Brown Pelican in Morro Bay Harbor [photo by Joanne Aasen] |
Brown Pelicans Are in Trouble
MCAS Nature Journaling Classes - May 25, June 1, June 8
Nature Journaling is a wonderful way to connect with and learn from the environment around you. Join Morro Coast Audubon for any of three Nature Journaling courses focused on birds, botany, and natural history. We’ll go over the basics of nature journaling with nature journaling expert Mary Sturm and learn how to apply those skills to your nature journal. Then, we’ll cover background information on the fauna, flora, and natural history that surround you with an MCAS expert on birds, botany, or natural history.
What & Where
Three classes to choose from:
Birds at Sweet SpringsBotany at Froom RanchNatural History at White's Point
When
May 25th (Sweet Springs)June 1st (Froom Ranch)June 8th (White's Point)
How
Click this link to register and claim your spot, or apply for a scholarship! MCAS is passionate about providing accessible outdoors education for all, and we encourage those with demonstrated financial need to apply for scholarships.
VIDEO is now Available! - May 14 - eBird Seminar
MCAS Zoom Community Program - MAY 20 - Beavers and Why They Matter
Salinas River Beaver Pond, Atascadero [photo by Emily Fairfax] |
MCAS Zoom Community Program
Date: Monday, May 20th, 2024, 7:00 pm
Program: Beavers and Why They Matter
Presenter: Audrey Taub, SLO Beaver Brigade
Join Zoom Meeting ID: 967 1403 8276 Passcode: 068050
All MCAS Zoom Community Programs are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome.
No signup/registration required to attend.
Description: If you walk along the Salinas River in California much of it is a dry, sandy wash. Imagine instead seeing large expanses of ponds surrounded by lush willows and cottonwoods, teaming with wildlife and birdsong. This difference leads to answering the question, ‘Why Do Beavers Matter?” In this presentation, Audrey Taub will explain how beavers can help make the Central Coast wetter, more resilient to floods, droughts, and fire, thus creating a more sustainable climate for birds and other wildlife. She will also explain how to get involved in promoting the creation of more wetlands in your area by supporting the beavers.
Bio: Audrey Taub grew up on the banks of the Hudson River in New York State. After graduating college with a master’s degree in Mathematics from SUNY Potsdam, she moved to Washington State and became immersed in nature education and mentoring at the Wilderness Awareness School in Duvall, WA. In 2005 she moved to San Luis Obispo County where she lives with her husband and 3 children, tracking animals, gathering wild edibles and swimming in the beaver ponds. She founded the SLO Beaver Brigade in 2019 after a discussion with friends about climate change. More specifically, they asked themselves, “How can we each contribute to climate regeneration?” Audrey’s answer was to focus on the work beavers do as nature’s best engineers to promote a healthy climate.
Please consider becoming a member of MCAS to support MCAS’s mission and activities, including Community Programs.
If you have questions, email Wendy McKeown, Community Programs Chair: wendy@morrocoastaudubon.org
MCAS Field Trip - JUN 2 - Stop & Scope-Heron and Egret Rookery Watch
Great Egret with Nestling at Rookery [photo by Bob Revel] |
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents
FIELD TRIP: Stop & Scope-Heron and Egret Rookery Watch
DATE: Sunday, June 2, 2024
TIME: 8:30 am - 10:30am
LEADER: The Field Trip Team
Trip is not limited but does require registration so we can plan accordingly. You will not receive a confirmation as all are welcome. Directions to rookery are below.
Description: Drop by the Heron Rookery in Morro Bay State Park to view the cutest babies in Morro Bay. Egrets, Herons and Cormorants are in various stages of their nesting cycle. Adults are in their magnificent breeding plumage and nestlings are visible and active. This is not a walking tour, so you may drop by anytime between the hours of 8:30am - 10:30am. Scopes will be set up in a fixed location for viewing. Bring your own binoculars, scopes, and cameras. You may also bring a folding chair. Restrooms are available at the State Park Museum. Rain cancels.
Location & Directions- For those not familiar with the area, the Rookery is located between Windy Cove and The Inn at Morro Bay (60 State Park Road). Windy Cove is located just north of the State Park Museum. There is a hiking path that goes between Windy Cove and The Inn at Morro Bay. We will be set up about halfway between these two points.
Parking – you can park in the State Park Museum parking lot, at Windy Cove, or in the small parking area at the Rookery Signs. There is also parking just off the Morro Bay Golf Course along State Park Road. If you park in the Rookery parking area, walk south down the trail about 20 yards toward Windy Cove and the Museum.
ADA Accessible: No
Experience Level: All Levels Welcome
Registration and RSVP to confirmation Required!
Registration will open on the morning of MAY 23rd. On that date, MCAS members will automatically receive an ALERT with the LINK to the Field Trip’s Registration Form.
Non-members will receive an ALERT with the LINK ONLY if they have joined the MCAS ALERT or the SLOCOBIRDING email list. You can join MCAS ALERT via JOIN MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST in the Footer of the MCAS website or SLOCOBIRDING via Groups.io.
Please consider becoming a member of MCAS to support MCAS’s mission and activities, including Field Trips.
Questions? Email Robbie Revel robbie@morrocoastaudubon.org
MCAS Field Trip - JUN 1 - Breeding Birds of Sweet Springs
Sweet Springs Nature Preserve - View to Morro Rock |
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this field trip WILL BE RESCHEDULED.
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents
FIELD TRIP: Breeding Birds of Sweet Springs
DATE: Saturday, June, 1, 2024
TIME: 8:00am to 10:00am
LEADER: Max Taylor
Trip is limited to 12 participants - Signups will be taken for 24 hours. Participants will be randomly selected. The remainder will be put on standby status in case of cancellations. Only registered people may attend.
Description: Spring is a busy time for the breeding birds of Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. Join us to observe and learn about the behaviors of many species of birds as they go about their spring breeding activities. Hawks and owls, sparrows, flycatchers, hummingbirds, ducks and more all find Sweet Springs Preserve the perfect place to spend their Spring breeding season. We’ll also be practicing our “birding by ear” skills by identifying birds by their songs and calls, and identifying all birds that we see.
Conditions: Easy, level walking paths, binoculars useful, layer clothing for morning temperatures. Restroom: Port-a-Potty is at the North entrance.
ADA Accessible: No
Experience Level: All Levels Welcome
Registration and RSVP to confirmation Required!
Registration will open on the morning of MAY 22nd. On that date, MCAS members will automatically receive an ALERT with the LINK to the Field Trip’s Registration Form.
Non-members will receive an ALERT with the LINK ONLY if they have joined the MCAS ALERT or the SLOCOBIRDING email list. You can join MCAS ALERT via JOIN MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST in the Footer of the MCAS website or SLOCOBIRDING via Groups.io.
Please consider becoming a member of MCAS to support MCAS’s mission and activities, including Field Trips.
Questions? Email Robbie Revel robbie@morrocoastaudubon.org
MCAS Field Trip - MAY 30 - Montaña de Oro, Bluff Trail and Campground
Looking South at Montaña de Oro [photo by Joanne Aasen] |
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents
FIELD TRIP: Montaña de Oro, Bluff Trail and Campground
DATE: Thursday, May 30, 2024
TIME: 9:00 am - 11:30 am
LEADER: Claudia Freitas and Karen Watts
Trip is limited to 12 participants - Signups will be taken for 24 hours. Participants will be randomly selected. The remainder will be put on standby status in case of cancellations. Only registered people may attend.
Description: Join Claudia and Karen to explore the multiple habitats of the rugged coastal park of Montana De Oro. The walk will follow the sea-bluffs along the south shore of Spooner’s Cove, through coastal sage scrub and south along the rocky coast looking for rock loving shorebirds, sea ducks and raptors. The walk continues along Islay Creek’s riparian habitat into the pine-studded campgrounds to observe passerines, woodpeckers and birds that call our coastal scrublands home. This is a gentle walk of about 1-2 miles along flat trails and paved road.
ADA Accessible: Yes
Experience Level: All Levels Welcome
Registration and RSVP to confirmation Required!
Registration will open on the morning of MAY 20th. On that date, MCAS members will automatically receive an ALERT with the LINK to the Field Trip’s Registration Form.
Non-members will receive an ALERT with the LINK ONLY if they have joined the MCAS ALERT or the SLOCOBIRDING email list. You can join MCAS ALERT via JOIN MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST in the Footer of the MCAS website or SLOCOBIRDING via Groups.io.
Please consider becoming a member of MCAS to support MCAS’s mission and activities, including Field Trips.
Questions? Email Robbie Revel robbie@morrocoastaudubon.org
MCAS Field Trips - May 11 - Spring Global Big Day – Second Annual Event
REGISTRATION CLOSED.
Morro Coast Audubon Presents: May 11th – Spring Global Big Day – Second Annual Event
Five Trips to Choose From!!!
Join the Morro Coast Audubon Field Trip committee and our ACE (Active Community Engagement) trips for a day of birding, learning, and fun on Global Big Day! Global Big Day (GBD) is a worldwide effort to submit data using the citizen science tool eBird. We’ll spend time looking for and learning about the birds of the Central Coast, learning how eBird is applied in the field and, most importantly, having fun! You must havean eBird account to participate. Learn how to make an account here. It is easy!!!
EACH of the 5 trips is limited to 12 participants - Signups will be taken for 24 hours or until all trips are full. Participants will be randomly selected. The remainder will be put on standby status in case of cancellations. Your eBird User name or eBird Email address is required to register. Each participant will receive a confirmation and fee payment instructions.
COST: $25 fee (payable three days after you are confirmed)
The funds go directly to supporting MCAS environmental education programs throughout SLO County. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will go to eBird and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Registration and RSVP to confirmation Required!
5 Trips Scheduled for May 11th. Later you will select one in the registration form.
1 MORRO ROCK
Leisurely walk will include a visit to both sides of the rock to observe nesting cormorants, gulls, and our resident Peregrine Falcons, as well as land birds occupying the coastal sage scrub on the rock. We will practice our birding skills and enter our observations into the eBird Mobile App. Meets at 9:00 am at Morro Rock. Trip lasts ~3 hours. About 1 mile along a flat dirt path and pavement.
ADA accessible: Yes.
Levels: Beginner & Intermediate
Leaders: Robbie Revel & Susie Reddy
2 OSO FLACO LAKE
A Big Day of birding at Oso Flaco Lake. Our route will cover the willows along the entry road, the boardwalk across the lake and marsh, and the dunes/ocean at the end of the trail at Oso Flaco. Targets include migrating warblers, bitterns, rails and shorebirds and pelagic birds. This is a long 7-hour day. Meet at 8:00 am at the Oso Flaco Lake parking lot. There is a $5.00 Day-Use fee for parking in lot. About 3 miles of slow walking on even trails, boardwalks, and sandy beaches.
ADA accessible: Yes, for walk-in trail and boardwalk only.
Levels: Intermediate & Advanced
Leaders: Mark Mushkat & Max Taylor
3 ATASCADERO LAKE
Join bird photographers Ann Stockert and Jeanette Stone for this bird walk around Atascadero Lake. There will be tips on how to photograph birds and upload photos to eBird as a tool to verify identification. The walk is approximately one mile long, at a slow to moderate pace. The terrain is gentle, over flat surfaces. Expect to see numerous species in a variety of habitats. Hawks, eagles, ospreys and numerous waterfowl are easy to see and photograph at this location. Trip begins at 8:30am, 2-3 hours in length.
ADA accessible: Yes
Levels: All levels; cameras recommended
Leaders: Anne Stockert & Jeanette Stone
4 TURRI ROAD BIRDING AND BIKING
A unique birding and biking experience on Turri Road. With good weather, we should see over 50 species. Birding from the bike can often yield birds you miss birding by car. 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 and a snack. Target species include Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Grasshopper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Lawrence’s Goldfinch, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Horned Lark. This will be a very leisurely bike ride, geared for many stops for birds - not for serious exercise. The trip will take approximately 4 hours. Meet at the dirt pullout area at Turri Rd. and South Bay Blvd. at 8:00 am. We will start and end at the same location, and will bike between 5 to 9 miles depending on our birding pace. A helmet is required. All bikes should have multiple gears for hills.
Levels: All levels; moderately experienced bikers recommended
Leader: Jim Royer
5 LOS OSOS HOTSPOT TOUR
We’ll start at Montaña de Oro at Islay Creek Campground with some morning birding for passerines. Then, we’ll head to Pecho Willows to see migrants. We’ll then make our way to Sweet Springs, the Audubon Overlook, and finish at Turri Rd tidal ponds. Highlights will be large numbers of passerines, and hopefully more than 100 species for the day. We’ll spend time learning how eBird can be used in the field.
Meet at Spooner Ranch House parking area at 8:00 am. The trip will take approximately 4 hours. 2-3 miles of walking at a slow and moderate pace.
ADA accessible: Yes, but not at Pecho Willows.
Levels: Intermediate to Advanced.
Leader: Torrey Gage-Tomlinson
What to Bring for Field Trips:
Bring a hat, water, snacks, lunch (for full day trips), sunscreen, binoculars, and field guides (if you have them) and dress in layers to accommodate wind and changing weather. MCAS may be able to provide you with binoculars if needed. Wear sturdy hiking shoes. Scopes and cameras are encouraged. Restrooms are available at all locations.
Fee: $25 (payment details will be in confirmation email)
Registration will open on the morning of MAY 3rd. On that date, MCAS members will automatically receive an ALERT with the LINK to the Field Trip’s Registration Form.
Non-members will receive an ALERT with the LINK ONLY if they have joined the MCAS ALERT or the SLOCOBIRDING email list. You can join MCAS ALERT via JOIN MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST in the Footer of the MCAS website or SLOCOBIRDING via Groups.io.
Please consider becoming a member of MCAS to support MCAS’s mission and activities, including Field Trips.
Questions? Email Robbie Revel: robbie@morrocoastaudubon.org