MCAS Field Trip - JUN 3 - Breeding Birds of Sweet Springs

Birding Sweet Springs Nature Preserve with Jay Carroll, by Robbie Revel
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Breeding Birds of Sweet Springs  

June 3, 2026  

9am to 12:00pm  

Sweet Springs - Los Osos  

Leader: Jay Carroll


Description: Spring is a bustling season at Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, as countless bird species engage in courtship, nesting, and raising young. Join Jay for a guided walk to observe and learn about the fascinating breeding behaviors of hawks, owls, sparrows, flycatchers, hummingbirds, ducks, and more—each making the most of this rich habitat during the spring season. In addition to visual observations, we’ll also practice “birding by ear”, sharpening our ability to identify birds by their songs and calls, as well as by sight. Whether you're a beginner or experienced birder, this is a great opportunity to deepen your skills and enjoy the seasonal activity of one of the area’s most beloved preserves. This trip is not ADA accessible.


Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1xR6bM1dWWevQig29


Directions:  Sweet Springs Nature Preserve is located at 660 Ramona Ave. in Los Osos. We will meet at the Central Kiosk entrance. There is street parking all along Ramona in front of the preserve. 


Other Information: Wear a hat, sturdy walking shoes and dress in layers as it can be cool and windy. Bring binoculars, sunscreen, water, and snacks as needed. Restrooms (port-a-potty) are available at the East entrance. 


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org
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MCAS Field Trip - JUN 4 - Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat

Birders on Pontoon Boat, by Bob Revel

 Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents 

Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat  

June 4, 2026  

8:00am to 1:00pm  

Santa Margarita  

Leaders: Scott Stellar and the Revel Team  


Description: Join Morro Coast Audubon on a pontoon boat ride adventure birding Santa Margarita Lake. We'll cruise most of the entire lake taking in all the migratory and resident birds as well as shoreline wildlife that abound. The registration fee for this trip is $40. Note that there is a $12 per vehicle entry fee at the campground kiosk. Participants selected for this trip will be sent information on the method of payment for the event. This event is not ADA accessible and the trip is open to all levels of experience.


Admission: This event is limited to 15 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GsjyXDzJAD2LCvS76


Directions: Meets at the Marina store at Santa Margarita Lake Marina, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita. After checking in at the campground kiosk, drive down to the boat dock and Marina store parking area.


Bring a hat, water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars and dress in layers to accommodate wind and changing weather. Cameras are welcomed. Restrooms are available at the Marina store. We will also stop at a campground restroom during the voyage.


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org
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MCAS Field Trip - JUNE 6 - MEMBERS ONLY - Cerro Alto Birding

Walking Path at Cerro Alto by Will Knowlton

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents a Members-Only Event  

Cerro Alto Birding  

June 6, 2026  

8am - 11am  

Cerro Alto - Atascadero  

Leaders: Morgan Bing & Will Knowlton  


Description: Join MCAS leaders Morgan & Will for a morning bird walk along the road at Cerro Alto Campground. Along the way, we may encounter a variety of species, including Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Cassin's Vireo, Western Wood-Pewee, Western Flycatcher, Brown Creeper, Purple Finch, and Olive-sided Flycatcher. The walk will primarily follow a paved road, with the possibility of a few short detours onto well-maintained dirt trails. The total distance (out and back) is approximately two miles.Note: There is a $10 day-use fee. Due to an agreement with the concessionaire, neither National Forest Adventure passes nor National Park public lands passes are accepted in lieu of paying the day-use fees. This trip is not ADA accessible.


Admission: This event is for MCAS Members only and is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XvWQC9wp5G8ApG149


Directions: Meet at Cerro Alto Campground, just off CA- 41, 8 miles east of CA-1 in Morro Bay. Other Information: Wear a hat, sturdy walking shoes and dress in layers as it can be cool and windy. Bring binoculars, sunscreen, water and snacks as needed.Restrooms are available in the campground.


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org
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MCAS Field Trip - JUN 12 - Western Snowy Plovers & Fellow Shorebirds

Western Snowy Plover by Bob Revel

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  


Western Snowy Plovers & Fellow Shorebirds  

June 12, 2026  

10am to 12pm  

Villa Creek - Estero Bluffs State Park  

Leader: Sharon Iranpour  


Description: The western snowy plover lives and breeds on the sand on a few of our local natural beaches.  A small federally threatened shorebird, this grey/brown and white bird with darker breeding plumage blends in well on the sandy beach, often making it difficult to locate. There will be a short talk to examine a replica nest and learn about their habits and habitat. We’ll walk across the grassland to the bluff and down onto the beach to look for the snowy plovers and other shorebirds. Once on the beach, we’ll linger as we go and walk to the cove at the beach end to look for birds in Villa Creek. If there is time, we can check out beach drift and some interesting rock formations. This walk is approximately 1-1.5 miles, easy walk, partly on soft sand.Bring binoculars, wear sturdy shoes and layer up. This trip is not ADA accessible. No restrooms are available.


Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1vyndkHLzm7EWZFy7?g_st=ic 


Directions:  Meet at the Villa Creek pullout at Estero Bluffs State Park. The Villa Creek pullout is the last, most northern parking pull out at Estero Bluffs State Park.  If all else fails, look for Sharon’s bright orange Jeep. Use the Google map pin above for the exact location.

Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org 

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MCAS Field Trip - JUN 13 - MEMBERS ONLY - El Chorro Birding by Ear

 

Birding by Ear with Jessica Griffiths by Bob Revel

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents a Members-Only Event  


El Chorro Birding by Ear 

June 13, 2026  

8:30am to 12:00pm  

El Chorro Regional Park, SLO  

Leader: Jessica Griffiths


Description: It’s nesting season and the birds are in full song—perfect timing for the return of “Birding by Ear.” Join Jessica Griffiths for a guided walk along the trails of El Chorro Regional Park, with a focus on identifying birds by their songs and calls. Jessica will help participants recognize each bird heard, offering useful tips and mnemonic devices to aid in remembering their vocalizations. The walk will cover approximately one mile at a slow to moderate pace over gentle terrain and a variety of surfaces.


Wear a hat, sturdy walking shoes and dress in layers as it can be cool and windy. Bring binoculars and a spotting scope if you wish, sunscreen, water and snacks as needed. Restrooms are available at the trail head. This trip is ADA accessible.


Admission: This event is for MCAS Members only and is limited to 15 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BKG3giFFquJ1J8526


Directions: El Chorro Regional Park -State Hwy 1, Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo. Meet at the parking lot across from the Botanical Gardens. There is a 3:00 fee for parking at certain times of the year.  


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org
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MCAS Field Trip - JUN 19 - Habitat-Windy Cove

Mud Flats at Windy Cove by Faylla Chapman

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Habitat - Windy Cove  

June 19, 2026  

9am to 11am  

Windy Cove - Morro Bay  

Leaders: Faylla Chapman & Sharon Iranpour  


Description: Take a walk down to Windy Cove, located below the Morro Bay State Park Natural History Museum, where we’ll explore the plants, mud, and the fascinating organisms that inhabit this unique environment. We’ll also search for creatures living in the upper intertidal zone on the rocks around the base of the Museum and into the Marina. Restroom facilities are available at the Museum. This trip is not ADA accessible.


Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event. 



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GNXajGvPErXvVR1x6


Directions:  Meet at the Nature Walk sign below the Morro Bay Natural History Museum entrance. The Museum is at 20 Main Street, Morro Bay. There is parking at the lower lot at the Museum and at Windy Cove. If you park at Windy Cove, please walk up to the trail head below the Museum to meet the leader. Restrooms are available at the Museum.


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org
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MCAS Field Trip - JUN 20 - Harmony Headlands

Harmony Headlands
[by courtesy of State Parks Image Gallery]

 Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Harmony Headlands  

June 20, 2026  

8:30am to 12pm  

Harmony Headlands, Cayucos  

Leaders: Eric Wier & Steve McMasters  


Description: Harmony Headlands is a place of pristine beauty and dramatic landscapes. Join leaders Eric & Steve for a morning of birding along a 4 mile trail (round trip) to bird various habitats beginning in a riparian zone, through coastal sage scrub and grasslands, past vernal pools, and down to the rocky coast.  We will look for sparrows, raptors and other birds associated with coastal grassland and chaparral communities. At the shore we will look for turnstones, oystercatchers, scoters, and loons. The trail is moderate with some hills.


Bring a hat, water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars and field guides (if you have them) and dress in layers to accommodate wind and changing weather. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Ticks and poison oak may be encountered, so prepare accordingly. A portable restroom is available along the trail. Because of its length and some up and down portions this is rated as moderate hike.This trip is not ADA accessible.

Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tvrYR4ZPxB2jBPNr7


Directions:  Meet at the Harmony Headlands hiking only trailhead parking lot, on the west side of Hwy 1, 7 miles north of Cayucos and 7 miles south of Cambria. Look for Linn's billboard on the east side of Hwy 1. 


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - JUN 26 - Atascadero Lake Birding

View over Atascadero Lake to Pavilion [by courtesy of VisitAtascadero.com]

                                        Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Atascadero Lake Birding  

June 26, 2026  

8:00am to 11:00am  

Atascadero  

Leaders: Claudia Freitas & Karen Watts  


Description: Join Claudia & Karen for a guided bird walk around Atascadero Lake. This easy, one-mile walk will be taken at a slow to moderate pace, depending on bird activity and sightings along the way. The route follows gentle terrain over flat surfaces, making it accessible for most participants. We will look for nesting birds and chicks as well as raptors that frequent the lake.


Restroom facilities are available on site. This trip is ADA accessible.


Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/H3bh3nqxMyS4j81MA


Directions:  Meet at 9100 Morro Road (CA-41) in the parking lot next to the Central Coast Zoo, west of Atascadero.  


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS-SLOBG - May 30 - Beginning Birding

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Join birding experts Robbie Revel and Karen Watts for an engaging session designed to sharpen your birdwatching skills and give you a sneak peek at the species you’re likely to encounter in SLO Botanical Garden.  This interactive presentation features slides, videos, live demonstrations using the Merlin Bird ID app, and a variety of bird mounts to help illustrate key identification techniques. You’ll get hands-on practice with making observations, using binoculars and field guides, and discovering valuable resources to support your continued birding journey. The session is easy to follow and family-friendly, though it’s best suited for participants aged 9 and up.

READ FULL INFORMATION and REGISTER HERE.

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MCAS Virtual Community Program - MAY 18 - Birds and Energy

Martin Ogle  

MCAS May 2026 Zoom Community Program

Title: Birds and Energy

Presenter: Martin Ogle

Date: Monday, May 18th, 2026, 7:00 pm



Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/91778300686?pwd=Uunm5EAizT6sSDbvbW5SH6FfgR9454.1 

Meeting ID: 917 7830 0686; Passcode: 184880


You can also find the link on the MCAS Events Calendar.

 

All MCAS Zoom Community Programs are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. No signup/registration required to attend.


If you are not already an MCAS member, please consider becoming a MCAS member to support our mission and activities, including Community Programs.


Description: 

Birds are full of energy—literally and figuratively! With the highest body temperatures of all animals, remarkable adaptations, and awe-inspiring migrations, they have much to teach us about energy. At the same time, human energy systems affect birds uniquely and severely.

Naturalist and energy educator Martin Ogle delivers a fascinating exploration of avian life through the lens of energy . . . and vice versa!  Discover how the National Audubon Society is connecting energy, birds, climate change and other concerns of our day.  Learn about a myriad of energy-related adaptations in birds (including one found in the legs of birds and in modern buildings!) and new ways we are lessening the impact of human energy systems on birds.   And more!

This engaging program provides a fresh, little-known window into the world of birds while deepening our understanding of energy through the context of Earth's living systems. 

Bio: 

Martin Ogle has a 40 year career as a naturalist and energy educator in VA and CO. He received Wildlife Biology degrees (B.S. and M.S.) from Colorado State University and Virginia Tech and recently created the non-profit, Geo Sapiens; The Earth-wise Human. His work includes Birds and Beyond — Boulder County Audubon which is bringing the immense relevance of birds to our world to the fore! 


If you have questions, email Wendy McKeown, Community Programs Chair: wendy.mckeown@morrocoastaudubon.org 





 

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