This trip has unlimited space and is offered for those who don't get to go on the Putah Creek trip happening at the same time. (NSAS Event)
Leader: Murray Berner
Description: Gates Canyon is one of the best places to see songbirds in all of Solano County. In mid-May we will see and hear in full spring song Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, the three vireo species, a few warblers, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak and Bullock's Oriole. Phainopeplas are sometimes found near the bottom of the road, and Wrentits and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers at the top. Pileated Woodpecker may be heard or seen, as well as Mountain Quail and Northern Pygmy-owl. This is 2.0 mile (mostly) downhill walk. Very short segments of the road are gravelly and steep.
Directions: Please carpool if you can. If not, be at the corner of Pleasants Valley Road and Gates Canyon Rd. at 7:15 am. From Vacaville, take the Cherry Glen exit off I-80. Proceed north on Pleasants Valley Rd. Gates Cyn Rd is about one mile north of Foothill Dr, or 0.3 mile south of Vaca Valley Rd. From there, we will arrange an auto shuttle to take birders to the top of the road for the walk down its length. At each carpool location, please be prepared for departure at the time indicated.
submitted on October 24, 2012, at 08:49 PM PST