Mount Diablo Bird Alliance

Down For the Count: Exploring Bird Diversity at Point Reyes
2021-12-19 09:30 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Point Reyes National Seashore – Bear Valley Visitors Center, 1 Bear Valley Visitor Center Access Road, Point Reyes Station, CA, 94956, United States
For fifty years the Point Reyes Christmas Bird Count (CBC) has been an annual tradition monitoring the winter populations of over two hundred species of birds here. Point Reyes National Seashore and adjoining areas rank in the top ten of over two thousand counts nationwide in terms of species diversity. This remarkable accomplishment is mostly the result of the wide variety of habitats here.
The day after the 2021 count we will enjoy some of this amazing avian diversity in a number of short walks. This will be a moderately fast paced outing with the focus of seeing a lot of birds, but allowing time to learn bird identification by sight and sound.

MDAS Field Trip—Lake Merritt and Arrowhead Marsh--High Tide
2022-01-03 08:30 - 13:00 | Lake Merritt, 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
Lake Merritt and Arrowhead Marsh–High Tide
Monday January 3, 8:30 AM-1 PM
Leader: Sandy Ritchie, 925-685-8048
Winter ducks on Lake Merritt and other birds usually means easy viewing from the sidewalk. The lake is one of the few places in the Bay Area where Barrow’s Goldeneyes can be seen. An entry fee past the gate at Children’s Fairyland is usually required.
We will move to Arrowhead in time for the high tide, which will be around 11:15. Ridgeway’s Rails are one of the highlights here, though we will see many other birds. A visit to Garretson Point will follow, bring lunch and drinks.
Rating: Category 1–Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Sandy Ritchie, please call to confirm, 925-685-8048
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 park at Children’s Fairyland (fee possible) and follow around to parking lot entrance on right between boathouse and aviary.
Register for this field trip HERE. This field trip is limited to 15 participants.
Photo: Barrow’s Goldeneye

Monthly Program: January 2022
2022-01-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
Birding Info:
Highlights Of The 2021 Christmas Bird Counts
Jerry Britten
Mt. Diablo Audubon Society President Jerry Britten will report highlights of the 2021 Christmas Bird Counts.
Main Program:
Audible Mount Diablo
Joan Hamilton, founder and owner, Audio Guides to the Outdoors
Joan Hamilton is a writer, editor, and multimedia producer. She is founder and owner of Audio Guides to the Outdoors, which has created multimedia guides for Save Mount Diablo, Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, Midpeninsula Open Space District, Save the Redwoods League, and Valley of the Moon Natural History Association at Jack London Historic State Park. She’s written for Bay Nature, Sierra, Orion, Mother Jones, the Nation and other publications. She’s a former editor-in-chief of Sierra and was top editor at Climbing and High Country News.
Her presentation will introduce Audible Mount Diablo, an important online resource for people who want to learn more about the natural and cultural history of parks in the Mount Diablo region. She’ll describe the series and its history, profile the main contributors, and show clips from some of the most interesting episodes.

Joan Hamilton

MDAS Field Trip—East Contra Costa County
2022-01-12 09:00 - 13:00 | Big Break Regional Shoreline, 69 Big Break Road, Oakley, CA, 94561, United States
East Contra Costa County
Wednesday, January 12, 9 AM-1 PM
Leader: Paul Schorr, 925-988-0070
We will be birding at Big Break/Delta Science Center, Iron House Sanitary, and possibly other places in the 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.
Register for this field trip HERE. This field trip is limited to 12 participants.
Photo: Pied-billed Grebe by Isaac Aronow

MDAS Field Trip—Shollenberger Park/Ellis Creek
2022-01-15 08:30 - 14:00 | Shollenberger Park, 1400 Cader Lane, Petaluma, CA, 94954, United States
Shollenberger Park/Ellis Creek
Saturday, January 15, 8:30-2 PM
Leader: Sandy Ritchie, 925-685-8048
Both of these locations are great for wintering waders, shorebirds, waterfowl and a few raptors. Bring lunch and a beverage.
Rating: Category 1-Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Sandy Ritchie, 925-685-8048
Meet: Point Blue parking lot at 8:30 AM
Directions: Take I-680 across the Benicia Bridge. Go west on I-780 to I-80 towards Sacramento, exit to SR 37. Follow SR 37 16 miles 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 Dr. The Shollenberger access is behind the Point Blue offices on the right, Ellis Creek is farther along.
Register for this field trip HERE. This field trip is limited to 15 participants.
Photo: Black-necked Stilt by Jean Halford

MDAS Field Trip—Martinez Waterfront Birds
2022-01-25 09:00 - 14:00 | Waterbird Regional Preserve, Martinez, 2701 Waterfront Rd., Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
Martinez Waterfront Birds
Tuesday, January 25, 9 AM-2 PM
Leader: Tracy Farrington, 925-788-6223
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.
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.
Register for this field trip HERE. This field trip is limited to 15 participants.
Photo: Snowy Egret by Beth Branthaver

Monthly Program: February 2022
2022-02-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
Birding Info:
Mt. Diablo Audubon Society draft Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging statement
Mt. Diablo Audubon board members Juan Pablo Galván Martínez, Ariana Rickard, and Krista Vossekuil will present a draft Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement for the chapter.
Main Program:
Mount Diablo—an Island in Suburbia
Michael Marchiano, Naturalist
Michael will provide an overview of plant and animal life on Mount Diablo, including trees, shrubs, wildflowers, insects, spiders, reptiles, birds, and mammals. This short natural history presentation will also cover the best time to see these magnificent creatures in the state park.
Michael Marchiano is a naturalist who has been hiking the Bay Area and California for the last 60 years. Since childhood, he has studied various animals, insects, and flowers. Now he seeks to share his knowledge with those around him in the community.

Michael Marchiano

MDAS Field Trip—Thornton Area/Cosumnes Preserve
2022-02-05 08:45 - 13:00 | Westgate Landing Regional Park, 4GF5+HP, Terminous, CA, 95242, United States
Thornton Area/Cosumnes Preserve
Saturday, February 5, 8:45 AM-1 PM
Leader: Ethan Chickering, 925-890-3833
The major portion of the birding is done along Woodbridge Road and the Isenberg Crane Reserve, and at the Cosumnes River Preserve. In winter these areas are thick with Sandhill Cranes, Snow, Greater White-fronted and Cackling Geese. Also present will be many winter ducks and raptors. Much of the birding is from our cars, but bring warm clothing for short walks. Bring lunch and drinks.
Rating: Category 1-Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Ethan Chickering,
Meet: Westgate Landing Park east of Terminous, State Route 12
Directions: From Central Contra Costa County, take Hwy 4 east to Antioch. Go north over the Antioch Bridge on SR 160 to Rio Vista. Turn east on SR 12, for 11-1/2 miles.. After passing Terminous turn right on Glasscock Road. The road will circle to the right and under the highway. Turn left onto Glasscock Road proper on the north side of the highway, then drive to the end and Westgate Landing Park.
The trip is limited to 20 participants. Register for this event HERE. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).

MDAS Field Trip—Bodega Bay
2022-02-12 09:15 - 14:00 | Tides Restaurant Bodega Bay, 835Bay Highway, Bodega Bay, CA, 94923, United States
Bodega 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 at several places around the harbor including Bodega Head, Campbell Cove and Porto Bodega. Dress appropriately, bring lunch and drinks.
Rating: Category 1-Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Hugh Harvey, please call to confirm, 925-935-2979
Meet: The Tides Restaurant, Bodega Bay
Directions: From Central Contra Costa drive to Vallejo and then toward Sacramento on I-80. Exit to SR 37 and drive 15 miles to Lakeville Hwy. Turn right and go 11.5 miles into Petaluma. Turn left on E. Washington Street. After passing the downtown area, drive west toward Bodega Bay for about 21 miles. The road will change names, but is always the same road. You will pass through Valley Ford. The Tides Restaurant will be on the left with a large parking lot. Look for the birders on the deck on the waterside of the restaurant.
This field trip is limited to 15 participants. Register for this event HERE. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).

MDAS Field Trip—Walnut Creek City Parks
2022-02-23 08:30 - 13:00 | Heather Farm Park, 301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Walnut 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
Leader: Hugh Harvey
Meet: Wooden railing at the big pond
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. Register for this event HERE. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).

MDAS Field Trip—Los Banos/Panoche Valley
2022-02-26 08:00 - 2022-02-27 15:00 | McDonald’s Gustine, 430 1st Ave, Gustine, CA, 95322, United States
Los 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 birds. An overnight stay in Los Banos will be required. Participants need lunch for both days. No communal dinner is being planned for Saturday.
Rating: Category 1-Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leaders: Beth Branthaver, 510-502-4860, Hugh Harvey, 925-935-2979, please call to confirm
Directions: Meet at McDonald’s in Gustine at 8 AM. 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. Register for this event HERE. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).

MDAS Field Trip -- Contra Loma Regional Park
2022-03-02 08:30 - 15:00 | Contra Loma Reservoir, 1200 Frederickson Ln, Antioch, CA, 94509, United States
Contra 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 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 for this event HERE starting on 2/20. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(American White Pelican photo by Jerry Britten)

Monthly Program: March 2022
2022-03-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
Birding 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 has defended the Bay since 1989 by patrolling on the water, investigating pollution, holding polluters accountable, and strengthening the laws that protect the Bay and the people of the Bay Area. For 30 years, Baykeeper’s lawyers, scientists, and advocates have taken on the biggest threats to San Francisco Bay — and won.
Courtesy of an Equal Justice Works legal fellowship in 2002, Sejal joined the Baykeeper team straight out of law school inspired to hold polluters and agencies accountable and to fight for healthy communities. Prior to being promoted to the executive director role in 2015, she served as an in-house attorney and program director, spearheading the charge to reduce toxic industrial runoff, mercury contamination, pesticides pollution, and sewage and oil spills around the Bay and its watershed. Sejal grew up in Atlanta and attended Emory University as a Robert W. Woodruff Scholar. She holds a J.D. with a specialization in Environmental Law from the University of California at Berkeley. In addition to her day job, Sejal fills a permanent founders’ seat on the Waterkeeper Alliance’s Waterkeeper Council where she is a leader on the global Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, and she’s a Board member of Sustainable Lafayette where she volunteers locally to help residents take action to protect the planet. Sejal co-founded the Bay Area chapter of Environmental Professionals of Color in 2020 to help increase equity, diversity, and inclusion within the Bay Area’s environmental community.

Sejal Choksi-Chugh, photo by Hudson Henry

MDAS Field Trip -- Mt. View Sanitary and McNabney Marsh
2022-03-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Mountain View Sanitary District, 3800 Arthur Rd, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
Mt. 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 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 over to the birding platform at McNabney Marsh, and depending on how well and long our time goes, we may end up the trip across the marsh at Waterbird Regional Preserve.
Rating: Category 1-Easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Randy Huey
Meet: Mt. View Sanitary Administration Building parking lot
Directions: Exit from I-680 southbound at Arthur Road, turn left and go under the freeway. Exit I-680 northbound at Pacheco Blvd, turn right onto Arthur Road and go under the freeway. Arthur Road will 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 tunnel under I-680. Park and meet at the Administration Building, which will be on the right.

The field trip is limited to 20 participants. Register for this event HERE starting on 2/20. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(Snowy Egret photo by Beth Branthaver)

MDAS Field Trip -- Valle Vista
2022-03-18 08:00 - 12:00 | Valle Vista, RVC6+WQ, Moraga, CA, 94556, United States
Valle 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 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 is limited to 20 participants. Register for the event HERE starting on 2/20. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(Rufous Hummingbird photo by Jerry Britten)

MDAS Field Trip -- Lake Lagunitas
2022-03-23 09:00 - 13:00 | Lake Lagunitas, WCX2+JX, Fairfax, CA, 94930, United States
Lake 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 Lake Lagunitas.
Rating: Category 2-Moderate
Elevation change: Some moderate changes
Leader: Hugh B. Harvey, 925-935-2979
Directions: Cross the San Rafael Bridge to US 101 north. Take the first San Rafael exit, go left on 3rd Street. In San Anselmo turn right onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd, cpontinue to Fairfax. Go left on Fairfax Bolinas Road, follow to left turn on Sky Oaks Road and continue to Kiosk. After paying $8 fee at kiosk, drive to the last parking lot near the foot of Lagunitas Dam.
This trip is limited to 15 participants. Register for this event HERE starting on 2/20. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(Pileated Woodpecker photo by Beth Branthaver)

MDAS Field Trip -- Tomales Bay State Park
2022-03-26 08:30 - 13:00 | Heart’s Desire Beach, Hearts Desire Beach, Inverness, CA, 94937, United States
Tomales 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
Leader: Linda Shinn: 925-597-0234
Meet: Heart’s Desire Beach
Directions: After crossing the Richmond Bridge, follow US 101 north and take the Lucas Valley Road exit. Drive 10 miles to Nicasio Valley Road and turn right. Drive through Nicasio about three miles to Point Reyes Petaluma Road. Turn left and drive three miles to the stop sign and a painted bridge. Turn right for another three miles to Hwy 1. Turn left and enter Point Reyes Station. After a stop at the Bovine Bakery for coffee and pastries, continue out of town and turn right after the bridge onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Follow “the Frank” through Inverness. Just over the ridge, turn right onto Pierce Point Road. The park entrance is on the right after about one mile. Entry fee of $8 is required.
This trip is limited to 15 participants. Register for this event HERE starting on 2/20. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(Common Mergansers photo by Alyssa Retodo)

MDAS Field Trip -- Orinda Connector Trail
2022-03-30 08:00 - 11:00 | Orinda Connector trail, VQXQ+XR, Orinda, CA, 94563, United States
Orinda 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. Wood Ducks are hard to find, but some spring birds have arrived.
Rating: Category 2-Moderate
Elevation change: Moderate
Leader: Don Lewis, 925-284-2906
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.
This field trip is limited to 10 participants. Register for this event HERE starting on 2/20. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(Yellow warbler photo by Jerry Britten)

MDAS Field Trip -- North Briones
2022-04-05 08:30 - 12:00 | Briones Regional Park (North), XV37+VX, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
North 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 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 12 participants. Register for this event HERE starting on 3/27. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(Wrentit photo by Jerry Britten)

Monthly Program: April 2022
2022-04-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
Main 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 or more birds, contain multiple breeders of both sexes, a rare phenomenon called “polygynandry”, along with young from prior years that serve as “helpers-at-the-nest”. Based on a long-term study of this species at Hastings Natural History Reservation in Monterey County, Walt will explain some of the strikingly cooperative and diabolically competitive behaviors of this species that he and his colleagues have discovered during their 50+ year field study.
After studying Acorn Woodpeckers for his Ph.D., Walt Koenig became a Research Zoologist at Hastings Reservation, a field station located in the upper Carmel Valley run by the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at UC Berkeley, from 1982 to 2008. He subsequently was a Senior Scientist at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York, from 2008 to 2016. He retired in 2016 and returned to upper Carmel Valley, where he currently studies acorn production by California oaks, continues to contribute to the Acorn Woodpecker study, and works on perfecting his sparkling wine palate.

Two Acorn Woodpecker females at a communal nest. The bird at the hole is about to feed acorn pieces to the young. Photo by Bruce Lyon

MDAS Field Trip -- Black Diamond Mines
2022-04-12 08:00 - 13:00 | Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, X45P+PP, Antioch, CA, 94565, United States
Black 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 lunch.
Rating: Category 3, hot, difficult uphill trail
Elevation change: 600 feet
Leader: Hugh Harvey, 925-935-2979
Meet: Black Diamond Mines parking lot at top of Somersville Road.
Directions: Exit Hwy 4 at Somersville Road in Antioch. Drive south, enter the park gate and drive uphill to the last parking lot.
This trip is limited to 15 participants. Register for this event HERE starting on 3/27. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waver (available during registration).

MDAS Field Trip -- Pine Canyon
2022-04-19 08:00 - 13:00 | Diablo Foothills Regional Park Trailhead Parking, 1700 Castle Rock Rd, Walnut Creek, 94598
Pine 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 to find nesting pairs of Bullock’s Orioles and House Wrens. Warbling Vireos, along with their cousins, the Cassin’s Vireo, nest within the canyon. Rufous-crowned Sparrows are to be found, and if we’re lucky, Lazuli Bunting. We’ll look (and listen) for Black-headed Grosbeaks and Western Tanagers. Western Wood-Pewees and Pacific-slope Flycatchers pass through. We might get lucky with an Olive-sided Flycatcher. And the warblers: breeding plumage Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Gray, Wilson’s, Yellow, Nashville, MacGillivray’s, Hermit, Orange-crowned, and Townsend’s.
Bring water and snacks. This should be a wonderful springtime field trip.
Rating: Category 2–Moderate with creek crossings
Elevation change: 150-200 feet
Leader: Tracy Farrington, 925-788-6223
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 20 participants. Register for this event HERE starting on 3/27. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(Townsend’s Warbler photo by Jerry Britten)

MDAS Field Trip -- Del Puerto Canyon
2022-04-25 09:00 - 16:00 | Del Puerto Canyon Rd & Diablo Grande Pkwy, Del Puerto Canyon Rd, Patterson, CA, 95363, United States
Del 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 habitats. Many spring birds are possible, including Canyon Wren, Costa’s Hummingbird and maybe a Roadrunner. It is usually hot, so bring plenty of liquids and lunch. If you have a radio, that will be handy.
Rating: Category 1–easy
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Beth Branthaver, 510-502-4869
Meet: Del Puerto Canyon Road from Diablo Grande Parkway exit near Patterson
Directions: Go over Altamont Pass and turn south on I-5. Stop at the Larry Combs Rest Area near Westley, as there are no facilities on our trip until our lunch stop. Exit at Diablo Grande Parkway/Sperry Road and turn right. Del Puerto Canyon Road is several hundred yards from the exit; wait around the bend for the group to gather.
This field trip is limited to 20 participants. Register for this HERE starting on 3/27. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(Western Kingbird photo by Beth Branthaver)

MDAS Field Trip -- Mitchell Canyon
2022-04-28 08:00 - 13:00 | Mitchell Canyon, 96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA, 94517, United States
Mitchell 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 change: up to 400 feet
Leader: Sandy Ritchie, 925-685-8048
Meet: Mitchell Canyon parking lot
Directions: From Ygnacio Valley Road in Concord, turn south on Clayton Road. Turn right onto Mitchell Canyon Road and drive past quarry to end. A $6 parking fee is required.
This field trip is limited to 15 participants. Register for this event HERE starting on 3/27. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(Wilson’s Warbler photo by Jerry Britten)

MDAS Field Trip -- East Contra Costa County
2022-04-30 07:00 - 13:00 | Marsh Creek Regional Trail Trailhead, X8R3+9H, Oakley, CA, 94561, United States
East 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 Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Swainson’s Hawk, Yellow-billed Magpie and Yellow-breasted Chat.
Bring lunch, snacks and water.
Rating: Category 2–moderate hiking
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Randy Huey, 925-518-8439
Meet: Marsh Creek Trailhead on Cypress Road, Oakley
Directions: Go north on I-680, exit Highway 4 toward Stockton/Pittsburg, take right Exit 30 toward CA-160/Sacramento/Rio Vista (just past Hillcrest Avenue exit; do NOT continue straight on Highway 4). Take exit 1-A East 18th/Main Street, turn right at the bottom of the exit onto Main Street and drive through Oakley for about 4 miles, turn left onto Cypress Road. Make a U-turn at Picasso Drive, the stoplight after the railroad tracks.
This field trip is limited to 20 participants. Register for this event HERE. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).

MDAS/SMD Field Trip—Curry Canyon
2022-05-05 07:30 - 11:30 | Curry Canyon Ranch
Mount 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 Cassin’s Vireos. You might even see a golden eagle or two! This is a chance to get to know the east side of Mount Diablo, a side that’s not normally open to the public. You’ll pass a beautiful valley with rolling hills as you walk along the creek, then transition into riparian habitat, where sun hardly breaks through the canopy of the trees.
Be sure to dress in layers and wear sturdy boots or shoes; bring a mask, plenty of water, binoculars (if you have them) sunscreen, and a snack.
Participants will be required to accept our COVID-19 Protocol (available during registration)
Land: Save Mount Diablo
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 4-5 miles
Elevation change: 200’
Leader: Jerry Britten, Save Mount Diablo Hike Leader
Meet: Address Provided After Registration

Register for this field trip HERE, beginning March 5th at 10am. This field trip is limited to 20 participants.
Photo: Western Tanager by Jerry Britten

Monthly Program: May 2022
2022-05-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
Main 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 is using a combination of multiple technologies and the power of citizen/community scientists to fill this data gap – starting with a focus on Sonoma County bird diversity. Soundscapes to Landscapes (S2L) is a science-based project that seeks to advance the monitoring of animal biodiversity across large areas using audio recorders, Earth-observing sensors, and Artificial Intelligence. In this special presentation, we will hear from two of the Soundscapes to Landscapes team members about their innovative approach and some of their findings thus far.
Dr. Leo Salas is a Quantitative Ecologist in the Ecoinformatics and Climate Solutions group at Point Blue Conservation Science. Originally from Venezuela, he obtained his MSc in Wildlife Conservation and PhD in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He has worked with a variety of organisms and ecosystems, and specializes in novel data analysis methods, and modeling biological systems at large spatial and temporal scales, including future climate scenarios. David Leland is a member of Madrone Audubon, National Audubon, and Redwood Regional Ornithological Society. He has been on the S2L team since 2017, participating in community outreach, field placement of recorders, analysis of recordings to identify bird species present, and development of models for individual species of interest. In addition, he is also working with his Sonoma County community on ways to reduce carbon emissions.
David Leland
Dr. Leo Salas

MDAS Field Trip -- West Briones Regional Park
2022-05-09 08:00 - 13:00 | Bear Creek Staging Area Briones, Bear Creek Staging Area, 16 Bear Creek Rd, Lafayette, CA, 94549, United States
West 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 and snacks.
Rating: Category 2–moderate hiking
Elevation change: 200 feet
Leader: Mike Marchiano, 925-372-6328
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. Register for this event HERE starting on 4/24. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(Lazuli Bunting photo by Beth Branthaver)

Monthly Program: June 2022
2022-06-02 19:00 - 20:30 | The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
Birding Information: Local Birds from MDAS Photo Contests
Krista Vossekuil, MDAS Education Chair
Krista Vossekuil will share some of the photos from the MDAS Photo Contests! Check out all the amazing entries and enjoy pictures of some of our incredible local birds.
Bullock’s Orioles, Morgan Territory, photo by Jerry Britten
Main Program:
Emperors of the Ice: Ecology and physiology of an iconic Antarctic predator, the emperor penguin
Dr. Gitte McDonald
Emperor penguins are the largest species of marine bird, and perhaps because of its size, it is able to fast longer, dive deeper, and endure harsher conditions than any other avian species. As a top predator in the Antarctic ecosystem, they have a significant top-down effect on prey. Additionally, as top predators, their survival and reproduction depends on the functioning of the entire food web.
Join Gitte McDonald as she talks about her research expeditions to the Ross Sea to study the ecology and physiology of emperor penguins. She will start off with an introduction on basic biology and ecology of emperor penguins before talking about current research on the behavioral and physiological adaptations that allow them to thrive in the Antarctic ecosystem. The talk will conclude with a discussion of current and future challenges.
As a physiological and behavioral ecologist, Dr. Gitte McDonald investigates adaptations that allow animals to survive in extreme environments. Marine mammals and birds provide an ideal study system to investigate how animals deal with extreme conditions because of their large size variation, geographic distribution and physiological challenges they face on a daily basis including hypoxia, extreme temperatures, and fasting. Understanding the mechanisms that allow an organism to interact and survive in its environment is crucial for predicting, and potentially mitigating, their response to climate change. Her research has provided opportunities to work with a broad range of species in a diversity of habitats from the Antarctic to the Galapagos.

Gitte McDonald, photo by Greg Marshall

MDAS Field Trip -- Outer Point Reyes
2022-06-04 08:30 - 15:00 | Bear Valley Visitor Center, 25RX+CV, Inverness, CA, 94956, United States
Outer Point Reyes
Saturday, June 4, 8:30 AM to 3 PM
Leaders: Hugh Harvey and Beth Branthaver
This is a trip to see some spring birds, and visit some of the migrant traps. We will stop at the lighthouse overlook and spend some time above the fish docks. Bring water and lunch.
Rating: Category 1 — some walking through grass under trees and on paved roads
Elevation change: N/A
Leader: Hugh Harvey, 925-935-2979, Beth Branthaver, 510-502-4860
Meet: Bear Valley Visitor Center, Olema
Directions: From US 101 north of San Rafael, take Lucas Valley Road to Nicasio, at the reservoir turn left. Follow signs to Point Reyes Station, stop for coffee and pastries at the Bovine Bakery, then drive to Olema and the Visitor Center. From the Concord/Pleasant Hill area it may be advantageous to cross the top of the Bay on SR 37, exit at Atherton Avenue, turn left and cross US 101 to San Marin Drive. Turn right at the high school and drive about 6 miles to stop sign, turn left on Point Reyes-Petaluma Road for 7 miles to another stop sign. Turn right at the painted bridge, drive 3 miles to SR 1 and turn left into Point Reyes Station.
This field trip is limited to 10 participants. Register for this event HERE starting on 5/22. Participants must acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration).
(Western bluebird photo by Jerry Britten)
