Owling at Bobcat Ranch - TRIP IS FULL
2026-01-24 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Bobcat Ranch at Night ©Matt Allshouse
Trip Leaders: Matt Allshouse, Autumn Turner, Kelli O’Neill – TRIP IS FULL
Description:
Take part in this limited opportunity to explore Audubon California’s Bobcat Ranch near Winters for a special evening owling field trip. Bobcat Ranch is a 6,800-acre working ranch that uses regenerative grazing management to restore and manage natural diversity in grassland and oak woodlands. It is Audubon California’s largest landholding and is the first certified Ranch in California under Audubon’s Conservation Ranching Program. To aid in monitoring the outcomes of sustainable grazing practices, YBA volunteers have conducted biweekly bird surveys on the Ranch as part of an ongoing phenology study since 2016.
Join Yolo Bird Alliance volunteers Kelli and Autumn, and ranch manager Matt Allshouse for this crepuscular owling outing. Leaders will guide participants on a short walk around the headquarters for sunset birding, and proceed to other owling locations on the Ranch via short walk/vehicle.
Accessibility:
Please note that the terrain may be rocky and muddy and will include trip hazards, especially with limited visibility at night. A port-a-potty will be available at headquarters. Cell phone service is limited at the Ranch.
Meeting Location and Registration:
Please prepare for the weather and cold, muddy conditions by bringing water (hot beverages and thermoses recommended!) and snacks, wearing sturdy, water resistant/proof close-toed shoes, and dressing in layers. Headlamps are also recommended. This trip may be rescheduled in the event of rain. Bring your binoculars and cameras for the sunset birding portion.
We have special permission to lead the group on Bobcat Ranch, which has limited public access. Maximum number of participants is 12. Participants will need to sign an online Audubon liability waiver prior to entering the Ranch in addition to the YBA field trip waiver. Participants will rendezvous in Davis and carpool/caravan in trip leader vehicles to the property.
Please contact Yolo Bird Alliance Field Trip Coordinator Zane Pickus with any questions or to sign up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com.
Yolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public.

Raptor Ramble 2026 - TRIP IS FULL
2026-01-31 07:30 - 17:00
Peregrine Falcon ©Zane Pickus
Trip Leaders: Kevin Guse
Description: TRIP IS FULL
California’s Central Valley has one of the largest wintering raptor populations in the country. Our goal will be to see how many species of raptors we can find on this annual trip. Highlights of past trips include Ferruginous Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Bald Eagle and Prairie Falcon. Route to be determined as conditions warrant.
Accessibility:
This trip will have a mix of birding by car and on foot, and involves a full day in the field. Bathrooms may be limited depending on the route.
Meeting Location and Registration:
Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars, a spotting scope if you have one, lunch, plenty of liquids, layers of clothes and be prepared for a full day trip. High winds or significant rain will cancel this trip. The trip will return to its meeting location by 5:00pm.
The Raptor Ramble will be limited to 15 participants. This is a popular trip and spaces fill up fast, so sign-up early if you are interested! Please contact Zane Pickus with any questions or to sign-up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com
Yolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. Carpooling is highly encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between drivers and riders.
