: Field Trips, past and present | Marin Audubon Society

Field Trips, past and present

Past and currently scheduled field trips are listed here by date in descending order (i.e., latest first).

Las Gallinas Storage Ponds Thursday Morning Walk
Location: Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Trip Leader: Susan Kelly and Friends
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Thursday, April 05, 2012
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Beginner birders are especially welcome on the first Thursday of each month for a leisurely walk around the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds at McInnis Park. There is always something interesting to see and over 100 species have been reported over the course of a year. Spring is a busy time at the ponds and provides an opportunity to study ducks and geese. Hawks are frequent and we see the graceful Northern Harrier on virtually every trip. This is great way to start learning the raptors, waterfowl, and other groups, as well as getting tips on optics, birding books, and birding etiquette. Directions: From Highway 101 take the Smith Ranch Road exit; go east toward the McInnis Park entrance. Turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and go the end of the road to the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds parking lot. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot. The walk starts at 8:30 but late arrivals should easily be able to find the group

Silently Seeking Songbirds: Practicing the Art of Listening
Location: Mt Burdell, Novato
Trip Leader: Susan Kelly and Marian Porter
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Start Time: 7:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Join Susan Kelly and Marian Porter on Mt. Burdell to listen to spring bird songs. Serious birders know that silence is essential to locating and observing spring songbirds. This trip, limited to the first 15 who sign up, will take us up the gentle slopes of Mt. Burdell where we'll listen to and observe the impressive variety of nesting songbirds that make this area their summertime home. Birds we hope to find include Bullock's Oriole, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Kingbird and Lark Sparrow. We'll visit with each other at the beginning of the trip, but otherwise we'll practice silence to better find and appreciate the birds we're seeing and hearing. Marian is a professional biologist from Vancouver, Canada. She has worked on bird surveys for the Canadian government and waterfowl surveys for Ducks Unlimited. Marian was an area leader for our Southern Marin CBC last year and for many years was an area leader for CBCs in the Vancouver area. Susan has been birding for several years and is the co-compiler for Marin Audubon's two Christmas Bird Counts. Bring comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, water and snacks. To sign up and to receive directions, please contact Susan Kelly at S.Kelly@sbcglobal.net.

Hudeman Slough
Location: Hudeman Slough, Sonoma
Trip Leader: Murray Berner
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, March 17, 2012
Start Time: 8:00 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Murray Berner will be our guide at Hudeman Slough in southeastern Sonoma Co. Murray leads a weekly field trip for Napa-Solano Audubon and is the primary author of the Napa Breeding Bird Atlas. His current primary interest is songbird migration. Hudeman Slough is a unit of the Sonoma Wetland Enhancement Project. The flooded freshwater lowlands attract waterfowl and shorebirds. Eurasian Wigeon is here most winters and a Ruff was present in December 2011. With sufficient rain, several thousand ducks are present. By mid-morning, raptors are aloft, including Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle and various falcons. Harriers and kites will be courting. Songbirds include those typical of North Bay tidal marsh plus Loggerhead Shrike and lots of wintering sparrows. River otter is common. A 2.5 mile levee loop trail provides access. Be at the parking lot at 8:00 AM. Directions: Hudeman Slough access is off Ramal Rd between Skaggs Island Rd and Hwy 12. To get to Ramal Road from Marin, take 101 North to 37 East (toward Vallejo), then at the big Infineon Raceway sign, take a left onto 121 N/Carneros Highway. Follow 121 for about 8 or 9 miles. You will pass the Fremont Diner on your left and then Ramal Road will be on your immediate right. Continue on Ramal Road for about 2 miles. The gravel parking area is adjacent to a large open hay barn on the south side of the road. There are no bathroom facilities at Hudeman. Allow about 30-40 minutes from north Marin. http://www.sonomahikingtrails.com/parks/hudeman-slough-wetlands/

Del Valle Regional Park
Location: Livermore
Trip Leader: Rich Cimino
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 2:00 PM
Description: Join Rich Cimino to explore Del Valle Park in the East Bay, 10 miles south of Livermore. Rich has been birding this area for 35 years and is active in many environmental groups, particularly in the East Bay. Rich is an enthusiastic teacher and leads birding trips throughout the West through Yellow Billed Tours. This will be a walking birding trip on mostly flat surfaces. We will bird several habitats, including lake, shoreline, cattail swamp and oak woodlands. Yellow-billed Magpie frequent this area. Bring lunch, fluids, scopes, and layered clothing. Rain cancels trip. Directions: Del Valle Regional Park is located on Del Valle Road off Mines Road south of Livermore ($6.00 per vehicle parking fee). Exit I-580 eastbound or westbound in Livermore at North Livermore Avenue. Head south and proceed through town (North Livermore Avenue will become South Livermore Avenue in town). About 1.5 miles outside town, turn right at Mines Road, go about 3.5 miles and continue straight on Del Valle Road (Mines Road turns left). The park entrance is about four miles ahead. We will meet in the Eagle View Group Camp parking area just beyond the entry kiosk. To find us in case of late arrival, call Rich on his cell at 925-353-0266. WWW.EBPARKS.ORG/PARKS/DELVALLE

Thursday Morning Walk
Location: Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Trip Leader: Susan Kelly and friends
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Thursday, March 01, 2012
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Beginner birders are especially welcome on the first Thursday of each month for a leisurely walk around the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds at McInnis Park. There is always something interesting to see and over 100 species have been reported over the course of a year. Late winter is a busy time at the ponds and provides an opportunity to study ducks and geese. Hawks are frequent and we see the graceful Northern Harrier on virtually every trip. This is great way to start learning the raptors, waterfowl, and other groups, as well as getting tips on optics, birding books, and birding etiquette. Directions: From Highway 101 take the Smith Ranch Road exit; go east toward the McInnis Park entrance. Turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and go the end of the road to the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds parking lot. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot. The walk starts at 8:30 but late arrivals should easily be able to find the group.

Capay Valley Birding
Location: Capay Valley
Trip Leader: Terry Colborn
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, February 18, 2012
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: [not specified]
Description: Join Terry Colborn for a delightful day in picturesque Capay Valley. As the harbinger of the coming spring season, the almond orchards should be at peak bloom. Our stops will include historic Capay Cemetery, Cache Creek and several favorite birding spots in idyllic Capay Valley. We'll look for Yellow-billed Magpie, Lewis' Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Phainopepla, Western Bluebirds and resident raptors, as well as any lingering wintering raptors. We also hope to see some early spring arrivals such as Barn and Violet-green Swallows, Lawrence's Goldfinch, and perhaps a warbler species or two. Past trips have produced Golden and Bald Eagles, Western Kingbird and Prairie Falcon. We should also see some early spring wildflowers along with Redbud, that very conspicuous flowering shrub along the roadside. Terry will meet everyone at Community Park in Esparto at 8:30am. Participants who wish to may want carpool from there. Directions to Esparto: From Marin County, take Hwy 37 east to Vallejo then go east on I-80; just past the new Nut Tree Center take I-505. Travel I-505 north for about 20 miles to the Route 16 exit and turn left (west). Esparto is located about 4 miles west on Route 16 - the park is in the center of town. Driving time is about 1 1/2 hrs but allow a little extra time, as there may be early morning fog. Bring lunch, liquids and dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear, as we will do a little walking. Heavy rain cancels. For more information contact Terry at: (916) 705-8991 or www.tlcbirding.com .

Sacramento Delta Boat Trip
Location: Antioch Marina and California Delta
Trip Leader: David Wimpfheimer
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Sunday, February 05, 2012
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 4:30 PM
Description: Join us (on Superbowl Sunday) aboard Dolphin Charters' Delphinus for a wonderful day of exploring the richness of the California Delta with naturalist David Wimpfheimer as our guide. Ronn Patterson, a Bay Area historian and naturalist, is captain of the Delphinus and owner of Dolphin Charters. The boat is very comfortable and the outer decks provide views over the levees of the amazing array of birds found in the Delta during the winter. This rich area hosts a wide variety of raptors including uncommon species such as Swainson's Hawk, Peregrine Falcon and Great Horned Owl. Large numbers of shorebirds, Sandhill Crane, Tundra Swan, Snow, Canada and White-fronted Geese, ducks, as well as gulls, terns, bitterns and passerines make the cruise a highlight for birders. We also will learn about the history, ecology and politics of the levees and the Delta as we travel through its meandering channels. The trip is limited to 25 participants and the cost is $95. This trip is full. Please contact Vicky Van Meter if you wish to be on the wait list.

Thursday Morning Walk at Las Gallinas
Location: Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Trip Leader: Susan Kelly and Friends
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Thursday, February 02, 2012
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Beginner birders are especially welcome on the first Thursday of each month for a leisurely walk around the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds at McInnis Park. There is always something interesting to see and over 100 species have been reported over the course of a year. Winter is a busy time at the ponds and provides an opportunity to study ducks and geese. Hawks are frequent and we see the graceful Northern Harrier on virtually every trip. This is great way to start learning the raptors, waterfowl, and other groups, as well as getting tips on optics, birding books, and birding etiquette. Directions: From Highway 101 take the Smith Ranch Road exit; go east toward the McInnis Park entrance. Turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and go the end of the road to the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds parking lot. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot. The walk starts at 8:30 but late arrivals should easily be able to find the group.

Introduction to the Birds of Las Gallinas
Location: Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Trip Leader: Len Blumin
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, January 28, 2012
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: We'll take a leisurely walk around the ponds at Las Gallinas (1-2 miles), viewing and talking about the birds that come to our area for their winter holiday. Highlights there include a great variety of ducks and geese, along with various Herons and Egrets, Grebes, Shorebirds, and members of the Hawk family. Beginners and families are welcome. What to bring: Binoculars if you have them, and even a scope. We will have spotting scopes to share the views and field guides. Dress in layers, bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels. Directions: We will meet at the parking lot of the Las Gallinas Water Treatment Ponds at 9 am. From 101, take the Lucas Valley/Smith Ranch Road exit and drive East on Smith Ranch Road, turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks (just before McInnis Golf) and continue to parking area at the end.

Cosumnes River Preserve & Sunset Crane
Location: Cosumnes River Preserve
Trip Leader: Terry Colborn
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, January 21, 2012
Start Time: 8:45 AM
End Time: 6:00 PM
Description: The Cosumnes River Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is one of the last remnants of a once vast riparian habitat in the Sacramento Valley. This is the only river from the Sierra flowing into the Delta that isn't dammed. Situated on the eastern edge of Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, this 1,500 acre preserve of mixed oak woodlands, grasslands and wetlands hosts a nice array of wintering passerines and waterfowl, including numerous species of ducks, geese and Tundra Swan. The surrounding wetlands and flooded fields provide excellent refuge for many waterfowl, waders, and Sandhill Cranes. The lush oak woodlands can often yield a number of passerines and wintering raptors. Past visits have even afforded rare views of river otters. After a morning walk of about one mile on a flat trail, we'll eat lunch on the deck at the Visitor's Center. Afterwards we'll spend some time scoping the nearby impoundments that host a significant number of waterfowl. We'll also look for shorebirds, waterfowl and the resident Peregrine Falcon. Late afternoon we'll head to Staten Island Road, a renowned area that is an evening roost to Sandhill Cranes, sometimes reaching over one-thousand birds. They feed in the nearby recently harvested rice and cornfields, and "fly-in" to roost in the wetlands by late afternoon, early evening. The area often has a nice variety of ducks and shorebirds and may even hold a surprise or two. The sight and sound of hundreds of Sandhill Cranes coming to roost at sunset is a sight to behold. Meet Terry at 8:45am at Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor's Center lower parking lot. From Marin Co: Take Hwy 101, in Novato, take Hwy 37 east to I-80 east; at Fairfield/Suisun City turn onto Hwy 12 (southeast) and continue to Hwy I-5, near Lodi. Go north on Hwy I-5 approximately 13 miles to the Twin Cities Road exit. Travel 1 mile east; turn right (south) on Franklin Blvd and drive 1.7 miles to the Cosumnes Preserve Visitor's Center on your left. Travel time from Marin County is approximately 2 hrs. Bring binoculars and scope, lunch, snacks and liquids; wear comfortable footgear and dress in layers. Heavy rain cancels. For more information contact Terry at 916-705-8991, or www.tlcbirding.com

Bolinas Lagoon and Pine Gulch
Location: Bolinas
Trip Leader: Bob Battagin
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, January 14, 2012
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: If you like ducks (or want to learn more about them) and the possibility of finding a rare one, this is the outing for you. We will spend much of the morning birding Bolinas Lagoon with its many dabbling and diving ducks, herons, egrets, cormorants, shorebirds, and a near always present Belted Kingfisher. Time permitting, we'll park next to Warren Weber's Star Route Farm "pumpkin patch" and look for snipe and other goodies. Then a short walk will take us to the mouth of Pine Gulch Creek where the interface of fresh and salt waters draws in all sorts of birdlife. Birders of all levels welcome. Rain cancels. Directions: Meet at the large pullout opposite the Stinson Beach Elementary School on Highway One, about 1/2 mile north of the town of Stinson Beach.

West Coast Water Birds
Location: Stinson Beach & Bolinas Lagoon
Trip Leader: Jim White
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, December 10, 2011
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Let's do ducks! There are around 20 species of ducks in this area of West Marin, Let's try to find them, and identify both male and females. We will begin in Stinson Beach Park about 50 yards south of the restrooms on the high beach near the parking lot (directions below). We'll check the ocean and the sky at the beach before doing an auto tour of Bolinas Lagoon, where pullouts have good views but rather limited parking (so please carpool). We'll end with a sometimes soggy 1 mile walk on the Pine Gulch Creek trails (Marin Open Space, Bob Stewart Trail). Besides the ducks we'll look for other birds, including the many loons, grebes and shorebirds that winter here, and hopefully some raptors along the way. Directions: Take Highway 1 to Stinson Beach and turn into the parking lot about 100 yards north of the town center 4-way stop sign. There is ample parking here, but please carpool from here for the morning's trip, as parking is rather limited along Route 1 around the lagoon. Dress for cool breezy foggy weather, but hope for a calm sunny day in a beautiful area. Binoculars and scopes are helpful.
Document(s):
FTR Water Birds 12.10.11.pdf

Grey Lodge and Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Central Valley Wildlife Refuges
Trip Leader: Bruce Deuel
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, December 03, 2011
End Date: Sunday, December 04, 2011
Start Time: 10:30 AM
End Time: [not specified]
Description: Join us for a winter weekend at the refuges. We will spend most of Saturday at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, managed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Normally about half a million birds use this area in winter and favorable breeding years can bring more. We will walk a 2 mile loop observing birds until lunch, then hike out to the viewing platform to look for additional species. Time permitting we will take a drive around part of the Sutter Buttes and then return for the evening fly-out. Ducks and Snow Geese abound, and perhaps Sandhill Cranes will arrive in the late afternoon. At dusk great clouds of birds leave the ponds to go to the rice fields to feed. Then motel, dinner and get ready for an early morning walk on Sunday along the Feather River in Oroville, where there will be a completely new cast of birds. From there we will caravan over to the Sacramento Wildlife Refuge arriving around noon for lunch near the visitor center. After a brief tour, we will drive around the ponds and fields that usually have new species missed elsewhere. Both refuges charge entry fees, and please be prepared for a bit of cold or rain. Meet at 10:30 AM Saturday at the large parking lot just beyond the small museum, well within Gray Lodge. From Marin to Gray Lodge, take I-80 to Davis, Hwy 113 north to Hwy 99 near Tudor, north to the town of Live Oak, west on Pennington Road to the Gray Lodge entrance. Allow 3.5 hours. Note: Most people stay in Oroville Saturday night for an early start on Sunday for birding by the Feather River. A forecast of heavy rain will cancel. Please let us know if you plan to attend by contacting Vicky Van Meter at Vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com or 415-299-2514 (email preferred). If you want to carpool, indicate if driver or rider and where you live. We will try to link you up with participants in your area to make your own arrangements. Motels: OROVILLE, Villa Court Inn, 530/533-3930 (discount to MAS participants); Best Value Inn: 530/533-7070; Comfort Inn: 530/533-9673; Motel 6: 530/532-9400; GRIDLEY, Gridley Inn: 530/846-4520
Document(s):
FTR Gray Lodge 12.3.2011.pdf

Thursday Morning Walk with Susan Kelly & Friends
Location: Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Trip Leader: Susan Kelly
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Thursday, December 01, 2011
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Beginner birders are especially welcome on the first Thursday of each month for a leisurely walk around the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds at McInnis Park. There is always something interesting to see and over 100 species have been reported over the course of a year. Hawks are frequent and we see the graceful Northern Harrier on virtually every trip. This is great way to start learning the raptors, waterfowl, and other groups, as well as getting tips on optics, birding books, and birding etiquette. Directions: From Highway 101 take the Smith Ranch Road exit; go east toward the McInnis Park entrance. Turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and go the end of the road to the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds parking lot. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot. The walk starts at 8:30 but late arrivals should easily be able to find the group.

Family Walk with Mark Forney
Location: Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Trip Leader: Mark Forney
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, November 26, 2011
Start Time: 10:00 AM
End Time: 11:00 AM
Description: Join Mark and his family on Thanksgiving weekend for a bird walk at the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds. The path at the Ponds is flat, gravel-covered, and wide - no bushwhacking involved - and we'll go as far or near as the group desires. The trip is open to absolutely anyone who has the slightest interest in birds and children are welcome; no experience necessary. Mark will provide an introduction to the birds of Marin and we will look for different sizes, colors, shapes, behaviors and perhaps listen for sounds. Extra binoculars and field guides will be available if you don't have any. Directions: From Highway 101 North, take the Smith Ranch Road exit, go east to the McInnis Park entrance, turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and go to the end of the road to the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds parking lot. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot. The walk starts at 10AM but late arrivals should be able to easily find the group.
Document(s):
FTR Mark Forney Family.pdf

Abbott's Lagoon
Location: Pt Reyes National Seashore
Trip Leader: John and Carolyn Longstreth
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Sunday, November 13, 2011
Start Time: 9:30 AM
End Time: 2:00 PM
Description: Join John and Carolyn for a walk at Abbott's Lagoon. John and Carolyn have been birding for over 30 years. John, who ran an Audubon Center in Connecticut, is the co-complier of the Point Reyes Christmas Bird Count and a skilled nature photographer. Carolyn helps organize the Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival and created the CD, Birding by Ear at Point Reyes. Abbott's Lagoon has a variety of habitats, including coastal scrub, freshwater ponds and wetlands, brackish lagoon, dunes, sandy shoreline and open ocean. We can expect to see waterfowl, herons, raptors, wintering shorebirds, loons, grebes and possibly a few late migrating landbirds. With luck, we might find Virginia Rail or Sora on the upper pond. If time allows, we will look for wintering snowy plovers on the newly-restored dunes and see how the revegetation is coming along. We'll walk the 1.5 easy miles to the lower lagoon and another 0.3 mile to the ocean beach. Directions: Allowing about an hour and a half travel time, from San Rafael follow Sir Francis Drake Blvd (SFDB) to Olema. From Stinson Beach go north on Hwy 1 to Olema. From Olema continue north on Hwy 1 (SFDB), take the second left turn (SFDB west), continue through Inverness, turn right (north) onto Pierce Point Road and keep driving until you come to the Abbott's Lagoon parking lot on the left (west) where our group will gather.
Document(s):
FTR Abbotts Lagoon 11.pdf

Las Gallinas Storage Ponds Thursday Morning Walk
Location: Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Trip Leader: Susan Kelly and friends
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Thursday, November 03, 2011
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Beginner birders are especially welcome on the first Thursday of each month for a leisurely walk around the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds at McInnis Park. There is always something interesting to see and over 100 species have been reported over the course of a year. Hawks are frequent and we see the graceful Northern Harrier on virtually every trip. This is great way to start learning the raptors, waterfowl, and other groups, as well as getting tips on optics, birding books, and birding etiquette. Directions: From Highway 101 take the Smith Ranch Road exit; go east toward the McInnis Park entrance. Turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and go the end of the road to the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds parking lot. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot. The walk starts at 8:30 but late arrivals should easily be able to find the group. From Highway 101 North, take the Smith Ranch Road exit, go east to the McInnis Park entrance, turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and go to the end of the road to the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds parking lot. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot. The walk starts at 8:30 but late arrivals should be able to easily find the group.

Bird Walk in Marta's Marsh
Location: Corte Madera
Trip Leader: Meryl Sundove and Roger Harris
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, October 15, 2011
Start Time: 10:00 AM
End Time: 12:30 PM
Description: Join Meryl and Roger on a bird walk in Marta's Marsh in Corte Madera. This field trip often affords a look at and a listen to the namesake of the Marin Audubon Society's newsletter, the endangered California Clapper Rail. Meryl and Roger have been studying the marsh for over twenty-fives years. Walking the levee around the marsh makes it possible to get good looks at a variety of shore and water birds. This walk is timed with the incoming tide that pushes feeding shorebirds off exposed Bay mudflats into mudflats in the marsh for closer views. Marta's Marsh is a great place to learn about marsh processes, watch shorebird behavior, and practice identifying the birds. Beginners welcome! Depending on the weather the levee can be damp so wear appropriate shoes, bring layers of clothes, and, of course, a bird book and binoculars (scope if you have one.) There are no bathroom facilities at the marsh. Steady rain cancels. Directions to Marta's Marsh From Highway 101 take the Corte Madera Paradise exit. Come east toward the Bay and then curve right coming past the Highway Patrol office. At the second stop light, turn left on Harbor Drive, then right on Yolo, and left on Channel, a dead end road. Park at the end of Channel.
Document(s):
FTR Marta Marsh Oct 15.pdf

Ellis Creek Wetlands Walk
Location: Petaluma
Trip Leader: Peter Colasanti
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Sunday, October 09, 2011
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 1:00 PM
Description: The new Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility (ECWRF) came on line a few years ago and now much of the area is a wildlife sanctuary accessible via a 3 mile trail system. Good birding and nature-viewing places are around the polishing ponds wetlands, seasonal wetlands (winter to spring), in the trees lining the edges of the property, and along the tidal marsh trail to the river (Sept. 1 to Jan. 14). Bird sightings could include Blue-winged Teal, Great-tailed Grackle, White Pelican, moorhens, rails and good shorebirds like dowitchers. Also, the trip is well timed to hit a late wave of neotropical migrants if we're lucky. The walk may be extended over to Shollenberger Park. Directions: Going north on Hwy 101 from Marin, take the second Petaluma exit, Rte 116 (Lakeville Hwy). Go east about one mile to South McDowell Blvd (4th traffic light) and turn right. At the curve turn right on Cypress and drive straight to east end. Meet in the parking lot just past the gate.
Document(s):
FTR Ellis Cr Oct 9-2011.pdf

Thursday Morning Walk with Susan Kelly & Friends
Location: Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Trip Leader: Susan Kelly
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Thursday, October 06, 2011
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Beginner birders are especially welcome on the first Thursday of each month for a leisurely walk around the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds at McInnis Park. There is always something interesting to see and over 100 species have been reported over the course of a year. Hawks are frequent and we see the graceful Northern Harrier on virtually every trip. This is great way to start learning the raptors, waterfowl, and other groups, as well as getting tips on optics, birding books, and birding etiquette. Directions: From Highway 101 take the Smith Ranch Road exit; go east toward the McInnis Park entrance. Turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and go the end of the road to the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds parking lot. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot. The walk starts at 8:30 but late arrivals should easily be able to find the group.

Classroom and Field Raptor Identification Workshop
Location: Fort Cronkhite and Hawk Hill (Marin Headlands)
Trip Leader: Allen Fish, Director, Golden Gate Raptor Observatory
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, October 01, 2011
End Date: Sunday, October 02, 2011
Start Time: 8:00 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: The Golden Gate Raptor Observatory (GGRO) is dedicated to studying migrating birds of prey along the Pacific Coast. Over 250 volunteers and interns count, band and conduct radiotelemetry studies from mid-August through early December. Hawk Hill, in the Marin Headlands, is the best place to observe the fall migration. Allen Fish, the Director of GGRO, is a leading raptor biologist and a dynamic teacher. Allen has graciously agreed to present a condensed one-day classroom and field workshop on raptor identification for Marin Audubon. We will meet at 8AM at Bldg 1050 at Ft. Cronkhite for a 90-minute classroom Powerpoint presentation on identifying California raptors. At about 10AM we will drive up to Hawk Hill for a two-hour field class, with the option of staying up all day. Bring layered clothing for heat or cold. Bring lunch, snacks, water, hat, binoculars, and field guide. If raining or fogging we will still meet. Directions to Bldg 1050 Ft Cronkhite. Drive into the Marin Headlands via Alexander Avenue and the five-minute tunnel on Bunker Road. As you drive alongside Rodeo Lagoon, watch for the only building with a wooden porch just across from the foot bridge to Rodeo Beach. This is Building 1050. Park alongside the road. Because of limited classroom space, this workshop will be limited to 30 participants. Please send an email to Vicky Van Meter at Vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com or phone 415-299-2514 (email preferred) to reserve a space.
Document(s):
FTR Hawk Hill Oct 1,2011.pdf

Point Reyes Big Day
Location: Point Reyes
Trip Leader: Keith Hansen
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Start Time: 7:30 AM
End Time: 3:00 PM
Description: Keith Hansen, well-known wildlife artist, naturalist and enthusiastic and knowledgeable birder, will lead us on a Point Reyes Big Day. We will meet at 7:30 AM at the Bovine Bakery in Point Reyes Station. This is located on the "Main Drag," (Hwy.1) across from the Palace Market. Folks can Coffee down, Sugar Up and hit the rest room there before we make our way to the OUTER POINT. Weather permitting, we will most likely drive, (car-pool, if possible) to the Light House. After that, it will likely be a quick stop at Road Forks Pool and then the Fish Docks, looking high and low for winged treasures. Next it is off to Nunez Ranch, then Mendoza Ranch and Jr. Mendoza. We will then blast to Spaletta Slop Ponds and then to Drakes Beach for a well-deserved lunch. Bring a lunch and lots of water. For those that want to keep going, we may stop at Abandon Ranch and/or The RCA Station. The day can go as long as anyone wants, but for those that need a specific time to end, let's say 3ish. Keith is aiming for 100 SPECIES and is looking forward to seeing you ALL there!
Document(s):
FTR Sept 28, 2011 Pt Reyes Big Day.pdf

Farallone Islands Boat Trip
Location: Depart from Clipper Yacht Harbor, Sausalito
Trip Leader: David Wimpfheimer
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Sunday, September 11, 2011
Start Time: 7:30 AM
End Time: 4:00 PM
Description: This trip is now full, however wait list spots may become available. Email Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com to get on the list. Participants should be at the boat dock at 7:30 AM. There is always a chance the trip may need to be rescheduled at the last minute due to sea conditions, so we will attempt to reach participants if there is a change. Be prepared for any kind of weather with layered clothing. Rain jacket and pants are essential no matter what the weather on shore. Take seasick medication if needed. Bring lunch, snacks, water and plenty of sunscreen. Directions: Take Hwy. 101 to the Marin City/Sausalito exit, head south on Bridgeway, take a left on Harbor Drive and proceed to the parking area at the end. We will meet on the south side of the parking lot to check in before boarding. Contact Vicky Van Meter at Vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com or call 415-299-2514 for questions.

Yuba Pass & Sierra Valley Weekend
Location: Yuba Pass Campground
Trip Leader: Phil & Pat Gordon
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, June 18, 2011
End Date: Sunday, June 19, 2011
Start Time: 7:30 AM
End Time: [not specified]
Description: We will begin our bird explorations at the almost 7,000 ft elevation of the Sierra. We will meet at 7:30 AM at the yuba Pass Sno-Park Parking Lot (also the entrance to the yuba Pass Campground) along Hwy 49. There may still be snow on the ground this year, so dress accordingly. If lucky, we'll see species rarely found at lower elevations including Williamson's Sapsucker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Calliope Hummingbird and Mountain Chickadee. The leaders may include a visit to S.F. State Field Station, Bassett's Store (hummingbird feeders), Gold Lakes Road with Sand Pond Marsh boardwalk, and points between. The caravan route back to camping/lodging will be at the leaders' discretion. On Sunday, June 19, we will meet at 6:30 AM at the same yuba Pass Sno-Park Parking Lot. From here we will travel to the graveled Mountain Quail Road. There we will enter the Great Basin Sage and Jeffrey Pine mix where our quarry becomes the Common Nighthawk, Gray Flycatcher, Black-billed Magpie, and Spotted and Green-tailed Towhees. We plan to lunch in the Loyalton Area to search the old forest burn area for nesting Lewis's Woodpecker and Mountain Bluebird. The trip will end early enough to allow either exploration of other nearby areas or an early return home. Lodging can be secured in Portola (Sleepy Pines - 530/832- 4291), Blairsden (River Pines - 530/836-2552) and in Sierra City (e.g., Herrington's Sierra Pines Lodge - www.herringtonssierrapines.com, 800/682-9848). Also, new owners will continue providing lodging at Bassett's Station, Hwy. 49 X Gold Lake Rd. (530/862- 1297, www.bassetts-station.com). Campgrounds are available at Yuba Pass, along Hwy. 49 to the West, at Plumas-Eureka State Park, and along Hwy. 89 between Truckee and Sierraville. Driving time from the Bay Area to Yuba Pass is just under 5 hours. Access is both by Hwy. 80 and Hwy. 70 (up to one hour longer).
Document(s):

FTR- June 18, 2011-Yuba Pass.pdf

Thursday Morning Walk With Len Blumin
Location: Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Trip Leader: Len Blumin
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Thursday, June 02, 2011
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: All are welcome to join Len Blumin on the first Thursday of each month for a walk around the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds at McInnis Park. There is always something interesting to see and this walk is great for all levels of birders. Hawks are frequent and we see the graceful Northern Harrier on virtually every trip. Over 100 bird species have been reported as likely to be seen over the course of a year. From Highway 101 North, take the Smith Ranch Road exit, go east to the McInnis Park entrance, turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and go to the end of the road to the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds parking lot. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot. The walk starts at 8:30 but late arrivals should be able to easily find the group.

Breeding Birds of Pt Reyes
Location: Bear Valley Visitor Center, Pt Reyes National Seashore
Trip Leader: David Wimpfheimer
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 4:00 PM
Description: Join us as we enjoy a day of birding to focus on the breeding birds of forest, wetlands, coastal scrub and ocean habitats. Weather conditions and recent sightings will determine the exact sites we visit. Vocalizations of breeding warblers, woodpeckers, flycatchers, thrushes and other species will also be covered. Directions: From Point Reyes Station, continue south on Hwy 1 about 2.5 miles. Look for a brown, "Point Reyes National Seashore" sign just beyond the Olema RV Resort & Campground. If you get to a flashing red light, you have gone 100 yards too far. Turn right onto Bear Valley Road and head west about 1/2 mile. Look for a big red barn on the left and a sign for the Visitor Center on the right. Meet at the bathrooms at the far end of the parking lot opposite the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
Document(s):
FTR Breeding Birds 6,1,2011.pdf

Big Rock/ Loma Alta
Location: Big Rock Ridge, Loma Alta Open Space
Trip Leader: Dave Herrema
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Thursday, May 26, 2011
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 1:00 PM
Description: The north slope of Loma Alta above Lucas Valley Road is high and dry, with great vistas. This is not the place for a lot of species, but we should see some birds you may have not seen before, such as Grasshopper, Rufus-crowned and Lark Sparrows; Horned Larks; and Lazuli Buntings. Western Meadowlarks should provide the melody. This is also a great place for raptors. All are welcome to join us for a leisurely walk of about a mile on a wide, graded road. Some of this is uphill. Please bring plenty of water. Directions: Big Rock Trailhead is about 5 miles west of Hwy 101 on Lucas Valley Road. Parking is limited at the trailhead so we will meet for carpooling at the Park and Ride at the Smith Ranch Road/ Lucas Valley exit at 8:30 AM. The Park and Ride is just east of Hwy 101 on Smith Ranch Road.
Document(s):
FTR - Loma Alta May 26, 2011.pdf

Mount Burdell
Location: Mount Burdell
Trip Leader: Lisa Hug
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, May 14, 2011
Start Time: 8:00 AM
End Time: 11:00 AM
Description: Join Lisa Hug for a field trip to Mt. Burdell. Species we might see include Lark Sparrow, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bullock's Oriole and Grasshopper Sparrow amongst many other possibilities. This should be a fairly easy walk, with some uphill. Bring comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, water and snacks. (Trip may end a little later than 11:00 am.) We will meet at the end of San Andres Drive in Novato. Directions:Take 101 to Novato. Take the San Marin Drive/Atherton Avenue exit. At the end of the exit ramp turn left (west) on San Marin Drive. Go roughly 2 miles down the road and turn right on San Andres Drive. Drive to nearly the end of the road and park on the street. (No restrooms available - check in Novato).
Document(s):
FTR Mt Burdell 5-14-2011.pdf

Putah Creek Canyon
Location: Putah Creek Canyon
Trip Leader: Rich Stallcup
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Thursday, April 21, 2011
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 3:00 PM
Description: Rich Stallcup will lead us on a field trip to Putah Creek Canyon, located about an hour northeast of Marin near Winters. This riparian corridor supports good bird diversity, including woodpeckers and migrants. We will meet at 9:00 AM in the large turnout at the top of Montecillo Dam along Route 128. Please carpool from home if possible, as large parking lots are few. Bring lunch, we will picnic at tables along the "river" and head for home about 2:30 or so. It is usually windy and cold at the meeting spot.
Document(s):

FTR Puta Cr Ap 21 2011c.pdf

Mines Road / Del Puerto Canyon
Location: Mines Road/Del Puerto Canyon
Trip Leader: Terry Colborn
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, April 16, 2011
End Date: Sunday, April 17, 2011
Start Time: 7:30 AM
End Time: [not specified]
Description: Long recognized as one of the premier birding areas in the Bay Area to observe an array of resident species and neo-tropical migrants, the combination of Mines Road and Del Puerto Canyon provides easy access to a number of different habitats. The bird list is quite impressive for this popular destination and includes Costa's Hummingbird, Lewis' Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Yellow-billed Magpie, Rock and Canyon wrens, Nashville, Orange-crowned, Hermit, Yellow and MacGillivray's warblers, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole, Wood Duck and Lawrence's Goldfinch, just to name a few. The elusive Greater Roadrunner is reported annually. We'll also visit Del Valle Regional Park (fee) and Frank Raines Park. This weekend trek will start In Livermore on Saturday morning at 7:30am, and will conclude on Sunday afternoon at 3:30pm. Overnight hotel accommodations will be in Patterson, off of I-5, affording us an opportunity for an optional evening "owl prowl" after dinner, as well as giving us a chance for an early Sunday morning start. This is a very popular trip and often fills up early. Sign-ups are required, and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Carpooling is a must as there is very limited space for vehicles to park on Mines Road. To sign-up and receive further details, contact Terry Colborn at: www.tlcbirding.com or call him at: 916.705.8991.
Document(s):

FTR Mines Rd Ap 16 2011c.pdf

Birding at Bodega Bay - TRIP CANCELED
Location: Bodega Bay
Trip Leader: Len Blumin
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Sunday, March 20, 2011
End Date: Monday, March 21, 2011
Start Time: [not specified]
End Time: [not specified]
Description: The Bodega Bay trip with Len Blumin scheduled for Sunday is cancelled because of storms and road closures. We will reschedule the trip for another time.

Humboldt County Weekend and Aleutian Goose Fly-off
Location: Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary
Trip Leader: Ken Burton
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, March 05, 2011
End Date: Sunday, March 06, 2011
Start Time: 8:00 AM
End Time: 3:00 PM
Description: Former MAS board member and outstanding ornithologist and guide, Ken Burton, will lead us on a two-day exploration of his current stomping grounds. The itinerary will be loose and flexible. We'll spend time looking for species that don't occur in our area (such as Black-capped Chickadee and Gray Jay) and any vagrants that may be around. We'll also visit some of Humboldt's awesome general birding sites such as the Arcata Marsh and Humboldt Bay NWR. Participants wanting to drive up on Friday can meet Ken at 8:00 a.m. Saturday at the south end of South I Street in Arcata. We'll be back there at noon for lunch and high-tide birding and to meet anyone traveling on Saturday. Pack a picnic lunch at least for Saturday. Sunday morning we'll witness the Aleutian Goose fly-off at the Refuge and bird that area until early afternoon. Because this is a new trip, we do not have lodging recommendations, but there are dozens of B&Bs, hotels and motels to choose from in the Eureka and Arcata area. Call Ken at 707-825-1124 or Vicky Van Meter at 415-299-2514 (vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com) for more information. Please write to Ken at shrikethree@gmail.com if you will be attending and tell him whether you are arriving Friday or Saturday. Directions to South I Street in Arcata: Take 101 North to Arcata. Exit at Samoa Blvd (Exit 713), then left at South I Street. The road ends at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. Allow six hours travel time from Marin.
Document(s):
Humboldt 5-6 March 2011 FTR.pdf

Morning Walk at Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Location: Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Trip Leader: Len Blumin
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Thursday, March 03, 2011
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: All are welcome to join Len Blumin on the first Thursday of each month for a walk around the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds at McInnis Park. There is always something interesting to see and this walk is great for all levels of birders. March is a great time for waterfowl and a dozen or more species can be expected. Hawks are frequent and we see the graceful Northern Harrier on virtually every trip. Over 100 bird species have been reported as likely to be seen over the course of a year. Directions: From Highway 101 North, take the Smith Ranch Road exit, go east to the McInnis Park entrance, turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and go to the end of the road to the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds parking lot. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot. The walk starts at 8:30 but late arrivals should be able to easily find the group.

Capay Valley Birding
Location: Capay Valley
Trip Leader: Terry Colborn
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 3:00 PM
Description: Join Terry Colborn for a delightful day in picturesque Capay Valley. The almond orchards should be at peak bloom as the valley's harbinger of the coming spring season. Our stops will include historic Capay Cemetery, Cache Creek and several favorite birding spots in idyllic Capay Valley. We'll look for Yellow-billed Magpie, Lewis' Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Phainopepla, Western Bluebirds and resident raptors, as well as any lingering wintering raptors. We also hope to see some early spring arrivals such as Barn and Violet-green Swallows, Lawrence's Goldfinch, and warbler species. Past trips have produced Golden and Bald Eagles, Western Kingbird and Prairie Falcon. We should also see some early spring wildflowers along with Redbud, that very conspicuous flowering shrub along the roadside. Terry will meet participants at Community Park in Esparto at 8:30AM. Participants who wish to can also carpool from there. Directions to Esparto: take Hwy 37 east to Vallejo then go east on I-80; just past the new Nut Tree Center take I-505. Travel I-505 north for about 20 miles to the Route 16 exit and turn left (west). Esparto is located about 4 miles west on Route 16 - the park is in the center of town. Driving time is about 1 1/2 hrs but allow a little extra time, as there may be early morning fog. Bring lunch, liquids and dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear, as we will do a little walking. Heavy rain cancels. For more information contact Terry, 916.705.8991 or www.tlcbirding.com.
Document(s):
FTR Capay V.pdf

Raptors, Rails and Waterfowl
Location: Central Valley, Yolo Basin Wildlife Area
Trip Leader: Terry Colborn
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, February 05, 2011
Start Time: 8:00 AM
End Time: [not specified]
Description: The open agricultural lands of the Central Valley provide great foraging habitat for scores of wintering raptors, while the wetlands of the Yolo Basin Wildlife Area are the winter home to thousands of waterfowl including ducks, geese, swans and many shorebirds, as well as both Sora and Virginia Rail. This all-day field trip will visit several local wintering habitats in search of Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks; Merlin; Prairie Falcon; Burrowing, Barn and Great-horned Owls; as well as the elusive Mountain Plover. We also expect to see a representative sampling of the waterfowl and a variety of shorebirds at the Davis Wetlands. Directions: Participants meet the leader at 8:00AM in Dixon in the southwest corner of the Wal-Mart parking lot located on East Dorset Drive at the Hwy 113 exit off I-80. Bring a lunch and liquids; dress in layers. Heavy rain cancels. Leader: Terry Colborn. 916.705.8991 www.tlcbirding.com
Document(s):
FTR YoloBasin.pdf

Cosumnes River Preserve & Sunset Crane "Fly-In"
Location: Sacramento Valley
Trip Leader: Terry Colborn
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, January 22, 2011
Start Time: 8:45 AM
End Time: 6:00 PM
Description: The Cosumnes River Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is one of the last remnants of a once vast riparian habitat in the Sacramento Valley. This is the only river from the Sierra flowing into the Delta that isn't dammed. Situated on the eastern edge of Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, this 1,500 acre preserve of mixed oak woodlands, grasslands and wetlands hosts an array of wintering passerines and waterfowl, including numerous species of ducks, geese and Tundra Swan. The surrounding wetlands and flooded fields provide excellent refuge for many waders, as well as Sandhill Cranes. The lush oak woodlands can often yield a number of passerines and wintering raptors. Past visits have even afforded rare views of river otters. After a morning walk of about one mile on a flat trail, we'll eat lunch on the deck at the Visitor's Center. Afterwards we'll spend some time scoping the impoundments opposite the Visitor's Center that host a significant number of waterfowl. We'll also scope out several large winter ponds checking for shorebirds, waterfowl and the resident Peregrine Falcon. We'll then head to Staten Island Road, a renowned area that is the winter home to thousands of Sandhill Cranes. The birds feed in the nearby recently harvested rice and cornfields, and move to roost in the wetlands by late afternoon, early evening. The area often has a nice variety of ducks and shorebirds, and may even hold a surprise or two. The sight and sound of hundreds of Sandhill Cranes coming in to roost at sunset is a sight to behold. Directions: Meet Terry Colborn at 8:45AM at Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor's Center parking lot. Take Hwy 101 north, then Hwy 37 east to I-80 east; at Fairfield/Suisun City turn onto Hwy 12 (southeast) and continue to Hwy I-5, near Lodi. Go north on Hwy I-5 approximately 13 miles to the Twin Cities Road exit. Travel 1 mile east, turn right (south) on Franklin Blvd and drive 1.7 miles to the Cosumnes Preserve Visitor's Center on your left. Travel time from Marin County is approximately 2 hrs. Bring binoculars and scope, lunch, snacks and liquids; wear comfortable footgear and dress in layers. Heavy rain cancels. For more information contact Terry at 916-705-8991, or at: www.tlcbirding.com .

Gulls of Sonoma and Marin
Location: Shollenberger Park and Lucchesi Park in Petaluma
Trip Leader: Peter Colasanti
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Sunday, January 09, 2011
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 11:30 AM
Description: Remember Hitchcock's The Birds? Do you remember how scary the gulls were and did you ever get over it? Join a fellow Laraphobe for a day of immersion therapy near the scene of that cinematic crime in southern Sonoma county and Bahia in Marin. Those who dare can meet me for the exodus AT DAYBREAK ABOUT 6:30 AM at Shollenberger Park Sunday January 9, where over 2000 gulls flyover en route to their daily feast. Next we'll convene at 8:30 AM at Lucchesi Park for close views in an urban setting and then head south to Bahia in Novato to see the activity at Marin Audubon's restoration site. We'll relish the adults, study the juveniles, and mostly ignore the adolescents and hybrids. Be a Student at Gulls for a day. The trip will end at about 11:30. Directions to Shollenberger Park: Take 101 North to Petaluma. Take the Hwy. 116/Lakeville Hwy. East exit. Turn onto Lakeville (left, east bound), go approximately 3 long blocks from highway overpass. Turn right onto South McDowell. Turn right in 0.3 miles onto Cader Lane, which dead ends in the Shollenberger Park parking lot. Meet at the kiosks. Directions to Lucchesi Park: Take 101 North, exit at E Washington and take a right heading toward east Petaluma. Take the first left onto North McDowell Blvd and then a right in one quarter mile on Community Center Way.

Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Location: McInnes Park, San Rafael, CA
Trip Leader: Len Blumin
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Thursday, January 06, 2011
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: All are welcome to join Len Blumin on the first Thursday of each month for a walk around the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds at McInnis Park. There is always something interesting to see and this walk is great for all levels of birders. From Highway 101 North, take the Smith Ranch Road exit, go east to the McInnis Park entrance, turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and go to the end of the road to the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds parking lot. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot. The walk starts at 8:30 AM but late arrivals should be able to easily find the group.

Birding the Northwest Passage
Location: West Marin, Lawson's Landing, and Chileno Valley
Trip Leader: David Wimpfheimer
Host: David Wimpfheimer (415) 415-663-1363
Start Date: Sunday, December 12, 2010
End Date: Monday, December 13, 2010
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 3:30 PM
Description: This field trip will focus on some of the less familiar habitats near the town of Tomales. After meeting at the Tomales Bakery we will caravan to Lawson's Landing, a private resort near the mouth of Tomales Bay. Loons, grebes, possibly included Red-necked, ducks and brant can be quite numerous here. Shorebirds are diverse here as well. After birding the coast, the rest of the day will be spent covering the open grasslands, wetlands and forests of this part of Marin. Chileno Valley can have Ferruginous and Rough-leged Hawks, amongst the more common raptors. Meet at the Tomales Bakery. at 9:00. Plan on arriving earlier to sample the delicious pastries. Light rain will not cancel this trip, but a heavy storm will.

Bahia Bird Walk
Location: Bahia Marsh, Novato
Trip Leader: Lowell Sykes
Host: Lowell Sykes, 415-388-2821
Start Date: Sunday, December 05, 2010
End Date: Monday, December 06, 2010
Start Time: 9:30 AM
End Time: 11:00 PM
Description: Join Lowell for an easy walk to see the many birds in the newly restored lagoons, marshes and uplands of Marin Audubon's 60 acre Bahia property in Novato. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn about the work being done to restore this important area. Directions: Take either Hwy 101 north or Hwy 37 east to Atherton Ave in Novato. From 101 take a right (east) on Atherton. Proceed on Atherton about 1 mile and take a left onto Bugeia Lane. From Hwy 37, take the Atherton exit and go left under the highway. Proceed about 2.3 miles on Atherton and take a right on Bugeia. Go straight on Bugeia over the hill toward the marshes (Bugeia becomes Bahia Drive at some point) to the end and park in the cul-de-sac. The gates will be open. For questions, contact Lowell at 415-388-2821.

Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Location: McInnis Park, San Rafel, CA
Trip Leader: Len Blumin
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Thursday, December 02, 2010
End Date: Friday, December 03, 2010
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: All are welcome to join Len Blumin on the first Thursday of each month for a walk around the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds at McInnis Park. There is always something interesting to see and this walk is great for all levels of birders. From Highway 101 North, take the Smith Ranch Road exit, go east to the McInnis Park entrance, turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and go to the end of the road to the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds parking lot. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot. The walk starts at 8:30 AM but late arrivals should be able to easily find the group.

Beginner Birding in Marin
Location: Starkweather Shoreline Park, San Rafael
Trip Leader: Lizabeth Gluck
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Sunday, November 21, 2010
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 11:30 AM
Description: This will be an introduction to the most common species seen around the bay including a variety of ducks, shorebirds, and egrets, as well as some songbirds such as house finches, mockingbirds, and hummingbirds. This accessible and enjoyable location is flat and open, check the weather report (be prepared for sun or fog and wind). Rain cancels the trip. Please bring binoculars and field guide if you have them. We will discuss field guides, binoculars, and birding spots. Meet at 9 AM at entrance to the park on Baypoint Village Drive in San Rafael. Directions: Exit 101 at Francisco Blvd and take Bellam Avenue east as far as it will go. This becomes Baypoint Village Drive. Follow this briefly and park near the deep curve in the road where the entrance to the park is. (The park has many entrances, but this one is on a deep curve after Bellam has become Baypoint Village Drive just before it intersects with Baypoint Drive.) If you reach the intersection of Baypoint Village Drive and Baypoint Drive you have gone a few yards too far. Look for a blue Toyota RAV-4.

Arrowhead Marsh and Surroundings
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oakland
Trip Leader: Rusty Scalf
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Saturday, November 06, 2010
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Arrowhead Marsh, part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, is noted for Clapper Rails, Soras and Virginia Rails. In the annual survey of this marsh by Fish and Game several years ago, the rail count was 112 Clapper, 67 Sora and 17 Virginia! Visiting this area during a rising high tide should enable us to spot quite a few. Join our leader Rusty Scalf to view this interesting marsh and adjacent shoreline. Wintering shorebirds, ducks and geese should be seen and songbirds, gulls and raptors will probably show up. Directions: Meet at 9 AM at the Arrowhead Marsh parking lot. From Marin, cross the Richmond-San Rafael bridge and take 80 south. Continue south on I-880 to Hegenberger Rd (goes to Oakland Airport) then go west on Hegenberger to Doolittle Dr. Turn right on Doolittle, then right on Swan Way. Turn left into the MLKRS Park and drive to the parking at end of road.

Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Location: McInnis Park, San Rafel, CA
Trip Leader: Len Blumin
Host: Vicky Van Meter, vicky.vanmeter@gmail.com, 415-299-2514
Start Date: Thursday, November 04, 2010
End Date: Friday, November 05, 2010
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Join Len on this morning birding walk at the storage ponds. Many of our feathered fall visitors will have arrived to join the resident ones that stay all year round. From Highway 101 North, take the Smith Ranch Road exit, go east to the McInnis Park entrance, turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and go to the end of the road to the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds parking lot. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot.

Limantour
Location: Pt Reyes National Seashore
Trip Leader: Rich Stallcup
Start Date: Friday, October 22, 2010
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 3:00 PM
Description: Bring your scope and join Rich for a walk on Limantour Spit. We shall scope the ocean side for loons, grebes and sea ducks and check the estero side for waders, Brant and raptors. The walk will be about 4 miles round trip with some of that in sand. Rain does not cancel but may change our destination! Bring a lunch and dress in layers. DIRECTIONS: Take Sir Francis Drake Blvd west and turn onto Bear Valley Rd. Continue to the Limantour Rd turn-off and drive to the first parking lot at Limantour Beach.

Abbott's Lagoon
Location: Pt Reyes National Seashore
Trip Leader: Daniel Edelstein
Host: edelstein@earthlink.net
Start Date: Saturday, October 09, 2010
Start Time: 9:30 AM
End Time: 2:00 PM
Description: Join Daniel for the day at Abbott's Lagoon, a birder's paradise at this time of year because the amazing autumn passage of shorebirds will be joined by some other species that are just arriving to stay with us through the winter. While viewing the birds, we'll discuss their migration routes and learn why this is one of the spots in Marin County where you can often see more bird species in the autumn and winter than during the breeding season. We'll walk the 1.5 easy miles to the lower lagoon and another 0.3 mile to the ocean beach for lunch-with-a-view! DIRECTIONS: Allowing about an hour and a half travel time, from San Rafael follow Sir Francis Drake Blvd (SFDB) to Olema. From Stinson Beach go north on Hwy 1 to Olema. From Olema continue north on Hwy 1 (SFDB), take the second left turn (SFDB west), continue through Inverness, turn right (north) onto Pierce Point Road and keep driving until you come to the Abbott's Lagoon parking lot on the left (west) where our group will gather. For more information contact edelstein@earthlink.net and check out his website at www.warblerwatch.com
Document(s):
Field Trip Report- Abbotts Lagoon.pdf

Birding Walk at Elllis Creek, Petaluma
Location: Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility
Trip Leader: Peter Colasanti
Host: Helen Lindqvist, helen_lindqvist@yahoo.com, Tel: 415-789-0703
Start Date: Sunday, September 26, 2010
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 1:00 PM
Description: This new water recycling facility came online last year and much of the area is now wildlife sanctuary accessible via a 3 mile trail system. Bird sightings could include Blue-winged Teal, Great-tailed Grackle, White Pelican, moorhens, rails and dowitchers. Walk may be extended to Shollenberger Park. Go North on Hwy 101, take 2nd Petaluma exit,or Rte 116 (Lakeville Hwy). Go east about one mile to South MacDowell Blvd and turn Right. At the curve turn Right on Cypress and straight to the east end. Meet in the parking lot just inside the gate.
Link: http://www.petalumawetlands.org

Pelagic Trip to Farallones
Location: Aboard
Trip Leader: David Wimpfheimer
Host: Bob Chilvers at chilvers-law@comcast.net
Start Date: Sunday, August 22, 2010
Start Time: 8:00 AM
End Time: 4:00 PM
Description: Come join us for a day's bird and wildlife watching on the rich stretch of the Pacific out to the Farallon Islands and beyond. On previous trips we have seen a good number of species and this time we'll be hoping to sight Tufted Puffin, Cassin's and Rinoceros Auklet, Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre, Red-necked Phalarope, Elegant Tern, three species of Shearwater--Pink-footed, Buller's and Sooty--and some rarer birds like Black-footed Albatross and different species of Jaeger. In the mammal department we might spot Harbor or Dall's Porpoise, Risso's Dolphin and Humpback Whale. We shall be aboard Mick Menigoz' large sturdy boat, "Superfish." To sign up contact Bob Chilvers at chilvers-law@comcast.net or phone 415-444-0875 or Helen Lindqvist at helen_lindqvist@yahoo.com or phone 415-789-0703.
Document(s):
Field Trip Report - Farallones.pdf

Scheduled Bird Walks will resume in September 2010
Location: Various Marin County locations.
Start Date: Monday, June 28, 2010
End Date: Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Start Time: [not specified]
End Time: [not specified]

Yuba Pass, Sierra & Plumas Counties
Location: Sierras
Trip Leader: Phil and Pat Gordon
Host: Marin Audubon Society
Start Date: Saturday, June 19, 2010
End Date: Sunday, June 20, 2010
Start Time: 7:30 AM
End Time: [not specified]
Description: Our leaders Phil and Pat are naturalists and conservationists and Phil is the compiler of the current Plumas-Eureka State Park Birdlist. Come join them for a great weekend trip where the bird count for the two days is always over 100 species!
Document(s):
YUBA PASS June 2010 Field Trip.pdf

Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Location: San Rafael
Trip Leader: Len Blumin
Start Date: Wednesday, May 12, 2010
End Date: Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Start Time: [not specified]
End Time: [not specified]
Description: There will not be an organized walk at Las Gallinas Storage Ponds in June as most of the migratory birds have left for nesting areas and the bird count is low. Walks will resume in September.

Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Location: McInnis Park, San Rafael
Trip Leader: Len Blumin
Host: Marin Audubon Society
Start Date: Thursday, May 06, 2010
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Join Len on this Thursday morning birding walk at the Storage Ponds. We might still see a few of our winter visitors and most of the Neotropicals will have arrived. The birds should be in their distinctive breeding plumage!
Document(s):
LAS GALL 5-06-10 .pdf

Mines Road and Del Puerto Canyon
Location: Livermore area
Trip Leader: Terry Colborn
Host: Marin Audubon Society
Start Date: Saturday, May 01, 2010
End Date: Sunday, May 02, 2010
Start Time: 7:30 AM
End Time: 3:30 PM
Description: Long recognized as one of the premier birding areas in the Bay Area to observe an array of resident species and neo-tropical migrants, the combination of Mines Road and Del Puerto Canyon provides easy access to a number of different habitats. The bird list is quite impressive for this popular destination, and includes Wood Duck, Costa's Hummingbird, Lewis's Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Yellow-billed Magpie, Rock and Canyon wrens, Nashville, Orange-crowned, Hermit, Yellow and MacGillivray's warblers, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole and Lawrence's Goldfinch, just to name a few. The elusive Greater Roadrunner is reported annually. We'll also visit Del Valle Regional Park (fee) and Frank Raines Park.
Document(s):
Mines Road - Del Puerto Canyon.pdf
Trip Report Mines Rd-Del Pureto Cyn.pdf

Mount Burdell
Location: Marin County Open Space
Trip Leader: Neill Fogarty
Host: Marin Audubon Society
Start Date: Saturday, April 17, 2010
Start Time: 8:00 AM
End Time: 12:30 PM
Description: This gem in northern Marin with its oak woodland, grassland and mixed forest is a prime nesting area for over 50 species of birds - many of which have wintered south of our border. Join us on this uphill stroll as we look and listen for many of these birds. Past trips have yielded Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Bullock's Oriole, Lazuli Bunting and Western Kingbird as well as a host of other species. Wildflowers and lizards are on the 'look-for' list too!
Document(s):
MT BURDELL - Apr '10.pdf
Trip Report - Mt BurdellAp10.pdf

Bolinas Area Birding
Location: Meet at the Stinson Beach Post Office at 8:30 a.m. (Coffee shop nearby !!) Heavy rain cancels.
Trip Leader: Keith Hansen
Host: Marin Audubon Society
Start Date: Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 2:30 PM
Description: Come and join Keith to explore the environs of Bolinas Lagoon - an area that Keith knows 'like the back of his hand'! We shall check out the beaches for pelagic and shore birds, go up to Stinson Gulch to look for the woodsy ones and scope out the lagoon to see the variety of birds and other wildlife that rest-up or feed in the quiet waters.
Document(s):
BOLINAS AREA BIRDING 04-07-10.pdf
Trip Report - BolinasAp10.pdf

Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Location: McInnis Park, San Rafael
Trip Leader: Len Blumin
Host: Marin Audubon Society
Start Date: Thursday, April 01, 2010
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Join Len on this Thursday morning birding walk at the Storage Ponds. We might still see a few of our winter visitors and most of the Neotropicals will have arrived. The birds should be in their distinctive breeding plumage!
Document(s):
LAS GALL 4-01-10 .pdf

Marta's Marsh
Location: Corte Madera
Trip Leader: Roger Harris and Meryl Sundove
Start Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 11:00 AM
Description: Join Meryl Sundove and Roger Harris on a bird walk in Marta's Marsh in Corte Madera. This field trip often affords a look at and a listen to the namesake of the Marin Audubon Society's newsletter, the endangered California Clapper Rail. Meryl and Roger have been studying the marsh for over twenty-five years. Walking the levee around the marsh makes it possible to get good looks at a variety of shore and water birds. This walk is timed with the incoming tide that pushes feeding shorebirds off exposed Bay mudflats into mudflats in the marsh for closer views. Marta's Marsh is a great place to learn about marsh processes, watch shorebird behavior, and practice identifying the birds. Beginners welcome! Depending on the weather the levee can be damp so wear appropriate shoes, bring layers of clothes, and, of course, a bird book and binoculars (scope if you have one.) There are no bathroom facilities at the marsh. Steady rain cancels. Directions to Marta's Marsh From Highway 101 take the Corte Madera Paradise exit. Come east toward the Bay and then curve right coming past the Highway Patrol office. At the second stop light, turn left on Harbor Drive, then right on Yolo, and left on Channel, a dead end road. Park at the end of Channel.

Lake Lagunitas and Environs
Location: Lake Lagunitas
Trip Leader: Neill Fogarty
Host: Marin Audubon Society
Start Date: Saturday, March 06, 2010
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 1:00 PM
Description: Come join us for a morning's birding in this interesting lake area of the Mt Tamalpais Watershed. The local birds will be singing and a few Spring arrivals may be on the scene. Some of the Winter residents may be singing before they leave. Expect to see a good variety of birds including Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Bewick's Wren, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Cedar Waxwing, several species of woodpeckers such as Acorn, Downy, Nuttall's and possibly Pileated and some raptors like Red-shouldered Hawk and Osprey patrolling overhead. Various lake species may be seen such as Hooded or Common Merganser, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead and Ruddy Duck and if we are really lucky, a Bald Eagle at Bon Tempe Lake harassing the Ospreys for their fish! This is a fee area: $8 per car. To carpool, meet in Fairfax by the Java Hut (across from the P.O.) at the west end of Albertson's on Center Boulevard at 8:30 AM. Otherwise meet the group in the Lake Lagunitas parking lot at 9:00 AM. From Hwy 101 in Greenbrae, go west on Sir Francis Drake Blvd to Fairfax and turn onto Broadway (which parallels S.F.D.) From there turn left onto the Fairfax-Bolinas Rd, follow up the mountain, take another left onto Sky Oaks Rd which leads to the lakes. After you have paid the entrance fee at the Pay Station (small notes for machine) continue approx. 1 1/2 miles to the Lake Lagunitas parking area. Bring water and snacks. Steady rain cancels. Confirm with Helen Lindqvist (415) 789-0703.
Document(s):
Lake Lagunitas Trip Report 3-10.pdf

LAS GALLINAS STORAGE PONDS
Location: Las Gallinas, San Rafael
Trip Leader: Len Blumin
Start Date: Thursday, March 04, 2010
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: There is still a good variety of birds to be seen on the water and in the vegetation beside these ponds. Join Len to see the wintering birds before they head north! From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the Smith Ranch Road exit, go east to the McInnis Park entrance, turn left immediately crossing the railroad tracks and go to the end of the road to Las Gallinas Storage Ponds' parking lot. Meet the group up by the bridge. Heavy rain cancels.

A Delightful Day in Picturesque Capay Valley
Location: Capay Valley
Trip Leader: Terry Colborn
Start Date: Saturday, February 27, 2010
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 3:00 PM
Description: The almond orchards should be at peak bloom as the valley's harbinger of the coming spring season. We'll visit historical Capay Cemetery and several favorite birding spots along Cache Creek as it winds through idyllic Capay Valley. We'll look for Yellow-billed Magpie, Lewis' Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Phainopepla, Western Bluebirds and resident raptors, as well as any lingering wintering raptors. We also hope to see some early spring arrivals such as Barn and Violet-green Swallows, Lawrence's Goldfinch, and warbler species. Past trips have produced Golden and Bald Eagles, Western Kingbird and Prairie Falcon. We also expect to see some early spring wildflowers along with Redbud, that very conspicuous flowering shrub along the roadside. Terry Colborn will meet participants at the Community Park in Esparto at 8:30am. Participants can also carpool from there. Directions to Esparto: take Hwy 37 east to Vallejo then go east on I-80; just past the new Nut Tree Center take I-505. Travel I-505 north for about 20 miles to the Route 16 exit and turn left (west). Esparto is located about 4 miles west on Route 16 - the park is in the center of town. Driving time is about one and a half hrs, but allow a little extra time, as there may be early morning fog. Bring lunch, liquids and dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear, as we will do a little walking. Heavy rains cancel. For more information contact Terry at tlcgdc@aol.com or 916.705.8991.

Bahia: Woods and Wetlands, Novato
Location: Bahia - Novato
Trip Leader: Jim White
Start Date: Sunday, February 21, 2010
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 1:00 PM
Description: Come to see the wealth of birdlife using the tidal wetlands of this 150 plus acres of restored bay marshes. Although the levees were breached just over a year ago, the birds utilizing this new habitat numbered 2,795 in a recent count and included White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, many species of duck, three types of sandpiper and Snowy Egret. The upland terrain of Blue Oak woodlands always produces woodpeckers too so come join us for a leisurely stroll around this new restoration area. Allowing a half hour to forty minutes from central or southern Marin, head north on Hwy 101 and exit on to Atherton Avenue in Novato then turn left onto Bugeia Lane that becomes Bahia Drive as it goes further east. Park and meet near the double gates at the end of Bahia. Heavy rain cancels. Phone to verify - Helen Lindqvist (415) 789-0703.

Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Location: San Rafael
Trip Leader: Len Blumin
Start Date: Thursday, February 04, 2010
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Come join Len to check out the variety of waders and other waterbirds that are now here for our mild winter! Several raptors are always seen flying over this large marshy area too! From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the Smith Ranch Road exit, go east to the McInnis Park entrance, turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and go to the end of the road into the Las Gallinas S.P. parking lot. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot. Heavy rain cancels.

Cosumnes River Preserve and Sunset Crane Fly-in
Location: Cosumnes River Preserve
Trip Leader: Terry Colborn
Start Date: Saturday, January 30, 2010
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 6:00 PM
Description: The 1,500 acre Cosumnes River Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), is one of the last remnants of a once vast riparian habitat in the Sacramento Valley. This is the only river from the Sierra flowing into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta that isn't dammed. After a morning walk of about one mile on a flat trail, we'll eat lunch on the deck at the Visitor's Center. Afterwards well spend some time scoping the impoundments, opposite the Visitor's Center, that host a significant number of waterfowl. We'll also scope out several large winter ponds checking for shorebirds, waterfowl and the resident Peregrine Falcon. Next up, we'll head to Staten Island Road, a renowned area that is the winter home to thousands of Sandhill Cranes. The birds feed in the nearby recently harvested rice and cornfields, and move to roost in the wetlands by late afternoon, early evening. The area often has a nice variety of ducks and shorebirds, and may even hold a surprise or two. The sight and sound of hundreds of Sandhill Cranes coming into roost at sunset is a sight to behold. Meet Terry Colborn at 9 AM at Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor's Center parking lot. From Hwy 101 in Novato, take Hwy 37 to I-80 east; at Fairfield/Suisun City turn onto Hwy 12 (southeast) and continue to Hwy I-5, near Lodi. Go north on Hwy I-5 approximately 13 miles to the Twin Cities Road exit. Travel 1 mile east, turn right (south) on Franklin Blvd and drive 1.7 miles to the Cosumnes Preserve Visitor's Center on your left. Travel time from Marin County is approximately 2 hrs. Bring binoculars and scope, lunch, water, snacks, wear comfortable footgear and dress in layers. Heavy rain cancels. For more info: call Terry at 916/705-8991 or email tlcgdc@aol.com.
Document(s):
MAS Consumnes Trip Report 01.30.10 with images.pdf

Shollenberger Park to Ellis Creek, Petaluma
Location: Shollenberger Park and Ellis Creek, Petaluma
Trip Leader: Peter Colasanti
Start Date: Sunday, January 17, 2010
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 1:00 PM
Description: This wildlife preserve is a city park and encompasses a diversity of wetland habitats - including saltwater marsh, freshwater marsh and tidal mudflats. There is always a good variety of birds here and the possibility of seeing Blue-winged Teal, Virginia Rail, yellowthroats and moorhens. Going north on Hwy 101 from Marin, take the second Petaluma exit, which is Rte 116 (Lakeville Hwy). Go east about one mile to South McDowell Blvd (4th traffic light) and turn right. Take the 3rd right onto Cader Lane and on into the parking lot. Meet Peter and the group up on the path by 8:30am. We shall shuttle cars to Ellis Creek so the walk will only be one-way. Bring binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. Heavy rain cancels.

Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Location: Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Trip Leader: Len Blumin
Start Date: Thursday, January 07, 2010
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Start the new year off right by joining Len for this morning birding walk at the storage ponds. A good variety of waterbirds are now here for the viewing and no day passes without several interesting raptors being spotted! From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the Smith Ranch Road exit, go east to the McInnis Park entrance, turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and go to end of road to the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds' parking lot. Meet the group by the bridge just past the parking lot.

Gray Lodge and Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
Trip Leader: Bruce Deuel
Host: Marin Audubon Society
Start Date: Saturday, December 05, 2009
End Date: Sunday, December 06, 2009
Start Time: [not specified]
End Time: [not specified]
Description: Join us for a post-holiday extravaganza! We'll spend most of Saturday at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area that is managed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Normally about half a million birds use this area in winter and favorable breeding years can bring more. We will walk a 2-mile loop observing birds until lunch, then hike out to the viewing platform to look for additional species. Time permitting we will take a drive around part of the Sutter Buttes then return for the evening fly-out! See Clapper Rail Newsletter page 3 for full details.
Document(s):

Gray_Lodge_Trip_Report_images.pdf

Birding West Marin
Location: Tomales Bay, Drake's Estero or Abbott's Lagoon
Trip Leader: David Wimpfheimer
Host: Marin Audubon Society
Start Date: Sunday, November 22, 2009
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 3:00 PM
Description: Come and join David to discover the varied habitats of West Marin, an area he has been exploring for almost 30 years. Our route will be flexible, but our birding will include wetlands at Tomales Bay, Drake's Estero or Abbott's Lagoon - where ducks, loons, grebes and shorebirds should be numerous. Over 200 species of birds are found in Point Reyes National Seashore and nearby habitats in the winter. We'll look through forests for thrushes, woodpeckers, warblers and wintering landbirds, as well as visiting ocean bluffs to look for seabirds and raptors. Total walking distance will be less than three miles and mostly a number of short hikes. Dress in layers with footwear that may get wet. Gentle rain will not cancel this outing. Meet in the parking lot opposite Bear Valley Visitor Center near the restrooms at 9 AM (Coffee shop nearby). If the weather is questionable, contact Helen at 415/789-0703 or 415/306-2325 (cell).

Arrowhead Marsh and Surroundings
Location: Arrowhead Marsh, Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oakland
Trip Leader: Rusty Scalf
Host: Marin Audubon Society
Start Date: Sunday, November 15, 2009
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Arrowhead Marsh, part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, is noted for Clapper Rails, Soras and Virginia Rails. In the annual survey of this marsh by Fish and Game several years ago, the rail count was 112 Clapper, 67 Sora and 17 Virginia! Visiting this area during a rising high tide should enable us to spot quite a few! Join our leader Rusty Scalf to view this interesting marsh and adjacent shoreline. Wintering shorebirds, ducks and geese should be seen and songbirds, gulls and raptors will probably show up. Meet at 9 AM at the Arrowhead Marsh parking lot. From Marin, cross the Richmond-San Rafael bridge and take I-80 south. Continue south on I-880 to Hegenberger Rd (goes to Oakland Airport) then go west on Hegenberger to Doolittle Dr. Turn right on Doolittle, then right on Swan Way. Turn left into the MLKRS Park and drive to the parking lot at end of road.

Abbott's Lagoon
Location: Abbott's Lagoon, Pt. Reyes National Seashore
Trip Leader: Daniel Edelstein, Birding Guide
Host: Marin Audubon Society
Start Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009
Start Time: 10:00 AM
End Time: 2:00 PM
Description: With Daniel Edelstein, Birding Guide (www.warblerwatch.com). A birder's paradise anytime, Abbott's Lagoon in Pt. Reyes National Seashore is even more majestic now because the amazing autumn passage of shorebirds will be joined by many other waterfowl species that are just arriving to stay with us through the winter. While viewing the birds, we'll discuss migration and learn why this is one of the best birding spots in Northern California. In fact, it's actually true that you can see more bird species here (and within Marin County) currently and throughout the winter than during the breeding season! (shared in a handout from Daniel). His 1.5 mile meandering, easy-paced walk is on flat ground to the lower lagoon and another .3 mile to the ocean beach for lunch (where we'll see views of ocean birds with his high-powered spotting scope). Allow 1.5 hour travel time from central Marin; from San Rafael follow Sir Francis Drake Blvd or from Stinson Beach go north on Hwy 1 to Olema. Continue north on Hwy 1 (SFDB), take the second left turn (SFDB west), continue through Inverness, turn right (north) onto Pierce Point Road and keep driving until you see our meeting point at the Abbott’s Lagoon parking lot on the left. Bring snacks, water and lunch. For more information contact edelstein@earthlink.net and check out his website at www.warblerwatch.com and his wood-warbler blog at http://warblerwatch.blogspot.com
Document(s):
Field Trip Report Abbotts2 reduced.pdf
ABBOTT'S_LAG-MAS_9-09.pdf
Link: http://warblerwatch.blogspot.com

Bahia Walk
Location: Bahia Marsh, Novato
Trip Leader: Helen Lindquist
Host: Marin Audubon Society
Start Date: Saturday, October 17, 2009
Start Time: 9:30 AM
End Time: 2:00 PM
Description: Bahia is a newly restored wetland area in Novato. We need your helping in planting native grasses along the levees to prevent non-native plants from invading the area. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome. (Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult).

Hawks Over the Headlands
Location: Hawk Hill, Marin Headlands
Trip Leader: Allen Fish
Host: Golden Gate Raptor Observatory
Start Date: Saturday, October 03, 2009
Start Time: 10:00 AM
End Time: 1:30 PM
Description: The Pacific Coast’s greatest raptor thoroughfare is at the Marin Headlands, part of our neighborhood Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Come watch hawks, vultures, kites, harriers, osprey, eagles, merlins, kestrels and other falcons with Allen Fish, the Director of Golden Gate Raptor Observatory since 1985. Allen will bring a variety of pictures, props and raptor books to help us identify the different species and to pass the time between bird sightings! Come feast your eyes on this spectacular natural event! Meet at the base of Hawk Hill at 9:50 AM to check in with MAS then we shall walk up the Hill to meet our leader and begin raptor spotting! There will be a GGRO Banding Demonstration at 1:00 PM wherein a live hawk is brought over from a banding blind for a brief up-close showing prior to its release. Binoculars are a must and layered clothing and lunch are recommended! Go south on Hwy 101 and take the last Sausalito exit before the Golden Gate Bridge. Head up Conzelman Rd for approx 1.8 miles, park at the side and walk the few hundred yards up the trail to the Hill. For more information call the GGRO at (415) 331-0730 or go to www.ggro.org.
Document(s):
HAWKS_OVER_THE_HEADLANDS-Oct-09.pdf
Link: http://ggro.org

Pelagic Trip to the Farallones
Location: Participants will be notified of payment method and other trip details by reply emails
Trip Leader: David Wimpfheimer
Host: Marin Audubon Society
Start Date: Sunday, September 20, 2009
Start Time: 8:00 AM
End Time: 4:00 PM
Description: Windy weather cancelled our trip on Aug 30 at the last minute so we have rescheduled for Sunday, Sept 20. The trip will be a full-day one from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The birds and marine mammals we shall hope to see include shearwaters, auklets, jaegers, Tufted Puffin, terns, murres guillemots, phalaropes, cormorants and Black-footed Albatross plus whales, dolphins and porpoises. David Wimpfheimer who did a great job as trip leader for us last year, will be leading again. Due to the change of date there are still several spaces available for this exciting trip, so anyone interested in participating should contact Helen, the trip co-ordinator, as soon as possible by Email at: helen_lindqvist@yahoo.com or phone 415-789-0703. Participants will be notified of payment method and other trip details by reply Emails. Members of other Audubon Chapters may join us if space is available. So gather up your friends and come join us for a great day’s cruise on the Pacific!!
Document(s):
Farallones_092009-3.pdf

Las Gallinas Storage Ponds
Location: Las Gallinas Storage Ponds, San Rafael
Trip Leader: Jim White
Host: Marin Audubon Society
Start Date: Saturday, September 19, 2009
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Description: Let’s start off the season of weekend birding trips with a Saturday morning stroll through this good area ‘close-to-home’. The open level paths around the ponds offer children and adults a great place to watch ‘up close’ the varied bird life both on the water and on the vegetated islands. Hawks will be seen flying overhead or hunting low over the adjacent wetlands. From Hwy 101 in northern San Rafael, take the Smith Ranch road exit, go east to the McInnis Park entrance, turn left immediately after crossing the railroad tracks and meet at the parking lot at the end of this road. Bring water and snacks!
Document(s):
LAS-GALLINAS-STORAGE-PONDS-Sat-Sept-19-2009.pdf

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