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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joan Morris
Photo: Bay Area News Group

Webinar Access Info:

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

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

Location:
Zoom online meeting

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MDAS Field Trip — East Contra Costa County
2023-01-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Big Break Regional Shoreline, 69 Big Break Road, Oakley, CA, 94561, United States
East Contra Costa County
Wednesday, January 11, 9 AM – 1 PM
We will be birding at Big Break/Delta Science Center, Iron House Sanitary, and possibly other places in East Contra Costa. Usually good for waterfowl, raptors and some passerines. Dress warmly, bring lunch and drinks.
Rating: Category 1-Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Paul Schorr, 925-998-0070
Meet: Big Break parking lot in Oakley at 9 AM
Directions: Take Highway 4 east toward Stockton/Pittsburg, after Antioch take right Exit 30 toward CA-160/Sacramento/Rio Vista. Take Exit 1A, East 18th/Main Street, turn right at the bottom of the exit onto Main Street, proceed east a little over 1 mile, then turn left onto Big Break Road. Turn into Big Break Regional Shoreline/Delta Science Center just past the last houses on the right.
This field trip is limited to 12 participants. All trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDAS liability waiver, available during registration. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birds-of-east-contra-costa-county-tickets-467240889077
Photo: Pied-billed Grebe by Isaac Aronow

MDAS Field Trip — Lake Merritt and Arrowhead Marsh at High Tide
2023-01-21 08:30 - 13:00 | Lake Merritt, 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
Lake Merritt, and Arrowhead Marsh at High Tide
Saturday, January 21, 8:30am-1pm
We should find a good variety of wintering ducks and gulls at Lake Merritt, before driving to Arrowhead Marsh at around 9:45 AM. The rising tide should flush out rails that are usually hard to see. The area is also good for shorebirds, and more wintering ducks on the estuary. A visit to Garretson Point will finish our trip. Bring lunch and a beverage.
Hike rating: Category 1–Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Sandy Ritchie, (925) 381-2514
Meet: Lake Merritt parking lot off Bellevue Avenue, 8:30 AM
Directions: Take SR 24 to Oakland and I-980, take 27th Street exit and turn left. Cross Broadway and Harrison, then join Grand Avenue. Turn into the park at Children’s Fairyland (fee possible) and follow around to the parking lot entrance on right between the boathouse and aviary.
This field trip is limited to 15 participants. All trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDAS liability waiver, available during registration. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lake-merritt-and-arrowhead-marsh-at-high-tide-tickets-465975093047
Photo: Barrow’s Goldeneye

MDAS Field Trip — Martinez Waterfront Birds
2023-01-25 09:00 - 14:00 | Waterbird Regional Preserve, Martinez, 2701 Waterfront Rd., Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
Birding the Martinez Waterfront
Wednesday, January 25, 9 AM-2 PM
We will be birding waterfront areas in the Martinez area, looking for shorebirds, waders, waterfowl, gulls, raptors and others. Dress warmly, bring a lunch and drinks. These areas may include Waterbird Preserve, TransMontaigne Pipeline, Mococo Marsh and Martinez Regional Shoreline.
Hike Rating: Category 1–Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Tracy Farrington, 925-788-6223
Meet: Waterbird Regional Preserve parking lot at 9 AM
Directions: From I-680, exit Waterfront Road; when driving north this is the last exit before the Benicia Bridge. Go east about 1/2 mile and turn right onto Waterbird Way. Go around the bend to the left and then turn right into the parking lot.
This field trip is limited to 15 participants. All trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDAS liability waiver, available during registration. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-the-martinez-waterfront-tickets-467235312397
Photo: Snowy Egret at Lake Merritt by Beth Branthavar

MDAS Field Trip — Putah Creek — Rescheduled!
2023-01-26 09:00 - 14:00 | Putah Creek Road, 3836 Putah Creek Rd, Winters, CA, 95694, United States
Putah Creek
Saturday, January 26, 9 AM – 2 PM
(Rescheduled from January 7)
This is a great chance to see birds and ducks along Putah Creek and Lake Solano. Possible target birds include Osprey, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Phainopepla, Barrow’s Goldeneye and Hooded Merganser. Dress warmly; this is a cold, windy area. Bring lunch. Exact itinerary to be determined the day of the trip. Rain cancels.
Hike rating: 1 – Easy
Elevation change: Minor
Distance: Depending on the route decided
Co-Leaders: Maren Smith, 925-322-9477, and Susana de Trapaga
Meet: 9 AM at the large gravel pull-out on the right side of Putah Creek Road, west of the Lake Solano dam.
Directions: When driving from the Bay Area to Vacaville on I-80, take Exit 51A at Cherry Glen and Lagoon Valley Roads. Turn left to cross over the freeway, heading north, and drive approximately 1 mile on Cherry Glen Road to stop sign at Pleasants Valley Road. Turn left on Pleasants Valley Road. Drive 12 miles and keep an eye out for Yellow-billed Magpies and raptors. Turn right on Putah Creek Road, and drive about 1.2 miles, to the large gravel parking turn-out on the right (with “no camping, no dumping” signs). About 1 hour drive from Walnut Creek area.
This hike is limited to 20 participants. All field trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDAS liability waiver, available during registration. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/putah-creek-birding-tickets-465937019167
Photo: Female Phainopepla at Putah Creek by Isaac Aronow

MDAS Field Trip -- Solano County Raptors -- Rescheduled!
2023-01-28 09:00 - 14:30 | McDonald’s Suisun City, 109 Sunset Center, Siusun City, CA, 94585, United States
Solano County Raptors
Saturday, January 28, 9:00 am to mid-afternoon
(Rescheduled from December 10)

This trip features wintering birds on the edge of the Central Valley. Ferruginous Hawks and Rough-legged Hawks are special targets, and Prairie Falcon and Burrowing Owls are possible. Grassland birds and blackbirds, and ducks and shorebirds at Jepson Prairie (if there is water), where we will stop for a late lunch.
Rating: 1 – Easy. The trip has little walking; lots of driving and stopping.
Elevation change: none
Leader: Maureen Lahiff, MLahiff@aol.com, 510.484.6529
Meet: at the McDonald’s in the Sunset Shopping Center at the intersection of Highway 12 and Sunset Ave in Suisun City. (There are other eateries and coffee shops close by; these are the last amenities on our trip.) At our meeting point participants may consolidate into fewer cars for safety when stopping at the side of the road. We’ll drive a loop of about 45 miles, some on unpaved roads, and stop for lunch at Jepson Prairie.
Directions: From the SF Bay Area, take I-80 east and then merge onto CA highway 12 east toward Rio Vista. In about 4 ½ miles, take a left at the light at Sunset Ave and enter the shopping center. The McDonald’s sign, where we’ll meet, is visible from Highway 12.
Bring liquids, snacks, and lunch, and layers of clothing for varying temperatures and windy conditions. Please bring “walkie talkie” two-way radios if you have them. Spotting scopes are welcome and very useful!
This trip is limited to 20 participants. Registration at this link, beginning two weeks before and closing two nights before the trip:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/490333760477

Monthly Program: February 2023
2023-02-02 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
A 27 Year Wildflower Journey:
The Making of Beauty and the Beast: California Wildflowers and Climate Change

Rob Badger and Nita Winter
Rob Badger and Nita Winter take you behind the scenes on their 27-year journey photographing wildflowers throughout California and the West. It began in 1992 when they discovered and fell in love with California’s spectacular wildflower blooms in the Mojave Desert’s Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve. Photographing these beautiful landscapes and individual flowers evolved into their documentary art project, “Beauty and the Beast: Wildflowers and Climate Change.” Their beautiful, multiple award-winning coffee table book, co-published with the California Native Plant Society, focuses on California’s amazing plant diversity. It is a companion to their traveling educational exhibit.
Gorgeous superbloom scenery isn’t the only thing that makes this series so special. The photographers show how they create wildflower portraits in the field, lugging 80 pounds of cameras and their “natural light” studio equipment from below sea level in Death Valley National Park to 13,000-foot-high mountain passes. Rob also shares two innovative field techniques he developed to capture unique floral portraits that go beyond traditional wildflower photography.
Because most land based birds directly, or indirectly, rely on the existence of wildflowers and other native plants for their survival, creating native plant gardens is an important way to support local wildlife. Nita and Rob will take you into their evolving native plant garden and share the joy and rewards it brings them.
Internationally acclaimed conservation photographers Rob Badger and Nita Winter have been life partners and creative collaborators for more than three decades. Their work has been featured in Time, Mother Jones, and Sierra magazines, the New York Times, Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle and the Los Angeles Times. They are the recent recipients of the Sierra Club’s 2020 Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography.
Purchase books and learn more at wildflowerbooks.com. Photography website: WinterBadger.com

Photographers Nita Winter and Rob Badger Backpacking to photograph wildflowers in the Carson Pass area, Background Lake Winnamucca, Carson Pass, Eldorado National Forest, Sierra Nevada Mountains, California. Photograph by unknown fellow hiker

Webinar Access Info:

Date:
February 2, 2023 7:00 PM Pacific Time

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

Location:
Zoom online meeting

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881 1329 7784

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MDAS Field Trip — Thornton Area/Cosumnes Preserve
2023-02-04 08:45 - 14:00 | Westgate Landing Regional Park, 4GF5+HP, Terminous, CA, 95242, United States
Birding Cosumnes Preserve and the Thornton Area
Saturday, February 4, 8:45 AM-2 PM
Tundra Swans, Sandhill Cranes, hawks and grassland birds. Trip will go in light rain. Bring lunch and a beverage. If questions, call the leader.
Hike rating: 1 – Easy.
Elevation change: Minor
Distance: Depending on the route decided.
Co-Leaders: Ethan Chickering, 925-890-3833
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 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.
This field trip is limited to 20 participants. All trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDAS liability waiver, available during registration. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-in-the-thornton-area-including-cosumnes-preserve-tickets-465961251647

MDAS Field Trip — Shollenberger Park/Ellis Creek — Rescheduled!
2023-02-11 08:30 - 15:00 | Shollenberger Park, 1400 Cader Lane, Petaluma, CA, 94954, United States
Shollenberger Park/Ellis Creek, Petaluma
Saturday, February 11, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
(Rescheduled from January 14)

Both sites are good for wintering waders, shorebirds, waterfowl and a few raptors.
Hike rating: 2 – moderate
Elevation change: minor
Meet: Access point to Shollenberger Park behind the Point Blue parking lot.
Leader: Sandy Ritchie (925) 381-2514
Directions: Take I-680 across the Benicia Bridge. Go west on I-780 towards Sacramento, exit to SR37. Follow SR37 to Lakeville Road, then turn right. Before reaching Petaluma, look for the water recycling facility on the left and turn left on South McDowell Blvd. After a short distance, turn left onto Cypress Drive. The Shollenberger access is behind the Point Blue offices on the right. Bring lunch and a beverage.
This field trip is limited to 20 participants. All trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDAS liability waiver, available during registration. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/518889972877
Photo: Black-necked Stilt by Jean Halford

MDAS Field Trip — Bodega Bay
2023-02-18 09:30 - 15:00 | Porto Bodega Marina, Porto Bodega Marina, Bodega Bay, CA, 94923, United States
Bodega Bay
Saturday, February 18, 9:30-3:00

Both sites are good for wintering waders, shorebirds, waterfowl and a few raptors.
Hike rating: 1-Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Meet: Porto Bodega Marina, https://goo.gl/maps/SxWebctFy9ZDyUqP6
Leader: Maureen Lahiff, MLahiff@aol.com, 510-484-6529
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. Just past “downtown” Bodega Bay turn left on Eastshore Rd, and follow it all the way down to the marina. From Walnut Creek, it’s about a 2 hour drive.
This field trip is limited to 20 participants. All trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDAS liability waiver, available during registration. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/467279855627

MDAS Field Trip -- Sunol Regional Park -- CANCELLED
2023-02-21 08:30 - 12:30 | Sunol Regional Park, 1895 Geary Road, Sunol, CA, 94586, United States
THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR 2023
due to potentially hazardous road and trail conditions after the recent torrential rains.
We hope to go birding at Sunol next year.

Sunol Regional Park
Tuesday, February 21 8:30 AM -12:30 PMGolden Eagles and other raptors, Rufous-crowned Sparrows, Dipper, and Canyon and Rock Wrens are possible.
NOTE: The park has been impacted by our recent heavy rains. Registration for this trip will not open until two weeks before, when we may have a better idea of conditions. We will not go to Little Yosemite.
ANY RAIN CANCELS

Hike rating: 2 – moderate
Elevation change: Some elevation gain on well-graded paths.
Meet: Park visitor center at 8:15AM.
Leader: Steve Taylor, 925-828-8810Directions: To reach Sunol Regional Park drive South on highway 680. Take the Calavaras off ramp which is about two miles past Bernal. At the bottom of the Calavaras off ramp make a left. Take Calaveras, about four miles to Geary which will be on your left. Make a left on Geary. Geary dead ends into the park. Meet by the visitor center which will be on your left. There is an entrance fee or you can use your Regional Parks pass.
This field trip is limited to 20 participants. All trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDAS liability waiver, available during registration. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/519058667447

MDAS Field Trip — Walnut Creek Parks
2023-02-22 08:30 - 13:00 | Heather Farm Park, 301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Walnut Creek Parks
Wednesday, February 22, 8:30 AM-1 PM

Starting in Heather Farm Park, we will walk around the large, mostly natural pond, birding along the way. We will visit one or two other parks within the city, to be determined the day of the trip.
Rating: Category 2-Moderate
Elevation change: None
Leader: Hugh Harvey
Meet: The wood railing at the natural pond in Heather Farm Park.
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 straight ahead.
The field trip is limited to 10 participants.
All trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDAS liability waiver, available during registration. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/517246457077

MDAS Field Trip — Los Banos/Panoche Valley
2023-02-25 - 2023-02-26 | McDonald’s Gustine, 430 1st Ave, Gustine, CA, 95322, United States
Los Banos/Panoche Valley
Saturday/Sunday, February 25-26

Both sites are good for wintering waders, shorebirds, waterfowl and a few raptors.
NOTE: The planned itinerary for this trip has been impacted by our recent heavy rains. Registration will not open until two weeks before, when we may have a better handle on conditions.
Hike rating: 1-Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leaders: Hugh Harvey, Beth Branthaver
Meet: The McDonald’s in Gustine, at 8AM
Directions: Drive south on I-5 to Hwy 140, Exit 418. Turn left and drive 3-1/2 miles to the intersection with Hwy 33. Turn left, drive into Gustine and look for the restaurant and Chevron station on the left. Lodging in Los Banos includes Best Western Executive Inn 209-827-0954, Los Banos Days Inn 209-826-9690, Vagabond Inn Executive Los Banos 209-427-4677.
This field trip is limited to 10 participants. All trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDAS liability waiver, available during registration. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/517254832127

MDAS Field Trip — Grizzly Island Wildlife Area
2023-02-28 09:00 | Grizzly Island Wildlife Area, 2548 Grizzly Island Road, Fairfield, CA, 94585, United States
Grizzly Island Refuge
Tuesday, February 28th, 9 AM-1 PM
Grizzly Island provides habitat for more than 200 species of birds and is home to a variety of threatened or endangered wildlife and plants. Our trip will begin at the Refuge Headquarters and continue for about 7 ½ miles along Grizzly Island Road, which is unpaved and runs through the middle of the Wildlife Area. Some things you may need for our outing at Grizzly Island: binoculars, drinking water, sun block, insect repellent, warm jacket, and appropriate footwear. Also, bring lunch and drinks.
Leader: Randy Huey, 925-518-8439
Hike Rating: Category 1-Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Meet: Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, 2548 Grizzly Island Road, Suisun, CA 94585
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sMFsZbgnKacKHn8L9
Directions: From Central Contra Costa County, take I-680 N toward Sacramento. Take Highway 12 off-ramp east toward Rio Vista. Turn onto Grizzly Island Road, at the stoplight at Sunset Shopping Center. Hill Slough Wildlife Area is on both sides of Grizzly Island Road from Highway 12 to the first one-lane bridge. The Grizzly Island Complex Headquarters is 9.5 miles further on Grizzly Island Road.
The trip is limited to 20 participants. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-the-grizzly-island-refuge-tickets-467258341277
Photo: Tundra Swans over Grizzly Island by Isaac Aronow

Monthly Program: March 2023
2023-03-02 19:00 - 20:30 | McHale Room of the Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, 94523, United States
Native Bird Connections
Jenny Papka
The birds and people of Native Bird Connections offer experiences that go beyond the ordinary. From school programs tailored to the national standards to presentations for seniors, scouts and special interest groups, they strive to immerse the audience in an intimate view of a wild bird’s behavior, life choices and needs. Regardless of age, participants find themselves personally connecting with a living being through empathy and awe, emerging inspired.
Native Bird Connections are privileged to share their educational endeavors with wild birds as their partners. Their birds are victims of permanent physical or psychological damage rendering them unable to survive in the wild. They have asked them to accept captivity within a realm of respect and trust, acknowledging fully their loss of a wild life while challenging them to an active role as ambassadors and teachers.
Jenny Papka has a Bachelor’s degree with honors from UC Davis in Environmental Interpretation. She has been involved with wildlife since 1988, first with Lindsay Museum for 13 years, and currently with Native Bird Connections for 23 years. NBC supports 13 non releasable raptors as educational partners.
Jenny maintains the NBC collection, delivers all of the programs, and consults with like organizations locally and beyond. She is an advisor for the Peregrine Team and the Kestrel Campaign in the Mt Diablo region. Jenny has working experience with most California native wildlife and over 30 species of raptors. She received the William Penn Mott Jr. Environmental Award from the Orinda Association in 2009.

Jenny Papka
Photo by Native Bird Connections

MDAS Field Trip -- Contra Loma Regional Park
2023-03-08 08:30 - 15:00 | Contra Loma Reservoir, 1200 Frederickson Ln, Antioch, CA, 94509, United States
Contra Loma Regional Park
Wednesday, March 8, 8:30 AM -3 PM
Leader: Paul Schorr, 925-998-0070

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 1-Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Paul Schorr, 925-998-0070
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 12 participants. Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/contra-loma-regional-park-tickets-544650292687
(American White Pelican photo by Jerry Britten)

MDAS Field Trip -- Mt. View Sanitary and McNabney Marsh
2023-03-14 09:00 - 13:00 | Mountain View Sanitary District, 3800 Arthur Rd, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
Mt. View Sanitary and McNabney Marsh
Tuesday March 14, 9 AM to 1pm

Starting at the Mt. View Sanitation District Administration Building, we will spend most of our outing walking around the several large ponds that make up Moorhen Marsh. Parking is free, and there are restrooms at the beginning of the walk. Winter birding at the Marsh has been excellent so far this year, and hopefully, March will be no exception. Some of the types of birds we should see include: swans, pelicans, ducks, egrets, herons, coots, grackle, gulls, and hawks. Following our walk around Moorhen, we will drive the short distance to the other side of I-680 to the birding platform at McNabney Marsh, look for ducks and waterbirds there. Depending on how much fun we’re having, we may extend the trip across the marsh at Waterbird Regional Preserve.
This trip is well-suited for beginners. If you’d like to borrow a pair of binoculars to use while on the trip contact leader Matt Tarlach, after you register.
Rating: Category 1-Easy. Flat walking on smooth paths.
Elevation change: N/A
Leader:Matt Tarlach (925 482 6129) and Sandy Ritchie
Meet: Mt. View Sanitary Administration Building
Directions: From I-680 southbound exit at Arthur Road, turn left and go under the freeway. From I-680 northbound exit at Pacheco Blvd, turn right onto Arthur Road and go under the freeway.
Arthur Road will eventually turn left. At .4 miles turn sharp left onto Mt. View Sanitary’s private road. Follow the road through the entry gate, alongside the freeway and through the one-lane tunnel under I-680. Park and meet at the Administration Building, which will be on the right.

MVSD limits groups to 20 participants, and requires a liability waiver. All MDAS trip participants must also accept our waiver, which will be available upon registration. Register for this trip here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mvsd-moorhen-marsh-and-mcnabney-marsh-tickets-544650513347
(Snowy Egret photo by Beth Branthaver)

MDAS Field Trip -- Valle Vista
2023-03-17 08:00 - 12:00 | Valle Vista, RVC6+WQ, Moraga, CA, 94556, United States
Valle Vista
Friday, March 17, 8 AM-Noon
A walk through various habitats at the EBMUD property will allow us to see 50-60 species. If you have one, bring your EBMUD pass. 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.
Rating: Category 2, Moderate
Elevation change: Some moderate changes
Leader: Don Lewis, 925-284-5480
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 has no participant limit, but pre-registration and acceptance of liability waiver is required. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valle-vista-tickets-544650804217
(Rufous Hummingbird photo by Jerry Britten)

MDAS Field Trip -- North Briones
2023-04-04 08:30 - 12:00 | Briones Regional Park (North), XV37+VX, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
North Briones
Tuesday April 4, 8:30 – Noon
This walk begins in oak woodlands with lots of spring wildflowers and birds. We then continue through grasslands ending at Sindicich Lagoons. We return the way we came, making about a 3 miles round trip with some climbing. Bring liquids & a snack if you wish.
Rating: Category 3 – uphill climb
Elevation change: 300+ feet
Leader: Cheryl Abel, 925-957-6229
Meet: Top of Briones Rd.
Directions: Meet 8:30 AM in the parking area at the north entrance of Briones Regional Park. Take Briones Road 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 MDAS liability waiver, and all MDAS Field Trips are subject to applicable COVID-19–related restrictions in place for our area.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/north-briones-tickets-544651345837
(Wrentit photo by Jerry Britten)

MDAS Field Trip -- Orinda Connector Trail
2023-04-05 08:00 - 11:00 | Orinda Connector trail, VQXQ+XR, Orinda, CA, 94563, United States
Orinda Connector Trail
Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
A walk through an EBMUD property, requires a trail permit. If you have one bring it with you. We walk downhill to San Pablo Creek, then toward the face of Briones Dam. Wood Ducks are hard to find but some spring birds will have arrived.
Rating: Category 2-Moderate
Elevation change: Moderate
Leader: Don Lewis, 925-284-2906
Meet: Trail head at Camino Pablo and Bear Creek Road
Directions: Exit SR-24 at Orinda and turn north on Camino Pablo. Drive just over 2 miles to the intersection with Bear Creek Road. The trail head parking is on the right, near the northeast corner of the intersection.
Due to limited space along the trail this field trip is limited to 10 participants. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/orinda-connector-trail-tickets-544651636707
(Yellow warbler photo by Jerry Britten)

Monthly Program: April 2023
2023-04-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
Ornitherapy: Watching birds: not only fun, it’s good for you!

Holly Merker

Learn why getting your daily dose of Ornitherapy is just what the doctor ordered….Long to-do lists, digital demands, people to connect with- life can be busy! If we allow birds and nature to slow us down, we are practicing “selfcare”.
Research shows that exposure to nature actively reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, while helping build a stronger heart and immune system. Birds are gateways into deeper experiences with nature, magnifying these benefits. Through observation, we can learn not only about birds, but gain insight into our own lives while exploring our connection to the world around us. This fosters stewardship and bolsters conservation.
Within the program, we’ll delve into our connections to birds, how to practice Ornitherapy for optimal benefits, and learn about the latest research in the power of nature for overall well being.
Holly Merker is a professional birding guide, writer, and educator who has a background in art therapy, but today uses birds and nature towards the same goals delivering nature-based wellness programs for people of all ages.
In her work as an environmental educator and professional birding guide, Holly shares her love of birds guiding for the American Birding Association, National Audubon, Hillstar Nature, and many other organizations. She is also a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide (ANFT) and founded The Mindful Birding Network.
Holly is the author of the award-winning book Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul (along with Richard Crossley and Sophie Crossley, Crossley Books, 2021) and was featured in a recent article in the NY Times: The Surprising Health Benefits of Bird-Watching. In her free time, Holly spends every possible moment practicing Ornitherapy herself, which she credits in helping her defeat breast cancer, restoring her health mentally and physically.

Holly Merker, photo by Kari Oeltjen
Webinar Access Info:

Date:
April 6, 2023 7:00 PM Pacific Time

Time:
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Pollinator and Friends Day at Ruth Bancroft Garden
2023-04-08 10:00 - 16:00 | Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598
Join Mt. Diablo Audubon Society at Pollinator and Friends Day at Ruth Bancroft Garden!
Each year the Ruth Bancroft Garden hosts Pollinator and Friends Day. Join us for a celebration of pollinator and friends and what we can do to protect them and their habitat. This drop-in event will feature other educational organizations, unique vendors and various stations throughout the Plaza and Building.
The event takes place on our Plaza and Building is FREE. Garden admission fees apply to those who wish to visit the Garden.
For more information and to RSVP, visit: https://www.ruthbancroftgarden.org/pollinator-and-friends/

MDAS Field Trip -- Putah Creek at Pedrick Rd., Davis, CA
2023-04-11 07:30 - 14:00 | Putah Creek Parking Lot, Putah Creek Parking Lot, Davis, CA, 95616
NEW TRIP!
Putah Creek at Pedrick Rd., Davis, CA.
Tuesday, April 11, 7:30am to 2pm.
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.
Trail Rating: Category 1, an easy walk.
Bring water and snacks. There are no bathroom facilities.
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-584016819027
Snowy Egret photo by Beth Branthavar
