BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Yolo Bird Alliance - ECPv6.18.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Yolo Bird Alliance REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20270314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20271107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251129T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251129T160000 DTSTAMP:20251103T014848Z CREATED:20251103T014848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T014848Z UID:7894-1764403200-1764432000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Sacramento and Colusa Wildlife Refuges DESCRIPTION:Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge ©Genevieve Colborn \nTrip Leader: – Genevieve Colborn and Kelli O’Neill \nDescription:   \nThis post-Thanksgiving trip will feature iconic Central Valley wintering birds at two national wildlife refuges. Depending on water conditions\, late November at the Sacramento and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges can be a phenomenal birding location. These refuges host hundreds of thousands of wintering geese and ducks\, as well as many other birds. We will have good chances of seeing bald eagles and other raptors. We will bird the auto loops at both refuges\, stopping at the observation tower in Sacramento NWR and the observation deck at Colusa NWR. Depending on the weather\, we may take a short trail walk. \nFor further information regarding species may be encountered on this field trip\, check out the eBird Trip Report from last winter’s edition of the event: https://ebird.org/tripreport/298336 \nAccessibility: \nMost birding will be done by car\, with a couple of short walks on flat\, mostly even terrain. Bathrooms will be available at each of the refuge headquarters. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nPlease contact Zane Pickus at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com to register and for details regarding where to meet. This trip will be limited to 12 participants in a maximum of 4 cars. A one-day pass ($6) or National Parks pass is required for each vehicle. It can be purchased beforehand online or at the kiosk for the refuge on the day of the trip. \nYolo 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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/sacramento-and-colusa-wildlife-refuges-2/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260124T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260124T200000 DTSTAMP:20260114T043008Z CREATED:20260106T163248Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T043008Z UID:8109-1769270400-1769284800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Owling at Bobcat Ranch - TRIP IS FULL DESCRIPTION:Bobcat Ranch at Night ©Matt Allshouse \nTrip Leaders:  Matt Allshouse\, Autumn Turner\, Kelli O’Neill  – TRIP IS FULL \nDescription:   \nTake 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. \nJoin 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. \nAccessibility: \nPlease 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. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nPlease 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. \nWe 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. \nPlease contact Yolo Bird Alliance Field Trip Coordinator Zane Pickus with any questions or to sign up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com. \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/owling-at-bobcat-ranch/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260131T073000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260131T170000 DTSTAMP:20260116T170714Z CREATED:20260108T003114Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T170714Z UID:8127-1769844600-1769878800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Raptor Ramble 2026 - TRIP IS FULL DESCRIPTION:Peregrine Falcon ©Zane Pickus \nTrip Leaders:  Kevin Guse \nDescription:  TRIP IS FULL \nCalifornia’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. \nAccessibility: \nThis 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. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders 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. \n 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 \nYolo 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. \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/raptor-ramble-2026/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260214T063000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260214T173000 DTSTAMP:20260211T025202Z CREATED:20260108T005146Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T025202Z UID:8131-1771050600-1771090200@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Winter Field Trip to Bodega Bay - TRIP IS FULL DESCRIPTION:Red Knot ©Kevin Guse \nTrip Leaders:  Kevin Guse  – TRIP FULL \nDescription:   \nYou are cordially invited to join us for a trip to one of the crown jewels of Northern California birding: Bodega Bay. On this trip we will be looking for a wide variety of winter bird species\, including shorebirds\, gulls\, loons\, grebes\, ducks\, raptors and wading birds. Previous trips have seen Brant\, Long-tailed Duck\, Red-necked Grebe\, over a dozen shorebird species\, and a “cormorant sweep” of Brandt’s\, Double-crested\, and Pelagic Cormorants. This trip frequently finds over seventy species and is one of Yolo Bird Alliance’s most popular events. \nAccessibility: \nA mix of birding by car and on foot. There will be a few short walks on level terrain. Bathrooms are available in a few locations\, but not at all stops. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, water\, snacks\, lunch\, and layers for winter weather. A spotting scope is worth bringing if you have one\, though Yolo Bird Alliance will have one for the group to share. High winds or significant rain will cancel this trip. This will be a full day of birding\, meeting at 6:30 AM and returning to the meeting location by 5:30pm. \nThis is a popular trip\, so don’t hesitate to sign up! Participants will be limited such that the trip is limited to 5 cars. The meeting location will be distributed upon signing up. Please contact Zane Pickus with any questions or to register at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \n 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. \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/winter-field-trip-to-bodega-bay-2/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260215T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260215T143000 DTSTAMP:20260211T024942Z CREATED:20260108T010450Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T024942Z UID:8135-1771146000-1771165800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Robinson Road: Raptors and Plovers - TRIP IS FULL DESCRIPTION:Mountain Plover ©Frank Severson \nTrip Leaders: Sharon Kirkpatrick – TRIP FULL \nDescription:   \nJoin us for a trip to the pastures of southeastern Solano County to search for overwintering raptors & other winter visitors. The fields in the vicinity of Robinson and Flannery Roads can be a fantastic location to observe locally uncommon grassland species. We will search fields\, perches and farm equipment for raptors\, and scan pastures for Mountain Plovers\, Horned Larks\, and Burrowing Owls. Prior trips have also seen Prairie Falcons\, Merlins\, Golden Eagles\, Ferruginous Hawks\, and Rough-legged Hawks.  We hope to see these and many more species during this trip. \nAccessibility: \nMost birding will be done by car\, with frequent stops to get out and scan for birds. There may be a few short walks along the gravel roads\, but they will be on level ground. Bathrooms are unavailable at this location. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, water\, snacks or lunch (though we don’t stop for this)\, and layers for winter weather. A spotting scope is worth bringing if you have one. High winds or significant rain will cancel this trip. The trip will return to its meeting location by mid-afternoon. \n The Robinson Road field trip will be limited to 11 people in 3 cars. Since this is a popular trip and spaces fill up fast\, sign-up early if you are interested. Once you have signed up the meeting location will be confirmed. Please contact Zane Pickus with any questions or to sign-up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \nYolo 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. \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/robinson-road-raptors-and-plovers-2/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260307T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260307T110000 DTSTAMP:20260202T152047Z CREATED:20260202T152047Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T152047Z UID:8190-1772870400-1772881200@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:eBird Atlasing at the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve DESCRIPTION:Tree Swallow ©Zane Pickus \nTrip Leaders: Zane Pickus\, Emmett Iverson \nDescription:   \nOn January 1\, 2026\, the California Bird Atlas began! This five-year-long participatory science project will document breeding birds throughout all of California\, providing valuable insight into the state’s bird populations as well as how species interact with their habitats. All birders\, regardless of experience\, are invited to contribute to the project via eBird. This field trip will focus on the ins and outs of the eBird app\, with a specific focus on how to contribute to the CBA. eBird has tremendous value to birders of all levels\, and the app makes it easy to create checklists and log bird sightings wherever you go. This trip will be geared towards those with little eBird experience and those interested in learning more about the CBA\, including best practices for data submission in the field. \nAs for the birds\, the breeding season will be well underway for many species and just beginning for others\, so we can expect an exciting morning on the creek. Sparrows\, goldfinches\, swallows\, woodpeckers\, nuthatches\, and wrens should all be out and about\, and we will be on the look out for any breeding behaviors or signs of nesting. \nAccessibility: \nThis trip will involve 2-3 miles of walking along well-maintained reserve trails. Most of these are flat\, but there are small slopes in a few spots. There will be frequent stops to talk about birds and log sightings in the eBird mobile app. Outhouses are available at the meeting location. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, water\, and a mobile phone capable of downloading the eBird mobile app. Yolo Bird Alliance will have a scope to share\, though this trip will mostly be in creek riparian habitat. High winds or significant rain will cancel this trip. This trip will be capped at 15 participants. \nTrip leaders ask that participants have created an eBird account and download the eBird app for iOS or Android prior to the trip. Information on how to do this can be found here: https://ebird.org/about/ebird-mobile/. Additional information about eBird and how it can be used to learn about birds can be found at this recorded Yolo Bird Alliance speaker series presentation from 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujLAMPCToqg. \nFeel free to follow the directions in this tutorial from the CBA\, and join the project at the link here: https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/home \nPlease contact Zane Pickus with any questions or to sign-up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \nYolo 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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/ebird-atlasing-at-the-putah-creek-riparian-reserve/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260411T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260411T090000 DTSTAMP:20260305T015136Z CREATED:20260305T015136Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T015136Z UID:8247-1775890800-1775898000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Spring Migration at Willowbank Ditch DESCRIPTION:Wilson’s Warbler ©Julian Johnson \nTrip Leader: Rob Furrow \nDescription:   \nThis walking trip focuses on the migrating songbirds passing through Davis. Willowbank Ditch in South Davis has a fantastic mix of mature trees\, dense understory\, and diverse fruiting and flowering plants. In mid-April\, insects abound and plants burst with flowers and new vegetation\, attracting migratory warbler species such as Wilson’s\, Orange-crowned\, Nashville\, Black-throated Gray\, and Townsend’s. There will still be some lingering winterers; we’ll hope for kinglets\, Hermit Thrushes\, and assorted sparrows. Overhead we’ll keep an eye out for swallows\, swifts\, and locally nesting Swainson’s Hawks. While birding we will practice thinking from a bird’s-eye view\, identifying habitat structure and key food sources that attract birds. \nAccessibility: \nExpect 1-1.5 miles of walking along flat greenbelt and trails\, although we will never be more than ½ of a mile from the meeting spot. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nThe trip will leave from the junction of Almond Lane and Rosario Street in Davis.  There is street parking around this junction\, and this intersection has a walking path that leads to the footbridge over the Willowbank Ditch.  https://maps.app.goo.gl/RGoAEvynKv9u3kN26 \nWe will meet at 7:00am and the trip will end around 9:00am. Please bring binoculars as well as any desired snacks and water. Heavy rain will cancel the trip. For more information contact Rob Furrow at robertfurrow@gmail.com or 610-715-9123. \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/spring-migration-at-willowbank-ditch-3/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260419T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260419T110000 DTSTAMP:20260410T225522Z CREATED:20260410T225522Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T225522Z UID:8313-1776585600-1776596400@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Spring Migration at the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve DESCRIPTION:Black Phoebe ©Aaron Haiman \nTrip Leader: Aaron Haiman \nDescription: \nSpring migration is in full swing and what better place to go than the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve? A morning of birding on this date can produce dozens of neotropical migrants\, including warblers\, vireos\, tanagers\, orioles\, and grosbeaks. The Putah Creek Riparian Reserve includes trails both immediately adjacent to the stream as well as on the levee above\, which borders agricultural fields and vineyards\, offering birders access to a diverse range of vegetation and bird species. \nNaturalist Aaron Haiman is the author of a recently released book\, Birds of the California Delta\, which showcases the vast avian diversity in the region. Learn more about Aaron and his book below! \nBirds of the California Delta: https://www.heydaybooks.com/catalog/birds-of-the-california-delta/ \n“A Birding Naturalist” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABirdingNaturalist \nAccessibility: \nThis trip will involve 2-3 miles of walking along well-maintained reserve trails. Most of these are flat\, but there are small slopes in a few spots. There will be frequent stops to look for and talk about birds. Outhouses are available at the meeting location. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, water\, snacks\, and sunscreen. Plan to meet Aaron at 8:00am at the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve Picnic Area off Levee Road\, here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lk3PmeC5QZgKC1ze7 \nParking is free at the reserve on weekends. No sign-up is necessary for this trip. \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/spring-migration-at-the-putah-creek-riparian-reserve-2/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260419T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260419T120000 DTSTAMP:20260406T214122Z CREATED:20260406T214122Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T214122Z UID:8306-1776589200-1776600000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Pacific Flyway Pond Planting Party DESCRIPTION:In the October 2025 issue of the Burrowing Owl\, we wrote about the habitat restoration project at the Pacific Flyway Pond (formerly known as North Regional Pond\, just north of the Woodland Waste Water Treatment Plant).  Now\, Yolo Bird Alliance\, alongside Yolo County Resource Conservation District\, has a big planting day coming up at the pond.  We hope you’ll join us for a morning of getting dirty and birding on Sunday\, April 19th from 9am to noon. \nSign up with a message here and you’ll receive more information on the work day. \nThe restoration project which is being supported with a $1.6 million grant received by the City of Woodland from the California Wildlife Conservation Board can be found here.  The earth moving and construction supervised by the city has largely been completed.  Under the leadership of the Yolo County Resource Conservation District\, YBA and other local non-profits have been helping with the planting and some upcoming interpretive signage.  We’re also pleased to announce that the City of Woodland has posted “No Dogs Allowed” signs at the site.  YBA had received several complaints about dogs disturbing nesting birds.  Hope to see you on the 19th. The Pacific Flyway Pond is becoming a wonderful amenity for the county. \n  \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/pacific-flyway-pond-planting-party/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T110000 DTSTAMP:20260414T203031Z CREATED:20260402T234453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T203031Z UID:8274-1777190400-1777201200@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Putah Creek at the Kusch Gardens - TRIP IS FULL DESCRIPTION:Black-chinned Hummingbird ©Manfred Kusch \nTrip Leader: Manfred Kusch \nDescription: TRIP IS FULL \nTour Manfred Kusch’s birding gardens between Davis and Winters. Kusch has cultivated his home garden and surrounding area\, which borders Putah Creek\, into a true birding extravaganza. He attracts a wide variety of birds in the gardens and habitat around the house\, especially hummingbirds and orioles. The multi-layered vegetation on either side of the creek hosts a variety of spring migrants\, including grosbeaks\, tanagers\, warblers\, and vireos. \nAccessibility: \nThis trip will involve some walking around in the Kusch gardens\, along with a stroll along well-maintained trails paralleling the creek. Most of these are flat\, but there are small slopes in a few spots. There will be frequent stops to look for and photograph birds. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, a camera and scope if you wish\, water\, and snacks. High winds or significant rain will cancel this trip. This popular event will be capped at 12 participants\, so sign-up early! \nPlease contact Zane Pickus with any questions or to sign-up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/putah-creek-at-the-kusch-gardens-2/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260509T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260509T103000 DTSTAMP:20260504T052844Z CREATED:20260504T052810Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T052844Z UID:8345-1778313600-1778322600@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Bridgeway Island Pond DESCRIPTION:Trip Leaders: Henry Witsken and Peyton Bounds \nDescription: \nAs spring migration and baby season continue to kick off\, please join us at Bridgeway Island Pond and the Deepwater Shipping Channel in West Sacramento! Bridgeway Island Pond is one of the premier locations in California to observe large concentrations of Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal at close range. Although we may not find high concentrations of teals at this time of year\, we look forward to seeing which waterfowl species have decided to settle down and nest on the pond! Bridgeway is also a great place to look for Spotted Sandpiper\, Common Gallinule\, American Avocet\, and maybe some rails if we’re lucky! As is always the case when out birding\, you never know what shorebird or waterfowl species may be sitting on the muddy spit waiting to be discovered! \nAfter covering Bridgeway Island Pond\, we will walk up the levee and scan the Deepwater Shipping Channel. Our targets here will be water-loving birds such as Bald Eagle\, Osprey\, Common Merganser\, Western Grebe\, and hopefully some nesting birds in the trees that line the channel. The stand of cottonwoods and bushes may yield passerines such as Spotted Towhee\, Orange-crowned Warbler\, and hopefully some migrants! \nAccessibility: \nMost birding will be done on foot. We will begin on a level path\, and walk up a graveled levee to reach the ship channel. There will be a small stretch where the path is quite narrow but still largely level. Bathrooms are not available at this location. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nWe will meet at 8:00am at the cul-de-sac at the end of Pender Island Rd in West Sacramento\, here: (38.540733\, -121.577855). Bring binoculars\, a scope (if you have one)\, water\, and snacks. High winds or significant rain will cancel this trip. Beginners are welcome and no sign-ups are necessary! We will conclude at approximately 10:30am. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JSFKhM9MD8TMxoB27 \nPlease contact Zane Pickus with any questions at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \nYolo 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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/bridgeway-island-pond-may-9-2026/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260515T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260515T210000 DTSTAMP:20260412T152741Z CREATED:20260412T152741Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T152741Z UID:8319-1778868000-1778878800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Capay Open Space Park - Lesser Nighthawks DESCRIPTION:Lesser Nighthawk ©Zane Pickus \nTrip Leader: Zane Pickus\, Bart Wickel\, Julian Johnson \nDescription: \nNighthawks are a family of cryptically colored\, primarily nocturnal bird species that are a favorite of many birders. Cache Creek is the summer home of the Lesser Nighthawk\, which winters in Central and South America before returning to California to breed. Lesser Nighthawks primarily feed on insects under the cover of darkness\, but in the spring they routinely engage in dusk courtship rituals. Sunset at Capay Open Space Park is the perfect place to observe nighthawks as they chase each other in acrobatic flights and sing their eerie trilled songs. \nYou can learn more about Lesser Nighthawks and listen to their song here:\nhttps://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lesser_Nighthawk/overview \nJoin Yolo Bird Alliance in a dusk birding trip to Capay Open Space Park. While this trip will be focused on the nighthawks\, there should be plenty of other birds to see. California Thrashers\, though inconspicuous\, nest here. Western Meadowlarks\, California Quail\, and a variety of swallows will be abundant. Given the date\, we could encounter a neotropical migrant or two! \nAccessibility: \nThis trip will involve some walking around in the Cache Creek floodplain\, which is mostly even ground but includes loose gravel and branches. Much of the trip will involve standing and listening for birds\, while also angling the group for nighthawk photo-ops. Restrooms are available in the Capay Open Space Park parking area. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, a camera if you wish\, water\, and snacks. High winds or significant rain will cancel the trip. This popular event will be capped at 15 participants\, so sign-up early! Our Davis meeting location will be shared once an RSVP has been made. Carpooling may be available but will be arranged day-of\, and all ridesharing will be private agreements between drivers and riders. \nPlease contact Zane Pickus with any questions or to sign-up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/capay-open-space-park-lesser-nighthawks-4/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260606T060000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260606T180000 DTSTAMP:20260509T174330Z CREATED:20260504T053238Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T174330Z UID:8348-1780725600-1780768800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Wright’s Lake and Ice House Road - Birding and Atlasing DESCRIPTION:Trip Leaders: Zane Pickus\, Emmett Iverson\, Julian Johnson \nDescription: \nSummer in the Sierra Nevada mountains is a wonderful place to be as a birder\, with the endless conifer forests and wet meadows filled with beautiful breeding neotropical migrants and uncommon montane species. Wright’s Lake campground in the El Dorado National Forest is a premier location for birders to observe a great diversity of species within reasonable walks from public roads. We will visit at the perfect time of year to look for breeding warblers\, tanagers\, sparrows\, flycatchers\, all of which should be on territory and singing. Additionally\, the spot is known for being one of the best places in the state to look for rare montane breeders such as Pine Grosbeak\, Black-backed Woodpecker\, and American Goshawk. \nA bit downslope from Wright’s Lake is another Sierra Nevada birding gem – Ice House Road. This location offers a slightly different sweet of birds at various pulloffs\, and is especially known for its chances at Cassin’s Finch\, Calliope Hummingbird\, and Mountain Quail. An afternoon stop at Ice House will give us another chance to see a great diversity of montane breeders at a slightly different elevation. It is sure to be a fun day of summer birding! \nNOTE: This event will be a part of the California Bird Atlas “Big Weekend\,” a multi-day statewide event dedicated to learning about and contributing to the CBA. More details to be added about this soon! \nAccessibility: \nThis will be an intense day of birding\, but all ages and skill levels are welcome. The trip will involve around two-hours of driving each way\, with a restroom stop at the halfway point to and from the destination. Wright’s Lake can be birded from the campground and a well-maintained trail through the lakeside forest\, perhaps a mile-and-a-half of walking throughout the morning. Ice House Road will involve shorter walks off the road on somewhat rocky trails. Restrooms are available at Wright’s Lake\, but may be more difficult to find at Ice House. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \n Please bring lunch\, snacks\, plenty of fluids\, and dress in layers. Additionally\, please be prepared for variable temperatures\, bring adequate sun protection\, and be ready a full day in the field. There will be good photo opportunities on the trip. \nThis is an all-day field trip limited to 3 vehicles and therefore no more than 12 participants. To attend\, please contact Zane Pickus (yolobirdalliance@gmail.com) to reserve a spot on a first-come\, first-serve basis\, and indicate your willingness to drive if applicable. \n Yolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. All carpooling is arranged as a private agreement between driver and rider(s). URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/wrights-lake-and-ice-house-road-birding-and-atlasing/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261010T060000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261010T180000 DTSTAMP:20260930T195141Z CREATED:20260907T144218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T195141Z UID:8395-1791612000-1791655200@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:(Note: Trip is Full) Point Reyes - Annual Terry Colborn Memorial Field Trip DESCRIPTION:Praire Warbler ©Zane Pickus \nNote: this trip is now full. \nTrip Leaders: Kevin Guse\, Zane Pickus \nDescription: \nThis is the annual Terry Colborn memorial field trip to Point Reyes. Fall migration at Point Reyes can be spectacular and makes this area a well-deserved birding hotspot. Depending on the weather\, the numbers and diversity of songbirds passing through the “Outer Point” can be impressive. While Point Reyes is most famous for giving birders a chance to search for vagrant songbirds\, there should be plenty of shorebirds\, raptors\, other migrants\, and several species of mammals to enjoy. \nAccessibility: \nThis trip will involve around two-hours of driving each way\, with a restroom stop at the halfway point to and from the destination. Much of the Outer Point can be birded in short walks\, but the terrain can be uneven in places and appropriate footwear is recommended. Restrooms are available at some of the stops\, but not all. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nPlease bring lunch\, plenty of fluids\, and dress in layers. Be prepared for cool temperatures\, wind\, and maybe fog\, though Pt. Reyes can also be warm at this time of year. There will be short walks and good bird photo opportunities on the trip. \nThis is an all-day trip limited to 3 vehicles and up to 10 participants. To attend\, please contact Zane Pickus (yolobirdalliance@gmail.com) to reserve a spot on a first-come\, first-serve basis. This trip fills quickly and there is usually a waiting list so be sure to respond as soon as possible! \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/point-reyes-annual-terry-colborn-memorial-field-trip-2/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261017T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261017T103000 DTSTAMP:20261007T154339Z CREATED:20261007T154339Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261007T154339Z UID:8478-1792224000-1792233000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Birding for beginners at the UC Davis Putah Creek Riparian Reserve DESCRIPTION:Date: Sunday\, October 17\, 2026\nTime: 8:00am\nTrip Organizers: Michael Perrone and Sonjia Shelly \nYolo Bird Alliance offers ‘Birding for Beginners’—a series of bird-watching walks.   \nNew this fall\, Yolo Bird Alliance is offering a series of bird walks in the local area for people who are new to birding.  The first walk is Saturday\, October 17 at the UC Davis Putah Creek Riparian Reserve.  Meet at 8 AM at the parking spaces near the intersection of Hopkins Road and Levee Road\, west of Highway 113. \nWe will finish by about 10:30 AM.  Bring binoculars and water and wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven ground.  Children are welcome.  Further trips will be advertised in the Burrowing Owl and on the YBA website and Facebook page. \nIf you have questions\, contact Michael Perrone at michaelperrone10@yahoo.com or Sonjia Shelly at sshelly1129@gmail.com. \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/birding-for-beginners-at-the-uc-davis-putah-creek-riparian-reserve/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/Western-Bluebird_Fillatti.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261018T060000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261018T160000 DTSTAMP:20261001T001412Z CREATED:20260930T195905Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T001412Z UID:8442-1792303200-1792339200@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Yolo Bird Alliance Pelagic from Sausalito DESCRIPTION:Departs from and Returns to\nSausalito Harbor \nTrip Organizers\nZane Pickus\, Emmett Iverson \nDescription \nThere is truly no experience in birding quite like that of being aboard a boat on the ocean. Dedicated pelagic birding trips offer a unique opportunity to witness a variety of spectacular seabirds that are not visible from land\, such as albatross\, shearwaters\, storm-petrels\, alcids\, fulmars\, and a variety of gulls\, terns\, and phalaropes that migrate thousands of miles over the ocean each year. Furthermore\, the ocean is always unpredictable – some incredibly rare seabirds have been spotted off Northern California in recent years! \nDeparting from Sausalito Harbor is special in that it offers birders access to the deep Pacific waters beyond the continental shelf\, all reachable from a day’s boat trip! Depending on weather\, this trip will plan to explore the Cordell Banks off Point Reyes or the Pioneer Seamount beyond the Farallon Islands\, while paralleling the continental shelf. These locations with interesting underwater topography can be magnets for seabirds\, causing temperature changes and upwelling of nutrients that concentrate marine life for viewing. In addition to seabirds\, a day on the ocean often includes viewing of whales\, dolphins\, pinnipeds\, and the occasional shark or Mola mola. You truly never know what you might see when you step aboard a pelagic boat!! \nThis trip will take place on the Outer Limits\, a 55-foot catamaran run by Big C Chartersout of Sausalito. We will cruise out below the Golden Gate Bridge\, meander beyond the Farallon Islands\, and work our way into deeper water to spend the majority of the day looking for pelagic birds. The exact route will be determined as conditions warrant. \nAccessibility \nThis will be an intense day of birding\, but all ages and skill levels are welcome. The trip will depart promptly from Sausalito Harbor (310 Harbor Dr\, Sausalito\, CA 94965) at 6:00am. Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance for registration and boarding. After 10 hours onboard\, we will return to the dock around 4:00pm. Seasickness is of course a concern on a pelagic trip so please plan accordingly with medication\, fluids\, snacks\, lunch\, and enough sleep beforehand. There is a restroom available on board\, as well as benches near the stern for people to sit. \nPricing and Registration \n​This pelagic trip will cost $175 per person\, with a student rate of $120. Details for payment will be outlined upon registration. Payment must be received in order to confirm a space on the boat. Refunds will be provided in the event that the boat is cancelled due to weather\, but if the trip runs as scheduled they will only be provided if a replacement participant can be found. \nIf you are interested\, please contact Zane Pickus and Emmett Iverson (yolobirdalliance@gmail.com) to reserve a spot on a first-come\, first-serve basis. We hope to see you there!! URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/yolo-bird-alliance-pelagic-from-sausalito/ LOCATION:Sausalito Harbor CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/BFAL_Pickus_forYBA.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261031T073000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261031T100000 DTSTAMP:20261005T023635Z CREATED:20261005T023635Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T023635Z UID:8461-1793431800-1793440800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Davis Cemetery Halloween Birding Walk DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, October 31st\, 2026\nTime: 7:30 am- 10:00 am\nTrip Leaders: Michael Perrone and Sonjia Shelly \nDescription\nCome look for birds and friendly goblins at the Davis Cemetery District and Arboretum on this Halloween morning bird walk. The 28-acre cemetery is a National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat. Many species of birds are attracted to this suburban woodland. The cemetery is well known for a large flock of Wild Turkeys. Several species of raptors are regular at the cemetery\, including the White-tailed Kite\, Cooper’s Hawk\, Red-shouldered Hawk\, and Barn Owl. Western Bluebirds\, Nuttall’s Woodpeckers\, Red-breasted Sapsuckers\, Dark-eyed Juncos\, and Yellow-rumped Warblers also winter at the cemetery. \nAccessibility\nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome\, and beginning birders are encouraged to attend! Birding will be done on foot and will include a relatively short walk throughout the cemetery\, with regular stops to look and listen for birds. There are restrooms available at the Davis Cemetery and Arboretum. \nMeeting Location and Registration\nWe will meet at 7:30am at the office of the Davis Cemetery District and Arboretum (820 Pole Line Road\, Davis (the corner of Pole Line Rd and East 8th St.). A Google Maps pin for where to meet is below. No sign-up is required to attend this local field trip. \nhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/2yhQffRPc7NLpP756 \nPlease contact Zane Pickus with any questions at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \n Yolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/davis-cemetery-halloween-birding-walk/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/female_WesternBluebird_Zane_Pickus.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261107T073000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261107T150000 DTSTAMP:20261005T023229Z CREATED:20261005T023229Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T023229Z UID:8458-1794036600-1794063600@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Sparrow Bingo 2026 DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, November 7th\, 2026\nTime: 7:30am – 3:00pm\nTrip Leaders: Zane Pickus and Bart Wickel \n Description\n​Fall migration is largely over and the winter birds are settling in. Join Bart Wickel and Zane Pickus for a local jaunt around Yolo County. The challenge: to find as many species of sparrows as possible. To further the fun of this trip participants will be able to check sparrows off of a bingo card! As believers in the rule that when you search for one bird\, you discover another\, expect anything on this trip– the sparrows are just the excuse to get out and about. This will also be a good trip to practice birding by ear. Route to be determined as conditions warrant\, but often includes a variety of habitats including Putah Creek Canyon and select locations around Winters and Esparto. \nAccessibility\nThis trip will have a mix of birding by car and on foot. Bathrooms may be limited depending on the route. \nMeeting Location and Registration\n​Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, a spotting scope if you have one\, lunch\, and plenty of liquids. High winds or significant rain will cancel this trip. The trip will return to its meeting location by 3:00pm. \nSparrow Bingo will be limited to 15 participants. Please contact Zane Pickus with any questions or to sign-up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \nYolo 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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/sparrow-bingo-2026/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/Song-Sparrow_Zane-Pickus-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261115T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261115T103000 DTSTAMP:20261102T225312Z CREATED:20261102T225312Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261102T225312Z UID:8530-1794729600-1794738600@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Bridgeway Island Pond DESCRIPTION:Blue-winged Teal ©Kelli O’Neill \nDate: Sunday\, November 15th\, 2026\nTime: 8:00 am- 10:30 am\nTrip Leaders: Henry Witsken and Peyton Bounds \nDescription\nWith winter duck season well underway\, please join us at Bridgeway Island Pond and the adjacent Deepwater Shipping Channel in West Sacramento! Bridgeway Island is one of the premier locations in California to observe large concentrations of Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal at close range. It is also a great place to look for Spotted Sandpiper\, Common Gallinule\, American Avocet\, plus rails if we’re lucky! As is always the case when out birding\, you never know what shorebird or waterfowl species may be sitting on the muddy spit waiting to be discovered! \nAfter covering Bridgeway Island Pond\, we will walk up the levee and scan the Deepwater Shipping Channel. Our targets here will be water-loving birds such as Bald Eagle\, Osprey\, Common Merganser\, Forster’s Tern\, and Western Grebe. The stand of cottonwoods and bushes may yield passerines such as Spotted Towhee\, Orange-crowned Warbler\, and plenty of Lincoln’s Sparrows! \nAccessibility\nMost birding will be done on foot. We will begin on a level path\, and walk up a graveled levee to reach the shipping channel. There will be a small stretch where the path is quite narrow but still largely level. Bathrooms are not available at this location. \nMeeting Location and Registration\n​We will meet at 8:00am at the cul-de-sac at the end of Pender Island Rd in West Sacramento\, here: (38.540733\, -121.577855). Bring binoculars\, a scope (if you have one)\, water\, and snacks. High winds or significant rain will cancel this trip. Beginners are welcome and no sign-ups are necessary! We will conclude at approximately 10:30am. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JSFKhM9MD8TMxoB27 \nPlease contact Zane Pickus with any questions at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \nYolo 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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/bridgeway-island-pond-2/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR