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• a standard 8.5 x 11 PDF, and
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Please choose the format you prefer. If you experience difficulty opening the full-size PDF, a compressed version is also available.
Best,
The Pacific Flyway Editorial Team
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| Birders Aboard the Dos Osos Birding Morro Bay Estuary [photo by Robbie Revel] |
Field Trip: Morro Bay Birding Cruise
Date: 12/20/2025
Time: 9:00am
to 11:00am
Leader(s): Tom Edell & Roger Zachary
Description:
Join our expert guides for a relaxed boating tour through the scenic bay
and estuary of Los Osos. Cruise the length of the bay at a leisurely pace,
offering close-up views of shorebirds, sea ducks, grebes, and loons—many
of them having just returned to Morro Bay for their winter stopover. The
slow pace of the boat allows for detailed observation of species typically
seen only from afar with a scope. Great photo opportunities abound—just
leave the tripods behind.
Selected participants will be sent a payment link and must remit payment ($40) within 6 days of registration to be completely confirmed for the trip.
The remaining signups will be put on standby status in case of
cancellations. Payment and meeting arrangements will be provided to the
participants selected. Only registered people may attend.
Weather conditions may cancel.
This field trip is not ADA accessible, restrooms are not available on the
cruise, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.
Registration: Registration will open on the morning of 12/10/2025 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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| Birds Killed by Window Collision [photo by Travis Longcore] |
Date: Monday, November 17th, 2025, 7:00 pm
Title: Saving Birds from Window Collisions: Simple Solutions for a Big Problem
Presenter: Travis Longcore, Ph.D.
Description:
Each year, millions of birds die from colliding with glass windows, unable to perceive the transparent or reflective surfaces as barriers. These fatalities pose a serious threat to bird populations, but simple, effective solutions—such as patterned window films, external screens, and strategic lighting adjustments—can dramatically reduce collisions. This presentation will explore the science behind bird-window strikes, highlight successful mitigation strategies, and provide practical steps that individuals and communities can take to make their buildings bird-friendly.
Bio:
Travis Longcore, Ph.D., is an expert in urban ecology and conservation science, with a specialty in the impacts of artificial light and human-built environments on wildlife. He is Senior Associate Director of the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA and Co-chair of its Environmental Science and Engineering doctoral program.
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| Trails at San Geronimo Creek [photo by Faylla Chapman] |
Field Trip: Habitat: San Geronimo Creek Tide Pools and Birds
Date: 12/18/2025
Time: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Leader(s): Faylla Chapman and 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, an interesting beach, and tide pools. Wear shoes or boots that can get wet, no bare feet. Dress for the weather, bring binoculars, and water.
This field trip is not ADA accessible, restrooms are not available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.
Registration: Registration will open on the morning of 12/8/2025 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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| Sweet Springs Western Boardwalk and Viewing Platform [photo by Nancy Foley] |
Every year, your generosity on Giving Tuesday helps us make a lasting
difference for preservation, education and supporting our beloved Sweet Spring
Nature Preserve.
In the past, your support has allowed us to build two osprey platforms in Central Sweet Springs, to
install wildlife cameras throughout the preserve, and
you helped us expand our taxidermy collection to boost education and
outreach.
This year, we are asking for your support to help us replace the aging boardwalk on the western side of our beloved Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. The new ADA-accessible boardwalk will guide you along the
preserve’s sensitive marshland, leading to an updated viewing platform overlooking the estuary.
Your gift, no matter the size, helps ensure that visitors of all abilities can
safely enjoy this unique habitat, while we continue to protect the wildlife
that depends on it.
Donate today and help us take the next step forward for Sweet Springs!
Together, we can continue the tradition of conservation, education, and care
that define Morro Coast Audubon Society and our members.
Questions? Contact Lands Chair, Marie Goeritz at
marie.goeritz@morrocoastaudubon.org
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| Shorebirds at Morro Bay Estuary [photo by Faylla Chapman] |
Field Trip: MB State Park Marina King Tides Stop & Scope
Date: 12/5/2025
Time: 8:30am to 10:30am
Leader(s): MCAS Leaders
Description:
Take a Holiday Break—Experience the King Tide on December 5th! Drop in anytime between 8:30–10:30 AM Marina Boardwalk, Morro Bay. Step away from the holiday rush and bring the kids and grandkids to witness a spectacular natural event! The December King Tide, one of the highest tides of the year, will peak at 7.1 feet at 9:02 AM—and it’s the perfect chance to see shorebirds up close as they move in with the rising water.
This is a relaxed, come-and-go event—not a formal field trip. We’ll have spotting scopes set up at the back platform and along the first stretch of the boardwalk. Knowledgeable leaders will be there to help you identify winter shorebirds, migrating species, and the land birds that inhabit the surrounding coastal sage scrub.
What to Know:
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Drop by anytime between 8:30 and 10:30 AM
Bring binoculars and cameras
Dress in layers for cool and windy weather
Come for the “Oh! Ah!” moment of the King Tide—and discover what birds follow the receding waters. A great outing for all ages!
This field trip is ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.
Rain Cancels
Directions: The Morro Bay State Park Marina is located across from the entrance to the Morro Bay State Park Campground. The address is: 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442.
Reminders will be sent out on 12/25/2025 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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| View of Morro Bay Estuary at High Tide [photo by Faylla Chapman] |
Field Trip: King Tides Explained
Date: 12/5/2025
Time: 8:30am to 9:30am
Leader(s): Faylla Chapman
Description:
Join Faylla Chapman as she explains the ups and downs and in and outs of King Tides and the interaction of the Sun and Moon, and how it affects our local Bay. After the first part of the field trip, the group will walk out to the Bay and witness this natural occurrence that happens only a few months of the year. Afterwards you may join the informal Stop and Scope for the Birds.
Bring your own binoculars and cameras. Dress for cool and windy conditions. The complete loop is a short walk of about one mile on a boardwalk and dirt path.
This field trip is ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience. Rain cancels.
Registration: Registration will open on the morning of 11/25/2025 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
.jpeg) |
| December 12, 2014 CBC Potluck and Tally [photo by Steve Schubert] |
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
