Waterbird Regional Preserve

Waterbird Regional Preserve near Martinez protects about 198 acres around Al McNabney Marsh, named for a former leader of the Mount Diablo Audubon Society. The Park District owns the shallower southern end of the marsh, and the Mountain View Sanitary District owns the deeper north end; the marsh holds treated, reclaimed water, so fishing and any water contact are prohibited. The Park District bought the land in 1992 with money from a restoration fund set up after a 1988 oil spill fouled marshes in the area.

The marsh sits on the Pacific Flyway, and spring and fall migrations bring large numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds. Regulars include American avocets, black-necked stilts, cinnamon and green-winged teal, buffleheads, and white pelicans, while the uplands draw kestrels, meadowlarks, cedar waxwings, and great horned owls; lucky birders may spot white-tailed kites, golden eagles, ospreys, or peregrine falcons. Several miles of upland trails include the Meadowlark Ridge Loop, which overlooks the marsh. Toward the north end, pepperwood trees line an old road paved with "clinker" stones from smelting, near what was probably housing for early chemical-company workers.

Dogs are not allowed anywhere in the preserve because of nesting and feeding birds. Gates open at 8 a.m. and close between 4 and 7 p.m. by season. From I-680, take the Marina Vista/Waterfront Road exit just south of the Benicia-Martinez Bridge, follow Waterfront Road a quarter mile, and turn right on Waterbird Way.