a century, California condors have started to return to the Mount Diablo region. Why are condors so special? Why are they in trouble and what has been done to help them? What might the future of condors hold? Why is their return to Mount Diablo so exciting and what can you do to make it a reality? If you want to know the answers to these questions, this talk is for you!
Juan Pablo Galván Martínez is a professional conservationist who loves being able to have a career focused on studying, protecting and restoring wildlife and nature. Even before he graduated from UC San Diego with a BS in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, he was already engaged in bird research and conservation. Receiving an MS in Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology from the University of Maryland College Park increased his opportunities. When he is not working as the Senior Land Use Manager of Save Mount Diablo, he volunteers as the Conservation Chair of Mount Diablo Bird Alliance, hikes and birds the Mount Diablo region, contributes data as a certified California Naturalist, assists conservation efforts in Mexico and tries to apply what he’s learned as a certified California Climate Steward.
Condor flock at Pinnacles National Park. Two of the birds in this picture, the ones in the middle with numbers 12 and 86 on their tags, were among those who flew to the Mount Diablo foothills on August 18, 2024. Photo: Joseph Belli

MDBA Field Trip -- Putah Creek at Pedrick Road
2025-05-02 07:30 - 14:00 | Putah Creek Parking Lot, Putah Creek Parking Lot, Davis, CA, 95616
This delightful, fairly short stretch of Putah Creek (~3/4 miles), can be very productive during Spring migration. It’s a fairly easy walk through lovely riparian right down in the creek bed. And the occasional sandy stretch will often host several species of birds bathing in the shallows.
Expect to find a nice selection of warblers: Yellow, Black-throated Gray, Orange-crowned, Wilson’s, MacGillivray’s, Hermit, Townsend’s, and perhaps a Nashville. And, of course, Pacific Slope Flycatcher, Western Wood Pewee, Western Tanager, and keep an eye overhead for a Swainson’s Hawk. Vagrants pop up from time to time (I found a Tennessee Warbler a couple years ago), so don’t discount the prospect of a nice surprise.
Bring water and snacks. Facilities are limited to a porta-potty at the parking lot.
Trail Rating: Category 1, an easy walk.
Leader: Tracy Farrington. 925-788-6223
Meet: Putah Creek parking lot (description to follow)
Directions: Take 680 east, cross the Benicia bridge, remain to the right, and continue on 680 for ~14 miles to Cordelia where you will merge on to 80 east. Take 80 east about 27 miles to Pedrick Road. This will come up about a mile and a half past 113 south towards Dixon. Turn north (left) at Pedrick, drive about two miles, and just as you cross over Putah Creek, turn left on to a short dirt road and into the Putah Creek parking lot, where we’ll meet.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/putah-creek-at-pedrick-road-tickets-1322667697689

MDBA Field Trip -- A Sunset Bird Walk on the Martinez Shoreline
2025-05-04 19:00 - 20:30 | 87 N Court St, Martinez, CA 94553, 87 N Court St., Martinez, CA, 94553
For this trip, we’ll be taking a leisurely sunset walk around the lagoon and shoreline of Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park. This flat, unpaved trail meanders through a habitat mosaic of urban parkland, saltmarsh, and seashore. It’s a good outing for beginner birders to see a diverse mix of common northern California species at fairly close range.
We’ll be walking the trail during an incoming mid-tide, which hopefully will push some shorebird species and seagoing ducks closer to the trail. We’ll see! This is usually a good spot for Marsh Wren, Black-necked Stilt, and Black-crowned Night-Heron regardless of tidal condition.
Bathrooms, water fountains, and parking are plentiful, but it may be colder at the shoreline than it is inland. Dress in layers just in case.
Trail Rating: 1 – Easy. Mostly level paths, up to 1 mile walking
Leader: Elisa Fernandes-McDade (elisa.fernandesmcdade@gmail.com)
Meeting Point: 87 N Court St, Martinez, CA 94553. (The first parking lot on the right on N Court St.)
Directions: Take the I-680 north toward Sacramento. Take Exit 56, Waterfront Rd. toward Marina Vista Rd. Turn left onto Waterfront Rd. and continue onto Marina Vista Ave. Turn right onto Ferry St. Then, turn right onto Joe DiMaggio Dr. Then, turn left onto N Court St. The Meeting Point is the first big parking lot on the right.
This trip is limited to 12 participants.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunset-bird-walk-on-the-martinez-shoreline-tickets-1324625413269
(Photo of Black-crowned Night Heron by Warren Regelmann)

MDBA Field Trip -- West Briones Regional Park
2025-05-06 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.
Bring water and snacks. It might be warm by mid-day.
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 20 participants. Participants must acknowledge the MDBA Liability Waiver (available during registration).
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-west-briones-regional-park-tickets-1322668209219
(Lazuli Bunting photo by Jerry Britten)

MDBA Field Trip -- East Contra Costa County
2025-05-08 08:00 - 13:00 | Big Break Regional Shoreline, 69 Big Break Road, Oakley, CA, 94561, United States
We will 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. This trip is appropriate for birders of all experience levels.
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 right into Big Break Regional Shoreline/Delta Science Center, just past the last houses.
This field trip is limited to 20 participants.
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-eastern-contra-costa-county-tickets-1292294049289
(Photo: Western Kingbird by Mona Lange)

MDBA Field Trip -- Owl Prowl at Hidden Lakes
2025-05-21 20:00 - 21:30 | Hidden Lakes Park, Morello Ave & Chilpancingo Pkwy, Martinez, CA, 94553
An evening walk from Hidden Lakes to Hidden Valley Park and back, to look for owls. We’ll first hike to the eucalyptus grove Hidden Valley Park to try to catch Great Horned Owls dueting. As we make our way back to Hidden Lakes, we’ll keep our eyes and ears out for Barn Owls and other nighttime critters.
The trail is unpaved, dusty, narrow, and steep in a couple of places. Please wear hiking shoes and bring any other hiking equipment you may need.
It will be dark for the majority of the walk, so please bring a headlamp and/or flashlight to navigate, preferably one with red light settings that are easier on animals’ eyes. I have 1 extra red light flashlight.
Trail Rating: 2 – A few stretches of broken ground, or substantially over 1 mile on easy trails
Leader: Elisa Fernandes-McDade (elisa.fernandesmcdade@gmail.com)
Meeting Point: Hidden Lakes Park, Morello Ave & Chilpancingo Pkwy, Martinez, CA 94553.
Directions: Take the I-680 North toward Sacramento. Then, take Exit 52 to Burnett Ave toward Concord Ave. Continue onto Burnett Ave for 0.1 miles before turning left onto Diamond Blvd. Next, turn left onto Concord Ave and continue on Chilpancingo Parkway for 1.5 miles. Hidden Lakes Park will be on the right.
We’ll meet at the sand volleyball court near the playground next to the big soccer field.
This trip is limited to 10 participants. Most of our trips are open to the public but due to the late hour, this is a members-only event.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/owl-prowl-at-hidden-lakes-tickets-1324638743139

MDBA Field Trip -- Outer Point Reyes
2025-05-31 08:30 - 15:00 | Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center, 1 Drake Beach Rd, Inverness, CA, 94937, United States
Point Reyes is one of the premiere birding locations in Northern California, a great spot to find rarities during migration—like the Prairie Warbler pictured above (image by Beth Branthaver). MDBA tries to visit at least twice a year. On our spring trip we hope to see northbound migrants as well as resident birds in their best plumage. The exact itinerary will depend on weather, but after checking Drake’s Beach and the lagoon behind it we’ll probably visit the lighthouse area, and the ‘fish docks.’ After a lunch break (BYO) we may walk down the Avenue of Cypresses to the old RCA building.
Bring water and lunch, as this area is remote. Weather is highly changeable—bring one more warm layer than you think you’ll need, and sun protection too!
Rating: Category 2 — some walking through grass under trees, and on paved roads with some significant grade.
Elevation change: 100 ft
Leader: Matt Tarlach, mdbafieldtrips@gmail.com
Meet: Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center, Drake’s Beach
GPS: 38.027828257127936, -122.96201741318059
Directions: Depending on your starting point, take the best route to San Rafael and go North on US 101. From 101, take Lucas Valley Road to Nicasio. At the reservoir turn left. Follow signs to Point Reyes Station, and when you get to town turn left onto US-1. After passing through town (the Bovine Bakery is a tasty stop for breakfast pastries), turn right from US-1 onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd and follow it for 15 miles to Drakes Beach Road.
Due to limited parking at several stops on the Outer Point, this field trip is limited to 12 participants. Sharing a car is helpful! An optional carpool meeting point will be sent around to particpants a few days before the event, and there’s room to leave extra cars at the Drakes Beach meeting point.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/outer-point-reyes-registration-1322668680629

MDBA Field Trip — Shadow Cliffs Rookeries
2025-06-03 07:30 | Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, 2500 Stanley Blvd, Pleasanton, CA, 94566, United States
Every year, a few herons and cormorants nest in the tall trees in the riparian area of the park. We’ll take a look at the rookeries, hopefully even catching views of chicks within the nests.
Shadow Cliffs, being located in Pleasanton, can get very hot this time of year! Please dress appropriately (broad-brimmed hat recommended), bring sunscreen and lots of water. Please also factor in the potential for southbound traffic when planning your departure.
Trail Rating: 1 – Easy. Mostly level paths, up to 1 mile walking
Leader: Elisa Fernandes-McDade (elisa.fernandesmcdade@gmail.com)
Meeting Point: Shadow Cliffs Regional Park, 2500 Stanley Blvd, Pleasanton, CA 94566 USA
This trip is limited to 20 participants. Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-shadow-cliffs-registration-1378394889219

Monthly Program: June 2025
2025-06-05 19:00 - 20:30 | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Bay Area Wildlife: An Irreverent Guide
Jeff Miller

Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, June 5 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 Area Wildlife: An Irreverent Guide
*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea
Conservationist Jeff Miller will talk about his new book Bay Area Wildlife: An Irreverent Guide, which invites Bay Area denizens to embrace their local fauna. Bay Area Wildlife casts a spotlight on the whereabouts and personalities of the Bay Area’s furred, feathered, and fork-tongued neighbors. Meet “screaming death parrots” (aka peregrine falcons), “disco slugs dressed for a P-Funk concert” (nudibranchs), and “rototillers with fur” (badgers), among many others. Jeff’s colorful descriptions offer a compilation of each species’ natural history and fun facts—did you know beavers have vanilla-scented butts, elephant seals have the loudest recorded burps (at 130 decibels), only Usain Bolt can run faster than a roadrunner, or that pooping whales might possibly save the world? Each section also includes tips on when, where, and how to best find and observe each animal. This irreverent and quirky guide to the coolest animal neighbors in the Bay Area will have you gawking at elk, whooping with cranes, and crowning yourself a crossing guard for newts before you know it. Mount Diablo critters featured in the book include gray foxes, bobcats, long-tailed weasels, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, Alameda whipsnakes, western rattlesnakes, tarantulas, and convergent ladybugs. Jeff will discuss iconic and ecologically essential wildlife species that are returning to our region, such as beavers, steelhead trout, condors, and black bears.
Jeff Miller is an amateur naturalist, professional conservationist, and passionate advocate for wildlife. Jeff is the founder of the nonprofit Alameda Creek Alliance and has served as its executive director since 1997, working to restore steelhead trout and salmon to Alameda Creek and protect the Bay Area’s largest local watershed. He’s a senior conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity, spearheading biodiversity protection campaigns throughout the Bay Area and California, preparing endangered species listing petitions, writing press releases, and doing public outreach and organizing around wildlife protection issues. Over the last quarter century, he has been involved in conservation efforts for dozens of the most iconic imperiled wildlife species in the Bay Area, the most recent being securing state protections for burrowing owls. Jeff says that loving nature is as important as fighting for it and grieving ecological destruction. People tend to care more about animals and places that they have a direct experience with, so he wrote Bay Area Wildlife: An Irreverent Guide to try to connect readers with our regional fauna and inspire them to make a pilgrimage to witness the Bay Area’s spectacular natural phenomena.

MDBA Field Trip -- A Sunset Bird Walk on the Martinez Shoreline
2025-06-15 19:45 - 21:00 | 87 N Court St, Martinez, CA 94553, 87 N Court St., Martinez, CA, 94553
We’ll be taking a leisurely sunset walk around the lagoon and shoreline of Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park. This flat, unpaved trail meanders through a habitat mosaic of urban parkland, saltmarsh, and seashore. It’s a good outing for beginner birders to see a diverse mix of common northern California species at fairly close range. This is usually a good spot for Marsh Wren, Black-necked Stilt, and Black-crowned Night-Heron regardless of tidal condition.
Bathrooms, water fountains, and parking are plentiful, but it may be quite a bit colder and breezier on the shoreline than it is inland. Dress in layers just in case.
Trail Rating: 1 – Easy. Mostly level paths, up to 1 mile walking
Leader: Elisa Fernandes-McDade (elisa.fernandesmcdade@gmail.com)
Meeting Point: 87 N Court St, Martinez, CA 94553. (The first parking lot on the right on N Court St.)
Directions: Take the I-680 north toward Sacramento. Take Exit 56, Waterfront Rd. toward Marina Vista Rd. Turn left onto Waterfront Rd. and continue onto Marina Vista Ave. Turn right onto Ferry St. Then, turn right onto Joe DiMaggio Dr. Then, turn left onto N Court St. The meeting point is the first big parking lot on the right.
This trip is limited to 12 participants. Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunset-bird-walk-on-the-martinez-shoreline-registration-1378395972459

MDBA Field Trip -- Pt. Pinole: Shorebirds in the Shade
2025-07-08 10:00 - 13:30 | Pt. Pinole Regional Shoreline, 5551 Giant Highway, San Pablo, CA, 94806
We’ll search for shorebirds in the shade of the fragrant eucalyptus groves that line the shores of Pt. Pinole Regional Park. July marks the beginning of shorebird migration: peeps, plovers, and more are starting to trickle back in from the north. We’ll scan the beach as the tide rises for shorebirds and marine ducks. The park can also yield surprises, like the Bobolink that lingered there last fall.
The trail is narrow, dusty, and rocky at points. There are not many places to sit and rest along the way. There is a bathroom and water fountain at the trailhead. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Please factor in the potential for westbound traffic when planning your departure.
Trail Rating: 2
Leader: Elisa Fernandes-McDade (elisa.fernandesmcdade@gmail.com)
Meeting Point: Pt. Pinole Regional Shoreline, 5551 Giant Highway, San Pablo, CA 94806
This trip is limited to 15 participants. Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-point-pinole-shorebirds-in-the-shade-registration-1378391188149

MDBA Field Trip -- Lafayette Lakeside Loop
2025-07-21 18:30 - 21:00 | Lafayette Reservoir, 3849 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA, 94563
Unwind after a hard day’s work at the beautiful Lafayette Reservoir. Tucked into the hills between the coast and interior Contra Costa County, the reservoir’s forested hills are home to many pine-oak residents like Spotted Towhees, Red-shouldered Hawks, and Band-tailed Pigeons. The iconic 100-year-old, 170-foot-tall outlet tower in the center of the reservoir attracts many cormorants and the marshes around the edge often harbor herons. We may even get lucky enough to see a flock of American White Pelicans.
We’ll walk the 3-mile, paved Lafayette Reservoir Trail that circles the reservoir to see what’s out there. Parking is $2/hr or $7/day. Please factor in northbound and eastbound traffic when planning your departure.
Trail Rating: 2 – Over 2 miles walking with a couple of short steep climbs.
Leader: Elisa Fernandes-McDade (elisa.fernandesmcdade@gmail.com)
Meeting Point: The northern end of the parking lot (closer to the boathouse) of Lafayette Reservoir, 3849 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94563
This trip is limited to 15 participants. Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lafayette-lakeside-loop-registration-1378388941429

Monthly Program: September 2025
2025-09-04 19:00 - 20:30 | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Lime Ridge Open Space
Ron Graydon
Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, September 4 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: Lime Ridge Open Space
*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea
Ron Graydon’s program on Lime Ridge Open Space will focus on the Northern Concord section of the Lime Ridge Open Space. It will include the geologic formation of the Diablo Range, and specifically Lime Ridge. The program will also include the human history of the Diablo Valley, including Lime Ridge, human impact, natural history and ecology. Finally, Ron will discuss the Friends of Lime Ridge, and their efforts toward ecological restoration.
Ron Graydon has over fifty years experience in environmental education and activism. Ron has a B.S. degree in Conservation of Natural Resources, an interdisciplinary environmental major, from U.C. Berkeley, with an emphasis in environmental education and impact analysis.
Upon retirement Ron hiked almost daily near his home at Lime Ridge Open Space in Concord. He was consequently inspired to form the Friends of Lime Ridge, which is a volunteer group involved with the ecological restoration of the park. They have planted about seventy-five Oak and Buckeye trees, developed three native plant gardens, installed four Bluebird nesting boxes, and conducted park clean ups, nature walks, and invasive plant removals.
White-tailed Kites. Photo by Ron Graydon

MDBA Field Trip -- Drakes Breach and Pt. Reyes National Seashore
2025-09-07 08:30 - 14:30 | Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center, 1 Drake Beach Rd, Inverness, CA, 94937, United States
Point Reyes is one of the premiere birding locations in Northern California, a great spot to find rarities during migration. We’ll meet at Drake’s Beach, where there is excellent birding and a comfort stop, and then head out to the “fish docks.” We may skip the lighthouse overlook on this trip and see if that time can be better spent elsewhere.
Bring water and lunch as this area is remote.
Rating: Category 2 — some walking on paved roads and groomed trails with significant grade.
Elevation change: 150 ft
Leader: Matt Tarlach, mdbafieldtrips@gmail.com, 925 482 6129
Meet: Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center, Drake’s Beach
1 Drakes Beach Road, Inverness, CA 94937
GPS: 38.027828257127936, -122.96201741318059
Directions: Depending on your starting point, take the best route to highway 101 north of San Rafael. From 101, take Lucas Valley Road to Nicasio. At the reservoir turn left. Follow signs to Point Reyes Station, and when you get to town turn left onto US-1. After passing through town (the Bovine Bakery is a traditional stop for breakfast pastries), turn right from US-1 onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd and follow it for 15 miles to Drakes Beach Road. Turn left and continue down Drakes Beach Road to the parking lot at the end. Leader will be parked near the visitor center.
Due to limited parking at several stops on the Outer Point, this field trip is limited to 12 participants. Sharing a car is helpful! There’s room to leave extra cars at the Drake’s Beach meeting point.
Sign up HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drakes-beach-point-reyes-national-seashore-registration-1598818371789
(Photo of Virginia Rail by Maren Smith)

MDBA Field Trip -- Vaux's Swifts at McNear Brickyard, San Rafael
2025-09-11 18:00 - 20:00 | McNear Brickyard, 1 McNear Brickyard Rd., San Rafael, CA, 94901
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!
Leader: Maureen Lahiff, MLahiff@aol.com, 510.484.6529
Hike Rating: 1. This is essentially stationary observing, so there is very little walking, but a lot of standing. Those who find a portable stool or lawn chair helpful are welcome to bring one.
Check for more details and sign up HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vauxs-swifts-at-mcnear-brickyard-tickets-1598157314549

MDBA Field Trip -- Mt. Wanda
2025-09-13 08:00 - 11:30 | Mount Wanda Trailhead, XVQ9+QW, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
This hike is especially good for beginning birders!
Mt. Wanda is part of the John Muir NHS. 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.
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.
GPS: 37.98916055076219, -122.12963777237545
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. Participants acknowledge the MDBA Liability Waiver (available during registration).
Sign up HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-mt-wanda-john-muir-nhs-martinez-tickets-1583881063899

MDBA Field Trip -- Lime Ridge
2025-09-20 08:00 - 10:30 | Lime Ridge Open Space Treat Boulevard, Lime Ridge Open Space Treat Boulevard, Concord, CA, 94518
Join the Friends of Lime Ridge for this special walk introducing MDBA members to this unique area right in our backyard.
No signup required! Meet at the public parking lot off of Treat Blvd at 8 AM.
GPS: 37.948153622668165, -122.0087961986339
Leaders: Matt Tarlach and Ron Graydon (Friends of Lime Ridge)
Hike Rating: 2, moderate. About a mile + of walking on gravel roads, with some grades.
(Photo of American Kestrel by Wayne Regelmann)

MDBA Field Trip -- Coyote Hills, Fremont
2025-09-21 08:30 - 12:30 | Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont, CA, 94555
Ducks & Peeps!
This morning walk will take us on multiple trails within the beloved Coyote Hills Regional Park complex to search for southbound, migrating shorebirds and inbound, wintering waterfowl. We’ll first check out the reedy margins of the marshes on Chochenyo and Muskrat trails, keeping an eye out for chatty Common Yellowthroats and Marsh Wrens, and maybe even a secretive rail. Then, we’ll cross the scrubby hills of Lizard Rock Trail, where White-tailed Kites are not uncommon, on our way to Bayview Trail. The trail is only a few yards away from the salt marsh evaporation ponds–the perfect place to search for flocks of migrating shorebirds. Some luck and a bit of scoping may even yield rarer species such as Snowy Plovers.
Shorebird ID can be both challenging and rewarding. This walk is especially good for intermediate birders looking to gain more experience with this tricky taxon, but as always, all skill levels are welcome!
Scopes are useful here. Carpooling is encouraged.
The trail is mostly unpaved and there is only one restroom at the trailhead. At this time of year it can be cool and windy, or hot by mid-day. Please bring plenty of water, sunscreen, an extra layer (it can be cold and windy), a snack, and any other equipment you need for hiking.
Trip leader: Elisa Fernandes-McDade (elisa.fernandesmcdade@gmail.com)
Hike Rating: 2 – Some hills; more than 1 mile of walking
Meeting Point: The parking lot at 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont, CA 9455. At the picnic benches in front of the Coyote Hills Visitor Center.
GPS: 37.55357607169418, -122.09052546393971
Directions: (From Walnut Creek and north) Head south on I-680 South. Take Exit 46A onto CA-24 West. Stay in the left three lanes to stay on CA-24 West for 11 miles. Then, continue onto I-980 West for 2 miles. Next, merge onto I-880 South and continue straight for 20 miles. Take Exit 22 for Alvarado Blvd toward Fremont Blvd North and continue onto Deep Creek Rd. After 1 mile, turn right onto Paseo Padre Pkwy and continue straight for 1.2 miles. Then, turn right onto Patterson Ranch Rd and continue straight for 1.5 miles. Make a U-turn at the end of Patterson Ranch Rd to park in the visitor center parking lot.
OR
(From Walnut Creek and south) Head south on I-680 for about 45 miles. Then, take Exit 14 for Auto Mall Pkwy toward Durham Rd, and take a left onto Auto Mall Pkwy. Then, use the right lane to merge onto I-880 North toward Oakland. Continue for 5 miles. Then, take Exit 21 for Decoto Rd/CA-84 West toward Dumbarton Bridge and use the middle lane to turn left onto Decoto Rd/CA-84 West. Continue for 1 mile. Then, take Exit 37 for Ardenwood Blvd toward Newark Blvd. Continue on Ardenwood Blvd for 0.3 miles, then take a left onto Patterson Ranch Rd. Continue on Patterson Ranch Rd for 2 miles. Make a U-turn at the end of Patterson Ranch Rd to park in the visitor center parking lot.
If the Visitor Center parking lot is full, there is parking at the Bay Trail parking lot located on Patterson Ranch Rd 0.5 miles before the visitor center.
Sign up HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-coyote-hills-tickets-1598160393759
(Photo of White-tailed Kite by Alex Cho)

MDBA Field Trip -- Jewel Lake
2025-10-01 08:00 - 11:00 | Jewel Lake, Tilden Nature Area, California, 600 Canon Dr, Berkeley, CA 94708, Berkeley, CA, 94708, United States
An easy walk along Wildcat Creek and around Jewel Lake in Tilden Park. We’ll try this trip a little later in the season than in past years, when we should have a better chance for Varied Thrush, Golden Kinglet and wintering birds.
This trip is especially good for beginners! Bring binoculars if you have them, or if you need to borrow a pair, contact the leader beforehand so he knows to bring them.
Hike Rating: 1, Easy. 1 mile (or a bit more) easy walking on flat paved and gravel trails.
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Matt Tarlach, 925-482-6129
Meet: Parking lot at the end of Central Park Drive in Tilden Regional Park.
GPS: 37.90845590409606, -122.26411344372674
Directions: Take Highway 24 to exit at Fish Ranch Road.
Turn right and go up the hill 0.7mi. Turn Right on Grizzly Peak Blvd. Follow Grizzly Peak for 4.1mi.
Turn Right on Muir Way, then Left on Park Hills Road. Shortly after this turn, the road forks. Bear right at the fork to stay on Park Hills Road.
Watch for signs to “Little Farm” which is near the meeting point.
Park Hills Road ends at Wildcat Canyon Road, with an odd intersection to the right. Turn Right on Wildcat Canyon, then IMMEDIATELY Left onto Central Park Drive.
Continue about 1 mile on Central Park to the parking lot at the end, which is the meeting point.
Sign up HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jewel-lake-tilden-nature-area-berkeley-tickets-1598805242519
(Wilson’s Warbler photo by Jerry Britten)

Monthly Program: October 2025
2025-10-02 19:00 - 20:30 | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Woodpecker: A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers
Paul Bannick
Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, October 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: North American Woodpeckers
*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea
Paul’s program is based upon his new book, “Woodpecker: A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers”. In both, award-winning photographer Paul Bannick uses his intimate yet dramatic images, up-to-date science and first hand narratives to explore the lives of North American Woodpeckers through four seasons including: courtship, mating, and nesting in spring; fledging and feeding of young in summer; dispersal and learning independence in fall; and, finally winter movements and survival. His exploration of these impactful birds and their habitats includes the species from the Arctic through southern Mexico, including those of the Caribbean Islands.
Bannick’s startling images reflect their shared behaviors as well as some surprising exceptions and adaptations. More than just a backdrop, the varied habitats—reveal wildly rich stories of their own.“Woodpecker: A Year in the Live of North American Woodpeckers” is a stunning follow-up to Bannick’s award-winning title, “Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls”, giving bird lovers yet another gorgeous photographic tribute, engaging natural history, and a compelling call to preserve the habitats that sustain these most iconic of birds.Paul Bannick is an award-winning author and photographer who makes images to inspire education and conservation.
Northern Red-Shafted Flicker. Photo by Paul Bannick

MDBA Field Trip -- Albany / Berkeley Shoreline
2025-10-15 10:00 - 13:00 | Albany State Marine Reserve, Albany State Marine Reserve, Albany, CA, 94710
Our target birds will be shorebirds and possibly early-arriving loons, grebes, and bay ducks.
The first stop will be to look for shorebirds on the mudflats at the Albany State Marine Reserve, off Buchanan Street. Meet the leader here at 10:00 AM. If you have a spotting scope, bring it. The leader will bring 2 scopes to share. This is a good trip for beginners.
Trip leader: Ted Robertson, 925-899-1872
Hike Rating: Category 1, Easy. Less than 1 mile walking on level trails.
Directions: Take SR 24 to I-580 west. Take Buchanan St. exit (#13A), turn left on Buchanan St., go under freeway, and after 1/2 block, parallel park on the right, opposite the mudflat.
GPS for meeting point: 37.88949774217445, -122.3114975067703
After 1+ hours of scanning for shorebirds, the second stop will be the Berkeley Meadows opposite the Berkeley Marina (aka McLaughlin EastshoreState Park).
From the first meeting point on Buchanan Street, make a U-turn on Buchanan to head back to the freeway. Turn right onto the I-80 W/I-580 E ramp to Oakland/SF. At the 2nd exit (#11), take the University exit toward the Berkeley Marina. Turn left onto University Ave. At the traffic circle, turn right (1st exit)onto Marina Blvd. In 0.2 miles, park in the dirt lot on the right of the road.
After walking around Berkeley Meadows we’ll have an optional 3rd stop, for birding and lunch at the Seabreeze Market at the corner of University Avenue and W Frontage Road. For this optional stop, park behind Seabreeze Market.
It may be cold and windy, dress in layers. Bring $ for optional lunch.
Sign up HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-the-albanyberkeley-shoreline-tickets-1598155328609?aff=erelpanelorg
(Photo of Clark’s Grebe by Beth Branthaver)

MDBA Field Trip -- Alameda Hotspots
2025-10-18 08:30 - 13:00 | Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Shore Line Drive, Broadway, Alameda, CA, 94501, United States
Alameda has several good spots for shorebirds. We’ll meet at Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, then proceed by caravan to additional spots such as Ballena Bay, Crab Cove, and/or Encinal Beach. Exact itinerary to be determined based on conditions.
Hike Rating: Easy. Limited walking over mostly-level paths at each of the planned spots.
Leader: Mona Lange, 510-414-2959, and Matt Tarlach, mdbafieldtrips@gmail.com
Meeting Point: Meet at the observation deck at Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, near the intersection of Broadway and Shoreline in the city of Alameda:
GPS: 37.75308612136384, -122.24791837292823
Parking is on the street. There are public restrooms about 250 yards away, or at the nearby McDonald’s.
This trip is limited to 15 participants. Participants acknowledge the MDBA Liability Waiver (available during registration).
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alameda-hotspots-tickets-1689284729099
(Photo of Long-billed Curlew by Maren Smith)

MDBA Field Trip -- Markham Arboretum
2025-11-03 08:00 - 10:30 | Markham Arboretum, 1202 La Vista Ave, Concord, CA, 94521
Markham Arboretum is a small island of riparian habitat in the middle of suburban Concord that attracts many winter visitors including Northern Flickers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Hermit Thrushes. This is a great walk for beginner birders who want to get to know CoCo County’s winter woodland birds.
We’ll be walking the unpaved trail that goes alongside a small creek and garden.
Hike Rating: 1 – Easy
Leader: Elisa Fernandes-McDade – elisa.fernandesmcdade@gmail.com
Meet: Parking lot at the end of La Vista Ave, Concord, CA
GPS for meeting point: 37.96249764912172, -122.00440861830769
Directions: Heading north on the 680, take Exit 50 to merge onto CA-242 North. Continue for 3 miles, then take exit onto Clayton Rd. After 2.5 miles, take a right onto La Vista Ave. The parking lot will be at the end of the avenue. Carpooling is encouraged.
This location is 13 minutes from the Clayton Rd+Farm Bureau Rd bus stop on the 10 line.
This trip is limited to 15 participants. Rain cancels.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/markham-arboretum-tickets-1855046316469

Monthly Program: November 2025
2025-11-06 19:00 - 20:30 | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Pacific Flyway Center
Veronica Cornett

Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, November 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: Pacific Flyway Center
*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea
Veronica Cornett of the Pacific Flyway Fund will share information about the development of the new Pacific Flyway Center, which will be located in the Suisun Marsh in Fairfield, California. The Pacific Flyway is one of four bird migration routes in North America. The Pacific Flyway Center will be front and center for this significant stopover on the north-south migration path for birds that stretches from Alaska to Patagonia. The Center will sit in the middle of this migratory corridor, allowing every visitor an opportunity to see a great number of waterfowl and shorebirds, as well as other wetland-dependent species.
Fifteen newly created wetlands and surrounded by grasslands will serve as the Center’s primary classroom, providing a vivid and engaging education environment that is home to hundreds of species of native plants and animals. In the future the Education Center will complement the experience with interactive displays that highlight the importance of biodiversity and ecosystems. The Center will stand as an example of wildlife and wetland stewardship, preserving this ecological wonder for generations to come, and fulfilling Ken Hofmann’s vision to do something good for the Planet.
Photo by Veronica Cornett
