FOUR LAKES AND A LEK
2018-04-06 13:00 - 2018-04-08 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
2018 Field Trip to Susanville and Environs
Field Trip Organizer – Carl Schwedler
530-210-3104
marcialberry@icloud.com

A three-day trip to the Susanville area to observe a Greater Sage-Grouse lek, with visits to four nearby mountain/high-desert lakes.
Friday afternoon (1:00 pm) begins with a meet-up at Donner Lake (Lake #1) along the way to Susanville, followed by an attempt at a Juniper Titmouse on Red Rock Road.
Saturday morning we go out to the Belfast Petroglyphs, then bird the Amedee wetlands and Honey Lake (Lake #2) on the way back to the hotel for a civilized brunch. In the afternoon we bird up Jack’s Valley through the Willow Creek Wildlife Area and then all the way counter-clockwise around Eagle Lake (Lake # 3) to the opposite bottom, at Christie Day Use Area and Gallatin Beach. Then clockwise back home for dinner.
Then it’s up before dawn Sunday morning to grab some coffee and be on the road by 4:15 AM (yes, seriously, THAT early) for the Shaffer Sage-Grouse Lek east of Susanville (the “Lek”). Bring your scope/big camera. The site is about a mile from the main road, so we would need to consolidate into four-wheel drive or high clearance vehicles. We will have to walk if it is in any way wet or rainy. After brunch back at Susanville, we then cross the mountains and bird lake shores and meadows of Lake Almanor (Lake #4), birding down its west side and finally heading home from Canyondam via Oroville and Road 70.
Expected birds include herons and egrets, wading birds, Sandhill Crane, gulls (possibly some terns), eagles, hawks and falcons, sundry geese, grebes and ducks, a variety of woodpeckers (including White-headed and Williamson’s Sapsucker). Best of all are the mountain specialties, e.g., Mountain Bluebird, Stellar and Pinyon Jays, Townsend’s Solitaire, Cassin’s Finch, Crossbills. And at the lek site we’ll be hoping for the sage trifecta, i.e., Sage Thrasher, Sagebrush Sparrow and of course the Greater Sage-Grouse.
Accommodations:
Once confirmed for the trip, individual arrangements for lodging should be made in advance at the Best Western Plus Trailside Inn, 2785 Main Street, Susanville, CA (530) 257-4123. The hotel has given our group a discounted room rate, so be sure to mention you are with the Yolo Audubon Society when you call to make your reservation.
Space is limited. Please contact the trip leader if interested.

Bobcat Ranch
2018-04-08 08:30 - 12:00
THIS TRIP IS FULL
Join us for a morning of hiking at Audubon California’s Bobcat Ranch, located in the foothills of the Coast Range just west of Winters. Our moderately easy hike will be roughly two miles round-trip, with an elevation gain of about 300 ft.
We will meet in Winters at 8:30 am, and will be done hiking around 12:00 pm. Space is limited to 15 people. Please contact Stan Hunter for more details and to sign up for this hike at stanton.hunter@gmail.com

Avian Conservation in California's Central Valley
2018-04-18 19:30 - 21:00
On April 18, UC Davis research ecologist Melanie Truan will speak at the Yolo Audubon meeting on the topic of avian conservation in the Central Valley.
California’s agriculturally-dominated Central Valley is one of the most altered landscapes in North America and remains vulnerable to strong economic and population growth pressures that impact bird and wildlife populations. Yet, despite these pressures, the Central Valley provides some of the most important bird habitat in North America, and as part of the Pacific Flyway, hosts one of the largest concentrations of migratory birds in the world. Dr. Truan will discuss some of the integrated research initiatives underway to better understand the ecology of these altered landscapes as well as ongoing efforts to protect, restore, and enhance habitat for the benefit of wildlife and humans alike.
The Yolo Audubon meeting will be held at the Davis Senior Center, 646 A Street in Davis, from 7:30 to 9 pm on April 18th. The meeting is open to the public, and people are invited to arrive at 7 pm for conversation and refreshments.

Mitchell Canyon
2018-04-21 08:00 - 12:00
Join us on Saturday April 21 for a walk in Mitchell Canyon at Mount Diablo, one of the premier sites for spring migrant birding in the East Bay. The canyon bottom contains riparian habitat bordered by dramatic chaparral-covered slopes. A nice collection of warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks, vireos, and flycatchers are expected at this time of year, and there’s a good chance we will see Calliope Hummingbirds. A variety of wildflowers should also be present. We will meet at 8:00 AM at the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center ($6.00 entrance fee). Please wear sturdy shoes for the unpaved trail and bring binoculars, water, and a lunch. We will stay along the relatively flat trail that follows the creek, but there is some elevation change. The trip will last until around noon, though some of us may stay out longer depending on the bird activity. The trip leader is Michael Strom (408)505-0328 or masam321@yahoo.com).
Some of us will meet to ride-share to Mt. Diablo. We will meet at 6:45 at Big 5 in Davis. As always, Yolo Audubon does not arrange carpools, and all rides are private agreements between the driver and riders.

Bobelaine Sanctuary CANCELED
2018-04-28 07:30 - 15:00
THIS TRIP IS CANCELED DUE TO POOR TRAIL CONDITIONS. It may be rescheduled; look for updates later.
We will be visiting the 430 acre National Audubon Sanctuary on the Feather River with over 6 miles of dirt trails, managed by Sacramento Audubon. We will be looking for the last of the overwintering passerines plus nesting season should be in full swing. We will be looking for local breeders as well as opportunistic raptors. The Feather River, riparian forest and surrounding fields could lead to some different sightings than are usually found in Yolo County. Anticipate a fair amount of flat land walking, though not all 6 miles!
Meet at 7:30am at the parking lot at Big 5 in the Market Place shopping center to carpool to the sanctuary. All levels of birders are welcome. There will not be a designated lunch break, but bring snacks or lunch and plenty of water. Bring binoculars. The trip will likely end in mid- to late afternoon. Be prepared for hot weather. Rain and high winds cancel this trip. Trip leaders are Sharon Kirkpatrick 530-220-3735, sleclark@ucdavis.edu and Joe Clemens, jclemens211@yahoo.com.

Putah Creek at Kusch Home
2018-05-05 07:30 - 12:00
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.
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 and beverages. High winds or a significant rainstorm cancel this trip. Space is limited; RSVP early. More info: Joe Clemens, jclemens211@yahoo.com (e-mail preferred; phone is 281-900-0808)

Cache Creek Nature Preserve
2018-05-08 07:30 - 10:30
We will walk through the woods along Cache Creek, looking and listening for spring migrant warblers, vireos, flycatchers, tanagers, etc. Meet at 7:30 AM at the Nature Preserve parking lot, reached from County Road 20, about one-half mile west of Road 94B. The gate should be open at about 7 AM. We will bird till about 10:30. Bring water and sturdy shoes. Porta-potty available.
Leader: Michael Perrone, 530 753-0441.

Putah Creek Nestbox Highway
2018-05-13 08:30 - 12:00
What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than spending some quality time with babies, birds that is!
Join us for a leisurely morning stroll on the Putah Creek Nestbox Highway, a breeding program for cavity nesting birds that has helped to recover Western Bluebirds and other species in the region. Families welcome. Easy walking on managed trails. 8:30 am at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, specific site to be determined based on nesting activity.
Wear long pants, a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes, and bring water, binoculars, and your camera. Rain or high winds will cancel. Last year’s trip was a big hit and space is limited so RSVP soon. Melanie Truan: mltruan@ucdavis.edu

Sierra Valley-Yuba Pass
2018-06-09 06:00 - 2018-06-10 20:00
Please join us for this overnight trip into the Sierra Nevada. We will be looking for special mountain birds, including Williamson’s Sapsucker, White-headed Woodpecker, Mountain Bluebird, Evening Grosbeak, and Calliope Hummingbird.
In Sierra Valley, we will be treated to the spectacle of dozens of displaying Yellow-headed Blackbirds, as well as nesting species such as Sandhill Crane, Willet, Wilson’s Snipe, Sage Thrasher, Vesper Sparrow and Brewer’s Sparrow.
Overnight options include lodging in Portola and camping at Lake Davis. Please bring several layers of clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, plenty of water and food enough at least for breakfast and lunch on Saturday and lunch on Sunday. We will have a group dinner at a restaurant in Portola on Saturday evening.
This trip will be limited to 12 participants and spaces will be filled on a first come/first served basis, so please sign up early.
We will meet at the Ikeda Market Park-N-Ride Lot in South Davis (off of Mace Blvd) at 6:00 AM on Saturday. Hope to see you there!
Kevin Guse (916-514-0685)
Mary Schiedt (530-400-7094)

Birding on Willow Slough at Conaway Ranch Yolo Audubon and Tuleyome field trip for beginning birders and their families
2018-08-19 08:00 - 10:00
Yolo Audubon and Tuleyome, are offering a family beginning birder outing in eastern Yolo County on Sunday August 19th. The two-hour trip will introduce children and adults to the basics of bird identification as well as habitat preservation. The participants will walk on a level dirt path through a Tricolored Blackbird easement of tule wetlands and past rice field on their way to Willow Slough, all on Conaway Ranch. The slough has mature valley oaks and a large permanent, open water area with fish, turtles & otters. The group will focus on large, easy to identify, bird species, including herons, egrets, kingfishers, Wood Ducks and Swainson’s Hawks.

Participants should wear hats and sturdy shoes, and bring water, snacks and insect repellent, if wanted. Yolo Audubon will provide binoculars for those who don’t have them.

The group will meet at 8am at the corner of County Roads 25 and 103. Someone will be there to direct parking along CR 25. Participants should sign up for the trip by going to http://tuleyome.org/events/. There is no charge, but participants must sign liability waivers. Bill Grabert, Tuleyome, and Mary Schiedt, Yolo Audubon, will co-lead this field trip. For more information, Bill may be contacted at bgrabert@tuleyome.org or 530.613.0317.
Photo caption: Great Blue Herons (and crayfish) should be seen along Willow Slough and the nearby wetlands during the Tuleyome/Yolo Audubon field trip on August 19th.

Photo credit: Mary Hanson

Bodega Bay
2018-09-08 06:00 - 18:00
All-day trip limited to five participants with some birding experience but unfamiliar with common Pacific coast birds and/or with birding at Bodega Bay, a world-class birding location. Harbor mudflats, ocean beach, and rocky headland for post-breeding seabird and shorebird migration– Bodega Bay, Harbor and Head, and Doran Beach. Likely to be warm but could be windy (wear sunscreen and be prepared for wind chill with layers and hat). Easy walks and good bird photo opportunities around the harbor. Contact leader Chris Dunford [530 753-9073; christopher.j.dunford@gmail.com] to reserve a seat and for details of transport options and meeting time/location. From Davis, a two-hour drive each way; you should be back by 6 pm.
Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to all. YAS encourages carpooling, but does not arrange them. All rides are arrangements between the rider and driver.

Wild Wings
2018-09-15 07:30 - 12:00
Come explore Cache Creek at Wild Wings Park, with the Yolo Audubon Society!
Fall migration is in full swing, with warblers and other migrating songbirds flocking to riparian corridors up and down the Central Valley. Enjoy a morning out on the creek, picking through flocks of warblers and Bushtits. Located east of Woodland off of Highway 16, Wild Wings is a housing division that backs up to a wide riparian corridor, chock full of mature cottonwoods and willows (perfect for passerines).
We will be meeting at the corner of Goldeneye and Wood Duck at 7:30 am. Make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. The trails can be quite brushy and sandy so we suggest you wear comfortable closed toed shoes and long pants.
Contact: Emmett Iverson (530-902-3598); Holly Coates (626-536-3138).
Yolo Audubon Society is very pleased to welcome these new trip leaders (and outstanding birders). Thanks for volunteering, Emmett and Holly!

No Place Like Nome
2018-09-19 19:30 - 21:00 | Davis Senior Center, 646 A Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Steve Hampton, Michael Perrone, John Sterling, and Manfred Kusch will share stories, pictures, and bird sounds from Nome, Alaska. Often considered too difficult to get to or just a pit stop on the way to islands in the Bering Sea, the Nome area offers astounding wildlife viewing and extraordinary scenery, all easily accessible from Anchorage. Prepare to be on the edge of the beach ice staring at Red Phalaropes and Sabine’s Gulls, mesmerized by the ethereal buzzing of a Bluethroat amidst snowy mountain grandeur, and face to face with a Musk Ox.
The Yolo Audubon monthly meeting will take place at the Davis Senior Center (646 A St, Davis, CA 95616). The program starts at 7:30 p.m., but everyone is invited for refreshments and conversation at 7:00.

Point Reyes
2018-09-23 06:00 - 19:00
Please come join us for our annual fall field trip to Pt. Reyes. Fall migration at Pt. Reyes can be spectacular and makes this area a well-deserved birding hotspot. Depending on the weather, the numbers and diversity of songbirds passing through the “Outer Point” can be impressive. In addition to the passerines, there are usually plenty of raptors and other migrants to enjoy!
We will meet at 6:00 AM in the Park-N-Ride lot off of Mace Boulevard (northeast of Highway I-80 and just down from Ikeda’s Market) for carpooling.
Please bring a lunch, plenty of fluids and dress in layers. Be prepared for a full day of birding.
Contact your leader, Kevin Guse, at 916-514-0685 for more details.
Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to all. YAS encourages carpooling, but does not arrange them. All rides are arrangements between the rider and driver.

The Big Chase
2018-10-14 06:00 - 19:00
Please join us for our annual Big Chase field trip. Fall migration should be in full swing and there should be many shorebirds, raptors and passerines to see.
The locations that we visit and the rare birds that we try to see are dependent on what has been reported on the Northern California RBA and local listservs.
We will meet at 6:00 AM in the Park and Ride lot off of Mace Boulevard (northeast of Highway
I-80 and just down from Ikeda’s Market) in Davis.
Bring binoculars, lunch and plenty of liquids and dress in layers. Please be prepared for a full day in the field.
Please call your leader, Kevin Guse (916-514-0685) with any questions.
Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to all. YAS encourages carpooling, but does not arrange them. All rides are arrangements between the rider and driver.

Audubon Priorities in the California Legislature
2018-10-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Davis Senior Center, 646 A Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Audubon California’s Director of Public Policy Mike Lynes will speak about the many wins – and a few losses – for Audubon priorities in the 2018 California legislative season. These include efforts to protect migratory birds, create habitats for wintering waterfowl and shorebirds throughout the state, put California on track to be carbon-neutral by 2045, and fund important natural resources agencies such as the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Mike will also discuss how Audubon California is preparing for 2019, when it intends to help a new California governor and legislature focus on key priorities, including biodiversity, climate adaptation, and adaptable water management in the Central Valley.
The Yolo Audubon monthly meeting will take place at the Davis Senior Center (646 A St, Davis, CA 95616). The program starts at 7:30 p.m., but everyone is invited for refreshments and conversation at 7:00.

Yolo County Sparrows Field Trip (can't think of a better name!)
2018-10-20 07:30 - 15:00
Fall migration is largely over and the winter birds are settling in. Join Steve Hampton and Michael Perrone for a local jaunt around Yolo County. The challenge: to find as many species of sparrows as possible. 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. Meet at the parking lot at Big 5 in the Marketplace Shopping Center in Davis, 1301 W. Covell Blvd at 7:30am. We will return by 3:00pm.

Sacramento and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges
2018-10-27 07:30 - 17:00
We will visit the Sacramento NWR north of Colusa and then the Colusa NWR. Both have driving tours so we will spend most of the time in cars. SNWR has a short walking tour on level ground as well as a very nice visitor center with restrooms. Colusa has a large, accessible observation deck. These two refuges host thousands of wintering waterfowl, as well as resident and migrant songbirds, owls and raptors. Easy viewing for birders. Never disappointing! The rare Falcated Duck has been seen at Colusa in the past. Bring lunch, snacks, water, layers of clothing, binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. Rain cancels trip. Meet to carpool at 7:30 a.m. at the parking lot at Big 5 in the Marketplace Shopping Center in Davis, 1301 W. Covell Blvd. Please plan to contribute to $6 per-car fee at the Sacramento refuge. More info: Betty Berteaux, (530)756-1686, birdtrax@dcn.org

Davis Cemetery
2018-10-28 08:00 - 11:00
Come look for birds and friendly goblins at the Davis Cemetery on this Halloween weekend. The 28-acre cemetery is a National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat. Many species of birds are attracted to this suburban woodland and the historic swale; the cemetery is well known for a large flock of Wild Turkeys. Several species of raptors are regular at the cemetery, including the White-tailed Kite, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Barn Owl. Western Bluebirds, Nuttall’s Woodpeckers, Red-breasted Sapsuckers, Dark-eyed Juncos, and Yellow-rumped Warblers also winter at the cemetery.
Birders at all skill levels are welcome. This will be a morning walk. Since it can be wet, sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. We will meet in the Davis Cemetery at 820 Pole Line Road, Davis (the corner of Pole Line Rd and East 8th St.) at 8:00 AM. The main entrance is on the East 8th Street side of the cemetery. There is limited parking in the cemetery; therefore, carpool or bike if you can. We will meet at the mini-parking area on the east driveway (on the right as you enter the cemetery). Contact the trip leader, Ed Whisler (916-204-0471 [cell phone] or edwhisler@yahoo.com [email]) for more information.

Lake Solano
2018-11-03 07:30 - 13:00
On this trip we’ll go to Lake Solano where Yolo County borders Solano County to look for Fall regulars. Bird sightings may include residents such as Osprey, Phainopepla, Wood Duck and hopefully several woodpeckers. There could be some surprises like Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker and Golden Eagle.
Meet at 7:30 AM at the parking lot at Big 5 in the Marketplace Shopping Center, in Davis, 1301 W. Covell Blvd. All levels of birders are welcome. Trip will conclude early afternoon. Bring water, snacks, binoculars and spotting scopes if you have one. A $6.00/car fee will be needed for parking at the picnic grounds. Rain and strong wind cancels trip.
More info: Sharon Kirkpatrick, (530)220-3735 or sleclark@ucdavis.edu

Woodland East Regional Pond
2018-11-04 08:30 - 12:00
Introduction to Bird Watching – Birding Walk for Novices
This free trip is for participants who are new to bird watching, or just curious about wild birds. This trip is appropriate for children 5 yrs. and older. The Woodland East Regional Pond, also known by local birders as the Farmers Central Pond, is a storm water detention pond, landscaped with native plantings that attracts both resident and migrant birds. This location has easy-walking pathways and viewing platforms will this enhance this outing. When water is available, the pond hosts Canada Geese, Great & Snowy Egrets and other water birds. In the trees, shrubs and grasses, we can expect to see Yellow-rumped Warblers, White-crowned Sparrows and other small birds. Meet at 8:15 AM at the Woodland East Regional Pond parking lot at the “T” intersection of Yolo County Road 102 and Farmers Central Road in Woodland. Trip will conclude by noon. Yolo Audubon Co-Leaders Ken Ealy & Carlos Castaneda will have binoculars to loan, but if you have binoculars, bring them. Strong wind or heavy rain cancels the trip. If you have questions, you may contact Ken (530) 219-1217.

On the trail of Madagascar Endemics — Birds, Lemurs, Chameleons and more!
2018-11-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Davis Senior Center, 646 A Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Madagascar is a must-see place for any birder or naturalist. Having been isolated for over 80 million years, it is a unique biogeographic region referred to by some as the eighth continent. All of its native land mammals are indigenous including over 70 species of lemurs, a primate group largely confined to Madagascar. Of the more than 250 species of birds found there, over half are endemic, including six families of birds found only there and on some small nearby islands. Yolo Audubon Society members Sid England, Randy Beaton and Ann Brice visited Madagascar in 2017. Please join them to learn about this fascinating place and experience the magic of the island.
The Yolo Audubon monthly meeting will take place at the Davis Senior Center (646 A St, Davis, CA 95616). The program starts at 7:30 p.m., but everyone is invited for refreshments and conversation at 7:00.

Woodland East Regional Pond
2018-12-02 08:30 - 12:00
Introduction to Bird Watching – Birding Walk for Novices

This free trip is for participants who are new to bird watching, or just curious about wild birds. This trip is appropriate for children 5 yrs. and older. The Woodland East Regional Pond, also known by local birders as the Farmers Central Pond, is a storm water detention pond, landscaped with native plantings that attracts both resident and migrant birds. Yolo County Resource Conservation District (YCRCD) will partner with Yolo Audubon on this trip and provide information on the pond, how it works and native habitat development around the pond. They will also provide the group with access beyond the gates, which is an area not normally open to the public. This location has easy-walking pathways and viewing platforms to enhance this outing. When water is available, the pond hosts Canada Geese, Great & Snowy Egrets and other water birds. In the trees, shrubs and grasses, we can expect to see Yellow-rumped Warblers, White-crowned Sparrows and other small birds. Meet at 8:15 AM at the Woodland East Regional Pond parking lot at the “T” intersection of Yolo County Road 102 and Farmers Central Road in Woodland. Trip will conclude by noon. Yolo Audubon Co-Leaders Ken Ealy & Carlos Castaneda will have binoculars to loan, but if you have binoculars, bring them. Strong wind or heavy rain cancels the trip. If you have questions, you may contact Ken (530) 219-1217.

Christmas Bird Count ID Workshop
2018-12-05 19:30 - 21:00 | Davis Senior Center, 646 A Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States

Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count and Compilation Potluck
2018-12-16
Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count began as an alternative to the Christmas “Side Hunt” and has since become a fine tradition with tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas braving the elements to take part in the effort. This long-term dataset has proven invaluable, providing a picture of how the continent’s bird populations have changed in time and space over the past century. Yolo Audubon Society’s count circle is centered on Putah Creek and was initiated in 1971. Nearly 250 varieties of birds have been counted so far. Recent findings include Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Common Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Rough-legged Hawk, Greater Roadrunner, Long- and Short-eared Owl, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Winter Wren, and Mountain Bluebird.
The 2018 Christmas Bird Count will take place on Sunday, December 16th. As in previous years the event is organized by Steve Hampton. We have posted information on the count, the ten areas, a link to a Google Earth map of the count circle and its 10 areas, and contact information for the area leaders at http://yoloaudubon.org/christmas-bird-count/. Please sign up for the area of your choice by contacting Steve or one of the area leaders directly. Contact information for each leader is on this page. You are invited to join us after the count for an evening potluck at the Redwood Building at 1111 Anderson (NOT the Davis Senior Center). The building is located directly southwest of the tennis courts on Anderson. You must park on the street or at the Cesar Chavez Elementary School parking lot.
It’s always a fun evening, and you’re welcome to the potluck even if you don’t count during the day.
We hope to see you on Sunday!
The Putah Creek CBC is part of Audubon’s 119th Christmas Bird Count to be conducted this coming season, with all counts held between the dates of Friday, December 14, 2018 through Saturday, January 5, 2019. You may participate in as many counts as you wish!
Find out more: http://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count

Bobcat Ranch
2019-01-06 08:30 - 12:00
THIS TRIP IS FULL
Join us for a morning of hiking at Audubon California’s Bobcat Ranch, located in the foothills of the Coast Range just west of Winters. Our fairly easy hike will be roughly two miles round-trip, with an elevation gain of about 235 ft. We will follow the creek north from the parking lot for about a mile – a hike we have not done before. We will meet in Winters at 8:30 am, and will be done hiking around 12:00 pm. Space is limited to 16 people. May be muddy – come prepared to possibly get dirty if it has been raining. Significant rain on the day, or heavy rain prior to the day of the hike will cancel. Please contact Stan Hunter for more details and to sign up for this hike at stanton.hunter@gmail.com
Note: this field trip has been rescheduled from Nov 18, because of concern about wildfire smoke. We still have room.

How Woodpeckers Can Save the World (or at least your local woodland!)
2019-01-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Davis Senior Center, 646 A Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
North American woodpeckers perform multiple keystone roles in the ecology of our forests and woodlands. More than 40 North American bird species, dozens of mammals, and innumerable invertebrates depend upon woodpeckers for their own lifestyles. However, humans need habitat, too, as well as wood products and agricultural resources. By clearing forests, felling snags, and suppressing fire, we have prevented woodpeckers from doing their jobs. Learn the basics of woodpecker natural history, anatomy, and ecology, and prepare to become new ambassadors for forest and woodpecker conservation.
Join Steve Shunk as he presents a program on woodpeckers at the January monthly meeting of the Yolo Audubon Society. This meeting will take place at the Davis Senior Center (646 A St, Davis, CA 95616). The program starts at 7:30 p.m., but everyone is invited for refreshments and conversation at 7:00.

Robinson Road: Raptors & Mountain Plovers
2019-01-19 07:30 - 14:00
Join us for a trip to the pastures of southeastern Solano County to search for resident and overwintering raptors & Mountain Plovers. We will search fields, perches and farm equipment. Prior trips have spotted 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. Little walking is anticipated. Wear appropriate winter wear, the area is generally windy. Bring water, snacks and/or lunch on the go. Bring binoculars and a spotting scope, if you have one. STRONG winds or heavy rain cancels the trip. All levels of birders are welcome.

Plan on carpooling for this trip as most of the trip involves driving and part of the trip has few places to pull off the roadway. Meet at the Marketplace Shopping Center (near Big 5 Sporting Goods, 1301 W. Covell just east of Hwy 113) at 7:30am, returning by early to mid-afternoon. Leader: Sharon Kirkpatrick (530) 220-3735 or sleclark@ucdavis.edu

Note: YAS does not “arrange” carpools, and all rides are private agreements between driver and riders.

Planting Party at Capay Open Space Park
2019-01-22 09:00 - 12:00
(Rescheduled from Jan 16th.)
In 2016, the Yolo County Resource Conservation District (YCRCD) received a grant from the State of CA to enhance wildlife habitat at Capay Open Space Park. The YCRCD and its partners are enhancing and expanding habitat features in the forty-acre parcel, located along Cache Creek in Capay. This involves restoration of oak savannah and native streamside vegetation and improvements to the prairie/grassland, including plantings to support pollinators.
The Yolo Audubon Society agreed to help with restoration work. YAS members and friends are invited to a planting party on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Please join us for a fun morning of habitat restoration and birding. Wear sturdy shoes. Tools provided. Heavy rain cancels event.
9:00 Birding the site with Michael Perrone
10:00-10:15 Introduction to Capay Open Space Park
10:15-11:45 Habitat restoration work (planting and/or seeding native plants)
11:45-12:00 Wrap up.
Noon Lunch (optional) at Roadtrip Bar and Grill in Capay

The Park is located at 15603 Co Rd 85, Esparto, CA.
If you have any questions, please contact Project Coordinator (and YAS member) Tanya Meyer at:
meyer@yolorcd.org
Office: (530) 661-1688 x 20
Cell: (530) 908-0236

Field Trip: Raptor Ramble
2019-02-02 07:30 - 17:00
Please come join us to try and find as many raptor species as possible in a full day of birding. We will focus on Yolo County, but we may visit adjacent counties as well in our quest.
In addition to the more common species, our targets will include Bald Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon and Rough-legged Hawk.
Bring binoculars, lunch, plenty of liquids and dress in layers. If you have one, a spotting scope would be really helpful. Please be prepared for a full day of birding.
We will meet at the Park-N-Ride Lot near the Ikeda Market in South Davis (off of the Mace Boulevard Exit) at 7:30 AM for carpooling.
Hope to see you there!
Please contact the leader, Kevin Guse, at 916-514-0685 for more details.
SIGNIFICANT RAIN WILL CANCEL THIS TRIP
Note: YAS does not “arrange” carpools, and all rides are private agreements between driver and riders.
