Wintering ducks, shorebirds and raptors possible along the wetlands and the Napa River; some passerines in the fields and eucalyptus. We will walk 3-4 miles on level paths along ponds and reach the Napa River before returning to the park. High tide is at noon. Bring walking shoes, trail snacks and water; lunch in the […]

This full-day field trip will include visits to several wonderful wildlife refuges in the Sacramento Valley, highlighting Sacramento and Colusa NWR’s. Collectively these sanctuaries are home to tens of thousands of wintering ducks, geese and swans.  Carpool leaves Sunvalley Mall at 7 AM, or meet the group at 8:15 AM at the I-5 North Dunnigan […]

We will search the grasslands of southeast Solano County for raptors and other birds not common south of the Sacramento River channel, including Rough-Legged Hawk and the elusive Mountain Plover.  Carpool leaves Sunvalley at 7:15 AM. Or, meet the leader at 8 AM at Suisun City McDonald’s. Take I-680 north, cross bridge to Benicia and […]

Putah Creek is usually reliable for Phainopepla, Lewis's Woodpecker and Hooded Merganser, as well as possibly Barrow's Goldeneye.  Carpool leaves Sunvalley at 8:00 AM. Meet at 8:45 AM at the intersection of Cherry Glen and Pleasants Valley Roads, approximately 1 mile north from I-80, west of Vacaville. Dress warmly; this can be a cold, windy […]

We will look for wintering birds at Big Break, Iron House Sanitary, and several other spots in the eastern portion of our county. Carpool leaves Sunvalley at 8:15 AM. Or, meet at Big Break at 9:00 AM. From Central Contra Costa, take Highway 4 toward Stockton/Pittsburg, after Antioch take right Exit 30 toward CA-160/Sacramento/Rio Vista […]

We should find a good variety of wintering ducks and gulls at Lake Merritt. Then we will then drive to Arrowhead Marsh for the high tide around 11:15 AM; the rising tide should flush out rails. The area is also good for shorebirds and more wintering ducks on the estuary. A visit to Garretson Point […]

Both sites are good for wintering waders, shorebirds, waterfowl and a few raptors.Carpool leaves Sunvalley parking lot at 7:30 AM. Take I-680 across the Benicia Bridge. Go west on I-780 to I-80 towards Sacramento, exit to SR 37. Follow SR 37 to Lakeville Road, then turn right. Before reaching Petaluma, look for the water recycling […]

We will visit several areas along the Martinez shoreline.  Meet at 9 AM in the Waterbird Regional Preserve parking lot. From I-680, exit for Waterfront Road; when driving north, this is the last exit before the Benicia Bridge. Go east about ½ mile and turn right onto Waterbird Way. Go around the corner to the […]

An easy winter 3 mile stroll looking for common gallinules, green herons, soras, as well as red-shouldered hawks, harriers and other raptors.  Leave at 8:00 am from the Wild Birds Unlimited parking lot returning approximately noon.  Carpooling encouraged.  Parking $5.00.  Wear layers and bring rain gear. Leader: Kevin Hintsa,  925-798-0303. Category 1.  Donation to MDAS […]

We will look for Tundra Swans, Sandhill Cranes, hawks and grassland birds.  Carpool leaves Sunvalley at 8 AM. Meet at 8:45 AM in Westgate Landing Park at end of Glascock Road. Take SR 4 to Antioch Bridge, go north on SR 160 along river to Rio Vista bridge. Turn right on SR 12 for 11.5 […]

Bodega Bay is a premier location for wintering shorebirds, loons, gulls, cormorants and waterfowl. The  carpool leaves Sunvalley at 7:30 am. We will meet at the Tides Restaurant on water side of Highway 1 in Bodega at 9:15 AM. Take I-680 across the Benicia Bridge. Go west on I-780 to I-80 towards Sacramento, exit to […]

The California Department of Fish and Game’s Grizzly Island Wildlife Area is in the heart of the 84,000-acre Suisun Marsh, the largest contiguous estuarine marsh in the United States. Grizzly Island provides habitat for more than 200 species of birds and is home to a variety of threatened or endangered wildlife and plants, including a […]