Robinson Road, Hawks & Plovers
2023-01-21 08:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Red-tailed Hawk; © Kelli O’Neill

This trip is by reservation only. There will be a maximum of 12 people in 4 cars. Sharon Kirkpatrick will lead us on a trip to the pastures of southeastern Solano County to search for overwintering raptors & other winter visitors. We will search fields, perches and farm equipment. Prior trips have seen prairie falcons, merlins, golden eagles, ferruginous hawks, rough-legged hawks and mountain plovers. We hope to see these and many more species during this trip.

Beginning birders are welcome. Bring binoculars, water, snacks or lunch (though we don’t stop for this) and layers for winter weather. Please bring a spotting scope if you have one. Rain or high winds will cancel the trip.

The group will meet at 8:00 am, returning by early afternoon. This trip involves mostly driving and stopping, little walking is anticipated.

Please contact John Hansen at jjhindavis@yahoo.com for reservations.

Raptor Ramble - Event Full
2023-01-29 07:30
Burrowing Owl; © Kelli O’Neill

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.

Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars, a spotting scope if have one, lunch, plenty of liquids, layers of clothes and be prepared for a full day trip.

This trip is limited to 15 people on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please contact Ryan Janke (rhjanke29@gmail.com) to reserve your spot and to receive information on where to meet.

Call the leader Kevin Guse (916-616-8835) or email harpy12@icloud.com for more details.

City of Davis' South Fork Preserve
2023-04-01 09:00 - 11:00
South Fork Preserve; © Marc Hoshovsky

Event postponed to April 1 due to poor weather predicted on original date – March 15.

Please join Marc Hoshovsky, a local volunteer naturalist, for a guided interpretive walk at the City of Davis’ South Fork Preserve.

The Preserve is located along the South Fork of Putah Creek, a few miles southeast of Davis. Almost 200 acres in size, it is one of the best stands of riparian and floodplain forest along Putah Creek, with some old trees over 5 feet in diameter! The Preserve’s 30-year-old restored oak woodland nicely demonstrates how fast woodlands can recover, given a nearby creek and some loving care. This nice diversity attracts a lot of birds and other wildlife, so visitors will be sure to enjoy themselves.

Marc will explain how the South Fork became the new course of Putah Creek in historical times and how the Creek has been restored since then; help visitors learn about the creek’s aquatic and upland ecosystem; describe the City’s continued investments in the Preserve; and highlight the ongoing conservation challenges of Putah Creek.

The walk will be a relatively slow paced one-mile loop walk (all flat), allowing plenty of birding opportunities. The first few hundred feet is on a wheelchair accessible gravel path to a new observation deck over the creek. The walk then continues through the riparian forest on a single-track dirt path, returning on an old farm road along the restored oak woodland to the parking lot.

This hike is appropriate for all ages. Please prepare for the weather and variable conditions by bringing water and snacks, and wearing sturdy shoes. The tour may be rescheduled in the event of heavy rain. A camera and binoculars are recommended.

We will meet in the Preserve parking lot 2.3 miles south of Interstate 80 along Mace Boulevard.

Contact Ryan Janke rhjanke29@gmail.com for additional information. No signup required.

Bobcat Ranch Tour
2023-04-16 07:30
House Finch; © Kelli O’Neill

Join Yolo Audubon Society for birds and wildflower tour of Bobcat Ranch. This sprawling blue oak woodland property sits in the hills of the coastal range just north of Berryessa Gap. The hills are green, flowers are blooming, and we should have some early spring migrants showing up. Bobcat Ranch is great for spotting woodpeckers, raptors, and the occasional resident bald eagle as well as lupine, blue dicks, and a variety of other wildflowers. We will climb to a natural spring where warblers and small passerines are often abundant.

This trip will involve moderate-strenuous hiking with portions of sustained uphill on uneven, unpaved surfaces. We will hike a loop approximately 2 miles long and gain about 300-400 feet in elevation. Bring binoculars, plenty of water, snacks, hiking poles if needed, and sturdy hiking shoes. Dress in layers as it can be cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon. Trails may be muddy depending on the weather. Heavy rains or high winds cancels the trip.

We’ll meet at 7:30 a.m. and likely return to Davis by noon. Location and further details will be provided to those who have reserved a spot on the trip.

Trip leaders are Ryan Janke and Sonjia Shelly.

This trip has limited space. Please reserve a spot by emailing Ryan Janke (rhjanke29@gmail.com).

Capay Open Space Park - Lesser Nighthawks
2023-04-30 18:00 - 21:00
Lesser Nighthawk; © Zane Pickus

Nighthawks 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’s Central Valley to breed. Lesser Nighthawks primarily feed on insects under the cover of darkness, but in the spring they routinely engage in dusk courtship rituals. 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.

You can learn more about Lesser Nighthawks and listen to their song here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lesser_Nighthawk/overview. Join Zane Pickus and Frank Fabbro 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!

We’ll meet at 6:00pm at the Marketplace Shopping Center (near Big 5 Sporting Goods, 1301 W.Covell, just east of Hwy 113). We will plan to bird until dark, and should return to Davis between 8:30pm and 9:00pm. Bring binoculars, cameras, snacks, and water. The trip will include a short walk along the gravel creekbed. High winds or a significant rainstorm will cancel the trip. Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Carpooling is strongly encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders.

Trip leaders: Frank Fabbro and Zane Pickus.

Contact Zane for more information – zanep987@gmail.com

(Late) Spring Migration at Willowbank Ditch
2023-05-06 07:00 - 09:30
Warbling Vireo; © Zane Pickus

This 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. Early May is at the tail end of sparrow migration, but still in the heart of warbler and flycatcher migration through the area. We will hope for foraging groups of warblers and flycatchers as we practice learning the songs and calls of an array of local songbirds. Some targets will include Wilson’s, Yellow, and MacGillivray’s Warblers, Western Wood-Pewee, Western Tanager, and Lazuli Bunting. We will also practice thinking from a birds-eye view, discussing habitat, food sources, and tips and tricks for predicting the best spots to find migrating songbirds.

The trip will leave from the junction of Almond Lane and Rosario Street in Davis. There is street parking on streets by this junction, and this intersection has a walking path that leads to the footbridge over the Willowbank Ditch. We will meet at 7am and the trip will end around 9 or 9:30am. Expect ~1 mile of walking, although we will never be more than 1/2 of a mile from the meeting spot. Please bring binoculars as well as any desired snacks and water. Heavy rain will cancel the trip.

For more information contact trip leader Rob Furrow at robertfurrow@gmail.com or 610-715-9123.

Putah Creek at Kusch Home
2023-05-07 07:30
Barn Swallow; © Zane Pickus

Tour Manfred Kusch’s birding gardens between Davis and Winters. He has cultivated his home garden and surrounding area, which border on 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 spring migrants and residents such as grosbeaks, tanagers and a variety of warblers and vireos.

Bring binoculars, scopes, cameras, snacks and beverages. High winds or a significant rainstorm cancel this trip.

Space is limited; RSVP early. Contact John Hansen to secure your spot (jjhindavis@yahoo.com)

South Fork Preserve - Putah Creek
2023-05-20 07:00 - 11:00
Hermit x Townsend’s Warbler; © Konshau Duman

Join us for a morning of late spring migrants and riparian breeders next Saturday, May 20th, at the Putah Creek South Fork Preserve parking lot. We will walk the trail west of Mace into Solano County before returning to the Yolo side to walk the South Fork Preserve trails. This area has great valley riparian habitat with a dense mixed canopy of Valley Oak and Oregon Ash with scattered Cottonwood and Willow. The Yolo side will have similar habitat in a narrower strip along with open weedy grassland with Valley Oak and Mulefat plantings.

We can expect to see some later spring migrants like Yellow Warbler, Swainson’s Thrush, and Western Wood-Pewee plus riparian breeders like Tree Swallow, Bewick’s Wren, House Wren, California Towhee, and Spotted Towhee. The number of breeding Spotted Towhees on the Solano side is quite stunning compared to other riparian sites in our area, and there are abundant cavity nesters on the Yolo Side due to a wealth of natural and artificial cavity nest sites. Swainson’s Hawks will likely be very abundant as well.

We will cover about 1.9 miles of trail, ~.35 miles (one way) on the Solano side and a ~1.2 mile loop on the Yolo Side. The Yolo side trails are well established dirt trails, and the Solano side trail is a narrower dirt path with occasional stick and log debris brought in by last winter’s flooding to step around.

This trip will be led by Konshau and Lynette Williams Duman (konshaud@gmail.com, lynettebarbarawilliams@gmail.com). Feel free to email us with any additional questions regarding the trip or transportation from Davis to the South Fork Preserve.

Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Carpooling is strongly encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders.

Sierra Valley/Yuba Pass 2-day Trip
2023-06-03 12:00
Red-breasted Sapsucker; © Kelli O’Neill

Do you enjoy mountain birding? Then this trip is for you. We will explore the birdlife of the Sierras on this two day, (June 3-4) overnight trip.

We will be looking for mountain specialties such as Williamson’s Sapsucker, Black-backed Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Townsend’s Solitaire, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Mountain Bluebird and Calliope Hummingbird.

We will also enjoy the wonders of the marsh in Sierra Valley, with a cacophony of sound led by the amazingly beautiful Yellow-headed Blackbirds. We will also hope to see and hear displaying Willets, Wilson’s Snipes and American Bitterns.

Please bring plenty of warm clothes and dress in layers. Bring enough food for breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. We will have a group dinner on Saturday evening in Portola and we will be spending the night at the Sierra Motel (530-832-4223).

This trip is limited to 10 participants, so please contact our field trip chair, John Hansen, to sign up at jjhindavis@yahoo.com.

Trip is full.

For more information, please contact either Kevin Guse (harpy12@icloud.com) or Mary Schiedt (maryolo1@netscape.net).

Beginners trip to Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
2023-09-30 07:30 - 12:00
Nuttall’s Woodpecker; © Kelli O’Neill

Have you always been interested in birds and want to learn more? This field trip is intended for beginning and inexperienced birders. Several Yolo Audubon members will lead this visit to the Putah Creek Reserve. The Reserve, on the west edge of the UCD campus, is an Oak Woodland and Riparian habitat. We will be looking for resident species as well as late fall migrants. The group may see hawks, Wood ducks, Western bluebirds, woodpeckers, and various warblers, among others. Expect a 2-mile walk on fairly level terrain.
Participants will meet at the gravel parking lot at the end of Hopkins Road at 7:30 AM. The trip will end by noon. Bring water and binoculars. The club does have some binoculars for loan. Rain or strong wind will cancel the trip. No reservations are necessary, everyone is welcome.
More info: John Hansen, jjhindavis@yahoo.com

Point Reyes Field Trip
2023-10-01 07:00 - 20:00
Chestnut-sided Warbler; © Kevin Guse

Join us for this is the annual Terry Colborn Memorial trip to Pt. Reyes. Fall migration at Pt. Reyes can be spectacular and makes this area a well-deserved birding hot spot. Depending on the weather, the numbers and diversity of songbirds passing through the “Outer Point” can be impressive. In addition to the passerines there are usually plenty of raptors, other migrants, and several species of mammals to enjoy.
All participants are expected to be vaccinated. Masks are not required while out of doors but may be required in vehicles depending on preferences of the driver and passengers. Federal, state, and local health guidelines will be followed.
Please bring a 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 easy walks and good bird photo opportunities on the trip.
This is an all-day trip. Due to safety and liability reasons Yolo Audubon Society will be limiting this trip to 8 participants and no more than 3 vehicles. For reserving a spot or for any logistics questions please contact rhjanke29@gmail.com. You must have a reservation to participate in this trip.
Trip Leader: Kevin Guse
For questions related to reservations and trip logistics contact Ryan Janke: rhjanke29@gmail.com

Bodega Bay Day Trip
2023-10-15 06:30 - 17:30
Red Knot ©Kevin Guse

You are cordially invited to join us for a trip to one of the crown jewels of Northern California birding, Bodega Bay. We will be looking for fall migrant passerines as well as shorebirds, loons, grebes, ducks, raptors and wading birds. Birders of all skill levels are welcome! There will be short walks on fairly level terrain.
This outing will be limited to 8 people in 3 cars. It will be an all-day trip, beginning at 6:30 AM. Due to safety and liability reasons Yolo Audubon Society will be limiting this trip to 8 participants and no more than 3 vehicles. For reserving a spot or for any logistics questions please contact rhjanke29@gmail.com. You must have a reservation to participate in this trip.
Please bring a lunch, sunscreen, water and layers of clothing. Masks are not required while out of doors but may be required in vehicles depending on preferences of the driver and passengers. Federal, state, and local health guidelines will be followed.
Trip Leader: Kevin Guse
There is still room on this popular Yolo Audubon trip. Contact Ryan below to reserve your spot soon.
For reservations contact Ryan Janke: rhjanke29@gmail.com

Lake Solano County Park/Putah Creek Trip
2023-10-21 08:00
Yellow-rumped Warbler ©Sharon Kirkpatrick

On this trip we will visit Lake Solano County Park where Putah Creek runs between Yolo and Solano Counties. We will be looking for resident species as well as those that come to spend the winter in the area. The oak woodland, riparian habitat and creek can result in bird sightings that include Osprey, Phainopepla, Wood Duck and hopefully several species of woodpeckers. There could be some surprises like Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker and Bald Eagle.
Meet at 8:00 AM at Lake Solano County Park day-use parking lot, on Pleasants Valley Road. There is a $6 fee per vehicle for parking. All trip participants should be vaccinated. Federal, state, and local health guidelines will be followed. Trip will conclude early afternoon. Bring water, binoculars and spotting scopes if you have one. We will not be stopping for a designated lunch break. There is some walking on uneven terrain but for the most part it is flat. Beginning birders are welcome. Rain and strong wind cancels trip.
Trip Leader: Sharon Kirkpatrick (530)220-3735 (cell) or sckirkpa@gmail.com

Ed Whisler Memorial Bird Walk at Davis Cemetery
2023-10-28 08:00 - 10:00
Ed Whistler ©Ken Kemmerling

Yolo Audubon will sponsor a bird walk on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 8am to 10am, at the Davis Cemetery in honor of our friend Ed Whisler. Ed was one of the top birders and wildlife biologists in our area for the past forty years. He was very generous in sharing his vast knowledge with the Davis community. He was a former president of Yolo Audubon, co-designer of West Pond and North Ponds, a conservationist, activist and educator. The Halloween trip to the Davis Cemetery was led by Ed for many years and is a favorite among Yolo Audubon members. This walk will retrace Ed’s steps to look for late fall migrants and incoming winter resident birds including warblers, woodpeckers, and sparrows.
Twenty years ago, in June 2003, Ed Whisler discovered Western Bluebirds nesting in the old tree at the eastern edge of the Davis Cemetery, the first time in thirty years that Bluebirds had nested in Davis. It was Ed who first suggested a nest box trail along the greenbelt from Veterans Memorial to North Davis Ponds. With the nest box programs, nesting Western Bluebirds (and Tree Swallows) are now common in Davis and along Putah Creek.
Ed was also an excellent teacher because he was so in-tuned with birds, especially their calls. Even during conversations, he was always aware of birds, and would interrupt a conversation to point out and identify any of our feathered friends, who happened to be in the area. Sadly, Ed Whisler passed away on July 4, 2023. His earthly remains were interred in the Davis Cemetery, alongside his parents.
Anyone interested in birds is welcome. The event is free and for all age levels. The cemetery has some uneven ground and wet grass. Recommended: binoculars. Suggested: water, hat. Heavy rain or wind cancels event.
Once you arrive at the Davis Cemetery entrance (820 Pole Line Rd, Davis, CA 95618), there will be a stone statue which has a few parking spaces adjacent. You can also park along the cemetery road.
Co-leaders and coordinators are Joshua Greenfield, Donna Jury and Ken Kemmerling. For logistical questions please contact Ryan Janke: rhjanke29@gmail.com

Sparrow Bingo 2023
2023-11-05 07:30 - 15:00
Fox Sparrow©Zane Pickus

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.
We’ll meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Marketplace Shopping Center (near Big 5 Sporting Goods, 1301 W. Covell, just east of Hwy 113). Bring binoculars, scopes, cameras, snacks, lunch, and beverages. High winds or a significant rainstorm cancel this trip. We will return by 3:00pm.
*Note that Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 5th at 2:00am.*
Contact trip leader Zane Pickus for more details: zanep987@gmail.com
Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Car-pooling is encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders.”

Raptor Ramble 2024
2024-01-27 07:30 - 17:00
Merlin©Kevin Guse

Raptor Ramble
The popular trip is full and YAS is no longer taking participants in event.
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.Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars, a spotting scope if have one, lunch, plenty of liquids, layers of clothes and be prepared for a full day trip.
This trip is limited to 15 people on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please contact Ryan Janke (rhjanke29@gmail.com) to reserve your spot and to receive information on where to meet.

Cosumnes River Preserve 2024
2024-02-11 07:00 - 13:00
Sandhill Cranes ©Kelli O’Neill
The Cosumnes River Preserve has an array of important valley floor bird habitats including wetlands, floodplains, agricultural land, and rare valley oak riparian. Birding at the interface of these habitats provides a unique opportunity to view a diverse list of species with relative ease. We will follow the flat and well-maintained walking trails through these habitats to view woodpeckers, raptors, wetland birds, wintering sparrows, ducks, geese, and shorebirds. We will also bird the agricultural fields along Desmond Road which is renowned for Sandhill Cranes.
Expect two to three hours of walking in the preserve plus standing for shorebird/aquatic bird viewing. This trip welcomes all levels of birding experience, especially beginners. Please bring binoculars, plenty of fluids, and dress in layers for cooler temperatures expected at this time of year. We expect to finish in the early afternoon. We will not have a planned lunch break, but if you want to enjoy your lunch at the preserve, there are picnic tables at the visitor center good birding-while-eating opportunities. Bathrooms available at the visitor center.
We will depart at 7:00am from the Park & Ride behind Ikeda’s in Davis. Please arrive beforehand and carpool when possible. Heavy rain cancels the trip.
Trip Leader: Ryan Janke (rhjanke29@gmail.com)

Bridgeway Island Pond Field Trip
2024-02-17 07:30 - 10:00
Blue-winged Teal ©JoAnne Fillatti
As winter winds down join us as we bird Bridgeway Island Pond and theDeepwater Ship Channel in West Sacramento. Bridgeway Island Pond isone of the best places in Yolo County to see species such asBlue-winged Teal, Spotted Sandpiper, Common Gallinule, Cinnamon Teal,and American Avocet. But, as with everything in life, you never knowwhat shorebird or waterfowl may be sitting on the muddy spit waitingto be discovered! We will then walk up the levee and scan theDeepwater Ship Channel. Our targets will be water-loving birds such asBald Eagle, Osprey, and Western Grebe. A small stand of trees andbushes could yield passerines such as Spotted Towhee, Orange-crownedWarbler, and who knows what else!We will meet at 7:30 am at the cul-de-sac at the end of Pender IslandRd in West Sacramento, here: 38.540733, -121.577855. Bring binoculars,a scope (if you have one), water, and snacks. Please note that thereare no restrooms at the pond. We will begin on a level path, and walkup a graveled levee to reach the ship channel. There will be a smallstretch where the path is quite narrow but still largely level. Highwinds or significant rain will cancel this trip. Beginners arewelcome and no sign-ups are necessary! We will conclude at approximately 10am.Contact trip leaders Lynette Williams Duman and Konshau Duman atlbwilliams@ucdavis.edu and kduman@ucdavis.edu respectively.Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public.Carpooling is highly encouraged, but all rides are private arrangementsbetween drivers and riders.

2024 Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area “Big Sit”
2024-02-24 06:45 - 13:00
Snowy Egret ©Zane Pickus
THE EVENT IS CANCELLED AS THE WILDLIFE AREA IS FLOODED.
Join the Yolo Audubon Society, Yolo Basin Foundation, and the Birdwatching Club at UC Davis for a joint event at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. On Saturday, February 24th, we will be hosting a “Big Sit!” You may have heard of a “Big Day” or “Big Year,” where birders attempt to see as many species as possible in a given time frame, but a Big Sit is different – instead the challenge is to detect as many species as possible while staying in one stationary location. Big Sits are popular elsewhere in the U.S., and some additional information about the concept can be found below. For our event, we will be staking out Parking Lot C at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, which will put us right in the middle of excellent marsh habitat – perfect for seeing a great variety of species. Those who attend can expect to see or hear a variety of waterfowl, rails, sparrows, herons, and shorebirds. It is certain to be a fun day for all involved!
Unlike many birding field trips, this event is special in that participants may come and go as they please. Feel free to drop by for a few minutes, an hour, or longer! We want this trip to be accessible to as many people as possible, and hope that everyone interested can come to share in enjoying the birds and the wildlife area. Bring binoculars, a scope if you have one, and excitement about birds! Besides our Big Sit area, the rest of the Yolo Bypass auto tour loop is sure to be full of birds and worth exploring on your own.
Birders from Yolo Audubon Society, Yolo Basin Foundation and the Birdwatching Club at UC Davis will plan to arrive at Parking Lot C at the Yolo Bypass just after sunrise (6:45am) on the morning of February 24th. We will have a table with information on local birds, the organizations involved, and extra binoculars to share. No prior birding experience is necessary, and the area is handicap accessible.
Additionally, we will keep a running list of species detected throughout the day. The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Big Sit will conclude at 1:00pm.
Winter birding events are always at risk of bad weather. A postponement will occur in the event that the wildlife area is closed due to flooding, or if heavy rain is projected on the day of the Big Sit. Please check back on the Yolo Audubon Society’s website and facebook page for more details, or contact Zane Pickus, zanep987@gmail.com for the latest information.
Traditional Big Sit! Information: https://www.thebigsit.org/
A map of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=99259&inline

Putah Creek at Kusch Home
2024-04-27 08:00
Hooded Oriole ©Manfred Kusch
Tour Manfred Kusch’s birding gardens between Davis and Winters. He has cultivated his home garden and surrounding area, which border on 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 spring migrants and residents such as grosbeaks, tanagers and a variety of warblers and vireos.
Bring binoculars, scopes, cameras, snacks and beverages. High winds or a significant rainstorm cancel this trip.
Space is limited; RSVP early. Contact Ryan Janke to secure your spot (rhjanke29@gmail.com)

Capay Open Space Park - Lesser Nighthawks
2024-05-04 18:00 - 21:00
Lesser Nighthawk ©Zane Pickus
Nighthawks 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’s Central Valley to breed. Lesser Nighthawks primarily feed on insects under the cover of darkness, but in the spring they routinely engage in dusk courtship rituals. 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.
You can learn more about Lesser Nighthawks and listen to their song here:https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lesser_Nighthawk/overview
Join Zane Pickus and Frank Fabbro 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!
We’ll meet at 6:00pm at the Marketplace Shopping Center (near Big 5 Sporting Goods, 1301 W. Covell, just east of Hwy 113). We will plan to bird until dark, and should return to Davis between 8:30pm and 9:00pm. Bring binoculars, cameras, snacks, and water. The trip will include a short walk along the gravel creekbed. High winds or a significant rainstorm will cancel the trip.
Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Carpooling is strongly encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders.
Contact Zane for more details. zanep987@gmail.com

Bobcat Ranch - Birds and Wildflower Tour
2024-05-18 08:30 - 12:00
Bullock’s Oriole ©Kelli O’Neill
Join Yolo Audubon Society for birds and wildflower tour of Bobcat Ranch. This sprawling blue oak woodland property sits in the hills of the coastal range just north of Berryessa Gap. The hills are green, flowers are blooming, and we should have some spring migrants showing up. Bobcat Ranch is great for spotting woodpeckers, raptors, and the occasional resident bald eagle as well as lupine, blue dicks, and a variety of other wildflowers. We will also visit one of the largest native milkweed stands in the area.
This trip will involve moderate-strenuous hiking with portions of sustained uphill on uneven, unpaved surfaces. We will hike a loop approximately 2 miles long and gain about 300-400 feet in elevation. Bring binoculars, plenty of water, snacks, hiking poles if needed, and sturdy hiking shoes. Dress in layers as it can be cool in the early morning and warm in the late morning.
We’ll meet at 8:30 a.m. and aim to return to Davis by noon. Location and further details will be provided to those who have reserved a spot on the trip.
This trip has limited space. Please reserve a spot by emailing Ryan Janke (rhjanke29@gmail.com).

Point Reyes - Annual Terry Colborn Memorial Trip
2024-09-22 06:00
Chestnut-sided Warbler ©Kevin Guse
This is the annual Terry Colborn Memorial trip to Pt. Reyes. Fall migration at Pt. Reyes can be spectacular and makes this area a well-deserved birding hot spot. Depending on the weather, the numbers and diversity of songbirds passing through the “Outer Point” can be impressive. In addition to the passerines there are usually plenty of raptors, other migrants, and several species of mammals to enjoy.
This is an all-day trip limited to 3 vehicles and no more than 10 participants. To attend please contact rhjanke29@gmail.com to reserve a spot on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Please bring a 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 easy walks and good bird photo opportunities on the trip. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation.
Trip Leader: Kevin Guse
For reservations contact Ryan Janke: rhjanke29@gmail.com

Birdability Trip to Lake Solano County Park
2024-10-26 08:00 - 11:00
Phainopepla ©Zane Pickus
Birdability Week is a celebration of birding and inclusivity put on by the National Audubon Society. On Saturday, October 26th, join Yolo Bird Alliance for its own celebration of Birdability Week at Lake Solano County Park. This location is known to birders far and wide for its impressive diversity of bird species, all of which can be viewed from the many paved, flat paths which meander through the park. It is an excellent place to spend a morning, and on this day we will come together to share the joy of birdwatching at our own pace. Once at the park, we will take a few relaxing walks and observe the birds and nature around us. Everyone is welcome!
Participants may expect to see charismatic species such as Common Merganser, Oak Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Acorn Woodpecker. If we’re lucky, perhaps a Phainopepla or Osprey will stop by. No matter what we see, it is certain to be a good time and is an opportunity to ensure birding is accessible to all. This trip is open to everyone whether mobility impaired or not.
Bring snacks, water, and binoculars or a camera if you have them. All walking will be on paved, even terrain, and walking distances short. The group will return to its meeting location in Davis around 11:00am.
For additional information about Birdability Week and the Birdability initiative, please see:
https://www.audubon.org/get-involved/birdability-week
https://www.birdability.org/
This trip will be limited to 20 participants. Contact Zane Pickus for more details or to sign-up at:
zanep987@gmail.com
Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Some trips may be limited by number of participants, if stated in the description. Car-pooling is encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders. Heavy rain or high winds may cancel any trip.

Lake Solano County Park/Putah Creek
2024-11-02 08:00

Sparrow Bingo
2024-11-10 07:30 - 15:00
Song Sparrow ©Zane Pickus
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.
We’ll meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Marketplace Shopping Center (near Big 5 Sporting Goods, 1301 W. Covell, just east of Hwy 113). Bring binoculars, scopes, cameras, snacks, lunch, and beverages. High winds or a significant rainstorm cancel this trip. We will return by 3:00pm.
This trip will be limited to 15 participants. Contact Zane Pickus for more details or to sign-up at:
zanep987@gmail.com
Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Some trips may be limited by number of participants, if stated in the description. Car-pooling is encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders. Heavy rain or high winds may cancel any trip

Sacramento and Colusa Wildlife Refuges
2024-11-30 08:00 - 16:00
Sacramento Wildlife Refuge ©Genevieve Colborn
Trip Leaders: Genevieve Colborn and Kelli O’Neill
Description:
This 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.
All participants are expected to be vaccinated. Masks may be required in vehicles depending on preferences of drivers and passengers. Current health guidelines will be followed. Please bring a lunch and water and dress in layers. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation. Driving time from Davis is approximately one hour each way.
Accessibility:
Most birding will be done by car, with a couple of short walks on flat, mostly even terrain.
Meeting Location and Registration:
Please contact Genevieve Colborn at tlcgdc@gmail.com, or 916-764-5796, 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 to the refuge on the day of the trip.

Bridgeway Island Pond
2025-01-11 08:00 - 10:30
Trip Leaders: Lynette Williams Duman and Konshau Duman
Description:
In the heart of winter waterfowl season, please join us as we bird 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. Additionally, it is a great place to look for Spotted Sandpiper, Common Gallinule, American White Pelicans, and American Avocet. But, as with everything in life, you never know what shorebird or waterfowl may be sitting on the muddy spit waiting to be discovered! After 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, and Western Grebe. A small stand of trees and bushes could yield passerines such as Spotted Towhee, Orange-crowned Warbler, and who knows what else!
Accessibility:
Most 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 unavailable at this location.
Meeting Location and Registration:
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 10am.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JSFKhM9MD8TMxoB27
Please contact trip leaders Lynette Williams Duman and Konshau Duman with any questions at lbwilliams@ucdavis.edu and kduman@ucdavis.edu.
Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Carpooling is highly encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between drivers and riders.

Raptor Ramble 2025 - TRIP IS FULL
2025-01-19 07:30 - 17:00
Merlin ©Kevin Guse
Trip Leader: 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.

Robinson Road: Raptors and Plovers -TRIP IS FULL
2025-01-25 08:30 - 15:00
Mountain Plover ©Zane Pickus
Trip Leader: Sharon Kirkpatrick
Description: TRIP IS FULL
Join 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.
Accessibility:
Most 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.
Meeting Location and Registration:
Birders 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 3:00pm.
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
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.
