Mill Creek Road, Fremont
2026-05-02 08:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 19:30 - 21:30
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.

Niles Hotspots
2026-05-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Alameda Creek Trail, Niles CA
Wednesday, May 20, 9:00am – noon
Leaders: Kathy Robertson & Karen Kramer
(Use the “Register” button above to sign up)
We will visit several birding spots in the Niles area, along the Alameda Creek channel and adjacent riparian areas, in the hopes of seeing spring migrants and nesting birds, including orioles, warblers, and waterfowl. Pre-registration is not required, and all are welcome. Heavy rain cancels. Meet at Niles Community Park.
Directions: To reach the park from I-880, take Decoto Rd. northeast about 2 miles. Turn right on Alvarado Niles Blvd. and stay on it for about 2.5 miles (it becomes Niles Blvd.) Turn right on H Street. The park is at the end of H Street. From I-680, take Niles Canyon Rd. (Hwy 84) southwest to Fremont. Cross Mission Blvd. to reach Niles Blvd., and bear right on Niles Blvd. to go through the main part of Niles. Turn left on H Street. The park is at the end of H Street. From Mission Blvd. north or south, turn onto Niles Blvd. and follow directions above.

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

CALIFORNIA BIRD ATLAS BIG WEEKEND - JUNE 4 -7, 2026
2026-06-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Canyon Meadow Staging Area, Oakland, CA, 94619
California is undertaking its very first statewide breeding bird atlas from 2026 thru 2030, and Ohlone Audubon Society is one of the founding partners. To help promote this massive effort, from June 4 thru 7, partner organizations will be hosting field trips and educational events. OAS will be providing two field trips during this period, looking for breeding birds, and educating birders about why the atlas is so important for science and conservation.

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park
Thursday, June 4, 9:00am – noon
Leader: Bob Toleno

The willows along the creek that runs through the canyon at RRRP provide rich nesting habitat for many species, including Wilson’s Warbler, Western Warbling Vireo, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Pacific Wren. We’ll walk about 1.5 miles along a gently sloping trail that follows the creek. This trip is part of the Caliifornia Bird Atlas Big Weekend event, so our focus will be on detecting nesting birds. The trip is limited to 20 participants; reserve your spot by using the “Register” button above!

Directions: Take I-580 W toward Oakland to Hwy 13 toward Berkeley. Take Exit 1 toward Redwood Rd, continue straight at the stop sign onto Mountain Blvd, then make a right onto Redwood Rd. Continue up over the hill about 4 miles and make a left into the park. Drive all the way to the last parking lot, Canyon Meadow Staging Area, where we’ll meet.

CALIFORNIA BIRD ATLAS BIG WEEKEND - JUNE 4 -7, 2026
2026-06-07 08:30 - 12:00 | Bort Meadow, Anthony Chabot Regional Park, Bort Meadow Staging Area, Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA, 94619
California is undertaking its very first statewide breeding bird atlas from 2026 thru 2030, and Ohlone Audubon Society is one of the founding partners. To help promote this massive effort, from June 4 thru 7, partner organizations will be hosting field trips and educational events. OAS will be providing two field trips during this period, looking for breeding birds, and educating birders about why the atlas is so important for science and conservation.

Bort Meadow, Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Sunday, June 7, 8:30am – noon
Leader: Kate Reed

The hills of Anthony Chabot Regional Park are diverse and rich breeding habitat for many species, including Ash-throated Flycatcher, California Thrasher, Wrentit, and Orange-crowned Warbler. We’ll walk about 1.5 – 2 miles on some hilly trails through riparian areas, oak woodland, and chaparral. This trip is part of the Caliifornia Bird Atlas Big Weekend event, so our focus will be on detecting nesting birds. The trip is limited to 20 participants; reserve your spot by using the “Register” button above.

Directions: Take I-580 W toward Oakland to Hwy 13 toward Berkeley. Take Exit 1 toward Redwood Rd, continue straight at the stop sign onto Mountain Blvd, then make a right onto Redwood Rd. Continue up over the hill about 5.5 miles and park in the lot for Bort Meadow Staging Area.

Annual Potluck Picnic Installation of Officers
2026-06-09 16:00 - 20:00 | Lake Chabot Regional Park, 17600 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley , CA, 94546
Bird Walk: 4PM • Setup: 5PM • Dinner: 6PM
Location: Lake Chabot Regional Park, Group picnic area near restrooms, 17600 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley
Our annual meeting dinner will take place outdoors with a potluck picnic, (in-person!) with us flocking together at Lake Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley. Time to catch up with fellow members about birds, happenings, or life, over delicious food. We will also be installing our new Board of Directors for FY 2026-27.
Come early—Kathy Robertson will lead a bird walk beforehand. Please bring your own table service, utensils, and a dish to share (about 10 to 12 servings)
Last names: A-G: entrée, vegetable or side dish; H-O: dessert; P-Z: salad.
Beverages will be supplied, courtesy of OAS. (Visitors are requested to refrain from alcoholic beverages in the park).
Directions: In Castro Valley on I-580 westbound, take the Strobridge Avenue exit. Turn right on Strobridge, right on Castro Valley Blvd. and left on Lake Chabot Road. The Lake Chabot Marina is about two miles ahead on the right. In Castro Valley on I-580 eastbound, exit at Redwood Rd and go left, go left at Castro Valley Boulevard, right at Lake Chabot Rd, and follow the directions above. From I-580 in San Leandro, exit at Fairmont Drive and go east (uphill). The marina entrance will be to the left at the bottom of the hill. (Parking fee/EBRPD pass)
NO MEETINGS IN JULY OR AUGUST
PLEASE CONSIDER AN ELECTRONIC KITE CALL!
We are urging members to switch over to an electronically issued Kite Call (but you don’t have to! ) The benefits are a cost savings to our chapter, in both printing costs and postage. Other benefits include getting it quicker and it is much more colorful!!! See all of these beautiful photos in color! Also, note that links are live!

Behind the Scenes at “Tern Town” – Hayward Regional Shoreline Interpretive Center
2026-06-12 08:00 - 10:30 | Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, 4901 Breakwater Ave, Hayward, CA, 94541
Friday, June 12, 8:00am – 10:30am
Leaders: David “Doc Quack” Riensche & Maggie Clark

Join us for a behind-the-gates tour at the Hayward Shoreline. We will have an opportunity to see nesting California Least Tern, Western Snowy Plovers, and Black Skimmers. We may see migrating Black Terns and numerous other summer shorebirds. Scopes will be essential as we will want to minimize disturbances to nesters. We will have to go in together, so be sure to arrive on time. The trip is limited to 20 participants; reserve your spot by using the “Register” button above.
Directions: From I-880 in Hayward, exit onto Hwy 92 West toward the San Mateo Bridge, then take the Clawiter Road/Eden Landing Road exit. Go straight through the light (do not turn onto Clawiter). Make the first left onto Breakwater Avenue. Turn left to stay on Breakwater Avenue. Go all the way to the end of the street and park near the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center.
