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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Mount Diablo Bird Alliance
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260205T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260205T203000
DTSTAMP:20260429T170726
CREATED:20260118T004337Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T230158Z
UID:9266-1770318000-1770323400@mtdiablobirds.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Program: February 2026
DESCRIPTION:Brandt’s Cormorant\, Photo by Farallon Institute. \nAlcatraz Island – A Climate Refuge for Seabirds\nJulie Thayer\n\n\n\nMount Diablo Bird Alliance will meet Thursday\, February 5 in the Camellia Room at the Gardens at Heather Farm\, 1540 Marchbanks Drive\, Walnut Creek\, CA 94598. \n6:30 PM Doors Open\n7:00 PM Announcements\n7:15 PM Refreshments and Raffle\n7:30 PM Main Program: Alcatraz Island – A Climate Refuge for Seabirds\n*as a conservation organization we encourage you to bring your own mug for coffee or tea\n\n \n\nAlcatraz Island’s Brandt’s Cormorants moved into San Francisco Bay in the early 1990s during a coastward population shift. Alcatraz is now one of the largest Brandt’s Cormorant breeding colonies\, and one of only two estuarine colonies. Alcatraz seabirds\, including Pigeon Guillemots and Western Gulls\, have been outperforming their ocean counterparts despite a high level of human disturbance in this urban setting. The bay hosts a large anchovy population and demersal fish nursery\, with strong tidal currents and the river plume into the ocean concentrating prey for seabirds and other predators. We are working to mitigate anthropogenic stressors to support this important colony and increase seabird resilience to climate change.\n \nJulie Thayer has worked in the California Current marine ecosystem for three decades\, with a brief hiatus on the north coast of Brazil. She studied at the University of California at Santa Cruz/Long Marine Lab and UC Davis in Marine Biology and Ecology. Thayer has done field research on Alcatraz seabirds\, studying population changes\, diet\, productivity\, and human disturbance since 1997. \n\n\n  \nSeabird colony at Alcatraz Island\, Photo: Zoe Burr
URL:https://mtdiablobirds.org/event/monthly-program-february-2026/
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/2026/01/Brandts-cormorant-Farallon-Institute.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ariana Rickard":MAILTO:arianajrickard@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260207T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260207T150000
DTSTAMP:20260429T170726
CREATED:20260125T052442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T053215Z
UID:9288-1770456600-1770476400@mtdiablobirds.org
SUMMARY:MDBA Field Trip -- Bodega Bay
DESCRIPTION:Why do we go all the way to Bodega Bay? To see loons close up – the Common\, Pacific\, and Red-throated species are all possible. To see Brant\, the sea geese that spend the winter here. To see Double-crested\, Brandt’s and Pelagic cormorants side-by-side\, to strengthen our ID skills. This is a great place for birders of all levels and birders new to Northern California. \nWe’ll meet at 9:30 am at the Tides Wharf and Restaurant\, outside on the deck behind the restaurant. There are restrooms here. From the Tides we’ll drive out to Bodega Head\, and later bird Porto Bodega and other stops around the bay. Precise itinerary tbd by tides and conditions. \nThis is the Norcal coast so be prepared for damp\, cool\, breezy weather—regardless of the forecast. Bring lunch\, as we will gather for a picnic lunch out near Bodega Head. There are restrooms at the meeting point\, and pit toilets at several stops along our route. \nA carpool location will be announced. Given the distance\, and limited parking at some of our stops\, it is helpful to carpool either from our home area or once we set out from the Tides. \nHike Rating: 1 – Easy\, with little elevation change.\nLeader: Matt Tarlach\, mdbafieldtrips@gmail.com\nMeeting point: Behind the Tides Restaurant\, Bodega Bay.\nGPS: 38.328869668535894\, -123.04502163182391 \nDirections: Take US 101 north to Petaluma. Exit at Washington and head SW. Washington becomes Bodega Ave\, which becomes Petaluma-Valley Ford Rd\, which eventually merges into CA Hwy 1. Take Hwy 1 to Bodega Bay. After passing the Inn at the Tides\, you’ll see the Tides Restaurant on the left. From Walnut Creek\, it’s about a 2 hour drive. \nRegister HERE:\nhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-around-bodega-bay-tickets-1980647264285 \n(image by Pam Lorenz)
URL:https://mtdiablobirds.org/event/mdba-field-trip-bodega-bay-feb-2026/
LOCATION:Tides Restaurant Bodega Bay\, 835Bay Highway\, Bodega Bay\, CA\, 94923\, United States
CATEGORIES:Birding,Field Trips
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mtdiablobirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/COLO_BodegaBay_Lorenz-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260211T084500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260211T140000
DTSTAMP:20260429T170726
CREATED:20260125T053707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T054358Z
UID:9292-1770799500-1770818400@mtdiablobirds.org
SUMMARY:MDBA Field Trip -- The Delta including Cosumnes Preserve
DESCRIPTION:We’ll take a few short-to-medium walks at locations in the Delta\, hoping to see Tundra Swans\, Sandhill Cranes\, raptors and grassland birds. A highlight is Cosumnes Preserve. Trip will go in light rain. Bring lunch and a beverage. \nLeader: Mona Lange\nHike rating: 1 – Easy.\nElevation change: Minor\nMeet: 8:45 AM in Westgate Landing Park at end of Glasscock Road.\nGPS for meeting point: 38.12455685348655\, -121.49006201506424 \nDirections: 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. After meeting at Westgate Landing and a quick check of the area within view\, we’ll continue towards Thornton. \nThis field trip is limited to 14 participants. All trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDBA liability waiver\, available during registration. \nRegister HERE:\nhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-in-the-delta-including-cosumnes-preserve-tickets-1980645235216 \n(image of Red-winged Blackbird by Mona Lange)
URL:https://mtdiablobirds.org/event/mdba-field-trip-delta-cosumnes-feb-2026/
LOCATION:Westgate Landing Regional Park\, 4GF5+HP\, Terminous\, CA\, 95242\, United States
CATEGORIES:Birding,Field Trips
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mtdiablobirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RWBB_Cosumnes_Lange_Crop-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260212T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260212T180000
DTSTAMP:20260429T170726
CREATED:20260125T054618Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T055129Z
UID:9295-1770908400-1770919200@mtdiablobirds.org
SUMMARY:MDBA Field Trip -- Sunset Birding at Pacheco Marsh
DESCRIPTION:Pacheco Marsh is a diverse new habitat managed by the John Muir Land Trust. Hosting many species\, it is especially known as a good place to spot Short-eared Owls near sunset. We will walk out along level paths in search of marshland birds\, including ducks and rails\, and hope to see owls in flight as the sun sinks low. \nThere is a bathroom at the trailhead. The marsh is on the edge of Suisun Bay\, and it may be cooler and breezier than locations farther inland\, so dress accordingly. \nNote: I know the image above is not of a Short-eared Owl! I haven’t captured an image of our target bird on this outing—yet. \nHike Rating: 2 – Walking of a little over a mile on smooth\, level paths.\nLeader: Ted Robertson\, tedr@berkeley.edu\nMeet: Pacheco Marsh Preserve\, Waterfront Road\, Martinez.\nGPS: 38.030855340180295\, -122.08804788860651 \nDirections from Walnut Creek: I-680 north to Marina Vista exit. At the light\, turn right\, and proceed 1.4 miles to Pacheco Marsh on the left. \nThis trip is limited to 24 participants\, and will be cross-promoted with JMLT — so sign up early to ensure your spot. Register HERE:\nhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunset-birding-at-pacheco-marsh-tickets-1980650802869 \n(Image of Great-horned Owl by Matt Tarlach)
URL:https://mtdiablobirds.org/event/mdba-field-trip-pacheco-marsh-feb-2026/
LOCATION:Pacheco Marsh\, 2501 Waterfront Rd\, Martinez\, CA\, 94553
CATEGORIES:Birding,Field Trips
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mtdiablobirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GHOW_DiscoveryBay_Tarlach_16x9.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260222T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260222T130000
DTSTAMP:20260429T170726
CREATED:20260125T055423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T060044Z
UID:9298-1771749000-1771765200@mtdiablobirds.org
SUMMARY:MDBA Field Trip -- Sunday at the Sewage Ponds (Las Gallinas)
DESCRIPTION:The Las Gallinas Sanitary District maintains a complex of water treatment ponds that are a magnet for migratory waterfowl. Dozens of waterfowl species can be seen here in the winter. The presence of similar species in close proximity\, such as Canada Geese and Cackling Geese\, Horned Grebes and Eared Grebes\, and Snowy Egrets and Great Egrets; makes it a great opportunity to sharpen one’s ID skills. If we’re very lucky\, we may even get to see more uncommon species like Eurasian Wigeon or Least Bittern. \nThis is a good outing for beginner birders to see a diverse mix of northern California winter waterfowl\, and sharpen their ID skills. If you have a scope\, do bring it\, as they’re helpful here. \nThere is one portable bathroom at the trailhead\, no drinking water\, and it’s colder at the reservoir than it usually is inland. Please plan accordingly. \nHike Rating: 1 – Easy. Mostly level paths\, up to 1 mile walking\nLeader: Elisa Fernandes-McDade\, elisa.fernandesmcdade@gmail.com\nMeet: Las Gallinas Reservoir Birding Loop on Smith Ranch Rd.\, San Rafael\, CA.\nGPS: 38.025632105791466\, -122.51775182773106 \nDirections: Take I-580 West toward San Rafael. Go over the San Rafael Bridge. Then\, merge onto US-101 North. Stay on the 101 for 4.5 miles\, then take Exit 456 onto Smith Ranch Rd. Stay on Smith Ranch Rd. for 1.5 miles until you reach a small parking lot on your left before the small reservoir building. There is a portable restroom and a bridge leading to the trailhead there. \nThis event is limited to 15 participants. Register HERE:\nhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunday-birding-at-the-sewage-ponds-las-gallinas-tickets-1980649112814 \n(Image by Linda Kwong)
URL:https://mtdiablobirds.org/event/mdba-field-trip-marin-las-gallinas-feb-2026/
LOCATION:Las Gallinas Ponds\, Las Gallinas Valley birding loop\, Smith Ranch Rd\, San Rafael\, CA\, 94903
CATEGORIES:Birding,Field Trips
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mtdiablobirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/CAGO_MVSD_KWONG.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Elisa Fernandes-McDade":MAILTO:elisa.fernandesmcdade@gmail.com
GEO:38.025641;-122.517525
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Las Gallinas Ponds Las Gallinas Valley birding loop Smith Ranch Rd San Rafael CA 94903;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Las Gallinas Valley birding loop\, Smith Ranch Rd:geo:-122.517525,38.025641
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260225T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260225T120000
DTSTAMP:20260429T170726
CREATED:20260125T065403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T234324Z
UID:9309-1772008200-1772020800@mtdiablobirds.org
SUMMARY:MDBA Field Trip -- Contra Costa City Parks
DESCRIPTION:This is a great outing for beginning birders!\nStarting in Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek\, we will walk around the large\, mostly natural pond. From there we will carpool to two or three other area parks\, to be determined on the day of the trip. \nTrail Rating: Category 1-Easy. Up to a mile walking total\, on level paths.\nElevation change: Minor\nLeaders: Randi and Herb Long\, hrlong13@sbcglobal.net\nMeet: Wooden railing at the Natural Lake in Heather Farm (not the pond surrounded with concrete.)\nGPS: 37.92123253937827\, -122.04360842199883 \nDirections: 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. \nThe field trip is limited to 14 participants. Register HERE:\nhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-contra-costa-city-parks-tickets-1980724436108 \n(Image of White-breasted Nuthatch by Matt Tarlach)
URL:https://mtdiablobirds.org/event/mdba-field-trip-contra-costa-city-parks-feb-2026/
LOCATION:Heather Farm Park\, 301 N San Carlos Dr\, Walnut Creek\, CA\, 94598\, United States
CATEGORIES:Birding,Field Trips
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mtdiablobirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WBNU_MattT_HF.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Herb and Randi Long":MAILTO:herblong7@gmail.com
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