This trip is full. You can still register to be on the waitlist. 

Enjoy a bird-filled jaunt on the finest remaining tract of the Franciscan Biological Region: San Bruno Mountain.

Called “one of the most important and threatened biodiversity sites in the world” by E.O. Wilson in 1999, this unique area hosts an incredible number of species including many endemics. Over 660 native plant species and almost 200 species of birds have been documented here.  The 42 butterfly species included three endangered ones—Mission Blue, San Bruno Elfin, and the Callippe Silverspot.

We should encounter typical California grassland, oak, and scrub habitat residents such as Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, White-tailed Kite, Band-tailed Pigeon, Hutton’s Vireo, Wrentit, California Thrasher, Pacific & Bewick’s Wren; lingering winter species like Hermit Thrush, Fox, and Golden-crowned Sparrows; and possibly passing migrants and early-arriving summer breeders such as Swainson’s Thrush, Wilson’s Warblers and Black-headed Grosbeak. A wonderful time to see a diverse assemblage of birds!

What to expect: generally hilly forested to open terrain, wide to double-track trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Heavy rain cancels.

Registration will close at 11pm on March 23, 2022.

Registrants: If you have any questions email rnakano@goldengatebirdalliance.org or call Ryan at (510) 227-6190. …

This trip is now full. You may register to be on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Journey by boat up the Elkhorn Slough with noted GGBA instructor and photographer Bob Lewis. There will be opportunities to see ducks and other aquatic birds (coots!) as well as, possibly, loons in breeding plumage. There might be sea otters and baby harbor seals. An early start and an optimal tide promise good photos, as does a captain experienced at leading photo tours. 300-400 mm lens is optimum.

Registration will close at 11pm on March 9 2022.

Registrants: If you have any questions email rnakano@goldengatebirdalliance.org or call Ryan at (510) 227-6190. …

The sagebrush basin and range country east of the Sierras offers a starkly beautiful landscape filled with fascinating birds and wildlife. Join Bruce Mast for a weekend tour of the region around Susanville and Honey Lake. The centerpiece of our trip will be watching male Greater Sage-Grouse dance at dawn for females’ attention. Nearby, we’ll look for Sagebrush Sparrow and Sage Thrasher, to complete the “sage trifecta.” Elsewhere we’ll seek out wintering Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks and try for mountain specialties such as White-headed Woodpeckers, Pinyon Jays, and Townsend’s Solitaires. Along the way, we’ll explore the human and natural history of the land and consider the conservation threats that imperil it.

Dates: This trip will begin in Susanville very early Saturday morning, March 26, and end on Sunday afternoon, March 27. 

Accessibility: Much of the weekend, we will be birding from our cars or taking short walks on level ground. However, access to the Sage-Grouse lek involves about a mile walk in the dark up a rutted jeep road with a few hundred feet of elevation gain. If conditions are muddy, the walk can be treacherous. Weather can range from balmy to frigid. Public bathroom facilities will be sparse throughout the weekend.

Covid precautions. Because this trip involves carpooling, shared lodging, and indoor dining, full vaccinations and booster shots are required. Pre-trip negative tests are strongly encouraged. For the daily birding trips, be prepared to share a ride, either as a driver or passenger, with at least three other birders.

For more information, contact Bruce Mast at cathrasher4@gmail.com

This trip will require carpooling. Participants will need to have a complete course of vaccination and booster shots and should bring a mask.   

Registration will close at 11pm on March 22, 2022…

Trip Full. 

The sagebrush basin and range country east of the Sierras offers a starkly beautiful landscape filled with fascinating birds and wildlife. Join Bruce Mast for a weekend tour of the region around Susanville and Honey Lake. The centerpiece of our trip will be watching male Greater Sage-Grouse dance at dawn for females’ attention. Nearby, we’ll look for Sagebrush Sparrow and Sage Thrasher, to complete the “sage trifecta.” Elsewhere we’ll seek out wintering Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks and try for mountain specialties such as White-headed Woodpeckers, Pinyon Jays, and Townsend’s Solitaires. Along the way, we’ll explore the human and natural history of the land and consider the conservation threats that imperil it.

Dates: This trip will begin in Susanville very early Saturday morning, March 19, and end on Sunday afternoon, March 20. 

Accessibility: Much of the weekend, we will be birding from our cars or taking short walks on level ground. However, access to the Sage-Grouse lek involves about a mile walk in the dark up a rutted jeep road with a few hundred feet of elevation gain. If conditions are muddy, the walk can be treacherous. Weather can range from balmy to frigid. Public bathroom facilities will be sparse throughout the weekend.

Covid precautions. Because this trip involves carpooling, shared lodging, and indoor dining, full vaccinations and booster shots are required. Pre-trip negative tests are strongly encouraged. For the daily birding trips, be prepared to share a ride, either as a driver or passenger, with at least three other birders.

For more information, contact Bruce Mast at cathrasher4@gmail.com

This trip will require carpooling. Participants will need to have a complete course of vaccination and booster shots and should bring a mask.   

Registration will close at 9 am on March 18, 2022.…