MCAS Community Program - SEPT 21 - Yosemite Wildlife - Stories in Front of, and Behind, the Lens

Mexican Free-tailed Bats - Packed in like Sardines [photo by Robb Hirsch]  

MCAS - September 2026 - Zoom Community Program

Program:     Yosemite Wildlife - Stories in Front of, and Behind, the Lens

When:             Monday, Sept 21st, 2026 7pm-8pm

Presenter(s):    Robb Hirsch

Join Zoom Meeting Zoom Meeting ID: 916 3667 2492; Passcode:740643

You can also find the link in the MCAS Events Calendar. 

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

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

Description: 

Yosemite is primarily known for its world class scenery and, as a result, the park’s wildlife is unfortunately often overlooked. Join Robb Hirsch for a presentation highlighting the diversity of Yosemite’s incredible wildlife and how he creates images that tell their stories. He’ll share natural history anecdotes, ethical wildlife photography tips, and the experiences behind capturing images over the past 30 years. Robb is the photographer of the recently published Yosemite Wildlife written by conservationist extraordinaire, Beth Pratt, and he’s the author/photographer of The Nature of Yosemite- A Visual Journey, both published by the Yosemite Conservancy.

Bio: 

Biologist by training, naturalist by heart, and photographer by passion, Robb Hirsch has an intimate relationship with the natural world. Photography was originally a means to document the wildlife and habitats he was working with before becoming the focus. His primary professional goal is using nature photography for education, outreach, and conservation, in addition to creating images to hang on walls for pure enjoyment. Robb's photography has been featured in calendars, magazines, gallery showings, and international competitions, and he leads customized small-group, private photography workshops in Yosemite and the surrounding Sierra Nevada. Robb is the author/photographer of The Nature of Yosemite: A Visual Journey (Yosemite Conservancy, 2019) and the photographer of Yosemite Wildlife (Yosemite Conservancy, 2025). More information about Robb and his work, at www.RobbHirschPhoto.com.

If you have questions, email mcas@morrocoastaudubon.org.

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MCAS Annual Picnic - JUN 29 - El Chorro Regional Park

Birding at El Chorro Regional Park [photo by Wendy McKeown)

Morro Coast Audubon Society

Annual June Picnic and Birding Walk

Monday, June 29th, 2026 at 5:00 pm

El Chorro Regional Park, Mariposa Group Area

What:

• Informal birding walk: 5:00-6:00 pm

• Picnic: 6:00 - 7:15 pm

Where:

Mariposa Group Area, El Chorro Regional Park

2961 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo

Location Details:

The Mariposa Group Area is on your left as you drive into the park, just across from the SLO Botanical Gardens main entrance and Oak Glen Pavilion. NOTE: This is different from the one we typically reserve. The closest restrooms are located near the entrance to the park. This is an ADA accessible group area.

Picnic Details:

Bring a dish to share (w/serving utensils), and your own reusable table setting (plate, cup, flatware, etc.), in addition to a picnic tablecloth if you have one. If you’d rather not share, bring your own meal. Assorted beverages and cookies will be provided by MCAS hospitality. 

Birding Walk:

Prior to the Picnic, an informal birding walk around El Chorro Regional Park, led by Eric Wier and Mark Mushkat, will be held from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Join Eric and Mark for a late afternoon walk through the varied habitats and surrounding environs of El Chorro Regional Park. 

This short birding walk will be over gentle terrain and will begin and end in the Mariposa Group Area in time for the Morro Coast Audubon Annual Picnic! People of all birding skills are welcome. Some of the species we might expect to see include White-tailed Kite, Red-shouldered Hawk, California Quail, Western Scrub-jay, Western Bluebird, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Bullock's Oriole. Bring your own binoculars and take a casual stroll with fellow birders. No signups are required for this birding walk. 

The event is open to all at no charge. Donations towards our programs are always welcome.

We’d love to have you join us!

Questions? Email mcas@morrocoastaudubon.org

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VIDEO of May 18th Community Program - Birds and Energy - is now available

Presenter: Martin Ogle

View VIDEO Here

MCAS May 2026 Zoom Community Program

Title: Birds and Energy

Presenter: Martin Ogle

Date: Monday, May 18th, 2026, 7:00 pm

Description: 

Birds are full of energy—literally and figuratively! With the highest body temperatures of all animals, remarkable adaptations, and awe-inspiring migrations, they have much to teach us about energy. At the same time, human energy systems affect birds uniquely and severely.

Naturalist and energy educator Martin Ogle delivers a fascinating exploration of avian life through the lens of energy . . . and vice versa!  Discover how the National Audubon Society is connecting energy, birds, climate change and other concerns of our day.  Learn about a myriad of energy-related adaptations in birds (including one found in the legs of birds and in modern buildings!) and new ways we are lessening the impact of human energy systems on birds.   And more!

This engaging program provides a fresh, little-known window into the world of birds while deepening our understanding of energy through the context of Earth's living systems. 

Bio: 

Martin Ogle has a 40 year career as a naturalist and energy educator in VA and CO. He received Wildlife Biology degrees (B.S. and M.S.) from Colorado State University and Virginia Tech and recently created the non-profit, Geo Sapiens; The Earth-wise Human. His work includes Birds and Beyond — Boulder County Audubon which is bringing the immense relevance of birds to our world to the fore! 

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MCAS Virtual Community Program - MAY 18 - Birds and Energy

Martin Ogle  

MCAS May 2026 Zoom Community Program

Title: Birds and Energy

Presenter: Martin Ogle

Date: Monday, May 18th, 2026, 7:00 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/91778300686?pwd=Uunm5EAizT6sSDbvbW5SH6FfgR9454.1 

Meeting ID: 917 7830 0686; Passcode: 184880

You can also find the link on the MCAS Events Calendar.

 

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

If you are not already an MCAS member, please consider becoming a MCAS member to support our mission and activities, including Community Programs.

Description: 

Birds are full of energy—literally and figuratively! With the highest body temperatures of all animals, remarkable adaptations, and awe-inspiring migrations, they have much to teach us about energy. At the same time, human energy systems affect birds uniquely and severely.

Naturalist and energy educator Martin Ogle delivers a fascinating exploration of avian life through the lens of energy . . . and vice versa!  Discover how the National Audubon Society is connecting energy, birds, climate change and other concerns of our day.  Learn about a myriad of energy-related adaptations in birds (including one found in the legs of birds and in modern buildings!) and new ways we are lessening the impact of human energy systems on birds.   And more!

This engaging program provides a fresh, little-known window into the world of birds while deepening our understanding of energy through the context of Earth's living systems. 

Bio: 

Martin Ogle has a 40 year career as a naturalist and energy educator in VA and CO. He received Wildlife Biology degrees (B.S. and M.S.) from Colorado State University and Virginia Tech and recently created the non-profit, Geo Sapiens; The Earth-wise Human. His work includes Birds and Beyond — Boulder County Audubon which is bringing the immense relevance of birds to our world to the fore! 

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

 

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Video of APR 20 Community Program is Now Available

Pigeon Guillemots by Alice Cahill  

 MCAS – April 20th, 2026  – In-Person

View the Fourth Annual Birds of SLO and Northern Santa Barbara Counties VIDEO.

Description of Program:

Judy Neuhauser will present the Fourth Annual Program of Birds of San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara Counties. This slide show, featuring photos from some of the best photographers in the area, will showcase the splendor of birds that live and migrate through the spectacularly varied habitats in our counties. The wide range of birds that live in or pass through these landscapes is truly amazing. Join us as we get a close-up look at these birds as they live their lives, in photos taken by some of the Central Coast’s finest nature photographers. The program will be set to recorded music by Aria DiSalvio, a cellist from Santa Cruz, and her musical collaborators,  and by Cafe Musique, a local San Luis Obispo County band.

Bio: 

Judy Neuhauser is a retired field botanist and educator who worked for many years in California’s deserts, chaparral, and conifer forests, as an outdoor educator, and as a bilingual classroom teacher. She lived and taught for two years in the mountains of Costa Rica. She was founder of Stream Consciousness, local chapter of the Urban Creeks Council, that worked on making creeks a vital part of urban life in San Luis Obispo. She was active in developing and presenting classroom programs on birds for MCAS and served as the MCAS President for 5 ½ years.

commprograms@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS - APR 30 - Special Zoom Community Program - Birding by Ear

MCAS - APR 30 - Zoom Community Program - Birding by Ear

Program: Birding By Ear: An Introduction to Learning Bird Calls and Songs

When: Thursday, April 30th 7pm-8pm

Presenter: Jessica Griffiths

Join Zoom Meeting Zoom Meeting ID: 925 0130 3510; Passcode: 658851

You can also find the link in the MCAS Events Calendar. 

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

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

Description: 

Most birders focus on learning to identify birds by what they look like. But many birds are more often heard than seen!  Learning bird songs and calls will make you a better birder and enrich your birding experience. Jessica Griffiths will provide some basic "auditory field marks", then review some helpful tips, tricks and mnemonic devices for identifying birds by sound, as well as reviewing songs and calls of the most common birds in this area. 

This is a special MCAS Community Program being offered in celebration of Birdability’s Blind Birder Bird-a-thon 2026, May 3-4. More details can be found on the Birdability website: https://www.birdability.org/blind-birdathon. 

Bio: 

Jessica Griffiths has worked as a wildlife biologist for 25 years, with a focus on birds and monarch butterflies. She moved to San Luis Obispo in 2010 and earned her Masters in Biology at Cal Poly University. She now works as a wildlife biologist for Colorado State University's Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Every year she leads several birding field trips around SLO County for Morro Coast Audubon Society focused on helping people learn bird vocalizations.

If you have questions, email Wendy McKeown, Community Programs Chair commprograms@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Community Program - APR 20 - Birds of SLO and Business Mtng

Pigeon Guillemots by Alice Cahill  

 MCAS – April 20th, 2026  – In-Person

Morro Coast Audubon Society’s Annual Members’ Meeting 

& the Fourth Annual Birds of SLO and Northern Santa Barbara Counties

Business: Introduction of Candidates and the upcoming election; Announcement
of MCAS Volunteers of the Year Awards and Scholarship Awards

Program: Fourth Annual Birds of SLO and Northern Santa Barbara Counties

When: Monday, April 20th, 2026, 7:00 pm

Where: Unitarian Universalists Church of San Luis Obispo, 2201 Lawton Ave.,
SLO. See directions below. 

Presenter(s): Curated and Presented by Judy Neuhauser

Recorded Music accompaniment by Aria DiSalvio and Cafe Musique

All MCAS Community Programs are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome.

No signup/registration is required to attend. The recorded program will be posted on our YouTube channel.

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

Description of Business:

Morro Coast Audubon Society’s Annual Members’ Meeting will include:

• Introductions to our candidates for officer and board positions in the upcoming election, and nominations from the floor.

• Announcement of winner of the MCAS Volunteers of the Year Awards for 2026.

• Announcement of the winners of the MCAS Scholarship Awards for 2026.

• Announcement of Special Award.

Description of Program:

Judy Neuhauser will present the Fourth Annual Program of Birds of San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara Counties. This slide show, featuring photos from some of the best photographers in the area, will showcase the splendor of birds that live and migrate through the spectacularly varied habitats in our counties. The wide range of birds that live in or pass through these landscapes is truly amazing. Join us as we get a close-up look at these birds as they live their lives, in photos taken by some of the Central Coast’s finest nature photographers. The program will be set to recorded music by Aria DiSalvio, a cellist from Santa Cruz, and her musical collaborators,  and by Cafe Musique, a local San Luis Obispo County band.

Bio: 

Judy Neuhauser is a retired field botanist and educator who worked for many years in California’s deserts, chaparral, and conifer forests, as an outdoor educator, and as a bilingual classroom teacher. She lived and taught for two years in the mountains of Costa Rica. She was founder of Stream Consciousness, local chapter of the Urban Creeks Council, that worked on making creeks a vital part of urban life in San Luis Obispo. She was active in developing and presenting classroom programs on birds for MCAS and served as the MCAS President for 5 ½ years.

Directions to Location:

Directions to 2201 Lawton Ave., SLO:

From South St. near Broad St., turn onto Meadow St. next to Meadow Park.

You will see the church parking lot on your left. Turn in at the second entrance to the parking lot. Walk through the gate (there is a disabled ramp there). Our room is the second door on the left. We will be meeting in the Social Hall.  Map

If you have questions, email Wendy McKeown, Programs Chair commprograms@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Virtual Community Program - MAR 16 - Small Mountain Owls

Scott & a fledgling Northern Pygmy-Owl

NOTE: This program will NOT be recorded so it is only available via Zoom the night of the presentation.

Program: Small Mountain Owls
When: March 16th, 2026 7:00 pm
Presenter(s): Scott Rashid, Director of the Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute (CARRI)

Join Zoom Meeting Zoom Meeting ID: 910 0402 5964; Passcode: 885475
You can also find the link in the MCAS Events Calendar.

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

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

Description:
This presentation covers four small mountain owls found in the western mountains and especially in and around Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).

This program will cover the natural history of Northern Pygmy-Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Boreal Owl, and the Flammulated Owl. Scott has been working with these owls, researching and rehabilitating them for more than 30 years.

Scott has documented the first nest of a pair of Flammulated Owls in RMNP and the first-ever Boreal Owl nest in RMNP. He has documented each species’ preferred habitats, nests, and feeding, not to mention courtship, growth of their young, and more.

Scott and his researchers have been trapping and banding these birds as part of their research. During the program, you will learn the results of these banding operations. You will find out how many of these birds are captured by CARRI members each fall and where they may spend the winters.

Bio:
Artist, Researcher, Bird Rehabilitator, Author, and Director of the nonprofit organization, Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute (CARRI), are only a few things that describe Scott Rashid. Scott has been painting, illustrating, and writing about birds since 1989. He has been passionate about birds ever since he was a young boy living in Wisconsin.

In 1992, he received his state and federal banding permits, and two years later was asked to create a bird banding program at the YMCA of the Rockies just south of Estes Park, Colorado. That banding station is still in operation today, and he has grown it into the most popular program at the largest YMCA in the world, having thousands of guests visit the station each year. In 2014, Scott and his volunteers banded their 10,000th bird there.

In 1994, Scott became a licensed bird rehabilitator and began caring for injured birds. Through his rehabilitation efforts, he has returned hundreds of injured and orphaned birds to the wild. Through his rehabilitation efforts, he has taken care of eagles, falcons, owls, and hawks as well as songbirds, hummingbirds, and corvids of all kinds.

In 1998, he began studying Northern Pygmy-Owls in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Since then, he has located 18 different Northern Pygmy-Owl nests in and outside of the National Park. The information obtained from his studies has been published in several books, magazines, and scientific journals.

Also in 1998, he began locating Northern Goshawk territories and nest sites in and around RMNP. He has located and monitored over a dozen active Northern Goshawk nests since then. This monitoring includes spending countless hours with the birds near their nests documenting incubation dates, hatching dates, food deliveries, as well as fledging and post-fledging activities.

In 2004, Scott located the first Flammulated Owl nest within RMNP. He has also located several Northern Saw-whet Owl nests both inside and outside of RMNP, and has proven that the Boreal Owl does, in fact, nest within the boundaries of RNMP.

In 2011, Scott created the Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute (CARRI) in Estes Park, CO. Members of the nonprofit rehabilitate injured birds found in and around Estes Park and research birds in and around RMNP, Estes Park, and the front range of Colorado.

Scott’s books include Small Mountain Owls (2009), The Great Horned Owl (2015), The Northern Goshawk, the Gray Ghost (2015), Exploring the World of the Barn Owl (2019), American Kestrel, the Diminutive Raptor (2022), Northern Saw-whet Owl, the Deep Woods Gnome (2021) and Small Mountain Owls, Revised and Expanded Edition (2022).

Most recently, in 2025, Scott was awarded the prestigious Champion of Owls Award from the International Owl Center in Houston, Minnesota.

If you have questions, email Wendy McKeown, Programs Chair commprograms@morrocoastaudubon.org

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VIDEO of FEB 16th Community Program now available

Research in New Zealand

 

VIEW VIDEO on MCAS Youtube Channel

 

Date:            Monday, February 16th, 2026, 7:00 pm

Title:            Sounds in the Ocean:  From Ventriloquist Lobsters to Dancing Crabs

Presenter:   Marie Goeritz, Ph.D.

 

Description:

When we think of sounds in the ocean, we think of whales and dolphins, but the underwater soundscape is far richer and more diverse than that. In this presentation, Marie Goeritz will explore the hidden world of animal-generated sound beneath the waves, with a special focus on invertebrates. From snapping shrimp to crabs and lobsters, many animals produce and respond to sound in ways that shape their behavior and interactions with their environment. Drawing on examples from across the marine world and insights from her own research, Dr. Goeritz will introduce how crustaceans use the ocean’s soundscape as a sensory cue for orientation, how they generate sound, how they detect and respond to it, and how they even use sound in courtship-like dances during mating.

 

Bio:

Dr. Marie Goeritz is a neurobiologist and educator whose work explores how animals sense and interact with their environments. She earned her Ph.D. in Zoology and has conducted research at the University of Cologne, Cornell University, Brandeis University, and the University of Auckland. Her research is focused on the nervous systems of crustaceans, linking neurophysiology and anatomy with behavior and ecology. Dr. Goeritz currently teaches biology at Cuesta College and serves on the Board of Directors of the Morro Coast Audubon Society as Lands Chair. In her free time, she enjoys music, camera trapping, wildlife photography and being on or near the water.

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