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Field Trip Report, Pt. Reyes

Sanderlings, Drakes Beach, Pt. Reyes; Joe Clemons

Field Trip Report, Pt. Reyes

in Field Trip Report

With a record number of 22 participants, we set off to Pt. Reyes on a relatively warm and sunny day.

The Lighthouse was closed, so we spent most of our time at the Fish Docks and Drake’s Beach. At the Fish Docks, almost everyone got good looks at a Northern Waterthrush and an American Redstart. A lucky few caught a quick glimpse of a Clay-colored Sparrow. At Drake’s Beach, we saw the largest aggregation of Sanderlings that I have ever seen, numbering well over 600 birds! We also witnessed a real knock down fight between two Western Gulls. Supplementing the avian highlights were great scope views of Elephant Seals, several sightings of Harbor Porpoise close to shore, and a nice heard of Elk resting on the hillside. It was a great day. Many thanks to all the participants!

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For the Birds: Bird Life and Habitat in Yolo County

For the Birds: Bird Life and Habitat in Yolo County

in Uncategorized

Please stop by The Artery at 207 G St. to see the wonderful art created by Yolo Audubon members, as well as students from several Yolo County high schools. Every piece in the show depicts a Yolo County bird species. It includes 39 photographs, five wood carvings, eight watercolors, and eight ceramic pieces. The show runs from March 30th to April 16th. There’s an artists’ reception on Friday the 13th from 7 to 9 pm. We’re hoping for a big turnout to support our talented members!

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How Different Spring Migrants Decide When to Head North

Tree Swallow. Photo credit: Kenn Kaufman

How Different Spring Migrants Decide When to Head North

in Uncategorized

Will warmer weather bring the birds back earlier? That’s the question on many antsy birders’ minds. Unfortunately, it’s not a simple answer. Species tend to migrate in two different ways, based on either instinct or weather. Find out which type of migrant your favorite species are so that you can be ready to spot them this spring. For more information, view this article from the National Audubon Society.

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February 2017 Sightings

February 2017 Sightings

in Recent Sightings

With water everywhere, it’s no surprise that most of the noteworthy birds of February were found floating on it. A remarkable four Common Loons were discovered. The first was in the Deepwater Shipping Channel near the Port of Sacramento on Feb 5 and stayed through at least Feb 21 (BS). On Feb 27, two more […]

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Birding In Your Own (Urban) Backyard

in Conservation Corner

Although backyard birding in the city is not as thrilling as in more natural landscapes, it can offer conservation lessons. I began to bird in Slide Hill Park in Davis in 1986, when the park was fairly new and the vegetation was still young. I have watched the various groves and lines of trees grow […]

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Wind Turbine Development at Bogle Vineyards

Golden Eagle ; Jim Dunn

Wind Turbine Development at Bogle Vineyards

in Conservation Corner

On 25 April 2014 Yolo Audubon Society filed a lawsuit together with Tuleyome and a group of local landowners against Yolo County and the Board of Supervisors challenging the county’s approval of a wind turbine development on Bogle Vineyards, the county stating that no environmental impact report was needed via using the mechanism of a Mitigated Negative Declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

View the Petition for a Writ of Mandate.

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January 2017 Sightings

in Recent Sightings

The new year opened with record rainfall and plenty of birds to chase. Topping the list were at least four Trumpeter Swans, found Jan 5 among Tundra Swans along Rds 111 and 112 north of Knight’s Landing (TE). These represent an overdue first county record. Birders also enjoyed as many as four Mountain Plovers within […]

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Putah Creek Nest-Box Highway

in Conservation Corner

This month I want to report on a bird conservation success story that is as close to home as Putah Creek. Yolo Audubon’s own Melanie Truan came up with the idea and made it happen, and has ensured its continuation ever since. Working at the UC Davis Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology, and aiming […]

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The Great Backyard Bird Count

in From the President

Well, it is that time of the year, that is, time for The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). The dates of the count period this year are February 17-20. As in previous years, one can go solo by counting the birds in your yard, neighborhood or favorite haunt, or you can also join a group […]

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Fall Fundraiser

Hawk on Post © Beth Savidge

Fall Fundraiser

in From the President

Our Fall Fundraiser, held the night of the Bird Identification Workshop on December 7, was a great success! We grossed over $2,600. Many thanks to everyone who bought tickets, whether you got them the night of the workshop or by mail.

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