Yosemite, Mono Lake & Eastern Sierras Tour
2015-07-16 - 2015-07-19 | CA
Thurs.-Sun. July 16-19
This has become our most popular weekend trip, and no wonder: a vast and ancient lake on the eastern slope of Yosemite, Mono is famous for its unique tufa formations that surround its waters. Snow-capped Sierra peaks, forests, high desert country and volcanic geological features all combine to give a feeling of a vast wilderness. The lake and Eastern Sierra woodlands are a magnet to several hundred bird species, including phalaropes, plovers, grebes, pelicans, swifts, raptors and several species of ducks. Local songbirds include warblers, nuthatches, thrushes, kinglets, woodpeckers, shrikes and flycatchers. Osprey, Mt. Bluebird, Sage Grouse, Black-billed Magpie, Clark’s Nutcracker, Audubon’s warblers, Red-breasted Sapsucker and Townsend’s Solitaire are among a total of 75-80 species usually observed. Our tour begins at Thurs. afternoon at June Lake, south of Lee Vining. Our lodging will be at Boulder Lodge, right on the shores of June Lake. The tour ends Sunday at 1pm. Among many locations we will explore are Mono Lake, the ghost town of Bodie, Bridgeport Reservoir and Lee Vining Canyon. Great opportunities for nature photography. Tour cost does not include accommodations, meals or transportation. Lodging, directions and birding information provided at registration.

Pescadero Village & San Mateo Coast Birding
2015-07-25 | Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, Pescadero, CA, 94060, United States
The rugged San Mateo coastline, studded with great headlands and huge waves crashing on the beaches, is one of the Bay Area’s most dramatic and beautiful sights. Just south of Half Moon Bay we find Pescadero, a tiny 19th century village “that the decades cannot improve.” Nearby are numerous wonderful coastal birding sites. On our walk along the white sandy beaches we can observe Heerman’s and Western gulls, Western grebes, terns, various shorebirds and possibly Snowy plover. Next stop will be the high rocky headlands, with Brown pelicans, Willets, turnstones and Oystercatchers flying among the sea stacks. We’ll search for Surfbirds and Alcids also. After a visit to the village for lunch and a quick visit to the remarkable Harley Goat Farm (Killdeer, swallows, Red-tails, blackbirds), we’ll head out to the coastal marshes for herons, egrets, ducks, sparrows, harriers and White-tailed kites. This is a visit to a spectacular and rugged coastline and a secluded, historic village, both with great birding opportunities. Moderate walking, spectacular scenery, great ocean photography.

San Pablo Reservoir Tour Orinda (new!)
2015-07-31 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | San Pablo Reservoir, Orinda, CA, United States
In all but name San Pablo Reservoir is one of our most scenic local lakes, surrounded by thousands of acres of deciduous and conifer woodland. Both on land and ‘sea’ this area has an abundance of birds. These include herons, egrets, terns, Acorn and Nuttall’s woodpeckers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, White Pelicans, Western grebes, Osprey, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks. Occasionally we catch a view of the nesting Bald Eagles found here, flying over the reservoir. Woodlands are alive with the sound of warblers, finches, flycatchers, nuthatches, chickadees and titmice, among others. Butterflies frequent the edges of the woodlands, such as skippers, swallowtails, admirals and Painted ladies. This trip is always a favorite East Bay destination for its diversity of sights, sounds and birdlife. Parking fee; walking distance moderate, with some uneven terrain, 1-2 miles. Good woodland photography.

Monterey Bay Weekend Tour
2015-08-14 08:00 - 2015-08-16 17:00 | Monterey Bay, Monterey, CA, United States
Known as a world-class destination for wildlife, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and its great panorama of marine life, including birds, sea mammals and migrating whales, is very special, even within California. Due to its unique undersea canyons and conservation programs, the bay teems with life. Many parks, preserves and beaches grace the area, such as Elkhorn Slough and Moss Landing, the Salinas and Carmel River estuaries, Pt. Lobos and Julia Pfeiffer State Park, among many. During this exciting weekend we can expect to see Sea otters and Sea Lions as well as pelicans, egrets, raptors, shorebirds, ducks and songbirds. From 70 to 90 species of birds is typical during a weekend. We have also scheduled a three-hour cruise with Monterey Bay Whale Watch for dolphin, whale, Sea otter and pelagic bird viewing. (The cruise is optional, with an additional fee). The tour starts noon Friday at Elkhorn Slough at Moss Landing and ends Sunday afternoon in Monterey. Tour fee does not include meals or accommodations. We will stay at the Monterey Bay Lodge, very close to the sea. Information on directions, birdlife and whale-watching cruise will be provided at registration. Many excellent wildlife and bird photography opportunities.

Birds of the Alameda Shoreline & Crab Cove
2015-08-22 09:00 - 12:00 | CA
The Alameda shoreline, with miles of sandy white beaches and stunning views of the bay, is one of our local environmental treasures. During the early fall and winter it’s also a magnet for hundreds of shorebirds — Dunlin, godwits, peeps, gulls, curlews, plover, Avocets and stilts, sometimes turnstones and Oystercatchers — totaling thousands of birds. During a morning walk we usually see 40 different shorebirds, egrets, grebes and ducks, sometimes in great numbers. Best of all, it’s part of a relaxing morning of beautiful beaches, salt air and panoramic views of the bay. Too good to be true? Come see for yourself. Good opportunities for bird and marine photography.

The Nature of America: Ecology, Wildlife and Conservation
2015-09-01 10:00 - 12:00 | North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Tuesdays, 10am-12pm
This new course will survey the history of North America’s wildlife and human ecology from Pleistocene times to the present. Major themes will include: the Ice Age megafauna of woolly mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, giant sloths, bears and condors; pre-Columbian Indian nations; early 19th century biologists and scientists ; recent wildlife extinctions, and the 20th century conservation movement from Teddy Roosevelt to Rachel Carson. It will conclude with current conservation challenges and the growth of new initiatives, groups and strategies. The course will include use of films, lectures, readings, fieldtrips and guest lecturers.

Dvorak, Wagner and Stravinski: Twilight of the Romantics & the Modernist Revolution in Music
2015-09-01 14:00 - 16:00 | North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Tuesdays, 2-4pm
This course celebrates the music of the late Romantics and early Modernist composers and performers from the mid-19th century to the present. Course topics will include the romantic piano concerto, light opera, musical nationalism, jazz influences, the discovery of Early Music and post-modernist innovators. The music of Tchaikovsky, Grieg, Debussy, Strauss, Wagner, Dvorak, Stravinsky, Ravel, Gershwin and others will be examined in light of 19th and 20th century innovations in technology, science, politics and ideas. Course includes performances on CDs, class recitals, lectures, readings and films.

Birds of the Bay Area, Fall 2015, Berkeley
2015-09-02 09:00 - 12:00 | North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Berkeley Class: Sept. 2 – Nov. 4 (Weds. 9am-12pm)
Meets at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst (at ML King Way), Berkeley
Registration fee is $85 for the whole term and $45 for half term. Individual trips are $30. Register at the website or do so at the first class.
The class meets every Wednesday morning for 10 weeks, with six fieldtrips and four class sessions. Classes will discuss binocular use and techniques of bird identification, observation, behavior and distribution. Fieldtrips to beautiful nature preserves such as Coyote Hills, Arrowhead Marsh, Las Gallinas and the Emeryville Shoreline will provide practical experience in bird observation techniques. Total species observed during the semester usually averages 75-80, with a great variety of raptor, shorebird, wildfowl and songbird species seen. Birds frequently observed include Red-winged Blackbirds, Western bluebirds, Great and Snowy egrets, California quail, Avocets, stilt, Willet, Chestnut-backed chickadee, Red-tailed hawks, White-tailed kites, Bewick’s wren, Yellow-rump Warblers, Nuttall’s and Acorn woodpeckers and Double-crested cormorants, among many others. Class sessions include films, lectures, book reviews and readings, and is designed for beginning and intermediate level students. Car-pooling available for field trips.

History by Hollywood: Cinematic Visions of the 20th Century
2015-09-02 14:00 - 16:00 | North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Wednesday, 2-4pm
The goal of this course is to illuminate recent history by showing films that depict the lives of people caught up in the important events of the 20th century. Through historical dramas and satires such as Gandhi, The Third Man and Dr. Strangelove, major issues of the last century are brought to life. Other film showings will include From Here to Eternity, Bridge on the River Kwai, Casablanca, Karen Silkwood, All the King’s Men and The Young Lions, by directors such as Kubrick, Lean, Zinneman, Reed, Huston, Ford and Welles. Highlighting the drama are stars such as Humphrey Bogart, Joseph Cotton, Orson Welles, Marlon Brando, James Cagney, Ingrid Bergman and Meryl Streep. These cinematic visions allow a fuller interpretation of a century of great innovation, revolution and conflict. Commentary and analysis of the films and their historical context will follow film showings.

World Affairs on Film: Documenting Contemporary History
2015-09-03 10:00 - 12:00 | North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Thursdays, 10am-12pm
This new course will present documentary films that examine important social, economic and political issues around the world. In the last two decades films such as The Fog of War, Fahrenheit 9/11, An Inconvenient Truth and Enron: the Smartest Guys in the Room have brought complex national and international issues to the attention of millions. In the process they have helped to revolutionize public awareness and attitudes on many aspects of public affairs. This course will allow in-depth discussion and analysis of contemporary issues such as the weapons industry, campaign finance, national security, the Middle East, the environment, immigration and ACA (Obama care). Course includes films, lectures, readings and guest lecturers.

Roman, Medieval & Islamic Art in European Civilization
2015-09-03 14:00 - 16:00 | North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Thursday, 2-4pm
We will continue our survey of Western art and civilization with Roman, Medieval and Islamic Art in European Civilization. This course will survey numerous strands of European art and architecture within the context of Western history from ancient classical civilization to late Medieval times. It will examine the art of Rome, Byzantium, the Anglo-Saxons and Celts. The long cultural exchange between Islamic and Christian civilizations in the Mediterranean world will also be explored. The course will conclude with the 12th century renaissance, including Gothic art, the great cathedrals, Provencal civilization, Giotto and Dante.

Las Gallinas Wetlands, San Rafael
2015-09-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Las Gallinas Wetlands, San Rafael, CA, United States
At Las Gallinas, hundreds of acres of grasslands, ponds and marshes surround a small water treatment facility. The marshes extend for miles, and beyond them a clear view of the beautiful hills of Marin. Acre for acre, it has some of the greatest diversity of birdlife I’ve seen in California. It’s a favorite fall and winter resort for ducks, herons, egrets, shorebirds, raptors and songbirds. Harriers, Red-tails, White-tail kites and up to 10 species of ducks. Not to mention pelicans, grebes, rails — all are found here, and numbers are frequently impressive. Leisurely walking tour around the ponds is about one-two miles. Total species observed usually range from 40 to 50. Great photographic opportunities for waterbirds.

Birds of the Bay Area, Fall 2015, Albany
2015-09-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Albany Senior Center, Masonic and Marin Ave., Albany, CA, United States
Albany Class: Sept. 21 – Nov. 23 (Mon. 9am-12pm)
Meets at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic (near Solano Ave.), Albany
Register at the Albany Senior Center (Masonic and Marin Ave.) or call Robin Mariona, Recreation & Community Services Coordinator, for more information: (510) 524-9124
Email: rmariona@albanyca.org
Registration: $85
The class meets Monday mornings for 10 weeks with six fieldtrips and four class sessions. The class is designed for beginning and intermediate level birding students, and will discuss bird identification, observation techniques and simple taxonomy (bird family relationships). Also binocular use, taking field notes and various field guides. Fieldtrips to scenic parks and preserves such as Arrowhead Marsh, the Berkeley shoreline, Las Gallinas and Tilden Park will provide a great diversity of birdlife and practical experience in techniques of observation. Total species observed usually ranges 75-80, with a great variety of raptors, shorebirds, woodpeckers, wildfowl and songbirds. Birds frequently observed include Pied-billed grebe, Bushtit, House finch, Raven, Red-winged Blackbird, California quail, Avocet, Willet, Chestnut-backed chickadee, Widgeon and Ruddy duck, Red-tailed hawk, White-tailed kites, Bewick’s wren, Great and Snowy Egret, Nuttall’s and Acorn woodpecker, Brown Pelican, Anna’s Hummingbird, Tree swallows, Killdeer, Mallard, Forster’s tern and Great Blue heron, among others. Car-pooling available for field trips.

Monterey Bay, Elkhorn Slough & Moss Landing
2015-09-26 | Elkhorn Slough Safari Nature, 8022 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, CA, 95039, United States
Elkhorn Slough, situated in the middle of Monterey Bay at Moss Landing, has one of the greatest concentrations of marine mammals (Sea otters and Sea Lions) and birdlife anywhere in California. The Elkhorn River and coastline have a great variety of pelicans, ducks, shorebirds and terns, plus raptors, cormorants, Oystercatchers, turnstones, grebes and occasionally owls. If you can find it in your fieldguide, it’s likely here. On one memorable trip we were treated to a Sea Otter mother with a baby nestled on her chest, not fifty feet away. We typically observe over fifty species of birds, plus Sea otters and Sea lions, while we explore several different inland and coastal sites. Bring (or buy at Moss Landing) lunch and drinks. Walking is at a casual pace, about two miles. Excellent photo opportunities for birds, sea mammals and scenery.

Mendocino Seacoast Weekend Tour
2015-10-02 08:00 - 2015-10-04 17:00 | CA
Mendocino County is renowned for its great northern seacoast, rural charm and deep wild forests. Rugged headlands are pounded by enormous breakers; unspoiled rivers like the Navarro and Albion meet the sea to create expansive beaches. The town of Mendocino itself appears to be a transplanted New England village. State parks protect the coast, including McKerricher, Van Damme and Russian Gulch, and are home to many forms of wildlife, birds and marine mammals. Loons, Black oystercatchers and turnstones, together with many species of ducks and songbirds, gulls and cormorants, patrol the oceans and forests. Among the headlands and crashing surf we’ll search for Surfbirds, mergansers and the elusive Harlequin, a spectacular sea duck. Inland, as we search the woodlands for warblers, thrushes and kinglets, we will also note colorful fungi that bring the forest floor to life. Mendocino is part of the heritage of old-time California, a paradise for nature photographers. We will be staying at the Beach House Inn in Ft. Bragg, but nearby there are also many old-fashioned B&Bs. Lodging and meals are not included in the tour cost. Spectacular marine and woodland photography.

Baylands Preserve Tour, Palo Alto
2015-10-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Baylands Nature Preserve, Palo Alto, CA, United States
Home of the Holy Grail of rails (the Black rail), this section of Palo Alto marsh and shoreline has some of the greatest concentrations of wildfowl, shorebirds, raptors and waders in the Bay Area. Herons and egrets, stilts, Avocets, rails and shorebirds, terns, kites and harriers, Cinnamon and Green-winged teal, among many others, are fairly common from mid-fall to early spring. Occasionally Peregrine falcons grace the skies, and Burrowing owls make an appearance. Sighting forty species is common on a morning walk. We maintain a leisurely pace along the marsh trails (perhaps a mile or so) and stop at the Visitor’s Center as we enter the marsh. Hard to beat this spot for a “who’s who” of Bay Area waterbirds, all in lovely Palo Alto. Great photographic opportunities for waterbirds.

Bodega Bay & Sonoma Coast Tour
2015-10-24 | Bodega Bay, CA, United States
Bodega Bay, nestled on the Sonoma coast west of Sebastopol, is one of our most exciting local birding locations, designated an IBA (Important Bird Area) by the American Bird Conservancy. The towering headlands, coves and marshes surrounding the bay protect great numbers and varieties of birds, such as Peregrine falcons, Brant geese, plovers, loons, numerous shorebirds, songbirds and many species of ducks. Numerous rarities have also turned up here, such as the Emperor Goose and Red-throated Grebe. We will circle the bay, visiting locations such as Bodega Head, Doran Beach, Owl Canyon and Spud Pt. Marina. Minimal walking; bring lunch (or purchase one locally) and drinks. Good photographic opportunities.

Klamath Refuge Fall Weekend Tour
2015-10-29 08:00 - 2015-11-01 17:00 | Klamath Refuge, tule lake, CA, United States
For wilderness and wildlife this one can’t be beat! In a nutshell, hundreds of thousands of migrating shorebirds, wildfowl and raptors pass through the Klamath Basin on the California-Oregon border every fall. The refuge, a series of lakes, forests and marshes totaling thousands of acres, is surrounded by wild and rugged country. To top it off, the 12,000- foot snow-capped peak of Mt. Shasta rises above the horizon to the south! All in all, it is one of the greatest spectacles of migrating birds on the West Coast. They include Sandhill cranes, Snow and White-fronted geese, shorebirds, Tundra swans, Gray Jays, ducks of every description, Bald Eagles, several species of owls and many kinds of songbirds. Each day will provide new refuges and opportunities to view wildlife. Typically we observe between 30-40 species per day, 75-85 total. Walking is minimal, on level terrain. A resort in nearby Klamath Falls, Oregon, will provide our accommodations. Tour begins Thurs. afternoon after check-in, and continues through noon Sunday. From the Bay Area drive time is about 6-7 hours, and car-pooling is recommended. Amtrak service to Klamath Falls and van transportation on site is available. Lodging and travel information provided at time of registration. Tour cost does not include transportation, lodging or meals. Spectacular wildfowl, wilderness and landscape photography.

Davis Raptor Center, Winters & Lake Solano
2015-11-07 | UC Davis Raptor Center, 1340 Equine Ln., Davis, CA, 95616, United States
This day tour of the central valley will feature a wide variety of birds, beginning with the UC Davis Raptor Center. We’ll search for ducks, raptors, woodpeckers and flycatchers along Putah Creek before viewing the many species of raptors and owls at the center. These frequently include Golden eagles, Swainson’s Hawks, Great Horned and Screech owls. After a refreshing lunch at the little town of Winters, we’ll head off to nearby Lake Solano. This woodland lake typically has a great variety of songbirds, woodpeckers and ducks in the fall. Several species of mergansers, Bufflehead, Wood ducks, teal, goldeneye, Widgeon and several others swim over the placid lake’s surface, together with grebes, cormorants, geese, herons and egrets. Woodpeckers include sapsuckers, Nuttall’s, Flickers, Downies and frequently Lewis’. Wild peacocks, with their shrill calls, also enliven the scene. Occasionally we spot Phainopeplas and (rarely) the elusive Pygmy owl. The lake is surrounded by oak woodlands and scenic hills, making the location idyllic for birding, picnics and kayaking. A total of 40-50 different species is our usual count. This is one of our most delightful tours, not to be missed! Great water bird and landscape photography.

Hayward Hills & Garin Creek Tour (New!)
2015-11-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Garin Dry Creek Regional Park, 1320 Garin Ave, Hayward, CA, 94544, United States
This wild and open expanse of East Bay hills is part of Garin Dry Creek regional park, high above the city of Hayward. Our bracing tour will also include riparian groves and oak woodlands, additional habitats for many varieties of songbirds. Fall warblers, kinglets, finches and thrushes fly or sulk within the woody thickets of trees. Flying in circles overhead or sitting as silent sentinels watching our peregrinations, Kestrels, Red-shoulder and Red-tail hawks await our discovery. Western bluebirds may hover or cavort over the grasslands. Occasionally we spy relative rarities, such as the Loggerhead shrike, or the striking, stripe-headed Lark sparrow. Ducks and grebes are also possibilities in a nearby secluded woodland pond, such as Ring-necks, Mallards and Pied-billeds. Altogether, this tour will be a fine fall morning full of woodland birds.

Merced/San Joaquin Valley Birding Tour
2015-11-20 08:00 - 2015-11-22 17:00 | Merced National Wildlife Refuge, Merced, CA, United States
The complex of wildlife refuges near Los Banos and Merced in the Central Valley (two hours south of the East Bay) comprise over 50,000 acres of preserved wetlands and grasslands. They are one of the few remaining places to see California wildlife and birds in their original splendor prior to Anglo settlement 200 years ago. Refuges such as Merced, West Bear Creek, San Luis and Kesterson are the winter quarters for tens of thousands of ducks, raptors and shorebirds, which include Sandhill Cranes, Snow and Ross’ geese, Ferruginous hawks, Cinnamon and Green-wing Teal, Great Horned owls, Boat-tail Grackles, Water pipits and Bald eagles. Mammals also make their homes here, such as Coyotes, cottontails, river otter and Tule Elk. Typically we see 80-90 bird species at these refuges over the weekend, some in the thousands. The tour begins at noon Friday at the Merced Refuge, continues Saturday at Los Banos and Sunday morning we’ll visit the Tule Elk at San Luis. En route we’ll stop at refuge HQ near Los Banos, not far from our hotel, to view their graphic displays, maps and specimens. This classic valley wildlife tour will provide wonderful photographic and birding opportunities. Lodging, directions and birding information provided at registration. Tour cost does not include lodging or meals.

Rush Ranch Raptor Rapture (New!)
2015-12-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Grizzly Island Wildlife Area, 2548 Grizzly Island Rd., Suisun City, CA, 94585, United States
Tucked away among the sloughs and grasslands of Grizzly Island Wildlife Area near Fairfield is the 2,000 acre Rush Ranch Open Space preserve. It is a mosaic of 19th century barns, farm equipment and horse corrals, part of the frontier heritage of northern California. In the fall and winter, it is home and hunting ground to many varieties of raptors, such as Red-tailed hawks, Golden eagles, Northern Harriers, Kites and Kestrels. Owls are also partial to these endless acres of grasslands, including the Great Horned, Barn, Burrowing and Short-eared. Singing Western meadowlarks and Loggerhead shrikes add to the exciting possibilities on this late fall morning. If you’re partial to wide open spaces and large wing-swept birds, this is sure to become a rapturous holiday memory! Moderate walking distance, good wildlife photo ops.

San Luis/Merced National Wildlife Refuge
2015-12-12 | Merced National Wildlife Refuge, Merced, CA, United States
This great wildlife preserve in the San Joaquin Valley, two hours south of the East Bay, totals more than 50,000 acres of marshes and riparian woodlands. It also provides one of the greatest wildlife spectacles still found in California. In the winter, the marshes hold countless thousands of geese, raptors, ibis, ducks and great flocks of shorebirds, all in constant motion. Sandhill cranes give their long trumpeting calls as they fly overhead; thousands of Snow geese suddenly rise up with a great honking and clattering of wings. We see Great Horned owls sitting silently in the willows. Over the course of the day, we usually observe fifty or more species of birds, and occasionally mammals such as otter, elk, cottontails or deer. Bring lunch and drinks; tour is mostly by car, with minimal walking. Outstanding opportunities for bird photography.

Bolinas Lagoon and Marin Coast Tour
2016-02-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Bolinas Lagoon, CA, United States
Well-known to nature lovers, the Marin coast is one of the Bay Area’s natural and cultural treasures. This day trip to the secluded village of Bolinas will demonstrate why: the soaring Bolinas Ridge and the pristine Pacific coastline, thick coastal woodlands and the lagoon itself, with Osprey, harriers, terns, shorebirds, ducks and grebes swimming and flying over the marshes. After walking a riparian trail alive with songbirds and noting the heron rookery near the village, we’ll stop for lunch at the Coastal Café. Later we’ll drop by noted local artist Keith Hansen’s studio filled with extraordinary bird paintings. Low to moderate amounts of walking, level terrain. Good nature and landscape photography opportunities.

San Luis/Merced National Wildlife Refuge Tour
2016-02-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Merced National Wildlife Refuge, 7376 Wolfsen Rd, Merced, CA, 95341, United States
This large wildlife preserve in the San Joaquin Valley totals more than 50,000 acres of marshes and riparian woodlands, and provides one of the greatest wildlife spectacles still found in California. In the winter, the marshes hold countless thousands of geese, raptors, ibis, ducks and great flocks of shorebirds, all in constant motion. This profusion of wildlife is one that greeted early explorers of California almost 200 years ago. Thousands of wildfowl, from Bufflehead to Snow geese to Tundra swans, dabble and swim through the ponds. Sandhill cranes in large numbers, as well as numerous varieties of shorebirds, wade through the marshes. Raptors abound, including Great Horned owls, Marsh harriers and Kestrels, and even Bald eagles occasionally make an appearance. And in the afternoon we’ll visit refuge headquarters to see herds of the magnificent Tule elk. Fifty to sixty bird species are usually observed during the day. Bring lunch and drinks; tour is mostly by car, with minimal walking. Outstanding wildlife and bird photography opportunities.

Davis Raptor Center, Winters & Lake Solano
2016-03-19 09:00 - 16:00 | California Raptor Center, 1340 Equine Ln, Davis, 95616, United States
This day tour will highlight several beautiful locations, a charming valley town and a great variety of birds. We’ll start at the UC Davis Raptor Center south of Sacramento in the morning for ducks, raptors and woodpeckers along Putah Creek. At the center we frequently see Golden eagles, Red-shouldered and Swainson’s Hawks, Great Horned and Screech owls, among others. After lunch at the historic little town of Winters, we’ll head off to nearby Lake Solano. Surrounded by stunningly beautiful hill country, this woodedlake has a great variety of songbirds, woodpeckers and ducks in the spring. Commonly found species include mergansers, Bufflehead, Wood ducks, teal, goldeneye and Widgeon, together with grebes, cormorants, geese, herons and egrets. Woodpeckers include sapsuckers, Nuttall’s, Flickers, Downies and occasionally Lewis’. Totals for the day usually total 40-50 different species. Opportunities for great water bird and landscape photography.

Mt. Diablo: Monarch of the East Bay
2016-03-26 10:00 - 13:00 | Mt. Diablo, Mount Diablo State Park, Clayton, 94507, United States
At 3,800 feet, Mt. Diablo sits in solitary splendor at the center of Contra Costa county, monarch of all it surveys. It is equally visible for miles in all directions, throughout the delta, Marin, Alameda and Solano Counties. Parts of 40 counties can be seen from its summit, as well as, on a clear day, the Sierra Nevada! This great mountain is a remarkable geological feature of the Diablo Range, with many bird and wildlife species and unique wildflowers in addition to its spectacular views. On this morning tour we will explore the mountain’s birdlife, woodlands and wildflowers on the way to the summit, where numerous exhibits explain the mountain’s history and geology. Birds of all kinds, such as Acorn woodpeckers, Peregrine falcons, bluebirds, warblers, nuthatches, Cliff and Barn swallows, Red-tailed hawks and Golden eagles may be seen on its slopes and woodlands. Remarkable landscape photography opportunities. Park entrance fee.

Condor Quest at Pinnacles National Park
2016-04-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Pinnacles National Park, 5000 California 146, Paicines, CA, 95043, United States
Casting large shadows over the rugged landscape of the Pinnacles are the legendary California Condors! These immense but shy scavengers, among the largest of North America, soar through the mountain air with a wingspan of nearly 10 feet! The Pinnacles, south of Hollister, are one of the few places in northern California where these great “flying coffee tables” can still be seen. This newly-created 23,000 acre national park is composed of rugged volcanic peaks with chaparral-dotted hillsides, oak woodlands and riparian corridors. The park teems with many birds in addition to the Condors (the checklist includes 181 species observed), including falcons, quail, hummingbirds, finches, blackbirds and woodpeckers. Spring wildflowers and butterflies will add extra sparkle to the countryside. We will meet at the Visitor’s Center at the Eastern entrance. Relaxed hiking on level or low-grade trails. Great opportunities for landscape photography. Bring lunch and plenty of drinks; parking fee.

Rush Ranch Owl Prowl
2016-04-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Rush Ranch, 3521 Grizzly Island Rd, Suisun City, CA, 94585, United States
We return to early frontier California at Rush Ranch, part of the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area near Fairfield. This is a Gold Rush-era farm complete with horse corrals, set within 2,000 acres of grasslands and marshes. The land has been preserved for the public by the Solano Land Trust. Sweeping to the horizon in all directions, the grasslands are also the hunting ground of numerous kinds of owls, such as the Great Horned, Barn, Burrowing and Short-eared. Raptors include Red-tailed hawks, Northern Harrier, White-tailed Kite and Kestrels, among others. We listen to the music of singing meadowlarks as we walk the fields, and occasionally glimpse Loggerhead shrikes on the fence lines. So if you’re partial to wide open spaces and large wing-swept birds, this trip is sure to become a “rapturous” memory! Moderate walking, good landscape photo ops.

Eagles, Magpies & Roadrunners: A Mines Road Journey
2016-05-07 09:00 - 16:00 | CA
A tour of Mines Road (south of Livermore) is a trip into the nearly forgotten 19th-century world of the Bay Area. Mines Road begins near Murrieta’s Well winery, where we hope to find Great Horned owls, White-tailed kites, Yellow-billed magpies and Acorn woodpeckers. And it wanders for many miles past cattle ranches, creeks with great twisted sycamores, grazing horses, pine and oak woodlands and chaparral-covered hillsides. It is wild and beautiful country, with a legendary assortment of birds. Among the 50 or so species we usually see are Golden Eagles, Phainopeplas, Red-shouldered Hawks, Cliff swallows, Roadrunners, orioles and Lewis’ woodpeckers. We’ll navigate the serpentine road 30 miles through the hills to the Junction Café, delighting in the ever-changing landscape. Joining our function at the Junction will be bikers, birders, wrens, hummingbirds and goldfinches (Lawrence’s!) Bring drinks and lunch, or buy one there. This is an all-day tour, primarily roadside birding, with little walking, although we will make many stops. Make sure you have a full tank of gas for the roundtrip journey!
