Coyote Hills Regional Park
2025-12-10 08:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremond, CA, 94555, United States
Wednesday, December 10, 8:30am – noon
Leaders: Rich Nicholson & Bob Dunn
rsn711@yahoo.com

No Name Trail leads us out about a mile into the heart of San Francisco Bay where thousands of birds using the Pacific Flyway stop off to rest and refuel. Good numbers of birds and sometimes rarities can be seen here. The trail is flat and well worth the walk, but it turns to sticky clay in the rain. Restrooms are available. Rain cancels. Meet at the Quarry staging area, first parking lot on the left after you enter the park. $5 parking fee, free to annual EBRP pass holders.

Directions: To reach the park from I-880 take SR-84 towards the Dumbarton Bridge. Exit at Paseo Padre Parkway, turn right on Paseo Padre and go about one mile. Turn left on Patterson Pass Rd. to enter the park.

Garin Regional Park
2025-12-11 08:30 - 11:00 | Garin Regional Park, 1320 Garin Ave, , Hayward, CA, 94544, United States
Thursday, December 11, 8:30am – 11am
Leader: Bob Toleno bob@toleno.com

Garin Regional Park in late fall can be especially beautiful. Come get a little preview of the Christmas Bird Count that will be held here a few days later. We’ll take a short, relatively flat walk to Jordan Pond and back, looking for wintering sparrows, warblers, woodpeckers, thrushes, and other species. Be prepared for cold. Heavy rain cancels. All are welcome, and pre-registration is not required.

Directions: From I-880, take the Industrial Pkwy exit and head east. Make a right on Mission Blvd. then an immediate left on Garin Ave. Follow Garin Ave uphill until you reach the park. If the kiosk is staffed, there may be a $5 fee for parking (free for EBRPD pass holders). Meet in the parking lot near the bridge.

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 | 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: maggieclark99@gmail.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 katbirdca@aol.com

Saturday, January 31, 9:00am – noon
Leaders: Kathy Robertson & Karen Kramer katbirdca@aol.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 bob@toleno.com

February 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, 5:30pm – 7pm
Leader: Bob Toleno RSVP required: bob@toleno.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 bob@toleno.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 | 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 katbirdca@aol.com

Sunday, February 8, 9:00am – noon
Leaders: Kathy Robertson & Karen Kramer katbirdca@aol.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 driensche@ebparks.org

Thursday, February 12, 8:00 –10:30am
Leader: David “Doc Quack” Riensche
RSVP: driensche@ebparks.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.
