Leaders: Juli Chamberlin and Bob Toleno

birding AT toleno.com; Bob 415-596-3684 or Juli 510-332-7061

We'll meet at 8:30AM at the dirt parking lot above the dam that holds Little Panoche Reservoir, just about four miles down Little Panoche Road from I-5. We'll start at the reservoir, bird a few spots in Little Panoche Valley (including Mercey Hot Springs for Long-Eared Owls), then continue through Panoche Valley and the surrounding hills and finish in Paicines around 5:00 PM. We'll be looking for all the area specialties, especially Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Phainopepla, Mountain Bluebird, Vesper, Lark, and Rufous-crowned Sparrows, and of course Mountain Plovers. Last winter, the plovers never showed up in the valley, but this year, there have already been a number of reports, so our chances should be good.

This year is an important one for Panoche Valley as construction on a large-scale solar energy facility is slated to start in the valley this winter. This could mean big changes for the sensitive and threatened life in the valley, so conservationists--especially birders who visit the valley--have been asked to document what they see, especially roadkill.

RSVP as soon as possible to Bob and Juli at birding AT toleno.com, or call Bob 415-596-3684 or Juli 510-332-7061 for more information. Virtually no restaurants are in the valley, so bring a lunch. Only heavy rain will cancel the trip. Some walking may be involved, but no more than a mile or so, and nothing difficult. A small per-person fee may be required to enter Mercey Hot Springs; Bob will let you know as soon as he knows.  Directions: Please follow these directions carefully as signage in the area may be confusing. From Castro Valley, head east on I-580, connect to I-5, and head south on I-5 past Los Banos.  Before arriving at our meeting place, you may wish to make a pit stop at Firebaugh Travel Plaza (Chevron, Subway, restrooms.) If so, take exit 385, Paul Negra Road. Then continue south on I-5, take exit 379 (Shields Avenue/Mendota) and turn right onto Little Panoche Road. Go west about 4 1/2 miles to Little Panoche Reservoir.  The destination is 118 miles from Castro Valley.  Allow more than 2 hours for the drive.