EUREKA! THE BIRDS OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY - November/December 2017

To VIEWPRINT, or DOWNLOAD Eureka! click READ MORE. Then move cursor over the Eureka! displayed below and click the "Pop-out" icon in the top-right corner.

From the now newly opened window, you can read Eureka! OR use the icons in the top-right corner to PRINT or DOWNLOAD Eureka!.

FIELD TRIP - Lopez Lake 2/24

Collaborative Lopez Lake field trip Saturday, February 24th, 9AM

Join MCAS leaders Chuck Woodard and Jan Surbey and California Native Plant Society and Sierra Club leader Bill Waycottt for this trip featuring both birds and plants.  Depending on the group size, the trip will likely be divided into two sections, with those interested in birding staying in more open areas and along the lakeshore searching for waterfowl and oak-woodland species. and those interested in plants using the trail. For those wanting more hiking, a continuation of the trail to the top of the Dune Vista lookout is an option.  All of the groups will reconvene around noon near the starting area for a picnic lunch (bring your own).

Directions: From Arroyo Grande, follow the signs to Lopez Lake. After crossing the dam, turn right on Hi Mountain Road and proceed 0.8 miles to the junction of Upper Lopez Canyon Road. Bear left on Canyon Rd. 3.6 miles to the old entrance of Boy Scout Camp (now part of the County Park). Enter the gate if open; if not, park on the side of the road. Restrooms available. No day-use fee or RSVP required. Bring water, snacks, lunch (if you wish), and dress in layers for changing weather. Hat, sunscreen, and study shoes recommended. Rain or threat of rain cancels. For additional information, contact Jan Surbey (jan@morrocoastaudubon.org) or Bill Waycott 805-459-2103 or bill.waycott@gmail.com


MCAS Community Program - FEB 19th - Mighty Migrants!

Mighty Migrants: How Birds and Monarch Butterflies Find Their Way

Presented by Jessica Griffiths

Monday, February 19th 7 pm
at SLO Botanical Garden Oak Glen Pavilion in El Chorro Park

Birds and monarch butterflies have more in common than you might think. Both undertake spectacular migrations in the spring and fall.  Come and learn all about the phenomenon of migration as we compare and contrast the tools, tricks, and adaptations that birds and monarchs use during their amazing long-distance journeys.  We will answer such questions as: how do birds and monarchs know which way to go?  How do monarchs tell time?  How many miles per gallon would a migrating warbler get?   The presentation will also describe some of the amazing and creative scientific experiments that shed light on the mysteries of migration.  

Jessica Griffiths has been working as a field biologist for over 15 years.  She grew up in Chicago, got her undergrad degree at Wellesley College outside of Boston.  She worked around the country as a wildlife biologist with a focus on songbird ecology, then lived and worked in Monterey and Big Sur running the Big Sur Ornithology Lab for several years.  She discovered a passion for public outreach and education, and has given presentations on native wildlife to thousands of people.  She received her Masters at Cal Poly University, where she studied overwintering monarch butterflies.  She currently works as a biologist for Althouse and Meade, Inc., and leads several birding field trips around SLO County for MCAS every year.

All MCAS programs are free, open to the public, and all ages are welcome.  Refreshments will be provided. 


The Peregrine Falcons of Morro Rock - UPDATED!


THE PEREGRINE FALCONS OF MORRO ROCK
A 50-YEAR HISTORY
1967 - 2017

Steve Schubert has recently revised, edited, and updated his book, first published ten years ago, from a 40-year to a 50-year history. The published 2nd edition is now current through the year 2017. It's done, the final edition!
Please pass on the publicity to others you know that might be interested in reading the book and having a copy as a historical reference, thank-you!
Paperback book and kindle reader copies can be ordered from Amazon using the following link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HMTR5K0

Condor Monitoring Volunteer Opportunity

EUREKA! THE BIRDS OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY - October 2017

To VIEWPRINT, or DOWNLOAD Eureka!, move cursor over Eureka! below and then click the "Pop-out" icon in the top-right corner.

Then, in the newly opened window, you can read Eureka! OR use the icons in the top-right corner to PRINT or DOWNLOAD Eureka!.

EAST SWEET SPRINGS GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

EAST SWEET SPRINGS 
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

Over a hundred people gathered to celebrate the long awaited opening of East Sweet Springs. Most took the walk out to the new platform/blind at the water's edge. Most also enjoyed treats provided and a beverage for toasting the work done by so many over the past nine years to make this happen and to celebrate this beautiful place that can now be accessed by the public for the first time.

Here are a few photos (taken by Dave Clendenen) to get an idea of this special day.

Entrance to East Sweet Springs at Ramona and 4th.  Pavers line the entrance area.

Family finds and photographs a paver.

Snacks were provided.

Crowd gathers on pavers. Beverages provided.

New path is accessible.

Side paths connects the new East with Central Sweet Springs.

Path leading to boardwalk and platform at edge of bay.

Crowd gathering before ceremony and toast.

All ages can enjoy the new path and signage along the way.

Time taken to thank so many who have helped to make this opening possible.

A toast to all who helped and to celebrate the opening of East Sweet Springs.