MCAS Virtual Community Program - MAY 18 - Birds and Energy

Martin Ogle

MCAS May 2026 Zoom Community Program

 

Title: Birds and Energy

Presenter: Presented by 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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Video of APR 30 Special Program, Birding by Ear, is now available



Watch Video


Description: 


Most birders focus on learning to identify birds by what they look like. But many birds are more often heard than seen!  Learning bird songs and calls will make you a better birder and enrich your birding experience. Jessica Griffiths will provide some basic "auditory field marks", then review some helpful tips, tricks and mnemonic devices for identifying birds by sound, as well as reviewing songs and calls of the most common birds in this area. 


This is a special MCAS Community Program being offered in celebration of Birdability’s Blind Birder Bird-a-thon 2026, May 3-4. More details can be found on the Birdability website: https://www.birdability.org/blind-birdathon. 


Bio: 


Jessica Griffiths has worked as a wildlife biologist for 25 years, with a focus on birds and monarch butterflies. She moved to San Luis Obispo in 2010 and earned her Masters in Biology at Cal Poly University. She now works as a wildlife biologist for Colorado State University's Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Every year she leads several birding field trips around SLO County for Morro Coast Audubon Society focused on helping people learn bird vocalizations.


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Video of APR 20 Community Program is Now Available

Pigeon Guillemots by Alice Cahill  

 MCAS – April 20th, 2026  – In-Person

View the Fourth Annual Birds of SLO and Northern Santa Barbara Counties VIDEO.


Description of Program:

Judy Neuhauser will present the Fourth Annual Program of Birds of San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara Counties. This slide show, featuring photos from some of the best photographers in the area, will showcase the splendor of birds that live and migrate through the spectacularly varied habitats in our counties. The wide range of birds that live in or pass through these landscapes is truly amazing. Join us as we get a close-up look at these birds as they live their lives, in photos taken by some of the Central Coast’s finest nature photographers. The program will be set to recorded music by Aria DiSalvio, a cellist from Santa Cruz, and her musical collaborators,  and by Cafe Musique, a local San Luis Obispo County band.

Bio: 

Judy Neuhauser is a retired field botanist and educator who worked for many years in California’s deserts, chaparral, and conifer forests, as an outdoor educator, and as a bilingual classroom teacher. She lived and taught for two years in the mountains of Costa Rica. She was founder of Stream Consciousness, local chapter of the Urban Creeks Council, that worked on making creeks a vital part of urban life in San Luis Obispo. She was active in developing and presenting classroom programs on birds for MCAS and served as the MCAS President for 5 ½ years.

commprograms@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - MAY 7 - MEMBERS ONLY - Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Trip

Pontoon Boat at Santa Margarita Lake by Bob Revel
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents a Members-Only Event  

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat  

May 7, 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 permanent 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 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/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 - May 9 - MEMBERS ONLY - San Simeon Birding by Ear

Birding by Ear with Jessica Griffiths

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

 Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents a Members-Only Event  

San Simeon Birding by Ear  

May 9, 2026 - Global Big Day  

8:30am - 11:30am  

San Simeon - Washburn Creek  

Leader: Jessica Griffiths  


Description: With nesting season underway and birds singing, "Birding by Ear" returns! Join Jessica Griffiths for a guided bird walk along the trails and boardwalk at San Simeon, focusing on identifying birds by their songs and calls. Jessica will help you recognize every bird song we hear and share helpful tips and mnemonic devices to make remembering them easier. Participants will be part of Global Big Day as we will submit our eBird lists for this special day around the world. 


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/9J5CJAt1W2muX98B7


Directions: Follow Highway 1 through Cambria toward San Simeon State Park. The group will be meeting in the parking area which is labeled as “Washburn Day use Area” on Google maps and is right next to some marked bathroom facilities. 

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 at the trail head.


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - May 9 - Turri Road Birding by Bike on Global Big Day

Biking and Birding Group
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  


Turri Road Birding by Bike on Global Big Day  

May 9, 2026  

8:30am to 12:00pm  

Turri Road, Los Osos, CA  

Leader: Jim Royer  

Description: Morro Coast Audubon Society’s Field Trip Committee invites you to celebrate Global Big Day by joining us on this special trip for those who want to see birds from a different vantage point - by bicycle. The Leader and long time green birder, Jim Royer, will offer in-the-field training for birding by bicycle, for identification of birds by sight and sound, and for using eBird with the California Bird Atlas Project. The eBird app is free and you can install it on your mobile device.  


With good weather, we should have over 50 species on this Global Big Day trip. Target species include Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Grasshopper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Lawrence’s Goldfinch, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Horned Lark. We will start and end at the same location. Green birding is a blast - you see and hear birds you miss birding by car. The easiest way to carry binoculars is between your shirt/jersey and an outer bicycle jacket or other zipping lightweight outer garment (make the straps are as short as comfortable so the binoculars don’t go out the bottom of the outer layer). Since it is on the global big day of birding, I will be keeping an eBird list that I can provide for participants after the trip, including bird atlas data. 

It is recommended that all participants have a rear light for their bike and a bright colored shirt or jacket for riding, as well as water, a snack, and sun protection. A helmet is required. Please take a pump, a tool kit, and an extra tube (in case of a flat). All bikes should have multiple gears for hills. eBikes are ok if they are quiet. This will be a very leisurely bike ride, geared for very many stops for birds - not for serious exercise. The trip will take approximately three and 1/2 hours. Our cycling goal is approximately nine miles of cycling with two hill climbs (from South Bay Blvd. to Los Osos Valley Road and back). But we don't always do the whole amount, depending on the group. We will meet at the large dirt pullout at the South Bay Blvd. end of Turri Road at 8:20 with our bikes ready.


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/TNVDmKUGELP6cLsb9


Directions: Meet at the large dirt pullout at the South Bay Blvd. end of Turri Road (Los Osos) at 8:20 with your bike ready.


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Field Trip - May 15 - Montana de Oro Birding

Bluffs at Montana de Oro by Joanne Aasen

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  


Montana de Oro Birding  

May 15, 2026  

9am to 12:00pm  

Montana de Oro, Los Osos, CA  

Leaders: Claudia Freitas & Karen Watts  


Description: Discover the Coastal Habitats of Montaña de Oro. Join us for a scenic and bird-filled walk through this rugged coastal park! Our leaders will guide you through the diverse habitats of Montaña de Oro, starting with the sea bluffs along the south shore of Spooner’s Cove. We’ll explore the coastal sage scrub and continue south along the rocky shoreline in search of rock-loving shorebirds, sea ducks, and raptors.


The walk then turns inland along the riparian corridor of Islay Creek and into the pine-dotted campgrounds, where we’ll look for passerines, woodpeckers, and other birds of the coastal scrublands.This is a gentle walk covering 1–2 miles on mostly flat trails and paved roads.


This field trip is ADA accessible and the trip is open to all levels of experience.


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/9YwLdaydpHT67KjUA


Directions: Meet in front of the Visitors Center / Spooner Ranch House across from Spooner’s Cove. From the main business district of Los Osos go west on Los Osos Valley Road. Los Osos Valley Road becomes Pecho Valley Road and curves left (south). Continue to the park entrance sign. From the park entrance sign drive about 2.4 miles, turn left (east) toward the campground and park in front of the Visitors Center. 


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - May 21 - Habitat - San Geronimo Creek

Bluffs in the area of San Geronimo Creek
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Habitat - San Geronimo Creek  

May 21, 2026  

9am to 11am  

Estero Bluffs, Cayucos, CA

Leaders: Faylla Chapman & Sharon Iranpour  


Description: Join marine biologist and naturalist Faylla Chapman and beachcomber-birder Sharon Iranpour at the San Geronimo “Windmill” site in Estero Bluffs State Park. We’ll cross the bluffs to the beach, talk about native plants, geology, tide pools and shore birds.  See where the creek enters the ocean, the rocks of the Franciscan formation, and interesting beach and tide pools.  Wear shoes or boots that can get wet, no bare feet.  Dress for the weather, bring binoculars, and water. Expect to walk 1 -2 miles.  No Restrooms 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/xrkXtM4iiYf8DoqD7


Directions: On Hwy 1 north of Cayucos, the Geronimo Creek parking area is 0.8 miles past where Hwy1 goes from 4 lanes to 2 lanes. Look for the Windmill on your left. Also look for a pink flamingo wind spinner.


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - May 23 - MEMBERS ONLY - Laguna Lake Birding

Fields Adjacent to Laguna Lake by Robbie Revel
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents a Members-Only Event  

Laguna Lake Birding  

May 23, 2026  

8:00am - 11:00am  

Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo  

Leader: Mark Mushkat  


Description: Join Mark Mushkat to explore the park’s trees and meadows in search of wintering songbirds, flycatchers, and raptors. Open spaces and power poles offer great vantage points for spotting raptors, while marshy areas can be productive for warblers, wrens, and munias. The trail is flat, and we’ll cover approximately 1.5 to 2 miles. 


NOTE: you must have an eBird account to attend this trip.


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/x87WpprHEZE8793o8


Directions: 504 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo. Meet at the Off Leash Dog Park Lot.


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS & CNPS-SLO - MAY 2 - Birding and Botanizing at Santa Margarita Lake

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Morro Coast Audubon Society (MCAS) and

California Native Plant Society (CNPS-SLO)

Joint Birding and Botanizing Field-Trips Event

With Lunch at Santa Margarita Lake

Sat., May 2nd, 2026

CNPS-SLO and MCAS look forward to reviving a historic collaboration at Santa Margarita Lake on Saturday, May 2, and we’d like you to join us! As we have done annually for several years in the past, both organizations are offering combined outings featuring guided birding and botanizing field trips, and a picnic lunch gathering. This event is a wonderful way to celebrate our mutual interests and commitment to protecting and conserving native flora and fauna within our local biodiverse natural areas.

Join bird and plant lovers for a day-long visit to the Santa Margarita Lake Recreation and Natural Area in collaboration between MCAS and CNPS -SLO. This event consists of morning and afternoon guided field trip options plus meeting up for a group lunch and socializing. Participants are welcome to attend all or some of the events. Follow directions to the morning field trip trailhead and/or lunch site parking areas. Morning field trip participants are encouraged to join the carpooling meet up location in Santa Margarita, although optional.

Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes, binoculars, field guides and dress in layers for changing weather. A plant list for Santa Margarita Lake can be found on the CNPS  website here. There are restrooms near the lunch and afternoon hike starting locations. Rain or threat of rain cancel or postpone this trip.

8:30 am – Optional carpooling will be organized for driving to the Blinn Ranch Trail morning field trip by meeting at the Santa Margarita Park and Ride located at the Highway 58 exit from Highway 101 (35.383260, -120.627404).

Driving directions: Santa Margarita Park and Ride off Hwy 101 at https://maps.app.goo.gl/a1wytbXV96EkCTyt5.

9:00 am - The morning hike will focus on birds, plants, and habitats along the upper reaches of the lake and near the Salinas River corridor starting on the east side of the park at the Blinn Ranch trailhead on River Road (35.316375, -120.417867).  Meet at the Blinn Ranch Trailhead at  https://maps.app.goo.gl/LTnAvPijiA9x5676A  

Driving directions: From the Santa Margarita railroad tracks crossing, drive approximately 15.7 miles to the intersection of Pozo Rd. with River Rd. Turn left onto River Rd. and then drive approximately 1.7 miles to the Blinn Ranch trailhead parking.

Noon - A leisurely bring-your-own-lunch and beverages at White Oak Picnic Area. If needed ask for directions to the White Oak Picnic Area at the entry kiosk station at Santa Margarita Lake (SML). Local musicians will serenade us during lunch and there will be educational displays and outreach as well.

Driving directions to the SML park entrance station: From the Santa Margarita railroad tracks crossing, drive approximately 8.0 miles to the intersection of Pozo Rd. with Santa Margarita Lake Rd., then turn left and follow Santa Margarita Lake Rd. to the entrance station.

Note: There is a $12 per car entry fee into Santa Margarita Lake County Park.

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Afternoon concurrent field trip options with a moderately strenuous birding and botanizing hike in the hills on the Grey Pine Trail starting near the picnic area (2.5 mile hike, 400-foot elevation gain) OR from the picnic area take a leisurely birding and botanizing easy stroll along the lakeshore.

Field trip leaders:

Morning co-leaders Bill Waycott and Michael Mulroy for Blinn Ranch Trail.

Afternoon co-leaders Bill Waycott and Michael Mulroy for Grey Pine Trail or co-leaders Susie Reddy, Marcella Munson, and Ben Kolstad for lakeshore stroll.

Please register for this event and sign a liability waiver by choosing either the English or Spanish link below.

  • To register in English, click here 

  • Para registrarse en español, favor de abrir, revisar, y firmar la exención de responsabilidad disponible aquí.



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