The SPRING Pelican Survey Results are IN!!



The Spring Pelican Survey took place in May of 2019 and here are the RESULTS!

This year's FALL pelican survey is scheduled for Saturday, September 14.

Each surveyor commits to a one hour period that day within the 3:37pm to 7:37pm timeframe.

If you are interested in participating in this survey, please contact Dave Tyra and he will get back to you with more information.

 It's fun, and a good way to get involved in Citizen Science.
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TALK at SLOBG - Why Birds Flock - Saturday, Sept. 7th

You may have heard the old saying that birds of a feather flock together. But have you ever stopped to wonder why? Join Jessica Griffiths on Saturday, September 7 at 1 PM in the SLO Botanical Garden’s Education Building for a fascinating look at bird flocks and flocking behavior. Why do some species of birds form flocks, while others do not? Can different kinds of birds join together in a flock? Why do geese and ducks fly in a “V” formation? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this presentation, which touches on bird biology and behavior, and highlights some remarkable scientific discoveries.

Jessica Griffiths has been working as a wildlife biologist for nearly 20 years. She currently works as a biologist for Althouse and Meade, Inc. in Paso Robles. Prior to moving to the SLO area, Jessica worked in Big Sur for the Ventana Wildlife Society, overseeing all of their songbird research projects and running the Big Sur Ornithology Lab for several years. She is actively involved with Morro Coast Audubon and leads year-round bird walks for birders of all ages.
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FIELD TRIP: Shorebirds 101 – Thursday 8/22


Join leaders Norma Wightman and Jan Surbey, and the returning shorebirds, for this trip along Morro Strand State Beach on Thursday, August 22nd from 8:30-10:00AM.

Targeted for beginners, but all ages and experience levels are welcome. Expect to walk about a mile or two along the beach. Meet at the Morro Strand campground entrance to the beach at the north end of the campground.

Directions: Take Highway 1 to Morro Bay, turn off Hwy 1 towards the ocean at Yerba Buena Street (signal), turn left when road bends onto Oceanside Drive, continue into the campground to the first parking lot past the entrance kiosk.

Dressing in “layers” recommended. Bring binoculars if you have them; if not, the leaders will have some binoculars you may borrow for the trip. No RSVP needed. Restrooms are available in the campground.

For additional information, email Jan Surbey, MCAS field trip chair, at jan@morrocoastaudubon.org.
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URGENT: Coastal Commission is Coming to Town! Make Your Voices Heard.


Coastal Commission is Coming to Town!  Make Your Voices Heard.

On July 11 the Coastal Commission will be meeting in SLO to take comments regarding the coastal permit for the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. Plans put forth by State Parks have the potential to adversely impact Oso Flaco Lake’s environment (flora & fauna); threaten destruction of habitat and endangered species (including Snowy Plover and Least Tern); and allow for repeated violations of federal and state conservation laws (Endangered Species Act, California Environmental Quality Act, and Coastal Act). 

It is now time to speak up for protection of endangered wildlife and in favor of conservation of natural resources and passive recreational use of the dunes and Oso Flaco Lake. 

The Commission meeting begins at 9AM on Thursday, July 11th (arrive by 8AM to get a seat), at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 333 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo. Agenda Item 12A will be a review of the off-road area coastal permit. Hearing Procedures

The Commission Staff Report (please read Summary, pages 1-6, of 65 page report) recommends a number of interim measures to protect coastal resources and ways to begin phasing out off-road vehicle activity while transitioning the park to other public uses.

The off-road vehicle advocates will be out in force at this Coastal Commission meeting. 

Those of us who want to protect the Guadalupe/Nipomo Dunes and Oso Flaco Lake also need to be there. Please either show up to speak up at the meeting (pro-conservation voices will be wearing dark green), support those who do speak, or e-mail your comments (select Thursday, JULY 11, scroll down to Item 12, then click on Submit Comment) to the Commission by 5:00 PM, Friday, July 5th. 

Please speak in support of the staff report recommendations and vision for the park. Please also voice your opposition to State Parks’ February 2019 Public Works Plan (PWP) to turn the area around Oso Flaco Lake into a campground and junior ATV track. This would decimate an environmentally sensitive habitat area, degrade a high-use passive recreation area, and would not be consistent with the Coastal Act.
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EUREKA! THE BIRDS OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY - May 2019

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To VIEW, PRINT, or DOWNLOAD Eureka! click READ MORE. Then move cursor over the Eureka! displayed below and click the "Pop-out" icon in the top-right corner.

From the now newly opened window, you can read Eureka! OR use the icons in the top-right corner to PRINT or DOWNLOAD Eureka!.
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Article Focuses on Volunteers and History of Hi Mountain Lookout

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READ NEW TIMES ARTICLE AT:
"Back from the brink? Hi Mountain Condor Lookout volunteers and Cal Poly students help wildlife agencies track the endangered California condor"

 After you read this New Times article, you will better understand the dedication of volunteers and cooperation between agencies that was required to resuscitate a dilapidated fire lookout and transform it into a vibrant location for research, learning, and camaraderie.

 Kudos and Thanks to all those who have, and will, volunteer at Hi Mountain Lookout. 

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COMMUNITY PROGRAM: Annual June Picnic MOVED!!

MCAS Annual June Picnic Potluck and Bird Walk 

 Monday, June 17th at 5 pm 

 The picnic has been moved to Cloister Community Park.

Due to setup for an upcoming event (not MCAS related), El Chorro Regional Park will be closed June 17th!!

Directions to Cloisters Community Park (MAP):


  • Take Hwy 1 to San Jacinto St. (at signal) & turn toward ocean.
  • Turn left on Coral Ave.
  • Public parking is straight ahead on your right, just off Coral Ave.


Schedule is still the same with Bird Walk around The Cloisters beginning at 5:00 pm.

The potluck picnic will follow the birdwalk and last until 7:30 pm.

 Join Audrey and Kyle Weichert for a bird walk from 5:00 to 6:15 pm around The Cloisters. Kyle is a Senior Biologist for Rincon Consultants in their San Luis Obispo office and has a passion for botany and birds. Audrey is a Certified Wildlife Biologist® who grew up in Paso Robles and has lived on the Central Coast for over 35 years. 

 The potluck picnic will follow the bird walk and last until 7:30 pm. Bring your main dish, a side dish to share, and your own reusable table setting, in addition to a picnic tablecloth if you have one. 

 Assorted soft drinks will be provided by MCAS hospitality. The event is open to all ages at no charge.
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EUREKA! THE BIRDS OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY - April 2019

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To VIEW, PRINT, or DOWNLOAD Eureka! click READ MORE. Then move cursor over the Eureka! displayed below and click the "Pop-out" icon in the top-right corner.

From the now newly opened window, you can read Eureka! OR use the icons in the top-right corner to PRINT or DOWNLOAD Eureka!.
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