Deer Island Bird Walk

Join Jack and Corrina from Wild Birds Unlimited for a gentle walk around this Novato preserve as we say farewell to many of our winter visitors. We will search the oak savanna and woodlands for Say’s phoebes, ruby-crowned kinglets, and Townsend’s warblers while we scan the nearby wetlands for waterfowl that will soon be off to their breeding grounds. Meanwhile, residents birds and early spring migrants should be singing, swallow numbers over the wetlands will be rising, and local raptors will be getting territorial.

To learn more about the birds, habitats, and octopus trees we’ll encounter, see our profile of Deer Island or check recent sightings on eBird.

Reserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above. This walk is now fully booked. Please see our Walks & Talks page for upcoming events from other groups and check back for our April events. We’ll meet at Deer Island (see below for directions) at 8:30 AM on Sunday, March 15 and wrap up around 10:30 AM. Bring binoculars if you have them and please leave pets at home; we will have a few extra loaner pairs of binos available. This walk involves a gentle, mostly level stroll of 1.8 miles around the “island.” Note that there are no restrooms or other facilities at this preserve.

Nature in Novato bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Nature in Novato, Wild Birds Unlimited, and their officers, employees, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities.

Directions to Deer Island: From Hwy 101 in Novato, take the exit for Atherton Ave east 1.7 miles. Turn right onto Olive Ave and left onto Deer Island Ln. Gate and small parking area will be on your right. For GPS, you can use 320 Deer Island Lane, which is the building closest to the trailhead parking area.

Header image: Deer Island’s green trails in springtime freshness.