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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MCAS Pacific Flyway Quarterly - FALL

 A bird flying over water AI-generated content may be incorrect.



Clicking the cover image will take you to a folder containing both versions of this edition:

• a standard 8.5 x 11 PDF, and
• a magazine-style version designed to display the full spread images featured in this issue.

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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MCAS Field Trip - DEC 20 - Morro Bay Birding Cruise

Birders Aboard the Dos Osos Birding Morro Bay Estuary [photo by Robbie Revel]
REGISTRATION CLOSED.

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   

 

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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VIDEO now available for NOV 17th Community Program - Birds and Windows

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Birds Killed by Window Collision [photo by Travis Longcore]  
View video on MCAS YouTube Channel  


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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MCAS Field Trip - DEC 18 - Habitat: San Geronimo Creek Tide Pools and Birds

Trails at San Geronimo Creek [photo by Faylla Chapman]
REGISTRATION CLOSED.

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   

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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