December 7, 2017

I’ve been thinking for a few months, that I would find my way to my new sit spot high above the Carquinez Strait and pen my annual Flyway Festival greeting. Yes, months. Time has a way of slipping away from me as I volunteer manage the Mare Island Preserve. Months, weeks, days, hours. I know I am not alone in just struggling to find a few moments to sit quietly and reflect. You share that challenge, too. Like every day, for me, morning fluttered away and the afternoon disappeared. But, tonight. Tonight, I finally felt I had no choice. Thoughts and feelings have been popping up and life’s journey took me back to my home town, yesterday.

So, on this extra special night because it is commemorates a disastrous moment in our nation’s history, I look out beyond the beautifully lit Carquinez Bridge to the top of Mt. Diablo where a beacon is lit once a year on the anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It flashes in the darkness a message of remembrance and of enduring hope. It reminds us to never forget those who lost their lives in that tragic event and all who would go on to perish in the horrific battles in the Pacific during WWII.

That bright light reminds me of the countless stories I have learned first hand from so many who served in WWII and from family members and friends. Some of the most vivid recollections of those times were retold to me by Lorene (Lorrie) Palmer Seward. She was born in Vallejo in 1930 and for the past ten years she has so very generously shared stories with me of her life living on Mare Island before during and after WWII. From 1924 to 1957 her father Henry Palmer, was the Quarterman for Hydraulics at the Mare Island Naval Ammunition Depot where our Mare Island Preserve is located.

I met Lorrie in the summer of 2007 shortly after the 150th anniversary of the Naval Ammunition Depot. This fall, the day after her 87th

Thanksgiving and in the 160th year of the Ammunition Depot, Lorrie passed away in Sonoma. I had visited her in her home every few weeks for many years. During our visits, she shared countless stories of Mare Island life, culture, nature, the War, the Ammunition Depot specifically, the Shipyard generally and certainly, what she observed and experienced of the effects of the war. From her bedroom window overlooking the Mare Island Strait, she watched those more than 1,100 ships and submarines the Mare Island Shipyard launched, repaired, overhauled and modified, come up the river and leave down bound for the Golden Gate and out into the Pacific, many never to return. Following the unfathomable explosion of Port Chicago, she watched her father put on his overcoat and hat and leave their house, not to return for 3 days.

He was part of the team that designed, built and managed Port Chicago as an extension of the Mare Island munitions facility. And, that night, he knew he had a terrible duty.

Why have I chosen to open my letter to you this year, with a story of WWII and my friend, Lorrie and her family? Certainly, she has profoundly enlightened me about Mare Island history from a cultural, historic and natural perspective. She was and will always be a dearest friend. I cherish elders who have journeyed before us and shine the light on our own way.

At this time of year, another Mare Island experience awakens me. The sounds of migrating waterfowl in the sky above and those resting and feeding on the river below, remind me of the timelessness of this sacred and treasured land at the confluence of many of California’s great waterways rushing to the Pacific.

My own earliest memories were reawakened in yesterday’s journey to my hometown, passing through vast flooded rice fields on which tens of thousands of waterfowl rested and fed, Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta rising in the distance. As we crossed a bridge, the Feather River meandered below us, the river where as tiny children we first boated and camped on its islands and shores, surrounded by waterbirds and willows and grasses. As we ascended into the Sierra Foothills, the valley floor sweeping in one magnificent landscape below us, valley oaks faded first to blue oak and

gray pines, then vistas vanished, giving way to dense yellow pines and black oak woodlands.

And, I thought about how those woodland watersheds drain into the waters of my memory and gather together to flow into the Sacramento then, to the Carquinez Strait and through the

Golden Gate into the Pacific. Those waterfowl on the rice fields and rivers a hundred miles away from Mare Island, will return home on their Pacific Flyway migration to the same summer nesting grounds as those who have chosen to wing their way to Mare Island and its surrounds.

Enveloped in the sheer joy of the quiet, the serene, surrounded by the nearby light of tens of thousands, yet alone in my Mare Island quiet space. This is what Lorrie cherished so in her life here. Its what she so valiantly shared with me. And, what I attempt to convey to you. All the while comforted because I’m assured that we are not alone. From this vantage point, I see for myself that we are one with nature, waters, sky, woodlands, wildness and one another.

The light that flashes from the mountaintop tonight, is the same light that although it was darkened so many decades ago, has returned this one night each year, to mark a place and a time in our shared memories. Even though one of my great guiding lights has turned out, I know with all my heart, that another and another will come to light my way. Like the waterfowl and shorebirds of the Pacific who follow some magic guide that helps them find their way here to rest and feed each year, a light will always shine to guide our way.

In spite of loss and tragedy and seemingly insurmountable difficulty, we find in the connections we make with wildness and shared times in nature, a quiet, a surprise and a thrill that warms our beings and assures us that all is well. If only for a moment, we are somehow shifted into the light. A light that guides us on our journey together on this planet earth.

Join me this 22nd season of migration celebrated together at the San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival, as

together we bask in the shared light that glows bright as we gather on this vibrant ancient land with its magnificent vistas that inspire and restore, surrounded by swirling ebbing and flowing waters abundant with our migrant friends from the north, woodlands filled with song birds and hills where raptors hover and swoop low for their prey.

Will you join us this year as a Flyway Festival exhibitor? Will you support the Flyway Festival with your donations of cash and auction/raffle items? Will you tell your friends, co-workers and family about the Flyway Festival? Will you volunteer?

Call/text or email either Sarah 510-579-1008[sarahcainflywayfest@gmail.com] or me 707-249-9633 [myrnahayes@mac.com] with questions and suggestions. Whatever way you can, please help us ensure our 20th Flyway Festival is a great event. We are most grateful.

Warmly,

Myrna HayesFestival Director and Co-founderMare Island Heritage Trust

Please make your donation to the Flyway Festival payable to:

Mare Island Heritage Trust816 Branciforte St. Vallejo, CA 94590

or to make a contribution by credit card visit: sfbayflywayfestival.com Click on the DONATE button or give at the Flyway Festival

Lorrie Palmer Seward, Mare Island Preserve Photo: Sue Wilson

Welcome to the Flyway Festival

Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention.

So, go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally

The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.

L. R. Knost

Mare Island Outings

Friday, February 9 8:00am-6:00pm San Pablo Bay Walking Trail Self-Guided Walk Hosted by Weston Solutions, Inc.Repeats Saturday and Sunday 8:00am-6:00pmExplore the wetland and bay habitats of Mare Island on a self-guided wildlife viewing trail. From Building 221, turn north on Walnut Ave., then left on A St. if walking to the trailhead. If driving, park in the gravel parking lot at the end of A St. Entrance on Azuar Dr. at A St.

9:00am – 6:00pm Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Self-guided WalkRepeats Saturday and Sunday 9:00am-6:00pm

Walk or bike at your own pace as far as you like on the 1.3 mile paved road with 14 points of interest along the route to the hilltop scenic vista an beyond. Stop at the Mare Island Naval Cemetery. The Visitor Center is open. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Directions: From the Mare Island entrance at Tennessee and Mare Island Way, continue to Azuar Dr. Turn left 2.5 miles. Continue beyond gate to Visitor Center. From Marin or Napa take the Mare Island exit off of Hwy 37 and follow Walnut Ave. south to stop sign at “G” St. Turn right one block to Azuar Dr. Follow directions above. From the Festival headquarters continue south on Walnut Ave. Turn right on Kansas St one block to Azuar Dr. Turn left approx. 2 miles.

10:00am - 2:00pm Tour of the Mare Island Museum Repeats Saturday, 10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday, 1:00pm-4:00pm

Directions: The Museum is located in Building 46. Entrance across from Alden Park at 8th St. and Railroad Ave. Donation: $4 per person.

10:30am-12:30pm Hike the Navy Historic Southshore Field guides: Wally NeVille, Napa-Solano Audubon Society and Brian Collett, Mare Island Preserve Repeats Saturday, 9:00am-11:15am and Sunday 9:30am-11:15am

Hike along the Historic Southshore of the 160 year old Mare Island Naval Ammunition Depot to Pier 35 for great views of the San Pablo Bay and Carquinez Strait and a chance to see waterfowl, hawks and osprey on and over the Napa River and great blue herons on their nests, already. Visit the Mare Island Naval Cemetery dating from 1858. Level 4-mile walk on paved and gravel roads. Meet: Preserve visitor center parking area. Info: Wally NeVille, 707-315-3545.Directions in the 9:00am description above 1:45pm – 4:45pm Mare Island Birding Hot Spots Tour meets at Wildlife Expo Wally NeVille, Napa-Solano Audubon Society field trip leader and Brian Collett, Mare Island Heritage Trust field guide

Get to know what's on Mare Island. Stroll amongst "Captain's Row", Alden Park, and the grounds around St. Peter's Chapel. Learn about the people, it's historic buildings, the trees, avian fauna, and

possibly, monarch butterflies. Visit the San Pablo Bay Trail with pickleweed and saltmarshes, prime salt marsh harvest mouse and Ridgeway’s rail habitat. There are always lots of waterfowl in San Pablo Bay and in the pond near the trailhead. No facilities. Meet at the Wildlife Expo, Building 221, 880 Walnut Ave. to form carpools. If you have a “walkie-talkie” tune to 11-22 the bird channel.

Festival Opening Reception and Art Show

5:00pm – 7:00pm Wildlife Expo, 880 Walnut Ave. Building 221 Mare Island, VallejoSample fine regional wines and enjoy good company and food thanks to generous wine and food contributors and enjoy live music at the Flyway Festival Opening Reception with Festival Host, Weston Solutions, Inc. [after Hosting our Flyway Festival for 15 years, Weston Solutions, Inc. will not sponsor/host our event this year. Thank you for so many years of support dear Weston friends.]

Note that this year’s art show is not judged and artists may not be present at the Friday evening reception, but their contact information will be available this evening and throughout the following two days of the Wildlife Expo.

Wildlife and Birding Expo and Mare Island OutingsFriday, February 9, Saturday, February 10 and Sunday, February 11

Photo: Old Sperry Mill, James E. Lewis

Festival Host Mare Island Heritage Trust

Major Sponsors($1,000 - $1,999)

Vallejo Flood Control and Wastewater District Vallejo Watershed Alliance Friends of San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Lennar Mare Island In-kind Sunset Rotary Club of Vallejo

Festival Supporters ($500 to $999) Astro Botanicals In-Kind Moschetti Coffee Roasting in-kindSmall Business Outsource in-kind Suburban Kiwanis Vallejo in-kind Swarovski Optik N. A. Vino Godfather Mare Island in-kind

Festival Friends ($50 to $249) Barry Christian Congressman Mike Thompson in-kind Global Center for Success– Mare Island Marcia Grefsrud Robin Leong Marin Audubon Society Napa-Solano Audubon SocietyOut of this World Binoculars In-kind Thomas Snyder, M.D. TLS Landscape Architecture–Common GroundVaca Valley Volks Vallejo Heights Neighborhood Association

Festival Sponsor($250 to $499) San Francisco Bay Joint Venture Sierra Club Solano Group

Saturday, February 10

Visit the Wildlife Expo Flyway Festival headquarters Come in from the great outdoors to our WILDLIFE EXPO 9:00am to

4:00pm Saturday and Sunday at Building 221, 880 Walnut Ave. on Mare Island with more than 60 exhibitors, presenters, and art, jewel ry and birding supply vendors. Your purchase of art and your bids in our silent auction, raffle ticket purchases and donations all help keep our Festival wild and free.8:00am-6:00pm San Pablo Bay Walking Trail Self-Guided Walk Hosted by Weston Solutions, Inc. Repeats Friday and Sunday 8:00am-6:00pm

See Friday 8:00am description and directions 9:00am–11:15am   Hike the Mare Island Historic Southshore

Mare Island Preserve Birding Field Guides Michele Troughton and Marcia Grefsrud are both enthusiastic, knowledgeable and fun! Hike along the Historic Southshore of the former Mare Island Naval Ammunition Depot -160 years this past year - for great views of the Carquinez Strait and a chance to see waterfowl, hawks and great blue herons thinking about making nests, already. Meet: Preserve visitor center parking area. Bring water and snacks. No facilities, group must stay together, entering locked gates with a Navy escort; prompt departure. Call Myrna 707-249-9633 or Sarah 510-579-1008.

See Friday 9:00am for directions to the Mare Island Preserve

9:00am - 4:00pm American Volkssport Association 5k and 10k Volkswalk Repeats Sunday 9:00am-4:00pm

Hosted by the Vaca Valley Volks chapter, a walking club, one of many in the United States and worldwide. Participate individually or with friends. Anyone can walk the route at no charge, but all walkers must register at the Wildlife Expo. Start 9am-12noon Saturday and/or Sunday. Start by 12noon. Finish by 4pm. Club members will explain the activities available and provide information about Vaca Valley Volks club and volkssport activities. Visit VacaVolks.org. Call Howard McGill at 707-447-9431 or email: hiwayhowie@aol.com Self-guided walks in the central portion of Mare Island, historic housing, St. Peter’s Chapel and on the San Pablo Bay Trail, with options to trek to the military cemetery and the highest point on Mare Island. Distances vary from 5 kilometers to 11 kilometers [3 to 6 miles]. Takes place in all weather. Note: Volkswalks are not sponsored by the Flyway Festival.

9:00am – 4:00pm Bay Area Wetlands to Ridgetops Fine Art ExhibitArt Exhibition, Building 221, Wildlife Expo Repeats Sunday 9:00am-4:00pm

Much of the art in our show is for sale. As one of the finest all nature art shows in the region, our Art Show during the Flyway Festival is a good time to consider an art purchase and help keep the Festival free. Arrange your purchase with the artists directly. Contact information is readily available.9:00am – 6:00pm Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Self-guided Walk Repeats Friday and Sunday 9:00am-6:00pm

Walk or bike at your own pace as far as you like on the 1.3 mile paved road with 14 points of interest along the route to the hilltop

scenic vista an beyond. Stop at the Mare Island Naval Cemetery. The Visitor Center is open. Dogs are allowed on leash.

See Friday 9:00am for directions to the Mare Island Preserve

9:30am – 3:30pm Come Aboard USS LCS 102 WWII Landing Craft Support Gunboat Location: Berth 6, A St @ Nimitz Ave. Mare Island

Mare Island is home to the last of its kind of the 130 boats built for this purpose during WWII. Tours are free, donations appreciated.

Directions: From the Building 221 Wildlife Expo: Turn left(east) from Walnut Ave. onto Connolly St. Follow Connolly St. eastbound to Nimitz Ave. Turn left. Continue on Nimitz Ave. to A St. Turn right to Berth 6. From G. St/Causeway: Turn onto Nimitz Ave. Turn left at A St. 9:45am-11:15am Beginning Birding for All Ages in the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Leader: Wally NeVille, Napa-Solano Audubon Society and Mare Island Preserve Field Guide. No matter what your birding skill level, take advantage of this special opportunity for a morning of learning how to look for birds in the sky and in forested areas and grasslands of the Mare Island Preserve.

See Friday 9:00am Mare Island Outing directions

10:00am - 4:00pm Tour of the Mare Island MuseumRepeats Friday, 10:00am-2:00pm and Sunday, 1:00pm-4:00pm

Directions: The Museum is located in Building 46. Entrance across from Alden Park at 8th St. and Railroad Ave. Donation: $4 per person.

11:00am – 4:00pm Tour St. Peter’s ChapelRepeats Sunday 11:00am-3:00pm

St. Peter’s Chapel, the oldest Navy chapel built in 1900, is home to the most Tiffany glass under one roof in the West.

Directions: Park across from Chapel Park located at the south end of Walnut Ave beyond Captain’s Row mansions (right turn at end of Captain’s Row onto alley, then left turn and left turn again, onto

Walnut Ave northbound to parking lot). $4.00 per person.

11:30am - 12:30pm Native Bird Connections Raptor Show “Amazing Raptors” Wildbird Show Stage, Wildlife Expo Presenter: Jenny Papka, Co-Director and Curator Repeats Sunday 11:30am Join Native Bird Connections for a journey into the world of raptors or birds of prey. The fun, informative and spontaneous presentation, strives to provide an experience of “seeing through the eyes of the birds”. It will feature several live, non releasable wild raptors and a raffle of re-purposed bird feeders and other items. Bring your camera and questions! Jenny has been a wildlife educator and in the field of captive raptor management for 25 years and has experience with 35 species of raptors in captivity.

12noon-2:00pm Repeats Sunday, 12noon and 1:00pm Mare Island Naval Cemetery Docent-led History Tour

Join Cemetery Docent Kyle Green at the US Navy’s oldest cemetery in the Pacific. Learn about this military cemetery founded in 1858, where sailors, marines, nurses and doctors, entire families, naval personnel from foreign countries and Medal of Honor recipients have found their final resting place.

See Friday Mare Island Outings 9:00am directions

Mare Island Outings and Wildlife Expo, Saturday, Feb 10

Photo: Cooper’s hawk, Rita LeRoy

Mare Island Outings and Wildlife Expo, Saturday, Feb. 10 cont’d.1:00pm – 2:00pm History of the Ladybug, Wildlife Expo Learn from JP Pavon about the methodical, logical, organized, and systematic evolutional growth of the "Ladybug" from the first Paleontologists-Entomologists, newfound “Archaeladybug” to latest man-made species. Mr. Pavon’s narrative is based on his loss of his sister to “Cancer”. His quest to find the cause, led him to return to his childhood love of “Ladybugs”. Natural predators, ladybugs feast on pests in our yards and farms. Their use instead of the toxic mixes created particularly when pesticides collide with herbicides could both protect wildlife and our sources of water – for migrating birds, other wildlife and humans and reduce the threat of “Cancer”. He’s designed The Best Lady Bug House, more than a nesting box.

1:00pm – 2:30pm Guided Bike Ride from the Wildlife Expo to the Mare Island Preserve Meet with your bike at the entrance to the Wildlife Expo

Join Local Vallejo cycling enthusiast and biking infrastructure promoter, David Belef for a bike ride to the Mare Island Preserve. You’ll be given an electronic version of a points of interest map or a print copy at the Wildlife Expo. The ride follows a direct route to the Preserve. Feel free to spend time at the Preserve or just take your time on your own schedule on the way back to the Wildlife Expo. David will return back to the Wildlife Expo for those who want to take a loop ride. 1:00pm – 2:30pm Trails of the Mare Island Preserve, Mare Island Preserve

Meet Mare Island Preserve volunteer hike guide Buz McKindsey at the visitor center for a hilly hike on some of his favorite trails personally named and many created by him, including, “the Golf Ball Trail, the Steep Ascent Trail, the Lower and Upper Panorma Trails, the Fennel Forest Trail and the Fence Line Trail”. Three miles roundtrip. No facilities. See Friday Mare Island Outings 9:00am directions

1:30pm-2:00pm An Introduction to the Ecology and Conservation of Shorebirds in the Americas, Wildlife Expo Presenter: Monica Iglecia, Assistant Director of Shorebird Habitat Management Shorebird Recovery Program Manomet

Shorebirds have some of the longest known migrations of any animal group, making annual movements across impressively staggering landscapes linking distant locations across the hemisphere. Monica will discuss who shorebirds are, where they go and the ways that an international community are working together to protect this declining bird group. Monica will guide a field trip at Guadalcanal Villiage Wetlands Restoration a short drive from the Wildlife Expo at the north gate of Mare Island off Hwy 37 from 2:30-4:30pm. Low tide at 3:30pm. See description and directions in Saturday Regional Outings 2:30pm-4:00pm.

2:00-3:00pm Birds Without Borders, Wildlife Expo

Migratory birds, especially birds of the Pacific Flyway, know no borders. International Bird Rescue’s three wildlife rehab centers on the Flyway in Anchorage, the San Francisco Bay Delta and near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach treat a wide variety of aquatic and marine birds that travel the Pacific Flyway annually. Join International Bird Rescue Executive Director JD Bergeron for a discussion about common and rare avian travelers, the work of the centers in rehabilitating birds injured by human impact, stories of hope, and the values and lessons birds can teach us. 2:00-3:00pm Learn about the History of the Mare Island Naval Hospital Complex, Wildlife Expo

Join Dr. Tom Snyder, retired Navy surgeon and founder/past executive director of the Society for the History of Navy Medicine for a presentation featuring the fascinating history of the Navy’s first hospital in the Pacific, closed in 1957 and now part of the campus of Touro University. Join Dr. Snyder for a tour of the historic hospital campus immediately following his talk.

See 3:15pm-4:15pm below for Hospital grounds outing directions

2:30pm-3:30pm Mare Island San Pablo Bay Trail Birdwalk with Wally NeVille, Napa-Solano Audubon Society field guide  Views of San Pablo Bay, Mt. Tamalpais and Sonoma Mountain. Seasonal wetlands with ducks, egrets and shorebirds. A good chance of spotting raptors in the sky and trees. Spend an hour with Wally, then continue on along the levee-top trail, if desired.

See Saturday, 9:45am directions to Trail entrance Azuar Dr. & A St.

3:00pm-4:00pm All About Osprey Nesting in San Francisco Bay and So Much More, Wildlife ExpoRepeats Sunday 2:30pm

Diane Rooney, self-described “total ospreyholic!” returns to give a fascinating overview about “our very own” osprey nesting on Mare Island and in San Francisco and San Pablo Bays. Diane presents an overview of her own comprehensive knowledge of osprey life from Maine to California and beyond. Following Diane’s presentation, take a 2-block guided outing to a nest site on a nearby crane. Learn what you can do to help out with providing citizen science information for the team monitoring nest sites in the Bay.

3:15pm – 4:15pm Tour the Hallowed Grounds of the Historic Mare Island Naval Hospital Complex

Directions: park in Touro University Library parking lot,1545 Azuar Dr. near the corner of 15th St. and Azuar Dr. Meet at the entrance to the Library on Moises Way, on the west side of the Library in front of the Hospital grounds. Dr. Snyder will be recognizable by his Panama hat! Prior to the guided walk Dr. Snyder will give a presentation about the history of the hospital, Saturday February 10, 2:00pm-3:00pm the Wildlife Expo. He may not arrive right on time. He will give the walking tour, so don’t leave!

Attend San Francisco Bay Osprey Days, June 22-24, 2018 Learn about and see more ospreys on Mare Island and the Napa River

during the peak of nesting season. Headquartered at the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve visitor center with guided outings, boat trips, presentations, slide shows, a photography show, music and fish food – fish tacos, of course.

Photo: Bill George

Saturday, February 10, cont’d.3:30pm–7:00pm Re:Sound Migration23five is pleased to present: Re:sound Migration in conjunction with the Flyway Festival. Guest sound artists perform at an unique venue, Building A-168 Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve in an afternoon of sound and video featuring artists form the Pacific region.

Robert Crouch (Los Angeles) robertcrouch.comJudith Hamman (Australia) judith-hamann.comSophia Shen (San Francisco) shensiyang.com

Re:sound is an experimental music series launched at the 2015 Flyway Festival that focuses on exploring the relationship between forgotten spaces and the natural environment. The concrete munitions storage magazine is 55'x100' with ceilings over 15', trapping sound, resulting in a prolonged reverberation. Doors open at 3:30pm. Sound at 4:00pm. $10 per person donation. A percentage of the sales benefit the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve. Advanced tickets at re-sound.net All ages welcome. Bring a blanket or chair. Contact: info@re-sound.net

See Friday Mare Island Outings 9:00am directions

5:15pm-10:00pm Free Introductory Night Photography Workshop in the “Historic Core” of the Mare Island Naval Shipyard With Tim Baskerville, Founder/Director of The Nocturnes 

Mare Island Naval Shipyard, established in 1854, was the first naval facility on the Pacific Coast. At one point in its history, more than 40,000

men and women worked at the island’s drydocks, shops and warehouses, all making for interesting night photography. Tuition and Registration: This is a FREE introductory Night Photography workshop

- offered by The Nocturnes and the San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival on Saturday, February 10, 2018. To register - fill out our Registration form and EMAIL or FAX it to Pacific Media Arts (form must be received no later than February 7, 2018). To speak to a live person, call Susan Nichols at Pacific Media Arts (707) 645-9860. 

Sunday, February 11 8:00am-6:00pm San Pablo Bay Walking Trail Self-Guided Walk Hosted by Weston Solutions Inc. Repeats Friday and Saturday 8:00am-6:00pm

See Friday 8:00am description and directions 9:00am – 4:00pm Bay Area Wetlands to Ridgetops Fine Art Exhibit, Wildlife Expo Repeats Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm

See Saturday, 9:00am-4:00pm description 9:00am - 4:00pm American Volkssport Association 5k and 10k Volkswalk Repeats Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm

See Saturday 9:00am description and directions

Sunday, February 11, cont’d. 9:00am–6:00pm Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Self-guided Walk Repeats Friday and Sunday

See Friday 9:00am for description and directions9:30am-11:15am Hike the Historic Southshore with volunteer Mare Island Preserve Outing Guide Gordon McMahon Repeats Friday 10:30am-12:30pm and Saturday 9:00am-11:15am

Hike along the Historic Southshore of Mare Island to Pier 35 for great views of the San Pablo Bay and Carquinez Strait. Good chance to see waterfowl, hawks and nesting great blue herons. Level, 4-mile roundtrip on gravel road. Info: Gordon McMahon, 707-758-0393.

See Friday 9:00am directions and 10:30am description

10:00am-11:15am Mare Island San Pablo Bay Trail Birdwalk with Dan Heldridge, Mare Island birding field guide  Views of San Pablo Bay, Mt. Tamalpais and Sonoma Mountain. Seasonal wetlands with ducks, egrets and shorebirds. A good chance of spotting raptors in the sky and trees. Spend an hour with Dan, then continue on along the levee-top trail, if desired.

Directions: Meet at the trailhead at the west end of A Street off Azuar Dr. From Flyway Festival Wildlife Expo, turn north onto Walnut Ave, then turn left at A St. Continue across Azuar Dr. 3/4 mile on gravel road to parking lot and trailhead.

11:00am – 3:00pm Tour St. Peter’s ChapelRepeats Saturday 11:00am-4:00pm

St. Peter’s Chapel, now the oldest Navy chapel built in 1900, is home to the most Tiffany glass under one roof in the West. $4.00 per person.

See Saturday 11:00am directions

11:30am - 12:30pm Native Bird Connections Raptor Show “Amazing Raptors” Wildbird Show at the Wildlife Expo Repeats Saturday 11:30am

See Saturday 11:30am description12:00noon - 2:00pm “Bird Words–Nature Poetry Workshop and Open Mic” (Immediately following at 3:00pm) Wildlife ExpoPresenter: Bay Area Poet Toby Bielawski will lead participants in writing exercises that specifically prepare you for performing your poetry in front of a live audience. Then, if you choose to, perform your work as part of the open mic following the workshop. All ages are encouraged! No advanced registration needed)The Nature Poetry Open Mic will take place immediately following the Nature Poetry Workshop from 2:00pm-3:00pm. See 2:00pm description.

12noon-2:00pm Mare Island Naval Cemetery Docent-led History Tour, Mare Island Preserve Repeats Saturday 12noon and 1:00pm

See Friday 9:00am directions and Saturday, 12noon description

Mare Island Outings and Wildlife Expo Saturday, Feb 10, cont’d. and Sunday Feb. 11

Photo: Mare Island at night, Myrna Hayes

Sunday, February 11, cont’d.

1:00pm-2:00pm What’s Not to Love About Bats? Presenter: Corky Quirk, Executive Director NorCal BatsThe sharp fangs, pointy devil ears and spooky black vampire wings are staples of Halloween, but the legend of the bloodthirsty bat drives the folks who study the winged creatures batty! This presentation will dispel misperceptions, you'll learn the importance of bats in our environment, and you'll get a much broader appreciation for our flying friends! We're excited to have bat expert Corky Quirk with us for the first time, from NorCal Bats. (And visit her at her informational booth, too) This is an excellent presentation including live, non-releasable, native bats as ambassadors. You'll learn about their natural history and biology.  As primary predators of night-flying insects, bats play a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature. Yet, bat populations are in alarming decline due to decades of unwarranted human fear and persecution.  Maybe by the end of Corky's presentation you'll you'll be convinced to build your own bat house!"

1:00pm – 2:30pm Walkin’ and Talkin’ ‘Bout the Bees, Mare Island Preserve

Beekeeper and an owner of Bay Area Bee Company in Vallejo, Rokas Armonas, has been beekeeping since his teens. With a natural, hands-on and holistic approach, he cares for his hives with an eye toward organic, bee-friendly, human friendly and environmentally friendly methods. Join Rokas for a conversation about honeybees and related issues as you walk together to view actual hives on the Preserve. Things to be aware of: half-mile hike one way on paved and dirt surfaces with short climb up a grassy hillside; wear comfortable and appropriate footwear, sunscreen, insect protection; please remain outside fenced-off hive area; Rokas will explain as he goes and carry examples to the fence for viewing and discussion; your participation is voluntary and you assume full responsibility for yourself; keep this in mind, if you are sensitive to honeybee stings (should one occur). Meet at the Preserve visitor center.

See Friday 9:00am directions to the Mare Island Preserve

1:00pm - 4:00pm Tour of the Mare Island Museum Repeats Friday, 10:00am-2:00pm and Saturday, 10:00am-4:00pm

Directions: The Museum is located in Building 46. Entrance across from Alden Park at 8th St. and Railroad Ave. Donation: $4 per person.

2:00pm - 2:30pm “Wow, the North Bay is Being Restored!”, Wildlife ExpoPresenter: Francesca Demgen, veteran biologist and President of the Friends of San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Francesca will describe the formation of the Bay, the growth and expansion of the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Friends group, the history of the north bay wetlands and the current restoration efforts, particularly at Cullinan Ranch just west of Vallejo.

2:00pm-3:00pm “Bird Words–Nature Poetry Open Mic”, Wildlife Expo

Perform your work as part of the open mic following a nature poetry workshop presented by Bay Area Poet Toby Bielawski, who will lead participants from 12noon-2:00pm in writing exercises that specifically prepare you for performing your poetry in front of a live audience. All ages are encouraged! (Sign up for the open mic the day of the event)

2:00pm-3:00pm Mare Island San Pablo Bay Trail Birdwalk with Dan Heldridge, Mare Island birding field guide  

Views of San Pablo Bay, Mt. Tamalpais and Sonoma Mountain. Seasonal wetlands with ducks, egrets and shorebirds. A good chance of spotting raptors in the sky and trees. Spend an hour with Dan, then continue on along the levee-top trail, if desired.

See Sunday 10:00am directions to Trail entrance Azuar Dr. & A St.

2:30pm-3:30pm Learn All About Osprey Nesting in San Francisco Bay and So Much More, Wildlife ExpoRepeats Saturday, 2:00-3:00pm

Diane Rooney, self-described “total ospreyholic!” returns to give a fascinating overview about “our very own” osprey nesting on Mare Island and in San Francisco and San Pablo Bays. Diane presents an overview of her own comprehensive knowledge of osprey life from Maine to California and beyond. Following Diane’s presentation, take a 2-block guided outing to a nest site on a nearby crane. Learn what you can do to help out with providing citizen science information for the team monitoring nest sites in the Bay.

5:15pm-10:00pm Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve - Night Photographywith Tim Baskerville of The Nocturnes

This special one-night introductory Night Photography Workshop is offered in the Mare Island Preserve. Meet at the Preserve Visitor Center.Tuition: Free, with preregistration, to be received no later than Feb. 7, 2018 Curriculum: Learn how to better photograph after dark, with either digital cameras or film, in industrial and 'mixed-use' environments. Emphasis will be on evaluating existing lighting situations and exposing accordingly. Transparency, b/w, color negative films, as well as digital will be discussed and compared. This is an intensive workshop limited to 15 participants who will be closely supervised on location. 

Supplemental lighting possibilities will be discussed and demonstrated, with an emphasis on "Light Painting" techniques,

where appropriate. Meeting details for the Workshop will be provided upon registration. Tuition and Registration: This is a FREE introductory Night Photography workshop - offered by The Nocturnes and the San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival on Sunday, February 11, 2018. To register - fill out our Registration form and EMAIL or FAX it to Pacific Media Arts (form must be received no later than February 7, 2018). To speak to a live person, call Susan Nichols at Pacific Media Arts - (707) 645-9860. 

Mare Island Outings and Wildlife Expo, Sunday Feb. 11 cont’d.

Photo: White tailed kite, Rosemary Rawcliffe

Regional Outings

FIRST THINGS FIRST HOW A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN WOULD AFFECT PUBLIC ACCESS TO NATIONAL REFUGE PROPERTIES DURING THE FLYWAY FESTIVAL WEEKEND Here’s a note from Don Brubaker, Refuge Manager, San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. This statement applies should the Federal Government be shut down beginning February 9, 2018 on through the Flyway Festival weekend.

“Due to the lapse in federal appropriations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is unable to fully staff the properties under its management.  It is not feasible to close or otherwise prohibit all access to National Wildlife Refuge System properties.  Refuge visitors are advised to use extreme caution if choosing to enter units of the National Wildlife Refuge System, as USFWS personnel will not be available to provide guidance, assistance, maintenance, or emergency response on Refuge System properties.  Any entry onto Refuge System property during this period of federal government shutdown is at the visitor’s sole risk.

For the San Francisco Bay Refuges, this means that all federal facilities (offices, maintenance shops, visitor centers and contact stations, etc.) will be closed, and no federal employees or volunteers will be on duty, with the exception of Federal Wildlife Officers. Gates that are normally locked will remain locked.

However, Refuge lands that are normally open to the public and not restricted due to locked gates will remain open for allowable public uses. Federal Wildlife Officers will be on duty in order to ensure public safety and the security of federal assets.”

If the Federal Government is shut down, Skaggs Island outings would be cancelled. for example. To aid you in planning your Festival weekend, for each guided outing, we’ve suggested an alternative outing.

Friday, February 9 Regional Outings 7:00am-6:00pm Self-guided walk on Lower Tubbs Island and Tolay Creek San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Repeats Saturday and Sunday 7:00am-6:00pm

The trail offers hiking, fishing, photography, wildlife viewing and biking opportunities. Parking lot is located at the trailhead. This trail was damaged by the 2014 earthquake and is no longer a loop.

Directions: Entrance to Trail is located off of east bound Highway 37, just east of the Highway 121/37 intersection in Sonoma County.7:00am – 6:00pm Self-guided walk on Sears Point Levee Trails– San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Repeats Saturday and Sunday 7:00am-6:00pm

Walk one of 4 trails at Sears Point ranging from .3 to 2.4 miles. The parking lot is at 7699 Reclamation Rd. Directions: Turn south off Hwy 37 at Lakeville Rd. onto Reclamation Rd. Follow directional signs.

This Unit of the National Refuge will remain open should the Federal Government shutdown occur. The tour will take place subject to the statement by the Refuge Manager at the beginning of the Regional Outing listings.

7:00am – 6:00pm Self-guided walk, bike or paddle on Cullinan Ranch Tidal Wetland Levee Trail – San Pablo Bay NWR Repeats Saturday and Sunday 7:00am-6:00pm

The Cullinan Ranch Restoration Project has restored over 1500 acres of tidal wetlands in the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The site is now open to the public to explore on foot, bicycle or kayak. Thousands of ducks and geese raft-up on the

tidal wetlands. Directions: From Vallejo, Solano and Contra Costa Counties take Hwy 37 West 3.4 miles past the Mare Island exit ramp to the Cullinan Ranch Unit parking lot and trailhead. From Marin and Sonoma Counties take Hwy 37 east approximately 9 miles past the Hwy 121 junction to the Mare Island exit. Veer left on the exit to the stopsign. Then turn left onto the overpass towards Hwy 37 West. The parking lot and trailhead is 3.4 miles from the Mare Island overpass.

This Unit of the National Refuge will remain open should the Federal Government shutdown occur. The tour will take place subject to the statement by the Refuge Manager at the beginning of the Regional Outing listings.

7:00am – 6:00pm Self-guided walk on Guadalcanal Village Wetland Restoration Trail – San Pablo Bay NWRRepeats Saturday and Sunday 7:00am-6:00pm

View the Caltrans Guadalcanal Village wetland restoration on a short, flat, out and back trail.

Driving Directions from Festival Wildlife Expo: Travel north on Railroad Ave. to flashing stoplight at G St. Continue through the North Gate. Turn left onto overpass, then left into parking lot. From Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Solano and Contra Costa Counties: take the Mare Island exit from Highway 37 to the parking lot on the north side of Highway 37.

This Unit of the National Refuge will remain open should the Federal Government shutdown occur. The tour will take place subject to the statement by the Refuge Manager at the beginning of the Regional Outing listings.7:00am-6:00pm Self-guided walk at Green Island Unit, CA Dept Fish and Wildlife Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area Repeats Saturday and Sunday 7:00am-6:00pm

Walk the trails in the restored 1,400 acre Napa salt ponds.Directions: From northbound Highway 29 in American Canyon,

turn onto Paoli Loop Road/Green Island Road. (From south turn onto Paoli Loop Road .08 miles north of Walmart and follow Paoli Loop under Hwy 29). At stop sign turn left onto Green Island Rd. Proceed straight for 0.9 miles. At 2nd stop sign turn right continuing on Green Island Rd. straight for one long block; continue as it turns left, then approximately 1.4 miles to end. Turn left into the park driveway at Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area, Green Island Unit sign. Follow the driveway around to the parking lot.

Regional Outings Friday Feb. 9

Photo: Red-shafted flickerRita LeRoy

Regional Outings Friday, Feb. 9, cont’d. and Saturday, Feb. 10Since Skaggs Island is part of San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Flyway Festival outings on this normally closed to the public area of the Refuge, may be affected by a Federal Government shutdown, Friday, Feb 9 through the weekend. If it were to take place, the shutdown would close Skaggs Island and cancel all Skaggs outings. To assure you a great Flyway Festival experience, at the end of each Skaggs Island listing, we will suggest an alternative outing for that time slot not on Federal lands.

12noon-3:00pm Skaggs Island Bird Tour Field Guide: Tim Behr, Raptor Researcher, Golden Gate Raptor Observatory Repeats Saturday and Sunday 9:30am-1:00pm with Murray Berner and Saturday and Sunday, 12noon-3:00pm with Tim Behr

Join our guided bird tours at Skaggs Island – part of the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, in an area normally closed to the public. Skaggs Island, a former Naval Communication Station, is located near Hwy 37 between Novato and Vallejo. The 4,400-acre Skaggs Island supports deer, birds of prey, coyote, egrets, herons, and assorted other wildlife that use the various grasslands, shrub stands, ephemeral pools, old drainage channels, and nonnative eucalyptus trees as habitat.

The Flyway Festival tours focus on the many raptors that winter on Skaggs Island. Possible sightings could include: white-tailed kites, Northern harriers, rough-legged hawks, merlins, American kestrels, golden eagle, peregrine falcons, ferruginous hawks, and several species of owls.

Primarily car tours with little walking. Upon arrival of all field trip participants, before gate entry, auto caravans with as few vehicles as possible will be made. No early departures. Wear layers and sturdy shoes. Bring binoculars, scopes, sunscreen, water and snacks. No restrooms. Meet at white gate on Skaggs Island Road off of Hwy 37 (arrive on time; gate closed once the tour begins). NOTE: Only heavy rain cancels. Fog or drizzle may cancel, to be determined on site. All ages and levels of birding experience.

Directions: From Marin and Sonoma Counties: travel eastbound on Highway 37 five miles beyond the light at Sears Point/Sonoma Raceway. Turn left onto Skaggs Island Rd. From Vallejo, Napa and the East Bay: travel westbound on Hwy 37 five miles beyond the Napa River Bridge. Turn right onto Skaggs Island Rd. Electronic Directions: http://www.fws.gov/uploadedfiles/skaggsdirections.pdf

As an alternative outing Friday afternoon, should the Federal Government shutdown occur, join the Mare Island Birding Hotspots guided birding carpool and walking tour 1:45pm-4:45pm. Meet at the Wildlife Expo to carpool/caravan.

Saturday, February 10, Regional Outings

8:30am-12:30pm Birding the Napa River, Wetlands Edge Park, American Canyon

Join passionate naturalists JD Bergeron, Executive Director of International Bird Rescue and Phil Kohlmetz, Sierra Club Trip Leader for a guided 5-mile walk along the levees of the Napa River Bay Trail north to Green Island. Bring water, a snack,

binoculars and your curiosity and wear sturdy shoes. You are encouraged to pre-register with Phil Kohlmetz at philcoagogo@sbcglobal.net.

Directions: Meet at the parking lot at the corner of Eucalyptus Drive and Wetlands Edge Rd. From Highway 29 coming from Vallejo: turn left on West American Canyon Rd. Drive to end and turn right on Wetlands Edge Rd. Drive to the end and turn left on Eucalyptus Dr. From Napa: turn right on Rio Del Mar, make a sharp right on Eucalyptus Dr.; drive to the end.

9:00am-11:00am Family-friendly Beginning Birding Walk, Wetlands Edge Park, American CanyonTake a birding walk on a flat and mostly smooth Bay Trail along the Napa River with Crystal DeMarco, Environmental Education Coordinator for Napa-Solano Audubon Society. Free and open to all. Great for all abilities. See directions to Wetlands Edge Park above

9:00am-11:00am Pond 1–Cullinan Ranch Levee Walk Repeats Saturday, 2:30pm-4:30pm and Sunday, 9:00am-11:00am with Don Brubaker, Refuge Manager, San

Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Join wetland biologist Francesca Demgen, President of the

Friends of San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge for a walk on the levee between two important north bay habitats: shallow, managed pond and tidal wetland. Potential to see hundreds of shore birds and ducks foraging and resting in Pond 1. See birds enjoying the wetland restoration at Cullinan Ranch a 1,500 acre former oat hay ranch on Highway 37, now part of the National Wildlife Refuge. Learn how pickleweed and ducks can both “drink” salt water and about the thousands of acres of wetland restoration between the Napa and Petaluma rivers.

Directions: Meet at Cullinan Ranch/ Pond 1 parking lot. Only accessible from west bound Hwy 37. From the Flyway Festival Wildlife Expo: travel north on Railroad Ave. to Hwy 37. Turn left over the overpass towards San Rafael Hwy 37 West and follow directions from Vallejo. From Vallejo, Solano and Contra Costa Counties: take Hwy 37 West 3.4 miles past the Mare Island exit ramp to the Cullinan Ranch Unit parking lot and trailhead. From Marin and Sonoma Counties: take Hwy 37 east approximately 9 miles past the Hwy 121 junction to the Mare Island exit. Veer left on the exit beyond the overpass and then turn left onto the overpass. Turn right to get onto Hwy 37 West. The parking lot and trailhead is approximately 3.4 miles from the Mare Island onramp.

This Unit of the National Refuge will remain open and the tour will take place subject to the statement by the Refuge Manager at the beginning of the Regional Outing listings, should the Federal Government shutdown occur.

9:30am-1:00pm Skaggs Island Raptor Tours Field Guide: Murray Berner Repeats Sunday, 9:30am-1:00pm with Murray Berner and Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 12noon-3:000pm with Tim Behr

See Friday 12noon carpool meeting and driving directions As a Saturday morning alternative outing, should the Federal

Government shutdown occur, join the 8:30am or 9:00am Wetlands Edge Park outings in American Canyon. Descriptions and directions above.

Photo: Oscar Zhang

Regional Outings Saturday, Feb. 10, cont’d. and Sunday, Feb. 11Saturday, February 10, Regional Outings, cont’d.9:00am–11:00am and 11:30am–1:30pm Raptor Walks with Sonoma Land Trust at Sears Point (Dickson Unit, San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge) Repeats Saturday, 11:30am-1:30pm

Join Larry Broderick, West County Hawkwatch and Sonoma Land Trust for a walk along the Dickson Trail to spot raptors and other birds in this newly evolving tidal marsh. Be sure to bring your binoculars! Pre-registration encouraged but not required at sonomalandtrust.org.

Directions: Address–7715 Reclamation Road, Sonoma. From Napa/Sonoma: travel from Hwy 12/121 through light at Sears Point to light at Lakeville Hwy. Look for the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge sign and turn south onto Reclamation Road at the stoplight. From Vallejo: travel west on Hwy 37 to Lakeville Hwy light. Follow directions above. From Marin: travel eastbound on Hwy 37 to the light at Lakeville. Follow directions above.

This Unit of the National Refuge will remain open should the Federal Government shutdown occur and the tour will take place subject to the statement by the Refuge Manager at the beginning of the Regional Outing listings.

11:30am – 1:30pm Raptor Walks with Sonoma Land Trust at Sears Point (Dickson Unit, San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge) Repeats Saturday, 9:00am-11:00am

See Saturday, 9:00am description and directions This Unit of the National Refuge will remain open should the

Federal Government shutdown occur and the tour will take place subject to the statement by the Refuge Manager at the beginning of the Regional Outing listings.

10:00am – 11:00am Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge Docent Tour

Here’s your chance to explore this refuge usually closed to the public. The 1-1.5 mile guided tour by docent Michael Krieg, will focus on the wonders of Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge established to protect three endangered species that occur no where else in the world – Lange’s metalmark butterfly, Contra Costa wallflower and Antioch Dunes evening primrose. Wear sturdy shoes for the sandy hike along the dunes. All ages welcome. Arrive early to enter Refuge as escorted group. No late arrivals or early departures.

Directions: Take Hwy 4 east to Lone Tree Way/A Street exit in Antioch. Travel north on A Street, turn right on Wilbur Ave., left on Fulton Shipyard Rd. 1/4 mile to a dirt pullout and chainlink gate with a Ref uge sign, at 501 Fulton Rd.

Note: Tour may be impacted by potential Federal Government shutdown. There is no alternative tour in the Antioch area. Consider the Raptor Walks in Sonoma County below.

2:30pm-4:00pm Exploring the Birds of a Restored Wetland at Low Tide, Caltrans’ Guadalcanal Village Wetland Restoration, San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Join Monica Igiecia Assistant Director of Shorebird Habitat Management for Manomet, to explore a very nearby wetland at the north entrance to Mare Island during low tide. Walk and talk about shorebirds and other wetland bird species and view some birds through a scope. Bring binoculars or your scope if you have them!

Prior to this field trip Monica presents a talk about shorebirds at the Wildlife Expo, from 1:30pm-2:00pm. Listen in on her talk to learn about shorebirds before heading into the field with her.

Directions: Meet at Caltrans Guadalcanal Village Wetland Restoration parking lot, so easy to reach from the Wildlife Expo on Mare Island or from Hwy 37 west or east bound. The parking lot is at the northern anchorage of the Mare Island exit overpass over Hwy 37. Driving Directions from Festival Wildlife Expo: Travel north on Railroad Ave. to flashing stoplight at G St. Continue through the North Gate. Turn left onto overpass, then left into parking lot. From Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Solano and Contra Costa Counties: take the Mare Island exit from Highway 37 to the

parking lot on the north side of Highway 37. This Unit of the National Refuge will remain open should

the Federal Government shutdown occur. The tour will take place subject to the statement by the Refuge Manager at the beginning of the Regional Outing listings.

2:30pm-4:30pm Pond 1–Cullinan Ranch Levee Walk Repeats Saturday, 9:00am-11am and Sunday, 9:00am-11:00am with Don Brubaker, Refuge Manager, San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge

See Saturday, 9:00am description and directions

Sunday, February 11, Regional Outings 9:00am-11:00am Cullinan Ranch Walk with San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Manager Don BrubakerRepeats Saturday, 9:00am-11:00am with Francesca Demgen and Saturday, 2:30pm-4:30pm with Don Brubaker, Refuge Manager, San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge

See Saturday, 9:00am directions and description This Unit of the National Refuge will remain open should the

Federal Government shutdown occur and the tour will take place subject to the statement by the Refuge Manager at the beginning of the Regional Outing listings.

9:30am-11:30pmExplore Sears Point on the Eliot Trail by Bike in the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge 

See first hand wildlife and wetland restoration with wetland biologist Francesca Demgen, President of the Friends of San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, on a 2.5-mile bike ride on the newest section of the Bay Trail. Currently open water with resting and foraging waterfowl and shorebirds.

Directions: Meet at the parking lot at 7699 Reclamation Rd. Turn south from Highway 37 at Lakeville Rd. stoplight onto Reclamation Rd. High winds or rain cancels.

This Unit of the National Refuge will remain open should the Federal Government shutdown occur and the tour will take place subject to the statement by the Refuge Manager at the beginning of the Regional Outing listings.

9:30am-1:00pm Skaggs Island Raptor Tours Field Guide: Murray BernerRepeats Saturday 9:30am-1:00pm with Murray Berner; and Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 12noon-3:00pm with Tim Behr See Friday 12noon description and directions

As a Sunday morning alternative outing, should the Federal Government shutdown occur, join the 10:00am Lynch Canyon Birds of Prey Hike. Description and directions below.

Photo: white pelicans Bill George

THIS OUTING CANCELLED

Sunday, February 11, Regional Outings, cont’d.

10:00am-2:00pm Lynch Canyon Eagles, Hawks and Other Birds of Prey Guided Hike Join Larry Broderick, West County Hawkwatch and team for a hiking tour featuring resident, migrating and over-wintering birds of prey hosted by Solano Land Trust and Solano County Parks. Over-wintering hawks are the highlight of this day. Lynch Canyon already boasts a large population of raptors, but over-wintering birds added in makes for a peak level of Hawks, Eagles, Falcons, Harriers, Accipiters, Kites and even Osprey. Arrive by 9:45 am for parking and orientation. Larry brings over 25 years of experience researching, rescuing and rehabilitating raptors. Learn more about where they go, what they do, and how to distinguish different species based on their looks, behaviors, and ways they fly. Golden and Bald Eagles, Rough-legged, Cooper's, Sharp-shinned and Ferruginous Hawks, Peregrine and Prairie Falcons, and other more common raptor species have been seen.

[Note: Can’t make this outing? Want more raptor watching with Larry?! He will guide two tours for the Sonoma Land Trust in the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Saturday, February 10, 9:00am and 11:30am. See Saturday Regional Outings 9:00am directions and description]

While the hike is free and donations help Solano Land Trust protect land – Parking is $6 cash or check per day. Stay on trails. No dogs allowed. A working ranch—keep a safe distance away from free-range cattle. Bring water, snacks, sunglasses, camera, hiking sticks, bug repellant, binoculars sand bird books. Wear sturdy shoes. Dress for all types of weather. Trail is steep: 4 miles. The route includes rugged, steep, and slippery hills that are full of sticky seeds and thorny plants. Expect rough, rocky, uneven ground. Expect to hike off-trail for extended periods of time. Only restroom at parking lot. Rain may cancel. Call Larry at 707-791-0335 if the weather is uncertain. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required at http://conta.cc/2iFe0MM.

Directions:  3100 Lynch Road, just west of the intersection of Lynch Road & McGary Road, Vallejo, CA

From San Francisco / I-80 East between Vallejo and Fairfield: Take the American Canyon/Hiddenbrooke exit. Go south toward Hiddenbrooke Parkway. Just before entering the Hiddenbrooke development, turn east (left) on McGary Road (frontage road that runs parallel to I-80). Follow McGary Road for 1.6 miles to where it intersects with Lynch Road. Turn left on Lynch Road, go under the I-80 underpass, then through the gate at the end of the cul-de-sac to the gravel parking lot. From Sacramento / I-80 West between Fairfield and Vallejo: Take the Red Top Road exit. Go south (left) under the underpass. In less than 0.1 mile, turn right on McGary Road (frontage road that runs parallel to I-80). Follow McGary Road for 1.8 miles. Turn right on Lynch Road. go under the I-80 underpass, and through the gate at the end of the cul-de-sac.

12noon-3:00pmSkaggs Island Raptor Tours Field Guide: Tim Behr, Raptor Researcher, Golden Gate Raptor ObservatoryRepeats Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am-1:00pm with Murray Berner; and Friday and Saturday 12noon-3:00pm with Tim Behr

See Friday 9:00am description and directions There is no Sunday afternoon alternative regional outing,

should the Federal Government shutdown occur. Join Dan Heldridge at the San Pablo Bay Trail on Mare Island at 2:00pm. See description and directions Mare Island Outings Sunday 2pm.

12noon-3:00pm Flyway Festival Kayak Paddle at Cullinan Ranch, San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Meet at Sunshine Smoothies at 821 Wilson Ave at the intersection of Lighthouse Dr. Vallejo at 11:00 am for coffee and smoothies. (We will talk about the details of the paddle and carpool to the site)Bring a snack to share, a change of clothes just in case, and a donation of $2-$10 to keep the group afloat) Thank you! Info: Steve Souza call/text 707-301-8701. Email: souzasounds@gmail.com

This Unit of the National Refuge will remain open should the Federal Government shutdown occur and the tour will take place subject to the statement by the Refuge Manager at the beginning of the Regional Outing listings.

Regional Outings Sunday, Feb. 11, cont’d.

Photo: Red-shouldered hawk Rita LeRoy