BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Yolo Bird Alliance - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Yolo Bird Alliance 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:20200308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20201101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20210314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20211107T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20220313T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20221106T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20230312T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20231105T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211127T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211127T235959 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20210913T150424Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220108T220543Z UID:5013-1637971200-1638057599@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Sacramento & Colusa Wildlife Refuges DESCRIPTION:Sacramento NWR; © Diane Colborn\n\n\n\nThis post-Thanksgiving trip will feature iconic Central Valley wintering birds at two national wildlife refuges.  Depending on water conditions\, in late November the Sacramento and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges typically host hundreds of thousands of wintering geese and ducks\, as well as many other birds.  We will also 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.  Depending on weather\, we may take a short trail walk.  We will also make a side stop in Maxwell to see if the Vermillion Flycatcher has returned to the cemetery this year. \n\n\n\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. \n\n\n\nPlease 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.   \n\n\n\nPlease contact Diane Colborn at tlcgdc@gmail.com\, or 916-764-5796\, to register and for details regarding meeting time and location. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nField Trip Report\n\n\n\nby Diane Colborn \n\n\n\nWe identified 58 species.  I just submitted the list to ebird and “shared” it with yoloaudubon. Below is a simple summary of the trip.  \n\n\n\nThe Yolo Audubon Society post-Thanksgiving field trip to Sacramento and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges on November 27\, 2021 had 17 participants who enjoyed clear sunny weather and collectively identified 58 species of birds.  Highlights included close up spectacular views of an estimated 100\,000 snow geese both on the water and flying overhead.  Smaller numbers of Ross’s Geese\, White-fronted Geese and Cackling Geese were also seen.  Other highlights included drive away views of a Peregrine Falcon\, who perched on a telephone pole for photos\, and good looks at an immature Bald Eagle who circled overhead.  We also saw eight Wilson’s Snipe and had good looks at a Sora\, who are more often heard than seen.  All in all a beautiful Central Valley Fall day. \n\n\n\nHere is the list: \n\n\n\nSnow GooseRoss’s GooseGreater White-fronted GooseCackling GooseNorthern ShovelerGadwallAmerican WigeonMallardNorthern PintailGreen-winged TealRing-necked DuckBuffleheadRuddy DuckRing-necked PheasantPied-billed GrebeEurasian Collared DoveAnna’s Hummingbird SoraAmerican CootBlack-necked StiltKilldeerWestern SandpiperLong-billed DowitcherWilson’s SnipeGreater YellowlegsCalifornia GullGreat Blue HeronGreat EgretSnowy Egret Turkey VultureBald Eagle (immature)Northern HarrierCooper’s HawkRed-shouldered HawkRed-tailed HawkGreat-horned OwlBelted KingfisherNuttall’s WoodpeckerNorthern FlickerAmerican KestrelMerlinPeregrine FalconBlack PhoebeSays PhoebeCalifornia Scrub-JayCommon RavenGolden-crowned KingletRuby-crowned KingletNorthern MockingbirdAmerican PipitHouse FinchGoldfinch sp.White-crowned SparrowWestern MeadowlarkRed-winged BlackbirdBrewer’s BlackbirdCommon YellowthroatYellow-rumped Warbler URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/sacramento-colusa-refuges-2021/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/sac-colusa-diane-colborn-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211204T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211204T130000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20210928T231005Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220108T215635Z UID:5033-1638606600-1638622800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Bobcat Ranch DESCRIPTION:Bobcat Ranch; © Stan Hunter\n\n\n\nJoin 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\, following ranch roads through the Blue Oak grasslands.  The final route for the hike has not been set\, but no matter where we go\, it will be a treat to wander around this working ranch that is not normally open to the public. \n\n\n\nSpace is limited to 12 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. Participants are expected to be vaccinated. \n\n\n\nPlease contact Stan Hunter for more details and to sign up for this hike at stanton.hunter@gmail.com \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBobcat Ranch Field Trip Report\n\n\n\nText by Stanton HunterPhotos by JoAnne Fillatti \n\n\n\nOn Saturday\, December 4\, a group of hikers and birders was able to take a tour of Audubon California’s Bobcat Ranch\, in the foothills of the Coast range\, just west of Winters\, CA. The hike was sponsored by Yolo Audubon Society\, and was led by Joe Zinkl\, Sonjia Shelly and Stan Hunter. \n\n\n\nThe day started out with fairly heavy valley fog in Winters. The group began the hike in the parking lot at the ranch\, watching a group of White-crowned\, Golden-crowned Sparrows and Spotted Towhees flitting about in piles of brush\, and Acorn Woodpeckers flying from tree to tree around the ranch house. We then headed west along a fire road\, with our destination an area known as Black Rock Basin (for the large clusters of dark rock that are found in the area)\, a distance of about a mile and a half away. Along the way\, we saw a Say’s Phoebe\, several Western Meadowlarks\, and ranch regulars Oak Titmice\, White-breasted Nuthatches\, Yellow-rumped Warblers (Audubon’s variety)\, Dark-eyed Juncos (Oregon variety)\, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Lesser Goldfinches. The fog was starting to burn off\, and small patches of blue were showing through the clouds. \n\n\n\nBut the real starts of the show on that hike were the numerous Lewis’s Woodpeckers that were flying around\, landing in trees\, and calling to one another. As has been experienced recently at Bobcat Ranch\, we saw more Lewis’s Woodpeckers than Acorn Woodpeckers in the Blue Oak trees along the fire road\, which is normally an unusual occurrence. In the past\, it would be normal to occasionally see a Lewis’s fly over\, but to see so many of them feeding and congregating in the trees was an unusual and pleasant surprise.  \n\n\n\nAt the top of the road\, we were able to find several Savannah Sparrows\, an American Kestrel and several Common Ravens. By this time\, the fog had burned off and it was clear and sunny\, but it was not to last long; after we had been in Black Rock Basin for around 20 minutes\, the fog started blowing in and it once again got cold and damp. We thought we may have seen a Loggerhead Shrike on a barbed wire fence\, but as the fog blew in\, and visibility diminished\, our view of the bird went away before we could confirm its identification. \n\n\n\nWe decided it was time to start back\, slowly walking back the fire road to the parking lot. By the time we returned to our cars\, we had covered over two and a half miles in about three hours of walking\, and had seen 21 species of birds. It may not have been the most spectacular day at Bobcat Ranch\, but it was certainly very pleasant to take a relaxed hike through the grass-covered hills studded with Blue Oaks\, and take in the quiet beauty that is Bobcat Ranch. \n\n\n\nBobcat Ranch is a 6800-acre working ranch in the Coast Range west of Winters. The ranch is normally closed to the public\, for preservation purposes\, but the ranch occasionally allows public hikes\, along with a variety of scientific studies\, wildlife surveys\, and other nature-based research. Thanks to Audubon California\, and Dash Weidhofer\, the ranch manager\, for their help in putting this hike together.  \n\n\n\n\n\nGolden-crowned Sparrow\n\n\n\nSavannah Sparrow\n\n\n\nSpotted Towhee\n\n\n\n\n\nLewis’s Woodpecker\n\n\n\nSavannah Sparrow\n\n\n\nWhite-crowned Sparrow URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2021-12-bobcat-ranch/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/bobcat-stan-hunter-rotated.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211208T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211208T203000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20211102T224736Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211122T152419Z UID:5144-1638990000-1638995400@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:CBC Bird ID Workshop DESCRIPTION:Lewis’s Woodpecker at Lake Solano; © Ann Brice\n\n\n\nAlways a popular event\, Compiler Bart Wickel and Emmett Iverson host the Bird ID workshop in preparation for our 51st annual Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Bart will share data and trends from previous counts\, touch on the impacts of climate change and fire history on the count. Emmett will lead a session on helpful tips on bird ID. \n\n\n\nBART WICKEL has been birding Yolo County for almost 9 years now and is serving as a compiler for the Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count for the first time this year. EMMETT IVERSON grew up in the count area and is one of the eBird reviewers for Yolo County.  \n\n\n\nThe CBC is scheduled for Sunday\, December 19th. Our 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\, contact information for the Area Leaders\, and Covid protocols is here on the Yolo Audubon website. \n\n\n\nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \n\n\n\nThe Bird ID workshop will be conducted via Zoom. There is no cost to attend but advance registration is required. You do not need to be a member of Yolo Audubon to attend this meeting. \n\n\n\n\nRegister for Program on Zoom\n\n\n\n\nAn 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.) \n\n\n\nDuring the presentation\, you will be able to ask questions via Zoom’s chat feature for the Q&A afterwards. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/cbc-bird-id-workshop-2021/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/lewiss-woodpecker-brice.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211211T071500 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211211T100000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20211117T130636Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220108T214217Z UID:5174-1639206900-1639216800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Cache Creek Nature Preserve DESCRIPTION:Wood Duck: © Joanne Fillatti\n\n\n\n\n\nGreat Horned Owl; © Joanne Fillatti\n\n\n\n\n\nOn this trip we will visit Cache Creek Nature Preserve\, a private/non-profit outdoor preserve that has gone through more than 25 years of habitat restoration work located just off the Cache Creek Watershed in Woodland\, CA. We will be looking for resident species and those that winter here in the area. \n\n\n\nA combination of wetland\, riparian forest\, creek\, and grassland habitats will provide an opportunity to see a variety of birds such as Wood Ducks\, Great-Horned Owls\, Ruby-crowned Kinglets\, Northern Flickers\, and many sparrows. There are also occasional sightings of Ospreys\, American White Pelicans\, American Bitterns\, and Soras.  \n\n\n\nMeet at 7:15 AM at the parking lot of Cache Creek Nature Preserve\, 34199 Co Rd 20\, Woodland\, CA. All levels of birders are welcome. Trip will conclude at around 10:00 AM. Bring water\, binoculars and spotting scopes if you have one. We will also provide additional binoculars\, but it’s STRONGLY RECOMMENNDED to bring your own. \n\n\n\nThere won’t be much walking on uneven terrain. Much of the walk will be on established trails that are mostly flat. Rain and strong wind will cancel trip.  \n\n\n\nCall or email for directions or more info: Harnawaz Boparai (916)-871-9093 (cell) or hsboparai@ucdavis.edu \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCache Creek Nature Preserve Yolo Audubon Field Trip Summary\n\n\n\nby Harnawaz Boparai \n\n\n\nThe field trip occurred on December 11\, 2021 at the Cache Creek Nature Preserve starting at 7:15 AM and ending at 10:00 AM roughly\, however some attendees stayed until 11:00 AM. There were a total of 17 field trip attendees (not including the field trip leader and two other staff from the Cache Creek Conservancy/Nature Preserve). We started at the parking lot of the nature preserve and walked parallel with the wetland going through the tending gathering garden; before taking a slope up to the levee and continued walking adjacent to the wetland. After the wetland\, we took a turn into the riparian forest area that runs parallel with the Cache Creek watershed. We hiked along that for a good duration of time (almost an hour) before coming up to a dried up slough. We crossed over that slough to reach the grasslands region of the nature preserve. From the grasslands\, we hiked through the oak woodland trail heading back to the front entrance of the nature preserve. By the time we reached the front of the Cache Creek Nature Preserve it was slightly past 10:00 AM. Some people already decided to leave at that point\, while others chose to stay and look over the wetland for some more time. \n\n\n\nThere was a diversity of birds observed over the course of the entire field trip. Each habitat type featured a different plethora of birds. The wetland habitat was spotlighted by a flock of over two dozen American White Pelicans foraging for aquatic prey throughout our time in the wetland. Other wetland species observed were Common Mergansers\, Northern Mockingbirds\, and even a Hermit Thrush (observed towards the end of the field trip). The riparian habitat also hosted a wide variety of species such as California Towhees\, Golden-crowned Sparrows\, and a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. The grassland habitat witnessed our first Black Phoebe sighting of the field trip. The woodland habitat hosted Downy and Nuttall’s Woodpeckers\, as well as a Rufous-crowned Sparrow. Shortly before finishing up the woodland area of the preserve\, we found a large collection of Great Horned Owl feathers near the entrance of the nature preserve. We’re not quite sure what the cause of it was\, but looked to be it most likely was caused by predation. But of what remains unclear.  \n\n\n\nThe overall diversity of birders present during the field trip was interesting. About half to two-thirds of the attendees had high-definition cameras to take good quality photographs of the birds and other wildlife present throughout the entire field trip. This actually was quite helpful on several occasions over the field trip; particularly with birds that even the most experienced birders were having a hard time confirming what species was being observed. Two examples of this were the Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher from the riparian forest and the Rufous-crowned Sparrow from the woodland. Both species when viewed with binoculars\, most of us were still unsure if it was the selected species\, but then the photographers took photographs and shared it with us; which helped confirm our guesses. Also\, about half the attendees were well-rounded birders with years of birding experience. While the other half had recently gotten into birding in the last couple of years and wanted to start coming out on these field trips to become better birders and seek advice from experienced birders that were attending these field trips.  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/cache-creek-nature-preserve-2021/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/Great-Horned-Owl-juvenile-1-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211219T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211219T210000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20211122T150227Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211122T150554Z UID:5207-1639940400-1639947600@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:CBC Compilation Program DESCRIPTION:The traditional Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count Compilation ‘potluck’ will be held online this year\, via Zoom. Whether you were able to join the count or not\, we invite to join us to watch the returns come in. \n\n\n\nBart Wickel and the Area Leaders from the count will supply historical and regional analysis\, stories from the day and\, most importantly\, the numbers. We promise to count every bird! Bart has been birding Yolo County for almost 9 years now and is serving as a compiler for the Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count for the first time this year.  \n\n\n\nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \n\n\n\nThis event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Audubon. If you would like to join\, click here. If you only want to receive the monthly newsletter\, click here.  \n\n\n\nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this meeting. \n\n\n\n\nRegister for Program on Zoom\n\n\n\n\nAn 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.) \n\n\n\nDuring the presentation\, you will be able to ask questions via Zoom’s chat feature for the Q&A afterwards. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/cbc-compilation-2021/ CATEGORIES:Online Event,Special Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/wrentit-ealy.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220115T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220115T170000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20211122T135004Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220127T205338Z UID:5197-1642233600-1642266000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Raptor Ramble DESCRIPTION:Ferruginous Hawk; © Ann Brice\n\n\n\nPlease come join us to try and find as many raptor species as possible.  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.   \n\n\n\nThe trip leader is Kevin Guse. Bring binoculars\, lunch\, plenty of liquids and dress in layers.  If you have one\, a spotting scope would be really helpful. The trip will begin at 8 AM. Please be prepared for a full day of birding. Very high winds or significant storms may cancel the trip. \n\n\n\nThe trip is limited to 4 cars. All participants are expected to be vaccinated. Drivers and their passengers will decide whether masks are required while in vehicles. To reserve a spot contact John Mott-Smith at johnmottsmith@comcast.net or (530) 400-7622.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTrip Report provided by leader Kevin Guse: \n\n\n\n12 persons in 4 vehicles were on the trip\, a very comfortable number. \n\n\n\n73 species were seen\, including 13 raptors: Bald Eagle\, Golden Eagle\, Prairie Falcon\, Northern Harrier\, Red-tailed HawkRed-shouldered Hawk\, American Kestrel\, Cooper’s Hawk\, Sharp-shinned Hawk\, Pygmy-Owl\, Burrowing Owl\, Osprey\, and Turkey Vulture. \n\n\n\nOther key bird sightings included Loggerhead Shrike\, California Thrasher\, Red-breasted Sapsucker\, and a flock of Mountain Bluebirds. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/raptor-ramble-2022-01/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2DF_9838.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220119T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220119T203000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220103T135924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220103T140412Z UID:5279-1642618800-1642624200@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Natural History of the Northern Saw-whet Owl DESCRIPTION:Saw-whet Owl; © Ken Sobon\n\n\n\nFor the last 17 years Altacal Audubon has hosted the northern saw-whet owl banding station at Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve. In the presentation\, Ken Sobon will talk about the natural history of the northern saw-whet owl\, our banding process and the results from the last 17 years of study. \n\n\n\nKen Sobon is an avid birder\, field trip leader\, Vice President of Altacal Audubon Society and is the Northern California representative on Audubon California board of directors. He has worked the last 11 seasons volunteering and assisting\, and is now the Director of the Northern Saw-whet Owl fall migration monitoring project. In addition\, Ken has been a science teacher to middle school students in Oroville since 1995. He has shared his love of science and birding with his students both in the classroom and in field. \n\n\n\nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \n\n\n\nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this meeting. \n\n\n\n\nRegister for Program on Zoom\n\n\n\n\nAn 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.) \n\n\n\nDuring the presentation\, you will be able to ask questions via Zoom’s chat feature for the Q&A afterwards. \n\n\n\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.  \n\n\n\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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/natural-history-northern-saw-whet-owl/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/saw-whet-owl-sobon-rotated.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220122T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220122T140000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20211122T140311Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220127T181356Z UID:5199-1642838400-1642860000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Robinson Road: Raptors & Mountain Plovers DESCRIPTION:Burrowing Owl; © JoAnne Fillatti\n\n\n\nJoin 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 Falcon\, Merlin\, Golden Eagle\, Ferruginous Hawk\, Rough- legged Hawk\, Burrowing Owl 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. \n\n\n\nDue to parking issues on narrow roads\, and to respect private property\, this trip is limited to 4 vehicles. The trip will begin at 8:00 AM\, returning by early to mid-afternoon. The leader is Sharon Kirkpatrick. \n\n\n\nTo reserve a spot contact John Mott-Smith at johnmottsmith@comcast.net or (530) 400-7622. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTrip Report: This field trip had to be cancelled due to high wind conditions. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/robinson-road-2022-01/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/burrowing-owls-2-fillatti-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220129T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220129T140000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20211122T133848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220218T163609Z UID:5183-1643439600-1643464800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Cosumnes River Preserve DESCRIPTION:Sandhill Cranes; © Joanne Fillatti\n\n\n\nCranes\, geese\, swans\, ducks\, shorebirds and of course … lots of sparrows. In the morning we will leisurely bird the trails through the riparian forest near the visitor center and in the adjacent marsh. After lunch on the deck of the visitor’s center\, we will be roadside birding by marshes and fields along Desmond and Bruceville Roads watching for the Peregrine Falcon that frequents a nearby microwave tower. \n\n\n\nMeet at 7:00 a.m. in the Park-and-Ride lot off Mace Boulevard (northeast of Highway 80 and just down from Ikeda’s Market). Bring your lunch\, binoculars\, and spotting scope if you have one. Dress appropriately for the weather that day which could range from warm and sunny to cool and foggy. Let’s hope for no rain. We expect to finish by midafternoon. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions\, contact your leader\, Sid England at (530) 756-7882 or asenglnd@pacbell.net. \n\n\n\nYolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Car-pooling is encouraged\, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders. Heavy rain or high winds may cancel any trip. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCOSUMNES RIVER PRESERVE FIELD TRIP REPORTby Sid England and Randy Beaton \n\n\n\nTo paraphrase the singer-songwriter\, Johnny Nash\, it was a bright\, bright sun-shiny day with nothing but blue sky when about 15 birders convened at the Cosumnes River Preserve for a spectacular morning of birding. We first walked the Boardwalk trail out to the observation deck and back then completed the milelong Wetlands Walk Trail before having lunch and finished up at the ponds along Desmond and Bruceville Roads. \n\n\n\nJust being out on such a wonderful day was the highlight of the trip\, but there were many notable birds. Perhaps the best was an extremely cooperative Prairie Falcon that flew right in front of us and over our heads at low elevation not once\, but twice. What a treat! Another favorite of the group was a flock of Tundra Swans that flew low very near us. And of course\, the many thousands of waterfowl especially clouds of Snow Geese were crowd pleasers\, too. \n\n\n\nFollowing is a list of species and estimated numbers seen before lunch. After lunch along Desmond and Bruceville Roads\, we added many thousands of waterfowl along with Ruddy Duck\, Red-shouldered Hawk\, and American Kestrel for a day total of 55 species.  \n\n\n\n\n\nSPECIES and COUNT \n\n\n\nSnow Goose 5\,000 \n\n\n\nGreater White-fronted Goose 1\,500 \n\n\n\nCanada Goose 30 \n\n\n\nTundra Swan 12 \n\n\n\nNorthern Shoveler 150 \n\n\n\nGadwall 8 \n\n\n\nAmerican Wigeon 80 \n\n\n\nMallard 2 \n\n\n\nNorthern Pintail 300 \n\n\n\nGreen-winged Teal 200 \n\n\n\nRing-necked Duck 24 \n\n\n\nBufflehead 12 \n\n\n\nCommon Goldeneye 4 \n\n\n\nAnna’s Hummingbird 1 \n\n\n\nAmerican Coot 120 \n\n\n\nSandhill Crane 15 \n\n\n\nBlack-necked Stilt 18 \n\n\n\nKilldeer 6 \n\n\n\nDunlin 40 \n\n\n\nLeast Sandpiper 24 \n\n\n\nLong-billed Dowitcher 20 \n\n\n\nWilson’s Snipe 1 \n\n\n\nGreater Yellowlegs 8 \n\n\n\nRing-billed Gull 4 \n\n\n\nHerring Gull 8 \n\n\n\nAmerican White Pelican 1 \n\n\n\n\n\nSPECIES and COUNT \n\n\n\nGreat Egret 1 \n\n\n\nTurkey Vulture 5 \n\n\n\nNorthern Harrier 3 \n\n\n\nRed-tailed Hawk 2 \n\n\n\nDowny Woodpecker 1 \n\n\n\nPrairie Falcon 1 \n\n\n\nBlack Phoebe 6 \n\n\n\nSay’s Phoebe 1 \n\n\n\nCalifornia Scrub-Jay 4 \n\n\n\nAmerican Crow 2 \n\n\n\nCommon Raven 2 \n\n\n\nTree Swallow 45 \n\n\n\nRuby-crowned Kinglet 6 \n\n\n\nMarsh Wren 50 \n\n\n\nEuropean Starling 5 \n\n\n\nWestern Bluebird 2 \n\n\n\nHouse Sparrow 8 \n\n\n\nWhite-crowned Sparrow 40 \n\n\n\nGolden-crowned Sparrow 30 \n\n\n\nSavannah Sparrow 2 \n\n\n\nLincoln’s Sparrow 3 \n\n\n\nWestern Meadowlark 3 \n\n\n\nRed-winged Blackbird 100 \n\n\n\nBrewer’s Blackbird 30 \n\n\n\nCommon Yellowthroat 2 \n\n\n\nYellow-rumped Warbler 30 URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/cosumnes-river-preserve-2022-01/ LOCATION:Park-N-Ride (Meeting Place)\, 26295 Mace Boulevard\, Davis\, CA\, 95618\, United States CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/sandhill-cranes-fillatti-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220216T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220216T203000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220121T140529Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220121T140803Z UID:5324-1645038000-1645043400@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Plants of the Yolo Wildlife Bypass Area DESCRIPTION:Common Sunflower\, Helianthus annuus; © Charlie Russell\n\n\n\nWhat are those flowers blooming along the road\, in the rice fields\, or out in the canals in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA)? Are they native plants\, or introduced? There are many different plant habitats in the YBWA\, and they support a wide range of flowering plants. This presentation will help you identify many of the plants that visitors are likely to come across while on foot or in a car. We’ll help you identify the good\, the bad\, the ugly\, and even the poisonous ones. There are over 500 species plants there\, and we will focus on those that you’ll most commonly see. It’s not just birds out there! \n\n\n\nCharlie Russell has a lifelong interest in nature\, and has been photographing wildflowers for over 40 years. He has a master’s degree in plant sciences from UC Davis\, and is a certified California Naturalist. Amongst other activities\, he is a docent with the Yolo Basin Foundation and Jepson Prairie Preserve. \n\n\n\nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \n\n\n\nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this meeting. \n\n\n\n\nRegister for Program on Zoom\n\n\n\n\nAn 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.) \n\n\n\nDuring the presentation\, you will be able to ask questions via Zoom’s chat feature for the Q&A afterwards. \n\n\n\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.  \n\n\n\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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/plants-of-yolo-wildlife-bypass-area/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/yolo-bypass-charlie-russell.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220219T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220219T180000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220127T162028Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220127T162030Z UID:5338-1645254000-1645293600@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Bodega Bay DESCRIPTION:Common Loon; © Ann Brice \n\n\n\nAll-day trip limited to 12 participants – priority given to those with some birding experience but unfamiliar with common winter birds of the Pacific coast and/or with birding at Bodega Bay\, a world-class birding location. Harbor mudflats\, ocean beach\, and rocky headland for ducks\, grebes\, loons\, gulls and shorebirds in one compact area – Bodega Bay\, Harbor and Head\, and Doran Beach. \n\n\n\nWinter weather can be surprisingly good\, but be prepared for cold and wet with layers\, hat and gloves. Only major wind or rainstorm will cancel the trip. Easy walks and good bird photo opportunities around the harbor. All participants should be vaccinated. \n\n\n\nContact leader Chris Dunford [530-753-9073; christopher.j.dunford at gmail.com] to reserve a seat and for details of lunch\, transport options and meeting time/location. From Davis\, a two-hour drive each way; you should be back by 6 pm. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/bodega-bay-7/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/common-loon-brice1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220312T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220312T120000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220127T160059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220520T010605Z UID:5333-1647075600-1647086400@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:North Davis Ponds DESCRIPTION:Greater Yellowlegs; © Josh Greenfield\n\n\n\n\n\nSora; © Ann Brice\n\n\n\n\n\nThe pond at Northstar Park and the Julie Partansky Pond (North Area Drainage Basin) attract a variety of land birds as well as water birds year-round\, especially after runoff from surrounding neighborhoods has filled the Partansky Pond. \n\n\n\nMeet at 9 am in the 3500 Anderson Road parking lot for a slow-moving stroll around the ponds to see what’s there\, catering to beginners as well as intermediate-level birders. Bring your binoculars. Will finish no later than 12 noon. \n\n\n\nContact Chris Dunford with any questions (christopher.j.dunford@gmail.com). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChris Dunford’s Field Trip Report\n\n\n\nNorth Area Drainage Pond\, Yolo\, California\, USMar 12\, 2022 8:45 AM – 12:20 PMProtocol: Traveling1.2 mile(s) \n\n\n\nChris Dunford and Josh Greenfield led a Yolo Audubon Society field trip to the North Davis Ponds. Clear sky\, moderate wind\, temps in 50s and 60s F.  This is the combined checklist for the two subgroups\, covering the ponds\, the Upland Habitat Area\, the nature trail\, and the soccer fields. 43 species (+2 other taxa). 24 participants. \n\n\n\nThis checklist is also available online at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S104700148 \n\n\n\nCanada Goose (moffitti/maxima)  9American Wigeon  4Mallard  6Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1Mourning Dove  2Anna’s Hummingbird  6Sora  2Common Gallinule  1American Coot  2American Coot (Red-shielded)  1Killdeer  2Larus sp.  3Great Egret  1White-tailed Kite  1Sharp-shinned Hawk  1Cooper’s Hawk  1Swainson’s Hawk  1Red-tailed Hawk  1Red-breasted Sapsucker  1Nuttall’s Woodpecker  2Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)  2Black Phoebe  6Say’s Phoebe  1California Scrub-Jay  4American Crow  5Tree Swallow  12Barn Swallow  1Bushtit  5Ruby-crowned Kinglet  6Northern Mockingbird  6Western Bluebird  4American Robin  10Cedar Waxwing  45House Finch  6Purple Finch  1Pine Siskin  3Lesser Goldfinch  30American Goldfinch  5Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)  5White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel’s)  8Golden-crowned Sparrow  9Savannah Sparrow  3Spotted Towhee  1Red-winged Blackbird (California Bicolored)  8Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s)  17 URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2022-03-north-davis-ponds/ LOCATION:3500 Anderson Road\, 3500 Anderson Road\, Davis\, California\, 95616 CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/sora-brice-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220316T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220316T203000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220226T134840Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220226T135534Z UID:5397-1647457200-1647462600@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:eBird - The Basics DESCRIPTION:Since it was launched by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in the early 2000’s\, eBird has become an important tool for researchers. The data drawn from millions of eBird observations worldwide has become a pivotal tool for studying overall population trends and migration timing. Apart from the role it plays in citizen science\, eBird also appeals to birders for its ability to keep track of sightings in one easily accessible place. Add to that the endless information on thousands of species and the ability to find out about unusual observations of rare birds\, and it’s easy to see why eBird has become the largest citizen science project in the world.  \n\n\n\neBird can be daunting to dive into but with some patience anyone can learn to use its features. Our presentation will focus on the basics\, such as creating an account\, creating and submitting “checklists”\, and making use of the unique features that eBird has to offer. It will be perfect for those who are interested in getting started with eBird but have not done so yet\, as well as those who want to get more familiar with features such as the “Species Map” and “Explore Hotspots” pages. We will also be leading a subsequent field trip to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area\, with the goal of giving participants live practice with the eBird app. \n\n\n\nLink to eBird home page: https://ebird.org/home \n\n\n\nLink to related field trip: “eBirding Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area”\, March 19:http://yoloaudubon.org/event/2022-03-ebirding-yolo-bypass-wildlife-area/ \n\n\n\nEmmett’s bio: \n\n\n\nI am a Wildlife Conservation major and will be moving up to Arcata to continue my studies this fall at Humboldt State University. I love birding and really enjoy nerding-out over the feathered dinosaurs in our backyard. Whether I am arguing about vagrant patterns with my buddies\, perusing eBird or\, well\, birding\, birds are always on my mind. I am one of the regional reviewers for eBird in Yolo and I also write the Recent Sightings column for the monthly Yolo Audubon newsletter.  \n\n\n\nZane’s bio: \n\n\n\nBirds have been of interest to me for my entire life\, and as I have gotten older that interest has morphed into a passion. I enjoy all aspects of birding- checking local patches\, chasing vagrants\, photography\, discussing identification\, monitoring Tree Swallow and Western Bluebird boxes\, and simply enjoying the outdoors. I especially love the ability to teach others through field trips and presentations\, as I believe one of the best parts of the hobby is the sense of community in sharing birds with others. Currently I serve as one of Yolo County’s Regional Reviewers for eBird\, as well a member of Yolo Audubon’s Board of Directors. As a current senior in high school\, next year I intend to study environmental science or ecology at a four-year university in California.  \n\n\n\nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \n\n\n\nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this meeting. \n\n\n\n\nRegister for Program on Zoom\n\n\n\n\nAn 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.) \n\n\n\nDuring the presentation\, you will be able to ask questions via Zoom’s chat feature for the Q&A afterwards. \n\n\n\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.  \n\n\n\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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/ebird-the-basics-2022/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/ebird-logo.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220319T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220319T120000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220225T184953Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220330T150756Z UID:5383-1647673200-1647691200@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:eBirding the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area DESCRIPTION:Northern Harrier; © Zane Pickus\n\n\n\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. It has tremendous value to birders of all levels\, and the app makes it easy to create checklists and log bird sightings wherever you go. Leaders Emmett Iverson and Zane Pickus will be gearing the trip towards those with little eBird experience\, specifically the benefits of using the eBird app. \n\n\n\nAs for birds\, spring is just arriving and the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is a wonderful place to witness the changing season. Ducks will be be lingering\, shorebirds will be arriving\, and there should be plenty of raptors and songbirds to enjoy. \n\n\n\nWe will meet at the Davis park-and-ride at 7:00am\, and the trip should conclude by 12pm.  Please bring water\, snacks\, sunscreen\, and dress appropriately. \n\n\n\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 will be presented at Emmett and Zane’s eBird presentation\, on Wednesday\, January 16. \n\n\n\neBird app on iPhone\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\neBirding the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Trip Reportby Zane Pickus & Emmett Iverson\n\n\n\nOn Saturday\, March 19\, 2022\, nine birders joined Emmett Iverson and Zane Pickus to visit the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. The trip focused on helping participants become more familiar with the eBird app. Those who attended were able to practice creating and submitting eBird checklists of the birds they observed\, as well as gain experience with counting and estimating flocks of birds. Despite some intermittent rain and an overcast morning\, the group powered on to see a total of 61 species.  \n\n\n\nThe indisputable highlight was the incredible flocks of Yellow-headed Blackbirds\, staging at the Bypass before they continue on to their breeding grounds. An estimated 235 Yellow-headeds were seen throughout the morning. The group was able to pick out 6 Ross’s Geese among flocks of flyover Snow Geese\, and a few were able to get views of a distant Bald Eagle. The eagle\, an apparent first- or second-year bird\, is a very unusual species at the Bypass. Everyone had great looks at Blue-winged Teal\, of which 9 were observed. This is a regular but difficult to detect species at the Bypass. Shorebirds were beginning to arrive\, and Dunlin\, Long-billed Dowitchers\, and Greater Yellowlegs were all seen well in good numbers. Finally\, a female Great Horned Owl sitting on a nest was a treat.  \n\n\n\nIt was a fun morning at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Thanks to all who attended. A full eBird checklist of species is here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S105223561 URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2022-03-ebirding-yolo-bypass-wildlife-area/ LOCATION:Park-N-Ride (Meeting Place)\, 26295 Mace Boulevard\, Davis\, CA\, 95618\, United States CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/DF11383-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220420T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220420T203000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220328T143800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220330T144641Z UID:5469-1650481200-1650486600@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:BirdSeasons CA Project at Bobcat Ranch DESCRIPTION:Spring at Bobcat Ranch\n\n\n\nYolo Audubon Society is one of five Audubon California chapters that have been conducting phenology surveys (BirdSeasons CA Project) on private state Audubon properties. Yolo Audubon Society has been conducting these surveys at Audubon California Society’s Bobcat Ranch for nearly six years. The surveys are conducted to provide data for the USA National Phenology Network. (Phenology: the study of periodic events in biological life cycles and how these are influenced by seasonal and inter-annual variations in climate as well as habitat factors.) The phenology surveys are conducted biweekly. \n\n\n\nSonjia Shelly and Joe Zinkl will provide a description and the results of nearly 6 years of surveys. This will include where and how the surveys are conducted and how the data is collected\, cataloged and analyzed. As of March 10\, 2022\, 129 surveys have been conducted in which 124 species (and one hybrid) have been found. The highest number of species counted on a single survey was 46 (May 6\, 2021) and the highest number of individual birds was 518 (February 10\, 2022). The presentation will concentrate on trends in numbers of year-around resident species considering local events (e.g.\, wildfires). In addition\, changes including dates of arrival and departure of migrating species will be discussed particularly from a phenological prospective. \n\n\n\nSPEAKER BIO \n\n\n\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 taken part 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. She often is found doing something that starts with “B” – birding\, biking\, building\, beer drinking … you get the idea. \n\n\n\nJoe Zinkl is a UC Davis veterinarian professor emeritus\, and longtime Yolo Audubon Society (YAS) member and supporter. He is a former Board member for YAS\, and has taken part in the YAS phenology survey at Bobcat Ranch from the beginning. Joe is continually active in YAS projects such as bird nest box construction and installation. While working with USFW and UCD he worked on diseases of wild birds (avian cholera and aspergillosis)\, the effects of pesticides on passerine species forests and crude oil toxicity of seabirds. \n\n\n\nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \n\n\n\nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this meeting. \n\n\n\n\nRegister for Program on Zoom\n\n\n\n\nAn 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.) \n\n\n\nDuring the presentation\, you will be able to ask questions via Zoom’s chat feature for the Q&A afterwards. \n\n\n\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.  \n\n\n\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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/birdseasons-ca-project-at-bobcat-ranch/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/spring-bobcat-ranch.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220507T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220507T093000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220404T222837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220529T174923Z UID:5497-1651906800-1651915800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Spring Migration at Willowbank Ditch DESCRIPTION:This walking trip focuses on the migrating songbirds passing through Davis. Willowbank Ditch in South Davis has a fantastic mix of mature trees\, dense understory\, and diverse fruiting and flowering plants. Early May is at the tail end of sparrow migration\, but still in the heart of warbler and flycatcher migration through the area. We will hope for foraging groups of warblers and flycatchers as we practice learning the songs and calls of an array of local songbirds. Some targets will include Wilson’s\, Yellow\, and MacGillivray’s Warblers\, Western Wood-pewee\, Western Tanager\, and Lazuli Bunting. We will also practice thinking from a birds-eye view\, discussing habitat\, food sources\, and tips and tricks for predicting the best spots to find migrating songbirds. \n\n\n\nThe trip will leave from the junction of Almond Lane and Rosario Street in Davis.  There is street parking on streets by this junction\, and this intersection has a walking path that leads to the footbridge over the Willowbank Ditch.  \n\n\n\nWe will meet at 7am and the trip will end around 9 or 9:30am.  Expect ~1 mile of walking\, although we will never be more than 1/2 of a mile from the meeting spot. Please bring binoculars as well as any desired snacks and water. Heavy rain will cancel the trip. For more information contact Rob Furrow at robertfurrow@gmail.com or 610-715-9123. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRob’s Writeup from the Fieldtrip\n\n\n\nWe had 25 participants on our Willowbank Ditch trip\, and things started off strong with a flock of White-faced Ibis passing over the neighborhood.  Within the park we focused our efforts on native plants like valley oaks and blue elderberries.  We enjoyed great looks at several Black-headed Grosbeaks and had a neck-aching encounter with two Great Horned Owls perched high in a tall eucalyptus tree. \n\n\n\nThe trip was somewhat focused on flycatchers\, so a cooperatively perched Western Wood-pewee was a highlight. We also managed brief encounters with some of the hard-to-ID small flycatchers in the genus Empidonax\, including a Dusky Flycatcher making its characteristic “whit” call and a cagey Hammond’s Flycatcher. A final treat was encountering a family of Dark-eyed Juncos — this species is common in Davis in Winter\, but is a rare breeder anywhere in the Central Valley. \n\n\n\nChecklist (with photos) from the day: https://ebird.org/checklist/S109283120 URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/spring-migration-at-willowbank-ditch/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/lazuli-bunting-tim-dejonghe-macaulay.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220508T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220508T130000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220411T171259Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220411T171346Z UID:5502-1651996800-1652014800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Bobcat Ranch DESCRIPTION:Join us for a Mother’s Day 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\, following ranch roads through the Blue Oak grasslands.  The final route for the hike has not been set\, but no matter where we go\, it will be a treat to wander around this working ranch that is not normally open to the public. \n\n\n\nWe will meet in Winters at Steady Eddy’s Coffeehouse in Winters at 8:00 am on Sunday\, May 8\, 2022. We should be done hiking by 1:00 pm\, and there are lots of great lunch options in Winters for that after-hike snack.  Space is limited to 12 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.  \n\n\n\nPlease contact Stan Hunter for more details and to sign up for this hike at stanton.hunter@gmail.com URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2022-05-bobcat-ranch/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/lupines-header-dash-weidhofer.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220518T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220518T203000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220503T212059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220517T181630Z UID:5520-1652900400-1652905800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Members' Memories DESCRIPTION:Olive Warbler; © Joanne Fillatti\n\n\n\nThe final Yolo Audubon General Meeting for the 2021-22 year will be our annual “Members’ Memories” program. Five members will share their birding adventures from the year using photos or drawings and/or stories. \n\n\n\nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \n\n\n\nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this meeting. \n\n\n\n\nRegister for Program on Zoom\n\n\n\n\nAn 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.) \n\n\n\nDuring the presentation\, you will be able to ask questions via Zoom’s chat feature for the Q&A afterwards. \n\n\n\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.  \n\n\n\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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/members-memories-2022/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/Olive-Warbler-fillatti-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220528T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220528T100000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220226T192754Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220424T231827Z UID:5410-1653721200-1653732000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Cache Creek Nature Preserve DESCRIPTION:Wood Duck; © JoAnne Fillatti\n\n\n\n\n\nWestern Kingbird; © Deb Ford\n\n\n\n\n\nOn this trip we will visit Cache Creek Nature Preserve\, a private/non-profit outdoor preserve that has gone through more than 25 years of habitat restoration work located just off the Cache Creek Watershed in Woodland\, CA. We will be looking for resident species and those that breed here in the area. A combination of wetland\, riparian forest\, creek\, and grassland habitats will provide an opportunity to see a variety of birds such as Wood Ducks\, Tree Swallows\, Western Kingbirds\, Pied-billed Grebes\, and lots of Red-winged Blackbirds. There are also occasional sightings of Ash-throated Flycatchers\, American White Pelicans\, White-faced Ibises\, and Common Gallinules.  \n\n\n\nMeet at 7:00 AM at the parking lot of Cache Creek Nature Preserve\, 34199 Co Rd 20\, Woodland\, CA. All levels of birders are welcome. Trip will conclude at around 10:00 AM. \n\n\n\nBring water\, binoculars and spotting scopes if you have one. We will also provide additional binoculars\, but it’s STRONGLY RECOMMENNDED to bring your own. There won’t be much walking on uneven terrain. Much of the walk will be on established trails that are mostly flat. Rain and strong winds will cancel trip.  \n\n\n\nMore info: Harnawaz Boparai (916) 871-9093 (cell) or hsboparai@ucdavis.edu URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2022-05-cache-creek-nature-preserve/ LOCATION:Cache Creek Nature Preserve\, 34199 County Rd 20\, Woodland\, California\, United States CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/1DF_7745dnWM.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220604T060000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220604T200000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220330T203402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220503T233121Z UID:5485-1654322400-1654372800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Sierra Valley DESCRIPTION:Yellow-headed Blackbird; © Deb Ford\n\n\n\nPlease note: This trip was initially planned as an overnight\, two-day trip but due to changed circumstances it has been rescheduled for one day only\, Saturday June 4th. \n\n\n\nPlease join us on this one-day trip to the Sierra Valley. We will be looking for special mountain birds including Williamson’s Sapsucker\, White-headed  Woodpecker\, and Calliope Hummingbird. In Sierra Valley\, we will be treated to the spectacle of dozens of displaying Yellow-headed Blackbirds as well as Great Basin nesting species such as Sage Thrasher\, Vesper Sparrow and Brewer’s Sparrow. \n\n\n\nPlease bring several layers of clothing\, sunscreen\, insect repellent\, plenty of water and food enough at least for breakfast and lunch. \n\n\n\nThis trip will be limited to 12 participants and spaces will be filled on a first come/first served basis\, so please sign up early. You can make a reservation by contacting johnmottsmith@comcast.net. \n\n\n\nTrip leaders are Kevin Guse and Mary Scheidt. We will meet at the Ikeda Market Park-N-Ride Lot in South Davis (off of Mace Blvd) at 6:00 AM on Saturday\, June 4th. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2022-06-sierra-valley/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/DF29995-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220918T060000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220918T180000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220823T151400Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220825T152227Z UID:5620-1663480800-1663524000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Point Reyes DESCRIPTION:This is the annual Terry Colborn Memorial trip to Pt. Reyes. This is an all-day trip limited to 3 vehicles and no more than 12 participants. 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. \n\n\n\nAll participants are expected to be vaccinated. Masks are not required while out of doors but may be required in vehicles depending on preferences of the driver and passengers.  \n\n\n\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 possible bird photo opportunities on the trip.  \n\n\n\nTrip Leader: Kevin Guse. \n\n\n\nFor reservations contact John Hansen at jjhindavis@yahoo.com URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2022-09-18-point-reyes/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/Magnolia-Warbler-Guse.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220921T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220921T203000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220905T115515Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220910T140705Z UID:5641-1663786800-1663792200@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Five Advocacy Actions to Benefit Birds in California DESCRIPTION:American Kestrel; © Gary Grossman/Audubon Photography Awards\n\n\n\nMike Lynes\, Director of Public Policy for Audubon California\, will share five issues that concerned citizens can act on to help birds\, other wildlife\, and people in California. With ecosystems imperiled and many bird populations in significant decline\, policy makers in Sacramento and Washington\, D.C. must act now to address climate change\, protect sensitive species and habitats\, and more equitably expand access to nature for everyone. Concerned citizens can engage on several fronts\, including advocacy to protect and enhance the last remnants of California’s wetlands\, supporting efforts to benefit grassland birds\, contributing to California’s “30 by 30” initiative\, pushing for responsibly-planned renewable energy projects\, and supporting policies to create more natural spaces throughout the state\, especially in disadvantaged and climate-vulnerable communities that lack access to nature and its benefits. Environmental problems can sometimes feel overwhelming\, and many are intimidated by advocacy efforts\, but Mike will offer simple steps anyone can take that will help birds and improve our communities. \n\n\n\nMike Lynes is the Director of Public Policy for Audubon California\, the state office of the National Audubon Society. He is responsible for Audubon California’s legislative agenda and works on large-scale policy issues that include California water policy\, climate change mitigation and adaptation\, and important bird areas such as the Klamath National Wildlife Refuge complex and the Salton Sea. From 2008 to 2014\, Mike was the Conservation Director and then Executive Director of the Golden Gate Audubon Society. He began his career as a biologist with Point Blue Conservation Science before attending law school and becoming an attorney that focused on environmental enforcement and policy. \n\n\n\nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \n\n\n\nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this meeting. \n\n\n\n\nRegister for Program on Zoom\n\n\n\n\nAn 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.) \n\n\n\nDuring the presentation\, you will be able to ask questions via Zoom’s chat feature for the Q&A afterwards. \n\n\n\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.  \n\n\n\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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/five-advocacy-actions-to-benefit-birds-in-california/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/APA-2017_American-Kestrel_A1_4184_1_KK_Gary_Grossman-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221016T063000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221016T170000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220826T191831Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220828T231054Z UID:5623-1665901800-1665939600@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Bodega Bay DESCRIPTION:Red Knot; © Kevin Gusé\n\n\n\nYou are cordially invited to join us for a trip to one of the crown jewels of Northern California birding\, Bodega Bay.  We will be looking for fall migrant passerines as well as shorebirds\, loons\, grebes\, ducks\, raptors and wading birds. Birders of all skill levels are welcome! There will be short walks on fairly level terrain.  \n\n\n\nThis outing will be limited to 12 people in 3 cars. It will be an all-day trip\, beginning at 6:30 AM. Please bring a lunch\, sunscreen\, water and layers of clothing. To sign up\, please contact John Hansen at jjhindavis@yahoo.com. Contact the leader\, Kevin Guse at 916-616-8835\, for more information.  URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2022-10-16-bodega-bay/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/Red-Knot-Guse-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221019T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221019T203000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220921T111214Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220921T111341Z UID:5690-1666206000-1666211400@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Bolivia and Argentina: Diversity and Rare Birds DESCRIPTION:Red-ruffed Fruit Crow; © John Sterling\n\n\n\nJohn Sterling will take you on a virtual tour of the diverse landscapes\, habitats and birds (and mammals) of these two amazing countries. Bolivia has the highest species list for a landlocked country. Argentina is huge and stretches from sub-Antartica to tropical rainforests to high elevation Andes. John led tours to both countries this summer and photographed many rare and endangered birds\, as well as the endemic species. \n\n\n\nJohn has been a hard core birder in California since he was shown a Pileated Woodpecker in 5th grade camp in 1971. He is a professional ornithologist and has worked for the Smithsonian Institution\, US Forest Service research stations\, HT Harvey & Associates\, Arizona and Oregon state universities among other organizations since 1981. John has traveled extensively throughout California learning about local bird distribution and is an authority on that state’s avifauna. In 2015 he set the California’s new big year record with 501 species and has many big day records as well. He has traveled internationally as a guide and ornithologist for many institutions including projects as a Smithsonian ornithologist to Mexico\, Ecuador\, Peru\, The Philippines\, Sumatra\, Canada and Russia. John currently has his own company\, Sterling Wildlife Biology\, specializing in tours\, birding classes\, research and environmental consulting for The Nature Conservancy\, the Kern Water Bank\, the California Rice Commission\, the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center\, National Audubon’s International Alliance Program\, CA Dept. of Water Resources among other organizations. \n\n\n\nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \n\n\n\nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this meeting. \n\n\n\n\nRegister for Program on Zoom\n\n\n\n\nAn 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.) \n\n\n\nDuring the presentation\, you will be able to ask questions via Zoom’s chat feature for the Q&A afterwards. \n\n\n\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.  \n\n\n\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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/bolivia-and-argentina-diversity-and-rare-birds/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/red-fronted-macaw-bolivia-sterling-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221022T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221022T150000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220828T231731Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220828T231733Z UID:5630-1666425600-1666450800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Sparrow Bingo DESCRIPTION:Fox Sparrow; © Zane Pickus\n\n\n\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 on Saturday\, October 22\, from 8 AM until around 3 PM. 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! \n\n\n\nAs 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. The route will be determined as conditions warrant. There will be short walks\, some on moderately uneven terrain. \n\n\n\nThe trip is limited to 20 people in 5 cars. All participants are expected to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Drivers and passengers will decide whether masks are required while in the vehicles.  \n\n\n\nBring binoculars\, scopes\, cameras\, snacks\, lunch\, and beverages. High winds or a significant rainstorm cancel this trip.  \n\n\n\nContact John Hansen at jjhindavis@yahoo.com for more details and to reserve a spot . URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2022-10-22-sparrow-bingo/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/Fox-sparrow-Pickus.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221029T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221029T140000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20220918T172116Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220918T172120Z UID:5674-1667030400-1667052000@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Lake Solano County Park & Putah Creek DESCRIPTION:Lewis’s Woodpecker at Lake Solano; © Ann Brice\n\n\n\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 spend the winter in the area.  The oak woodland\, riparian habitat and creek can result in bird sightings that include Osprey\, Phainopepla and Wood Duck. There could be some surprises like Lewis’s Woodpecker\, Red-breasted Sapsucker and Bald Eagle.  \n\n\n\nParticipants will meet at Lake Solano County Park when the park opens at 8:00 am. Park in the day use area near the boat dock.  A $8.00/car fee will be needed for parking in the day use lot.  \n\n\n\nAll levels of birders are welcome.  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.  Rain and strong wind cancels trip. NO reservations are necessary. \n\n\n\nMore info: Sharon Kirkpatrick (530) 220-3735 (cell) or sckirkpa@gmail.com URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2022-10-29-lake-solano-county-park/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/lewiss-woodpecker-brice.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221113T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221113T130000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20221022T195324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221023T225212Z UID:5783-1668322800-1668344400@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Cosumnes River Preserve DESCRIPTION:Snowy Egret; © Kelli O’Neill\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\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. \n\n\n\nExpect two to three hours of walking in the preserve plus standing for shorebird 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\, especially in the morning. 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. \n\n\n\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. \n\n\n\nTrip Leader: Ryan Janke (rhjanke29@gmail.com) URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2022-11-13-cosumnes-river-preserve/ CATEGORIES:Field Trip ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/Snowy-Egret-Fishing_closer.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221116T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221116T190000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20221102T212320Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221102T212546Z UID:5832-1668625200-1668625200@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:City of Davis South Fork Preserve - An Ecological Treasure and Conservation Success DESCRIPTION:South Davis Preserve; ©Marc Hoshovsky\n\n\n\nThe Yolo Audubon Society invites the public to join its November program meeting on November 16 at 7:00 pm. This hour and a half event will feature Davis’s own Marc Hoshovsky speaking on the history of the South Fork Preserve\, located along Putah Creek a few miles southeast of downtown Davis. The Preserve is a publicly accessible City of Davis open space area. This 192-acre preserve is one of the best examples of riparian and floodplain forest along Putah Creek. It is a special place because over 95% of California’s riparian habitat has been converted to farm and urban lands since the mid-1800s. \n\n\n\nMarc will illustrate the beauty of this Preserve and describe some of its ecological and hydrological features. His talk will cover the history of the Preserve and lower Putah Creek\, from pre-settlement conditions\, to early ranching efforts\, to 20th century struggles to control flooding and divert water and to the substantially restored condition allowing the return of salmon (after a 70-year absence) and\, a thriving riparian forest and oak woodland now popularly enjoyed by both wildlife and people. \n\n\n\nThis event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Audubon. If you would like to join click here. If you only want to receive the monthly newsletter\, click here. \n\n\n\nAbout SpeakerMarc is a local naturalist who has volunteered for Putah Creek Council and the City of Davis’ open space program for many years. He retired from the State of California\, after working on endangered species conservation for almost 30 years\, which now allows him to pursue his other long-term interest in geology. In 2020\, he co-authored the local guidebook “Exploring the Berryessa Region: A Geology\, Nature\, and History Tour”. \n\n\n\nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \n\n\n\nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this meeting. \n\n\n\n\nRegister for Program on Zoom\n\n\n\n\nAn 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.) \n\n\n\nDuring the presentation\, you will be able to ask questions via Zoom’s chat feature for the Q&A afterwards. \n\n\n\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.  \n\n\n\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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/city-of-davis-south-fork-preserve-an-ecological-treasure-and-conservation-success/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/Hoshovsky_Photo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221214T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221214T203000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20221121T224953Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221121T224954Z UID:5853-1671044400-1671049800@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:2022 Christmas Bird Count Bird ID Workshop DESCRIPTION:Fox Sparrow; © Zane Pickus\n\n\n\nPlease join Yolo Audubon at its December 14th Members’ Meeting\, the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Bird ID Workshop\, via Zoom\, with Compiler Bart Wickel and Area Leader Zane Pickus. The CBC is scheduled for Sunday\, December 18th\, and marks the 52nd annual Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count. \n\n\n\nBart will share data and trends from previous counts\, focusing on climate change and the fire history of the count area. \n\n\n\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 here on the Yolo Audubon website. \n\n\n\nThe CBC Bird ID workshop will be conducted via Zoom. There is no cost to attend but advance registration is required. \n\n\n\nThis program will be recorded and made available for viewing on the YAS YouTube Channel. \n\n\n\nSPEAKER BIO \n\n\n\nBart Wickel has been birding Yolo County for almost 10 years now and is serving as compiler for the Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count. \n\n\n\nZane Pickus\, a freshman at UC Davis\, has been interested in birds his entire life\, and as he has gotten older\, that interest has morphed into a passion through his passion of birdwatching\, Zane values the opportunity to teach others about birds through field trips and presentations in furtherance of the sense of community found in sharing birds with others. Zane is a member of the Yolo Audubon Society’s Board of Directors and a regional reviewer for eBird in Yolo County. \n\n\n\nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \n\n\n\nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this 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.) \n\n\n\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. An account with Zoom is not necessary to join a meeting. \n\n\n\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. URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/2022-christmas-bird-count-bird-id-workshop/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/Fox-sparrow-Pickus.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221218T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221218T080000 DTSTAMP:20260503T062004 CREATED:20221121T230324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221216T164824Z UID:5855-1671350400-1671350400@yolobirdalliance.org SUMMARY:Christmas Bird Count 2022 DESCRIPTION:Northern Pygmy Owl\, \nPhoto by Bart Wickel\n\n\n\n\nThe 52st annual Putah Creek CBC is scheduled for Sunday\, December 18th\, regardless of weather. \n\n\n\n\nTHE 2022 PUTAH CREEK CBC IS NOW CLOSED TO NEW VOLUNTEERS. \n\n\n\nOur annual pre-count and Bird ID workshop was held Dec 14th (watch the presentation here). The workshop consists of a primer on bird identification and a discussion of recent count trends\, including a review of climate change and forest fire impacts on the count circle.\n\n\n\nAlso join us Sunday\, December 18th for the Count Compilation at the Davis Senior Center\, Valente Room\, 646 A Street. Doors open at 5pm\, potluck at 6pm and compilation meeting from 7pm – 8:30pm. \n\n\n\n\nThe 15-mile diameter count circle is centered southwest of Winters\, California. It is divided into 10 areas and spans parts of Yolo\, Solano\, and Napa Counties. This interactive map shows the areas we cover and associated birding hotspots. \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPutah Creek CBC Area Leaders\n\n\n\nSunday\, December 18th\, 2022\n\n\n\nOrganizer and CompilerBart WickelEmail BartPre-CBC Bird ID WorkshopZane PickusEmail ZaneArea 1: Lake Berryessa\, Thompson Canyon\, & Quail RidgeArea Leader: Bobby WalshEmail BobbyArea 2: Bray CanyonArea Leader: Ian TaylorEmail IanArea 3: North Side (Chickahominy Slough)Area Leader: Ryan JankeEmail RyanArea 4: Winters to Monticello DamArea Leader: Michael PerroneEmail MichaelArea 5: East Side (Putah Creek & Hwy 505)Area Leader: Kevin GuseEmail KevinArea 6: English Hills NorthArea Leader: Zane PickusEmail ZaneArea 7: English Hills SouthArea Leader: Cameron TescherEmail CameronArea 8: Mt. Vaca (Mix & Gates Canyons)Area Leader: Sean SmithEmail SeanArea 9: Solano ParkArea Leader: Chris DunfordEmail ChrisArea 10: Wragg & Cold CanyonArea Leader: Jasen LiuEmail Jasen\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBackground\n\n\n\nYolo Audubon Society’s Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count dates from 1971 and is one of California’s longest-running CBCs. In our 51 consecutive years of solid data collection\, we have been able to identify trends for several species and to relate them to conservation issues. \n\n\n\n\nWe typically have about 80 participants\, making it one of the largest inland counts in California and the Central Valley.\n\n\n\nWe typically see over 140 species.\n\n\n\nWe have led the nation in Northern Pygmy-Owl\, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker\, Nuttall’s Woodpecker\, Red-breasted Sapsucker\, Yellow-billed Magpie\, Oak Titmouse\, American Robin\, Lark Sparrow\, and Lesser Goldfinch counts. \n\n\n\nWe have provided important data on the effects of West Nile Virus on some species (especially Yellow-billed Magpie).\n\n\n\nWe have generated data useful for illustrating impacts of climate change and loss of grasslands.\n\n\n\n\nWrentit – Observed in Area 8 shortly before the LNU fire in 2020); © Bart Wickel\n\n\n\nIn 2020 during the “LNU” fire\, approximately 60% of the count circle burned\, including all (or nearly all) of Areas 1\, 2\, 8\, 9\, and 10\, and large sections of Areas 3\, 4\, 6\, and 7. In addition\, the Central Valley has been experiencing severe drought conditions\, with the period from 2020 to 2022 being the driest on record since 1896. While the counts in 2020 and 2021 revealed dramatic impacts on the bird populations\, we anticipate witnessing signs of recovery in 2022. \n\n\n\nIf you are interested in the history of Christmas Bird Counts\, this page on the Audubon website is helpful. Summary: instead of killing as many birds as possible during the holiday season\, we now count as many as we can. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2021 Putah Creek CBC Summary\n\n\n\nBy Bart Wickel \n\n\n\nThe 51st Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count was held on December 19\, 2021. Area leaders sought to cover all usual routes with teams of experienced birders accompanied by new or less experienced birders. While the count was open to the public we adhered to a modified protocol due to covid recommendations\, which resulted in lower participation than in pre-covid years with 73 participants compared to the usual average of 85.  \n\n\n\nThe count was successful in covering all the usual routes with a combined 187 party hours during which we collectively traveled 110 miles on foot and 209 miles by car. Conditions were colder than usual and foggy\, especially in the early hours of the day. \n\n\n\nA new eBird feature that was introduced this year was the trip-report function. This allows the creation of a summary of all lists for a particular day\, which turned out to be particularly helpful for a Christmas Bird Count. While not all of the observations this year were covered\, we managed to get close to the count totals for most species. The day report can be found at: https://ebird.org/tripreport/26130 \n\n\n\nDuring this year’s count we observed unusually high numbers of waterfowl and gulls\, likely due to these foggy conditions. In contrast to previous years\, owl-counts were low.  \n\n\n\nAmong waterfowl\, record high-counts were observed for: Snow Goose (826)\, Greater White-fronted Goose (693)\, Green-winged Teal (449)\, Common Merganser (357)\, Lesser Scaup (25)\, and a first observation of a mute Swan on Putah Creek.  \n\n\n\nAmong gulls we observed record high counts for: California Gull (316)\, Herring Gull (54) as well as a first observation of two Glaucous-winged Gulls in two distinct locations.  \n\n\n\nMulti-year trends of increasing numbers of insectivores and fructivores\, correlated with warmer winters and a lack of overnight freezes\, seem to persist with continued high counts for Western Bluebird\, Anna’s Hummingbird\, White-breasted Nuthatch\, Sora and Virginia Rail. A record number of Common Raven (679) was also observed.  \n\n\n\nThe impacts of the LNU Lightning Complex megafire in August 2020\, which burned approximately 60% of the count circle\, are clearly marked by sustained low numbers of American Robin\, Wild Turkey\, Wrentits\, Canyon Wrens and an all-out absence of Pileated Woodpeckers.  \n\n\n\nThanks to all the area leaders for assembling thorough coverage under pandemic conditions. We hope next year we can invite all birders and birders-to-be and finish the day with the traditional potluck URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/christmas-bird-count-2022/ CATEGORIES:Special Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://yolobirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/Pygamy-Owl-scaled-e1667079594160.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR