BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Yolo Bird Alliance - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Yolo Bird Alliance
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Los_Angeles
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20240310T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20241103T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20250309T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20251102T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20260308T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20261101T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20270314T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20271107T090000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250504T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250504T110000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20250401T155139Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T225041Z
UID:7620-1746345600-1746356400@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Putah Creek at the Kusch Gardens - TRIP FULL
DESCRIPTION:Hooded Oriole ©Manfred Kusch \nWorkshop 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.
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/putah-creek-at-the-kusch-gardens/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250516T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250516T210000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20250508T182725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T213115Z
UID:7715-1747418400-1747429200@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Capay Open Space Park - Lesser Nighthawks - TRIP IS FULL
DESCRIPTION:Lesser Nighthawk ©Zane Pickus \nTrip Leaders: – Zane Pickus\, Bart Wickel\, Julian Johnson \nDescription:  TRIP IS FULL \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.
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/capay-open-space-park-lesser-nighthawks-3/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250517T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250517T103000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20250508T203504Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250510T184232Z
UID:7718-1747467000-1747477800@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. This trip will be limited to 15 participants. Contact Zane Pickus with questions or to sign-up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public.
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/spring-migration-at-the-putah-creek-riparian-reserve/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250521T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250521T203000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20250421T153435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250421T153655Z
UID:7663-1747854000-1747859400@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Speaker Presentation - Birding in the Mountain Kingdom of Bhutan
DESCRIPTION:PROGRAM DESCRIPTION \nLong-tailed Minivet ©John Sterling \nJoin Yolo Bird Alliance on a virtual journey to Bhutan with John Sterling\, ornithologist and tour leader\, to learn about its culture and birds This program will be presented via Zoom. \nJohn will present the majestic Himalayan kingdom with its culture and wildlife that will enchant you. Springtime birding in Bhutan is excellent with many gorgeous and exotic species amongst the backdrop of the Himalayan rhododendron and other montane and subtropical forests. John will illustrate his talk with photos of many of these birds along with other wildlife and scenes of the intact culture of this Buddhist kingdom. \n This event is free\, and you do not need to be a member of Yolo Bird Alliance.  \nSPEAKER BIO \nJohn began his journey as a birder when he spotted a Pileated Woodpecker in Napa County during a fifth-grade environmental education camp. He pursued wildlife science at Humboldt State University and commenced his ornithological career in 1981. Since then\, he has traveled to over 50 countries in pursuit of bird species\, often serving as a researcher or tour leader. John extensively observes birds across all 58 counties of California and has developed a growing interest in iNaturalist\, aiming to document a diverse array of life forms. His website can be visited at www.sterlingbirds.com. \nThe Yolo Bird Alliance fosters an appreciation of birds and other wildlife through educational programs and field trips\, brings conservation issues to public awareness\, and acts to preserve Yolo County bird life and habitat. To learn more about the Yolo Bird Alliance\, visit its web page at https://yolobirdalliance.org/. You can also visit the Yolo Bird Alliance on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YoloBirdAlliance. If you would like to join and receive the monthly newsletter\, visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/join-renew-donate/. \nDETAILS ON JOINING THIS ZOOM MEETING \nYou must register (no cost) in advance for this meeting. An account with Zoom is NOT necessary to join a meeting. After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information\, specific to the registrant\, about joining the meeting. Registrants will receive email updates about this online event\, as well as periodic email updates about Yolo Bird Alliance’s conservation work and how you can help birds. (You can unsubscribe at any time.) \n Please 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-birding-in-the-mountain-kingdom-of-bhutan/
CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250913T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250913T180000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20250903T025118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250906T142307Z
UID:7755-1757743200-1757786400@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Point Reyes - Annual Terry Colborn Memorial Field Trip - TRIP IS FULL
DESCRIPTION:Black and White Warbler ©Zane Pickus  \nTrip Leader: – Kevin Guse and Zane Pickus \nDescription:  TRIP IS FULL \nThis is the annual Terry Colborn memorial field trip to Point Reyes. Fall migration at Point Reyes can be spectacular and makes this area a well-deserved birding hotspot. Depending on the weather\, the numbers and diversity of songbirds passing through the “Outer Point” can be impressive. While Point Reyes is most famous for giving birders a chance to search vagrant songbirds\, there should be plenty of shorebirds\, raptors\, other migrants\, and several species of mammals to enjoy. \nAccessibility: \nThis trip will involve around two-hours of driving each way\, with a restroom stop at the halfway point to and from the destination. Much of the Outer Point can be birded in short walks\, but the terrain can be uneven in places and appropriate footwear is recommended. Restrooms are available at some of the stops\, but not all. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \n            Please bring lunch\, plenty of fluids\, and dress in layers. Be prepared for cool temperatures\, wind\, and maybe fog\, though Pt. Reyes can also be warm at this time of year. There will be easy walks and good bird photo opportunities on the trip. \nThis is an all-day trip limited to 3 vehicles and no more than 10 participants. To attend\, please contact Zane Pickus (yolobirdalliance@gmail.com) to reserve a spot on a first-come\, first-serve basis. This trip fills quickly and there is usually a waiting list so respond as soon as possible! \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public.
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/point-reyes-annual-terry-colborn-memorial-field-trip/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250917T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250917T205000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20250903T031805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250903T031805Z
UID:7759-1758135600-1758142200@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Speaker Presentation - Feathered Palettes: The Science of Bird Colors
DESCRIPTION:PROGRAM DESCRIPTION \nWhite vent of a Blackpoll Warbler ©Jenna McCullough \nHave you ever wondered how birds produce their dazzling hues? September’s Yolo Bird Alliance program features Dr. Jenna McCullough\, who will take us behind the science of feather coloration—from the pigments that turn Northern Flicker feathers red or yellow to the surprising mechanisms birds use to create pure white plumage. Expect an evening that blends birdwatching wonder with cutting-edge\, museum-based science. \nThe public is invited to join the Yolo Bird Alliance and its members for the monthly general meeting on September 17\, 2025. The featured speaker is Dr. Jenna McCullough. Her topic is Feathered Palettes: The Science of Bird Colors. She will present via Zoom\, and attendees can be on Zoom or in-person at the Davis Senior Center at 646 A Street in Davis. The meeting is free\, and the presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. & the meeting ends 8:50 p.m. People attending in-person are welcome to mingle following the conclusion of the Q&A portion\, until 8:50. \nSPEAKER BIO \nDr. McCullough grew up in Boise\, Idaho\, and earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Biology\, and in Wildlife Resources at the University of Idaho. She went on to complete her MSc and PhD at the University of New Mexico\, where she studied kingfisher evolution. She recently moved to Los Angeles to begin a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellowship at UCLA and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County where she will be studying how birds produce white colors. \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/. \nYou can attend the meeting in person at: Davis Senior Center\, 646 A Street\, Davis CA \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/8ok7YgSRTEO25HVmwuAWMQ \n Please 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-feathered-palettes-the-science-of-bird-colors/
CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T205000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20251002T202615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251002T202615Z
UID:7803-1760554800-1760561400@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Speaker Presentation - The Best Bird Sounds You’ve Never Heard
DESCRIPTION:                                                                                                           PROGRAM DESCRIPTION \nNathan Pieplow ©Will Anderson \nThis presentation will delve into the surprising world of bird sounds that are hidden\, underappreciated\, and sometimes flat-out denied to exist. You’ll discover the concealed complexity inside a so-called “chirp”; hear the surprising sound of a vulture’s flight display; and learn about many common birds whose song you may have missed\, including singing ducks\, hooting sandpipers\, and clapping owls. Your guide will be Nathan Pieplow\, the author of the Peterson Field Guide to Bird Sounds\, who will unravel the mysteries of some of the rarest and most startling sounds in his collection after two decades of nature sound recording. \nThe public is invited to join Yolo Bird Alliance and its members for the monthly general meeting on October 15\, 2025. The featured speaker is Nathan Pieplow\, and his topic is “The Best Bird Sounds You’ve Never Heard”. Nathan will present via Zoom\, and attendees can be on Zoom or in-person at the Davis Senior Center at 646 A Street in Davis. The meeting is free\, and the presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. & the meeting ends 8:50 p.m. People attending in-person are welcome to mingle following the conclusion of the Q&A portion\, until 8:50. \nSPEAKER BIO \nNathan Pieplow is the author of the Peterson Field Guide to Bird Sounds\, published in two volumes\, one for Eastern and one for Western North America. An avid bird sound recordist\, he is the author of the bird sound blog Earbirding.com\, a board member of the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies\, an author of the Colorado Birding Trail\, and former editor of the journal Colorado Birds. He teaches writing and rhetoric at the University of Colorado in Boulder. \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/. \nYou can attend the meeting in person at: Davis Senior Center\, 646 A Street\, Davis CA \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/fbG05J3pRpKTlsLwrMUApA \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-best-bird-sounds-youve-never-heard/
CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251018T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251018T130000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20251007T002938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T002938Z
UID:7808-1760774400-1760792400@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Lake Solano County Park
DESCRIPTION:Acorn Woodpeekers ©Marsha Hand  \nTrip Leader: –  Sharon Kirkpatrick \nDescription:   \nOn this trip we will visit Lake Solano County Park where Putah Creek runs between Yolo and Solano Counties.  We will be looking for resident species as well as those that come to spend the winter in the area.  The oak woodland\, riparian habitat and creek can result in bird sightings that include Osprey\, Phainopepla\, Wood Duck and hopefully several species of woodpeckers. There could be some surprises like Pileated Woodpecker\, Red-breasted Sapsucker and Bald Eagle. \nAccessibility: \nThis trip will involve a moderate amount of walking along mostly flat trails. Bathrooms are available on site. Parking at the county park is $6 per day. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, a spotting scope if you have one\, and plenty of liquids. High winds or significant rain will cancel this trip. \nMeet at 8:00 AM at Lake Solano County Park day-use parking lot\, on Pleasants Valley Road. There is a $6 fee per vehicle for parking. This trip will conclude in the early afternoon. Bring water\, binoculars and spotting scopes if you have one. We will not be stopping for a designated lunch break. \nPlease contact Zane Pickus with any questions 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/lake-solano-county-park/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251102T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251102T150000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20251007T004000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T140338Z
UID:7812-1762068600-1762095600@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Sparrow Bingo 2025 - TRIP IS FULL
DESCRIPTION:White-throated Sparrow ©Zane Pickus  \nTrip Leader: – Zane Pickus and Bart Wickel – TRIP IS FULL \nDescription:   \nFall migration is largely over and the winter birds are settling in. Join Bart Wickel and Zane Pickus for a local jaunt around Yolo County. The challenge: to find as many species of sparrows as possible. To further the fun of this trip participants will be able to check sparrows off of a bingo card! As believers in the rule that when you search for one bird\, you discover another\, expect anything on this trip– the sparrows are just the excuse to get out and about. This will also be a good trip to practice birding by ear. Route to be determined as conditions warrant\, but often includes a variety of habitats including Putah Creek Canyon and select locations around Winters and Esparto. \nAccessibility: \nThis trip will have a mix of birding by car and on foot. Bathrooms may be limited depending on the route. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, a spotting scope if you have one\, lunch\, and plenty of liquids. High winds or significant rain will cancel this trip. The trip will return to its meeting location by 3:00pm. \nSparrow Bingo will be limited to 15 participants. Please contact Zane Pickus with any questions or to sign-up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \nYolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. Carpooling is highly encouraged\, but all rides are private arrangements between drivers and riders.
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/sparrow-bingo-2025/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251116T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251116T130000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20251103T013748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251115T210641Z
UID:7890-1763280000-1763298000@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:2025 Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area “Big Sit” - TRIP POSTPONED
DESCRIPTION:Northern Harrier ©Zane Pickus  \nEvent Organizers: Yolo Bird Alliance\, Yolo Basin Foundation\, Birdwatching Club at UC Davis \nDescription:  Trip Postponed  \nYou are invited to join the Yolo Bird Alliance\, Yolo Basin Foundation\, and the Birdwatching Club at UC Davis for a joint event at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area! On Sunday\, November 16th we will host a “Big Sit!” You may have heard of a “Big Day” or a “Big Year” – birding challenges where birders attempt to see as many species as possible in a given time frame\, but a Big Sit is different. The challenge is to detect as many species as possible while remaining in one stationary location. For our event\, we will be looking for birds from Parking Lot C of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. This will put us right in the middle of excellent marsh habitat\, which is perfect for seeing a great diversity of species! Those who stop by can expect to see or hear a variety of geese\, ducks\, rails\, sparrows\, herons\, and shorebirds. It is certain to be a fun day for all involved. \nUnlike many birding field trips\, this event is special in that participants can come and go as they please. Feel free to visit for a few minutes\, an hour\, or longer! The intention behind this trip is for it to be accessible to as many people as possible. We hope that anyone interested will stop by and share in enjoying the birds of the wildlife area. Bring binoculars\, a scope if you have one\, and excitement about birds! \nThe organizations listed above will have representatives who are happy to talk about birds\, wetlands\, and the wildlife area. Additionally\, we will have binoculars and spotting scopes out to share. We will keep a running list of species detected throughout the day\, consistent with Big Sit birding guidelines. The event will conclude at 1:00pm. \nAccessibility: \nThis is a stationary event in which participants can come and go as they please. No prior birding experience is necessary\, and the area is handicap accessible. Outhouses are available nearby. Besides our Big Sit area\, the rest of the auto tour loop is sure to be full of birds and is worth exploring on your own (please see the attached map from Yolo Basin Foundation). When visiting the wildlife area\, please stay in the public areas denoted on the map and do not block roadways\, as there can be increased vehicle traffic during hunting season. There are plenty of maintained public trails along the auto tour loop to enjoy. Feel free to ask for recommendations from the groups tabling at the Bit Sit. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nThe Big Sit will take place at Parking Lot C of the Yolo Bypass WIldlife Area\, beginning at 8:00am on February 8th. We will have a table with information on local birds\, the organizations involved\, and extra binoculars to share. Anyone can stop by! Parking Lot C is located here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hJjX2xCg3PhEgZyP6?g_st=i&utm_campaign=ac-im \nWinter birding events are always at risk of bad weather. A postponement will occur in the event that the wildlife area is closed due to flooding\, or if heavy rain is projected on the day of the Big Sit. Please check back on the Yolo Bird Alliance website and Facebook page  for more details\, or contact Zane Pickus 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/2025-yolo-bypass-wildlife-area-big-sit-2/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251119T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251119T205000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20251103T020726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T140234Z
UID:7897-1763578800-1763585400@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Speaker Presentation - Birds Through the End - Cretaceous Mass Extinction
DESCRIPTION:PROGRAM DESCRIPTION \nThe 69-million-year-old Vegavis lived in a rich Antarctic ecosystem. © Mark Witton\, 2025 \nThe Yolo Bird Alliance presents “Birds Through the End – Cretaceous Mass Extinction”. 66 million years ago\, an asteroid hit Earth and killed more than 75% of all life on the planet. That turned out to be a really good day for birds\, who went on to become the world’s most diverse group of terrestrial vertebrates. In this talk\, Christopher Torres\, PhD will explore some surprising new stories that some incredibly old birds are telling us about why birds alone among known dinosaurs survived that mass extinction event\, why the earliest divergence among living birds is marked by a 100-fold difference in species diversity\, and how we might predict which species are most likely to be “extinction-proof” in the future. \nThe public is invited to join Yolo Bird Alliance and its members for the monthly general meeting on November 19\, 2025\, at the Davis Senior Center at 646 A Street in Davis. The meeting is free\, and the presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. and the meeting ends 8:50 p.m. People attending in-person are welcome to mingle following the conclusion of the Q&A portion. The meeting will also be on Zoom\, see below to register to attend online.  \nSPEAKER BIO \nChris Torres is an avian paleontologist and evolutionary morphologist. His research focuses on questions about extinction and survivorship dynamics\, the evolution of beak function\, and the evolution of “loss” (like the loss of flight\, the loss of sensory systems\, or the loss of niche space). Bird groups he works on include early pre-modern birds\, the so-called ratites (and their flying relatives)\, rails\, and flamingos (his favorites). He is an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of the Pacific. \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/. \nYou can attend the meeting in person at: Davis Senior Center\, 646 A Street\, Davis CA \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/lvelMjFBQXmzjVfETcWxug \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-birds-through-the-end-cretaceous-mass-extinction/
CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251129T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251129T160000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20251103T014848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T014848Z
UID:7894-1764403200-1764432000@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Sacramento and Colusa Wildlife Refuges
DESCRIPTION:Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge ©Genevieve Colborn  \nTrip Leader: – Genevieve Colborn and Kelli O’Neill \nDescription:   \nThis post-Thanksgiving trip will feature iconic Central Valley wintering birds at two national wildlife refuges. Depending on water conditions\, late November at the Sacramento and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges can be a phenomenal birding location. These refuges host hundreds of thousands of wintering geese and ducks\, as well as many other birds. We will have good chances of seeing bald eagles and other raptors. We will bird the auto loops at both refuges\, stopping at the observation tower in Sacramento NWR and the observation deck at Colusa NWR. Depending on the weather\, we may take a short trail walk. \nFor further information regarding species may be encountered on this field trip\, check out the eBird Trip Report from last winter’s edition of the event: https://ebird.org/tripreport/298336 \nAccessibility: \nMost birding will be done by car\, with a couple of short walks on flat\, mostly even terrain. Bathrooms will be available at each of the refuge headquarters. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nPlease contact Zane Pickus at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com to register and for details regarding where to meet. This trip will be limited to 12 participants in a maximum of 4 cars. A one-day pass ($6) or National Parks pass is required for each vehicle. It can be purchased beforehand online or at the kiosk for the refuge on the day of the trip. \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/sacramento-and-colusa-wildlife-refuges-2/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251210T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251210T205000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20251106T162109Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251130T010430Z
UID:7947-1765393200-1765399800@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Speaker Presentation - 2025 Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count – ID Workshop
DESCRIPTION:  \n\n\n\n\n\nPROGRAM DESCRIPTION \n \nThe annual Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count (PCCBC) is scheduled for Sunday\, December 21st\, and marks the 55th year for this local count. In preparation for the Count\, Yolo Bird Alliance (YBA) will hold the annual Bird ID Workshop\, with Compiler Bart Wickel and Area Leader Zane Pickus on December 10th\, 2025. This workshop consists of a primer on bird identification and an introduction to logging birds using eBird as well as a discussion of recent count trends\, including a review of climate change and forest fire impacts on the count circle. \nPlease join us for the annual Bird ID Workshop. This public is invited\, and the event is free.  You do not need to be a member of YBA to participate. The meeting will be held at the Davis Senior Center\, 646 A St\, Davis\, CA 95616. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and runs until 8:50 p.m. The meeting will also be on Zoom. You can register to attend online below. \nThe PCCBC occurs in a 15-mile diameter count circle centering 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.). For up-to-date information about the count\, and contact information for the Area Leaders\, visit https://yolobirdalliance.org/christmas-bird-count/ on the YBA website. \nSPEAKER BIO \nBart Wickel\, PhD is an environmental scientist and member of the Yolo Bird Alliance’s Board of Directors\, has been birding Yolo County for almost 11 years now. He is the compiler for the Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count. \nZane Pickus\, a member of the Yolo Bird Alliance’s Board of Directors\, is an undergraduate at UC Davis studying Wildlife\, Fish\, and Conservation Biology. Zane has been interested in birds his entire life\, and as he has gotten older\, that interest has morphed into a passion. He values the opportunity to teach others through field trips and presentations\, appreciating the sense of community found in sharing birds with others. Zane is an officer of the Birdwatching Club at UC Davis and a regional reviewer for eBird in Yolo County. \nThe Yolo Bird Alliance fosters an appreciation of birds and other wildlife through educational programs and field trips\, brings conservation issues to public awareness\, and acts to preserve Yolo County bird life and habitat. To learn more about the Yolo Bird Alliance\, visit its web page at https://yolobirdalliance.org/. You can also visit the Yolo Bird Alliance on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YoloBirdAlliance. If you would like to join 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/Y103RYBIStqn1P3DitDJCw \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-2025-putah-creek-christmas-bird-count-id-workshop/
CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260121T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260121T205000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20260105T212447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T212447Z
UID:8102-1769022000-1769028600@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Speaker Presentation - Cats as Pets\, Predators\, and Prey: What do we know about their hunting\, and relationship to birds
DESCRIPTION:PROGRAM DESCRIPTION \nCalifornia Scrub-Jay and friend ©Kelli O’Neill \nCats have been shown to be one of the most destructive predators of birds on the planet. But their importance as companion animals to people brings up interesting challenges to conservation measures and management strategies for owned and unowned cats. In this talk\, Hee Jin will give a summary of the scientific literature on cats and their impact on wildlife\, and tackle some of these challenges and questions as we look to creating sustainable solutions. \nHee Jin 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 p.m. People attending in-person are welcome to mingle following the conclusion of the Q&A portion\, until 8:50. \nSPEAKER BIO \nHee Jin is a PhD candidate in the Animal Behavior Graduate Group\, co-advised by Dr. Andy Sih and Dr. Carly Moody at UC Davis. She is interested in human-cat-wildlife interactions\, and how people’s decisions\, and specifically cat owners’ decisions can impact the relationships between cats and wildlife. Hee Jin aims to support and create sustainable\, nuanced solutions to cat predation of wildlife that incorporate perspectives of multiple stakeholders. \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/q5i9Wmw7RoSFoyJ47_0mvA \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-cats-as-pets-predators-and-prey-what-do-we-know-about-their-hunting-and-relationship-to-birds/
CATEGORIES:Monthly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260124T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260124T200000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20260106T163248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T043008Z
UID:8109-1769270400-1769284800@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Owling at Bobcat Ranch - TRIP IS FULL
DESCRIPTION:Bobcat Ranch at Night ©Matt Allshouse  \nTrip Leaders:  Matt Allshouse\, Autumn Turner\, Kelli O’Neill  – TRIP IS FULL \nDescription:   \nTake part in this limited opportunity to explore Audubon California’s Bobcat Ranch near Winters for a special evening owling field trip. Bobcat Ranch is a 6\,800-acre working ranch that uses regenerative grazing management to restore and manage natural diversity in grassland and oak woodlands. It is Audubon California’s largest landholding and is the first certified Ranch in California under Audubon’s Conservation Ranching Program. To aid in monitoring the outcomes of sustainable grazing practices\, YBA volunteers have conducted biweekly bird surveys on the Ranch as part of an ongoing phenology study since 2016. \nJoin Yolo Bird Alliance volunteers Kelli and Autumn\, and ranch manager Matt Allshouse for this crepuscular owling outing. Leaders will guide participants on a short walk around the headquarters for sunset birding\, and proceed to other owling locations on the Ranch via short walk/vehicle. \nAccessibility: \nPlease note that the terrain may be rocky and muddy and will include trip hazards\, especially with limited visibility at night. A port-a-potty will be available at headquarters. Cell phone service is limited at the Ranch. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nPlease prepare for the weather and cold\, muddy conditions by bringing water (hot beverages and thermoses recommended!) and snacks\, wearing sturdy\, water resistant/proof close-toed shoes\, and dressing in layers. Headlamps are also recommended. This trip may be rescheduled in the event of rain. Bring your binoculars and cameras for the sunset birding portion. \nWe have special permission to lead the group on Bobcat Ranch\, which has limited public access. Maximum number of participants is 12. Participants will need to sign an online Audubon liability waiver prior to entering the Ranch in addition to the YBA field trip waiver.  Participants will rendezvous in Davis and carpool/caravan in trip leader vehicles to the property. \nPlease contact Yolo Bird Alliance Field Trip Coordinator 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.
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/owling-at-bobcat-ranch/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260131T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260131T170000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20260108T003114Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T170714Z
UID:8127-1769844600-1769878800@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Raptor Ramble 2026 - TRIP IS FULL
DESCRIPTION:Peregrine Falcon ©Zane Pickus  \nTrip Leaders:  Kevin Guse \nDescription:  TRIP IS FULL \nCalifornia’s Central Valley has one of the largest wintering raptor populations in the country. Our goal will be to see how many species of raptors we can find on this annual trip. Highlights of past trips include Ferruginous Hawk\, Rough-legged Hawk\, Golden Eagle\, Peregrine Falcon\, Merlin\, Bald Eagle and Prairie Falcon. Route to be determined as conditions warrant. \nAccessibility: \nThis trip will have a mix of birding by car and on foot\, and involves a full day in the field. Bathrooms may be limited depending on the route. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, a spotting scope if you have one\, lunch\, plenty of liquids\, layers of clothes and be prepared for a full day trip. High winds or significant rain will cancel this trip. The trip will return to its meeting location by 5:00pm. \n The Raptor Ramble will be limited to 15 participants. This is a popular trip and spaces fill up fast\, so sign-up early if you are interested! Please contact Zane Pickus with any questions or to sign-up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \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. \n 
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/raptor-ramble-2026/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260214T063000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260214T173000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20260108T005146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T025202Z
UID:8131-1771050600-1771090200@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Winter Field Trip to Bodega Bay - TRIP IS FULL
DESCRIPTION:Red Knot ©Kevin Guse  \nTrip Leaders:  Kevin Guse  – TRIP FULL \nDescription:   \nYou are cordially invited to join us for a trip to one of the crown jewels of Northern California birding: Bodega Bay. On this trip we will be looking for a wide variety of winter bird species\, including shorebirds\, gulls\, loons\, grebes\, ducks\, raptors and wading birds. Previous trips have seen Brant\, Long-tailed Duck\, Red-necked Grebe\, over a dozen shorebird species\, and a “cormorant sweep” of Brandt’s\, Double-crested\, and Pelagic Cormorants. This trip frequently finds over seventy species and is one of Yolo Bird Alliance’s most popular events. \nAccessibility: \nA mix of birding by car and on foot. There will be a few short walks on level terrain. Bathrooms are available in a few locations\, but not at all stops. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, water\, snacks\, lunch\, and layers for winter weather. A spotting scope is worth bringing if you have one\, though Yolo Bird Alliance will have one for the group to share. High winds or significant rain will cancel this trip. This will be a full day of birding\, meeting at 6:30 AM and returning to the meeting location by 5:30pm. \nThis is a popular trip\, so don’t hesitate to sign up! Participants will be limited such that the trip is limited to 5 cars. The meeting location will be distributed upon signing up. Please contact Zane Pickus with any questions or to register at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \n Yolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. Carpooling is highly encouraged\, but all rides are private arrangements between drivers and riders. \n 
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/winter-field-trip-to-bodega-bay-2/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260215T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260215T143000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20260108T010450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T024942Z
UID:8135-1771146000-1771165800@yolobirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Robinson Road: Raptors and Plovers - TRIP IS FULL
DESCRIPTION:Mountain Plover ©Frank Severson  \nTrip Leaders: Sharon Kirkpatrick – TRIP FULL \nDescription:   \nJoin us for a trip to the pastures of southeastern Solano County to search for overwintering raptors & other winter visitors. The fields in the vicinity of Robinson and Flannery Roads can be a fantastic location to observe locally uncommon grassland species. We will search fields\, perches and farm equipment for raptors\, and scan pastures for Mountain Plovers\, Horned Larks\, and Burrowing Owls. Prior trips have also seen Prairie Falcons\, Merlins\, Golden Eagles\, Ferruginous Hawks\, and Rough-legged Hawks.  We hope to see these and many more species during this trip. \nAccessibility: \nMost birding will be done by car\, with frequent stops to get out and scan for birds. There may be a few short walks along the gravel roads\, but they will be on level ground. Bathrooms are unavailable at this location. \nMeeting Location and Registration: \nBirders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Please bring binoculars\, water\, snacks or lunch (though we don’t stop for this)\, and layers for winter weather. A spotting scope is worth bringing if you have one. High winds or significant rain will cancel this trip. The trip will return to its meeting location by mid-afternoon. \n The Robinson Road field trip will be limited to 11 people in 3 cars. Since this is a popular trip and spaces fill up fast\, sign-up early if you are interested. Once you have signed up the meeting location will be confirmed. Please contact Zane Pickus with any questions or to sign-up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com \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. \n 
URL:https://yolobirdalliance.org/event/robinson-road-raptors-and-plovers-2/
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260218T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260218T205000
DTSTAMP:20260503T024931
CREATED:20260130T160240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T160240Z
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:20260503T024931
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:20260503T024931
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:20260503T024931
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:20260503T024931
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:20260503T024931
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:20260503T024931
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:20260503T024931
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:20260503T024931
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:20260503T024931
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
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR