Mount Diablo Bird Alliance

Monthly Program: February 2025
2025-02-06 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
Mandarin Duck. Photo by Jill Hedgecock
In Nature and Imaginations: Birds and Art in Central Europe
Jill Hedgecock

Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, February 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: Birds and Art in Central Europe
*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea
Jill Hedgecock will share photos from her birding adventures, museum visits, and more during her travels through Amsterdam, Germany, Prague, and Salsburg. From taking a cable car to the highest mountain in Germany and seeing the alpine cough, to stumbling upon a stunningly beautiful nonnative mandarin duck, Central Europe was full of birding surprises. Jill will also show how birds have found their way into many art forms in Europe. She will provide background information on bird-inspired paintings such as Rembrandt’s 1639 Self-Portrait with a Dead Bittern and his 1635 Abduction of Ganymede painting, from her visit to the Old Master’s Picture Gallery in Dresden, Germany, and the parrot mosaic she saw in Berlin’s Pergamon Museum.
Jill Hedgecock, who has spoken to MDBA on topics from rhino conservation, microplastics, and falconry in Scotland, returns to share more of her international travels with the Mount Diablo Bird Alliance. She has a M.S. degree in Environmental Management and is the author of two novels inspired by her love of rhinos. She previously served as the International Conservation Coordinator for the club back in the early 1990s and was a long-term leader of the Black Diamond Mine Christmas Count circle.
Parrot Mosaic, photo by Jill Hedgecock

MDBA Field Trip -- Thornton Area/Cosumnes Preserve
2025-02-12 08:45 - 14:00 | Westgate Landing Regional Park, 4GF5+HP, Terminous, CA, 95242, United States
Tundra Swans, Sandhill Cranes, hawks and grassland birds. Trip will go on in light rain. Bring lunch and a beverage. If questions, call the leader.
Hike rating: 1 – Easy.
Elevation change: Minor
Leader: Mona Lange, 510-414-2959
Meet: 8:45 AM in Westgate Landing Park at end of Glascock Road.

Directions: Take SR 4 to Antioch Bridge, go north on SR 160 along the river to Rio Vista bridge. Turn right on SR 12 for 11.5 miles. East of Terminous, turn right onto the exit to Glasscock Rd. The road will go under the bridge. Turn left onto Glasscock Rd. proper and continue to the park at the end. After meeting at Westgate Landing and a quick check of the area within view, we’ll continue towards Thornton.
There is a $5 parking fee at one of the stops; bring exact change.
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-in-the-thornton-area-including-cosumnes-preserve-tickets-1148769684049
Photo: Sandhill Cranes, by Sharon Anderson

MDBA Field Trip -- Big Break and East County
2025-02-19 09:00 - 13:00 | Big Break Regional Shoreline, 69 Big Break Road, Oakley, CA, 94561, United States
We will be birding at Big Break/Delta Science Center and then driving to at least one other location, to be determined by conditions. These locations are usually good for waterfowl, raptors and some passerines. Dress warmly, bring lunch and drinks.
This trip is appropriate for birders of all experience levels, including beginners.
Hike Rating: 1, Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leaders: Mona Lange, 510-414-2959
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.
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birds-of-east-contra-costa-county-tickets-1148762853619
Photo: Common Gallinule, by Maren Smith

MDBA Field Trip -- Bodega Bay
2025-02-22 09:30 - 15:00 | Tides Restaurant Bodega Bay, 835Bay Highway, Bodega Bay, CA, 94923, United States
Why do we go all the way to Bodega Bay? To see loons close up – the Common, Pacific, and Red-throated species are all likely. To see Brant, the sea geese that spend the winter here. To see Double-crested, Brandt’s and Pelagic cormorants side-by-side to strengthen our ID skills. This is a great place for birders of all levels and birders new to the Bay Area.
We’ll meet at 9:30 am at the Tides Wharf and Restaurant, out on the deck behind the restaurant. There are restrooms here. From the Tides we’ll drive out to Bodega Head, and later bird Porto Bodega and other stops along the bay.
URL for meeting place: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kdi3H728KCvdn7Dj6
Be prepared for variable weather. Bring lunch, snacks, and liquids. There are pit toilets at Bodega Head, Campbell Cove, and Porto Bodega Marina.
Hike Rating: 1, Easy, with little elevation change
Leader: Maureen Lahiff, MLahiff@aol.com, 510-484-6529
Meeting point GPS: 38.328869668535894, -123.04502163182391
Directions: Take US 101 north to Petaluma. Exit at Washington and head SW. Washington becomes Bodega Ave, which becomes Petaluma-Valley Ford Rd, which eventually merges into CA Hwy 1. Take Hwy 1 to Bodega Bay. After passing the Inn at the Tides, you’ll see the Tides Restaurant on the left. From Walnut Creek, it’s about a 2 hour drive.
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-bodega-bay-tickets-1148790044949
Photo: Common Loon, by Isaac Aronow

MDBA Field Trip -- Walnut Creek Local City Parks
2025-02-26 08:30 - 12:00 | Heather Farm Park, 301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Starting in Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek, we will walk around the large, mostly natural pond, birding along the way. From there we will drive to two or three local parks, as we may venture into Concord or Clayton, to be determined the day of the trip.
Trail Rating: Category 1, Easy. Maybe up to a mile walking total, on level paths.
Elevation change: Minor
Leader: Randi and Herb Long, hrlong13@sbcglobal.net
Meet: Wooden railing at the Natural Lake in Heather Farm (not the pond surrounded with concrete.)
Directions: Turn into the park on North San Carlos Drive from Ygnacio Valley Road. This is east of John Muir Hospital; the intersection has a Shell and a Chevron gas station. Drive to the stop sign past the community building and turn left into the parking lot. The wooden railing is thirty yards beyond the parking lot.
The field trip is limited to 10 participants. Register HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-contra-costa-city-parks-tickets-1148797537359
Photo: White-breasted Nuthatch, by Matt Tarlach

MDBA Field Trip -- Valle Vista
2025-03-03 08:00 - 12:00 | Valle Vista, RVC6+WQ, Moraga, CA, 94556, United States
A walk through various habitats at the EBMUD property usually allows to see at least 40-50 species. Bring your EBMUD trail pass, if you have one. This property is at the upstream end of the Upper San Leandro Reservoir. If it has been raining, the first part could be a bit muddy but most of the route is on a gravel trail or a road.
Trail Rating: Category 2, Moderate. About a mile and a half walk, possible patches of mud, some short inclines.
Elevation change: Minor
Leader: Ted Robertson, 925-899-1872
Meet: Valle Vista Staging Area, Canyon Road
Directions: From SR 24 in Orinda, take Moraga Way to Moraga. From Mt. Diablo Blvd in Lafayette, take Moraga Road south to Moraga. At the Chevron station, go south 1 mile on Canyon Road to Valle Vista Staging Area.
This field trip is limited to 16 participants, with pre-registration required. MDBA members receive priority in registration but non-members are welcome, if we have enough spots.
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-valle-vista-tickets-1148801027799
(Photo of Red-breasted Sapsucker by Isaac Aronow)

Monthly Program: March 2025
2025-03-06 19:00 - 20:30 | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Juvenile Osprey
KEEP ‘EM FLYING — Helping Raptors Survive in the Human Environment
Craig Nikitas

Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, March 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: Bay Raptor Rescue
*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea
Craig Nikitas, a retired urban planner, has been a wildlife volunteer working with raptors for over fifty years.His talk will provide an overview of 10 years of raptor rescue work, focusing on common issues necessitating intervention, and accounts of rescues of common and rare local species and techniques to help them.
Craig’s career has included caring for captive animals at the Randall Museum, Steinhart Aquarium, and the San Francisco Zoo, tending birds in rehab at WildCare, trapping and banding migratory and dispersive birds of prey for 30 years with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, and presenting talks on the natural history of corvids, diurnal raptors, and owls at schools, colleges, universities, local naturalist groups, park associations, the Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival, and to professional staff at the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, CuriOdyssey, and the S F and Oakland Zoos.
In 2015, Craig founded Bay Raptor Rescue to provide a free service to aid predatory birds in distress. The work is done under permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Cal Department of Fish and Wildlife. His work comprises trapping free-flighted birds in buildings, netting birds grounded by illness or injury, and transporting those who need veterinary care to local rehabilitation facilities.
Burrowing Owl

MDBA Field Trip -- Moorhen + McNabney Marshes
2025-03-15 08:30 - 12:00 | Mountain View Sanitary District, 3800 Arthur Rd, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
Two trips this month! Mt. View Sanitary District has offered MDBA special access for a Saturday visit. Both trips will be open to the public, and are very suitable for beginning birders. Binoculars are available for borrowing—just email the leader in advance so they know how many extra pairs to bring.
Created by MVSD in 1974, Moorhen Marsh was the first wetland on the west coast that made use of treated effluents as its primary water source. Today the 21-acre constructed wetland offers critical habitat for wildlife. Native species dependent on Moorhen Marsh for habitat include the western pond turtle, North American river otter, and many species of birds. Directly across the freeway, McNabney Marsh—aka Waterbird Regional Preserve—in winter hosts many species of ducks, shorebirds and waterbirds.
We’ll meet at the observation deck near the south end of McNabney Marsh, off of Arthur Road, and scan the area with our scopes. After that we’ll move the cars a short distance into the MVSD facility and take a walk around the cleverly human-made Moorhen Marsh.
Hike Rating: 1 – Easy. Under 1 mile on flat terrain. Unpaved paths can get muddy after rain.
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Matthew Tarlach, mdbafieldtrips@gmail.com
Meet: Meet at the observation deck off of Arthur Road at 8:30 AM. There’s plenty of parking.
Directions: From I-680 northbound, exit at Pacheco Blvd, turn right onto Arthur Road and go under the freeway. Arthur Road will bend left. Where Arthur Road ends, the paved road turns sharp left through a gate into Mt. View Sanitary’s private access road. Drive about .3 mile to the gravel parking lot just before the one-lane tunnel. The observation deck is to the right (east) of the road.
This field trip is free and open to the public, with prior registration required. Limited to 15 participants. Participants will need to click to acknowledge the MDBA liability waiver. Anyone entering Moorhen Marsh will need to sign the MVSD liability waiver also, to be provided on site.
Register for Saturday 3/15:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-moorhen-marsh-and-mcnabney-marsh-tickets-1250021350509
(Image of Black-crowned Night Herons by Isaac Aronow.)

MDBA Field Trip -- Moorhen + McNabney Marshes
2025-03-19 08:30 - 12:00 | Mountain View Sanitary District, 3800 Arthur Rd, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
Two trips this month! Mt. View Sanitary District has offered MDBA special access for a Saturday visit. Both trips will be open to the public, and are very suitable for beginning birders. Binoculars are available for borrowing—just email the leader in advance so they know how many extra pairs to bring.
Created by MVSD in 1974, Moorhen Marsh was the first wetland on the west coast that made use of treated effluents as its primary water source. Today the 21-acre constructed wetland offers critical habitat for wildlife. Native species dependent on Moorhen Marsh for habitat include the western pond turtle, North American river otter, and many species of birds. Directly across the freeway, McNabney Marsh—aka Waterbird Regional Preserve—in winter hosts many species of ducks, shorebirds and waterbirds.
We’ll meet at the observation deck near the south end of McNabney Marsh, off of Arthur Road, and scan the area with our scopes. After that we’ll move the cars a short distance into the MVSD facility and take a walk around the cleverly human-made Moorhen Marsh.
Hike Rating: 1 – Easy. Under 1 mile on flat terrain. Unpaved paths can get muddy after rain.
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Matthew Tarlach, mdbafieldtrips@gmail.com
Meet: Meet at the observation deck off of Arthur Road at 8:30 AM. There’s plenty of parking.
Directions: From I-680 northbound, exit at Pacheco Blvd, turn right onto Arthur Road and go under the freeway. Arthur Road will bend left. Where Arthur Road ends, the paved road turns sharp left through a gate into Mt. View Sanitary’s private access road. Drive about .3 mile to the gravel parking lot just before the one-lane tunnel. The observation deck is to the right (east) of the road.
This field trip is free and open to the public, with prior registration required. Limited to 15 participants. Participants will need to click to acknowledge the MDBA liability waiver. Anyone entering Moorhen Marsh will need to sign the MVSD liability waiver also, to be provided on site.
Register for Wednesday 3/19:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-moorhen-marsh-and-mcnabney-marsh-tickets-1252473153919
(Image of Black-crowned Night Herons by Isaac Aronow.)

MDBA Field Trip -- Contra Loma Regional Park
2025-03-26 08:30 - 13:00 | Contra Loma Reservoir, 1200 Frederickson Ln, Antioch, CA, 94509, United States
We will be birding the reservoir, Loma Island and surrounding grassland areas. Expected species include waterfowl, woodland, riparian/marsh, shore and grassland birds. Dress appropriately, bring lunch and drinks.
Rating: Category 2, Moderate. About a mile walk, some of it on turf.
Elevation change: Minor
Leader: Mona Lange
Meet: Contra Loma Regional Park, Channel Point Parking Lot
Directions: From Hwy. 4 in Antioch, go south on Lone Tree Way. Continue south to Golf Course Road and turn right. Continue on Golf Course Road to Frederickson Lane, turn right and continue into the park and the entry kiosk. Fee required at kiosk. Turn left and park in the first lot on the right, Channel Point Parking Lot.
This field trip is limited to 15 participants.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-contra-loma-regional-park-tickets-1148782151339
Photo: American Bittern, by Pam Lorenz

Monthly Program: April 2025
2025-04-03 19:00 - 20:30 | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Birds of Prey Live Animal Presentation
Lindsay Wildlife Experience

Mount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday, April 3 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: Live Raptors
*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea
Explore the wonders of California’s native wildlife with Lindsay Wildlife Experience. Delve into the captivating world of creatures that call our state home. From intriguing natural history specimens to interactive encounters with live animal ambassadors, this event is designed to spark your curiosity and foster a deeper appreciation for the marvels of nature. Join us for an engaging journey you won’t soon forget!

MDBA Field Trip -- North Briones
2025-04-08 08:30 - 12:00 | Briones Regional Park (North), XV37+VX, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
This walk begins in oak woodlands with lots of spring wildflowers and birds. We then continue up through grasslands, ending at Sindicich Lagoons. We return the way we came, with about 3 miles round trip over hilly trails. Bring liquids & a snack if you like.
Trail Rating: Category 3 – uphill climb
Elevation change: 300+ feet
Leader: Cheryl Abel, 925-957-6229
Meet: Parking area at the north entrance of Briones Regional Park.
Directions: Take Briones Road south off Alhambra Valley Road and drive up this narrow, winding road. Park at the end.
The field trip is limited to 15 participants. Participants must acknowledge the MDBA Liability Waiver.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-north-briones-tickets-1250812577089
(Photo of Red-tailed Hawk by Isaac Aronow)

MDBA Field Trip -- Black Diamond Mines
2025-04-10 08:00 - 13:00 | 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 | Point Pinole Regional Shoreline (Giant Hwy parking lot), 5551 Giant Highway, Richmond, 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
