Mount Diablo Bird Alliance

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

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