Peregrine Wander

By the mid-1950s, Peregrine Falcons disappeared from the steep cliffs of Mount Diablo, victims of DDT. Re-introduced to the area in 1989, they have done well but now face record numbers of visitors to our wildlands, especially in spring and early summer when they urgently need space and privacy to raise their chicks. We'll view the cliffs from far below in Pine Canyon with leaders of the Mount Diablo Peregrine Team. (The Peregrine Team, a project of the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, is an all-volunteer natural history education group.)

Our route to the cliffs follows the historic Stage Road up Mount Diablo, built in 1874. Along the way, we’ll get a whiff of a sulfur spring that a 19th century stagecoach passenger described as “smelling like the cleanings from Rip Van Winkle’s gun barrel, with some rotten eggs that came round the Horn with the 49ers mixed in.” Phew!

Photo: Wally DeYoung

TOTAL DISTANCE

This an easy 2-mile roundtrip hike over mostly level terrain.

LEADER

Staci Hobbet

WEATHER POLICY

Rain cancels

COST

Free; Reservations required

WHERE TO MEET

We'll assemble at the Orchard Staging Area for Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area off Castle Rock Road in Walnut Creek. There is a restroom at our meeting spot.

NOTES

Bring binoculars, liquids, and snacks. Dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes. Bring poles if you normally use them. Please, no dogs on this outing. If you have questions about this outing email Ken Lavin at a2xhdmluIHwgZ3JlZW5iZWx0ICEgb3Jn.

Staci Hobbet is the leader of the Mount Diablo Peregrine Team. She serves on the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association Board of Directors and holds a California naturalist certification from UC Davis extension. Staci is a renowned author. Her books include the New York Times reviewed Small Kingdoms.

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