MDAS Field Trip—Bodega Bay
Tides Restaurant Bodega Bay 835Bay Highway, Bodega Bay, CA, United StatesBodega Bay Saturday, February 12, 9:15 AM-2 PM Leader: Hugh Harvey, 925-935-2979 Many opportunities for spotting great birds are available on this trip. Wintering shorebirds and waterfowl sometimes number in the 1000s. We will not be attacked by any of The Birds in Hitchcock's famous movie. After meeting at The Tides Restaurant, we will stop […]
MDAS Field Trip—Walnut Creek City Parks
Heather Farm Park 301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek, CA, United StatesWalnut Creek City Parks Wednesday, February 23, 8:30 AM-1 PM Leader: Hugh Harvey, 925-935-2979 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: N/A […]
MDAS Field Trip—Los Banos/Panoche Valley
McDonald's Gustine 430 1st Ave, Gustine, CA, United StatesLos Banos/Panoche Valley Saturday/Sunday, February 26-27, two full days Leaders: Beth Branthaver and Hugh Harvey On Saturday this trip takes us through marshy areas of the Central Valley, where we should see large numbers of waterfowl, raptors and waders. Sunday will be a visit to the Panoche Valley, which may have more raptors and other […]
MDAS Field Trip — Contra Loma Regional Park
Contra Loma Reservoir 1200 Frederickson Ln, Antioch, CA, United StatesContra Loma Regional Park Wednesday, March 2, 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 […]
Monthly Program: March 2022
Zoom CA, United StatesBirding Info: The Mt. Diablo Audubon board will provide an overview of the chapter's activities, projects, and programs. Main Program: SF Baykeeper and the State of the Bay Sejal Choksi-Chugh Sejal Choksi-Chugh, Executive Director of San Francisco Baykeeper, will discuss the state of the Bay and the major issues Baykeeper is tackling. San Francisco Baykeeper […]
MDAS Field Trip — Mt. View Sanitary and McNabney Marsh
Mountain View Sanitary District 3800 Arthur Rd, Martinez, CA, United StatesMt. View Sanitary and McNabney Marsh Tuesday March 8, 9 AM to Noon Leader: Randy Huey, 925-518-8439 Starting at the Mt. View Sanitation District Administration Building, we will spend most of our outing walking around the several large ponds making up Moorhen Marsh. Parking is free, and there are restrooms at the beginning of the […]
MDAS Field Trip — Valle Vista
Valle Vista RVC6+WQ, Moraga, CA, United StatesValle Vista Friday, March 18, 8 AM-Noon Leader: Don Lewis, 925-284-5480 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 Upper San Leandro Reservoir. Rating: Category 2, Moderate Elevation change: Some moderate changes Leader: Don […]
MDAS Field Trip — Lake Lagunitas
Lake Lagunitas WCX2+JX, Fairfax, CA, United StatesLake Lagunitas Wednesday, March 23, 9 AM-1 PM Leader: Hugh Harvey, 925-935-2979 Spring is approaching and we will enjoy birds and flowers on the north slope of Mount Tamalpais. The lake is part of the watershed for Marin Water District. An $8 entry fee is required. After birding below the dam, we will hike around […]
MDAS Field Trip — Tomales Bay State Park
Heart's Desire Beach Hearts Desire Beach, Inverness, CA, United StatesTomales Bay State Park Saturday, March 26, 8:30 AM-1 PM Leader: Linda Shinn, 925-597-0234 A popular site for birding along Tomales Bay, including a hike from Heart's Desire Beach to Indian Beach. We return uphll around the wet meadow behind Indian Beach. Some water fowl, forest birds and Osprey are possible. Rating: Category 2-Moderate Elevation change: Moderate […]
MDAS Field Trip — Orinda Connector Trail
Orinda Connector trail VQXQ+XR, Orinda, CA, United StatesOrinda Connector Trail Wednesday, March 30, 8 AM-11 AM Leader: Don Lewis, 925-284-2906 Meet: Trail head at Camino Pablo and Bear Creek Road 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. […]
MDAS Field Trip — North Briones
Briones Regional Park (North) XV37+VX, Martinez, CA, United StatesNorth Briones Tuesday April 5, 8:30 - Noon Leader: Cheryl Abel, 925-957-6229 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 with about 3 miles round trip. Bring liquids & a snack if you wish. Rating: Category […]
Monthly Program: April 2022
Zoom CA, United StatesMain Program: Cooperation and conflict in the communal world of the Acorn Woodpecker Walt Koenig Acorn Woodpecker, best known for their unique habit of storing acorns by the thousands in special structures known as “granaries”, exhibit one of the most complex social systems of any bird. Family groups of this species, sometimes numbering a dozen […]
MDAS Field Trip — Black Diamond Mines
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve X45P+PP, Antioch, CA, United StatesBlack Diamond Mines Tuesday, April 12, 8 AM to 1 PM Leader: Hugh Harvey, 925-935-2979 A serious walk up through the Canyon Wren habitat. Other woodland and grassland birds are possible. Tricky footing through the wren's rocky habitat, and no guarantees on finding it. Some spring flowers may still be in bloom. Bring liquids and […]
MDAS Field Trip — Pine Canyon
Diablo Foothills Regional Park Trailhead Parking 1700 Castle Rock Rd, Walnut CreekPine Canyon Tuesday, April 19, 8 AM to 1 PM Leader Tracy Farrington, 925-788-6223 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. We should expect […]
MDAS Field Trip — Del Puerto Canyon
Del Puerto Canyon Rd & Diablo Grande Pkwy Del Puerto Canyon Rd, Patterson, CA, United StatesDel Puerto Canyon Monday, April 25, 9 AM to 4 PM Leader: Beth Branthaver, 510-502-4869 This is an all day trip requiring an early start to meet at the lower end of Del Puerto Canyon Road near Patterson off I-5. We will drive through the canyon, starting in grasslands, then riparian, chaparral and oak savanna […]
MDAS Field Trip — Mitchell Canyon
Mitchell Canyon 96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA, United StatesMitchell Canyon Thursday, April 28, 8 AM to 1 PM Leader: Sandy Ritchie, 925-685-8048 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 should still be blooming. Rating: Category 3, hot, dusty trail, 3+ miles Elevation […]
MDAS Field Trip — East Contra Costa County
Marsh Creek Regional Trail Trailhead X8R3+9H, Oakley, CA, United StatesEast Contra Costa County Saturday, April 30, 7 AM to 1 PM Leader: Randy Huey, 925-518-8439 This is a trip which often can be very hot by the finish. We will walk part of the Marsh Creek Trail, and then visit Piper Slough north of Bethel Island. Other locations are possible. Target birds include: Blue […]
MDAS/SMD Field Trip—Curry Canyon
Curry Canyon RanchMount Diablo Audubon Society and Save Mount Diablo are partnering up for a hike on Save Mount Diablo's gorgeous Curry Canyon Ranch. This portion of Curry Canyon Ranch showcases beautiful rangeland ecosystems and valley oak and riparian habitat. We'll be looking for spring migrants (Warblers and Western Tanager), Bullock’s Oriole, and possible nesting Warbling and […]
Monthly Program: May 2022
Zoom CA, United StatesMain Program: Soundscapes to Landscapes Dr. Leo Salas and David Leland The earth’s biodiversity and associated ecosystem services are in a severe state of decline due to human pressure, however, our knowledge of these changes and impacts is often incomplete and limited to few and small areas. Join us to learn how Soundscapes to Landscapes […]
MDAS Field Trip — West Briones Regional Park
Bear Creek Staging Area Briones Bear Creek Staging Area, 16 Bear Creek Rd, Lafayette, CA, United StatesWest Briones Regional Park Monday, May 9, 8 AM to 1 PM Leader: Mike Marchiano, 925-372-6328 A visit to the west entrance of Briones Regional Park in the spring offers views of spring wildflowers and spring birds. Lazuli Buntings are usually present, often the first viewings of the year for most of us. Bring water […]