Contra Costa County
Saturday, May 2, 2020
8 AM to 12 Noon

Mitchell Canyon, on Mount Diablo’s northern flank is one of the best examples of mid-elevation riparian habitat in the East Bay.  Along with numerous avian residents, spring brings an assortment of neotropical migrants including warblers, vireos, flycatchers, tanagers, grosbeaks, and hummingbirds.  The canyon is also famous for its spring butterflies and wildflowers, including the rare endemic Mount Diablo globe lily (also called fairy lantern).

Join us for a spring birding walk along Mitchell Canyon and Red Road trails.  We will walk about 4 miles through oak savannah, mixed woodland, riparian habitats, and a little way up into chaparral/sage scrub.  The route has some ups and downs and a total elevation increase of up to 500 feet, depending on how far up Red Road Trail we go.

Meet at the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center at 8 AM.  We will bird until noon.  You may wish to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy back at the Visitor Center.  Please bring binoculars and water, and a hat/sunscreen, as needed.

Directions: The address for the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center is 96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA 94517.  There are several possible routes to our destination.  Check your GPS app for the latest traffic conditions and allow plenty of time for your drive.