Del Puerto Canyon Fieldtrip

Field Trip Coordinator – Ralph Baker

Del Puerto Canyon is Stanislaus County’s most diverse natural environment. Its habitats range from grasslands along the western valley floor to chaparral, blue oak woodland, and pines. Over 150 species of birds have been observed here (your guide has personally seen 128). Species we could see at this time of year include Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Greater Roadrunner, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Rock and Canyon Wren, Wrentit, California Thrasher, Phainopepla (which would make it a good day, indeed) and Rufous-crowned Sparrow. The birds, along with interesting geology, herps, insects, and other wildlife, make this a must-see birding spot. A Townsend’s Solitaire has recently been seen in the upper reaches of the canyon and this is one of the few places in the county where it’s possible to see Steller’s Jay (though they are extremely rare, even here).

Visit the Stanislaus Audubon website HERE for a more detailed description of the canyon.

We will traverse the canyon, stopping at several locations to bird. Most birding will be done near or from the road, but there will be a couple of hikes away from the road; the one at Frank Raines Park will be rather steep, but anyone who does not wish to participate in the steep climb can bird around the parking lot and picnic area. Dress in layers, where comfortable walking shoes and bring lunch/snacks (as we will not be returning to Patterson until sometime after lunch), water and binoculars. A scope would also be useful if you have one