MCAS Field Trip - FEB 28 - Sweet Springs Birding for Beginners

Sweet Springs: View of pond, people on path, estuary in background, and, in lower right, stumps of two eucalyptus trees felled during a storm and after their trunks and branches were removed [photo by Kaaren Perry]
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Field Trip: Sweet Springs Birding for Beginners  

Date:         Feb. 28, 2026  

Time:         9:00am to 11:30am  

Leader(s): Grace Hayes  

Description: Audubon Sweet Springs Nature Preserve offers an ideal setting for birding, with two viewing platforms and meandering trails that provide panoramic views of the estuary, wetlands, and mudflats—prime habitat for a variety of shorebirds. The on-site pond attracts ducks, while the surrounding diverse vegetation supports many breeding and migratory bird species during the spring season. The walk covers approximately 1 mile on level boardwalks and dirt paths.

A restroom (port-a-potty) is available at the East entrance. This field trip is not ADA accessible and the trip is open to all levels of experience.

Registration: Registration will open on the morning of February 18, 2026 with notification sent to MCAS members and those on the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST. Not on the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST? CLICK HERE to add your email to this list. 

Some field trips are for MCAS Members only. Consider becoming a MCAS member to support our mission and activities and enjoy these member-only field trips. CLICK HERE to join.

Questions? Send email to: robbie.revel@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Virtual Community Program - FEB 16 - Sounds in the Ocean: From Ventriloquist Lobsters to Dancing Crabs

Research in New Zealand  

MCAS February 2026  Zoom Community Program  

Date:            Monday, February 16th, 2026, 7:00 pm  

Title:            Sounds in the Ocean:  From Ventriloquist Lobsters to Dancing Crabs  

Presenter:   Marie Goeritz, Ph.D.  

 

This program will NOT be recorded or posted on the MCAS YouTube channel. It will only be available live on the night of the program. 


Join Zoom Meeting Zoom Meeting ID: 945 8534 6079; Passcode: 576791

 

Please consider becoming a Member of MCAS to support MCAS’s mission and activities, including Community Programs.

 

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

 

Description: 

When we think of sounds in the ocean, we think of whales and dolphins, but the underwater soundscape is far richer and more diverse than that. In this presentation, Marie Goeritz will explore the hidden world of animal-generated sound beneath the waves, with a special focus on invertebrates. From snapping shrimp to crabs and lobsters, many animals produce and respond to sound in ways that shape their behavior and interactions with their environment. Drawing on examples from across the marine world and insights from her own research, Dr. Goeritz will introduce how crustaceans use the ocean’s soundscape as a sensory cue for orientation, how they generate sound, how they detect and respond to it, and how they even use sound in courtship-like dances during mating.

 

Bio:

Dr. Marie Goeritz is a neurobiologist and educator whose work explores how animals sense and interact with their environments. She earned her Ph.D. in Zoology and has conducted research at the University of Cologne, Cornell University, Brandeis University, and the University of Auckland. Her research is focused on the nervous systems of crustaceans, linking neurophysiology and anatomy with behavior and ecology. Dr. Goeritz currently teaches biology at Cuesta College and serves on the Board of Directors of the Morro Coast Audubon Society as Lands Chair. In her free time, she enjoys music, camera trapping, wildlife photography and being on or near the water.

 

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

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MCAS Field Trip - FEB 26 - Members Only - Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat

"Dancing" Grebes [photo by Derek Wong]

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents a Members-Only Event  

Field Trip: Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat  
Date:         Feb. 26, 2026  
Time:         9:00am to 1:00pm  
Leader(s): Scott Stellar  

Description: Join Morro Coast Audubon on a pontoon boat ride adventure birding Santa Margarita Lake. We'll cruise pretty much the entire lake taking in all the migratory and permanent birds as well as shoreline wildlife that abound. Restrooms are available along the route. The registration fee for this trip is $40. Note that this is a $12 per vehicle entry fee at the entry kiosk. Carpools from the Santa Margarita Park & Ride will be arranged. Participants selected for this trip will be sent a link for the registration fee payment.

This field trip is not ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.

Registration: Registration will open on the morning of February 16, 2026 with notification sent only to MCAS members. Not a MCAS member? Consider joining MCAS to support our mission and activities and enjoy these member-only field trips.

Questions? Send email to: robbie.revel@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - RESCHEDULED TO MAR 21 - Santa Rosa Creek Birds - From The Forest To The Sea

Santa Rosa Creek in September [photo by Joanne Aasen]

FEB 21 Field Trip has been cancelled and moved to MAR 21.


Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  


Field Trip:        Santa Rosa Creek Birds - From The Forest To The Sea

Date:                Feb. 21, 2026  

Time:                9:00am to 12:00pm  

Leader(s):        Janny & Steve Tillman  


Description: Join Janny and Steve Tillmann for a guided adventure along a beautiful coastal and forested route, offering the chance to observe shorebirds, nearshore pelagic species, and woodland birds. This scenic journey stretches from Moonstone Beach Park to the Santa Rosa Creek Trail in the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. On your way, you may spot alcids and loons offshore, Snowy Plovers and other shorebirds along the beach and in the lagoon, waterfowl like Common and Hooded Mergansers in the creek, and local species such as Stellar's Jay and Pygmy Nuthatch, along with wintering passerines in the forested riparian trail. The 2.5-mile (out-and-back) route features diverse terrain, from sandy dunes and shoreline to a peaceful, tree-lined trail with rolling hills. 


This field trip is not ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.


Registration: Registration will open on the morning of February 11, 2026 with notification sent to MCAS members and those on the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST. Not on the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST? CLICK HERE to add your email to this list. 


Some field trips are for MCAS Members only. Consider becoming a MCAS member to support our mission and activities and enjoy these member-only field trips. CLICK HERE to join.


Questions? Send email to: robbie.revel@morrocoastaudubon.org














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MCAS Field Trip - FEB 19 - Los Osos Oaks

One of the Beautiful Trees in Los Osos Oaks [photo by Robbie Revel]

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Field Trip: Los Osos Oaks  

Date:         Feb. 19, 2026  

Time:         11:00am to 1:00pm  

Leader(s): Faylla Chapman  

Description: Join naturalist Faylla Chapman for a guided tour through the diverse habitats of The Oaks Reserve. Along the way, you'll learn about both native and invasive plant species and their importance to humans, animals, and birds. The trail is a 2-mile round trip with moderate elevation changes and sections of loose sand. While the path is well-marked and generally easy to walk, it is narrow in places. Please be aware that poison oak is present along the route, so appropriate clothing is recommended. 

Please note: there are no restroom facilities available at this location

This field trip is not ADA accessible and the trip is open to all levels of experience.

Registration: Registration will open on the morning of February 9, 2026 with notification sent to MCAS members and those on the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST. Not on the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST? CLICK HERE to add your email to this list. 

Some field trips are for MCAS Members only. Consider becoming a MCAS member to support our mission and activities and enjoy these member-only field trips. CLICK HERE to join.

Questions? Send email to: robbie.revel@morrocoastaudubon.org







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MCAS Field Trip - FEB 15 - Morro Strand Shorebirds

Long-billed Curlew Eating Sand Crab [photo by Mike Baird]
REGISTRATION CLOSED.

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Field Trip: Morro Strand Shorebirds  
Date:         Feb. 15, 2026  
Time:         9:00am to 12:00pm  
Leader(s): Claudia Freitas & Karen Watts  

Description:  Take a leisurely stroll along Morro Strand in search of winter migrants and beach-dwelling shorebirds. We’ll explore the pond and outflow of Alva Paul Creek, a freshwater haven that attracts gulls, terns, and a variety of other bird species. The walk will follow a flat trail and beach, with some stretches of deep sand. Expect a relaxed pace over a distance of about 2 miles.

This field trip is not ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.

Registration: Registration will open on the morning of February 5, 2026 with notification sent to MCAS members and those on the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST. Not on the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST? CLICK HERE to add your email to this list. 

Some field trips are for MCAS Members only. Consider becoming a MCAS member to support our mission and activities and enjoy these member-only field trips. CLICK HERE to join.

Questions? Send email to: robbie.revel@morrocoastaudubon.org 


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New MCAS Conservation Letters re: Blue Point and Izenbek

Two letters have been added to Conservation Corner. These are important to read to understand how MCAS is making an impact on Local and National issues.

  • January 2026: MCAS letter (dated 01/07/2026): 1 pg) Letter to National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, regarding support for Point Blue and their bird surveys along SLO County sea cliffs, many of which are now part of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.
  • January 2026: MCAS letter (dated 01-10-2026; 2 pgs) to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, Regarding Comment opposing permit application POA-2010-00286 Cold Bay

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MCAS Field Trip - JAN 1 - Habitat: First Day at Morro Rock Beach

Morro Strand State Beach [photo by Dave Tyra]

FIELD TRIP:       Habitat: First Day at Morro Rock Beach  


DATE:                   Thursday, January 1, 2026  

TIME:                   2:00pm to 4:00pm  

LEADER:             Faylla Chapman   

CO-LEADER:      Sharon Iranpour  

No registration necessary. Rain Cancels.

Description:
Join Faylla Chapman and Sharon Iranpour on New Year’s Day to explore the sandy beach habitat and the organisms that call it home. As we walk, we’ll observe and discuss the small but important elements that contribute to the overall beach ecosystem—many of which are often overlooked. These can be found both along the shoreline and higher up near the dunes. We’ll also keep an eye out for birds enjoying the first day of the new year.

Distance: 1 mile
Terrain: Soft to hard-packed sand once on the beach
Restrooms: Available in the Rock parking lot

ADA Accessible: No

Experience Level: All Levels Welcome

Directions: Meet at the north end of the Morro Rock parking lot, near the path leading down to the beach.  Wear clothing suitable to the weather—it could be very cool and windy.  Bring binoculars and water if needed.

Questions?  Contact Fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org 

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