Registration is required for this trip and will be limited to 8 participants.  Please email Sonja to register.

Field Trip Leader: Sonja Sorbo

As summer's heat hits the Central Valley, the Sierra becomes a lovely refuge for birds and birders alike. Our trail is located off of the Highway 80 corridor at about 6000 feet in elevation, and it is a great place for a birdy day hike. A large meadow and the surrounding conifer forest attract neo-tropical songbirds and provide habitat for several delightful resident species. We will be walking for several miles on a generally well-maintained dirt trail with just a small elevation gain. 

We will look for warblers such as Nashville, Wilson's, Black-throated Gray, and MacGillivray's, plus Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Warbling and Cassin's Vireos. Several species of flycatchers are possible to see, including Western Wood-pewee, Olive-sided, Dusky, and Hammond's Flycatchers.  This area is also home to some great woodpeckers, and if we're lucky we'll get binocs on a White-headed or a Pileated beauty.

Additionally, Mountain Quail can often be heard calling, but we'll have to be very stealthy and lucky if we hope to view one.

 Just a warning - the last couple of miles of road to the trailhead are fairly sketchy dirt and rock, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.  Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, and bring a hat, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, and plenty of water.

 Directions and confirmation of exact meeting location and time will be provided upon registration. Expect 1 1/2 hours driving each way and 4-5 hours birding.

Cassin’s Vireo, Image by Daniel Lee Brown