Field trip to Manfred Kusch’s garden: April 26, 2026
Trip Leader: Manfred Kusch
Northern House Wren ©JoAnne Fillatti
Despite the overcast morning, Manfred’s garden was vibrant with activity. A variety of flowers and birds created a lively scene, with the seed feeder bustling with goldfinches. Both black-chinned and Anna’s hummingbirds hovered around multiple sugar-water feeders placed throughout the garden, collectively consuming over a gallon each day. Bullock’s and hooded orioles were actively gathering palm fibers for nest construction, occasionally pausing at the grape jelly feeder. A northern house wren was also observed catching insects and returning them to its cavity nest.
The group then made its way to Putah Creek, which borders the garden. This lush riparian habitat supports a diverse bird population. Along the creek, we observed a bushtit nest and a red-shouldered hawk nest high in the trees. Several flycatchers could be heard singing, though the dense vegetation made them difficult to spot. A spotted towhee was seen foraging along the forest floor.
Hooded Oriole ©Kelli O’Neill
One of the highlights of the trip was the observation of a dark-eyed junco nesting near the creek. Manfred noted that the nest contained three eggs. This sighting was particularly notable, as dark-eyed juncos typically nest in coniferous or mixed forests with spruce, pine, fir, or hemlock, rather than in this region.
As we hiked along the creek, we admired the impressive oak trees and listened to the calls of acorn woodpeckers. Thanks to the efforts of local landowners and the Putah Creek Council, this remarkable habitat has been carefully preserved.
You can find the eBird list of all birds seen on the beautiful garden and creek tour here.
Bobcat Ranch Owling Field Trip: January 24, 2026
Trip Leaders: Autumn Turner, Kelli O’Neill, Matt Allshouse
Matt Allhouse and Owlers ©Kelli O’Neill
Our first public owling trip out at Audubon California’s Bobcat Ranch took place on January 24, 2026. The group got to do some evening birding at the Ranch headquarters while learning about the history of the Ranch and bird-friendly grazing practices from manager Matt Allshouse. Iconic oak woodland species took advantage of the last moments of daylight while we waited for night to fall. Acorn woodpeckers and white-breasted nuthatches searched for insects on tree trunks, and yellow-rumped warblers and western bluebirds foraged in the emerging winter grasses. There were at least 12 bird species observed lingering in the fading light. A single coyote stared down the group from the top of the ridge line, fluffy in its full winter coat, and patiently waited for us to leave.
Once it got dark enough, the group set off in vehicles to look and listen for owls. At the first stop, a pair of great horned owls were singing back and forth from the mixed gray pine and blue oak hillsides. Success! Leaders headed to multiple suitable habitat to find other owls, but the hills remained silent, except for a loud chorus of frogs singing their hearts out. The weather was quite mild and pleasant, and the stars were out in full force under a clear sky giving excellent views of constellations and planets. Despite no further owls detected, the group enjoyed spending a peaceful and beautiful evening in the oak woodlands together.
Completed eBird checklists can be found here: https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S298761828 and https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S298762017
Sacramento and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges and Abel Road – November 29, 2025
Trip Leaders: Genevieve Colborn and Kelli O’Neill
Bald Eagle ©Kelli O’Neill
Peregrine Falcons ©Kelli O’Neill
On November 29, 2025 a group of 7 stalwart birders braved the persistent fog and chilly temperatures for Yolo Bird Alliance’s annual post-Thanksgiving field trip to Sacramento and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges in northern California’s Central Valley. This trip has become a kind of seasonal ritual for some of us to mark the late fall/early winter season, and welcome the thousands of wintering geese, waterfowl and other birds who make these refuges and surrounding agricultural environs their home for the next few months. Since California has lost over 95% of its historical wetlands, these and other managed wildlife refuges like them have become critical habitats for the hundreds of thousands of birds that winter over in the valley, as well as for many migratory birds who utilize them as valuable stop overs on their journeys. While the sky was foggy and gray, and the hoped for sun never managed to peak out of the clouds, the birds did not disappoint. Highlights included close fly-over and perched views of 4 adult Bald Eagles, and a pair of wrestling Peregrine Falcons who gave us quite an aerial display (see photo). We believe these were two male peregrines – an adult and a younger immature male – having a territorial dispute. Both refuges were well populated with numerous water birds and other species, including a number of raptors. While the geese were not hanging out in the refuges during the day in quite the numbers seen on past trips, the group found a flooded field on Abel Rd toward the end of the day where thousands of Snow Geese and Greater White-fronted Geese were gathered close to the road, giving us that exhilarating sensory experience of wintering geese we were hoping for. All total the group tallied 60 species for the day which you can view on eBird. Thanks to co-leader Kelli O’Neill for managing the eBird list and for her photos which capture some of the exciting views we had.
Sacramento NWR: https://ebird.org/checklist/S286682475
Colusa NWR: https://ebird.org/checklist/S286718930
Sparrow Bingo Field Trip – November 2, 2025
Trip Leaders: Zane Pickus and Bart Wickel
Osprey ©Judy Allen
On November 2nd, a group of 11 eager birders embarked on the annual Yolo Bird Alliance challenge – the “Sparrow Bingo” field trip. Our group spent the day canvassing Yolo County, searching for sparrows of all kinds, armed with binoculars, spotting scopes, and bingo cards tailored to the local avifauna. In all, our group tallied 78 species, including nine sparrow species. While sparrow numbers were lower than in recent years (we somehow missed Lincoln’s Sparrow!), the birds made up for it with other highlights. A flyover flock of BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, and nice looks at SORA and OSPREY were exciting finds at Putah Creek Fishing Access #4. Upstream at Fishing Access #1, we were treated to an adult-immature duo of GOLDEN EAGLES, a confiding NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL, the local STELLER’S JAY, and close looks at GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET and BROWN CREEPER. Our group meandered north through Hedgerow Farms, picking up SAY’S PHOEBE along the way.
Northern Pygmy-Owl ©Judy Allen
Capay Open Space Park was relatively slow birding, but some waterfowl on the quarry pond boosted our species total. NORTHERN SHOVELER, AMERICAN WIGEON, LESSER SCAUP, and hundreds of RING-NECKED DUCKS were floating about. We ended the day with a detour to Taber Ranch Vineyard and Event Center, where we staked out the resident GREATER ROADRUNNER with permission. It’s always a special day when you get to see a roadrunner! It was a great time all around – the weather was excellent, the birds were plentiful, and the company was welcome. We’re looking forward to another edition of Sparrow Bingo next year!
A full list of species encountered can be found on the eBird Trip Report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/428971
Drawing and Nature Journaling Workshop at the UCD Arboretum – April 19, 2025
Trip Leader: Artist Alia Tu
Photo courtesy of Alia Tu
We had a great nature journaling workshop on Saturday morning in the UC Davis Arboretum. Participants learned tips and tricks for how to deepen their observation skills by directing their attention to what is around them, asking questions, and making connections to other knowledge or experiences. They also learned some helpful bird anatomy facts for drawing birds in the wild, including the bone and feather structure of wings, how birds’ knees work, and how a bird’s bill is placed in the head, as well as advice for drawing moving subjects. Participants then explored the arboretum to practice journaling for themselves and enjoy the good weather before returning to the group to share what they discovered.
Some highlights include Mallard and Wood Duck ducklings in the creek, Red-tailed Hawks locking talons in midair courtship, Canada Geese foraging amongst the California poppies and golden lupine, and an American Crow perching on the edge of the horse pasture. Folks also made wonderful drawings and observations of colorful flowers in the Ruth Risdon Storer garden, of cheeky California ground squirrels, and a pale-colored rat that climbed up the Carolee Shields Gazebo.
Birding, Botanizing, and Rock Hounding at Bobcat Ranch – Genesis and Natural History at Bobcat Ranch: April 13, 2025
Trip Leaders: Matt Allshouse, Chase Kautz, Ina Rommeck, Autumn Turner
Bobcat Ranch ©JoAnne Fillati
We had a fantastic warm spring day out at Bobcat Ranch on April 13th. Despite some windy weather, we observed 35 bird species, many wildflowers were still in bloom, and the blue oaks had all leafed out in green splendor. Participants learned about the cultural history of the area and how current sustainable grazing practices are regenerating the landscape. The walk along the creek bed and up into the hills revealed the geological features of the Ranch and how native plants have adapted to the arising soils and terrain.
Lewis’s Woodpecker ©JoAnne Fillati
Highlights of the birding component included the continuing large population of stunning green and pink Lewis’s woodpeckers, two bald eagles (one sitting on a nest), white-breasted nuthatches building a nest in a tree cavity, and western bluebirds and acorn woodpeckers flycatching insects. Some hillsides on the hike were entirely covered in a waving blue sea of Ithuriel’s Spear (Triteleia laxa). Spectacularly crimson-pink cobwebby thistles (Cirsium occidentale) were a fan favorite of the trip. Purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra), California’s state grass, was already producing seed heads amongst miniature lupin (Lupinus bicolor) and dot-seed plantain (Plantago erecta) – both important wildflowers of the Coast Range foothill grassland and oak woodland ecosystem. Many pipevine swallowtail butterflies were seen drinking nectar from the wildflowers, and a speedy gopher snake zoomed by the group as we headed back to the cars. What a way to wrap up the trip!
A complete eBird checklist can be found here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S225430399
Willowbank Ditch in south Davis – April 12, 2025
Trip leader: Rob Furrow
Cedar Waxwing ©Kelli O’Neill
On our Willowbank Ditch bird walk we encountered an assortment of migrant songbirds while enjoying the verdant spring habitat. Yellow-rumped Warblers have lingered in large numbers this spring, and they were the most abundant bird foraging in the valley oaks. Sifting through the flocks, we managed to find a single Cassin’s Vireo that afforded nice looks, a Western Flycatcher that took a little more patience, and an Ash-throated Flycatcher that had probably freshly arrived from points south. Orange-crowned Warblers popped up here and there, and a Hooded Oriole put in a brief appearance at the top of an oak. We also appreciated some of the local residents and wintering birds, including Nuttall’s Woodpeckers at a nest hole, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and a few remaining White- and Golden-crowned Sparrows. The mature trees at Willowbank can create the frustrating combination of abundant bird life and heavily obscured views, so we were grateful for cooperative birds interspersed throughout the walk. Happy birding!
A full list of birds seen on the walk can be found at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S224932617
Bodega Bay – February 16, 2025
Trip leader: Kevin Guse
Common Loon ©Xiaomeng Zhang
We had a great trip to Bodega Bay, with 103 species observed (including birds seen enroute)!
The main highlight for me was the continuing Yellow-billed Loon. Even though the bird was a little distant, we got great looks at length through the spotting scope. Among other highlights were a Wandering Tattler at Bodega Head and at least 6 Red-necked Grebes at Campbell Cove (some molting into breeding plumage and showing some red coloration on their necks). We also saw a Bald Eagle carrying nest material and had an adult perched across from Spud Point Marina that was viewed by many passersby through our scopes as well as our group during our lunch break.
Bodega Dunes Campground delivered a nice selection of songbirds, including Golden-crowned Kinglets, Pygmy Nuthatches, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Pine Siskins, Townsend’s Warblers and a few Allen’s Hummingbirds.
A (nearly) complete list of species seen on the trip can be found at the following eBird Trip Report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/332943
Robinson Road, Solano County – January 25, 2025
Trip Leader: Sharon Kirkpatrick
Long-billed Curlew ©Frank Severson
Conditions for this trip were not ideal, 20+ mph winds, overcast and cold, still we twelve had a very nice birding day. As expected, fewer passerines were observed, as they hunkered down among the low vegetation. Raptors were less likely to be perched or soaring, though Northern Harriers were plentiful. We did see a couple of Merlin and White-tailed Kite, a few American Kestrel and some struggling Turkey Vulture. Most especially several on the trip got a very good view of a Burrowing Owl. The Great Horned Owl who often perches in the far tree at Lindsey Slough, Cook Lane, was as close to the tree trunk as physically possible.
Our target bird species of the day were 3 Mountain Plover, perhaps 150’ away, which everyone was able to observe well. Last birds seen by the group were over 100 Long-billed Curlew near the road. The common species observed included Say’s Phoebe, Loggerhead Shrike, Savannah Sparrow, Red-tailed Hawk, American Pipit, Western Meadowlark and waterfowl at Jepson Prairie. The trip total was 46 species.
A full list of species seen on the trip can be found at the following eBird Trip Report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/324344
Raptor Ramble, Capay Valley – January 19, 2025
Trip Leader: Kevin Guse
Bald Eagle ©Zane Pickus
We got above the fog and low clouds first thing in the morning and made it to Valley Vista RP across Highway 16 from Camp Haswell. Through the scope, we saw two adult Golden Eagles perched across the highway way up high on a ridge. We then spent 15 – 20 minutes calling for Northern Pygmy-Owl and were rewarded with close-up views of an owl that flew into an oak near our group and perched for several minutes. Many participants were able to snap photos before the owl flew off. We then went back down the hill to the Rumsey Bridge over Cache Creek on County Road 41. We saw a family of otters and had a magnificent adult Bald Eagle flying upstream from the bridge.
We headed up to the Dunnigan Hills and worked our way east toward Interstate 505. Along the way, we saw many Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels as well as a few Red-shouldered Hawks, Northern Harriers and a single White-tailed Kite. We also had a handful of Loggerhead Shrikes. The star of the show was a Ferruginous Hawk that we saw near the junction of County Road 14 and I-505.
We next headed to Monticello Dam in search of other raptors. We were rewarded with an Osprey and a pair of Peregrine Falcons engaging in an awe-inspiring aerial display. We ended the day at Lake Solano.
A good time was had by all and I want to personally thank all the participants for a great day!
A full list of species seen can be found at the eBird trip report, here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/329919
Bridgeway Island Pond, West Sacramento – January 11, 2025
Trip Leaders: Konshau Duman and Lynette Williams Duman
Twelve brave participants came out despite the high winds to enjoy the
waterbirds of Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento on the morning of January 11, 2025. As we convened and signed in at the end of Pender Island St., a few flocks of Greater White-fronted and Snow Geese flew high over us to start the list. We then set up on the south bank of the pond and admired the hundreds of Cinnamon and Blue-winged Teals at close range, a consistent speciality at this site. Among them were American Avocets actively foraging and large numbers of resting Black-necked Stilts. A single Spotted Sandpiper weaved between the resting ducks on the east island, picking at the ground. A couple American White Pelicans were making their rounds foraging in the pond as well. As we walked to different vantage points on the south and east banks, we began to realize that there was a major commotion at the pond today: a large group of Common Mergansers (nearly all female types) was chasing some unseen groups of fish, corralling them into shallow areas where the many Snowy Egrets would suddenly fly in and start frantically darting around, joined by Great Egrets and American Avocets at some points. A frenzied flock of Forster’s Terns followed the Mergansers as well, diving into the water when they were mostly submerged. A few Double-crested Cormorants even joined in on the action. We spotted the sometimes elusive Common Gallinules that slink along the margins of the tules a the north side of the pond, but we were soon distracted by a pair of Peregrine Falcons that swooped in and circled the pond several times, giving us excellent views of them in flight at two points. They calmly circled the pond, staying near each other in flight. Their slightly different sizes made us think that they were a male and a female, perhaps a pair. Other highlights included an abundance of roosting Black-crowned Night Herons, two Green Herons, Barn and Tree Swallows, and a low flyover Osprey. Overall, the excellent waterbird activity made up for our cold ears and shaky scope views.
Our complete list and photos can be seen on our eBird checklist at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S208881932
Sacramento and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges – November 30, 2024
Trip Leaders: Genevieve Colborn and Kelli O’Neill
Loggerhead Shrike ©Kelli O’Neill
Eleven people participated in our YBA post-Thanksgiving field trip to Sacramento and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges on November 30, 2024. The weather was clear and sunny, after a chilly morning start, providing ideal conditions for fall birding in the Central Valley. We started on Abel Road which runs west to east along the southern end of Colusa NWR, where we observed thousands of geese, ducks and other water birds in the flooded rice fields along the road. From there we headed into Colusa NWR, stopping at the observation deck and driving the auto tour route before heading to Sacramento NWR.
A highlight of the day was experiencing the fly-over of thousands of snow geese as they took off en mass, the sun glinting off their wings, when a Northern Harrier or Red-tailed Hawk flew over. In addition to the tens of thousands of geese, we had good close-up views of a dozen different duck species, and several species of waders and shorebirds. All total the group observed 52 species for the day. These refuges are great late fall birding destinations to experience the wintering birds of California’s Central Valley. They are especially recommended for beginning birders because of the opportunities they provide to observe and study numerous species up close.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S205201052
https://ebird.org/checklist/S204103980
https://ebird.org/checklist/S204569370
Lake Solano Park – Nov. 2
Trip Leader: Sharon Kirkpatrick
Double-crested Cormorant ©Julian Johnson
This year the day was cooler than average and mostly sunny. The turnout was on the small side, which may have been due to the rain the night before and the dense ground fog between Davis and the west side of Winters. Those of us who participated found a sparkling clear day to watch a great mix of resident birds and winter visitors. Of particular interest were the 3 male and 1 female Phainopepla in the main picnic area. Along the creek was a single Greater Yellowlegs and a pair of very vocal Sora, one of whom came out for good views. Though Putah Creek appears to have become shallower over the years, there’s still plenty of room for the many Bufflehead. Also present were a pair of Ring-necked Ducks, Gadwalls, Wood Ducks if you know where to look and Mallards in very becoming light. Many individuals were seen of these species: California Quail, Canada Goose, Acorn Woodpecker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and California Scrub Jay. Other delightful finds were Brown Creeper, White-throated Swift, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, “Myrtle” Audubon’s Warbler and Oak Titmouse. Conspicuously missing were sparrows, as only 1 each of Golden-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco were spotted or heard. In total the group saw/heard 51 species.
Lake Solano Park – Birdability Trip – Oct. 26
Trip Leader: Zane Pickus and Bart Wickel
Phainopepla ©Zane Pickus
On the morning of Saturday, October 26th, a group of eleven eager birders visited Lake Solano County Park. This was the first inauguration of a “Birdability” focused field trip with the Yolo Bird Alliance, and it was a great day to be out – clear sky, calm breeze, and warm temperatures. The birds cooperated as well, and by the end of the morning we had spotted nearly 50 species. One highlight was our excellent close views of a pair of Phainopeplas, which chased each other around a mistletoe-filled cottonwood for many minutes. The group enjoyed a variety of waterfowl on Lake Solano itself, including Canada Geese, Mallards, American Wigeons, and a few Buffleheads. Seeing six species of woodpeckers was a treat, especially a Red-breasted Sapsucker that drilled into a willow from just 15 feet away. But the highlight of the day was when keen-eyed Bentley, 10 years old, spotted a skulking Sora all the way across the creek! It took the rest of us a minute before we could cue in on its slow movements about the reeds, but he was right on it! A fantastic moment for all of us, and it really encapsulated the idea that birding is an activity for everyone, regardless of age, accessibility, or anything else.
Please see the link below for a complete eBird checklist of species seen on this walk:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S200378867
Point Reyes Field Trip
Leaders: Zane Pickus and Ryan Janke
Surf Scoter ©Kelli O’Neill
Sunday, September 22, 2024 was the date of Yolo Bird Alliance’s annual Terry Colborn Memorial Field Trip. Eight excited birders joined leaders Ryan Janke and Zane Pickus for a full-day excursion to the Point Reyes peninsula, famously known to birders as the “Outer Point.” Winds were light overnight (5mph from the W), and the fog was not too dense – creating solid conditions for a special day of birding.
Our first stop at the lighthouse was greeted by fog, yet visibility was not terrible and it was still. We managed to find two AMERICAN REDSTARTS along with two more expected TOWNSEND’S WARBLERS in the cypresses here.
We then headed to the Fish Docks where we joined a crowd of birders. Notable finds were a striking GREAT-HORNED OWL in the cypresses, a couple PACIFIC WRENS and a handful of COMMON LOONS. A lucky few glimpsed a vagrant BLUE-HEADED VIREO amongst the pines, which was confirmed through better views later in the day.
A stop at Nunes Ranch added a WARBLING VIREO, plus hundreds of blackbirds including many TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS. Then the action really picked up! As the fog broke, a flurry of raptors began moving over the point, and among them a migrating BROAD-WINGED HAWK was spotted. This was a lifer for many in the group. At Drake’s Beach, highlights included nice looks at VIRGINIA RAIL, and WESTERN, LEAST, and PECTORAL SANDPIPERS. COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, CEDAR WAXWING, and YELLOW WARBLERS rounded out the migrant songbirds.
Next we visited Spaletta Ranch, and quickly relocated the reported vagrant PALM WARBLER in some fennel. Plenty of raptors continued to move by as the fog receded.
We ended the day slightly inland at the Inverness Tennis Courts, where a quick walk netted a few more migrants including TOWNSEND’S WARBLERS, YELLOW WARBLER, PINE SISKIN. We also observed a few species not present on the Outer Point, such as CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES.
All-in-all it was a great wonderful day on the Outer Point. We also had an excellent mammal day with Tule Elk, river otter, deer, gophers, and a few coyotes. Thanks to everyone who made the trip possible!
A full list of species seen can be found at the eBird Trip Report below: