MCAS Field Trip - FEB 21 - Santa Rosa Creek Birds - From The Forest To The Sea

Santa Rosa Creek in September [photo by Joanne Aasen]

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]
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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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.  

 

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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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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VIDEO now available for DEC 12 2025 MB CBC Compilation

 

Historic Photo [courtesy of National Audubon Society]
Watch the VIDEO of the 2025 MB CBC Compilation meeting on DEC 15th.

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MCAS In-Person December Community Program & 72nd Annual Morro Bay CBC Compilation

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December 12, 2014 CBC Potluck and Tally [photo by Steve Schubert]
MCAS In-Person December Community Program & 72nd Annual Morro Bay CBC Compilation

 

Program:           MCAS Business & Morro Bay CBC Compilation Program

 

When:                Monday, December 15th, 2025, 2:00pm - 4:30pm

 

Where:               San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden  - Oak Glen Pavilion, 3450 Dairy 

                             Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

 

Presenter(s):    Business by Nancy Foley and CBC Program by Jay Carroll

 

All MCAS Community Programs are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome.

No signup/registration is required to attend. 

 

To support MCAS’s mission and activities, including Community Programs, please consider becoming a member of MCAS.

 

Description of Business: 

Announcement of Libbie Agran Scholarship Awards.

Description of Program: 

Join us to celebrate yesterday’s discoveries and share stories from the field at our in-person COMMUNITY PROGRAM and CBC COMPILATION!

The Morro Bay CBC Compilation will be led by Jay Carroll, CBC Compiler, active member, and leader in our birding community. The compilation is the culmination of the 72nd annual Morro Bay Christmas Bird Count, held on Sunday, Dec 14th. A count of all species seen will be tabulated. 

Bring an appetizer or dessert to share, and enjoy an afternoon of camaraderie and conversation as we tally the results of this year’s count. Beverages will be supplied.

All are welcome, even if you did not participate in the CBC! It’s just fun to know what birds were found during the count… maybe even some rarities!

For those unable to attend in person, we are providing a Zoom option (but you’ll miss the goodies!): Join Zoom Meeting Zoom Meeting ID: 944 7346 8749 Passcode: 683311 

 

If you have questions, email Wendy McKeown, Programs Chair commprograms@morrocoastaudubon.org

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