Albany Mudflats, McLaughlin Shoreline State Park Albany access, Albany Bulb

Trip Leader: Fred Werner, 510-610-1256 (cell); sustainablefred@gmail.com.
Date: Saturday, December 9
Description: Albany shoreline is rich with waterbirds and shorebirds every winter, along with raptors they attract like the Merlin and Peregrine Falcon we saw last month. By December, there's also a good chance to find a Burrowing Owl or two. Returning birders, newcomers and all levels of experience welcome! For a sense of how this walk goes, here's a blog from a few years ago:
https://goldengateaudubon.org/blog-posts/albany-mudflats-mclaughlin-eastshore-state-park-albany-bulb/

We'll meet ~2 hours after a high (6') high tide for excellent views of an abundance of shorebirds, ducks and other denizens flocking in to the newly exposed mudflats.  Then, an easy, mostly flat1-mile loop on gravel/dirt paths around the McLaughlin Shoreline Park uplands area protected as wintering habitat for Burrowing Owls.  We’ll pick up landbirds (likely Western Meadowlark, possible Say's Phoebe) as well as views of the open water for diving ducks, pelicans, grebes, ospreys, kingfishers and more. Optional extension: continuing out to the Albany Bulb to scan for some of the open water rarities that have shown up in recent months, along with spectacular views of the Bay and the Golden Gate. Easy to leave anytime if you need to leave early.

Check out the last 10 Decembers here on eBird:
mudflats: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L484238/last10/12
uplands (McLaughlin park): https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2377313/last10/12
Albany Bulb: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L178143/last10/12
Bring binoculars, camera and a spotting scope if you have them.  As always, returning birders, total newbies, and everyone in between is invited!   Email Fred if you want to borrow binoculars or have any questions.
See you there!
Trip Size: 25 participants max
Directions: 

From I-80, go west on Buchanan towards Golden Gate Fields.   Park within the first 75 yards, just past the "Albany Waterfront Trail" sign and look for us at the first observation platform right there. 

Offer or join a carpool on our carpool page, or take a scooter or ride share from either the El Cerrito Plaza or Ashby BART stations). Parking is free (keep valuables out of sight) but limited, and a 2-hr limit is enforced.   There is also street parking in the neighborhood on the other side off the freeway underpass.  Head east ~1/3 mile on Buchanan and make the first left after the highways onto Pierce St..
Keep valuables hidden and watch your surroundings, there have been break-ins here.  There is a handicap-accessible latrine bathroom.  
Heavy rains may cancel this walk. Bring binoculars, camera and a spotting scope if you have them. Email Fred if you want to borrow binoculars or have any questions. 
Google Map
Registration will open at 1 pm on Tuesday, November 21 and it will close at 11pm on Thursday, December 9.