Join leader Ruthie Rudesill for a field trip to the San Joaquin River NWR on Saturday, January 11, 2020.

This trip is in conjunction with the Marin Audubon Society.

Sonoma County folks: Meet at Petaluma Park-n-Ride located at Hwy 101 x Hwy 116 off Lakeview Hwy at 7:15 AM. We'll head south to Marin, take Smith Ranch exit, and meet at the Park-n-Ride at 7:35 AM.

San Joaquin River NWR has several units with a variety of waterfowl and riparian species. Thousands of individuals of five different species of geese, including Aleutians. Lots of Sandhill Cranes plus many other birds at the Viewing Platform. Look for the rare Riparian Brush Rabbit at the Headquarters, along the Riparian restoration area.

Website: www.fws.gov/refuge/san_joaquin_river

Bring optics (scopes would be useful), lunch, dress in layers. There is a restroom at the Headquarters.

Distance: approx 90 miles. Take Hwy 101 South to Hwy 580 (over bridge to the East Bay), turn south on Hwy 80/580, exit east continuing on Hwy 580 through Livermore Valley over the Altamont Pass, staying on southbound Hwy 580 until exit for Hwy 132 (east towards Modesto) called Maze Blvd. The NWR is at the San Joaquin River. First stop at the Migratory Bird Viewing Platform on Beckwith Rd (take left on N Gates Rd from Hwy 132.) Later, back to Hwy 132, turn right and then left on S River Rd heading south to Dairy Rd, turn left on to the NWR Headquarters for lunch and bunnies.

Heavy rain cancels.

Leader: Ruthie Rudesill // 707-833-6026 // cell 707-481-0768