September 7th - 5:30-8:00 - The beavers must of had a very busy Labor Day night as they didn’t make an appearance until 7:10. They probably were catching up on their sleep. While we waited for them to come out, we were entertained by a green heron who was fishing from the flow device.  He caught several fish before flying away.  One of the kits finally came out and was busy just swimming around and then he got some willow to take back to the lodge.  Another kit came out and the two spent the time swimming and checking things out.  At last all three kits were seen and they spent time swimming together and it seemed like they were just enjoying playing together.  A couple came down who had been at the dam several times but they never saw any beavers before and they were quite pleased to see all three kits and to hear about the beaver family.  The viewing time is getting shorter and shorter as it is getting darker so much earlier. GQ wasn’t seen before we left but he was seen last night. CR, JR, LB  

September 1st - 6:45-8:30 - One kit was out when I got down to the main dam site.  He/she was seen going over to the cave area across the creek and standing up to reach some willow twigs hanging down near the water.  He was successful most of the time but did fall over backwards once when he went back too far.  Another kit came up from down stream and crossed over the gap.  They continued taking willow back towards the lodge.  The smallest kit was seen on the down stream side just before a very large beaver came up to the gap.  They both crossed over with the kit following behind.  We all are 99% (Heidi & Jon 100%) sure the large beaver was Dad.  The kit took a ride around on Dad’s back for a few minutes before taking off towards the lodge.  All three kits were seen.  Just before we left, GQ came out and crossed over the gap on his way towards the secondary dam.  So it looks like all five beavers have been accounted for.  Three new kits, GQ (two-year old) and Dad. HP,JR,LB

August 30th - 7:00-8:00 - Two kits were seen by the main dam swimming around and taking some willow branches back to the lodge.  They are starting to take larger amounts and it is neat to see them swimming away with long branches trailing behind them.  The smaller kit came up from down stream and crossed over the gap so all three kits were accounted for.  Two green herons were sighted and also one red slider turtle was spotted near the flow device and also near the gap.  He started to cross over but changed his mind and dove back into the water. CR,JR,LB

August 27th - Water movement was seen near the bank by the main dam on the down stream side and then a very large beaver was seen crossing over the gap and then large bubbles were seen heading down towards the filter. This is characteristic of Dad so we are pretty certain that Dad is still around.   GQ usually crosses over the gap and guides around near the main dam before taking some twigs and heading down towards the lodge. The kits were also out and about.  The evenings are getting shorter which means that viewing time is also shorter. The green heron was heard as we were getting ready to leave. HP, LB 

August 23rd - 7:00-8:00 - Three kits were seen again last night.  Two were  near the main dam and one came crossing over the gap from down stream around 7:25.  GQ was not seen as it was a short visit. CR

August 22nd - 7:00-8:30 - Did you happen to notice that there is a full moon tonight.  That might explain why it was quite a unique night for viewing strange things.  On my way down to the beaver dam, I saw a naked man getting into his truck.  He did have some clothes in his hand but he was stark naked.  Tall and very skinny from the back.  Several families from out of town came down to see the beavers and they were rewarded with the sightings of the kits.  While we were there, a king fisher was seen and heard flying down the creek.  Also a green heron spent some time on the main dam just staring at the beaver kits when they were out.  One of the kits came from down stream and crossed over the dam.  He joined the other kits that were busy getting twigs and swimming around.  GQ snuck over the dam from down steam also and surprised us. As Heidi was down at the sight from 6:15, GQ and one of the kits must have crossed over earlier or they are staying down stream.HP, LB    

August 18th - 6:00ish - The kits were out early and were busy the first hour gathering cotton wood and taking the twigs back towards the lodge.  After 7:00 they took their time coming out.  One would come out for a while and swim around and then go back towards the bank.  It would be some time before another would come out.  GQ came out and checked things out and then returned up stream.  Later GQ  come out with a kit by its side and they swam around before GO crossed over the gap and swam down towards the scraped area.  The kit stayed on the main dam side.  Two kits were seen out together.  Two green herons were also seen flying back and forth by the dam. The viewing time is getting shorter as it is getting darker sooner. CR,JR,JO,HP,JR,LB,MS and Cheryl’s brother here from Montana to view some urban beavers. 

August 12th - 7:00-8:30 - It was a slow night for beaver viewing.  The kits did come out but there was some time between each appearance.  The littlest kit was seen swimming and taking small twigs back to the log as well as the other kits.  Two kits were seen together.  The most active animals were two rats that kept running back and forth over the dam and swimming around.  GQ came out swimming very fast up towards the filter and then he gave a big tail slap and we didn’t see any kits for quite some time.  Don’t know if something was bothering them up towards their lodge.  One kit also was seen giving a small tail slap. CR, JR, LB  

August 9th- 7:00-8:15 - Several kits were seen swimming around near the main dam site and gathering cotton wood twigs and taking them back towards the lodge.  One rat was seen walking across the dam.  GQ finally came out and broke off a very  large branch of cotton wood and he also swam towards the lodge.  As we were leaving, GQ was sighted doing some mudding on the far side of the dam. JR, CR, LB, MS 

August 7th- 7:30-9:00 -  After a very busy day working at the Beaver Festival, several very tired Worth A Damers stopped by the main dam site.  Many people stopped by andIamsuremostof them had been to the activities that day.  The three kits were seen swimming around the main site and also several crossed over the gap.  The bi-yearling (GQ) came out and crossed over also and swam towards the secondary dam.  Everyone was quite surprised to see how big he is and they were very excitied to actually see some beavers. LB, CR,JR, MS 

August 2 - 7:00-8:30  One kit was seen swimming around by the main dam taking some willow twigs back towards the lodge.  While we were watching him, one kit swam up from the secondary dam side of the creek and crossed over the gap.  About 20 minutes later the smallest kit came swimming up and crossed over the gap.  Seems like they are really exploring more and more.  GQ also was seen swimming up to the gap and slowly walking over.  He spent some time swimming around and checking out the willow branches.  After some time, GQ decided to cross over again and swim down towards the secondary dam.  Right after that, one of the kits followed over but he just spent his time swimming around the flow device.  He crossed over the gap again and stayed at the main dam. All three kits were seen along with GQ (2 year old). LB, CR, JR 

July 31st - 7:00 - 9:00  Two kits seen coming over the gap from the secondary side of the creek.  Seems like they are starting to explore further than the main dam site.  The rest of the evening was spent watching the kits just swimming and playing together.  GQ was not seen but the green heron was seen flying around. JO, HP, LB 

July 25th - 7:30-9:00 Slow night tonight as the beavers took their time coming out.  The kits came out one at a time and swam around and got some of the willow and cotton wood that was near the dam.  GQ came out and was seen just gliding along but he never went over the gap while I was there.  Several older couples came by after their dinner and they got to see the kits out and about.  One couple from out of town said that they had been at the dam site four times and this was the first time they saw some beavers.  One turtle was sighted. LB,JR,MS

July 24th - 7:00-8:30  Lots of people stopping by the main dam site as they were coming back from dinner at the local restaurants.  The kits were out quite early and spent their time just swimming around and taking some willow and cotton wood branches back to the lodge to eat.  The bi-yearling finally came out with one of the kits trying to hitch a ride but GQ wasn’t interested and he dove down into the water to lose the kit.  All three kits were seen and GQ stayed around the main dam for some time.  He finally swam over and headed down towards the secondary dam.  A green heron was flying around and he landed on a stick sticking up from the main dam.  He started to make a calling sound and it scared one of the kits who dove down into the water real fast.  After that there wasn’t much activity for some time.LB,CR,JR

July 18th - A very nice warm evening down at the dam site tonight.  Many people were out to see the beavers and a few people from the Sierra Club came to  walk around our waterfront and they stopped by to see the beavers.  Everyone went away satisfied as they were able to see the kits out and about.  GQ came out and checked things out before the kits came out.  He then went over the dam and swam down stream towards the secondary dam.  The white pigeon was out and also the green heron was seen several times.  Towards the end of day light, all three kits came out and were checking things out and playing together.JR,LB,CR,HP,FB 

July 16th - 7:00-9:00  Another busy night at the dam site. Lots of visitors and all three kits out and about.  Fun watching them trying out their diving skills. Some times they look like corks bobbing up and down.  GQ came sneaking over the gap from down stream and we almost missed him until a little girl spotted him.  The green heron sat on the dam and ate a small fish. It was seen again eating another fish.  He then flew up into the trees and looked like he was settling down for the night. HP,CR,JR,LB 

July 11th - 7:00-9:00 Not too many visitors tonight but all three kits and GQ (read yesterdays post to see who that is) were seen. GQ came out and went over the dam for his alone time.  The three kits were very busy coming and going back and forth between the main dam and the lodge.  They have been learning to chew through the cotton wood branches and were taking small twigs back to the lodge. Just before I left, GQ came across the gap with the largest branch he could carry.   Don’t know what he planned to do with it but he took it down towards the lodge.  He then came back and got a lot of cotton wood to take back home. Very busy  tonight. JR,JO,LB

July 10th - Just got back from another evening of beaver viewing.  The bi-yearling was out and over the dam and was sighted by the secondary dam.  He did return before we left and checked out some willow.  The kits were out but weren’t seen all together until later in the evening.  Several families with small children were out and they felt very lucky to see the beavers.  All three kits were seen together finally and seemed to be enjoying swimming together and doing some push shoving to see who was the strongest.LB,HP,JR 

July 9th - The bi-yearling was seen going over the main dam and the secondary dam heading downstream. He looked like he was on a mission.  A least two kits were seen out and about the main dam getting some cotton wood leaves and taking them back to the lodge. All three kits were seen together last night.  The large turtle that is usually sighted sitting on the flow devidewasout swimming around.   

July 6th- One kit was out around 7:00PM andwascheckingout the area around the main dam.  The two year old, which I’ll call the bi-yearling in future post, came cruising out.  It really is something to see him just floating so slowly on the surface of the water making sure all is well. Two kits came out andweresharing some time with their older sibling and  were heard whining. The kits practiced their driving andalsotooksmalltwigsof willow back to the lodge.  A green heron flew by anda pond turlewasseeninthewaternear the flow device. A gentleman from San Francisco was quite impressed with the pictures he was able to get of the beavers.LB,RB,JR 

July 5th - Two year old seen coming up from the secondary dam and crossing over the gap.  All three kits out swimming around and going back and forth to the lodge.  The two year old was seen swimming up with one of the kits on his back.  He then got a big branch and took it over the gap and went down stream.  The kit stayed back and joined the other kits.  They seemed to be practicing their diving skills and were chewing small branches of willow and cotton wood off of the larger branches and taking them back to eat. LB,CR,JO,Cheryl’s Mom 

July 3rd - The kits have been coming out earlier and earlier.  Two were out before 7:00PM.  Many people down at the dam site to check them out.  One kit was adventurous and went up onto the bank across the creek and was getting some leaves. He kept getting closer and closer to the edge and then down he went into the water. He came up as though nothing happened and just swam around.  A large turtle was on the flow device and two muskrats came swimming around the dam.  It was a good opportunity to see the difference between a muskrat and a beaver. The white piegon flew down to the dam and got a drink as he has done the last week. One of the older beavers was seen by some one up by the restaurant. LB,CR    

 July 2nd - Since the news of Mom’s passing, more and more people have been seen down at the dam and they have not been disappointed.  I dropped by and there were two kits out busy swimming around and exploring.  Dad had been seen along with the bi-yearling plus the littlest kit also had been out.  The family is all together and one can usually see them if they have patience and time. HP,LB,JO

July 1st - Three kits were seen plus Dad and the bi-yearling. 

June 30th - Check out the post on the main page of the website for the latest sightings. 

June 29th - Two kits were out early tonight around 7:00.  One kit seen riding on the back of the bi-yearling.   Two kits practicing their swimming and diving skills between eating some cotton wood leaves.  It took a while before the littlest kit would come down to the dam.  All three were out off and on through out the evening.  The bi-yearling was seen near by just watching.  A white pigeon with black spots has been seen and twice caused some tail slaps when it got too close.CR,LB.JR

June 28th - Quite a beaver night for beaver fans.  Two kits were out again before 7:30.  Dad appeared to our surprise swimming up from downstream and doing some mudding on the dam.  He then crossed over and took some branches back to the lodge.  The third kit, which is smaller than the other two, came out and joined the others.  They did some beaver playing together.  The two year old was also out.  The whole family seems to be doing OK and adjusting to their loss. LB,CR,HP,JO,JR,Cheryl’s mom

June 27th - Several members of Worth A Dam down at the main dam to check out the kits and see how they are adjusting to the loss of their mother. Two kits came out before 7:30 but went back to the lodge. Around 8:30 the two kits were seen way before the yearling came out.  He was seen by a visitor down across the bridge from the restaurant bringing back some branches.  A very small kit came out and it was decided that that was the third kit.  Have not seen all three together since Father’s Day.  The warm weather brought out several families and some people from Berkeley who had heard Heidi talk before about the Martinez Beavers. A muskrat came out and a baby beaver checked him out. The muskrat was very nervous. A large turtle was seen on the flow device.  Two green herons were also seen along with several fish jumping out of the water. LB,JO,HP,JR

June 24th - Mom came out first around 7:30 and checked out the main dam before making two trips down towards Starbucks. Our two year old came out and went over the main dam. He came back several times and seemed like he was waiting for the kits.  Two kits were seen along with one muskrat.  Viewers were able to see the difference between muskrats and beavers.  A green heron was seen flying around the creek.CR,LB,JO,HP,JR  

June 22nd - Mom and two kits were out.  The 2 year old came up from the secondary dam and crossed over to check out the willow branches.  Mother duck with her ducklings was seen crossing over the gap and then coming back across later in the evening.  She sure kept an eye out for Mom beaver who was eating near the gap. When she thought it was safe, they all made a mad dash over the dam and swam down towards the secondary dam.

June 21st - Beaver activity at the main dam is still going strong.  Our 2 year old was out and over the dam heading towards the secondary dam around 8:00PM.  Soon after a kit was spotted trying to get some willow twigs.  Mom came out as well.  Another kit was seen soon after.  Several people from out of town were very excited to see the beaver family and we all were very entertained.   Mother duck and 4 small babies going over gap. Western pond turtle floating near beavers. HP JR LB RB FB TB JO

June 20th - Several Worth A Dam members were out at the dam at 8:00. We saw first one, then two, then THREE kits. The third was very much bigger than the other two, and looked like the same one I filmed on the ninth. THREE, do I hear four? CR JR JR HP FB MH

June 17th - Several Worth A Dam members were down at the main dam, along with some viewers from out of town, and yes we do have two new kits.  A yearling came out and swam around for awhile before going over the gap.  One kit came out about 8:45 and checked out the willow.  Mom was out around 9:00. Mom and kit stayed around the main dam eating and then we all saw another kit swimming down to join the others.  Quite a sight to see  them together.

June 16th - TWO KITS AND MOM seen at 9:30 by beaver friend M. They are coming out later!

June 14th - Another night of good beaver viewing.  Several members of Close to Home came out from Oakland to check out the beavers.  They had heard Heidi’s talk recently and wanted to come see for themselves.  The yearling came out around 7:00PM and crossed over the dam.  Mom came out soon after and put on quite a show.  Eating and grooming herself right on the main dam.  To add to our sightings, a Mother duck crossed over the gap with three tiny ducklings.  Baby beaver didn’t come out until 8:40PM and we were in for a treat.  He swam around and practiced his diving skills, ate some willows and he even tried a tail slap.  Mom and baby did some swimming together and  nuzzling and we got some beaver baby cries.  LB,CR,LK

June 13th - The warm evening brought out many beaver viewers and they weren’t disappointed.  A yearling came out at 7:30 PM and he stopped at the dam to do some mudding.  Mom came out at 7:45 PM andproceeded to find some thing to eat.  Baby was out at 8:30 PM and he swam back andforthtothelodgetaking some willow with him.  He took time to sit on the dam and eat a treat that was left by a nice homeless man.  HP

June 12th - Lots of activity this evening at the beaver dam.  A yearling was seen at 7:00 PM and Mom appeared at 7:30 PM.  Our new kit was out at 8:30 PM and great footage was taken of the kit riding on Mom’s back.  Adorable. JR, HP,CR, and CR’s Mom

June 11th- Baby beaver seen swimming near the main dam around 8:30 PM and finding some willow twigs to eat and then taking some back to the lodge.  He/she is so cute and small.  Soon after a very large beaver (not Mom) came over the dam from down stream bringing back some willow branches and going towards the lodge. CR,CR’s Mom and LB

June 9th - Two new Kits swimming between the old and new lodge at 6:00 am. Hooray! HP

June 4th - Mom was seen cruising around the main dam at 8:00 PM.  She swam up stream to get a willow branch, which she took back to the lodge.  No other beavers were seen at that time. LK

June 2nd - A yearling was seen this morning around 6:30 AM near the annex and around the old lodge.  Haven’t seen the yearlings for quite a while so it seems we at least have one still around.  HP

June 1st - Mom was seen near the primary dam at 8:00 PM.  Soon after another beaver crossed over the dam with a willow branch  heading towards the lodge. Also seen were two Mallards.  JO

May 31st, Mom bringing back a willow branch from the primary dam at 8:30 PM and heading towards the lodge.  She was last sighted sitting on the left bank eating some of the willow.  LB & LK

May 30th, Mom and Dad seen 8:00 pm. CR

April 14th, 2010 8:45 pm Dad and yearling. Barn Owl pair. Mother mallard with 7 new ducklings and Mother mallard with 3 older ducklings. Cormorant. Song sparrow pair.

March 18th, 2010 7:15 Mom coming home carrying branch

February 22, 2010 6:45:Dad carrying tree over second dam.Mom and two yearlings

January 23, 2010 7:00 am:
Juvenile otter near secondary dam

January 11th, 2010 6:45:
2 yearlings and Mom

January 10, 2010:
Green Heron eating tule perch

December 24th, 2009

Mom filmed at secondary dam, eating tulles. Lots of chewing going on at the primary day. Great and Snowy egret.

jr

Be part of the Worth A Dam team! Let us know about any recent beaver, muskrat, bird or otter sightings by posting a comment here or emailing mtzbeavers@gmail.com.

 

You don’t have to be an expert, just tell us whatever you saw and we’ll try and figure it out.

1. Stephen Stout Says:

   To Whom It May Concern,

   Thank you to each and every one of you that participated in any capacity to save the Beavers. I have worked and lived in Walnut Creek for many years. I never had a reason to visit Martinez other than business or visit a friend. This evening my wife went out with friends so I thought it would be fun to visit my friend Kevin Bacon who lives in Martinez. My daughters joined me on the outing. After eating at Burlington’s(spell?) we visited the beavers and met several very nice people. I wanted to take the time to thank you for affording my family and I the opportunity of seeing animals in the wild. My daughters were able to walk away with a touch of nature and an experience that will last a life time. What a nice town you have. Again, thank you.

   December 12th, 2008 at 12:46 am e

2. Monty Says:

   I’ve recently been called to jury duty in Martinez. Can’t wait because I’ll be real early and try to catch a glimpse of the little critters! What an amazing thing to see. Thanks for this site and all the information.

   Monty

   December 17th, 2008 at 6:14 pm e

3. Jean Says:

   The whole family has been seen in the last few days by a very diligent lover and videographer of the beavers. I’m so happy I’m dancing in the streets!!

   December 17th, 2008 at 11:42 pm e