BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Yolo Bird Alliance - ECPv6.15.20//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:20230312T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20231105T090000 END:STANDARD 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 END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240211T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240211T130000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20240115T234140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240115T234843Z UID:6670-1707634800-1707656400@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Cosumnes River Preserve 2024 DESCRIPTION:Sandhill Cranes ©Kelli O’Neill \nThe 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. \nExpect 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. \nWe 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. \nTrip Leader: Ryan Janke (rhjanke29@gmail.com) \n\n  \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/cosumnes-river-preserve-2024/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240217T073000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240217T100000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20240208T004048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240208T004048Z UID:6722-1708155000-1708164000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Bridgeway Island Pond Field Trip DESCRIPTION:Blue-winged Teal ©JoAnne Fillatti \nAs 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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/bridgeway-island-pond-field-trip/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240221T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240221T205000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20240129T163141Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240129T163141Z UID:6682-1708543800-1708548600@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Four weeks in the Falkland Islands with Manfred Kusch DESCRIPTION:  \n\n  \n\n\n\n\nKing Penguins©Manfred Kusch \n\n\n\n\nPROGRAM DESCRIPTION \n\n\n\nThe public is invited to join Yolo Audubon and its members for the monthly general meeting on February 21\, 2024. The meeting is free and is held at the Davis Senior Center at 646 A Street in Davis. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 8:50 p.m. Folks are welcome to arrive at 7:00 p.m. for gathering with other attendees before the program. \nThis program can also be attended over Zoom where the meeting starts at 7:30pm. \nIn January 2018 and again in December 2022\, Manfred Kusch joined a group of 6 bird and wildlife photographers exploring several islands of the Falkland archipelago\, moving from the capital of Stanley and the famous penguin colonies at Volunteer Point on East Falkland to Sealion\, Saunders\, and Bleaker islands before returning to Stanley. Transfers between the islands were provided by sturdy two-engine Islander planes capable of landing and take-off on dirt or grass landing strips. His group stayed in\, for the most part\, comfortable guest houses run by the sheep ranching families that were typically the only occupant of the island they visited. Located off the tip of South America in the South Atlantic\, the treeless and wind-swept islands offer rare solitude and an austere beauty that form the backdrop for their rich birdlife and sea mammal breeding colonies. Besides five species of penguins\, large colonies of albatrosses\, cormorants\, various predators like skuas and petrels\, raptors like Southern Crested and Striated caracaras\, various species of geese\, swans\, grebes\, and ducks\, sea mammals like large Southern Elephant Seals and Sea Lions could be found everywhere and be easily approached and photographed. Manfred will present some of the wildlife photos from his trips and also include photos of the landscapes taken from the ground and the air. \nZoom meeting registration link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYucemgqDIiEtTGzlXy6X9Co9XgHoDtgFPB \nThis event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Audubon to attend. If you would like to join\, visit https://yoloaudubon.org/join-renew-donate.  If you only want to receive the monthly newsletter\, visit https://yoloaudubon.org/yolo-audubon-newsletter. \nSPEAKER BIO \nManfred is a retired UCD faculty member who taught in the departments of French & Italian and Comparative Literature. He has had a life-long interest in birds and took up bird photography in his retirement. He has traveled with small groups of international bird photographers throughout the Americas from Patagonia and the Falklands to Utqiagvik (Barrow)\, Alaska\, as well as more recently to Borneo and Australia. Locally\, his large garden adjacent to Putah Creek west of Davis has hosted many Yolo Audubon bird walks and has been the site of a by now 12-year hummingbird study undertaking by UCD faculty and students. \n  \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/four-weeks-in-the-falkland-islands-with-manfred-kusch/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240224T064500 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240224T130000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20240201T232909Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240220T174457Z UID:6688-1708757100-1708779600@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:2024 Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area “Big Sit” DESCRIPTION:Snowy Egret ©Zane Pickus \nTHE EVENT IS CANCELLED AS THE WILDLIFE AREA IS FLOODED. \nJoin 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! \nUnlike 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.  \nBirders 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.  \nAdditionally\, we will keep a running list of species detected throughout the day. The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Big Sit will conclude at 1:00pm. \nWinter 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.  \nTraditional Big Sit! Information: https://www.thebigsit.org/ \nA map of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=99259&inline \n\n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2024-yolo-bypass-wildlife-area-big-sit/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240320T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240320T205000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20240306T010035Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240306T010035Z UID:6733-1710961200-1710967800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Montane Riparian Birds and Their Habitat in The Great Basin DESCRIPTION:  \n\n  \n\n\n\n\nRed-napped Sapsucker©Frank Fogarty \n\n\n\n\nPROGRAM DESCRIPTION \n\n\n\nThe public is invited to join Yolo Audubon and its members for the monthly general meeting on March 20\, 2024. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 8:50 p.m. The meeting is free and is held at the Davis Senior Center at 646 A Street in Davis. Folks are welcome to arrive at 7:00 p.m. for pre-meeting gathering with other attendees. \nDr. Frank Fogarty will provide a presentation over Zoom. Attendees in the Senior Center will view the presentation on the monitor. \nRiparian areas around creeks\, seeps\, and snow pockets cover just a small fraction of the Great Basin’s mountains but are a key resource for much of its avian diversity. Dr. Fogarty will discuss his work on these systems\, with a focus on better understanding how avian communities are structured in these naturally patchy and fragmented riparian areas. He will also discuss how changes due to climate change and human activity potentially will drive future changes to these communities. \nSPEAKER BIO \nDr. Frank Fogarty is currently an Assistant Professor of Applied Avian Ecology at Cal Poly Humboldt. He and his graduate students work on a variety of projects including Snowy Plover predator behavior and ecology\, Lewis’s Woodpecker conservation and management\, and strategies for maximizing bird diversity in active timber lands. Frank’s most extensive experience comes from his work on bird communities in the mountains of the Great Basin\, which was the topic of his doctoral research at UC Davis. \nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this meeting. An account with Zoom is NOT necessary to join a meeting. Zoom limits the number of participants to 100. After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on joining the meeting. Do not lose this email. Registrants will receive email updates about this online event\, as well as periodic email updates about Yolo Audubon’s conservation work and how you can help birds. (you can unsubscribe at any time.) \nDuring the presentation\, you will be able to ask questions via Zoom’s chat feature for the Q&A afterwards. \nPlease note:  Participants must have the Zoom desktop client downloaded on their computer or on their Apple or Android mobile phone or tablet to access the meeting. \nVisit   to learn how to join a Zoom meeting. You may email Yolo Audubon Program Chair Ken Ealy before the meeting if you need assistance. \nThis event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Audubon to attend. If you would like to join\, visit https://yoloaudubon.org/join-renew-donate.  If you only want to receive the monthly newsletter\, visit https://yoloaudubon.org/yolo-audubon-newsletter. \n  \n  \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/montane-riparian-birds-and-their-habitat-in-the-great-basin/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240417T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240417T205000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20240329T194658Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240329T194658Z UID:6767-1713380400-1713387000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Using Bird Song to Learn about Migration DESCRIPTION:  \n\n  \n\n\n\n\nEd Pandolfino©Ed Harper \n\n\n\n\nPROGRAM DESCRIPTION \n\n\n\nThe public is invited to join Yolo Audubon and its members for a presentation on Using Bird Song to Learn about Migration by Ed Pandolfino at the monthly general meeting on April 17\, 2024. This free meeting is held at the Davis Senior Center at 646 A Street in Davis. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 8:50 p.m. Folks participating at the Senior Center are welcome to arrive at 7:00 p.m. for a pre-meeting socialization with other in-person attendees. Zoom attendees will be admitted a little before 7:30 p.m. \nA host of techniques from banding to the more recent tracking devices (geolocators\, satellite tags\, etc.) have revealed much about bird migration. However\, all these approaches require capturing a bird (usually twice)\, can be quite expensive\, and are limited to tracking small numbers of individual birds. What if you could learn about migration without ever capturing a bird and gather data across a huge expanse of geography about many different individuals? Ed will talk about a “low tech” way of doing exactly that by using bird song dialects. \nSPEAKER BIO \nEd Pandolfino earned a Ph.D. from Washington State University and\, since retiring from a career in the Medical Device industry in 2000\, has devoted himself to bird research and conservation. He has served as president of Western Field Ornithologists\, vice-president of San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory\, and on the boards of the Institute for Bird Populations and Sierra Foothills Audubon Society. He has co-authored two books\, Birds of the Sierra Nevada: Their Natural History\, Status\, and Distribution from U.C. Press and Breeding Birds of Sacramento County from the Central Valley Bird Club\, and has published more than four dozen research papers\, many of which focus on bird vocalizations. \nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \nYou do not need to be a member of Yolo Audubon. If you would like to join\, visit https://yoloaudubon.org/join-renew-donate. If you only want to receive the monthly newsletter\, visit https://yoloaudubon.org/yolo-audubon-newsletter/. \nThis meeting will be a hybrid session with Ed making his presentation at Davis Senior Center. Participants can join the meeting on-site at Davis Senior Center or from the comfort of their home via Zoom. \nAttend the Meeting in Person \nRegistration is not necessary to attend the meeting at the Senior Center. \nDavis Senior Center646 A StreetDavis CA \nAttend the Meeting online via Zoom. \nThe presentation will be streamed in real time on ZOOM from the Senior Center. To attend the meeting via Zoom you will need to register for the meeting. \nREGISTER TO ATTEND VIA ZOOM \nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this meeting. An account with Zoom is NOT necessary to join a meeting. Zoom limits the number of participants to 100. After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Registrants will receive email updates about this online event\, as well as periodic email updates about Yolo Audubon’s conservation work and how you can help birds. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)Visit to learn how to join a Zoom meeting. \nPlease note one can join Zoom meetings from their web browser and bypass downloading the Zoom desktop client or the mobile app. Visit http://tiny.cc/3m3jxz to learn how to join a Zoom meeting on a web browser. FULL LINK: https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb&sysparm_article=KB0064261 – h_d058aa08-10b5-4c9f-b029-4ce9603bb2d1) \nParticipants can also download the Zoom desktop client to their computer or download the mobile app to their Apple or Android device to access the meeting. \nYou may email Yolo Audubon Program Chair Ken Ealy before the meeting if you need assistance. \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/using-bird-song-to-learn-about-migration/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240427T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240427T080000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20240418T134632Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240418T164143Z UID:6800-1714204800-1714204800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Putah Creek at Kusch Home DESCRIPTION:Hooded Oriole ©Manfred Kusch \nTour 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. \nBring binoculars\, scopes\, cameras\, snacks and beverages. High winds or a significant rainstorm cancel this trip. \nSpace is limited; RSVP early. Contact Ryan Janke to secure your spot (rhjanke29@gmail.com) URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/putah-creek-at-kusch-home-3/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240504T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240504T210000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20240409T190255Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240409T190255Z UID:6795-1714845600-1714856400@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Capay Open Space Park - Lesser Nighthawks DESCRIPTION:Lesser Nighthawk ©Zane Pickus \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’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. \nYou can learn more about Lesser Nighthawks and listen to their song here:https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lesser_Nighthawk/overview \nJoin 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! \nWe’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. \nYolo 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. \nContact Zane for more details. zanep987@gmail.com \n\n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/capay-open-space-park-lesser-nighthawks-2/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240515T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240515T205000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20240505T190307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240505T190307Z UID:6832-1715799600-1715806200@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Avian Habitat Use of a Yolo County Sustainable Ranching Landscape DESCRIPTION:  \n\n  \n\n\n\n\nBobcat Ranch Phenology Volunteers ©Autumn Turner \n\n\n\n\nPlease join us for Yolo Audubon’s Members’ Meeting and Monthly Presentation.  \nBusiness Meeting: Ann Brice\, President \nPrior to start of the program\, President Ann Brice will lead Yolo Audubon’s annual business meeting\, where a vote will be taken via zoom and in person on the Articles of Incorporation to reflect the new name – Yolo Bird Alliance. In addition\, there will be a vote to confirm the slate of 2024-2025 Board of Directors. Participants on Zoom will vote on both actions via polls. \nPROGRAM DESCRIPTION \n\n\n\nThe public is invited to join Yolo Audubon and its members for a presentation on Avian Habitat Use of a Yolo County Sustainable Ranching Landscape by Autumn Turner\, Wildlife Management and Conservationist at the monthly general meeting on May 15\, 2024. The meeting is free and is held at the Davis Senior Center at 646 A Street in Davis\, and via Zoom. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 8:50 p.m. People attending at the Senior Center\, are welcome to arrive at 7:00 p.m. for pre-meeting gathering with other attendees. Zoom attendees will be admitted a little before 7:30 p.m. \n      Following a brief background of the phenology project by Sonjia Shelly\, Yolo Audubon Phenology Project Coordinator\, our main speaker\, Autumn Turner\, will present the results of her Master’s Capstone Project\, which focused on evaluating the habitat features of the avian phenology route at Bobcat Ranch in Winters. As part of the National Phenology Network\, Yolo Audubon Society has conducted biweekly bird surveys on Audubon California’s Bobcat Ranch\, since 2016. The 6\,800-acre property is the state’s demonstration ranch for National Audubon’s Conservation Ranching Program. Autumn will discuss interesting highlights from the study including habitat relationships of key oak woodland and grassland bird species found on the Ranch\, and how birds have been observed using the different route sections. \nSPEAKER BIO \nAutumn Turner: A native Woodland resident\, Autumn recently received her master’s in wildlife management and Conservation from Unity Environmental College while continuing to work in the field of wildlife conservation. With a background in habitat restoration and wildlife rehabilitation in northern California\, Autumn previously worked on several conservation breeding and reintroduction programs in southern California including recovery efforts for the San Clemente loggerhead shrike and Mexican gray wolf. She currently works in the Napa Valley with a large-scale collaborative songbird research project in vineyards and maintains a position on the Yolo Audubon Board as the Newsletter Editor\, assisting with bird surveys\, nest box monitoring\, and local events. \nSonjia Shelly: graduated from THE Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine 44 years ago. Her career focused on diseases of fur/hair bearing friends rather than feathered friends. Thus\, her interest in birding began later in life (compared with many Yolo Audubon members) and she considers herself to be a perpetual beginner. Since retirement she has been active as a board member for Yolo Audubon Society and has participated in the YAS phenology survey at Bobcat Ranch\, helped organize and monitor nest box projects and volunteered for other organizations. She is a certified CA naturalist. \nDETAILS ON JOINING THE MEETING \nYou do not need to be a member of Yolo Audubon. If you would like to join\, visit https://yoloaudubon.org/join-renew-donate. If you only want to receive the monthly newsletter\, visit https://yoloaudubon.org/yolo-audubon-newsletter/. \nAttend the Meeting in Person \nRegistration is not necessary to attend the meeting at the Senior Center. \nDavis Senior Center646 A StreetDavis CA \nAttend the Meeting online via Zoom. \nThe presentation will be streamed in real time on ZOOM from the Senior Center. To attend the meeting via Zoom you will need to register for the meeting. \nREGISTER TO ATTEND VIA ZOOM \nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this meeting. An account with Zoom is NOT necessary to join a meeting. Zoom limits the number of participants to 100. After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Registrants will receive email updates about this online event\, as well as periodic email updates about Yolo Audubon’s conservation work and how you can help birds. (You can unsubscribe at any time.) \nPlease note one can join Zoom meetings from their web browser and bypass downloading the Zoom desktop client or the mobile app. Visit http://tiny.cc/3m3jxz to learn how to join a Zoom meeting on a web browser. FULL LINK: https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb&sysparm_article=KB0064261 – h_d058aa08-10b5-4c9f-b029-4ce9603bb2d1) \nParticipants can also download the Zoom desktop client to their computer or download the mobile app to their Apple or Android device to access the meeting. \nYou may email Yolo Audubon Program Chair Ken Ealy before the meeting if you need assistance. \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/avian-habitat-use-of-a-yolo-county-sustainable-ranching-landscape/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240518T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240518T120000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20240514T210434Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240514T212246Z UID:6869-1716021000-1716033600@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Bobcat Ranch - Birds and Wildflower Tour DESCRIPTION:Bullock’s Oriole ©Kelli O’Neill \nJoin 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. \nThis 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. \nWe’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. \nThis trip has limited space. Please reserve a spot by emailing Ryan Janke (rhjanke29@gmail.com). \n  \n\n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/bobcat-ranch-birds-and-wildflower-tour/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240918T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240918T205000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20240905T233706Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240906T182549Z UID:7052-1726686000-1726692600@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Public-Private Conservation Efforts of Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius Tricolor) Colonies on Agricultural Lands in California’s San Joaquin Valley DESCRIPTION:  \n\n  \n\n\n\n\nTricolored Blackbird ©Ian Souza-Cole \n\n\n\n\nPlease join us for Yolo Audubon’s Members’ Meeting and Monthly Presentation.  \nPROGRAM DESCRIPTION \n\n\n\nThe public is invited to join Yolo Bird Alliance and its members for the monthly general meeting on September 18\, 2024. The meeting is free and is held at the Davis Senior Center at 646 A Street in Davis. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 8:50 p.m. This event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Bird Alliance \nIan Souza-Cole\, a Project Manager in the Working Lands group of Audubon California will speak on the conservation efforts for tricolored blackbirds. Ian will discuss the successes of Regional Conservation Partnership Program (the Program) in terms of reduced loss of colonies nesting in silage fields. \nIan will walk us forward from the early 1990s when much of the population of the Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) began nesting in field crops grown for dairy silage in the San Joaquin Valley. Many colonies were inadvertently destroyed during harvest. \nAfter previous inconsistent efforts\, in 2015 the Program brought the dairy industry\, Natural Resource Conservation Service\, Audubon California\, California Department of Fish and Wildlife\, and other partners together in an effort to stem the losses. The Program compensated farmers for losses due to delayed harvest. In addition to encouraging creation of alternative nesting habitat to attract nesting birds away from agricultural fields. \nIan will discuss the successes of Partnership Program in terms of reduced loss of colonies nesting in silage fields. Protection of colonies in silage fields since 2015 likely contributed to the substantial increase in the numbers of birds nesting in this habitat and perhaps to an increase in California’s Tricolored Blackbird population as a whole. However\, continued effort is needed to achieve the species’ recovery \nSPEAKER BIO \nIan Souza-Cole is a Project Manager with Working Lands\, Audubon California. \nYou do not need to be a member of Yolo Bird Alliance. If you would like to join\, visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/join-renew-donate. If you only want to receive the monthly newsletter\, visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/yolo-birdalliance-newsletter/. \nDETAILS ON JOINING THE MEETING \nAttend the Meeting in Person (In-Person Only) \nRegistration is not necessary to attend the meeting at the Senior Center. \nDavis Senior Center646 A StreetDavis CA \n  \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/public-private-conservation-efforts-of-tricolored-blackbird-agelaius-tricolor-colonies-on-agricultural-lands-in-californias-san-joaquin-valley/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240922T060000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240922T060000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20240906T214117Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240906T233903Z UID:7059-1726984800-1726984800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Point Reyes - Annual Terry Colborn Memorial Trip DESCRIPTION:Chestnut-sided Warbler ©Kevin Guse \nThis 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. \nThis 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. \nPlease 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. \nTrip Leader: Kevin Guse \nFor reservations contact Ryan Janke: rhjanke29@gmail.com \n  \n  \n\n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/point-reyes-annual-terry-colborn-memorial-trip/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241016T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241016T205000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20241003T003742Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241003T003742Z UID:7108-1729105200-1729111800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Differences in Movement and Habitat Use Between Two Call Types of Red Crossbills DESCRIPTION:  \n\n  \n\n\n\n\nRed Crossbill ©Konshau Duman \n\n\n\n\nPROGRAM DESCRIPTION \n\n\n\nThe public is invited to join Yolo Bird Alliance and its members for the monthly general meeting on October 16\, 2024\, where Konshau Duman will give a presentation on the bird species\, Red Crossbill. This event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Bird Alliance. The meeting is held at the Davis Senior Center at 646 A Street in Davis. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 8:50 p.m. \nThe Red Crossbill is a species complex containing 12 vocal\, or call types in its North American range. Specialization to key conifers during periods of late winter scarcity has been the primary theory proposed to explain the evolution of these call types\, yet the ecological differences between them remain elusive. Studies have shown different call types frequently overlap in breeding and nonbreeding distributions and are observed associating with many resources beyond their key conifer species\, even during the critical periods. By assessing resource use and habitat associations of these call types and the associated movement patterns\, Konshau will discuss how his research shows that Type 2 and Type 5 Red Crossbills show quite different patterns of occurrence in an area of frequent overlap in northwestern Wyoming. In addition\, he will explain how habitat associations\, migratory distance\, and the associated behaviors could provide a barrier to gene flow between these populations. The findings of Konshau’s research will add to a small but growing body of literature on nomadic migration and adaptive radiation. \nSPEAKER BIO \nKonshau is a 3rd year PhD student at UC Davis. He has broad natural history oriented interests which are currently focused on vocal development and learning\, nomadic migration\, and diet. Konshau became interested in researching birds during his undergrad studies at UCD\, and started birding in the area at that time as well. \nThe Yolo Bird Alliance fosters an appreciation of birds and other wildlife through educational programs and field trips\, brings conservation issues to public awareness\, and acts to preserve Yolo County bird life and habitat. To learn more about the Yolo Bird Alliance\, visit its web page at https://yolobirdalliance.org/. You can also visit the Yolo Bird Alliance on Facebook. If you would like to join and the monthly newsletter\, visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/join-renew-donate/.  \nDETAILS ON JOINING THE MEETING \nAttend the Meeting in Person (In-Person Only) \nRegistration is not necessary to attend the meeting at the Senior Center. \nDavis Senior Center646 A StreetDavis CA \n  \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/differences-in-movement-and-habitat-use-between-two-call-types-of-red-crossbills/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241026T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241026T110000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20241008T150627Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241009T005733Z UID:7147-1729929600-1729940400@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Birdability Trip to Lake Solano County Park DESCRIPTION:Phainopepla ©Zane Pickus \nBirdability 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! \nParticipants 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. \nBring 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. \nFor additional information about Birdability Week and the Birdability initiative\, please see: \nhttps://www.audubon.org/get-involved/birdability-week \nhttps://www.birdability.org/ \nThis trip will be limited to 20 participants. Contact Zane Pickus for more details or to sign-up at: \nzanep987@gmail.com \nYolo 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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/birdability-trip-to-lake-solano-county-park/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241102T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241102T080000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20240925T054514Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241026T001917Z UID:7104-1730534400-1730534400@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Lake Solano County Park/Putah Creek DESCRIPTION: Yellow-rumped Warbler ©Sharon Kirkpatrick \nOn 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. \nMeet 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. \nTrip Leader: Sharon Kirkpatrick (530)220-3735 (cell) or sckirkpa@gmail.com URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/lake-solano-county-park-putah-creek/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241110T073000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241110T150000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20241007T232825Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241007T232825Z UID:7114-1731223800-1731250800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Sparrow Bingo DESCRIPTION:Song Sparrow ©Zane Pickus \nFall 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. \nWe’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. \nThis trip will be limited to 15 participants. Contact Zane Pickus for more details or to sign-up at: \nzanep987@gmail.com \nYolo 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 URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/sparrow-bingo/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241120T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241120T205000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20241026T233838Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241026T233838Z UID:7242-1732129200-1732135800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:California’s Wintering and Breeding Waterfowl DESCRIPTION:  \n\n  \n\n\n\n\nPhoto Courtesy of Cliff Feldheim \n\n\n\n\nPROGRAM DESCRIPTION \n\n\n\nThe public is invited to join Yolo Bird Alliance for its monthly meeting on November 20\, 2024. Cliff Feldheim\, a Fish and Wildlife Biologist with Ducks Unlimited\, Inc.\, will talk about “California’s Wintering and Breeding Waterfowl” This event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Bird Alliance. The meeting is held at the Davis Senior Center at 646 A Street in Davis. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 8:50 p.m. People are welcome to arrive around 7:00 for casual socializing. \nWe are fortunate to have Cliff speak in November because the period between October and March is prime for viewing migrating waterfowl\, and other migratory birds in nearby wetland habitats\, such as the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. The Central Valley of California is one of the most important wintering waterfowl areas in North America. California is unique among major North American wintering waterfowl areas in that it is also a particularly important breeding habitat for some species of ducks. From 2014-2021\, GPS cell tower transmitters were attached to 14 species of waterfowl to better understand their movements during winter\, migration\, and breeding. This talk will highlight the results of that work as well as ongoing conservation efforts and challenges facing California’s waterfowl populations. \nSPEAKER BIO \nCliff has worked as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist in the Central Valley for over 30 years. He is an award-winning\, nationally recognized waterfowl scientist. Cliff has published 17 papers on California’s wintering or breeding waterfowl in the last 7 years. Cliff works at Ducks Unlimited on waterfowl and wetland conservation projects including multi-benefit projects such as the creation of floodplain and off channel habitats that benefit salmon and waterfowl while incorporating the needs of other special status species. For ten years\, he served on the Management Board of the Central Valley Joint Venture\, a migratory bird conservation partnership. Cliff sits on the Board for Sacramento Audubon where he also serves as the Conservation Chair and on the Board of the Environmental Council of Sacramento where he also serves on the Habitat 2020 Committee. \nThe Yolo Bird Alliance fosters an appreciation of birds and other wildlife through educational programs and field trips\, brings conservation issues to public awareness\, and acts to preserve Yolo County bird life and habitat. To learn more about the Yolo Bird Alliance\, visit its web page at https://yolobirdalliance.org/. You can also visit the Yolo Bird Alliance on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YoloBirdAlliance. If you would like to join visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/join-renew-donate/. To receive the monthly newsletter Burrowing Owl visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/yolo-birdalliance-newsletter/. \nDETAILS ON JOINING THE MEETING \nAttend the Meeting in Person (In-Person Only) \nRegistration is not necessary to attend the meeting at the Senior Center. \nDavis Senior Center646 A StreetDavis CA \n  \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/californias-wintering-and-breeding-waterfowl/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241130T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241130T160000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20241026T231820Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241026T231820Z UID:7238-1732953600-1732982400@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Sacramento and Colusa Wildlife Refuges DESCRIPTION:Sacramento Wildlife Refuge ©Genevieve Colborn \nTrip Leaders: 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. \nAll 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. \nAccessibility:\nMost birding will be done by car\, with a couple of short walks on flat\, mostly even terrain. \nMeeting Location and Registration:\nPlease 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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/sacramento-and-colusa-wildlife-refuges/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241204T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241204T205000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20241120T193116Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241120T193116Z UID:7321-1733338800-1733345400@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:2024 Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count – ID Workshop DESCRIPTION:  \n\n  \n\n\n\n\nSavannah Sparrow ©Kelli O’Neill \n\n\n\n\nPROGRAM DESCRIPTION \n\n\n\nThe public is invited to join Yolo Bird Alliance and its members for the monthly general meeting on December 4\, 2024\, for the annual Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count (PCCBC) Bird ID Workshop\, with Compiler Bart Wickel and Area Leader Zane Pickus. This event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Bird Alliance. The meeting is held at the Davis Senior Center at 646 A Street in Davis. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and runs until 8:50 p.m. \nThe PCCBC is scheduled for Sunday\, December 15th\, and marks the 54th year for this local Count. \nThe workshop consists of a primer on bird identification and an introduction to logging birds using eBird as well as a discussion of recent count trends\, including a review of climate change and forest fire impacts on the count circle. \nThe 15-mile diameter count circle centers on Putah Creek and is divided into ten different areas\, each with its own plan regarding coverage\, teams\, start time\, and method of travel (car\, foot\, hiking\, bike\, etc.). Up-to-date information about the count and contact information for the Area Leaders is https://yolobirdalliance.org/christmas-bird-count/ on the Yolo Bird Alliance website. \nSPEAKER BIO \nBart Wickel\, a member of the Yolo Bird Alliance’s Board of Directors\, has been birding Yolo County for almost 11 years now. He is the compiler for the Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count. \nZane Pickus\, a member of the Yolo Bird Alliance’s Board of Directors\, is an undergraduate at UC Davis studying Wildlife\, Fish\, and Conservation Biology. Zane has been interested in birds his entire life\, and as he has gotten older\, that interest has morphed into a passion. He values the opportunity to teach others through field trips and presentations\, appreciating the sense of community found in sharing birds with others. Zane is an officer of the Birdwatching Club at UC Davis\, and also a regional reviewer for eBird in Yolo County. \nThe Yolo Bird Alliance fosters an appreciation of birds and other wildlife through educational programs and field trips\, brings conservation issues to public awareness\, and acts to preserve Yolo County bird life and habitat. To learn more about the Yolo Bird Alliance\, visit its web page at https://yolobirdalliance.org/. You can also visit the Yolo Bird Alliance on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YoloBirdAlliance. If you would like to join visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/join-renew-donate/. To receive the monthly newsletter Burrowing Owl visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/yolo-birdalliance-newsletter/. \nDETAILS ON JOINING THE MEETING \nAttend the Meeting in Person (In-Person Only) \nRegistration is not necessary to attend the meeting at the Senior Center. \nDavis Senior Center646 A StreetDavis CA \n  \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2024-putah-creek-christmas-bird-count-id-workshop/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241215T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241215T210000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20241126T193122Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241126T193122Z UID:7330-1734282000-1734296400@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:2024 Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count – Summary and Potluck DESCRIPTION:  \n\n  \n\n\n\n\nAnna’s Hummingbird ©Kelli O’Neill \n\n\n\n\nPROGRAM DESCRIPTION \n\n\n\nThe traditional Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count (PCCBC) Summary & Potluck will be held at the Davis Senior Center\, 646 A Street\, Davis\, CA 95616. The doors will open at 5:00 pm for early finishers and for food set-up. Whether you were able to join the count or not\, we invite to join us to socialize and share the highlights of the day. Please bring a dish to share and whatever you would like to drink. \nPCCBC Compiler Bart Wickel and the Area Leaders will compile the field data at a later date. \nThis event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Bird Alliance to attend. \nSPEAKER BIO \nBart Wickel\, member of the Yolo Bird Alliance’s Board of Directors\, has been birding Yolo County for almost 11 years now. He is the Compiler for Yolo Bird Alliance’s Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count. \nThe Yolo Bird Alliance fosters an appreciation of birds and other wildlife through educational programs and field trips\, brings conservation issues to public awareness\, and acts to preserve Yolo County bird life and habitat. To learn more about the Yolo Bird Alliance\, visit its web page at https://yolobirdalliance.org/. You can also visit the Yolo Bird Alliance on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YoloBirdAlliance. If you would like to join visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/join-renew-donate/. To receive the monthly newsletter Burrowing Owl visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/yolo-birdalliance-newsletter/. \n  \n  \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2024-putah-creek-christmas-bird-count-summary-and-potluck/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250111T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250111T103000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20250106T200159Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250106T200159Z UID:7422-1736582400-1736591400@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Bridgeway Island Pond DESCRIPTION:Trip Leaders: Lynette Williams Duman and Konshau Duman \nDescription:\nIn 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! \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 unavailable 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 10am.\nhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/JSFKhM9MD8TMxoB27 \nPlease contact trip leaders Lynette Williams Duman and Konshau Duman with any questions at lbwilliams@ucdavis.edu and kduman@ucdavis.edu. \nYolo 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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/bridgeway-island-pond/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250115T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250115T203000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20241226T224823Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241226T224823Z UID:7402-1736965800-1736973000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Speaker Presentations - Project Phoebe and The Evolution of the Flamingo's Smile DESCRIPTION:PROGRAM DESCRIPTION \nThe public is invited to join the Yolo Bird Alliance at its January 15 virtual program meeting featuring “Phoebes & Flamingos”. The program is via Zoom and runs from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on January 15. Participants must register with Zoom\, at no cost\, in advance for this meeting. This meeting will feature two speakers\, Finn Velisaris & Christopher Torres\, PhD and will start at 6:30 pm. \nBlack Phoebes ©Kelli O’Neill \nProject Phoebe: How Do Songbird Nest Predator Communities and Predation Rates Change Across an Urban Gradient? \nAt 6:30 pm\, recent UC Davis grad and Yolo Bird Alliance Small Grant recipient\, Finn Velisaris\, will speak about his independent project\, “How do Songbird Nest Predator Communities and Predation Rates Change Across an Urban Gradient?” This project was conducted within the larger effort\, Project Phoebe\, a research effort led by three graduate students in the Patricelli and Hahn labs at UC Davis. Finn will first introduce you to Project Phoebe and its main goals before getting into the meat of his talk\, his independent project conducted during his time with Project Phoebe. Finn’s project focused on predators of the Black Phoebe’s eggs and nestlings\, and how their community composition and the rate at which they predate Phoebe nests might be affected by the level of urbanization. Above all\, Finn hopes to present on the unique challenges that the Black Phoebe faces as an urban-living species\, as well as foster an appreciation for these tactful Tyrannids (flycatchers). \nSPEAKER BIO: \nFinn Velisaris is a recent graduate of UC Davis with a degree in Wildlife\, Fish\, and Conservation Biology. Throughout his academic career\, Finn contributed to a variety of research projects\, including work in the Patricelli and Hahn Labs on extra-pair copulation in white-crowned sparrows and effects of urbanization on the Black Phoebe\, and work in the Furrow Lab on using nocturnal flight calls to track migration As an avid birder with a passion for songbird ecology\, his current research investigates how predation rates and songbird communities shift across the urban gradient. \n\n\n\nThe Evolution of the Flamingo’s Smile \nFlamingo ©Christopher Torres \nAt 7:00 pm\, Christopher Torres\, PhD\, Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Biological Sciences at the University of the Pacific\, will talk about “The Evolution of the Flamingo’s Smile”. Flamingos are among the most iconic birds on the planet – with their ostentatious coloration and perpetually inverted smile\, it’s easy to understand why they are featured in zoos (and front yards) the world over. Flamingos are also among the world’s most highly specialized birds\, employing an approach to filter-feeding utterly unlike anything else. As such\, flamingos provide an ideal model system for studying what drives the evolution of beak shape\, what drives birds to become increasingly specialized at the ever-increasing risk of extinction\, and how those shifts in ecology and morphology correspond to shifts in Earth history. But flamingo evolutionary history remains shrouded in mystery\, being marked by enigmatic origins\, cryptic fossils\, and repeated brushes with extinction. In this talk\, Chris will share current understanding of that history\, and will tell several tales about how he and his colleagues are seeking to dispel many of those mysteries\, including: How\, after two centuries of study\, it was only relatively recently discovered that grebes are the closest living relatives of flamingos. How the understanding of what came before flamingos and grebes remains poor\, despite the existence of a nearly complete fossil documenting that exact moment in evolutionary time. How a lineage of bizarre\, prehistoric ‘straight-beaked flamingos’ managed to achieve a near-global distribution… and then vanished from the fossil record. How the ancestors of modern\, ‘curved-beaked flamingos’ nearly met the same fate… before spreading back out across the globe. How California – along with the rest of North America’s West Coast – was covered in flamingos as recently as a few tens of thousands of years ago. How baby flamingos undergo one of the most unique post-hatching changes in beak morphology known among birds. And how watching those baby flamingos grow up might provide insights to the earliest stages of flamingo evolution. \nSPEAKER BIO \nChristopher Torres is a bird paleontologist whose research focuses on questions about the evolution of the skull and brain\, the evolution of bird ecology\, and what influences extinction. His projects involve studying various groups of birds (like flamingos\, ratites and relatives\, rails\, and early prehistoric birds) from various slices of time in Earth’s history. \nThis event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Bird Alliance. To learn more about the Yolo Bird Alliance\, visit its web page at https://yolobirdalliance.org/. You can also visit the Yolo Bird Alliance on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YoloBirdAlliance. If you would like to join and receive the monthly newsletter\, visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/join-renew-donate/. \nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \nYou must register (no cost) – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpdeCsrTkjH9bkfq3z02FNdOiORZ_58sPA – in advance for this meeting. An account with Zoom is NOT necessary to join a meeting. Zoom limits the number of participants to 100. After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Registrants will receive email updates about this online event\, as well as periodic email updates about Yolo Bird Alliance’s conservation work and how you can help birds. (You can unsubscribe at any time.) \nPlease note:  Participants must have the Zoom desktop client downloaded on their computer or on their Apple or Android mobile phone or tablet to access the meeting. \nVisit https://bit.ly/3hNyP8h  to learn how to join a Zoom meeting. You may email Yolo Bird Alliance Program Chair Ken Ealy before the meeting if you need assistance. \n  \n  \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/speaker-presentations-project-phoebe-and-the-evolution-of-the-flamingos-smile/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250119T073000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250119T170000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20250110T231237Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250114T193349Z UID:7449-1737271800-1737306000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Raptor Ramble 2025 - TRIP IS FULL DESCRIPTION:Merlin ©Kevin Guse \nTrip Leader: 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. \nThe 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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/raptor-ramble-2025/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250125T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250125T150000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20250110T232200Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250115T152028Z UID:7452-1737793800-1737817200@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Robinson Road: Raptors and Plovers -TRIP IS FULL DESCRIPTION:Mountain Plover ©Zane Pickus \nTrip Leader: Sharon Kirkpatrick \nDescription: TRIP IS FULL \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 3:00pm. \nThe 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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/robinson-road-raptors-and-plovers/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250202T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250202T120000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20250115T230742Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250202T004736Z UID:7459-1738485000-1738497600@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Bird Walk for Beginners - Putah Creek Riparian Reserve - TRIP POSTPONED DESCRIPTION:Western Bluebird ©Zane Pickus \nTrip Leaders: Autumn Turner\, John Hansen\, Sonjia Shelly\, Lynette Williams Duman\, Zane Pickus \nDescription:  TRIP POSTPONED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.  Check back for rescheduled date.   \nHave you always been interested in birds and want to learn more? This field trip is intended for beginning and inexperienced birders. Several Yolo Bird Alliance board members will lead this visit to the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve. The location along Putah Creek\, on the west edge of the UC Davis campus\, is a wonderful oak woodland and riparian strip\, bordered by agricultural land. This diversity of habitat allows birders to find an impressive diversity of species in a small area. We will be looking for both resident species as well as wintering birds. The group may see hawks\, Wood Ducks\, Western Bluebirds\, various woodpeckers\, Yellow-rumped Warblers\, American Robins\, and more. The walk will take a slow pace to ensure everyone gets good looks at the birds we find.  \nAccessibility: \nAll birding will be done on foot. Expect a roughly 2-mile walk on fairly level terrain. Bathrooms are available at the picnic area near Hopkins Road.  \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nParticipants will meet at the gravel parking lot at the end of Hopkins Road at 8:30 AM. Parking here is free on weekends. The trip will end by 12:00pm. Please bring plenty of water and binoculars. The club does have some binoculars for loan\, as well as a spotting scope to share. Rain or strong wind will cancel the trip. No reservations are necessary\, everyone is welcome! \nhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/owcMbXwbssSGnetx8  \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. Please contact Zane Pickus with any questions at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/bird-walk-for-beginners-putah-creek-riparian-reserve/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250208T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250208T120000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20250130T232144Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T064551Z UID:7481-1739001600-1739016000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:POSTPONED DESCRIPTION:Northern Harrier ©Zane Pickus \nEvent Organizers: Yolo Bird Alliance\, Yolo Basin Foundation\, Birdwatching Club at UC Davis. \nDescription: \nNote: This event has been postponed. \nMap of Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area \nYou are invited to join the Yolo Bird Alliance\, Yolo Basin Foundation\, and the Birdwatching Club at UC Davis for a joint event at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area! On Saturday\, February 8th\, we will be hosting a “Big Sit!” You may have heard of a “Big Day” or a “Big Year” – birding challenges where birders attempt to see as many species as possible in a given time frame\, but a Big Sit is different. The challenge is to detect as many species as possible while staying in one stationary location. For our event\, we will be looking for birds from Parking Lot C of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. This will put us right in the middle of excellent marsh habitat\, perfect for seeing a great diversity of species! Those who stop by can expect to see or hear a variety of geese\, ducks\, rails\, sparrows\, herons\, and shorebirds. It is certain to be a fun day for all involved. \nUnlike many birding field trips\, this event is special in that participants can come and go as they please. Feel free to drop by for a few minutes\, an hour\, or longer! The intention behind this trip is that it is accessible for as many people as possible. We hope that anyone interested will come and share in enjoying the birds of the wildlife area. Bring binoculars\, a scope if you have one\, and excitement about birds! \nThe organizations listed above will have representatives happy to chat about birds and the wildlife area. Additionally\, we will keep a running list of species detected throughout the day. The Big Sit will conclude at 1:00pm. \nAccessibility: \nThis is a stationary event in which participants can come and go as they please. No prior birding experience is necessary\, and the area is handicap accessible. Outhouses are available nearby. Besides our Big Sit area\, the rest of the auto tour loop is sure to be full of birds and is worth exploring on your own (please see the attached map from Yolo Basin Foundation). \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nThe Big Sit will take place at Parking Lot C of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area\, beginning at 8:00 am on February 8th. We will have a table with information on local birds\, the organizations involved\, and extra binoculars to share. Anyone can stop by! Parking Lot C is here: \nhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/hJjX2xCg3PhEgZyP6?g_st=i&utm_campaign=ac-im \n 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 Bird Alliance’s website and Facebook page  for more details\, or contact Zane Pickus yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2025-yolo-bypass-wildlife-area-big-sit/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250216T063000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250216T173000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20250130T222210Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T222210Z UID:7475-1739687400-1739727000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Winter Field Trip to Bodega Bay DESCRIPTION:Red Knot ©Kevin Guse \nTrip Leader: Kevin Guse \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 \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/winter-field-trip-to-bodega-bay/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250219T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250219T203000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20250130T223900Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250131T165823Z UID:7478-1739991600-1739997000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Speaker Presentation - American Kestrel Nest Box Initiative- Napa\, Solano\, and Yolo Counties DESCRIPTION:PROGRAM DESCRIPTION \nAmerican Kestrel ©Ryan Bourbour \nAmerican Kestrels are declining across much of their North American range\, yet scientists are struggling to understand why. Join the Yolo Bird Alliance (YBA) for an informative presentation about local American Kestrel populations\, by Dr. Breanna Martinico\, PhD student Mary Badger. (In January 2024\, the YBA’s program featured a different local initiative led by John McNerney and Kevin Hunting. Tonight’s program gives us insights on local collaborative efforts to advance American Kestrel conservation.) To increase our understanding of local American Kestrel populations\, Dr. Martinico and Ms. Badger\, along with multiple partners\, launched the American Kestrel Nest Box Initiative. In 2023\, they engaged landowners and agricultural producers to install American Kestrel nest boxes on their properties\, and in 2024\, began monitoring 132 new and existing nest boxes in Napa\, Solano\, and Yolo counties. They hope to gather data to understand nest site selection\, habitat use\, and their interactions on farms as pest control agents to guide further nest box installations in the region. In 2025 they are expanding their research to address questions regarding climate change\, diet\, dispersal\, and toxicology. American Kestrels are an important natural resource and together we can contribute to their conservation. \nSPEAKER BIO \nDr. Breanna Martinico is a wildlife biologist and ecologist\, specializing in ornithology\, and received her Master’s in Avian Sciences and PhD in Ecology from UC Davis. She works with University of California Agriculture and Natural resources as a Human-Wildlife Interactions Cooperative Extension Advisor. Her research focuses on the impacts of beneficial and pest birds in agricultural settings\, and how agroecosystems provide critical wildlife habitat for many species. In her program she aims to provide practical management tools to maximize ecosystem services from birds while promoting practices that help conserve bird populations. She is compelled by the co-existence and mutual benefits of humans and wildlife in agroecosystems and is committed to working to find solutions that benefit both people and wildlife. \nMary Badger is a PhD student in the Graduate Group in Ecology at UC Davis. Her research explores how climate change and human land use affect the ecology of native raptors across different stages of their annual life cycle. Mary investigates how environmental factors\, such as landscape composition and climate\, influence raptor behavior and resource use. Through her work\, she aims to highlight the vital ecosystem services provided by raptors\, such as pest control\, and contribute to conservation efforts for these important predators. Using tools like environmental DNA metabarcoding and GPS tracking\, Mary uncovers hidden species interactions and movement patterns\, providing novel insights into raptor ecology. Passionate about serving local communities\, she emphasizes the importance of community engagement with growers\, conservation groups\, and student volunteers. Mary believes in the power of collective action to protect wildlife and promote sustainable land-use practices that benefit both ecosystems and people. \nThe Yolo Bird Alliance fosters an appreciation of birds and other wildlife through educational programs and field trips\, brings conservation issues to public awareness\, and acts to preserve Yolo County bird life and habitat. To learn more about the Yolo Bird Alliance\, visit its web page at https://yolobirdalliance.org/. You can also visit the Yolo Bird Alliance on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YoloBirdAlliance. If you would like to join and receive the monthly newsletter\, visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/join-renew-donate/. \nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this meeting. An account with Zoom is NOT necessary to join a meeting. Zoom limits the number of participants to 100. After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Registrants will receive email updates about this online event\, as well as periodic email updates about Yolo Bird Alliance’s conservation work and how you can help birds. (You can unsubscribe at any time.) \nPlease note: Participants may join the meeting from the Zoom desktop client downloaded on their computer or on their Apple or Android mobile phone or tablet to access the meeting. Participants may also join from a browser (Visit https://bit.ly/3hNyP8h  to learn how to join a Zoom meeting). \nYou may email Yolo Bird Alliance Program Chair Ken Ealy before the meeting if you need assistance. \n  \n  \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/speaker-presentation-american-kestrel-nest-box-initiative-napa-solano-and-yolo-counties/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250319T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250319T203000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20250225T150007Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250225T150007Z UID:7534-1742410800-1742416200@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Speaker Presentation - The Putah Creek Nestbox Highway: 25 years and 18\,000 Fledglings DESCRIPTION:PROGRAM DESCRIPTION \nWestern Bluebird ©Evelien DeGreef \nJoin the Yolo Bird Alliance to learn about the history and evolution of the Putah Creek Nestbox Highway\, which is the largest nestbox highway west of the Rockies. This program will be presented via Zoom. \nSince 2000\, the project has aimed to restore Western Bluebirds\, banding ~700 songbirds of six species annually and training 40 interns. It creates nesting habitats\, studies songbird life history\, combats invasive species\, and offers internships and education. The presentation will cover resighting efforts\, dispersal data\, nestbox conflicts\, and species-specific life histories\, including nest-site preferences and reproductive success. \nThis event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Bird Alliance.  \nSPEAKER BIO \nAmanda Kindel is a research biologist at the UC Davis Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology (MWFB). She received her Bachelor of Science degree from UC Davis in 2021 and has been affiliated with MWFB since 2023. Her responsibilities encompass multiple projects\, including coordinating the terrestrial biomonitoring program on Putah Creek and managing the Putah Creek Nestbox Highway. Additionally\, she conducts avian and herpetological surveys within the California Delta\, analyzes bat acoustic data from local ecosystems\, and contributes to specimen curation and preparation at the museum. \nMaggie Bourda is the Putah Creek Biologist at UC Davis Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology. She earned her B.S. in Wildlife\, Fish\, and Conservation Biology from UC Davis in 2024 and has been with MWFB since. Maggie manages the Putah Creek Nestbox Highway\, supervises interns\, and bands nestlings. Outside nesting season\, she works on data analysis\, terrestrial biomonitoring along Putah Creek and in the California Delta\, and writes manuscripts and reports for the nestbox project. \nThe Yolo Bird Alliance fosters an appreciation of birds and other wildlife through educational programs and field trips\, brings conservation issues to public awareness\, and acts to preserve Yolo County bird life and habitat. To learn more about the Yolo Bird Alliance\, visit its web page at https://yolobirdalliance.org/. You can also visit the Yolo Bird Alliance on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YoloBirdAlliance. If you would like to join and receive the monthly newsletter\, visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/join-renew-donate/. \nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this meeting. An account with Zoom is NOT necessary to join a meeting. Zoom limits the number of participants to 100. After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Registrants will receive email updates about this online event\, as well as periodic email updates about Yolo Bird Alliance’s conservation work and how you can help birds. (You can unsubscribe at any time.) \nPlease note: Participants may join the meeting from the Zoom desktop client downloaded on their computer or on their Apple or Android mobile phone or tablet to access the meeting. Participants may also join from a browser (Visit https://bit.ly/3hNyP8h  to learn how to join a Zoom meeting). \nYou may email Yolo Bird Alliance Program Chair Ken Ealy before the meeting if you need assistance. \n  \n  \n  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/speaker-presentation-the-putah-creek-nestbox-highway-25-years-and-18000-fledglings/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250329T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250329T110000 DTSTAMP:20260503T024637 CREATED:20250306T023324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T023324Z UID:7539-1743235200-1743246000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:eBirding the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve DESCRIPTION:Bullock’s Oriole ©Zane Pickus \nTrip Leader: Zane Pickus\, Emmett Iverson \nDescription: \nThis trip will focus on the ins and outs of the eBird app. Since its inception in 2002\, eBird has become the largest citizen science project in the world. Every day\, birders from around the world submit their sightings and contribute to the massive database of bird distributions\, simultaneously tracking their personal notes and bird lists. 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\, specifically with the benefits of using the eBird app. \nAs for the birds\, spring migration 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\, nuthatches\, and wrens should all be singing and searching for nest sites\, and by this date we can hope for a beautiful Bullock’s Oriole or other neotropical migrant! \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. \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/ebirding-the-putah-creek-riparian-reserve/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR