CALIFORNIA BIRD ATLAS BIG WEEKEND - JUNE 4 -7, 2026
2026-06-07 08:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.
