MCAS Zoom Community Program - SEP 15 - Coexisting with Rattlesnakes on the Central Coast

Emily Taylor and a Northern Pacific Rattlesnake [Photo by Gregg Segal]  
REGISTRATION CLOSED.

MCAS September Zoom Community Program  
 

Date:            Monday, September 15th, 2025, 7:00 pm  

Title:             Coexisting with Rattlesnakes on the Central Coast  

Presenter:    Emily Tayor, Ph.D. California Polytechnic - SLO  

 

Join Zoom Meeting Zoom Meeting ID: 956 2250 6662; Passcode: 978601

You can also find the link in the MCAS Events Calendar entry for 9/15/2025. 

 

All MCAS Zoom Community Programs are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. No signup/registration required to attend.

 

To support MCAS’s mission and activities, including Community Programs, please consider becoming a member of MCAS.

 

Description: 

Central Coast Snake Services was founded by Cal Poly Professor Emily Taylor in 2019 with the goal of promoting peaceful coexistence with rattlesnakes on the Central Coast. They provide free snake identification, rescue of injured snakes, and relocation of rattlesnakes from residences in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. In addition, they provide numerous educational programs and consulting, as well as snake safety training and rattlesnake exclusion fencing. This presentation will describe the challenges and solutions they have faced and developed over the years.

Bio:

Emily Taylor is a Professor of Biological Sciences at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, where she conducts research on the physiology, ecology, and conservation biology of reptiles and amphibians with her students. She received her bachelor’s degree in English at UC Berkeley and her PhD in Biology at Arizona State University. She is the author of the books California Snakes and How To Find Them (2024), California Lizards and How To Find Them (2025), an

d California Amphibians and How To Find Them (2026). She lives in Atascadero with her husband Steve in their madhouse of rescued creatures, including Pax the dog, Aperol Spritz the bearded dragon, Baby the Boa constrictor, Buzz and Snakeholio the rattlesnakes, and Helmut and Bill the tortoises. Learn more at www.EmilyTaylorScience.com and follow her on social media @snakeymama.

If you have questions, email Wendy McKeown, Community Programs Chair: wendy.mckeown@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Field Trip - OCT 4 - Atascadero Lake Fall Birding

View across Atascadero Lake to Pavilion [photo courtesy of VisitAtascadero.com]
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents    

Field Trip:                 Atascadero Lake Fall Birding  

Date:                         October 4, 2025  

Time:                         8:00am to 11:00am  

Leader(s):                 Ben Kolstad  

 

Description: Join MCAS leaders for a guided bird walk around Atascadero Lake. This easy, one-mile walk will be taken at a slow to moderate pace, depending on bird activity and sightings along the way. The route follows gentle terrain over flat surfaces, making it accessible for most participants. Expect to encounter a variety of species across different habitats, with likely sightings including Red-shouldered Hawks, California Quail, California Scrub-Jays, woodpeckers, and various waterfowl. 

 

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 September 24, 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 Family Fun Day at Sweet Springs - SEP 20 - With SLO Public Libraries

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A young birder in training at a recent family fun outing [photo by Torrey Gage-Tomlinson}

Looking for a great way to introduce the whole family to the joy of birding? Join us for our Family Fun Day at Sweet Springs Nature Preserve on Saturday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to Noon. This event is a relaxed and engaging open house experience with education stations, perfect for birders of all ages and skill levels.

You'll have the chance to visit different stations to learn about taxidermy, feathers and bones, and nests. You'll also learn about the local species that call Sweet Springs home. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy nature with your family and spark a lifelong love of birding.

This event is open to everyone, so bring your friends and family! Please note that dogs are not allowed at the preserve, and restrooms are available on-site.


More info on SLO CO Library website.
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MCAS Field Trip - SEP 30 - Cuesta Inlet

Drawing Courtesy of savecuestainlet.org
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents    

Field Trip:                 Cuesta Inlet  

Date:                          9/30/2025  

Time:                         9:00am to 12:00pm  

Leader(s):                 Grace Hayes & Susie Reddy  

 

Description: We'll explore overwintering shorebirds and ducks, learn about local marsh vegetation, and discuss regional land conservation efforts. The walk will cover up to 1.5 miles along flat, narrow trails of sand and silt. Many ducks and shorebirds are expected to be within good viewing range, both with and without binoculars. Participants with spotting scopes are encouraged to bring them for better views of distant waterfowl on the bay and shorebirds across the inlet. 

 

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

 

Registration: Registration will open on the morning of September 20, 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 - SEP 28 - Oso Flaco For Beginners

Oso Flaco Lake and Boardwalk [photo by Joanne Aasen]
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   

 

Field Trip:                 Oso Flaco For Beginners  

Date:                          9/28/2025  

Time:                         9:00am to 12:00pm  

Leader(s):                 Linda Signal & Tony Gayfield  

 

Description: Explore a rich variety of habitats on a relaxed birding walk for beginners at Oso Flaco Lake. Enjoy close-up views of waterfowl—and possibly elusive bitterns and rails—from the boardwalk overlooking the lake and marsh. We'll also bird two prime willow habitats known for attracting returning warblers and other migrants. The route includes 2–3 miles of slow-paced walking through riparian woodland, across the lake boardwalk, and into coastal sage scrub. If time allows, we’ll continue on to the beach to search for coastal specialties. The trail is mostly level, with a mix of boardwalk and packed trail—plus sand if we reach the beach. 

 

Please bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, and field guides (if you have them), and dress in layers for wind and changing conditions. Sturdy shoes are recommended. 

 

This field trip is ADA accessible (up to the beach entrance), bathrooms are available in the parking area, and the trip is open to beginning birders.

 

Registration: Registration will open on the morning of September 18, 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 - SEP 22 - Members Only - Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail and Campground Birding

Bluffs at Montaña de Oro [photo by Joanne Aasen]

REGISTRATION CLOSED.


Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents a Members-Only Event  

 

Field Trip:                 Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail and Campground Birding  

Date:                          September 22, 2025  

Time:                         8:30am to 12:00pm  

Leader(s):                 Eric Wier & Steve McMasters  

 

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, bathrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.

 

Registration will open on the morning of September 12, 2025 with notification sent only to MCAS members. Not a MCAS member? Consider joining MCAS to support our mission and activities and enjoy these member-only field trips.

 

Questions? Send email to: robbie.revel@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Field Trip - SEP 19 - Members Only - Habitat - Shark Inlet

Shark Inlet [photo by Faylla Chapman]
REGISTRATION CLOSED.

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents a Members-Only Event  
 

Field Trip:                 Habitat - Shark Inlet  

Date:                          September 19, 2025  

Time:                          10:00am to 12:00pm  

Leader(s):                 Faylla Chapman  

 

Description: Take a guided walk to Shark Inlet, located at the southernmost edge of the Morro Bay Estuary in Los Osos—a secluded and rarely visited spot. The journey begins at the Coastal Access Butterfly Grove, where you’ll pass through stands of stately eucalyptus trees and learn about the area's rich natural and cultural history. From there, enjoy sweeping views of protected coastal land teeming with dune and shoreline plant life. You’ll encounter towering sand dunes up close and may even spot sharks gliding through the warm, shallow waters. Along the way, look for rare native plants, an ancient shell midden, and local bird species flitting through the coastal scrub.

 

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

 

Registration: Registration will open on the morning of September 9, 2025 with notification sent only to MCAS members. Not a MCAS member? Consider joining MCAS to support our mission and activities and enjoy these member-only field trips.

 

Questions? Send email to: robbie.revel@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Field Trip - SEP 15 - Villa Creek Snowy Plovers

Looking North Along Beach Leading to Villa Creek [photo by Mike Bush]
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   

 

Field Trip:                 Villa Creek Snowy Plovers  

Date:                          September 15, 2025  

Time:                         10:00am to 12:00pm  

Leader(s):                 Sharon Iranpour  

 

Description: The western snowy plover lives and breeds on the sand on just a few of our local natural beaches. A small federally threatened shorebird, this grey/brown and white bird with darker breeding plumage blends in well on the sandy beach, often making it difficult to locate. There will be a short talk before we walk out to examine a replica nest and learn about them. We’ll walk across the grassland to the bluff and down onto the beach to look for the plovers and possible other shorebirds. If there is time, we can also check out beach drift and some interesting rock formations.  

This is an easy walk, partially on soft sand and the distance is approximately a mile roundtrip. Bring binoculars, wear sturdy shoes and layer up. 

 

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

 

Registration: Registration will open on the morning of September 5, 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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