Albany Mudflats, McLaughlin Shoreline State Park (Albany Bulb)

Migration is a fantastic time to see exciting shorebirds around the Bay.  So it’s time once again to resume our monthly visits to the Albany shoreline.  Returning birders, newcomers and all levels of experience welcome!  For a sense of how this walk goes, here’s a recent blog:

https://goldengateaudubon.org/blog-posts/albany-mudflats-mclaughlin-eastshore-state-park-albany-bulb/

We’ll meet 45 minutes after (a low) high tide for excellent views of an abundance of shorebirds, ducks and other denizens of the newly exposed mudflats, perhaps with some intriguing migrants.  Then, an easy, mostly flat 1-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) as well as views of the open water for diving ducks, pelicans, grebes, ospreys, kingfishers and more. Time permitting, we may continue out to the Albany Bulb to pick up more species including possible Black Turnstones, White-tailed Kites and various woodland species, along with spectacular views of the Bay including SF, Mt. Tam, the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge.  Easy to leave anytime if you need to leave early.

Check out the last 10 Augusts here on eBird:

mudflats: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L484238/last10/8

uplands (McLaughlin park): https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2377313/last10/8

Albany Bulb: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L178143/last10/8

Leader: Fred Werner, sustainablefred@gmail.com, (510) 610-1256

This trip is free but advance registration is required. Registration will open two weeks before the trip and close at 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 4.  Directions for registered participants are below.

Please note the public health guidelines for this trip, as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic:

• Walk is limited to 25 participants, plus the leaders. There will not be a waiting list.

• Participants must register online and acknowledge acceptance of our liability waiver. Each person must register separately. No “drop ins,” please.

Thank you for your flexibility in helping us ensure that everyone remains healthy! Because we have to limit the size of trips, please do not sign up unless you are committed to attending.

Directions: From I-80, go west on Buchanan towards Golden Gate Fields.   Park as soon as you can after the freeway underpass.  Look for us at the first observation platform, just past the “Albany Waterfront Trail” sign.

Parking is free (keep valuables out of sight) but limited, and a 2-hr limit is enforced.   The Golden Gate Fields parking lot on the other side of the street from our meeting spot often allows parking for a fee (sometimes $1, sometimes $10); after you enter their lot, go all the way left and park near the exit back onto Buchanan.  There is also free street parking in the neighborhood on the other side of the freeway underpass.  Head east ~1/3 mile on Buchanan and make a left onto Pierce St..

Carpool if you can, or scoot or bike, or ride share from either the El Cerrito Plaza or Ashby BART stations. There is a handicap-accessible latrine bathroom.  

Google Maps spot: https://goo.gl/maps/UVKrWoh1YF62