MCAS Field Trip - NOV 8 - High Tide Bike Field Trip

Bike Field Trip with Jim Royer
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Field Trip:     High Tide Bike Field Trip  

Date:              November 8, 2025  

Time:             8:30am to 2:00pm  

Leader(s):     Jim Royer  

 

Description: Join the Morro Coast Audubon Biking Field Trip Team to ride along the edge of Morro Bay as the tide comes in and out, looking for a variety of shorebirds, raptors, ducks, geese, etc. The very high tide will push an amazing number of birds close to the shore. As the water recedes at the state park marina, we can see more shorebirds, terns, etc. We may also check the state park campground. Rain will cancel. Bring your bike with tools for minor repairs and an extra tube, pump, etc., to fix a flat. Bring layers of clothing, shoes for walking, sun protection, a lock for your bike, water, lunch, etc. Since bikes aren’t allowed on the board walk, be ready to walk a half mile or so. Helmets are required. A rear light and some removable bright clothing are recommended. This is a flat round trip of about four miles, but not recommended for three wheel bikes because we may be on a flat but narrow trail at times. The leader will have a scope but more scopes are very welcome.

 

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

 

Registration: Registration will open on the morning of 10/29/2025 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 - NOV 6 - Habitat - Atascadero Beavers

Beaver Habitat-Salinas River [photo by Brittany App]
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   

 

Field Trip:     Habitat - Atascadero Beavers  

Date:              November 6, 2025  

Time:             9am to 11am  

Leader(s):    Audrey Taub  

 

Description: There are several beaver families living in the Salinas River at Atascadero! We’ll visit one of these families to see the dam they built this May. Along the way, we’ll observe the beaver dam, beaver chews, and other signs like scat, trails, and drags, as well as enjoy plenty of bird activity. Join us as we explore this new beaver complex and discover what changes have taken place since our last visit.

 

The walk is about half a mile out to the ponds along sandy, rocky trails. It’s helpful to wear water shoes, tall boots, or old sneakers you don’t mind getting wet, as we typically wade into water up to our shins. 

 

Please note: There are no water or restroom facilities at this location. The nearest restrooms are at Home Depot and Starbucks.

 

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

 

Registration: Registration will open on the morning of 10/27/25 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 - OCT 28 - Sweet Spring Nature Preserve Birding

Sweet Springs with Stumps from Fallen Eucalyptus Trees [photo by Kaaren Perry]
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   

 

Field Trip:                 Sweet Spring Nature Preserve Birding  

Date:                          October 28, 2025  

Time:                          9:00am to 12:00pm  

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, making it an easy and enjoyable stroll for all experience levels. 

 

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

 

Registration: Registration will open on the morning of October 18, 2025 with notification sent to MCAS members and those on the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST. Not on the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST? CLICK HEREto 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 Receives $250K Youth Community Access Grant


$250K+ Investment in FEATHER Expands Hands-On Environmental Education for Central Coast Students

We are thrilled to announce that the FEATHER program has received the Youth Community Access (YCA) grant from the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), which is funding a significant expansion of environmental leadership opportunities for students across the Central Coast, in SLO and Northern Santa Barbara counties.

Investing in the Next Generation

The YCA grant provides over $250,000 to FEATHER, contributing to a total investment of more than $500,000 in Central Coast youth conservation education.

Hands-On Learning for Future Environmental Leaders

FEATHER (Fostering Environmental Awareness Through High School Education and Research) is currently embedded within the AVID curriculum at Paso Robles, Nipomo, and New Tech High Schools. This new grant will allow us to expand the program to high schools across SLO and Northern Santa Barbara counties, giving underserved and first-generation college students access to immersive STEM learning, field research, and college-prep experiences.

  • More than 1,800 students will participate over the next 3.5 years.

  • Students will experience 30,000+ hands-on outdoor learning moments exploring the natural world.

  • Opportunities include original research, nature journaling, field guides, and trips to UC Natural Reserves and the LA County Natural History Museum.

Learn More About FEATHER: https://www.morrocoastaudubon.org/p/education-feather.html


 

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MCAS Special Event - OCT 26 - Cloisters Park Easy Birding

Birders Enjoying Birdability Week at The Cloisters [photo by Jeffrey Bacon]
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Field Trip:         Cloisters Park Easy Birding  

Date:                Sunday, October 26th  

Time:               9:00am to 11:00am 

Leader(s):         Dawn Beattie, Susie Reddy, Freddy Howell  

Description: Cloisters Park features a pond and a well-maintained walking path, offering excellent birding opportunities. Species commonly seen include White- and Golden-crowned Sparrows, California Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Black-crowned Night-Heron. The pond also attracts migratory ducks and geese. Gulls are usually present and raptors can often be seen flying over the park. The field trip  is approximately 2 miles along a flat asphalt path, fully accessible for those using wheelchairs, walkers, or canes. Restrooms are available.

This field trip is in celebration of Birdability Week 2025. Birdability is a non-profit organization that focuses on making birding accessible to all, and provides resources for existing organizations who want to improve the accessibility of their events and programs. Find out more here: https://www.birdability.org/

This field trip is ADA accessible and is open to all levels of experience. In the spirit of Birdability Week, we are offering priority registration for participants with accessibility challenges, including those who have a disability or use a mobility device. This helps us ensure these limited slots go to those for whom this event is specifically designed.

Registration: Registration for all will open on the morning of October 16 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: susie.reddy@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Field Trip - OCT 25 - Oceano Lagoon Birding

One Section of Ocean Lagoon [photo courtesy of CA State Parks]
REGISTRATION CLOSED.

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   
 

Field Trip:                 Oceano Lagoon Birding  

Date:                          October 25, 2025  

Time:                          8:30am to 12:00pm  

Leader(s):                 Linda Signal & Tony Gayfield  

 

Description: Join MCAS Field Trip Leaders for a morning of leisurely birding along the Oceano Lagoon Trail. The lagoon trail is approximately 1.25 miles in length, and located within the Oceano State Parks Campground. The trail will provide the opportunity of observing 60+ species of birds. Commonly found: ducks, grebes, gulls, terns, herons, raptors, kingfishers, woodpeckers, flycatchers, swallows, wrens, sparrows and warblers. There is even the possibility of a rarity or two!

 

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 October 15, 2025 with notification sent to MCAS members and those on the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST. Not on the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST? CLICK HEREto 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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27th Elfin Forest Big Sit - OCT 12

Big Sit 2007 [photo by Brad Schram]
What:         27th Elfin Forest Big Sit

Date:          Sunday, October 12, 2025

Time:          from early morning to sunset

Leader:       Jim Royer

 

Jim Royer is looking for birders to help out with this year's big sit. The annual Elfin Forest Big Sit will take place on Sunday October 12 this year. This is the 27th year for the annual local Big Sit from the Elfin Forest (last year's local count did not occur). It is part of a nationwide (some foreign countries also) count started by the New Haven Bird Club in Connecticut. All participating counts take place on the same weekend. 

 

For those who have not participated before, we will bird in shifts and keep a list of all the birds we see and hear in one day from one spot - the overlook of in Elfin Forest known as "Bush Lupine Point". From this vantage point we will be able to see the coastal scrub of the Elfin Forest, the Morro Bay Estuary, the nearby hills, and the edge of residential Los Osos. We have tallied as many as 122 species in one day from this one spot! Many years we spot 100 or more species.  It’s a beautiful location with an incredible view. The birding changes as the tide goes in and out and the day warms up. (The long term prediction is for clear skies and highs in the low to mid 70's). 

 

It is an opportunity to meet many of the local birders and to share food and drink as the day progresses. We will also compete against other big sits across the country and in foreign countries, who will count on the same weekend. See  https://www.thebigsit.org  for more info on the Big Sit. Prior unusual birds recorded at the Elfin Forest Big Sit include Snow Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, Black Rail, Pacific Golden Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper, Parasitic Jaeger, Sabine's Gull, Black Skimmer, Reddish Egret, Short-eared Owl, Burrowing Owl, Red-throated Pipit, Clay-colored Sparrow, Palm Warbler, and Blackpoll Warbler.

 

Before the count, I need to know who is willing to help so that I can make sure we have coverage from early morning till sunset. The count needs birders who feel comfortable identifying all the usual local birds. Please let me know if you can help spot birds on this Big Sit and when you are able to help. I will try to assign one or two hour shifts for spotters at a time when they are available so that at least two birders are present for the whole day. Birders who are unable to commit to a time can come at any time. Anyone who wants to come out and see how things are going is welcome after 9 am. Any and all snacks are welcome for the counters and others present. 

 

Please let me know when you can count by Saturday, October 4, so I can make a schedule for the count. Thanks to all who are able to help. It is a good time and place for some relaxing birding from a scenic location. I will give directions to the count site before the count.

 

 

Good Sitting,

 

Jim Royer

Los Osos

jrmotmot@gmail.com

805-748-7895 

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MCAS Field Trip - OCT 19 - Morro Strand Fall Shorebirds

Elegant Terns along the Strand [photo by Bob Revel]
REGISTRATION CLOSED.

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   

Field Trip:                 Morro Strand Fall Shorebirds  

Date:                          October 19, 2025  

Time:                          9:00am to 11:00am  

Leader(s):                 Revel Team  

 

Description: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Morro Strand and through coastal sage-scrub habitat in search of arriving fall migrants and beach-dwelling shorebirds. We'll explore the pond and outflow of Alva Paul Creek, a freshwater source that attracts a variety of birds—including gulls, terns, and more. This easygoing walk covers about 2 miles along a flat trail and beach, with some sections of deep sand. We’ll move at a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time for observation.

 

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

 

Registration: Registration will open on the morning of October 9, 2025 with notification sent to MCAS members and those on the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST. Not on the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST? CLICK HEREto 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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