Putah Creek Birding

This is a great chance to see a variety of birds and ducks along Putah Creek and Lake Solano. Possible species include Osprey, Lewis's Woodpecker, Phainopepla, Barrow's Goldeneye and Hooded Merganser. Dress warmly; this is a cold, windy area. Bring lunch. Exact itinerary to be determined the day of the trip. Rain cancels.

Hike rating: 1 - Easy.

Elevation change: Minor

Distance: Depending on the route decided.

Co-L eaders: Maren Smith, 925-322-9477, and Susana de Trapaga

Meet: 9 AM at the large gravel pull-out on the right side of Putah Creek Road before the Lake Solano dam.

Directions: When driving from the Bay Area to Vacaville on I-80, take Exit 51A at Cherry Glen and Lagoon Valley Roads. Turn left to cross over the freeway, heading north, and drive approximately 1 mile on Cherry Glen Road to stop sign at Pleasants Valley Road. Turn left on Pleasants Valley Road. Drive 12 miles and keep an eye out for Yellow-billed Magpies and raptors. Turn right on Putah Creek Road, and drive about 1.2 miles, to the large gravel parking turn-out on the right (with “no camping, no dumping” signs). About 1 hour drive from Walnut Creek area. PLEASE NOTE that the location marked on the map by Eventbrite is a few hundred yards east of the actual meeting location.

Bring $8 cash---in exact bills---for the parking fee at Lake Solano.

This hike is limited to 20 participants. All field trips require registration and participants must acknowledge the MDBA liability waiver.

Photo: Female Phainopepla at Putah Creek by Isaac Aronow