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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260218T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260218T205000
DTSTAMP:20260503T075237
CREATED:20260130T160240Z
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UID:8186-1771441200-1771447800@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Speaker Presentation - Quack To the Future: Ducks as A Driver of Innovation in Avian Ecology
DESCRIPTION:PROGRAM DESCRIPTION \nBlue-winged Teal ©James K. Ringelman \nDr. Kevin Ringelman\, Assistant Professor at UC Davis\, will take us on a tour of North American waterfowl science\, showing how cutting-edge research from his lab is integrating new technology to answer age-old questions on both breeding and wintering waterfowl. Expect to hear about unique predator-prey-parasite relationships in cavity-nesting waterfowl in Louisiana\, how uncrewed aerial vehicles and thermal cameras reveal new insights waterfowl demographics on the Canadian prairies\, and how the artificial intelligence revolution can be leveraged to automate nationwide monitoring efforts. \nThe public is invited to join Yolo Bird Alliance and its members for the free\, monthly general meeting on February 18\, 2026. The featured speaker is Dr. Kevin Ringelman\, and his topic is “Quack to The Future: Ducks as A Driver of Innovation in Avian Ecology”. Dr. Ringelman will present in-person at the Davis Senior Center at 646 A Street in Davis. Additionally\, this meeting will be on Zoom; instructions for joining via Zoom\, follow. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and ends at 8:50 (8:30 Zoom) p.m. People attending in-person are welcome to mingle following the conclusion of the Q&A portion\, until 8:50. \nSPEAKER BIO \nDr. Kevin Ringelman earned his undergraduate degree at Cornell University (2007)\, researching breeding swallows of the genus Tachycineta. He completed a Ph.D. in Ecology at UC Davis (2013) studying breeding waterfowl in the Suisun Marsh\, followed by a postdoc at the University of Delaware focusing on American Black Duck movement ecology. After ten years as faculty at Louisiana State University\, where he held the first H. Dale Hall Ducks Unlimited Professorship\, he returned to Davis in 2024. His research applies field ecology and modeling to waterfowl and waterbird conservation. \nThis event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Bird Alliance. But if you would like to join\, visit https://yoloaudubon.org/join-renew-donate/. \nThe Yolo Bird Alliance fosters an appreciation of birds and other wildlife through educational programs and field trips\, brings conservation issues to public awareness\, and acts to preserve Yolo County bird life and habitat. To learn more about the Yolo Bird Alliance\, visit its web page at https://yolobirdalliance.org/. You can also visit the Yolo Bird Alliance on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YoloBirdAlliance. If you would like to join and receive the monthly newsletter\, visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/join-renew-donate/. \nThe meeting will be held in person at the Davis Senior Center\, 646 A St\, Davis\, CA 95616. \nOr\, Register to Attend the Meeting online via Zoom. \nClick here for the Zoom registration link\, or you can copy & paste this link in your browser – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Nd8kIk49RM-0PjO8rfjV4Q \nPlease note: Participants may join the meeting from the Zoom desktop client downloaded on their computer or on their Apple or Android mobile phone or tablet to access the meeting. Participants may also join from a browser (Visit https://bit.ly/3hNyP8h  to learn how to join a Zoom meeting). \nYou may email Yolo Bird Alliance Program Chair Ken Ealy before the meeting if you need assistance. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/speaker-presentation-quack-to-the-future-ducks-as-a-driver-of-innovation-in-avian-ecology/
CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260307T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260307T110000
DTSTAMP:20260503T075237
CREATED:20260202T152047Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T152047Z
UID:8190-1772870400-1772881200@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:eBird Atlasing at the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
DESCRIPTION:Tree Swallow ©Zane Pickus  \nTrip Leaders: Zane Pickus\, Emmett Iverson \nDescription:   \nOn January 1\, 2026\, the California Bird Atlas began! This five-year-long participatory science project will document breeding birds throughout all of California\, providing valuable insight into the state’s bird populations as well as how species interact with their habitats. All birders\, regardless of experience\, are invited to contribute to the project via eBird. This field trip will focus on the ins and outs of the eBird app\, with a specific focus on how to contribute to the CBA. eBird has tremendous value to birders of all levels\, and the app makes it easy to create checklists and log bird sightings wherever you go. This trip will be geared towards those with little eBird experience and those interested in learning more about the CBA\, including best practices for data submission in the field. \nAs for the birds\, the breeding season will be well underway for many species and just beginning for others\, so we can expect an exciting morning on the creek. Sparrows\, goldfinches\, swallows\, woodpeckers\, nuthatches\, and wrens should all be out and about\, and we will be on the look out for any breeding behaviors or signs of nesting. \nAccessibility: \nThis trip will involve 2-3 miles of walking along well-maintained reserve trails. Most of these are flat\, but there are small slopes in a few spots. There will be frequent stops to talk about birds and log sightings in the eBird mobile app. Outhouses are available at the meeting location. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, water\, and a mobile phone capable of downloading the eBird mobile app. Yolo Bird Alliance will have a scope to share\, though this trip will mostly be in creek riparian habitat. High winds or significant rain will cancel this trip. This trip will be capped at 15 participants. \nTrip leaders ask that participants have created an eBird account and download the eBird app for iOS or Android prior to the trip. Information on how to do this can be found here: https://ebird.org/about/ebird-mobile/. Additional information about eBird and how it can be used to learn about birds can be found at this recorded Yolo Bird Alliance speaker series presentation from 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujLAMPCToqg. \nFeel free to follow the directions in this tutorial from the CBA\, and join the project at the link here: https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/home \nPlease contact Zane Pickus with any questions or to sign-up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. Carpooling is highly encouraged\, but all rides are private arrangements between drivers and riders.
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/ebird-atlasing-at-the-putah-creek-riparian-reserve/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260318T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260318T205000
DTSTAMP:20260503T075237
CREATED:20260303T155427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T155427Z
UID:8243-1773860400-1773867000@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Speaker Presentation - Probing in the Mud: Unearthing Life History Strategies of the Long-billed Dowitcher
DESCRIPTION:PROGRAM DESCRIPTION \nLong-billed Dowitchers ©Ian Souza-Cole \nGet ready for an inspiring and engaging presentation as Kirsti Carr takes you on a journey into the world of North American shorebird conservation! The public is invited to the Yolo Bird Alliance’s at its monthly general meeting on March 18\, 2026\, featuring Kirsti Carr. In this talk\, Kirsti will dive into the fascinating challenges faced by these extraordinary\, charismatic birds and reveal how her innovative research is helping to shape the future of the field. She’ll share the intriguing questions that fuel her dissertation on the remarkable Long-billed Dowitchers\, unveil exciting preliminary discoveries\, and offer a glimpse into her ambitious goals at UC Davis. With heartfelt stories\, Kirsti will also celebrate the breathtaking habitats and dynamic ecosystems she’s explored during her fieldwork—places that continue to spark her passion and deepen her admiration for these incredible birds. Don’t miss this chance to be inspired by both the science and the wonder of shorebirds! \nKirsti will present\, “Probing in the mud: unearthing life history strategies of the Long-billed Dowitcher”\, in-person at the Davis Senior Center at 646 A Street in Davis on March 18\, 2026. Additionally\, this meeting will be on Zoom; instructions for joining via Zoom\, follow. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and ends at 8:50 (8:30 Zoom) p.m. People attending in-person are welcome to mingle following the conclusion of the Q&A portion\, until 8:50. \nSPEAKER BIO \nKirsti Carr is a second-year PhD student in the Ringelman Avian Ecology Lab at UC Davis. Prior to UCD\, she worked as an avian ecologist for Point Blue Conservation Science\, specializing in nonbreeding shorebird and wetland research and conservation. Her passion for shorebirds solidified in the Alaskan Arctic\, where she has conducted breeding surveys for the last five summers. After graduating from the University of Vermont in 2018\, she worked a variety of avian technician positions with raptors\, prairie-chickens\, woodpeckers\, waterbirds and songbirds across various ecosystems in the United States. Her current research is focused on migratory shorebird movement ecology and habitat selection across the annual cycle. \nThis event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Bird Alliance. But if you would like to join\, visit https://yoloaudubon.org/join-renew-donate/. \nThe Yolo Bird Alliance fosters an appreciation of birds and other wildlife through educational programs and field trips\, brings conservation issues to public awareness\, and acts to preserve Yolo County bird life and habitat. To learn more about the Yolo Bird Alliance\, visit its web page at https://yolobirdalliance.org/. You can also visit the Yolo Bird Alliance on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YoloBirdAlliance. If you would like to join and receive the monthly newsletter\, visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/join-renew-donate/. \nThe meeting will be held in person at the Davis Senior Center\, 646 A St\, Davis\, CA 95616. \nOr\, Register to Attend the Meeting online via Zoom. \nClick here for the Zoom registration link\, or you can copy & paste this link in your browser – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/n6xsRP_UTbCruvfRCheUeA \nPlease note: Participants may join the meeting from the Zoom desktop client downloaded on their computer or on their Apple or Android mobile phone or tablet to access the meeting. Participants may also join from a browser (Visit https://bit.ly/3hNyP8h  to learn how to join a Zoom meeting). \nYou may email Yolo Bird Alliance Program Chair Ken Ealy before the meeting if you need assistance. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/speaker-presentation-probing-in-the-mud-unearthing-life-history-strategies-of-the-long-billed-dowitcher/
CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260411T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260411T090000
DTSTAMP:20260503T075237
CREATED:20260305T015136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T015136Z
UID:8247-1775890800-1775898000@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Spring Migration at Willowbank Ditch
DESCRIPTION:Wilson’s Warbler ©Julian Johnson  \nTrip Leader: Rob Furrow \nDescription:   \nThis walking trip focuses on the migrating songbirds passing through Davis. Willowbank Ditch in South Davis has a fantastic mix of mature trees\, dense understory\, and diverse fruiting and flowering plants. In mid-April\, insects abound and plants burst with flowers and new vegetation\, attracting migratory warbler species such as Wilson’s\, Orange-crowned\, Nashville\, Black-throated Gray\, and Townsend’s. There will still be some lingering winterers; we’ll hope for kinglets\, Hermit Thrushes\, and assorted sparrows. Overhead we’ll keep an eye out for swallows\, swifts\, and locally nesting Swainson’s Hawks. While birding we will practice thinking from a bird’s-eye view\, identifying habitat structure and key food sources that attract birds. \nAccessibility: \nExpect 1-1.5 miles of walking along flat greenbelt and trails\, although we will never be more than ½ of a mile from the meeting spot. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nThe trip will leave from the junction of Almond Lane and Rosario Street in Davis.  There is street parking around this junction\, and this intersection has a walking path that leads to the footbridge over the Willowbank Ditch.  https://maps.app.goo.gl/RGoAEvynKv9u3kN26 \nWe will meet at 7:00am and the trip will end around 9:00am. Please bring binoculars as well as any desired snacks and water. Heavy rain will cancel the trip. For more information contact Rob Furrow at robertfurrow@gmail.com or 610-715-9123. \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public \n 
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/spring-migration-at-willowbank-ditch-3/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260415T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260415T205000
DTSTAMP:20260503T075237
CREATED:20260406T212145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T212145Z
UID:8303-1776279600-1776286200@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Speaker Presentation - The Origin and Growth of the Birdwatching Club at UC Davis
DESCRIPTION:  \nUCD Birdwatching Club\, 2026 ©Grace Bottomley \nPROGRAM DESCRIPTION \nThe public is invited to join the Yolo Bird Alliance at its monthly general meeting on April 15\, 2026\, featuring guest-speaker Zane Pickus. He will present about the origin and growth of the Birdwatching Club at UC Davis\, a student-run organization that brings together those with a passion for birding and the outdoors. The club has grown significantly since its inception in 2021\, and now includes hundreds of members of diverse backgrounds\, all brought together through a shared love of birds and birding. The Birdwatching Club hosts dozens of field trips and presentations each year\, all of which are free and open to anyone on campus. Through collaborations with other on-campus clubs\, the Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology\, and faculty in the Department of Wildlife\, Fish\, and Conservation Biology\, the Birdwatching Club provides opportunities for students to get involved in birding and wildlife conservation on the UC Davis campus and beyond. Prepare to celebrate five successful years of the Birdwatching Club and excitedly look forward to continued growth in the future. \nZane will speak\, in-person\, at the Davis Senior Center at 646 A Street in Davis on April 15\, 2026. Additionally\, this meeting will be on Zoom; instructions for joining via Zoom\, follow. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and ends at 8:50 (8:30 Zoom) p.m. People attending in-person are welcome to mingle following the conclusion of the Q&A portion\, until 8:50. \nSPEAKER BIO \nZane Pickus\, a member of the Yolo Bird Alliance’s Board of Directors\, is an undergraduate at UC Davis studying Wildlife\, Fish\, and Conservation Biology. Zane has been interested in birds his entire life\, and as he has gotten older\, that interest has morphed into a passion. He values the opportunity to teach others through field trips and presentations\, appreciating the sense of community found in sharing birds with others. Zane is president of the Birdwatching Club at UC Davis\, a regional reviewer for eBird in Yolo County\, and a regional coordinator for the California Bird Atlas. \nThis event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Bird Alliance. But if you would like to join\, visit https://yoloaudubon.org/join-renew-donate/. \nThe Yolo Bird Alliance fosters an appreciation of birds and other wildlife through educational programs and field trips\, brings conservation issues to public awareness\, and acts to preserve Yolo County bird life and habitat. To learn more about the Yolo Bird Alliance\, visit its web page at https://yolobirdalliance.org/. You can also visit the Yolo Bird Alliance on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YoloBirdAlliance. If you would like to join and receive the monthly newsletter\, visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/join-renew-donate/. \nThe meeting will be held in person at the Davis Senior Center\, 646 A St\, Davis\, CA 95616. \nOr\, Register to Attend the Meeting online via Zoom. Zoom participants will be admitted a few minutes before 7:00 pm.  \nClick here for the Zoom registration link\, or you can copy & paste this link in your browser – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Hmws4hOfSqu1IJ_hTB9yTg \nPlease note: Participants may join the meeting from the Zoom desktop client downloaded on their computer or on their Apple or Android mobile phone or tablet to access the meeting. Participants may also join from a browser (Visit https://bit.ly/3hNyP8h  to learn how to join a Zoom meeting). \nYou may email Yolo Bird Alliance Program Chair Ken Ealy before the meeting if you need assistance. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/speaker-presentation-the-origin-and-growth-of-the-birdwatching-club-at-uc-davis/
CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260419T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260419T110000
DTSTAMP:20260503T075237
CREATED:20260410T225522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T225522Z
UID:8313-1776585600-1776596400@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Spring Migration at the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
DESCRIPTION:Black Phoebe ©Aaron Haiman  \nTrip Leader: Aaron Haiman \nDescription:  \nSpring migration is in full swing and what better place to go than the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve? A morning of birding on this date can produce dozens of neotropical migrants\, including warblers\, vireos\, tanagers\, orioles\, and grosbeaks. The Putah Creek Riparian Reserve includes trails both immediately adjacent to the stream as well as on the levee above\, which borders agricultural fields and vineyards\, offering birders access to a diverse range of vegetation and bird species. \nNaturalist Aaron Haiman is the author of a recently released book\, Birds of the California Delta\, which showcases the vast avian diversity in the region. Learn more about Aaron and his book below! \nBirds of the California Delta: https://www.heydaybooks.com/catalog/birds-of-the-california-delta/ \n“A Birding Naturalist” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABirdingNaturalist \nAccessibility: \nThis trip will involve 2-3 miles of walking along well-maintained reserve trails. Most of these are flat\, but there are small slopes in a few spots. There will be frequent stops to look for and talk about birds. Outhouses are available at the meeting location. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, water\, snacks\, and sunscreen. Plan to meet Aaron at 8:00am at the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve Picnic Area off Levee Road\, here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lk3PmeC5QZgKC1ze7 \nParking is free at the reserve on weekends. No sign-up is necessary for this trip. \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. \n 
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/spring-migration-at-the-putah-creek-riparian-reserve-2/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260419T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260419T120000
DTSTAMP:20260503T075237
CREATED:20260406T214122Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T214122Z
UID:8306-1776589200-1776600000@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Pacific Flyway Pond Planting Party
DESCRIPTION:In the October 2025 issue of the Burrowing Owl\, we wrote about the habitat restoration project at the Pacific Flyway Pond (formerly known as North Regional Pond\, just north of the Woodland Waste Water Treatment Plant).  Now\, Yolo Bird Alliance\, alongside Yolo County Resource Conservation District\, has a big planting day coming up at the pond.  We hope you’ll join us for a morning of getting dirty and birding on Sunday\, April 19th from 9am to noon. \nSign up with a message here and you’ll receive more information on the work day. \nThe restoration project which is being supported with a $1.6 million grant received by the City of Woodland from the California Wildlife Conservation Board can be found here.  The earth moving and construction supervised by the city has largely been completed.  Under the leadership of the Yolo County Resource Conservation District\, YBA and other local non-profits have been helping with the planting and some upcoming interpretive signage.  We’re also pleased to announce that the City of Woodland has posted “No Dogs Allowed” signs at the site.  YBA had received several complaints about dogs disturbing nesting birds.  Hope to see you on the 19th. The Pacific Flyway Pond is becoming a wonderful amenity for the county. \n  \n 
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/pacific-flyway-pond-planting-party/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T110000
DTSTAMP:20260503T075237
CREATED:20260402T234453Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T203031Z
UID:8274-1777190400-1777201200@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Putah Creek at the Kusch Gardens - TRIP IS FULL
DESCRIPTION:Black-chinned Hummingbird ©Manfred Kusch  \nTrip Leader: Manfred Kusch \nDescription: TRIP IS FULL \nTour Manfred Kusch’s birding gardens between Davis and Winters. Kusch has cultivated his home garden and surrounding area\, which borders Putah Creek\, into a true birding extravaganza. He attracts a wide variety of birds in the gardens and habitat around the house\, especially hummingbirds and orioles. The multi-layered vegetation on either side of the creek hosts a variety of spring migrants\, including grosbeaks\, tanagers\, warblers\, and vireos. \nAccessibility: \nThis trip will involve some walking around in the Kusch gardens\, along with a stroll along well-maintained trails paralleling the creek. Most of these are flat\, but there are small slopes in a few spots. There will be frequent stops to look for and photograph birds. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, a camera and scope if you wish\, water\, and snacks. High winds or significant rain will cancel this trip. This popular event will be capped at 12 participants\, so sign-up early! \nPlease contact Zane Pickus with any questions or to sign-up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. \n 
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/putah-creek-at-the-kusch-gardens-2/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260515T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260515T210000
DTSTAMP:20260503T075237
CREATED:20260412T152741Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T152741Z
UID:8319-1778868000-1778878800@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Capay Open Space Park - Lesser Nighthawks
DESCRIPTION:Lesser Nighthawk ©Zane Pickus  \nTrip Leader: Zane Pickus\, Bart Wickel\, Julian Johnson \nDescription:  \nNighthawks are a family of cryptically colored\, primarily nocturnal bird species that are a favorite of many birders. Cache Creek is the summer home of the Lesser Nighthawk\, which winters in Central and South America before returning to California to breed. Lesser Nighthawks primarily feed on insects under the cover of darkness\, but in the spring they routinely engage in dusk courtship rituals. Sunset at Capay Open Space Park is the perfect place to observe nighthawks as they chase each other in acrobatic flights and sing their eerie trilled songs. \nYou can learn more about Lesser Nighthawks and listen to their song here:\nhttps://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lesser_Nighthawk/overview \nJoin Yolo Bird Alliance in a dusk birding trip to Capay Open Space Park. While this trip will be focused on the nighthawks\, there should be plenty of other birds to see. California Thrashers\, though inconspicuous\, nest here. Western Meadowlarks\, California Quail\, and a variety of swallows will be abundant. Given the date\, we could encounter a neotropical migrant or two! \nAccessibility: \nThis trip will involve some walking around in the Cache Creek floodplain\, which is mostly even ground but includes loose gravel and branches. Much of the trip will involve standing and listening for birds\, while also angling the group for nighthawk photo-ops. Restrooms are available in the Capay Open Space Park parking area. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, a camera if you wish\, water\, and snacks. High winds or significant rain will cancel the trip. This popular event will be capped at 15 participants\, so sign-up early! Our Davis meeting location will be shared once an RSVP has been made. Carpooling may be available but will be arranged day-of\, and all ridesharing will be private agreements between drivers and riders. \nPlease contact Zane Pickus with any questions or to sign-up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. \n 
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/capay-open-space-park-lesser-nighthawks-4/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260520T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260520T205000
DTSTAMP:20260503T075237
CREATED:20260501T005441Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T005441Z
UID:8336-1779303600-1779310200@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Speaker Presentation - Mechanisms of Hummingbird Aggression
DESCRIPTION:  \nRufous Hummingbird ©Tom Uslan \nPROGRAM DESCRIPTION \nHummingbirds look delicate\, bright and inspiring\, but contrary to popular beliefs\, they are extremely aggressive animals that fight to defend territories and access mates. The public is invited to the Yolo Bird Alliance’s at its last monthly general meeting of the season on May 20\, 2026\, featuring Paulina L. González-Gómez. In this talk\, Paulina will focus on her research which explores the biological mechanisms behind male aggression\, from behavior to physiology. Male hummingbirds often use specialized “bill daggers” – sharp tips on their beaks – to attack rivals during high-speed chases. Their research studies how behavior and traits such as wing size and body mass influence birds’ territorial defense. In addition\, they investigate the role of hormones like testosterone in the development of bill weapons. They aim to learn how traits interact by linking field observations with hormone and morphology data. Our work is developed in tropical and temperate environments to understand how competition shapes evolution and behavior in one of the most extreme groups of birds. \nPaulina will present\, “Mechanisms of Hummingbird Aggression”\, in-person at the Davis Senior Center located at 646 A Street in Davis on May 20\, 2026. Additionally\, this meeting will be on Zoom; instructions for joining via Zoom\, follow. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and ends at 8:50 (8:30 Zoom) p.m. People attending in-person are welcome to mingle following the conclusion of the Q&A portion\, until 8:50. \nSPEAKER BIO \nPaulina L. González-Gómez is an integrative biologist and evolutionary ecologist specializing in hummingbird biology and avian physiology. Her research focuses on how animals cope with environmental variability over the course of the year. She uses hummingbirds as a model system to study adaptive timing\, energetic balance\, and the coordination of life-history stages such as migration\, breeding\, and molt. At the University of California\, Davis\, Paulina teaches ecophysiology and scientific writing\, mentoring students in both field biology and effective science communication. \nThis event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Bird Alliance. But if you would like to join\, visit https://yoloaudubon.org/join-renew-donate/. \nThe Yolo Bird Alliance fosters an appreciation of birds and other wildlife through educational programs and field trips\, brings conservation issues to public awareness\, and acts to preserve Yolo County bird life and habitat. To learn more about the Yolo Bird Alliance\, visit its web page at https://yolobirdalliance.org/. You can also visit the Yolo Bird Alliance on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YoloBirdAlliance. If you would like to join and receive the monthly newsletter\, visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/join-renew-donate/. \nThe meeting will be held in person at the Davis Senior Center\, 646 A St\, Davis\, CA 95616. \nOr\, Register to Attend the Meeting online via Zoom. Zoom participants will be admitted a few minutes before 7:00 pm.  \nClick here for the Zoom registration link\, or you can copy & paste this link in your browser – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QRaKu8I2TG-NB74t5bok4A \nPlease note: Participants may join the meeting from the Zoom desktop client downloaded on their computer or on their Apple or Android mobile phone or tablet to access the meeting. Participants may also join from a browser (Visit https://bit.ly/3hNyP8h  to learn how to join a Zoom meeting). \nYou may email Yolo Bird Alliance Program Chair Ken Ealy before the meeting if you need assistance. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/speaker-presentation-mechanisms-of-hummingbird-aggression/
CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting
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