MCAS Community Program - NOV 17 - Saving Birds from Window Collisions: Simple Solutions for a Big Problem

Two Birds Killed in Window Collision [photo by Travis Longcore]  

MCAS November 2025 Zoom Community Program  

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.  

 

Join Zoom Meeting Zoom Meeting ID: 949 5768 7990; Passcode: 052674

 

Please consider becoming a Member of MCAS to support MCAS’s mission and activities, including Community Programs.

 

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

 

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.

 

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

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MCAS Field Trip - NOV 16 - La Lomita Ranch Bird & Wine

La Lomita Ranch [courtesy of lalomitaranch.com]

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   

Field Trip:                 La Lomita Ranch Bird & Wine  

Date:                         11/16/2025  

Time:                         9:00am to 12:00pm  

Leader(s):                 Claudia Freitas & Revel Team  

 

Description: La Lomita Ranch sits nestled between Islay Hill—the southernmost peak in the chain of volcanic cones known as the Nine Sisters—and the Edna Valley Wine Region. Once part of the historic Mexican land grant Rancho Corral de Piedra, La Lomita was originally developed as a ranch and breeding facility for Arabian horses. Still a working ranch today, it has grown to include a wedding venue, a charming Bed & Breakfast, and a vineyard on Islay Hill. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of its large pond, grand oaks, and lush gardens, while wine enthusiasts will savor the elegant estate wines crafted exclusively from its vineyard. Join Claudia Freitas and the Revel Team for a birding adventure around the ranch followed by wine tasting. Note that La Lomita does not serve lunch; you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy. The registration fee for this trip is $25 and it includes wine tasting.

 

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 11/6/2025 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 - Members Only - NOV 13 - Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat Birding

Pontoon Boat on Lake

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents a Members-Only Event  

 

Field Trip:     Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat Birding  

Date:              November 13, 2025  

Time:             8am to 12 Noon  

Leader(s):    Scott Stellar  

 

Description: Join Morro Coast Audubon on a pontoon boat ride adventure birding Santa Margarita Lake. We'll cruise pretty much the entire lake taking in all the migratory and permanent birds as well as shoreline wildlife that abound. Restrooms are available along the route. The registration fee for this trip is $40. Note that this is a $12 per vehicle entry fee at the campground kiosk. Carpools from the Santa Margarita Park & Ride will be arranged. Participants selected for this trip will be sent a link for the registration fee payment.

 

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 11/3/2025 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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VIDEO now available for OCT 20 Community Program - Dragonflies and How to Attract Them with a Wildlife Pond

View Video on MCAS YouTube Channel

Description: 

This program will introduce the fascinating biology of the Odonates - the dragonflies and damselflies. Attendees will learn about the dragonfly’s life cycle which includes an underwater nymph stage, much like a butterfly's caterpillar stage. The different families of dragonflies will be introduced and the most common species to be attracted to a pond in the Morro Bay area will be presented. The use of ponds to attract the Odonates, the ideal size and depths, the best plant species to use and maintenance techniques will be explored along with positioning the pond on your property. Dragonflies are beautiful - Ponds are peaceful - Having both is a true joy!

Bio:

Kathy Biggs has been a nature lover all her life. When she built a wildlife pond in her backyard in 1996, dragonflies arrived and she found her true passion. She then created several websites: wildlife ponds, California Dragonflies & Damselflies, and Dragonflies of the Greater Southwest which grew into several books including guides to dragonflies of California, the Southwest and Jalisco, Mexico, each a first for its area.

 

When the Pandemic stopped all the programs and walks she was giving, Kathy thought she was retiring, but her friend Sandra von Arb talked her into co-authoring a new guide, Dragonflies (Anisoptera) of California. This guide includes distribution maps besides descriptions and large photos of both sexes and other necessary information including a nymph or exuvia for each genus, a first for any dragonfly guide.

 

An eGuide, Dragonflies of the Greater Southwest, which is completely interactive and includes California, is another accomplishment that Kathy is proud of. She is also the author of the CD Build a Pond for Wildlife which explains how that differs from building Koi and Tropical lily ponds, and an educational coloring book, Dragonflies of North America with art by Tim Manolis.

 

Kathy surveys for dragonflies in California and the greater southwest. She manages the Yahoo Group CalOdes and she tracks flight data and distribution for California and Jalisco. Kathy is a member and vetter for Odonata Central, iNaturalist and for the Western Odonata Facebook Group. She also has a Facebook group, Building Ponds for Wildlife, that helps newbies and provides a forum for members to share their successes and the wildlife that visits.

 

The TV program "Deep Look" filmed Kathy’s Pond and its inhabitants in 2017 and again just this year. The 2017 program can be seen from this link: Deep Look - A Baby Dragonfly's Mouth Will Give You Nightmares. The 2025 footage is still in progress.

 

Kathy has worked with the Bureau of Land Management in protecting habitat for the rare Black Petaltail dragonfly and has discovered new breeding areas where the rarest dragonfly in North America (the San Francisco Forktail) lives. She hopes she can inspire you to get to know the dragonflies and possibly to build a habitat that supports them.

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MCAS Field Trip - NOV 9 - Laguna Lake Birding

Open Fields at Laguna Lake Park [photo by Robbie Revel]

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   

 

Field Trip:     Laguna Lake Birding  

Date:              November 9, 2025  

Time:             9am to 12 Noon  

Leader(s):    Will Knowlton & Morgan Bing  

 

Description: We’ll explore the park’s trees and meadows in search of wintering songbirds, flycatchers, and raptors. Open spaces and power poles offer great vantage points for spotting raptors during the winter, while marshy areas can be productive for warblers, wrens, and munias. The Lake will offer sightings of wading birds and ducks. The trail is flat, and we’ll cover approximately 1.5 to 2 miles.

 

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 10/30/2025 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 8 - High Tide Bike Field Trip

Birding by Bike

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]

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

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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