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X-WR-CALNAME:Mount Diablo Bird Alliance
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://mtdiablobirds.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Mount Diablo Bird Alliance
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240905T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240905T203000
DTSTAMP:20260430T221812
CREATED:20240818T040753Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240818T042346Z
UID:8544-1725562800-1725568200@mtdiablobirds.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Program: September 2024
DESCRIPTION:Birds of Canada and North American Wood Warblers\nNorman Kikuchi\, MD\n \n\nMount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday\, September 5\, in the Camellia Room at the Gardens at Heather Farm. \n6:30 PM Doors Open\n7:00 PM Announcements\n7:15 PM Refreshments and Raffle\n7:30 PM Main Program: Birds of Canada and North American Wood Warblers\n*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea \n7:30 PM Main Program: Birds of Canada and North American Wood Warblers\nNorman Kikuchi\, MD \nNorman Kikuchi will present photos taken from a few of his favorite locations in Canada. In a small town named Elliston\, there is a lesser known breeding colony of Atlantic Puffins\, that are sometimes known to nibble on visitors’ shoelaces! \nWe will also learn about New World Wood Warblers (Parulidae) taken from migration hotspots and breeding locations in the US and Canada. Warbler addiction among birders is a common condition from which happily there seems to be no cure. \nNorman’s childhood interest in birds began while stalking Ring-necked Pheasants in the Mt Diablo foothills\, however witnessing the impalement of a Western Fence lizard by a Loggerhead Shrike on a Joshua tree spine was his real bird epiphany. He was transfixed by the moment! \nNorman graduated from UC Davis in Zoology with a minor in herpetology. He received my MD family practice specialty at UC Irvine. In 1997 he acquired the super telephoto Canon lenses and switched to avian photography. His current ultimate goal is photographing all the breeding birds in the US and Canada. \n\n\nBlackburnian Warbler; Photo by Norman Kikuchi \n 
URL:https://mtdiablobirds.org/event/monthly-program-sept2024/
LOCATION:The Camellia Room at The Gardens at Heather Farm\, 1540 Marchbanks Drive\, Walnut Creek\, CA\, 94598\, United States
CATEGORIES:Monthly Program
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mtdiablobirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IU4A5813-copy-3.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ariana Rickard":MAILTO:arianajrickard@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240907T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240907T143000
DTSTAMP:20260430T221812
CREATED:20240821T151613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240821T152034Z
UID:8553-1725697800-1725719400@mtdiablobirds.org
SUMMARY:MDAS Field Trip -- Outer Point Reyes
DESCRIPTION:Sign up HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/outer-point-reyes-registration-989723909857 \nPoint 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). Our exact itinerary will depend on weather\, but we’ll probably visit the lighthouse overlook and the “fish docks” area. After lunch we may walk down the “Avenue of Cypresses” to the old RCA building. Bring water and lunch as this area is remote. \nHike rating: Category 2 — about 2 miles total walking\, mostly on paved roads though with some incline.\nElevation change: 100 ft\nLeader: Matt Tarlach\, 925-482-6129\, mdbafieldtrips@gmail.com\nMeet: Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center\, Drake’s Beach\n1 Drakes Beach Road\nInverness\, CA 94937\nGPS: 38.027828257127936\, -122.96201741318059 \nDirections: Depending on your starting point\, take the best route to highway 101 north of San Rafael. 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 traditional stop for breakfast pastries)\, turn right from US-1 onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd and follow it for 15 miles to Drakes Beach Road. Turn left and continue down Drakes beach Road to the parking lot at the end. Leader will be parked near the visitor center. \nDue to limited parking at our stops on the Outer Point\, this field trip is limited to 12 participants. Sharing a car is very helpful! There’s room to leave extra cars at the Drakes Beach meeting point. \n(Photo of Prairie Warbler by Beth Branthaver)
URL:https://mtdiablobirds.org/event/outer-point-reyes-sep-2024/
LOCATION:Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center\, 1 Drake Beach Rd\, Inverness\, CA\, 94937\, United States
CATEGORIES:Birding,Field Trips
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mtdiablobirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/prairie-warbler-beth-branthaver.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240909T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240909T110000
DTSTAMP:20260430T221812
CREATED:20240821T152124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240821T153346Z
UID:8557-1725867000-1725879600@mtdiablobirds.org
SUMMARY:MDAS Field Trip -- Tilden Nature Area & Jewel Lake
DESCRIPTION:Sign up HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jewel-lake-tilden-nature-area-berkeley-tickets-989729386237 \nA walk along Wildcat Creek and around Jewel Lake in Tilden Park. We’ll get started early\, as it can get hot by mid-day at this time of year. Target birds include Brown Creeper\, Red-Breasted and Pygmy Nuthatch\, and with luck Pacific Wren. Migrating birds are a possibility. \nThis trip is suitable for beginners! Bring binoculars if you have them\, or if you need to borrow a pair contact the leader beforehand so he knows to bring them. \nHike Rating: 2\, Moderate. Up to 2 miles walking on mostly flat\, paved and gravel trails.\nElevation change: N/A\nLeader: Matt Tarlach\, 925-482-6129\, mdbafieldtrips@gmail.com\nMeet: Parking lot at the end of Central Park Drive in Tilden Regional Park.\nDirections: Take Highway 24 to exit at Fish Ranch Road.\nTurn right and go up the hill 0.7mi. Turn Right on Grizzly Peak Blvd. Follow Grizzly Peak for 4.1mi.\nTurn Right on Muir Way\, then Left on Park Hills Road. Shortly after this turn\, the road forks. Bear right at the fork to stay on Park Hills Road. Watch for signs to “Little Farm” which is near the meeting point. Park Hills Road ends at Wildcat Canyon Road\, with an odd intersection to the right. Turn Right on Wildcat Canyon\, then IMMEDIATELY Left onto Central Park Drive. Continue about 1 mile on Central Park to the parking lot at the end\, which is the meeting point \nThis hike is limited to 15 participants. \n(Photo of Hutton’s Vireo by Isaac Aronow)
URL:https://mtdiablobirds.org/event/jewel-lake-sep-2024/
LOCATION:Jewel Lake\, Tilden Nature Area\, California\, 600 Canon Dr\, Berkeley\, CA 94708\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94708\, United States
CATEGORIES:Birding,Field Trips
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mtdiablobirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/huttons_vireo_tilden_isaac.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240914T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240914T113000
DTSTAMP:20260430T221812
CREATED:20240821T153148Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240821T153602Z
UID:8561-1726302600-1726313400@mtdiablobirds.org
SUMMARY:MDAS Field Trip -- Mt. Wanda
DESCRIPTION:Sign up HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-mt-wanda-john-muir-nhs-martinez-tickets-989719737377 \nThis hike is especially good for beginning birders! \nWe’ll walk through oak woodlands and oak savannah habitats\, climbing uphill on a rugged fire road with one steep section. Then we’ll walk a single track trail back to the fire road\, about 2.5 miles total. We should have excellent views of Acorn Woodpeckers\, likely also Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks\, Towhees\, and Oak Titmouse. \nMt. Wanda is part of the John Muir National Historic Site\, and this walk is hosted jointly by Mt. Diablo Bird Alliance and the National Park Service. \nMDBA has binoculars to loan for use on our trips! If you need binos just tell the trip leaders beforehand\, so they know to bring an extra pair. \nHike Rating: 3\, Vigorous (by birding standards). About 2.5 miles walking on fire roads and single track trails\, with 475′ elevation gain.\nLeader: Cheryl Abel\, 925-957-6229\nMeet: Parking lot at the Mt. Wanda Trailhead\, intersection of Alhambra Ave and Franklin Canyon Rd in Martinez.\nDirections: From Hwy 4 westbound take the Alhambra Ave. exit in Martinez. Turn left back under Hwy 4. Franklin Canyon Rd. is the next right\, parking lot immediately on the left side of Franklin Canyon Rd. Bring water and binoculars. \nThis hike is limited to 15 participants.
URL:https://mtdiablobirds.org/event/mt-wanda-sep-2024/
LOCATION:Mount Wanda Trailhead\, XVQ9+QW\, Martinez\, CA\, 94553\, United States
CATEGORIES:Birding,Field Trips
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mtdiablobirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/mt_wanda.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240916T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240916T103000
DTSTAMP:20260430T221812
CREATED:20240927T012527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241022T053758Z
UID:8619-1726471800-1726482600@mtdiablobirds.org
SUMMARY:Introducing the Birds of Heather Farm
DESCRIPTION:The Natural Area at Heather Farm is an underrated birding site. It is possible to see five species of heron one day\, and on the next five species of sparrow. Common Gallinule and Sora are frequently reported\, along with wintering ducks and migrating passerines. All told\, over 200 species have been recorded at Heather Farm over the years. The Natural Area is also in need of conservation advocacy\, as it is under constant pressure from park users who are more interested in sports and recreation than wildlife or habitat. \n“Introducing the Birds of Heather Farm” is a series of bird walks intended to promote appreciation of birds and of the Natural Area\, and to help new birders improve their skills. In addition to this announcement in the Quail it will be promoted via flyers in the park and at local businesses. If you are new to birding\, or would enjoy an introduction to Heather Farm\, please sign up via Eventbrite! If you know anyone who’s getting their start in birding invite them to sign up too:\nhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/introducing-the-birds-of-heather-farm-tickets-991048712377 \nIf you’re a somewhat more experienced birder—not necessarily an “expert”—your assistance in this program is invited! MDBA members who can turn out to help with this “Introduction” bird walk\, spotting birds and sharing experience with new birders\, do not need to sign up via Eventbrite. The low number of signup spots is intended to limit the number of beginners so that each may receive some personal attention. \nIf you can join us to help spot birds\, or would like copies of the flyer to post somewhere in the area—your office? your favorite coffee shop? the bulletin board at a library or city facility?—please email Matt: mdbafieldtrips@gmail.com
URL:https://mtdiablobirds.org/event/introducing-birds-of-heather-farm-sep-2024/
LOCATION:Heather Farm Park\, 301 N San Carlos Dr\, Walnut Creek\, CA\, 94598\, United States
CATEGORIES:Birding,Birding Classes,Education,Field Trips
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mtdiablobirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/green-heron-matt-tarlach.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240921T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240921T133000
DTSTAMP:20260430T221812
CREATED:20240821T153752Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240821T154043Z
UID:8564-1726903800-1726925400@mtdiablobirds.org
SUMMARY:MDAS Field Trip — Birding by Bike at Clifton Court Forebay
DESCRIPTION:Sign up HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-by-bike-at-clifton-court-forebay-tickets-989733488507 \nHave a bicycle\, e-bike or scooter\, and like to bird? Join MDBA at Clifton Court Reservoir in eastern Contra Costa County\, where we will do an out-and-back biking/birding trip of approximately 10 miles on a flat\, paved levee road to see a myriad of bird species. Those who are equipped for it can also navigate a series of well-maintained gravel levee roads to avoid taking the same route back. \nClifton Court Forebay is an enormous reservoir that collects Delta water and sends it south through the Delta-Mendota canal. The reservoir itself can hold staggering numbers of waterfowl and gulls\, and the surrounding habitat of slough\, marshland\, grassland\, scrub and riparian woods is very productive. It is not uncommon to record 60-80 species of birds in a single outing\, and the place is a magnet for rarities\, especially in fall. There are also excellent chances to see river otters\, coyotes\, resident sea lions and even a beaver if we’re lucky. \nTrip is approximately 5 hours\, although participants can turn back at any time. There is plenty of free parking at the Forebay\, but no restroom facilities or potable water. Must be able to transport your bike/scooter to the site. It can be windy out there\, but is pleasant most of the time. We will monitor the forecast\, gale-force winds will cancel. \nMeet: at the parking lot at the end of Clifton Court Road (left turn from highway J4 approximately 2 miles southeast of Byron) at 7:30 AM. Bring layers\, sunscreen\, water and a snack or lunch for when we get back to the cars. Participant limit 15.\nMeeting Point GPS: 37.8378308046695\, -121.59322207166935\nLeader: Jerry Britten \n(Photo by Jerry Britten)
URL:https://mtdiablobirds.org/event/birding-by-bike-clifton-court-forebay-sep-2024/
LOCATION:Clifton Court Forebay\, Clifton Court Rd.\, Discovery Bay\, CA\, 94505
CATEGORIES:Birding,Field Trips
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mtdiablobirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/plover_jerry_britten.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Jerry Britten":MAILTO:president@mtdiabloaudubon.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240925T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240925T193000
DTSTAMP:20260430T221812
CREATED:20240821T154150Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240821T154349Z
UID:8566-1727285400-1727292600@mtdiablobirds.org
SUMMARY:MDAS Field Trip -- Vaux's Swifts at McNear Brickyard\, San Rafael
DESCRIPTION:Sign up HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vauxs-swifts-tickets-989735384177 \nLeader: Maureen Lahiff\, MLahiff@aol.com\, 510.484.6529 \nVaux’s Swifts migrate south along the Pacific Americas Flyway each fall\, and one of their few known stopping points in Northern California is McNear Brick and Block in San Rafael. At sunset on many September and October evenings as many as 20\,000 swifts mass and fly into the decommissioned brickyard chimneys to spend the night. It’s an unforgettable sight! \nAlthough this trip is timed for the height of the swifts’ migration\, based on past years’ counts the number of swifts can vary greatly from night to night\, and can range from a few hundred to thousands. Like everything else in birding\, there are no guarantees! \nSpotting scopes are helpful\, to better view the action around the chimney mouths.\nPhotographers will be challenged as sunset nears (7:01 pm on the night of our field trip.)\nGiven the time of day\, it is OK to bring snacks as well as water. However\, this is a birding event\, not a picnic\, so please don’t bring an elaborate spread. Those who find a portable stool or lawn chair helpful are welcome to bring one.There are no restroom facilities on site. \nHike Rating: 1. This is essentially stationary observing\, so there is very little walking\, but a lot of standing.\n(There is a shopping center on N San Pedro Road en route.) \nCarpooling is strongly encouraged since there is very little parking. To respect both the swifts and the McNear property owners\, this trip is limited to 20 people. \nMaureen will send driving directions and parking instructions by email about a week before the trip.
URL:https://mtdiablobirds.org/event/vauxs-swifts-mcnear-brickyard-sep-2024/
LOCATION:McNear Brickyard\, 1 McNear Brickyard Rd.\, San Rafael\, CA\, 94901
CATEGORIES:Birding,Field Trips
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mtdiablobirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Vauxs-SwiftsHealdsburgTripMarenSmith-853.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maureen Lahiff":MAILTO:MLahiff@aol.com
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