Ohlone Audubon Society

Cranes and other Charismatic Critters: Cosumnes River Preserve, Woodbridge Ecological Reserve
2025-12-27
Cranes and other Charismatic Critters: Cosumnes River Preserve, Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, and more
Saturday, December 27, 1:30pm to sunset
Leader: David “Doc Quack” Riensche
RSVP: Use form to RSVP
Each fall Sandhill Cranes return to the Central Valley where they feed, socialize, and rest in the fields and then fly to roost overnight in wetlands. Tundra Swans, Cackling Geese, Snow and Ross’s Geese, rafts of winter ducks, and other waterfowl and raptors are commonly seen. During this season more than 200 species of birds may be observed! We’ll bird the boardwalk at Cosumnes River Preserve and drive by the Desmond Road ponds, check out Staten Island, and make our way to Woodbridge Ecological Reserve for sunset fly-in (~ 4:53pm). The field trip ends at Woodbridge where you can easily get back on I-5 for the drive home. Wear layers and bring snacks and water. Cosumnes River Preserve is about 70 miles from Livermore. The trip will be canceled if inclement weather is forecast.
Directions: Take I-580 east to I-205 east to I-5. Take I- 5 north to the Twin Cities Road exit. Go east on Twin Cities Road about 1 mile and turn right on Franklin Blvd. Continue about a mile or so to the visitor center (facilities available). Look for the group in the parking lot or on the boardwalk.
Note: CDFW requires you to carry a Lands Pass at Woodbridge. For general information on Lands Passes:
https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/lands-pass
To purchase a Lands Pass to print at home:
https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales/

Arrowhead and New Marsh - Martin Luther King Regional Shoreline
2026-01-03 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Arrowhead and New Marsh – Martin Luther King Regional Shoreline, 7250 Doolittle Dr., Oakland, CA, 94621
Saturday, January 2, 9am – 11:30am
Leaders: David “Doc Quack” Riensche & Maggie Clark
A 8.4 high tide will hit Arrowhead Marsh creating an opportunity to see Ridgway’s Rails, Virginia Rails, and Soras. Wintering ducks and shorebirds will be plentiful., We will use “Doc Quack’s” special access code to visit the New Marsh and “peep at” the newly finished “Shorebird Sanctuary” island. Dress in layers . The area is completely paved. This is a wheelchair-accessible field trip. The trip will be canceled if inclement weather is forecast.

RSVP: ma***********@***il.com or Use the “Register” button above
Directions: From I-880, go west on Hegenberger towards the airport and turn right on Pardee. Make a left at Swan and turn right into the entrance to Martin Luther King Regional Shoreline. Follow the entrance road all the way to the end. On the way to the parking lot, drive slowly and keep an eye out for Burrowing Owls on the berms to the right.

Update on Condor Recovery Program and Introducing "Ohlone"!
2026-01-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Zoom
By Joe Burnett and Kelly Sorenson, Ventana Wildlife Society
Join us for a very special evening with Joe Burnett and Kelly Sorenson from the Ventana Wildlife Society who will give a brief update on condor recovery and status in the wild, as well as a special presentation on a wild-raised chick, named “Ohlone” in honor of the Indigenous Peoples of California. “Ohlone” was raised in a wild nest in central California and has a very special story. Through the generosity of our members, Ohlone Audubon has adopted this wild fledged chick in memory of Phil Gordon.
Joe Burnett, Sr. Wildlife Biologist, CA Condor Recovery Program Manager, first began working with Ventana Wildlife Society in May 1993 as a Field Assistant for VWS’ Bald Eagle Restoration Program in Big Sur, CA. In 1996, Joe became Field Supervisor for VWS’ Condor Restoration Program and coordinated the first seven releases of condors in central California, six in Big Sur and one at Pinnacles National Monument. Joe left VWS in 2003 to start up Oregon Zoo’s Captive Breeding Program for condors. His experiences with captive condors vastly broadened his knowledge base of the species. In 2005, Joe returned to VWS to coordinate the release effort once again. Joe received a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries, focusing on birds, from West Virginia University in 1994. He began his field studies of birds as an undergraduate in 1992 and now has over 25 years experience working with a variety of bird species. He is currently a two-term Monterey County Fish and Game Commissioner.
Kelly J. Sorenson, Executive Director, is a wildlife conservationist and “jack of all trades,” blending science, storytelling, and leadership to protect California’s endangered birds. For more than three decades, he has led major recovery efforts for the California Condor and Bald Eagle, helping reestablish wild populations across Central California. Sorenson has co-authored scientific studies on wildlife recovery and lead poisoning, produced award-winning documentaries such as Giants of Big Sur and Condor Canyon, and secured the funding and partnerships that power long-term conservation. He also serves as a managing director for the California Central Coast Joint Venture. With a background in wildlife management and public administration, Sorenson continues to bridge research, film, and community engagement to advance conservation throughout the West.

North Livermore/Springtown
2026-01-31 09:00 - 12:00 | North Livermore/Springtown, 2010 Bluebell Dr, Livermore, California, 94551
Contact Kathy Robertson & Karen Kramer ka*******@*ol.com

Saturday, January 31, 9:00am – noon
Leaders: Kathy Robertson & Karen Kramer ka*******@*ol.com
We will walk along the Arroyo, where we can expect wading birds such as stilts and egrets, ducks, including Cinnamon Teal, and many wintering and resident songbirds. Rails and snipe are possible. The open fields are productive for raptors – Golden Eagle has been seen here. Wide, level trails make walking easy. Bring your scope if you have one. Heavy rain cancels.
Directions: Take I-580 east to Exit 54 for First Street/Springtown Blvd; turn left onto First Street, which becomes Springtown Blvd. Turn right (east) on Bluebell Dr. and continue about a mile and a half to Marlin A. Pound Neighborhood Park. We will meet at the bridge crossing the Arroyo. Park on either side of the street. No restrooms are on our route, so you may wish to make a pit stop before arriving at the meeting point.

Owling in Garin Regional Park
2026-02-02 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-02-03 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-02-04 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-02-05 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-02-06 17:30 - 19:00
Contact bo*@****no.com

February 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, 5:30pm – 7pm
Leader: Bob Toleno RSVP required: bo*@****no.com (or use the registration form)
Though highly sought after, owls are often the most difficult birds for us to see, for the obvious reason that most are typically only out after dark. On this trip, we’ll take a short walk (less than a mile over mostly flat ground) into Garin Regional Park with the primary goal of finding Western Screech-Owls, and getting a flashlight on them so all participants can get a look. February is when they’re starting their nesting cycle, so they should be active and vocal as soon as it gets dark. We will likely also hear Great Horned and American Barn Owls. These trips will be limited to only eight participants per outing.
You must RSVP to bo*@****no.com and specify which date you would like to go. Try to have a back-up date in mind, also, in case the date you choose is already full. The meeting location and directions will be provided via email before the trip. If all trips fill up, there will be a waiting list. Any rain or wind at all will cancel an outing, though I will do my best to reschedule cancelled trips, if possible.

Location Owling in Garin Regional Park
5 different trips – RSVP required

Bats of Northern California with Mary Jean "Corky" Quirk
2026-02-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Zoom
Join us for an engaging educational presentation on the Bats of Northern California. Discover the remarkable adaptations of these flying mammals, what they eat, and the vital roles they play in both natural ecosystems and agriculture. We’ll also explore the challenges bats face today. As a special feature, the presentation will include a rare opportunity to see live bats up close.
Zoom link for Meeting

Shadow Cliffs
2026-02-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Shadow Cliffs, 2500 Stanley Boulevard, Pleasanton, CA, 94566, United States
Contact Kathy Robertson & Karen Kramer ka*******@*ol.com

Sunday, February 8, 9:00am – noon
Leaders: Kathy Robertson & Karen Kramer ka*******@*ol.com
Join us at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area to explore the lake, levees, and marsh for wintering waterfowl, Common Gallinules, egrets, herons, and grebes. Osprey are found around the lake and ponds, while the trees hold woodpeckers and nuthatches. Notable sightings in past years included Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Great-tailed Grackle, California Thrasher, Common Loon, Common and Hooded Merganser, Wilson’s Snipe and Peregrine Falcon. Wide, level trails make walking fairly easy except for one short, steep uphill section to get onto the levee. Scopes are helpful.
Directions: From I-580 eastbound, take the Santa Rita Road exit, keep right and follow signs for Downtown to merge onto Santa Rita Road. Turn left on Valley Avenue and left on Stanley Boulevard. Turn right into the park. Meet in the first parking lot by the swimming beach. $6 parking fee

Flirtation of the Fowl Kind – Waterbird Regional Preserve
2026-02-12 08:00 - 10:30 | Waterbird Regional Preserve, 851 Waterbird Way, Martinez, CA, 94553, United States
Contact dr*******@*****ks.org

Thursday, February 12, 8:00 –10:30am
Leader: David “Doc Quack” Riensche
RSVP: dr*******@*****ks.org
The trip will be canceled if inclement weather is forecast (i.e., high heat, high wind, and rain)
With a wiggle of their tail or a bob of their head, waterfowl send their valentines suggestive messages! Come join us for a pair bonding adventure into the wonderful world of duck dating. The blending of habitat conditions at Waterbird Regional Preserve makes it possible to record nearly 175 bird species seasonally.
Directions: From I-680 north in Concord, about two miles before the Benicia-Martinez Bridge, take the Waterfront Road exit toward Marina Vista Road, turn right onto Waterfront Road and make a right turn onto Waterbird Way. Birding is best during the early morning hours when the sun will be at your back.

American Canyon Wetlands
2026-02-21 08:30 - 12:00 | Americn Canyon Wetlands, 2 Eucalyptus Dr, American Canyon, CA, 94503, United States
Saturday, February 21, 8:30am – noon
Leaders: Kathy Robertson & Bob Dunn
ka*******@*ol.com
The low-lying flood plains found in American Canyon include mudflats, tidal and seasonal wetlands, former salt ponds, riparian corridors, and marshes. The wetlands are home to many species of birds, both residents and winter visitors. This is a hotspot for wintering waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors.
Directions: From I-80, north of Vallejo, take the Hwy 37 exit, westbound. After approx. 2 miles, take Hwy 29 northbound, towards Napa. Follow Hwy 29 for about 1.5 miles, then turn left on West American Canyon Rd. Follow this road until it dead-ends at Wetlands Edge Dr., then turn right. At Eucalyptus Dr., turn left and enter the parking lot on your left. Bring a lunch if you’d like. There are picnic tables at the parking area.

We Put the Venture in Adventure: Across the Central Coast with Magpies, Martins, and Hummingbirds
2026-03-03 19:30 - 21:30 | https://ohloneaudubon.org/event/we-put-the-venture-in-adventure-across-the-central-coast-with-magpies-martins-and-hummingbirds/
By Gregor Yanega, PhD, Conservation Project Manager at the California Central Coast Joint Venture, American Bird Conservancy
Dr. Yanega will talk about the role that the California Central Coast Joint Venture and the American Bird Conservancy plays in connecting landscapes, people/ partners, and birds in a common cause. He will also talk about active projects that are underway focusing on Yellowbilled Magpie oak Savanna habitats, statewide surveys of martins, and Allen’s hummingbird coastal riparian habitat.
Gregor Yanega is the Conservation Project Manager at the California Central Coast Joint Venture of the American Bird Conservancy. He grew up in the forested cloudscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the lands of the S’Puyalupubsh (Puyallup) peoples. Beginning with an avid interest in natural history and ornithology, it was a small step forward to embark on a career in conservation biology and land stewardship. He works to support the diversity and beauty of the central coast by finding enduring and sustainable ways to help birds and humans thrive together. His initial work was in support of the ABC’s Marbled Murrelet Recovery efforts. Gregor is also an accomplished writer with an extensive collection of publications spanning peer reviewed literature to children’s books.

Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area
2026-03-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area, 2100 Isherwood Way, Fremont, 94536
Leader: Kathy Robertson & Karen Kramer
ka*******@*ol.com
Join us at Quarry Lakes in Fremont to explore the lakes for wintering waterfowl. Pelicans, grebes, ospreys, loons, ducks, cormorants, and sometimes rare gulls are found on the lakes, while the trees hold woodpeckers, kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers and more. Bald Eagles moved into the area in Fall 2015, and several other raptor species are possible. We’ll also be on the lookout for early spring arrivals. Be prepared to walk about 2 1/2 miles on flat, gravel paths. Scopes are helpful. Parking fee is $5 unless you have an EBRPD annual pass. Heavy rain cancels. Pre-registration is not required, and all are welcome.
Directions: Exit I-880 at Decoto Road and go northeast (away from the bay, towards the hills). Turn right on Paseo Padre Parkway, then left on Isherwood Way. Continue on Isherwood past the Isherwood staging area through several stop signs to reach the main park entrance on your right, on Quarry Lakes Drive. From Mission Blvd., take Nursery Avenue to Niles Blvd. and go west (away from downtown Niles). Turn left on Osprey Drive, then left on Quarry Lakes Drive. After passing the entrance kiosk, turn right and drive to the far end of the parking lot, and park near the demonstration garden.

Stewardship Sunday at the Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge
2026-03-08 09:00 - 12:00 | San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Fremont, CA, 2 Marshlands Road, Fremont, CA, 94555
San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Fremont, CA
Sunday, Mar 8 from 9 am to 12 pm

Join us for a day of conservation and community bonding at the Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge!

Welcome, Nature Enthusiasts!Join us for Stewardship Sunday at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge on March 8, 2026, at 9:00 AM (Pacific Time). We’ll meet at the Visitor Center to kick off a day dedicated to conservation and exploration.
Together, we’ll take part in hands-on activities that help protect and enhance the refuge’s natural habitat. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn about local wildlife, and make a positive impact on the environment.
Click here to reserve your spot
This March’s Focus:We’ll be working on removing invasive plant species along trails and high-traffic areas. Get ready to immerse yourself in nature through meaningful, physical engagement!
What to Bring:

Comfortable clothing
Sturdy shoes
A reusable water bottle
Your own gloves (we’ll provide all other tools and guidance)

Don’t miss this chance to give back to the community while enjoying the beauty of nature.
See you there!

To volunteer for us, you need to fill a volunteer agreement form, which we will send you a couple days before the event at the email you registered with. Please notice that we need a form for each one of the participants. Notice that signatures are on the second page. Minors need to have the form filled with their information and signed by their parent/guardian. Please do not omit this step! We are asking you, if possible, to fill and print the form at home and bring it with you to expedite the process. However, we will have some blank forms for you to fill, if you cannot have it ready in advance.
For those that are seeking to complete a schedule of conservation hours, we can sign any special form you need at the end of the event, or provide a verification letter after the event (please let us know at the day of the event ).

Lake Elizabeth & Gomes Park - Fremont
2026-03-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Lake ELizabeth and Gomes Park, 827 Lemos Ln, Fremont, CA, 94539, United States
Thursday, March 12, 9:00am – noon
Leader: Bob Toleno
bo*@****no.com
Lake Elizabeth provides excellent late winter birding. Breeding Allen’s and migrating Rufous Hummingbirds may be near the palm trees, swallows will be foraging over the lake, and early migrants might be found in the willows. We’ll walk on mostly paved sidewalks a little over half a mile to Gomes Park. On the way, we’ll visit the stand of willows, where we should see warblers, goldfinches, and maybe nesting Scaly-breasted Munias. Plan to walk about 2 miles round trip, mostly on paved paths. Heavy rain cancels.
Directions: From I-880, exit at Stevenson and go east (towards the hills).Turn right at Paseo Padre Parkway and follow the signs for the Aqua Adventure Waterpark. The parking lot for the Waterpark dead ends at the south end of the lake. Meet at the five tall palm trees at the lake end of the parking lot.

COLOMBIA: South America’s Birding Mecca
2026-04-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Zoom
Presenter: Benny Jacobs-Schwartz
Description: Explore the birdiest country on Earth! Discover Colombia’s five regions, the power of the Andes, and why this nation hosts nearly 2,000 bird species and over 80 endemics. A vibrant journey through extraordinary habitats and unforgettable birds.
Bio: Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz owns and operates a bird-guiding business and lifestyle brand called BIRDS by BIJS (pronounced Bee-jus). Working professionally for over 15 years as a naturalist guide, expedition trip leader, and international bird guide, Benny has worked in a variety of locations coast to coast, including exotic places such as Alaska, Central America, the Colombian Andes, and the Ecuadorian Amazon. Benny is a passionate educator and photographer, specializing in birds! Benny uses his ample collection of nature-based content to leverage an active social media presence. BIJS uses his passion for the natural world to inspire others to put down their phone and pick up their binos.

Sabercat Creek, Fremont
2026-04-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Sabercat Creek, 43851 Ibero Way, Fremont, CA, 94539, United States
Wednesday April 8, 9AM-12 Noon
Leaders: Bill Hoppes & Pat Gordon
Ho********@***il.com

Sabercat Creek trail follows a stream in Fremont with excellent riparian woodland in addition to many ornamentals. There are also grassy hillsides with sites for perching birds. We have a good chance to see both Allen’s and Anna’s Hummingbirds and have a five woodpecker day. Since we will be in the middle of Spring migration we should see great birds. We will start the trip from Old Mission Park where parking is plentiful and restrooms available. After a couple of blocks of street walking we will access the trail at its Pine street entrance. Sabercat Creek has seen extensive excavations for fossils so there are many interpretive signs and even an online audio tour if you would rather listen to it than the birds. The trail is mostly level and paved the entire way. Total length is 3.2 miles but since it is an out-and-back, you can turn around whenever you wish.
Directions: Old Mission Park is on Ibero Way in Fremont. Heading south on I-680, take the first Mission Blvd exit. Turn left on Mission, left on Pine, the left on Ibero Way. The park will be at the intersection of Ibero Way and Beretta Drive. From I-880 take the Auto Mall Parkway/Durham Road Exit. Head east on Durham Road then left on Paseo Padre Parkway. Make a right on Camino del Campo and then left on Ibero Way to the park.

Birding by Ear, Garin Regional Park
2026-04-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Garin Regional Park, 1320 Garin Ave, , Hayward, CA, 94544, United States
Thursday, April 16 9am – 11am
Leaders: Maggie Clark and Bill Scoggins
ma***********@***il.com
Come explore birding by ear. The willow and sycamore lined creekside supporting an amazing array of insects, which in turn provides food for foraging and nesting neotropical songbirds, such as Tree Swallow, Swainson’s Thrush, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock’s Oriole, Wilson’s Warbler, and much more. Research has revealed that this rural setting provides habitat for nearly 150 bird species of which more than 65 are breeding birds.
Directions/address: From Hwy 880 in Hayward, take the Industrial Parkway exit and travel east to Mission Boulevard. Make a right onto Mission Boulevard and travel one block to Garin Ave and then make a left. The park entrance is approximately one mile uphill at 1320 Garin Avenue, Hayward.

Mines Road, Livermore
2026-04-18 07:30 - 15:00 | Livermore Park & Ride, 1662 Portola Ave, Livermore, CA, United States
Saturday, April 18, 7:30am-3pm
Leaders: Bob Toleno & Juli Chamberlin
RSVP: bi*****@****no.com

FIELD TRIP RESCHEDULED!
Mines Road ascends from Livermore Valley into the hills of the Diablo Range. As you increase elevation the habitat moves from oak savannah through chemise chaparral and into mixed pine woodland. The varied habitats support an excellent variety of breeding and migrating birds, including some species that are rarely seen elsewhere in Alameda County. Some of the birds we’ll hope to see will be Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Phainopepla, Lawrence’s Goldfinch, and if we’re very lucky, maybe even Greater Roadrunner or Prairie Falcon. We’ll end the birding in San Antonio Valley, where we’ll hope to see Lewis’s Woodpeckers.

This caravan-style trip will meet at the Livermore Park & Ride on Portola Ave at 7:30am. We’ll then arrange ourselves into carpools, because many of the pullouts on Mines Road are small, so we’ll need to have as few vehicles as possible. Trip will be limited to 12 participants, so you must RSVP to attend. Bring sunscreen, lunch, and plenty of water. Scopes might be helpful, but not necessary.

Directions: Take I-580 east to Exit 52, turn right on N Livermore Ave, then right on Portola Ave. The Park & Ride is at 1662 Portola Ave, Livermore. Please be on time as we will try to get on the road promptly at 7:45am!

Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve
2026-04-24 08:30 - 12:00 | Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve, 1897 Geary Road, Sunol, CA, United States
Friday, April 24, 8:30am-noon
Leader: Bob Toleno & Kate Reed
bo*@****no.com

Sunol Wilderness is one of the most beautiful parks in the East Bay. Spring migration can be an excellent time to hear and see birds in the park. Rufous-crowned Sparrows, Lazuli Buntings, and Black-headed Grosbeaks will be singing on breeding territories, and migrants like Cassin’s Vireo and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher might also be seen. We’ll hike along the main road to the Little Yosemite area, where we might hear the beautiful song of the resident Canyon Wren. If we’re extremely lucky, we could catch sight of a Northern Pygmy-Owl. The hike will have some uphill parts, but we’ll take it slow.

Directions: Take i-580 east to I-680 south to exit 21, make a left on Calveras Rd and follow it for six miles, then turn left on Geary Rd. There may be a $5 entrance fee if the kiosk is open (free for EBRPD members). Once inside the gate, continue all the way to the furthesst east parking lot at the start of Ohlone Road, where the hike will begin. A toilet is available at the trailhead.

Diablo Foothills, Walnut Creek
2026-04-25 08:30 - 12:00 | Diablo Foothills, Walnut Creek, 1700 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598
Saturday, April 25, 8:30 AM – noon
Leaders: Rich Nicholson and Bob Dunn
rs****@***oo.com

Enjoy a nice walk through oak woodlands in the Diablo foothills. Paved trails and moderate hills will give us a chance to see birds such as Cassin’s Vireo, Rock and Canyon Wrens, and possibly nesting Peregrine Falcons. Scopes can be useful in certain areas, but they are not necessary. Meet at the Diablo Foothills Staging Area parking lot (1700 Castle Rock Rd.) at 8:30 am.

Directions: Take 680/24 to Ygnacio Valley Rd. Turn right onto Ygnacio and then turn right again at Walnut Ave. (NOT Walnut Blvd.). Follow Walnut Ave. to the turn circle and bare right onto Castle Rock Rd. Drive past the horse stables to Diablo Foothills parking area, 1700 Castle Rock Rd.

Mill Creek Road, Fremont
2026-05-02 08:30 - 12:00 | Mill Creek Road, Fremond, CA
Saturday, May 2, 8:30am – noon
Leaders: Bob Toleno & Juli Chamberlin
bi*****@****no.com

Mill Creek Road is an underappreciated birding hotspot in Fremont. It parallels Mill Creek, which creates a rich riparian habitat that flows from Mission Peak. In early May, we hope to see migrants like Ash-throated Flycatcher, Cassin’s Vireo, migrating warblers, as well as Rufous Hummingbird, and maybe even an Olive-sided Flycatcher. Resident Rufous-crowned Sparrows should be singing, and we’ll likely hear the song of the recently arrived Grasshopper Sparrow, too. Lazuli Buntings and Black-headed Grosbeaks should be relatively abundant and singing on their breeding territories. We’ll walk about 1.5 – 2 miles on a paved road up the gentle hill and then back again.

Directions: From 880 S, take Auto Mall Pkwy east, then get on 680 N for 2 miles, exit on Mission Blvd, turn right, then turn left on Mill Creek Rd after just a couple blocks. Park on the street near the corner of Mill Creek Rd and Linmore Dr. There are no restrooms, so be sure to stop at the McDonalds or a gas station on Mission Blvd beforehand to use the facilities.

Alameda Song Sparrow Habitat Use of Salt Pond Restoration Sites in South San Francisco Bay
2026-05-05 07:30
Presenter: Brad Speno
Description: In the San Francisco Bay, several large restoration projects are returning salt ponds to tidal salt marsh. The Alameda song sparrow (Melospiza melodia pusillula), a California species of special concern, uses both restored and historic marshes, but their use of restored salt ponds is not well understood. Brad Speno assessed Alameda song sparrow abundance and breeding presence with respect to salt pond restoration age and percent cover, and height of native and non-native plants. He conducted bird count surveys and botanical surveys at seven study sites, then mist-netted and banded birds at four study sites to detect breeding birds. Brad will discuss the results of his research and share recommendations for future restoration management projects.

Bio: Brad Speno is a wildlife biologist based in San Jose. He earned an undergraduate degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Colorado, and he worked for various Department of Interior agencies and consulting companies prior to completing a Master’s of Science degree at San Jose State University. He volunteers with the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, who assisted in his research, and he currently works for LSA Environmental Consultants.

Mitchell Canyon, Mt. Diablo State Park
2026-05-13 08:30 - 12:00 | Mitchell Canyon, Mt. Diablo State Park, 96 Mitchell Canyon Rd, Clayton, CA, 94517, United States
Wednesday, May 13, 8:30 AM – noon
Leaders: Rich Nicholson and Bob Dunn
rs****@***oo.com

Enjoy an easy to moderate walk on a dirt road for a two to three mile round trip. Migration will be in full swing, so we’ll be looking for flycatchers, thrushes, vireos, and warblers, in addition to the resident woodpeckers and raptors. Scopes can be useful, but they are not necessary. Lunch is optional as we recap the list after the walk.

Directions: Take SR-24 east or 680-north to Walnut Creek; exit at Ygnacio Valley Rd. Proceed east 8.5 miles to Clayton Rd; turn right. Drive one mile to Mitchell Canyon Rd.; turn right. At the end of the road, enter the park after paying the $6 entry fee. Meet at the parking lot. Restrooms are available.

Tour: Extremes of Inyo County (plus a little Mono County)
2026-05-25 00:00 - 2026-05-30 00:00 | Inyo County
Dates: May 25 – 30, 2026
Leaders: Bob Toleno and Juli Chamberlin
Cost: $975 per person for a shared room; $1,175 for a single (includes all lodging and meals, excluding alcohol)
The tour IS SOLD OUT

We’re running a repeat of last year’s popular Inyo County tour. We’ve added one additional night and an extra half day to try and see a few more species than we did last year. Some examples of breeding birds we saw on last year’s tour: Gambel’s Quail, Greater Roadrunner, Lesser & Common Nighthawk, Black Swift, Calliope Hummingbird, Black-backed Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Juniper Titmouse, Verdin, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, LeConte’s Thrasher, Black-throated Sparrow, Sagebrush Sparrow, Scott’s Oriole, Lucy’s Warbler, and Summer Tanager. Besides the breeding birds, late May is also peak migration time, so we’ll be searching the desert oases for the birds who are just passing through on their way north.

The tour IS SOLD OUT
