Bob Barnes returns to guide a unique, refreshing, & confidence-building approach where absolute beginning & novice birders are the stars; NOT Bob! Helpful, for those experienced birders who take them birding, too. Brief classroom session then extended field trip. As desired, bring binoculars, bird guides, cameras, cell phones, small notebooks/sketch pads, snacks, water.
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Join Emma Cox, Nora Livingston and Reef Comer for a BIG DAY of birding! Expect a fast-paced day, with the possibility of rapid ID of over 100 species at hot spots in SLO County. Special effort on regional specialties and rarities. Pace to be determined by the leader with input from the group. Travel in bus with leader and many in/out stops.
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Are you a birder and would like to learn more about your camera and how to capture your own photos? Join professional Nature Photographer Krisztina with KS Nature Photography for a casual session of birding with the added bonus of photography. This program is open to all ages, birders, photographers, and anyone who would like to learn more about the birds and about basic camera techniques for bird photography. Bring your binoculars and any camera, if you like (point and shoot, DSLR, Mirrorless - and any lens). To read more about Krisztina, please visit www.KSNaturePhotography.com. Specific meeting instructions will be emailed beforehand.
Join Janny & Steve Tillmann to explore the Villa Creek headlands, beach and estuary, part of Estero Bluffs State Park. This will be a slow-paced walk of 2-3 miles along a beautiful and wild ocean bluff trail along with a sandy beach stroll to Villa Cove. Expect rock-loving shorebirds such as Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Surfbirds, Whimbrels, scoters, terns, gulls. Look for herons and egrets in the estuary created by Villa Creek. Moderate hike due to hiking through sand for 1/2 mile. 21-mile roundtrip carpool from Morro Bay.
Join Doug Stinson and Steve McMasters for a slow-paced walk of 1.5-2 miles along a beautiful and wild ocean bluff trail. Expect rock-loving shorebirds such as Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Surfbirds, Whimbrels, scoters, terns, gulls and maybe a Harlequin Duck. 20 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Moderate.
Bird photography is one of the most challenging genres of nature photography, but also one of the most rewarding. Led by professional wildlife photographer and naturalist (Jacqueline Deely), this fun, supportive workshop is designed with entry level bird photographers in mind. Build your confidence and become acquainted with the recommended settings, techniques and post processing procedures used to capture compelling images of birds. Gain an understanding of light, composition, exposure and ethical practices while out in the field, as you are thoughtfully guided along the way. An in-class lecture will provide invaluable tips and advice along with time to discuss and share. Known for her friendly, relaxed style, Jacqueline enjoys teaching and is eager to pass on her knowledge and expertise. If you love birds and want to know how to photograph them, this is the master class for you! Part 1 will take place from 7:30am to 12 Noon; after a lunch break, Part 2 is from 2:00pm to 4:30pm. Both sessions will involve driving to other locations. Lunch is NOT included.
Join a guided kayak tour of Morro Bay for an up-close look at birds in their natural habitat. Possible sightings include White Pelicans, Brant, Common Loons, and a variety of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Along the way, you'll paddle past the Heron Rookery, Grassy Island oyster farm, expansive mudflats, and winding Back Bay channels. The tour uses stable double kayaks, and no prior kayaking experience is required. Please dress in layers and follow these guidelines: wear synthetic or wool clothing (avoid cotton), bring a windbreaker jacket, a hat for sun and wind protection, and shoes that can get wet. Note: trips may be canceled due to weather conditions.
Montana de Oro is a spectacular 8,600-acre state park with untamed coastline and coastal uplands. Join Grace Hayes & Marin Romero to search for rocky-shore shorebirds, water birds, raptors, and passerines in various habitats. Includes 1-2 miles of slow walking. 20 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Moderate.
Bird with Dorian Anderson & Terri May on Cambria's Fiscalini Ranch on a moderate three-mile hike through grassland, mixed oak/Monterey pine forest and coastal bluffs. Expect a diversity of birds, including sparrows, birds of prey, Pygmy Nuthatches and rocky shore shorebirds. Pace will be determined by leader and desires of the group. 50 miles round trip by personal vehicle.
Join Rouvaishyana and Michael Mulroy to explore the Estero Bay Community Garden looking for hummingbirds, songbirds and others species. The walk will continue through Del Mar Park, then along Panorama Drive to see raptors, meadowlarks, and possibly some non-avian wildlife. The trip will end by backtracking along the same route. Spotting scopes not needed, but optional.
Join Ann Stockert & Todd Easterla to explore the birding hot spots in Los Osos. Expect to find birds in a variety of habitats including coastal scrub, beach, tidal marsh, mudflats, open bay, and willow thickets. Explore 6-8 birding hotspots including Elfin Forest, Audubon Overlook, Back Bay, Sweet Springs, Doris Ave Marsh, and Pecho Willows.
Bird with Teodelina Martelli at Pecho Willows & Cuesta Inlet. This small but highly important bay habitat is an eBird hotspot where shorebirds and ducks gather during migration and in the winter. The Pecho Marsh is thick with willows and a special birding spot for locals where a number of rare birds have been seen over the years.
Bird songs are Nature's Music. We can experience and enjoy this magical music no matter how good we are at finding birds with our eyes. These sounds are already coming at us from 360 degrees. The focus of this Master Class by Roy Poucher is to increase our birding enjoyment by improving our skills as auditory birders. Some prior experience trying to identify birds by ear will surely be useful, but all experience levels will gain great value. Explore the principles of describing bird vocalizations in general, plus become familiar with specific vocalizations of common birds in the Morro Bay area. This Master Class workshop is part 1 of a 2-part learning process, with part 2 being the Master Class field trip. Attendees should choose either of two field trips: on Friday (#218) or on Sunday (#410).
Get a jump start for your bird festival experience. Join Robbie Revel and Karen Watts to learn the techniques needed to boost your birding skills and get a preview of the birds you are likely to see during the weekend. The presentation includes slides, videos, demonstrations of Merlin App and a number of bird mounts that will be used to illustrate the criteria for bird identification. You will practice making observations, learn to use binoculars and field guides and learn about resources available for ongoing skill building. Easy, family oriented, but not appropriate for children younger than 9 years of age.
Laguna Lake and the surrounding park are a migratory stop and home to many waterfowl, including ducks, gulls, grebes, shorebirds, herons, egrets, Snow Geese. Join Greg Miller & Mark Mushkat to see these and other birds like House Finch, Goldfinch, meadowlarks, raptors and even a possible Loggerhead Shrike. Beginners welcome! Includes 1 mile of level walking. 30 miles round trip by bus. Easy.
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Join Richard Neidhardt, Rusty Scalf and Debbie Jo Bird to enjoy close views of waterfowl and occasional bitterns and rails from the boardwalk over Oso Flaco Lake and marsh. Bird two prime willow habitats for wintering warblers. Includes 2-3 miles of slow walking. Moderate. State Parks requires a parking fee of $5.
Join Jon Dunn & Bob Keally to observe birds at the Washburn Day Use area of San Simeon State Park. Moderate 1.5- 2 mile walk by riparian areas by creek, wetlands, shoreline, then onto chaparral, and pine forest habitats to discover a variety of land, shore and ocean birds including mergansers, terns, Pygmy Nuthatches, and a variety of raptors.
Designed for those driving NORTH to the Festival from the south. This site is 75 miles SOUTH of Morro Bay! Travel by personal vehicle to Las Cruzitas, a private 1,500-acre cattle ranch including oak grassland and sage-covered canyons. You will be met by Cruz Phillips, the ranch owner, and Cher Hollingworth who will lead the trip. Expect to see Yellow-billed Magpies, Vesper and Lark Sparrows, Band-tailed Pigeons, Red-breasted Sapsuckers, Golden Eagles, and possibly Burrowing Owls, Prairie Falcons, Phainopeplas, Red-naped Sapsuckers and Lewis' Woodpeckers. At least 30 species are seen from the ranch house bird feeders alone, so folks who cannot walk far can sit in the yard and have a great time birding. Bring lunch. Meets at the intersection of Alisos Road and Happy Canyon Road in Santa Ynez.
Join Dave Berry, Steve Schubert and Bill Bouton for a leisurely boating tour of the bay on the Dos Osos, an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran. Identify a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl in winter plumage at very close range as the boat moves slowly to see details of many species normally seen from shore. Good photo opportunities, but no tripods. Dress warmly.
Join Sharon Stiteler, Deborah Crooks & Claudia Freitas to explore the pine woods on the slopes of Black Hill in Morro Bay, where you will hike trails searching for towhees, finches, woodpeckers and other birds of this habitat. Easy to moderate hiking for advanced beginner to intermediate birders. 5 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Easy. Guide is able to present this walk in Spanish.
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Join Ed Harper on an unhurried walk around the edges and through the heart of the Morro Coast Audubon Sweet Springs Preserve. This trip will look for wintering songbirds as well as waterfowl and shorebirds in the nearby estuary. Previous trips have seen hawks, falcons, owls, osprey and kingfishers in this area. The effort will be easy to moderate and the walk should appeal to all birding levels.
Join a guided kayak tour of Morro Bay for an up-close look at birds in their natural habitat. Possible sightings include White Pelicans, Brant, Common Loons, and a variety of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Along the way, you'll paddle past the Heron Rookery, Grassy Island oyster farm, expansive mudflats, and winding Back Bay channels. The tour uses stable double kayaks, and no prior kayaking experience is required. Please dress in layers and follow these guidelines: wear synthetic or wool clothing (avoid cotton), bring a windbreaker jacket, a hat for sun and wind protection, and shoes that can get wet. Note: trips may be canceled due to weather conditions.
Join Wildlife Biologist Russ Namitz to explore the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is a major wintering grounds for thousands of ducks, geese, and other migratory birds. During the winter the waterfowl numbers may peak to 80,000 in December and January. Large concentrations of waterfowl can be seen foraging in the moist soil and seasonal marsh areas. This trip is intended for people traveling to the Festival from the North and East.
Join Rachel Clark at Cloisters Park Azure Street. The coastal scrub to the beach will offer a variety of birds, such as White- and Golden-crowned Sparrows, California Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler and possible Ospreys in the nearby trees. On the beach, expect to see a myriad of shorebirds and waterfowl in the surf line. Further north on the beach, the Alva Paul pond is an excellent birding spot for terns and shorebirds, Two miles from the Community Center. Moderate walk, a short distance through sand.
Whether you're just discovering the joys of birding, seeking to develop your birding skills, or wanting to share your love of birding with your family, these trips with Hannah and Erik are for you! They are happy to answer any and all questions about birds, birding, gear, and more. Expect a slow-paced walk as we look for birds, talk about IDs, and whatever else comes to mind! Meets at Morro Rock. Coleman Drive, Morro Bay. Meet across from bathrooms, next to Morro Rock.
San Simeon Point is a scenic coastal promontory with an easy trail offering beautiful ocean views, leading to a small, sheltered cove at the end of the peninsula. Starting at the San Simeon pier, you'll walk the beach for about 1/4 mile to a trail that leads to the bluff above. On the bluff, the trail traverses through beautiful, old eucalyptus trees to San Simeon Point where you have a 360 degree view of the ocean, the sea bluffs along with Hearst Castle. Join Harnawaz Boparai, Seth Green and Griffin Davies to explore the active bird life along with possible sightings of sea otters and elephant seals. Meets at the entrance to the pier in the upper parking lot, 750 Hearst Castle Drive, San Simeon. Enter the parking lot via the State Park kiosk.
Destination: San Simeon Point
The Morro Bay State Park Marina boardwalk provides opportunities for viewing a variety of shorebirds, ducks, geese, loons, grebes, gulls, terns and herons. Peregrine Falcons and other raptors are often seen. Led by Kristin Loft, the level half-mile walk for women is especially suited for photographers, wheelchairs and those using walkers and canes. Easy. Meets at the Peninsula Trail Head, southeast end of the State Park Marina parking lot, across from Morro Bay State Park Campground.
Join Captain Scott Stellar on a pontoon boat ride adventure birding Santa Margarita Lake. We'll cruise pretty much the entire lake taking in all the migratory and permanent birds as well as shoreline wildlife that abound. Restrooms are available along the route. Meets at the Marina at Santa Margarita Lake, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita. After checking in at the entry kiosk, drive down to the boat dock and Marina store parking area. Note that there is a $12 entry fee per vehicle to enter the SML Campground.
Join Bob Isenberg and Jerry Pyle, Peregrine Watch, for pastries (while they last) and to search for owls and Peregrine Falcons at Morro Rock. Morro Rock is home to two pairs of breeding Peregrine Falcons. NOTE: this is a stop and scope event, not a planned walk. Stop by anytime from 9am and 2pm. Also note that you can schedule a morning and/or afternoon event in addition to this event. Meets at Morro Rock. Coleman Drive, Morro Bay. Meet across from bathrooms, next to Morro Rock. Look for Bob's van with awning, scopes and Peregrine statue.
Jim May Park is an urban park featuring a large fresh water lake. Join Tony Gayfield for this easy, .65 mile walk around the lake taken at a slow to moderate pace, depending on bird activity and sightings along the way. The route follows gentle terrain over flat surfaces, making it accessible for most participants. Winter brings a number of gulls and geese to the area. A few different species of both have been found on the lake, along with a variety of other waterfowl. American White Pelicans may be present. The White-faced Ibis is an occasional visitor. Likely species would include the Great-tailed Grackle. Jim May Park has one of the largest Great-tailed Grackle colonies in the county. Bathrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience. This trip is intended for Southern California birders traveling northbound to the festival. Meet at Jim May Park, 809 Stanford Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93454.
The elusive western snowy plover lives and breeds on the sand on only a few of our local natural beaches. A small federally threatened shorebird, this grey/brown and white bird has darker breeding plumage. It blends in well on the sandy beach, making it difficult to spot. Following a short talk by Sharon Iranpour about plover life, a demonstration of a replica nest, and other shorebirds we might see, we'll walk south on the beach to look for them and other shorebirds. If there is time, we can also check out beach drift and some interesting rock formations. This is an easy walk, partially on soft sand and the distance is approximately a mile roundtrip. Bring binoculars, wear sturdy shoes and layer up. Walking distance about 1 mile. Meets in the parking lot across from 150 Azure Street, Morro Bay.
Join Dawn Beattie at Cloisters Park. The Park, with pond and nearby dunes, offers an interesting variety of birds, such as White- and Golden-crowned Sparrows, California Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Black-crowned Night-Heron. The pond also attracts migratory ducks and geese. People in wheelchairs or using walkers or canes will find all paths accessible. Two miles from the Community Center. Easy. Meet ats Cloisters Park. From Hwy 1 at the north end of Morro Bay, turn west (toward the water) at the San Jacinto traffic light, then take first left (south) on Coral Avenue; in a few blocks enter the parking lot on the right, next to the restrooms.
Morro Rock is home to Peregrine Falcons, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Common Yellowthroat, various sparrows, and the elusive Canyon Wren. Join Bettina Eastman to look for cormorants, various species and age classes of gulls, Brown Pelicans and maybe a Common Murre. Meets at Morro Rock. Coleman Drive, Morro Bay. Meet across from bathrooms, next to Morro Rock.
After the winter rains and floods, the beaver dams on the Salinas River in Atascadero were all washed away. They have just begun rebuilding their dams and recreating their habitat. Come join us as we explore this new dam and beaver complex and see what changes have happened since our last visit. The walk is a half-mile walk out to the ponds on sandy, rocky trails. It is helpful to wear water shoes or tall boots since we typically walk into the water up to our shins, or old sneakers you won't mind walking with into the water. Restrooms are not available. Meets across from 7820 Aragon Road, Atascadero, CA 93422.
Designed for those driving north to the festival from the south, enjoy a birding adventure at the Ventura Settling Ponds. This is an easy walk along dirt paths around the shore of the settling ponds, one of the top birding locations in Ventura County. We'll be looking for ducks, grebes, woodpeckers, overwintering warblers, sparrows, swallows and swifts. Herons, gulls, pelicans, hawks and harriers are likely plus much more. No restrooms or drinking water, nearest public restrooms are at Surfer's Knoll parking lot. Meet at the entrance on Angler Court at 900 am. Take Harbor Blvd to Spinnaker towards Ventura Harbor. Turn left on Angler, and the entrance is immediately on the right before the Water Treatment Plant. Limited parking available on Angler, or free parking on Spinnaker (check the signs) or in the very first village lot. All other lots are paid parking.
Join Faylla Chapman for tour of 4 different environments: riparian, oak woodland, marine chapparal and coastal scrub. The plants, fungi, lichens and small animals will be pointed out along the pathway through these areas and some local history will also be described. Poison oak is present in profusion. Meets at the Los Osos Oaks Preserve parking lot, 1.2 miles east (left) of South Bay Blvd. on Los Osos Valley Road.
Birds face many challenges in their lives and there are lots of things we can do at home to make it more bird-friendly! Join Hannah and Erik to learn the different challenges birds face in their epic migrations as well as different ways you can improve your house, garden and even neighborhood to help birds in their journey. Meets at Morro Bay Community Center Lounge,1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Enjoy learning about the Southern Sea Otters at their favorite hangouts in Morro Bay! Sharon Blakely will provide fascinating natural history of these marine mammal superheroes of a healthy kelp forest. 3 miles round trip by personal vehicle; 30-minute walk one way. Easy. Meets at South T pier next to Great American Fish Company, 1185 Embarcadero, Morro Bay
Join expert photographers Dave Keeling & Rick Derevan to enjoy a leisurely photography focused boating tour of the bay and estuary in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran. View a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, often at close range. The boat will move slowly enough for you to see details of many species that you normally see only through a scope from shore. Good photo opportunities, but no tripods. Dress warmly. Meets at Sub Sea Tours, 699 Embarcadero, #9, Morro Bay.
Morro Rock is home to Peregrine Falcons, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Common Yellowthroat, various sparrows, the elusive Canyon Wren, and sometimes a Burrowing Owl. Join Rouvaishyana and Van Dees to look for cormorants, various species and age classes of gulls, Brown Pelicans and maybe a Common Murre. Meets at Morro Rock. Coleman Drive, Morro Bay. Meet across from bathrooms, next to Morro Rock.
This is a scaled-down version of a college class on Bird Biology. Topics will be presented at an introductory level. The class is comprised of two afternoon sessions: Part 1 will focus on the external appearances of birds, and Part 2 on Friday (Event #255) will focus on bird behaviors. Ornithological vocabulary will be introduced and used throughout. The basic principles of bird identification will also be presented. The class will be presented by Jim Bland, a retired avian ecologist, former college lecturer on Ornithology, and experienced wildlife photographer. Meets at in the Conference Room at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.
Join Friends of the Elephant Seal docent Michael Sheltzer for a "prime time" tour of the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal rookery. This is one of the best times to visit the rookery. Mid-January is the peak of birthing. The beaches will be full of big bulls, birthing and nursing moms and pups. Be ready to dive deep into their natural history and adaptations. We will meet at the Kiosk at the SOUTH END of the main Elephant Seal viewpoint, 5 miles north of Hearst Castle.
The Morro Bay State Park Marina boardwalk provides opportunities for viewing a variety of shorebirds, ducks, geese, loons, grebes, gulls, terns and herons. Peregrine Falcons and other raptors are often seen. Led by Dale & Jamie Ball, the level half-mile walk is especially suited for photographers, wheelchairs and those using walkers and canes. Easy. Meets at the Peninsula Trail Head, southeast end of the State Park Marina parking lot, across from Morro Bay State Park Campground.
Join author, illustrator, and naturalist Sharon Lovejoy for a nature journaling workshop. Her tips and simple techniques will inspire you and give you a strong foundation and a set of wings. The workshop will begin with a video that shares dozens of journals. Basic bird anatomy (hand-out included) will jump-start your bird studies. A focus on birds common in gardens will be sketched along with small illustrations of their nesting materials, feathers, and foods - insects, acorns, berries, larvae, and flowers with nectar. Bring journals, 2 B pencils, kneaded erasers, a pencil sharpener, small watercolor sets, brushes, and a magnifying glass. Meets at the Baywood Inn, 1335 3rd St, Los Osos. Conference Room is adjacent to the parking lot.
Destination: Baywood Inn Conference Room
Join Mini Nagendran for her presentation that will introduce you to the cranes of the world and bring you details about Sandhill Cranes, including their biology, their migration routes, natal/breeding and wintering sites, behaviors, calls, and other crane fun facts. Meets at the Hampton Inn, 295 Atascadero Rd, Morro Bay.
Destination: Hampton Inn Conference Room
Join Rachel Clark on an unhurried walk around the edges and through the heart of the Morro Coast Audubon Sweet Springs Preserve. This trip will look for wintering songbirds as well as waterfowl and shorebirds in the nearby estuary. Previous trips have seen hawks, falcons, owls, osprey and kingfishers in this area. The effort will be easy to moderate and the walk should appeal to all birding levels. Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
Join Steve Schubert and Dave Berry for a walk adjacent to the coastal sand dunes and southernmost reaches of Morro Bay during a falling to a minus tide, focusing on upland passerines, raptors in flight, aquatic waterfowl, shorebirds, and long-legged waders. Overview of the natural history, flora and fauna will also be discussed. Habitats will include: estuary, coastal salt marsh and mudflats, coastal dune scrub, and planted eucalyptus trees. Note: hiking in loose sand on gently undulating terrain for 1.5 - 2.0 miles, moderate difficulty. Optional continuation to crest of the dunes overlooking the sandy shore and Pacific inshore waters of Estero Bay. Meets at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.
Enjoy a leisurely boating tour of the bay and estuary with Scott Weidensaul, Tom Edell and Kevin Zimmer in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran. View a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, often at close range. The boat will move slowly enough for you to see details of many species that you normally see only through a scope from shore. Good photo opportunities, but no tripods. Dress warmly. Meets at Sub Sea Tours, 699 Embarcadero, #9, Morro Bay.
Join Greg Miller, Jon Dunn & Bettina Eastman for a birding stroll on the Morro Bay State Park Marina Boardwalk. The Boardwalk provides opportunities for viewing a variety of shorebirds, ducks, geese, loons, grebes, gulls, terns and herons. Peregrine Falcons and other raptors are often seen. this is a level half-mile walk especially suited for photographers, wheelchairs and those using walkers and canes. Meets at the Peninsula Trail Head, southeast end of the State Park Marina parking lot, across from Morro Bay State Park Campground.
Join leader Rouvaishyana for owling. Leaving from the Morro Bay Community Center at 3:30 PM and returning around 9:00 PM, we begin searching for daytime owls 3:30-5:30 PM, then eat dinner together 5:30-6:30 PM, finishing up listening for nighttime owls 6:30-8:30 PM. Details: Daytime owling for Short-eared, burrowing and roosting owls. We will stop for no-host dinner to share stories as we wait for dark. After dark, we listen for nighttime owls. Dress warmly in quiet clothes - no nylon. We will be walking quietly through mud, standing silently in cold weather, while it is pitch black, listening for owls! Sounds like a good time to me! Possibilities: Great-horned, Western Screech, Saw-whet, Short-eared, Barn Owls, Poorwill and more. Travel with leader in bus with many in/out stops. Heavy rain will cancel field trip. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Multiple Sites
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Join expert leaders Russ Namitz and Peter Gaede for a bus trip to Carrizo Plain. Possible sightings are: Golden Eagle, Merlin, Prairie Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, Mountain Plover, Bell's and Vesper Sparrow, Roadrunner, and more. This is a unique habitat of semi-desert scrub, open grassland and juniper foothills. Time includes 4 hours round-trip travel many in/out bus stops in comfortable bus. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Carrizo Plains
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Bob Barnes returns to guide a unique, refreshing, & confidence-building approach where absolute beginning & novice birders are the stars; NOT Bob! Helpful, for those experienced birders who take them birding, too. Brief classroom session then extended field trip. As desired, bring binoculars, bird guides, cameras, cell phones, small notebooks/sketch pads, snacks, water. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, Lounge.
Getting there: Stop at the light..
A short cruise out of Morro Bay offers likely views of whales, sea lions, sea otters and near-shore Pacific seabirds, including several species of shearwaters and auklets. Meet your leaders Tom Edell, Ann Stockert, Curtis Marantz, Jeff Miller and Wes Fritz at Morro Bay Landing in Morro Bay. Bring liquids, lunch and sunscreen, and take motion sickness medication prior to arriving. Dress for cold and wind, including gloves. The boat is typically used for fishing; no outdoor seating with seating available in the cabin. Note that the boat does not wait for late arrivals. Meets at Morro Bay Landing, 1215 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. Weather conditions may cancel.
Join Torrey Gage-Tomlinson for a BIG DAY of birding! Expect a fast-paced day, with the possibility of rapid ID of over 100 species at hot spots in SLO County. Special effort on regional specialties and rarities. Pace to be determined by the leader with input from the group. Travel in bus with leader and many in/out stops. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Multiple Sites
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Are you a birder and would like to learn more about your camera and how to capture your own photos? Join professional Nature Photographer Krisztina with KS Nature Photography for a casual session of birding with the added bonus of photography. This program is open to all ages, birders, photographers, and anyone who would like to learn more about the birds and about basic camera techniques for bird photography. Bring your binoculars and any camera, if you like (point and shoot, DSLR, Mirrorless - and any lens). To read more about Krisztina, please visit www.KSNaturePhotography.com. Specific meeting instructions will be emailed beforehand. Meets in the parking lot across from 150 Azure Street, Morro Bay.
Join Roger Zachary and Scott Inman for birding and wine at Halter Ranch. Drive through oak woodlands and vineyards along Vineyard Road to Halter Ranch. Look for Raptors, Wild Turkeys, and Yellow-billed Magpies on the way. Park in the barnyard parking lot. We will bird the barnyard area, along Los Tablas Creek, and observe birds near the agriculture pond next to the vineyard. Wine tasting is optional, and no outside food is allowed. You must make an online reservation if you are interested in wine tasting and food. Check the website (halterranch.com) for tasting fees, menu, location, and reservations. This trip meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay at 7:30am. As an option, attendees may meet the group at the intersection of Hwy 46 and Vineyard Drive just west of Templeton at 8am. The group will carpool from that location to Halter Ranch. Hwy 46 and Vineyard Drive map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CqwgFubCbSR3XvGb7
Destination: Halter Ranch
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Join Seth Greene and Harnawaz Boparai for a slow-paced walk of 1.5-2 miles along a beautiful and wild ocean bluff trail. Expect rock-loving shorebirds such as Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Surfbirds, Whimbrels, scoters, terns, gulls and maybe a Harlequin Duck. 20 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Moderate. Meets at the "Fig Tree" parking lot on CA-1 north of Cayucos. The Fig Tree Parking lot is the third parking area 0.9 miles north of where CA-1 becomes single-lane.
We love birds for so many reasons: their beautiful songs, their fascinating behaviors, their incredible life histories. And, of course, their gorgeous plumage! This watercolor workshop led by Christina Baal will focus on capturing the amazing colors and patterns of birds in an expressive, splashy watercolor painting style that is simple to use and requires basic, easy to obtain materials. The class will focus on letting go of anatomical perfection to examine instead a combination of emotion, energy, and color that portrays a bird in a way that is loose and fun. We will learn tips and tricks that make it easy to jump into a painting no matter your skill level! While geared toward beginner/intermediate skill levels, anyone is welcome to attend. Please note that this class can be messy- dress accordingly! All materials required will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Meets at the Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St, Morro Bay.
Join us for a morning Bird Photo Walk at the beautiful Cloisters Park, Morro Bay. During our relaxed two-hour photo walk, you will have plenty of chances to snap stunning photos of birds in different habitats, portrait shots of Long-billed Curlews, Snowy Plovers in flight, and experiment with compositions in the soft morning light. We'll stay on pavement or boardwalk most of the way, ending with a short stretch of sandy path through the dunes. We aim to build a fun, supportive community where we can learn birding and photography techniques from one another. We will have an optional post-walk online session, allowing everyone to share photos and experiences from the day. Our camera and birding gear: Body Sony Alpha 7 II body, Lens Sony FE 200-600mm, Tripod Sirui AM-225 Carbon Fiber Small, and Nocs Provisions Binoculars. Ethical bird photography: We believe in capturing beautiful bird photos while respecting their space, keeping a gentle distance, and ensuring our presence doesn't disturb their habitat. Meet ats Cloisters Park. From Hwy 1 at the north end of Morro Bay, turn west (toward the water) at the San Jacinto traffic light, then take first left (south) on Coral Avenue; in a few blocks enter the parking lot on the right, next to the restrooms.
Join Van Pierszalowski to bird the Cambria Pines above Washburn Creek. This is a relatively flat trail through the pines above the San Simeon State Park Campground where you can expect to see nuthatches, creepers, Stellar Jays and other birds that prefer forested habitats. Meets at Washburn Day Use parking lot, on Hwy 1, 1.8 miles north of last traffic light in Cambria. Right turn into the parking lot with public bathrooms available. The group will carpool a short distance to the event starting point.
Join a guided kayak tour of Morro Bay for an up-close look at birds in their natural habitat. Possible sightings include White Pelicans, Brant, Common Loons, and a variety of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Along the way, you'll paddle past the Heron Rookery, Grassy Island oyster farm, expansive mudflats, and winding Back Bay channels.The tour uses stable double kayaks, and no prior kayaking experience is required. Please dress in layers and follow these guidelines: wear synthetic or wool clothing (avoid cotton), bring a windbreaker jacket, a hat for sun and wind protection, and shoes that can get wet. Note: trips may be canceled due to weather conditions.Meets at the Morro Bay State Park Marina Kayak Shop. 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay.
Join Janny and Steve Tillmann for a guided adventure along a beautiful coastal and forested route, offering the chance to observe shorebirds, nearshore pelagic species, and woodland birds. This scenic journey stretches from Moonstone Beach Park to the Santa Rosa Creek Trail in the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. On your way, you may spot alcids and loons offshore, Snowy Plovers and other shorebirds along the beach and in the lagoon, waterfowl like Common and Hooded Mergansers in the creek, and local species such as Stellar's Jay and Pygmy Nuthatch, along with wintering passerines in the forested riparian trail. The 2.5-mile (out-and-back) route features diverse terrain, from sandy dunes and shoreline to a peaceful, tree-lined trail with rolling hills. Meets at the Shamel Park parking lot - 5455 Windsor Blvd, Cambria, CA, just 0.3 miles southwest of Highway 1, where parking and restrooms are available.
Montana de Oro is a spectacular 8,600-acre state park with untamed coastline and coastal uplands. Join Dave Berry & Steve Schubert to search for rocky-shore shorebirds, water birds, raptors, and passerines in various habitats. Includes 1-2 miles of slow walking. 20 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Moderate. Meets at the Spooner Ranch House, 3550 Pecho Valley Road, Los Osos. From Los Osos, west on Los Osos Valley Road, becomes Pecho Valley Road. Ranch House is 5.2 miles from Los Osos.
Enjoy a walk along the edge of the bay with Rouvaishyana and Evan Weissman! Starting at Bayshore Bluffs Park, we will walk by the Inn at Morro Bay to view the heron rookery, on to the mudflat shore, then State Park Museum, and finally to the salt marsh. By walking along the edge of the bay, you will see a variety of habitats for many different birds. When the hike is completed, you will be near the Bayside Cafe where you can enjoy an informal no-host post-walk lunch with your new friends. Moderate pace; distance about 4 miles round trip from your car at Bayshore Bluffs Park. Walk back to cars at your own pace afterward. Meets at Bayshore Bluffs Park, ACROSSS THE STREET FROM 180 Bayshore Drive, Morro Bay.
Destination: Multiple Sites
Explore the spectacular scenic coastline at Point Buchon with Aaron Kreisberg & Michael Mulroy. Expect to see gulls and shorebirds -- maybe even a Peregrine Falcon. Bring your camera to capture the striking sea stacks that dot this coastline and peek into a dramatic sink hole. Be prepared for wind and cool weather. Active 5.5 mile round trip hike. Meets at the Coon Creek Parking Lot in Montana de Oro. From Los Osos, west on Los Osos Valley Road, the road becomes Pecho Valley Road. The Parking Lot is 5.9 miles from Los Osos.
Destination: Point Buchon
Visit spots along the rugged North Coast with Bob Keally & Terri May to look for surfbirds, turnstones, Snowy Plovers, scoters, mergansers, loons, grebes, gulls and more. We always hope to see a variety of raptors, including Peregrine Falcons, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Ferruginous Hawks and Burrowing Owls. 60 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Moderate. Meets at the Elephant Seal Rookery north of San Simeon. Hwy 1, 7 miles north of San Simeon.
Join Jon Dunn, Ed Harper & Rusty Scalf to bird the hot spots in Los Osos. Expect to find birds in a variety of habitats including coastal scrub, beach, tidal marsh, mudflats, open bay, and willow thickets. Explore 6-8 birding hotspots including Elfin Forest, Audubon Overlook, Back Bay, Sweet Springs, Doris Ave Marsh, and Pecho Willows. Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
Destination: Los Osos Multiple
Join Roy Poucher in the field for the hands-on companion to the Bird Sounds Master Class Workshop. Solidify the general principles learned with practical experience and field identification of specific local bird songs and calls. We will stand at different locations, silently noting bird sounds, then discuss as a group. Notebooks needed, but binoculars are not! The Thursday morning Master Class Bird Sounds Workshop (#113) is a prerequisite for this event. You must attend that class to join this field trip. Total walking distance will be about 1.2 miles. Easy. Meets at El Chorro Park, located at State Hwy 1 @ Dairy Creek Rd. Assemble in the SLO Botanical Gardens parking lot.
Join Michael Moss and Isaiah Woodard for a morning of leisurely birding along the Oceano Lagoon Trail. The lagoon trail is approximately 1.25 miles in length, and located within the Oceano State Parks Campground. The trail will provide the opportunity of observing 60+ species of birds. Commonly found: ducks, grebes, gulls, terns, herons, raptors, kingfisher, woodpeckers, flycatchers, swallows, wrens, sparrows and warblers. There is even the possibility of a rarity of two! Meets in front of the Visitors Center located at 555 Pier Ave., Oceano CA
Join Scott Weidensaul, Grace Hayes and Marin Romero for a walk adjacent to the coastal sand dunes and southernmost reaches of Morro Bay during a rising tide, focusing on upland passerines, raptors in flight, aquatic waterfowl, shorebirds, and long-legged waders. Overview of the natural history, flora and fauna will also be discussed. Habitats will include: estuary, coastal salt marsh and mudflats, coastal dune scrub, and planted eucalyptus trees. Note: hiking in loose sand on gently undulating terrain for 1.5 - 2.0 miles, moderate difficulty. Optional continuation to crest of the dunes overlooking the sandy shore and Pacific inshore waters of Estero Bay. Meets at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.
Green Birding, Bob Jones Trail Head to Harford Pier. Join Jim Royer for an 8 mile (mostly flat) round trip, birding by bicycle with possible short walks. The trip begins and ends at the Bob Jones Trailhead Parking Lot. The pace will be slow with frequent stops to discuss bird field marks and vocalizations. Bring multi-speed bicycle, lock, helmet, water, snacks, tools, spare tube and patch kit. (You should have everything to repair a flat tire on your bike.) Also bring: binoculars, layered clothing (it can be very cold at the beginning and warm by the end). Leader will have a scope. We will stop at the Harford Pier for some birding and an inexpensive lunch at Mersea's Seafood Restaurant before returning back to our starting point. Beginning birders welcome, but not recommended for beginning cyclists. It will be possible to see over 60 species. Rain or high winds cancel. Be present with your bike and ready to go at 7:45 AM. Meets at the Bob Jones Trailhead Parking Lot, 7009 Ontario Road, San Luis Obispo.
Destination: Multiple Sites
Step into the captivating world of avian photography with the master class, Feathers in Focus: Mastering Bird Photography. Led by seasoned expert Don Quintana, this hands-on workshop takes participants on an unforgettable journey, unveiling the secrets to capturing breathtaking bird photographs. Through the guidance of an experienced teacher, attendees will be immersed in a comprehensive curriculum that showcases proven field techniques - from learning how to blend into natural surroundings to mastering camera settings and composition for dynamic results.Whether your goal is identification shots, portfolio images, or award-winning photographs, this class equips passionate photographers with the skills to elevate their craft. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders around you and unlock the true beauty of avian photography in this extraordinary master class.Part 1 will take place from 8:00am to 11:30am; after a lunch break, Part 2 is from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Lunch is NOT included. Meets in the Meeting Room at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Oso
Enjoy leisurely in-depth bird observation and enhance your ID skills with the help of Greg Miller, Claudia Freitas & Karen Watts. This is not a tick and run Big Day, but a stroll through El Chorro Regional Park sharing observations, and checking for positive identification. Be surprised at the variations you see, whether crows or Black Phoebes. Bring binoculars and a favorite field guide. El Chorro Park is located at State Hwy 1 @ Dairy Creek Rd. Meets in the SLO Botanical Gardens parking lot.
Join Tony Gayfield to enjoy close views of waterfowl and occasional bitterns and rails from the boardwalk over Oso Flaco Lake and marsh. Bird two prime willow habitats for wintering warblers. Note that this trip is intended for Beginning Birders. Includes 2-3 miles of slow walking. Moderate. Meets at Oso Flaco parking lot, 3004 Oso Flaco Lake Road, Arroyo Grande. State Parks requires a parking fee of $5.
Join John Schmitt to explore the world of feathers; John will discuss this incredibly complex integumentary structure and its versatility, and its crucial role in birds surviving beyond the age of dinosaurs and thriving to the present day. Meets at the Baywood Inn, 1335 3rd St, Los Osos. Conference Room is adjacent to the parking lot.
Destination: Baywood Inn Conference Room
Be one of the first to explore the rolling grass-covered foothills of the Santa Rita Ranch within the Santa Lucia Mountains. You will be joined on your adventure by Daniel Elting. The crown jewel and so focus of this trip is the 234-acre foot lake, the fourth largest privately-owned lake in the county. You will also explore the downstream riparian habitat, chaparral and coastal oaklands. Meets at Santa Rita Ranch in Templeton. 3520 Old Creek Road, Templeton.
Thinking about buying your first pair of real binoculars or upgrading the ones you have? Considering taking the leap to buy a spotting scope? Join Marilyn Rose to learn all about binoculars and scopes, and how particular products perform in different birding situations. What's more, try out a range of products to find out what feels right in your hands and to see the difference for yourself! Meets in the Longe at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay. Lounge.
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Join expert photographer Dave Keeling to enjoy a leisurely photography focused boating tour of the bay and estuary in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran. View a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, often at close range. The boat will move slowly enough for you to see details of many species that you normally see only through a scope from shore. Good photo opportunities, but no tripods. Dress warmly. Meets at Sub Sea Tours, 699 Embarcadero, #9, Morro Bay.
Join leaders Rachel Clark & Rick Grijalva for this bird walk around Atascadero Lake which will be approximately one mile long, at a slow to moderate pace, depending on where and how often we are seeing birds. The terrain is gentle, over flat surfaces. Expect to see numerous species in a variety of habitats, with likely sightings of: Red-shouldered Hawk, California Quail, California Scrub-Jay, Woodpeckers and a variety of Waterfowl. Meets at 9100 Morro Road (CA-41) in the parking lot next to the Central Coast Zoo.
Morro Rock is home to Peregrine Falcons, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Common Yellowthroat, various sparrows, and the elusive Canyon Wren. Join Teodelina Martelli & Sharon Stiteler to look for cormorants, various species and age classes of gulls, Brown Pelicans and maybe a Common Murre. Meets at Morro Rock. Coleman Drive, Morro Bay. Meet across from bathrooms, next to Morro Rock.
Prefumo Creek Restoration Site at City Farm SLO is an important natural corridor in between the Target shopping center and agricultural lands of San Luis Obispo! This small strip of creek, trees, shrubs, and native plants provides important habitat, food, and a safe space for numerous birds and other animals and was an historical spawning site for steelhead trout. Join Steven Marx and Anne Marie Bergen to learn more about its history, discover the many birds along the creek, in the willows and cottonwoods, and learn how to engage with this city treasure through nature journaling. In this session you will be introduced to the Prefumo Creek restoration site by Steven, learn some basic nature journaling strategies with Anne Marie, then select your favorite sit spot along the creek to journal and bird watch! What to bring: Binoculars along with your Notebook or Journal and pencil/pen.What will be provided: 1) high quality watercolor sets and water brushes; 2)watercolor paper you can add to your notebook or journal.Meets in the parking lot BEHIND Dick's Sporting Goods, 11970 Los Osos Valley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
Beginning Birders - Join Deborah Crooks & Kristin Loft on an unhurried walk around the edges and through the heart of the Morro Coast Audubon Sweet Springs Preserve. This trip will look for wintering songbirds as well as waterfowl and shorebirds in the nearby estuary. Previous trips have seen hawks, falcons, owls, osprey and kingfishers in this area. The effort will be easy to moderate and the walk should appeal to all birding levels. Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
Join Bettina Eastman at Cloisters Park Azure Street. The coastal scrub to the beach will offer a variety of birds, such as White- and Golden-crowned Sparrows, California Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler and possible Ospreys in the nearby trees. On the beach, expect to see a myriad of shorebirds and waterfowl in the surf line. Further north on the beach, the Alva Paul pond is an excellent location for terns and shorebirds. Two miles from the Community Center. Moderate walk, a short distance through sand. Meet at Cloisters Azure Street Park. Meets in the parking lot across from 150 Azure Street, Morro Bay.
Join a guided kayak tour of Morro Bay for an up-close look at birds in their natural habitat. Possible sightings include White Pelicans, Brant, Common Loons, and a variety of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Along the way, you'll paddle past the Heron Rookery, Grassy Island oyster farm, expansive mudflats, and winding Back Bay channels.The tour uses stable double kayaks, and no prior kayaking experience is required. Please dress in layers and follow these guidelines: wear synthetic or wool clothing (avoid cotton), bring a windbreaker jacket, a hat for sun and wind protection, and shoes that can get wet. Note: trips may be canceled due to weather conditions.Meets at the Morro Bay State Park Marina Kayak Shop. 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay.
Join Dorian Anderson, Reef Comer and Griffin Davies for a morning bird walk along the road at Cerro Alto Campground. Along the way, we may encounter a variety of species, including Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Cassin's Vireo, Western Wood-Pewee, Western Flycatcher, Brown Creeper, Purple Finch, and Olive-sided Flycatcher. The walk will primarily follow a paved road, with the possibility of a few short detours onto well-maintained dirt trails. The total distance (out and back) is approximately two miles. Meets at Cerro Alto Campground, just off CA- 41, 8 miles east of CA-1 in Morro Bay.
Just north of Hearst Castle on Highway 1, the Piedras Blancas Light Station has been guiding travelers since 1875. Named for the striking white rocks offshore, this wild coastal point is home to elephant seals, sea lions, seabirds, and more than 70 native plant species. Though earthquakes shortened its tower in 1949, the lighthouse remains a proud coastal landmark. Today it's part of the California Coastal National Monument, cared for as a historic park, wildlife sanctuary, and research station. Join us for a tour to step into history, explore incredible wildlife, and take in breathtaking views of the Monument! Join Leisyka Parrott for a tour of this historic site. Meets at the former Piedras Blancas Motel, 1.5 miles north of the Light Station on Highway 1. After meeting, cars will caravan from this point to the Light Station. The group must pass through the entry gate at the same time.
Destination: Piedras Blancas Light Station
Join Dale & Jamie Ball for a birding walk followed by olive oil tasting at Pasolivo Ranch in Paso Robles. Birding the oaks on the ranch should yield sightings of Yellow-billed Magpies and the resident Acorn Woodpeckers. Meets at Pasolivo Ranch, 8530 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles.
Join Eric Wier & Doug Stinson for a walk at Pecho Willows and Cuesta Inlet. This small but highly important bay habitat is an ebird hotspot where shorebirds and ducks gather during migration and in the winter. The Pecho Marsh is thick with willows and a special birding spot for locals where a number of rare birds have been seen over the years. Meets in the parking area at the north end of Pecho Road, across from 2 Pecho Rd, Los Osos. If the parking lot is full, park out on Binscarth Road.
The Morro Bay State Park Marina boardwalk provides opportunities for viewing a variety of shorebirds, ducks, geese, loons, grebes, gulls, terns and herons. Peregrine Falcons and other raptors are often seen. Led by Emma Cox & Nora Livingston, the level half-mile walk is especially suited for photographers, wheelchairs and those using walkers and canes. Easy. Meets at the Peninsula Trail Head, southeast end of the State Park Marina parking lot, across from Morro Bay State Park Campground.
Many enjoy birding to escape the constant nagging of your phone - however, there are lots of ways to use it to enhance your birding! Join Erik and Hannah on a Walk/Field Trip to learn how to use the latest birding technology. We will see what birds we can find and use some technology-based tools, like eBird, Merlin, and iNaturalist to help explore the outdoors. So, charge up your phone and join us! Meets ats Cloisters Park. From Hwy 1 at the north end of Morro Bay, turn west (toward the water) at the San Jacinto traffic light, then take first left (south) on Coral Avenue; in a few blocks enter the parking lot on the right, next to the restrooms.
Join Captain Scott Stellar on a pontoon boat ride adventure birding Santa Margarita Lake. We'll cruise pretty much the entire lake taking in all the migratory and permanent birds as well as shoreline wildlife that abound. Restrooms are available along the route. Meets at the Marina at Santa Margarita Lake, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita. After checking in at the entry kiosk, drive down to the boat dock and Marina store parking area. Note that there is a $12 entry fee per vehicle to enter the SML Campground.
Join Bob Isenberg and Jerry Pyle, Peregrine Watch, for pastries (while they last) and to search for owls and Peregrine Falcons at Morro Rock. Morro Rock is home to two pairs of breeding Peregrine Falcons. NOTE: this is a stop and scope event, not a planned walk. Stop by anytime from 9am and 2pm. Also note that you can schedule a morning and/or afternoon event in addition to this event. Meets at Morro Rock. Coleman Drive, Morro Bay. Meet across from bathrooms, next to Morro Rock. Look for Bob's van with awning, scopes and Peregrine statue.
Join Leader Ben Kolstad and Brian O'Kelly for a mix of walking and driving as we bird along the road from CA-1 to the Abalone Farm on the coast. Note that this area is restricted access and special permission has been granted to the Morro Bay Bird Festival for this event. The terrain is moderate, with several hills—walking sticks are recommended for navigating uneven ground. Once at the farm, the terrain levels out somewhat, though the ground remains uneven. There are good vantage points along flat gravel paths, and we'll bird all accessible areas, including the bluffs. Expect to walk a total of about 2–3 miles. Cameras and scopes are welcome. A restroom is available at the facility. This trip meets at the Estero Bluffs Fig Tree parking area just north of Cayucos. Once all attendees have arrived, the group will caravan about 1 mile for access to the locked gate onto the property. Please arrive on time - late attendees will miss the trip. The Fig Tree Parking lot is the third parking area 2.1 miles north of where CA-1 becomes single-lane.
Destination: Cayucos Abalone Farm
While you will see birds, the focus of this trip is the natural history of Morro Rock and features of the estuary using photos, diagrams and hands-on materials. Join Dean Thompson and Dave Clendenen for a bay cruise on a pontoon boat and learn the local sights and activities of this working harbor. There will be opportunities to photograph wintering birds, otters and sea lions. Easy access for limited mobility. Meets at Morro Bay Landing, 1215 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. Weather conditions may cancel.
Join Dawn Beattie at Cloisters Park. The Park, with pond and nearby dunes, offers an interesting variety of birds, such as White- and Golden-crowned Sparrows, California Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Black-crowned Night-Heron. The pond also attracts migratory ducks and geese. People in wheelchairs or using walkers or canes will find all paths accessible. Two miles from the Community Center. Easy. Meets ats Cloisters Park. From Hwy 1 at the north end of Morro Bay, turn west (toward the water) at the San Jacinto traffic light, then take first left (south) on Coral Avenue; in a few blocks enter the parking lot on the right, next to the restrooms.
The elusive western snowy plover lives and breeds on the sand on only a few of our local natural beaches. A small federally threatened shorebird, this grey/brown and white bird has darker breeding plumage. It blends in well on the sandy beach, making it difficult to spot. Following a short talk by Sharon Iranpour about plover life, a demonstration of a replica nest, and other shorebirds we might see, we'll walk across the grassland to the bluff and down onto the beach to look for them and other shorebirds. If there is time, we can also check out beach drift and some interesting rock formations. This is an easy walk, partially on soft sand and the distance is approximately a mile roundtrip. Bring binoculars, wear sturdy shoes and layer up. This event requires walking a short distance in soft sand. Walking distance about 1 mile. Meets at the Villa Creek parking lot on CA-1 north of Cayucos. The parking lot is the fourth parking area 2.1 miles north of where CA-1 becomes single-lane.
After the winter rains and floods, the beaver dams on the Salinas River in Atascadero were all washed away. They have just begun rebuilding their dams and recreating their habitat. Come join us as we explore this new dam and beaver complex and see what changes have happened since our last visit. The walk is a half-mile walk out to the ponds on sandy, rocky trails. It is helpful to wear water shoes or tall boots since we typically walk into the water up to our shins, or old sneakers you won't mind walking with into the water. Restrooms are not available. Meets across from 7820 Aragon Road, Atascadero, CA 93422.
Forty-four states have completed Breeding Bird Atlases, globally recognized projects that guide conservation and strengthen biodiversity. California is not one of them. That's about to change. Join Van Pierszalowski to learn about the California Bird Atlas (CBA), a new nonprofit, is leading the first statewide Breeding Bird Atlas, launching January 1, 2026. Over five years, thousands of community scientists and professional field biologists will contribute observations through a new California-specific eBird Atlas Portal created with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The result will be the most comprehensive record of California's breeding birds ever established, a powerful baseline to guide conservation for decades to come. Meets at the Vet's Hall, 209 Surf St, Morro Bay.
Enjoy learning about the Southern Sea Otters at their favorite hangouts in Morro Bay! Sharon Blakely will provide fascinating natural history of these marine mammal superheroes of a healthy kelp forest. 3 miles round trip by personal vehicle; 30-minute walk one way. Easy. Meets at South T pier next to Great American Fish Company, 1185 Embarcadero, Morro Bay
Enjoy a leisurely boating tour of the bay and estuary in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran with Robert Lindsay and Claudia Freitas. View a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, often at close range. The boat will move slowly enough for you to see details of many species that you normally see only through a scope from shore. Good photo opportunities, but no tripods. Dress warmly. Meets at Sub Sea Tours, 699 Embarcadero, #9, Morro Bay.
Raptors also known as birds of prey have long fascinated man. Their prowess demands our interest, admiration, and inquiry. But raptors can at times be devilish difficult to identify to species. This offering, presented by Ed Harper, will illustrate raptors one might encounter in California with useful and important identification aid along with their status and distribution. With beautiful images illustrating instructive aspects of raptor identification, this presentation will be very informative. Meets in the Conference Room at the Hampton Inn, 295 Atascadero Rd, Morro Bay.
Destination: Hampton Inn Conference Room
Join Rouvaishyana and Phylene Wiggins for Basics of Bird ID in the field. Bring binoculars and your field guide. Meets at the Peninsula Trail Head, southeast end of the State Park Marina parking lot, across from Morro Bay State Park Campground.
Meet with author, naturalist, and life-long gardener Sharon Lovejoy to learn how to plant a garden that will attract and nurture birds, native bees, butterflies, and other critters. Sharon will share an illustrated talk and take participants on a walk through the San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens for a bird's eye view of what works and how to plan and plant successfully. She will focus on the value of native plants and drought-tolerant species that provide food, nesting materials, larval host plants, and habitat. Meets in the Oak Glen Pavilion at SLO Botanical Garden (inside El Choro Park), 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo.
Destination: SLO Botanical Garden Oak Glen Pavilion
Join Faylla Chapman for a habitat stroll on the Marina Boardwalk. This habitat encompasses the saltmarsh, Pacific Flyway, and marina habitat, with salt-loving plants, coastal scrub and mud areas that are so attractive to many land and shore birds. The walk is partially on a path in the saltmarsh and then on to the boardwalk, down to the muddy shore and back to the start along the marina, about 1.2 mile round trip. Meets at the Peninsula Trail Head, southeast end of the State Park Marina parking lot, across from Morro Bay State Park Campground.
Join John Schmitt to explore the world of feathers; John will discuss this incredibly complex integumentary structure and its versatility, and its crucial role in birds surviving beyond the age of dinosaurs and thriving to the present day. Meets at the Baywood Inn, 1335 3rd St, Los Osos. Conference Room is adjacent to the parking lot.
Destination: Baywood Inn Conference Room
NOTE: This is part 2 of a Master Class. YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR PART 1 (Event #141) to attend this class. This is a scaled-down version of a college class on Bird Biology. Topics will be presented at an introductory level. The class is comprised of two afternoon sessions: Part 1 (Event #141) will focus on the external appearances of birds, and Part 2 will focus on bird behaviors. Ornithological vocabulary will be introduced and used throughout. The basic principles of bird identification will also be presented. The class will be presented by Jim Bland, a retired avian ecologist, former college lecturer on Ornithology, and experienced wildlife photographer. Meets in the Conference Room at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.
Join Friends of the Elephant Seal docent Jim David for a "prime time" tour of the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal rookery. This is one of the best times to visit the rookery. Mid-January is the peak of birthing. The beaches will be full of big bulls, birthing and nursing moms and pups. Be ready to dive deep into their natural history and adaptations. We will meet at the Kiosk at the SOUTH END of the main Elephant Seal viewpoint, 5 miles north of Hearst Castle.
Laguna Lake and the surrounding park are a migratory stop and home to many waterfowl, including ducks, gulls, grebes, shorebirds, herons, egrets, Snow Geese. Join Steve McMasters & Todd Easterla to see these and other birds like House Finch, Goldfinch, meadowlarks, raptors and even a possible Loggerhead Shrike. Beginners welcome! Includes 1 mile of level walking. 30 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Easy. 504 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, meet at the Laguna Lake bathroom parking lot (lakeside, next to playground and picnic area).
Join Scott Weidensaul, Dave Berry & Steve Schubert for an unhurried walk around the edges and through the heart of the Morro Coast Audubon Sweet Springs Preserve. This trip will look for wintering songbirds as well as waterfowl and shorebirds in the nearby estuary. Previous trips have seen hawks, falcons, owls, osprey and kingfishers in this area. The effort will be easy to moderate and the walk should appeal to all birding levels. Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
Enjoy a leisurely boating tour of the bay and estuary with Will Knowlton, Morgan Bing & Deborah Crooks in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran. View a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, often at close range. The boat will move slowly enough for you to see details of many species that you normally see only through a scope from shore. Good photo opportunities, but no tripods. Dress warmly. Meets at Sub Sea Tours, 699 Embarcadero, #9, Morro Bay.
Join us for a special screening of "The Big Year", a 2011 based on the 2004 non-fiction book The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature and Fowl Obsession by Mark Obmascik. The book follows three men on a quest for a Big Year - a competition among birders to see who can spot and identify the greatest number of bird species in North America (north of Mexico) in a calendar year. The three birders were Sandy Komito, Al Levantin, and Greg Miller, who were chasing Komito's prior record. Greg Miller, played by Jack Black in the movie, will be our featured guest and available for Q & A after the movie.
Join Rouvaishyana for owling. Leaving from the Morro Bay Community Center at 3:30 PM and returning around 9:00 PM, we begin searching for daytime owls 3:30-5:30 PM, then eat dinner together 5:30-6:30 PM, finishing up listening for nighttime owls 6:30-8:30 PM. Details: Daytime owling for Short-eared, burrowing and roosting owls. We will stop for no-host dinner to share stories as we wait for dark. After dark, we listen for nighttime owls. Dress warmly in quiet clothes - no nylon. We will be walking quietly through mud, standing silently in cold weather, while it is pitch black, listening for owls! Sounds like a good time to me! Possibilities: Great-horned, Western Screech, Saw-whet, Short-eared, Barn Owls, Poorwill and more. Travel with leader in bus with many in/out stops. Heavy rain will cancel field trip. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Multiple Sites
Getting there: Stop at the light..
The Festival is presenting two Welcome Receptions, one on Friday and one on Saturday. Enjoy wine, cheese, live music, and visit with fellow birders, VIPs and event leaders. Afterwards, visit the Bazaar to browse the vendor booths featuring optics, books, music, nature art & photography, woodcarvings, jewelry, educational exhibits and Festival Swag. Each Reception attendee will receive a free MBBF logo etched wine glass. Note that you can only attend one of the two receptions and an entry ticket is required. This event takes place in the Multi-Purpose Room at the Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Join Pete Dunne for a description of his latest book, The Courage of Birds. From your back yard to the rim of the Arctic Ice sheet, birds have evolved remarkable specializations and strategies that allow them to survive winter's hardships - from diminished hours of daylight, to reduced food supplies, to temperature cold enough to freeze an eider. It is a tale of hardship and survival, nature pushing life's limits of life to its inhospitable rim, and the remarkable adaptations that permit winsome chickadees and hardy Ptarmigan to drive a wedge into winter and win passage to Spring, winter's finish line. It must take great courage to be a bird and this book is a celebration. Come prepared to marvel at the hardiness and ingenuity of birds whose specializations have made them apex denizens of planet earth. Consider: no Emperor Penguin has ever survived a winter in the Alaskan interior but chickadees do so routinely. Find out how. Meets at the Vet's Hall, 209 Surf St, Morro Bay.
Join expert leaders Jeff Miller and Ben Kolstad for a bus trip to Carrizo Plain. Possible sightings are: Golden Eagle, Merlin, Prairie Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, Mountain Plover, Bell's and Vesper Sparrow, Roadrunner, and more. This is a unique habitat of semi-desert scrub, open grassland and juniper foothills. Time includes 4 hours round-trip travel many in/out bus stops in comfortable bus. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Carrizo Plains
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Bob Barnes returns to guide a unique, refreshing, & confidence-building approach where absolute beginning & novice birders are the stars; NOT Bob! Helpful, for those experienced birders who take them birding, too. Brief classroom session then extended field trip. As desired, bring binoculars, bird guides, cameras, cell phones, small notebooks/sketch pads, snacks, water. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, Lounge.
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Join Rick Grijalva and Rachel Clark for a BIG DAY of birding! Expect a fast-paced day, with the possibility of rapid ID of over 100 species at hot spots in SLO County. Special effort on regional specialties and rarities. Destinations include Oceano Lagoon and Oso Flaco Lake. Travel in bus with leader and many in/out stops. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Multiple Sites
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Join leaders Tom Edell, Curtis Marantz, Reef Comer, Todd Easterla, Russ Namitz, Wes Fritz and Kevin Zimmer to search for albatross, shearwaters, kittiwakes, alcids, jaegers, gray whales and more with experienced leaders. Dress for cold and wind, including gloves. The boat is typically used for fishing; no outdoor seating on deck. There is seating available in the cabin, as well as snacks and drinks for sale. Bring lunch, liquids and sunscreen and take motion sickness medication before arriving. Note that the boat does not wait for late arrivals. Meets at Morro Bay Landing, 1215 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. Weather conditions may cancel.
Join Bettina Eastman and Ed Harper for a slow-paced walk of 1.5-2 miles along a beautiful and wild ocean bluff trail. Expect rock-loving shorebirds such as Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Surfbirds, Whimbrels, scoters, terns, gulls and maybe a Harlequin Duck. 20 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Moderate. Meets at the "Fig Tree" parking lot on CA-1 north of Cayucos. The Fig Tree Parking lot is the third parking area 0.9 miles north of where CA-1 becomes single-lane.
Explore the spectacular scenic coastline at Point Buchon with seasoned leaders Sally Krenn and Eric Wier. Learn the background of this historic ranch and the efforts to regenerate the Bishop pine forest along the ridges overlooking the ocean. Look for marine mammals, gulls and shorebirds -- maybe even a Peregrine Falcon. Bring your camera to capture the striking sea stacks that dot this coastline and peek into a dramatic sink hole. Be prepared for wind and cool weather. Active 5.5 mile round trip hike. Meets at the Coon Creek Parking Lot in Montana de Oro. From Los Osos, west on Los Osos Valley Road, the road becomes Pecho Valley Road. The Parking Lot is 5.9 miles from Los Osos.
Destination: Point Buchon
Bird photography is one of the most challenging genres of nature photography, but also one of the most rewarding. Led by professional wildlife photographer and naturalist (Jacqueline Deely), this fun, supportive workshop is designed with entry level bird photographers in mind. Build your confidence and become acquainted with the recommended settings, techniques and post processing procedures used to capture compelling images of birds. Gain an understanding of light, composition, exposure and ethical practices while out in the field, as you are thoughtfully guided along the way. An in-class lecture will provide invaluable tips and advice along with time to discuss and share. Known for her friendly, relaxed style, Jacqueline enjoys teaching and is eager to pass on her knowledge and expertise. If you love birds and want to know how to photograph them, this is the master class for you! Part 1 will take place from 7:30am to 12 Noon; after a lunch break, Part 2 is from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Both sessions will involve driving to other locations. Lunch is NOT included. Meets in the Conference Room at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.
We love birds for so many reasons: their beautiful songs, their fascinating behaviors, their incredible life histories. And, of course, their gorgeous plumage! This watercolor workshop led by Christina Baal will focus on capturing the amazing colors and patterns of birds in an expressive, splashy watercolor painting style that is simple to use and requires basic, easy to obtain materials. The class will focus on letting go of anatomical perfection to examine instead a combination of emotion, energy, and color that portrays a bird in a way that is loose and fun. We will learn tips and tricks that make it easy to jump into a painting no matter your skill level! While geared toward beginner/intermediate skill levels, anyone is welcome to attend. Please note that this class can be messy- dress accordingly! All materials required will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Meets at the Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St, Morro Bay.
Join a guided kayak tour of Morro Bay for an up-close look at birds in their natural habitat. Possible sightings include White Pelicans, Brant, Common Loons, and a variety of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Along the way, you'll paddle past the Heron Rookery, Grassy Island oyster farm, expansive mudflats, and winding Back Bay channels.The tour uses stable double kayaks, and no prior kayaking experience is required. Please dress in layers and follow these guidelines: wear synthetic or wool clothing (avoid cotton), bring a windbreaker jacket, a hat for sun and wind protection, and shoes that can get wet. Note: trips may be canceled due to weather conditions.Meets at the Morro Bay State Park Marina Kayak Shop. 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay.
Through lecture and observation, you will learn the biology and current status of local resident Peregrine Falcons from Steve Schubert, author of The Peregrine Falcons of Morro Rock. This famous Morro Rock nesting site was a critical link in saving the species from extinction and has been monitored for over 50 years. Self-drive field trip to Morro Rock to observe falcon and other wildlife activity following the lecture presentation, with binoculars and spotting scopes viewing opportunities. Easy. Meets at St. Timothy's Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay.
Montana de Oro is a spectacular 8,600-acre state park with untamed coastline and coastal uplands. Join Rusty Scalf, Debbie Jo Bird & Richard Neidhardt to search for rocky-shore shorebirds, water birds, raptors, and passerines in various habitats. Includes 1-2 miles of slow walking. 20 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Moderate. Meets at the Spooner Ranch House, 3550 Pecho Valley Road, Los Osos. From Los Osos, west on Los Osos Valley Road, becomes Pecho Valley Road. Ranch House is 5.2 miles from Los Osos.
Overwintering monarchs clustering together are a magical sight! Join Jessica Griffiths and drive to one or more monarch butterfly overwintering sites in and around Los Osos and/or Morro Bay and learn about monarchs, their ecology, and their migration. These sites may have hundreds or perhaps even thousands of butterflies! Which sites we visit will depend on the numbers of monarchs present. We will also look for birds in and around the monarch groves. We expect to see winter warblers, finches, sparrows, and perhaps roosting owls. Bring your camera, as there may be excellent opportunities for photos of clustered monarchs! Up to two miles of walking, some of it uphill. Up to 20 miles of driving (round trip). Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
Destination: Los Osos Multiple
Join Greg Miller, Isaiah Woodard and Chris Henry for a morning of leisurely birding along the Oceano Lagoon Trail. The lagoon trail is approximately 1.25 miles in length, and located within the Oceano State Parks Campground. The trail will provide the opportunity of observing 60+ species of birds. Commonly found: ducks, grebes, gulls, terns, herons, raptors, kingfisher, woodpeckers, flycatchers, swallows, wrens, sparrows and warblers. There is even the possibility of a rarity of two! Meets in front of the Visitors Center located at 555 Pier Ave., Oceano CA
The Cal Poly Pier in Avila Beach is normally closed to the public but will be open to us! Join leaders Elena Keeling and Dave Keeling to learn about the research being done here as we walk to the end of the 1-kilometer pier and back for views of water birds and possible marine mammals. Then we will drive a few minutes to the Bob Jones Trail bridge over San Luis Obispo Creek for additional birding. Suitable for beginning birders. Minimum age 14. Total walking distance is under 2 miles, all on hard surfaces. Flat-soled, closed-toed shoes are required; the pier is accessible to people in wheelchairs but not suitable for canes or walkers due to a stretch of metal grating. 50 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Meets at the Cal Poly Pier between the Avila Pier and the Port San Luis Hartford Pier in Avila Beach. The Cal Poly Pier is across the street from Hilton Vacation Club San Luis Bay Avila Beach @ 3254 Avila Beach Drive in Avila.
Join Jim Royer for a four mile walk exploring the various habitats of Los Osos and Baywood Park. We will likely stop at Pecho Willows, several neighborhood feeders, Cuesta Inlet, Frog Pond, Doris Avenue Coastal Access, Sweet Springs Preserve, Baywood Pier, Pasadena Beach Park, Audubon Overlook, the Elfin Forest, and numerous spots between. Bring lunch, water, sun protection, and layers of clothes as the morning may start frosty cold, but the afternoon can be warm. After we finish birding at the Elfin Forest we will drive back to the starting point so everyone has their cars. We will drop off several cars at the Elfin Forest and then drive to the starting point of our walk near Cuesta Inlet. Meets at the entrance on the north end of 16th Street from Santa Ysabel Avenue in the town of Los Osos. Parking at the street end is very limited, however you can park anywhere along 16th Street as long as you do not block driveways or mail boxes.
Destination: Los Osos Multiple
Want to know where the professionals photograph birds? Bring a camera along with your binoculars to shoot in local hot spots. Don Quintana and Jerry Kirkhart will offer tips on capturing images, from birds to panoramas, while visiting several uniquely beautiful locations. All locations are easily accessible. Travel by personal vehicle. Easy. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Morro Bay Multiple
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Join Rouvaishyana and Van Dees to explore the pine woods on the slopes of Black Hill in Morro Bay, where you will hike trails searching for towhees, finches, woodpeckers and other birds of this habitat. Easy to moderate hiking for advanced beginner to intermediate birders. 5 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Easy. Guide is able to present this walk in Spanish. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Black Hill La Loma
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Enjoy leisurely in-depth bird observation and enhance your ID skills with the help of Doug Stinson & Steve McMasters. This is not a tick and run Big Day, but a stroll through El Chorro Regional Park sharing observations, and checking for positive identification. Be surprised at the variations you see, whether crows or Black Phoebes. Bring binoculars and a favorite field guide. El Chorro Park is located at State Hwy 1 @ Dairy Creek Rd. Meets in the SLO Botanical Gardens parking lot.
Laguna Lake and the surrounding park are a migratory stop and home to many waterfowl, including ducks, gulls, grebes, shorebirds, herons, egrets, Snow Geese. Join Jeanette Stone to see these and other birds like House Finch, Goldfinch, meadowlarks, raptors and even a possible Loggerhead Shrike. Beginners welcome! Includes 1 mile of level walking. 30 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Easy. 504 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, meet at the Laguna Lake bathroom parking lot (lakeside, next to playground and picnic area).
Join Robert Lindsay & Seth Greene to enjoy close views of waterfowl and occasional bitterns and rails from the boardwalk over Oso Flaco Lake and marsh. Bird two prime willow habitats for wintering warblers. Includes 2-3 miles of slow walking. Moderate. Meets at Oso Flaco parking lot, 3004 Oso Flaco Lake Road, Arroyo Grande. State Parks requires a parking fee of $5.
Join Griffin Davies & Michael Moss to observe birds at the Washburn Day Use area of San Simeon State Park. Moderate 1.5- 2 mile walk by riparian areas by reek, wetlands, shoreline, then onto chaparral, and pine forest habitats to discover a variety of land, shore and ocean birds including mergansers, terns, Pygmy Nuthatches, and a variety of raptors. Meets at Washburn Day Use parking lot, on Hwy 1, 1.8 miles north of last traffic light in Cambria. Right turn into the parking lot with public bathrooms available.
Do you want to learn how to plan for, shoot, and edit wildlife video? You'll leave this masterclass with the knowledge of the video making process from start to finish, and your own short bird video created as part of the class. Join Paso Robles based wildlife cinematographer Emmet Arries, who's worked on film projects for National Geographic and PBS as well as directed his own short film about a red-tailed hawk. In part 1, you'll learn the basics of planning for a video shoot, video specific gear and camera settings, and how to shoot compelling wildlife sequences. We'll then spend time in the field shooting bird footage with your camera while practicing this new way of thinking and receiving personalized assistance. In part 2 (Event #356), we'll return to the classroom with your bird footage and walk through a basic editing process from start to finish. You'll leave with a short bird video (dependent on what birds we find) and the knowledge and confidence to shoot videos on your own. This masterclass is aimed at photographers interested in video, and assumes a basic understanding of camera functions as well as photographic exposure using Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO. No prior video or editing experience is necessary. To make the most of the class, bring: your camera, your tripod, your laptop computer with Davinci Resolve installed (free version works), and two external hard drives for storing your footage. Limited to 8 participants so that everyone has time to receive personalized assistance with your camera and questions. Meets at the Baywood Inn, 1335 3rd St, Los Osos. Conference Room is adjacent to the parking lot.
Destination: Baywood Inn Conference Room
Be one of the first to explore the rolling grass-covered foothills of the Santa Rita Ranch within the Santa Lucia Mountains. You will be joined on your adventure by Scott Weidensaul, Jon Dunn, Will Knowlton & Morgan Bing. The crown jewel and so focus of this trip is the 234-acre foot lake, the fourth largest privately-owned lake in the county. You will also explore the downstream riparian habitat, chaparral and coastal oaklands. Meets at Santa Rita Ranch in Templeton. 3520 Old Creek Road, Templeton.
Join Peter Gaede for a big day of birding at Santa Margarita Lake. The trip will involve walking, driving, and scoping along the lakeshore, marsh, deciduous woodland, oak woodland, and Salinas River riparian area. It is possible to see over 60 species of birds. Bring snacks, water, and a picnic lunch. Spotting scopes are highly desirable. Up to 4 miles of walking. 70-90 miles round trip by personal vehicle, 45 minutes one-way from the Morro Bay. Moderate hike. Meets at Santa Margarita Lake Ranger Station. 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita.
San Simeon Creek Road is a country lane that runs from CA-1 into the Santa Lucia mountain range east of San Simeon State Park. The habitats along the road include coastal wetlands, riparian woodlands, Monterey pine and oak forests, and coastal scrub. This diverse habitat supports a variety of wildlife, including threatened and endangered species. eBird data has 147 bird species recorded on this route. Join Van Pierszalowski for a Big Day on San Simeon Creek Road. Meets at Washburn Day Use parking lot, on Hwy 1, 1.8 miles north of last traffic light in Cambria. Right turn into the parking lot with public bathrooms available. Carpools will be arranged for the trip up San Simeon Creek Road.
Destination: San Simeon Creek Road
Join Sarah Killingsworth for a leisurely boating tour of the bay on the Dos Osos. Identify a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl in winter plumage at very close range as the boat moves slowly to see details of many species normally seen from shore. Good photo opportunities, but no tripods. Dress warmly. Meets at Sub Sea Tours, 699 Embarcadero, #9, Morro Bay.
Join lichen enthusiast Michael Mulroy for a fascinating exploration of the unique maritime lichens at Morro Bay's White Point. During the walk, you'll learn about the charismatic fog lichens, their important ecological roles in coastal habitats, and how to identify several common - and perhaps one or two locally rare - lichen species. The walk involves a short but steep and uneven ascent to the top of White Point Vista, the overlook near the Natural History Museum. This may be challenging for some, so please consider this when registering. Restroom facilities are available. Meets at the Museum of Natural History, 20 State Park Rd, Morro Bay.
Join leader Daniel Elting, Eva Moylan & Trevor Wimmer for this bird walk around Atascadero Lake which will be approximately one mile long, at a slow to moderate pace, depending on where and how often we are seeing birds. The terrain is gentle, over flat surfaces. Expect to see numerous species in a variety of habitats, with likely sightings of: Red-shouldered Hawk, California Quail, California Scrub-Jay, Woodpeckers and a variety of Waterfowl. Meets at 9100 Morro Road (CA-41) in the parking lot next to the Central Coast Zoo.
Join Teodelina Martelli & Deborah Crooks at Cloisters Park Azure Street. The coastal scrub to the beach will offer a variety of birds, such as White- and Golden-crowned Sparrows, California Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler and possible Ospreys in the nearby trees. On the beach, expect to see a myriad of shorebirds and waterfowl in the surf line. Further north on the beach, the Alva Paul pond is an excellent location for terns and shorebirds. Two miles from the Community Center. Moderate walk, a short distance through sand. Meet at Cloisters Azure Street Park. Meets in the parking lot across from 150 Azure Street, Morro Bay.
Join a guided kayak tour of Morro Bay for an up-close look at birds in their natural habitat. Possible sightings include White Pelicans, Brant, Common Loons, and a variety of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Along the way, you'll paddle past the Heron Rookery, Grassy Island oyster farm, expansive mudflats, and winding Back Bay channels.The tour uses stable double kayaks, and no prior kayaking experience is required. Please dress in layers and follow these guidelines: wear synthetic or wool clothing (avoid cotton), bring a windbreaker jacket, a hat for sun and wind protection, and shoes that can get wet. Note: trips may be canceled due to weather conditions.Meets at the Morro Bay State Park Marina Kayak Shop. 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay.
Join Roger and Ruth Zachary for a birding walk followed by olive oil tasting at Pasolivo Ranch in Paso Robles. Birding the oaks on the ranch should yield sightings of Yellow-billed Magpies and the resident Acorn Woodpeckers. Meets at Pasolivo Ranch, 8530 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles.
Join Dean Thompson for a walk at Pecho Willows and Cuesta Inlet. This small but highly important bay habitat is an ebird hotspot where shorebirds and ducks gather during migration and in the winter. The Pecho Marsh is thick with willows and a special birding spot for locals where a number of rare birds have been seen over the years. Meets in the parking area at the north end of Pecho Road, across from 2 Pecho Rd, Los Osos. If the parking lot is full, park out on Binscarth Road.
San Simeon Point is a scenic coastal promontory with an easy trail offering beautiful ocean views, leading to a small, sheltered cove at the end of the peninsula. Starting at the San Simeon pier, you'll walk the beach for about 1/4 mile to a trail that leads to the bluff above. On the bluff, the trail traverses through beautiful, old eucalyptus trees to San Simeon Point where you have a 360 degree view of the ocean, the sea bluffs along with Hearst Castle. Join Bob Keally and Terri May to explore the active bird life along with possible sightings of sea otters and elephant seals. Meets at the entrance to the pier in the upper parking lot, 750 Hearst Castle Drive, San Simeon. Enter the parking lot via the State Park kiosk.
Destination: San Simeon Point
How do you ever tell one shorebird from another? What is a 'shorebird?' Learn how to tell the most common species apart. Join Claudia Freitas for a photo presentation showing the characteristics of our local shorebirds, followed by a walk along the shore to test your new-found knowledge. Easy. Meets at the Vet's Hall, 209 Surf St, Morro Bay.
The Morro Bay State Park Marina boardwalk provides opportunities for viewing a variety of shorebirds, ducks, geese, loons, grebes, gulls, terns and herons. Peregrine Falcons and other raptors are often seen. Led by Karen Watts, Sharon Stiteler & Kristin Loft, the level half-mile walk is especially suited for photographers, wheelchairs and those using walkers and canes. Easy. Meets at the Peninsula Trail Head, southeast end of the State Park Marina parking lot, across from Morro Bay State Park Campground.
Join Linda Signal & Tony Gayfield for an unhurried walk around the edges and through the heart of the Morro Coast Audubon Sweet Springs Preserve. This trip is intended for beginning birders and will look for wintering songbirds as well as waterfowl and shorebirds in the nearby estuary. Previous trips have seen hawks, falcons, owls, osprey and kingfishers in this area. The effort will be easy to moderate and the walk should appeal to all birding levels. Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
Join Captain Scott Stellar on a pontoon boat ride adventure birding Santa Margarita Lake. We'll cruise pretty much the entire lake taking in all the migratory and permanent birds as well as shoreline wildlife that abound. Restrooms are available along the route. Meets at the Marina at Santa Margarita Lake, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita. After checking in at the entry kiosk, drive down to the boat dock and Marina store parking area. Note that there is a $12 entry fee per vehicle to enter the SML Campground.
Join Torrey Gage-Tomlinson to explore the Villa Creek headlands, beach and estuary, part of Estero Bluffs State Park. This will be a slow-paced walk of 2-3 miles along a beautiful and wild ocean bluff trail along with a sandy beach stroll to Villa Cove. Expect rock-loving shorebirds such as Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Surfbirds, Whimbrels, scoters, terns, gulls. Look for herons and egrets in the estuary created by Villa Creek. Moderate hike due to hiking through sand for 1/2 mile. 21-mile roundtrip carpool from Morro Bay. Meets at the Villa Creek parking lot on CA-1 north of Cayucos. The parking lot is the fourth parking area 2.1 miles north of where CA-1 becomes single-lane.
Join Bob Isenberg and Jerry Pyle, Peregrine Watch, for pastries (while they last) and to search for owls and Peregrine Falcons at Morro Rock. Morro Rock is home to two pairs of breeding Peregrine Falcons. NOTE: this is a stop and scope event, not a planned walk. Stop by anytime from 9am and 2pm. Also note that you can schedule a morning and/or afternoon event in addition to this event. Meets at Morro Rock. Coleman Drive, Morro Bay. Meet across from bathrooms, next to Morro Rock. Look for Bob's van with awning, scopes and Peregrine statue.
Beginning in December, gray whales make their way past Morro Bay on their epic migration from Alaska to Mexico - a journey of more than 12,000 miles round trip, making them one of the greatest travelers on Earth. Take a break from birding and join Lost Isle Adventures for a three-hour voyage in search of these magnificent giants. Dress in layers, and don't forget your camera and binoculars. While this trip does not include a pelagic birding leader, you can be sure there will still be plenty of birds to spot along the way. Meets at 845 Embarcadero suite D, Morro Bay. When you arrive, identify yourself as an attendee from the Bird Festival.
The elusive western snowy plover lives and breeds on the sand on only a few of our local natural beaches. A small federally threatened shorebird, this grey/brown and white bird has darker breeding plumage. It blends in well on the sandy beach, making it difficult to spot. Following a short talk by Sharon Iranpour about plover life, a demonstration of a replica nest, and other shorebirds we might see, we'll walk south on the beach to look for them and other shorebirds. If there is time, we can also check out beach drift and some interesting rock formations. This is an easy walk, partially on soft sand and the distance is approximately a mile roundtrip. Bring binoculars, wear sturdy shoes and layer up. Walking distance about 1 mile. Meets in the parking lot across from 150 Azure Street, Morro Bay.
Join author, illustrator, and naturalist Sharon Lovejoy for a nature journaling workshop. Her tips and simple techniques will inspire you and give you a strong foundation and a set of wings. The workshop will begin with a video that shares dozens of journals. Basic bird anatomy (hand-out included) will jump-start your bird studies. A focus on birds common in gardens will be sketched along with small illustrations of their nesting materials, feathers, and foods-insects, acorns, berries, larvae, and flowers with nectar. Bring journals, 2 B pencils, kneaded erasers, a pencil sharpener, small watercolor sets, brushes, a ruler and a magnifying glass. Meets in the Oak Glen Pavilion at SLO Botanical Garden (inside El Choro Park), 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo.
Destination: SLO Botanical Garden Oak Glen Pavilion
If you're not a morning person, this walk is for you! Join Lazy Birders, Neha and Vinish, at the Morro Bay Bird Festival for birding and bird photography. We welcome beginners curious to explore the world of birds and those with some experience who enjoy sharing their birding stories in a relaxed setting. Enjoy a flat, paved stroll through Cloisters Park toward the beach. We will take a leisurely walk through different habitats: from grassy areas where American Pipits rest, past backyard bird feeders that attract Red-winged Blackbirds and Nuttall's woodpeckers, and finally out to Morro Strand State Beach to see Plovers and foraging Long-billed Curlews against the backdrop of the Morro Rock. We'll stay on pavement or boardwalk most of the way, ending with a short stretch of sandy path through the dunes. Meets ats Cloisters Park. From Hwy 1 at the north end of Morro Bay, turn west (toward the water) at the San Jacinto traffic light, then take first left (south) on Coral Avenue; in a few blocks enter the parking lot on the right, next to the restrooms.
The endangered California Condor population, once near the brink of extinction, has been on the recovery the past several decades due to innovative management techniques and dedicated work by staff biologists and volunteers. Join Steve Schubert for an overview of condor biology and an update on the captive breeding and reintroduction program (including a new release site locally in San Luis Obispo County), radio and GPS tracking data, fledgling success from recent nesting in the wild and future management challenges. Meets at St. Timothy's Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay.
Enjoy learning about the Southern Sea Otters at their favorite hangouts in Morro Bay! Sharon Blakely will provide fascinating natural history of these marine mammal superheroes of a healthy kelp forest. 3 miles round trip by personal vehicle; 30-minute walk one way. Easy. Meets at South T pier next to Great American Fish Company, 1185 Embarcadero, Morro Bay
Practice pishing using Pete Dunne's methods. Rouvaishyana will demonstrate how to imitate various birds and give you time to practice, including in the field. You will come away with a sense of how to listen more closely to birds, appreciate their sounds, and create their sounds yourselves. Meets at Del Mar Park, Morro Bay, north entrance at east end of Island Street. Past 500 Island Street, Morro Bay
Enjoy a leisurely boating tour of the bay and estuary in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran with Dorian Anderson, Emma Cox & Nora Livingston. View a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, often at close range. The boat will move slowly enough for you to see details of many species that you normally see only through a scope from shore. Good photo opportunities, but no tripods. Dress warmly. Meets at Sub Sea Tours, 699 Embarcadero, #9, Morro Bay.
While you will see birds, the focus of this trip is the natural history of Morro Rock and features of the estuary using photos, diagrams and hands-on materials. Join Dean Thompson and Dave Clendenen for a bay cruise on a pontoon boat and learn the local sights and activities of this working harbor. There will be opportunities to photograph wintering birds, otters and sea lions. Easy access for limited mobility. Meets at Morro Bay Landing, 1215 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. Weather conditions may cancel.
Discover how a birder's nature journal can deepen your connection to birds through curiosity, observation and creativity. This is designed for those with all levels of birding experience. Your journal becomes a tool for noticing subtle differences for identification, record behaviors, track seasonal changes, strengthening your learning and memory of birds. Quick sketching helps sharpen attention and creates a sensory "scrapbook" for ongoing skill development.You'll learn simple, effective ways to sketch bird calls, behaviors, and observations , then explore the area, to put your skills into practice with birds that you encounter. You'll slow down to nature's pace to really soak in the experience. No prior drawing or birding experience is necessary, anyone can learn. Come see how you can boost your birding enjoyment. Supplies for nature journaling with Melinda - you can see some recommended here - https://www.melindanakagawa.com/supplies Bring: 1) Sketchbook/journal; 2) Pen (ball point, fountain, felt - your favorite kind); 3) Color media - your favorite: colored pencils, watercolor travel kit with waterbrush (see supplies link), markers, crayons; 4) Folding stool - optional; 5) Binoculars (optional spotting scope); 6) An open, non-judgmental mind and willingness to try something new! Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
Learning bird songs and calls will make you a better birder and enrich your birding experience. But it can be challenging! Jessica Griffiths will provide tips, tricks and mnemonic devices for identifying birds by sound, going over how to differentiate different groups of birds (how do you tell a finch from a warbler from a sparrow?) as well as reviewing songs and calls of the most common birds in this area. Open to all levels, beginner to advanced, who want to learn bird by ear skills. This workshop is a prerequisite for the Birding By Ear field trip (#423). Meets in the Oak Glen Pavilion at SLO Botanical Garden (inside El Choro Park), 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo.
Destination: SLO Botanical Garden Oak Glen Pavilion
You will be introduced to the art of bird carving and guided through the woodcarving process by three expert wood carvers from the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association. After a day of using hand and power tools, participants will leave with a miniature Green Heron that they can then paint on their own. "The Concepts of Woodcarving" will be used as a reference. The small-group setting will provide participants with the attention needed to be successful with their project. This workshop is intended for beginners, but those with all levels of experience may participate, (must be 15 years old or older with parent signature on participation for). This workshop includes a one-year membership in the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art association dedicated to the preservation of wildfowl art through education. To learn more about the association, visit pacificflyway.org. Meets at the Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St, Morro Bay.
Join Jim Bland for a deep dive into the ducks and geese of the Morro Bay Region. All waterfowl species that frequent Morro Bay, Estero Bay, and nearby freshwater wetlands will be covered. The class will be comprised of two afternoon lectures, each lavishly illustrated with Jim's high-quality photographs. Topics will include waterfowl habitats of the region, taxonomic relationships of the waterfowl "tribes", tips for distinguishing similar species, and the migration patterns, foraging ecology, and reproductive biology of each species. Jim Bland is a retired avian ecologist, former college lecturer on Ornithology, and experienced wildlife photographer. This is a two part series; part 2 is event #456 on Sunday. Meets in the Conference Room at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.
Meet several birds of prey, including a Great Horned Owl, a Long-eared Owl, and a Red-tailed Hawk. These birds are educational ambassadors for Pacific Wildlife Care, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center in Morro Bay. Several non-releasable birds of prey will be present including: great horned owl, a long-eared owl, a red-tailed hawk and an American Kestrel. You will learn about the wonderful world of raptors and their important niche in the environment. Bring cameras and questions for this up-close study of birds with binocular vision and sharp talons. General public event. Free for Festival attendees. Meets at the Vet's Hall, 209 Surf St, Morro Bay.
Join Friends of the Elephant Seal docent David Lawrence for a "prime time" tour of the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal rookery. This is one of the best times to visit the rookery. Mid-January is the peak of birthing. The beaches will be full of big bulls, birthing and nursing moms and pups. Be ready to dive deep into their natural history and adaptations. We will meet at the Kiosk at the SOUTH END of the main Elephant Seal viewpoint, 5 miles north of Hearst Castle.
Laguna Lake and the surrounding park are a migratory stop and home to many waterfowl, including ducks, gulls, grebes, shorebirds, herons, egrets, Snow Geese. Join Aaron Kreisberg, Michael Mulroy & Scott Inman to see these and other birds like House Finch, Goldfinch, meadowlarks, raptors and even a possible Loggerhead Shrike. Beginners welcome! Includes 1 mile of level walking. 30 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Easy. 504 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, meet at the Laguna Lake bathroom parking lot (lakeside, next to playground and picnic area).
NOTE: This is part 2 of a Master Class. YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR PART 1 (Event #322) to attend this class. Do you want to learn how to plan for, shoot, and edit wildlife video? You'll leave this masterclass with the knowledge of the video making process from start to finish, and your own short bird video created as part of the class. Join Paso Robles based wildlife cinematographer Emmet Arries, who's worked on film projects for National Geographic and PBS as well as directed his own short film about a red-tailed hawk. In part 1, you'll learn the basics of planning for a video shoot, video specific gear and camera settings, and how to shoot compelling wildlife sequences. We'll then spend time in the field shooting bird footage with your camera while practicing this new way of thinking and receiving personalized assistance. In part 2, we'll return to the classroom with your bird footage and walk through a basic editing process from start to finish. You'll leave with a short bird video (dependent on what birds we find) and the knowledge and confidence to shoot videos on your own. This masterclass is aimed at photographers interested in video, and assumes a basic understanding of camera functions as well as photographic exposure using Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO. No prior video or editing experience is necessary. To make the most of the class, bring: your camera, your tripod, your laptop computer with Davinci Resolve installed (free version works), and two external hard drives for storing your footage. Limited to 8 participants so that everyone has time to receive personalized assistance with your camera and questions. Meets at the Baywood Inn, 1335 3rd St, Los Osos. Conference Room is adjacent to the parking lot.
Destination: Baywood Inn Conference Room
Los Osos Valley Garden Club presents "Gardening for the Birds: Return of the Natives" with John Chestnut. Mr. Chestnut will explore the habitat value of Dune Natives and share A Habitat Restoration Recipe for Success. Mr. Chestnut approaches habitat restoration by mixing fundamental ecological processes and food webs with the hands-on experience earned by decades of practice in habitat restoration throughout California. This presentation will highlight important plant-bird relationships in the dune ecosystem. Explore, as a case study, Morro Coast Audubon's coastal dune habitat restoration: a repeatable approach for bird habitat restoration at multiple scales! Meets at 1900 Los Osos Valley Road, Cross Roads of Los Osos Valley Road and Lariat Drive. Drive to the back building of the church and park. Look for Los Osos Valley Garden Club signs as well as a greeter to direct you to the back building entrance. Complimentary coffee, tea & treats will be provided by the Los Osos Valley Gardening Club Hospitality Committee.
The Elfin Forest of Los Osos encompasses 7 habitats visible from a boardwalk, with bay overlooks. Join Cindy Roessler to see raptors, passerines and shorebirds in this easy-paced walk. Beginners welcome! The 'Magic' of the Elfin Forest is in the adaptability of the various plant communities with hidden beauty found everywhere. This trip is accessible to wheelchairs or people using walkers and canes. Total walking distance will be about 1.5 miles. 15 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Easy. Meets at the entrance on the north end of 16th Street from Santa Ysabel Avenue in the town of Los Osos. Parking at the street end is very limited, however you can park anywhere along 16th Street as long as you do not block driveways or mail boxes. You can even park on an adjacent street and walk the short distance to the 16th Street entrance.
Join Faylla Chapman for a walk to Windy Cove below the Morro Bay State Park Natural History Museum. Learn about the plants, the mud, and the organisms that inhabit the mud and the surrounding rocks. Watch for various shorebirds in the water just off the mud flat. NOTE: you should have boots or shoes that can get very muddy. Park and meet at the parking area at the base of the Museum entrance driveway next to golf course. Restrooms are available at the Natural History Museum. Not ADA accessible.
Join Daniel Elting, Eva Moylan & Trevor Wimmer for an afternoon bird walk along the road at Cerro Alto Campground. Along the way, we may encounter a variety of species, including Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Cassin's Vireo, Western Wood-Pewee, Western Flycatcher, Brown Creeper, Purple Finch, and Olive-sided Flycatcher. The walk will primarily follow a paved road, with the possibility of a few short detours onto well-maintained dirt trails. The total distance (out and back) is approximately two miles. Meets at Cerro Alto Campground, just off CA- 41, 8 miles east of CA-1 in Morro Bay.
Wildlife cameras, often called trail or game cameras, are cameras strategically placed on your property to take motion-triggered pictures and videos that document wildlife presence and activity, including your local avifauna, and detects both common or rarely seen and secretive wildlife species. There are fun and educational benefits to setting up a "camera trap" and later viewing the resultant "photo captures", as well as the benefits for wildlife monitoring projects across the globe that assist in rare and endangered species and other wildlife field research projects. This slide show talk is orientated for beginners and novices wanting to know more about the technology and what to consider in selecting different camera model options, choosing customized camera settings such as shooting time intervals and photo file sizes, and recommendations for onsite installation of your critter cams! Meets at St. Timothy's Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay.
Meet several birds of prey, including a Great Horned Owl, a Long-eared Owl, and a Red-tailed Hawk. These birds are educational ambassadors for Pacific Wildlife Care, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center in Morro Bay. Several non-releasable birds of prey will be present including: great horned owl, a long-eared owl, a red-tailed hawk and an American Kestrel. You will learn about the wonderful world of raptors and their important niche in the environment. Bring cameras and questions for this up-close study of raptors. You will learn about the wonderful world of raptors and their important niche in the environment. Bring cameras and questions for this up-close study of birds with binocular vision and sharp talons. General public event. Free for Festival attendees. Meets at the Vet's Hall, 209 Surf St, Morro Bay.
Enjoy a leisurely boating tour of the bay and estuary in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran with Seth Greene & Harnawaz Boparai. View a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, often at close range. The boat will move slowly enough for you to see details of many species that you normally see only through a scope from shore. Good photo opportunities, but no tripods. Dress warmly. Meets at Sub Sea Tours, 699 Embarcadero, #9, Morro Bay.
Join Rouvaishyana and Evan Weissman for owling. Leaving from the Morro Bay Community Center at 3:30 PM and returning around 9:00 PM, we begin searching for daytime owls 3:30-5:30 PM, then eat dinner together 5:30-6:30 PM, finishing up listening for nighttime owls 6:30-8:30 PM. Details: Daytime owling for Short-eared, burrowing and roosting owls. We will stop for no-host dinner to share stories as we wait for dark. After dark, we listen for nighttime owls. Dress warmly in quiet clothes - no nylon. We will be walking quietly through mud, standing silently in cold weather, while it is pitch black, listening for owls! Sounds like a good time to me! Possibilities: Great-horned, Western Screech, Saw-whet, Short-eared, Barn Owls, Poorwill and more. Travel with leader in bus with many in/out stops. Heavy rain will cancel field trip. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Multiple Sites
Getting there: Stop at the light..
The Festival is presenting two Welcome Receptions, one on Friday and one on Saturday. Enjoy wine, cheese, live music, and visit with fellow birders, VIPs and event leaders. Afterwards, visit the Bazaar to browse the vendor booths featuring optics, books, music, nature art & photography, woodcarvings, jewelry, educational exhibits and Festival Swag. Each Reception attendee will receive a free MBBF logo etched wine glass. Note that you can only attend one of the two receptions and an entry ticket is required. This event takes place in the Multi-Purpose Room at the Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Getting there: Stop at the light..
On January 1st, 2014, Dorian Anderson boarded his bicycle for the adventure of a lifetime. His two-wheeled journey was an eco-friendly twist on the Big Year, a project during which a birdwatcher tries to observe as many species as possible during a calendar year. While his predecessors utilized cars, planes, and boats, Anderson's goal was to replicate their transcontinental travels without the use of petroleum, a herculean challenge no one before him had accepted. He ultimately survived subzero temperatures, drifting snow, gusting winds, lightning storms, mountainous ascents, dog attacks, crumbling roads, and several accidents. By December 31, he'd amassed 618 bird species across 18,000 miles of riding, totals no one imagined possible when he set off with zero cycling experience. Anderson will speak about the genesis of his bike-birding project, provide a thrilling recount of his travels, highlight the birds he saw, and reveal how his adventure changed his life. His personality and enthusiasm are infectious, and his tales of birding, cycling, and self-discovery will inspire others to venture into the outdoors, take note of the birds around them, and make positive changes in their own lives. Prior to the Keynote address, you will be treated to the world premiere of Flight Feathers, a short video that documents the life of a Red-Tailed Hawk chick who was raised in a Bald Eagle nest in the spring of 2024. Producer Emmet Arries will be joined by others who participated in this amazing story will be on hand to answer questions from the audience. The Keynote address takes place at the Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center (CPAC) at Cuesta College, Romauldo Road, SLO (CA-1 & Hollister Road). Please park in P2 Parking Lot.
Join expert leaders Will Knowlton & Morgan Bing for a bus trip to Carrizo Plain. Possible sightings are: Golden Eagle, Merlin, Prairie Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, Mountain Plover, Bell's and Vesper Sparrow, Roadrunner, and more. This is a unique habitat of semi-desert scrub, open grassland and juniper foothills. Time includes 4 hours round-trip travel many in/out bus stops in comfortable bus. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Carrizo Plains
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Bob Barnes returns to guide a unique, refreshing, & confidence-building approach where absolute beginning & novice birders are the stars; NOT Bob! Helpful, for those experienced birders who take them birding, too. Brief classroom session then extended field trip. As desired, bring binoculars, bird guides, cameras, cell phones, small notebooks/sketch pads, snacks, water. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, Lounge.
Getting there: Stop at the light..
A short cruise out of Morro Bay offers likely views of whales, sea lions, sea otters and near-shore Pacific seabirds, including several species of shearwaters and auklets. Meet your leaders Tom Edell, Curtis Marantz, Peter Gaede, Chris Henry and Wes Fritz at Morro Bay Landing in Morro Bay. Bring liquids, lunch and sunscreen, and take motion sickness medication prior to arriving. Dress for cold and wind, including gloves. The boat is typically used for fishing; no outdoor seating with seating available in the cabin. Note that the boat does not wait for late arrivals. Meets at Morro Bay Landing, 1215 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. Weather conditions may cancel.
Join Ann Stockert & Todd Easterla for a BIG DAY of birding! Expect a fast-paced day, with the possibility of rapid ID of over 100 species at hot spots in SLO County. Special effort on regional specialties and rarities. Pace to be determined by the leader with input from the group. Travel in bus with leader and many in/out stops. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Multiple Sites
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Montana de Oro is a spectacular 8,600-acre state park with untamed coastline and coastal uplands. Join Janny & Steve Tillmann to search for rocky-shore shorebirds, water birds, raptors, and passerines in various habitats. Includes 1-2 miles of slow walking. 20 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Moderate. Meets at the Spooner Ranch House, 3550 Pecho Valley Road, Los Osos. From Los Osos, west on Los Osos Valley Road, becomes Pecho Valley Road. Ranch House is 5.2 miles from Los Osos.
Explore the spectacular scenic coastline at Point Buchon with seasoned leaders Sally Krenn and Eric Wier. Learn the background of this historic ranch and the efforts to regenerate the Bishop pine forest along the ridges overlooking the ocean. Look for marine mammals, gulls and shorebirds -- maybe even a peregrine falcon. Bring your camera to capture the striking sea stacks that dot this coastline and peek into a dramatic sink hole. Be prepared for wind and cool weather. 22 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Active four-mile round trip hike. Active 3.5 mile round trip hike. Meets at the Coon Creek Parking Lot in Montana de Oro. From Los Osos, west on Los Osos Valley Road, the road becomes Pecho Valley Road. The Parking Lot is 5.9 miles from Los Osos.
Destination: Point Buchon
Laguna Lake and the surrounding park is a migratory stop and home to many waterfowl: ducks, gulls, grebes, shorebirds, herons, egrets, Snow Geese. Join Bettina Eastman to see these and other birds like: house finch, goldfinches, meadowlarks, raptors and even a possible loggerhead shrike. Beginners welcome! Includes 1 mile of level walking. 30 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Easy. 504 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, meet at the Laguna Lake bathroom parking lot (lakeside, next to playground and picnic area).
Join a guided kayak tour of Morro Bay for an up-close look at birds in their natural habitat. Possible sightings include White Pelicans, Brant, Common Loons, and a variety of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Along the way, you'll paddle past the Heron Rookery, Grassy Island oyster farm, expansive mudflats, and winding Back Bay channels.The tour uses stable double kayaks, and no prior kayaking experience is required. Please dress in layers and follow these guidelines: wear synthetic or wool clothing (avoid cotton), bring a windbreaker jacket, a hat for sun and wind protection, and shoes that can get wet. Note: trips may be canceled due to weather conditions.Meets at the Morro Bay State Park Marina Kayak Shop. 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay.
The Piedras Blancas Light Station, located 6 miles north of San Simeon, offers excellent views of pelagic birds on the offshore rock formations and out to sea. Join Russ Namitz and Leisyka Parrott for a tour of the grounds and a birding walk around the property. Meets at the former Piedras Blancas Motel, 1.5 miles north of the Light Station on Highway 1. After meeting, cars will caravan from this point to the Light Station. The group must pass through the entry gate at the same time.
Destination: Piedras Blancas Light Station
Join Roy Poucher in the field for the hands-on companion to the Bird Sounds Master Class Workshop. Solidify the general principles learned with practical experience and field identification of specific local bird songs and calls. We will stand at different locations, silently noting bird sounds, then discuss as a group. Notebooks needed, but binoculars are not! The Thursday morning Master Class Bird Sounds Workshop (#113) is a prerequisite for this event. You must attend that class to join this field trip. Total walking distance will be about 1.2 miles. Easy. Meets at Cerro Alto Campground, just off CA- 41, 8 miles east of CA-1 in Morro Bay
Bird with Eva Moylan, Torrey Gage-Tomlinson and Deborah Crooks on Cambria's Fiscalini Ranch on a moderate three-mile hike through grassland, mixed oak/Monterey pine forest and coastal bluffs. Expect a diversity of birds, including sparrows, birds of prey, Pygmy Nuthatches and rocky shore shorebirds. Pace will be determined by leader and desires of the group. 50 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Meets at Fiscalini Ranch south end, 2799 Windsor Blvd, Cambria.
Join Rouvaishyana and Michael Mulroy to explore the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. There are some hummingbird-specific plants which we will visit, hoping to see hummers, flycatchers, and probably other songbirds. We will take a trail that climbs out of the garden and crosses a ridge, which should provide good viewing for raptors and other birds. The trail returns to the east end of the Garden on Dairy Creek Road. We'll walk along this road, looking for woodpeckers, songbirds, and more raptors. We will return along Dairy Creek Rd. to our parking area. Spotting scopes not needed, but optional. VERY IMPORTANT: bring rubber mud boots (such as gum boots). If there has been recent rain, the unimproved portion of the trail will be muddy, and it won't be practical to turn back. BE PREPARED for a great experience. Meets in the parking lot at SLO Botanical Garden (inside El Chorro Park), 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo.
Explore the world of fungi with a fun guy! Join naturalist and photographer Dennis Sheridan in looking down rather than up under the Cambria pines searching for Boletus, Candy Cap, Honey Mushroom, Jack-O'-Lantern and Amanita mushrooms. 50 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Trip will be cancelled for lack of recent rain. Moderate. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Morro Bay Multiple
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Join Evan Weissman for a long walk (4 miles round trip), to bird various habitats beginning at a riparian zone, moving through grasslands, past vernal pools, and to the cliffs above the rocky coast. Meets at the Harmony Headlands trailhead parking lot, Hwy 1, 5 miles north of Cayucos, across from the Linn's Pies billboard."
Bird beautiful wooded habitats in the Atascadero area east of Morro Bay with leaders Roger Zachary & Dale Ball. Stops include Atascadero Lake and Creek, Salinas River and nearby oak habitats. Find Acorn Woodpeckers, Yellow-billed Magpies and others. 50 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Moderate. Meets at 9100 Morro Road (CA-41) in the parking lot next to the Central Coast Zoo.
Destination: Multiple Sites
Join Van Pierszalowski for a relaxed half-mile walk along the bluffs to a secluded beach just south of Arroyo De La Cruz. Once at the beach, we'll stroll another quarter mile to the creek mouth, where we'll study La Cruz Rock through Van's scope and survey the area for gulls, ducks, and shorebirds, while remaining on the lookout for any nearshore surprises. Meets at the south end of the Elephant Seal Rookery Parking Lot on Hwy 1, 7 miles north of San Simeon.
Destination: Point Sierra Nevada Dunes Beach
Join Ben Kolstad & owner Jean Pierre Wolff to explore one of the first certified sustainable vineyards on the Central Coast. With native resource enhancement of bird habitat, wildlife corridors, and steelhead trout restoration on boundary creeks, there should be a varied list of different bird species. Vintner, Jean-Pierre Wolff, PhD, will accompany us as we bird along the riparian corridors and to the on-site pond. Approximately 1.5 miles of walking along slightly sloping terrain. Afterwards Jean-Pierre will share a short presentation on ecology, the goals of sustainable farming and a couple research projects at Wolff vineyards. We will finish up with an optional wine tasting at Wolff Vineyards (discounted fee of $10, refundable with bottle purchase), so bring your lunch and enjoy the panoramic view of the Edna Valley and some of Wolff Vineyards award winning wines! Meets at Wolff Vineyards. 6238 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
Big Green Day Birding by Bicycle in Morro Bay. Join Dorian Anderson & Jim Royer for a birding tour of the area on bicycle and on foot. This has moderate hills by bicycle and short walks of up to a mile. It starts and ends at the Morro Bay Community Center. The pace will be slow with frequent stops to discuss bird field marks and vocalizations. Bring multi-speed bicycle, lock, helmet, water, snacks and lunch, tools, spare tube and patch kit. Also bring: binoculars, layered clothing (it can be very cold at the beginning and warm by the end). Leader will have a scope. Beginning birders welcome, but not recommended for beginning cyclists. You must be able to very comfortably ride 10 hilly miles. We have seen over 100 species on this trip before. Rain or high winds cancel. Be present with your bike and ready to go at 7:45 AM at the front of the Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Morro Bay Multiple
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Are you looking for ways to improve your wildlife photography and take it to the next level? Join award-winning wildlife conservation photographer and filmmaker and California Naturalist Sarah Killingsworth for a day-long master photography course. We'll spend the morning in the field, break for lunch, and have a brief classroom session before returning to the field for the late afternoon light. This workshop is designed for photographers who have some basic experience, and will include tips for camera settings for different species of birds and mammals, how to compose images that evoke emotion, post-processing strategies, and gear. You'll learn tips and tricks for improving your wildlife photography in the field, as well as how to approach your subject with ethics and empathy to capture the most compelling images of natural behavior. Sarah is passionate about wildlife photography and an enthusiastic guide and teacher. There will be plenty of time for questions through-out the day. If you love spending time with wildlife and want to improve your photography, this master class will provide what you need to take it to the next level. Meets at the Baywood Inn, 1335 3rd St, Los Osos. Conference Room is adjacent to the parking lot.
Destination: Baywood Inn Conference Room
Join Steve Schubert and Dave Berry to explore a diversity of coastal and inland habitats within a 15 mile radius of Morro Bay, including coastal estuary and salt marsh, streamside and oak woodlands, coastal scrub and chaparral shrublands, grassland and grazing pastureland, rocky outcrops, freshwater lake and ponds. Search for target birds of prey such as Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrel, Merlin, White-tailed Kite, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Accipiters, Northern Harrier, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, and daytime roosting Owls. Short walks but possibility of moderate hiking off pavement with some uneven ground. Bring lunch. Moderate. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay. Carpooling is encouraged.
Destination: Multiple Sites
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Enjoy leisurely in-depth bird observation and enhance your ID skills with the help of Susie Reddy. This is not a tick and run Big Day, but a stroll through El Chorro Regional Park sharing observations, and checking for positive identification. Be surprised at the variations you see, whether crows or Black Phoebes. Bring binoculars and a favorite field guide. El Chorro Park is located at State Hwy 1 @ Dairy Creek Rd. Meets in the SLO Botanical Gardens parking lot.
Join Faylla Chapman for a habitat walk on the Montana de Oro Bluff Trail. The Trail is entirely coastal sage scrub inland and rocky intertidal offshore. Many birds make use of the scrub and the cliffs along the trail. Learn the plants and their uses to man and birds, and hear the history of the Spooner family while also seeing the unique coastal geology. Meets at the Spooner Ranch House, 3550 Pecho Valley Road, Los Osos. From Los Osos, west on Los Osos Valley Road, becomes Pecho Valley Road. Ranch House if 5.2 miles from Los Osos. A restroom is available by the Spooner Ranch House. Walk is about 2 miles round trip, on mostly flat trails. WARNING - Apple Maps will take you to the wrong location!!!!!! Google maps is recommended.
Most birds are heard, not seen! Learning to identify birds by sound is fun and rewarding, but it takes practice. Join Jessica Griffiths to work on identifying birds by song and call. Use the tips, tricks and mnemonic devices learned in Birding By Ear Workshop prerequisite (#350). We will search for winter warblers, finches, sparrows, towhees, raptors and any other birds that might be making noise! We travel in personal vehicles to one or more nearby birding locations with a distance of 20 miles max round trip. Easy. Birding By Ear Workshop is a prerequisite for this trip. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Multiple Sites
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Join Dean Thompson and Dave Clendenen for a flat 2-3 mile walk birding the diverse shoreline habitats of the Back Bay, including Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, Cuesta Inlet and Pecho Willows. Expect a variety of shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors and passerines. Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
Destination: Los Osos Multiple
Join Isaiah Woodard and Brian O'Kelly for a slow-paced walk of 1.5-2 miles along a beautiful and wild ocean bluff trail. Expect rock-loving shorebirds such as Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Surfbirds, Whimbrels, scoters, terns, gulls and maybe a Harlequin Duck. 20 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Moderate. Meets at the "Fig Tree" parking lot on CA-1 north of Cayucos. The Fig Tree Parking lot is the third parking area 0.9 miles north of where CA-1 becomes single-lane.
Join Aaron Kreisberg & Scott Inman to enjoy close views of waterfowl and occasional bitterns and rails from the boardwalk over Oso Flaco Lake and marsh. Bird two prime willow habitats for wintering warblers. Includes 2-3 miles of slow walking. Moderate. Meets at Oso Flaco parking lot, 3004 Oso Flaco Lake Road, Arroyo Grande. State Parks requires a parking fee of $5.
Join Bob Keally & Terri May to observe birds at the Washburn Day Use area of San Simeon State Park. Moderate 1.5- 2 mile walk by riparian areas by reek, wetlands, shoreline, then onto chaparral, and pine forest habitats to discover a variety of land, shore and ocean birds including mergansers, terns, Pygmy Nuthatches, and a variety of raptors. Meets at Washburn Day Use parking lot, on Hwy 1, 1.8 miles north of last traffic light in Cambria. Right turn into the parking lot with public bathrooms available.
Be one of the first to explore the rolling grass-covered foothills of the Santa Rita Ranch within the Santa Lucia Mountains. You will be joined on your adventure by Daniel Elting. The crown jewel and so focus of this trip is the 234-acre foot lake, the fourth largest privately-owned lake in the county. You will also explore the downstream riparian habitat, chaparral and coastal oaklands. Meets at Santa Rita Ranch in Templeton. 3520 Old Creek Road, Templeton.
Join VIP Scott Weidensaul, Mark Mushkat, Robbie Revel & Marlin Harms for a special birding experience that combines a morning walk with a scenic bay cruise and lunch. The outing begins at Morro Rock, where Scott and Mark will lead the group in search of Peregrine Falcons, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, sparrows, and the elusive Canyon & Rock Wrens. Additional sightings may include cormorants, Brown Pelicans, a variety of gull species and age classes. After birding at Morro Rock, participants will drive a short distance to the Chablis Cruises loading ramp, 1205 Embarcadero. The Chablis, a distinctive 50-foot, two-story riverboat, features panoramic windows and a rooftop deck - an ideal setting for observing the bay's birdlife. Lunch is included and features homemade clam chowder, a turkey croissant sandwich, and Caesar salad. Meets at Morro Rock. Coleman Drive, Morro Bay. Meet across from bathrooms, next to Morro Rock.
This is slower paced Big Day for beginning and intermediate birders led by Jon Dunn, Emma Cox & Nora Livingston. Starting at a reasonable morning hour and getting back right after lunch, you will be in a spacious bus with large windows, visiting local birding hot spots, returning with a new long list of birds! Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Multiple Sites
Getting there: Stop at the light..
This field class is for beginners, but all birding levels are welcomed. Travel to nearby locations where Ed Harper, Seth Greene & Harnawaz Boparai will help you identify some easy-to-see birds around Morro Bay. Bring your favorite field guide and binoculars. 10 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Easy. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Morro Bay Multiple
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Enjoy a leisurely boating tour of the bay and estuary in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran with Mike Bush, Jeanne Miller and Bert Townsend. View a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, often at close range. The boat will move slowly enough for you to see details of many species that you normally see only through a scope from shore. Good photo opportunities, but no tripods. Dress warmly. Meets at Sub Sea Tours, 699 Embarcadero, #9, Morro Bay.
Join leader Griffin Davies and Teodelina Martelli for this bird walk around Atascadero Lake which will be approximately one mile long, at a slow to moderate pace, depending on where and how often we are seeing birds. The terrain is gentle, over flat surfaces. Expect to see numerous species in a variety of habitats, with likely sightings of: Red-shouldered Hawk, California Quail, California Scrub-Jay, Woodpeckers and a variety of Waterfowl. Meets at 9100 Morro Road (CA-41) in the parking lot next to the Central Coast Zoo.
Prefumo Creek Restoration Site at City Farm SLO is an important natural corridor in between the Target shopping center and agricultural lands of San Luis Obispo! This small strip of creek, trees, shrubs, and native plants provides important habitat, food, and a safe space for numerous birds and other animals and was an historical spawning site for steelhead trout. Join Steven Marx and Anne Marie Bergen to learn more about its history, discover the many birds along the creek, in the willows and cottonwoods, and learn how to engage with this city treasure through nature journaling. In this session you will be introduced to the Prefumo Creek restoration site by Steven, learn some basic nature journaling strategies with Anne Marie, then select your favorite sit spot along the creek to journal and bird watch! What to bring: Binoculars along with your Notebook or Journal and pencil/pen.What will be provided: 1) high quality watercolor sets and water brushes; 2)watercolor paper you can add to your notebook or journal.Meets in the parking lot BEHIND Dick's Sporting Goods, 11970 Los Osos Valley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
Join Jeff Miller at Cloisters Park Azure Street. The coastal scrub to the beach will offer a variety of birds, such as White- and Golden-crowned Sparrows, California Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler and possible Ospreys in the nearby trees. On the beach, expect to see a myriad of shorebirds and waterfowl in the surf line. Further north on the beach, the Alva Paul pond is an excellent location for terns and shorebirds. Two miles from the Community Center. Moderate walk, a short distance through sand. Meet at Cloisters Azure Street Park. Meets in the parking lot across from 150 Azure Street, Morro Bay.
La Lomita Ranch sits nestled between Islay Hill - the southernmost peak in the chain of volcanic cones known as the Nine Sisters - and the Edna Valley Wine Region. Once part of the historic Mexican land grant Rancho Corral de Piedra, La Lomita was originally developed as a ranch and breeding facility for Arabian horses. Still a working ranch today, it has grown to include a wedding venue, a charming Bed & Breakfast, and a vineyard on Islay Hill. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of its large pond, grand oaks, and lush gardens, while wine enthusiasts will savor the elegant estate wines crafted exclusively from its vineyard. Join Claudia Freitas and Karen Watts for a birding adventure around the ranch followed by wine tasting. Note that La Lomita does not serve lunch; you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy. Meets at La Lomita Ranch, 1985 La Lomita Way, San Luis Obispo.
Join a guided kayak tour of Morro Bay for an up-close look at birds in their natural habitat. Possible sightings include White Pelicans, Brant, Common Loons, and a variety of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Along the way, you'll paddle past the Heron Rookery, Grassy Island oyster farm, expansive mudflats, and winding Back Bay channels.The tour uses stable double kayaks, and no prior kayaking experience is required. Please dress in layers and follow these guidelines: wear synthetic or wool clothing (avoid cotton), bring a windbreaker jacket, a hat for sun and wind protection, and shoes that can get wet. Note: trips may be canceled due to weather conditions.Meets at the Morro Bay State Park Marina Kayak Shop. 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay.
Whether you're just discovering the joys of birding, seeking to develop your birding skills, or wanting to share your love of birding with your family, these trips with Hannah and Erik are for you! They are happy to answer any and all questions about birds, birding, gear, and more. Expect a slow-paced walk as we look for birds, talk about IDs, and whatever else comes to mind! Meets at Morro Rock. Coleman Drive, Morro Bay. Meet across from bathrooms, next to Morro Rock.
Join Grace Hayes & Marin Romero for a walk at Pecho Willows and Cuesta Inlet.This small but highly important bay habitat is an ebird hotspot where shorebirds and ducks gather during migration and in the winter. The Pecho Marsh is thick with willows and a special birding spot for locals where a number of rare birds have been seen over the years. Meets in the parking area at the north end of Pecho Road, across from 2 Pecho Rd, Los Osos. If the parking lot is full, park out on Binscarth Road.
San Simeon Point is a scenic coastal promontory with an easy trail offering beautiful ocean views, leading to a small, sheltered cove at the end of the peninsula. Starting at the San Simeon pier, you'll walk the beach for about 1/4 mile to a trail that leads to the bluff above. On the bluff, the trail traverses through beautiful, old eucalyptus trees to San Simeon Point where you have a 360 degree view of the ocean, the sea bluffs along with Hearst Castle. Join Rick Grijalva to explore the active bird life along with possible sightings of sea otters and elephant seals. Meets at the entrance to the pier in the upper parking lot, 750 Hearst Castle Drive, San Simeon. Enter the parking lot via the State Park kiosk.
Destination: San Simeon Point
Join Kara Hagedorn, Charlie DeBerry and Augie Hazel for a leisurely morning walk along the shore of the lake observing migrating waterfowl. Great marshland and open water habitat. Along the road we will also experience Oak woodland and chaparral habitats. Scopes will be available for up-close looks! Meets at Santa Margarita Lake Ranger Station. 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita. Past the Ranger Station, drive to White Oak Parking Lot. Note that there is a $12 entry fee per vehicle to enter the SML Campground.
The Morro Bay State Park Marina boardwalk provides opportunities for viewing a variety of shorebirds, ducks, geese, loons, grebes, gulls, terns and herons. Peregrine Falcons and other raptors are often seen. Led by Elena & Dave Keeling, the level half-mile walk is especially suited for photographers, wheelchairs and those using walkers and canes. Easy. Meets at the Peninsula Trail Head, southeast end of the State Park Marina parking lot, across from Morro Bay State Park Campground.
Join Rust Scalf, Debbie Jo Bird & Richard Neidhardt for an unhurried walk around the edges and through the heart of the Morro Coast Audubon Sweet Springs Preserve. This trip will look for wintering songbirds as well as waterfowl and shorebirds in the nearby estuary. Previous trips have seen hawks, falcons, owls, osprey and kingfishers in this area. The effort will be easy to moderate and the walk should appeal to all birding levels. Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
You will be introduced to the art of bird carving and guided through the woodcarving process by three expert wood carvers from the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association. After a day of using hand and power tools, participants will leave with a miniature Green Heron that they can then paint on their own. "The Concepts of Woodcarving" will be used as a reference. The small-group setting will provide participants with the attention needed to be successful with their project. This workshop is intended for beginners, but those with all levels of experience may participate, (must be 15 years old or older with parent signature on participation for). This workshop includes a one-year membership in the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art association dedicated to the preservation of wildfowl art through education. To learn more about the association, visit pacificflyway.org. Meets at the Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St, Morro Bay.
Join Captain Scott Stellar on a pontoon boat ride adventure birding Santa Margarita Lake. We'll cruise pretty much the entire lake taking in all the migratory and permanent birds as well as shoreline wildlife that abound. Restrooms are available along the route. Meets at the Marina at Santa Margarita Lake, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita. After checking in at the entry kiosk, drive down to the boat dock and Marina store parking area. Note that there is a $12 entry fee per vehicle to enter the SML Campground.
Join Greg Miller, Doug Stinson & Steve McMasters to explore the Villa Creek headlands, beach and estuary, part of Estero Bluffs State Park. This will be a slow-paced walk of 2-3 miles along a beautiful and wild ocean bluff trail along with a sandy beach stroll to Villa Cove. Expect rock-loving shorebirds such as Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Surfbirds, Whimbrels, scoters, terns, gulls. Look for herons and egrets in the estuary created by Villa Creek. Moderate hike due to hiking through sand for 1/2 mile. 21-mile roundtrip carpool from Morro Bay. Meets at the Villa Creek parking lot on CA-1 north of Cayucos. The parking lot is the fourth parking area 2.1 miles north of where CA-1 becomes single-lane.
Join Bob Isenberg and Jerry Pyle, Peregrine Watch, for pastries (while they last) and to search for owls and Peregrine Falcons at Morro Rock. Morro Rock is home to two pairs of breeding Peregrine Falcons. NOTE: this is a stop and scope event, not a planned walk. Stop by anytime from 9am and 2pm. Also note that you can schedule a morning and/or afternoon event in addition to this event. Meets at Morro Rock. Coleman Drive, Morro Bay. Meet across from bathrooms, next to Morro Rock. Look for Bob's van with awning, scopes and Peregrine statue.
Beginning in December, gray whales make their way past Morro Bay on their epic migration from Alaska to Mexico - a journey of more than 12,000 miles round trip, making them one of the greatest travelers on Earth. Take a break from birding and join Lost Isle Adventures for a three-hour voyage in search of these magnificent giants. Dress in layers, and don't forget your camera and binoculars. While this trip does not include a pelagic birding leader, you can be sure there will still be plenty of birds to spot along the way. Meets at 845 Embarcadero suite D, Morro Bay. When you arrive, identify yourself as an attendee from the Bird Festival.
Join Dawn Beattie at Cloisters Park. The Park, with pond and nearby dunes, offers an interesting variety of birds, such as White- and Golden-crowned Sparrows, California Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Black-crowned Night-Heron. The pond also attracts migratory ducks and geese. People in wheelchairs or using walkers or canes will find all paths accessible. Two miles from the Community Center. Easy. Meets ats Cloisters Park. From Hwy 1 at the north end of Morro Bay, turn west (toward the water) at the San Jacinto traffic light, then take first left (south) on Coral Avenue; in a few blocks enter the parking lot on the right, next to the restrooms.
The elusive western snowy plover lives and breeds on the sand on only a few of our local natural beaches. A small federally threatened shorebird, this grey/brown and white bird has darker breeding plumage. It blends in well on the sandy beach, making it difficult to spot. Following a short talk by Sharon Iranpour about plover life, a demonstration of a replica nest, and other shorebirds we might see, we'll walk across the grassland to the bluff and down onto the beach to look for them and other shorebirds. If there is time, we can also check out beach drift and some interesting rock formations. This is an easy walk, partially on soft sand and the distance is approximately a mile roundtrip. Bring binoculars, wear sturdy shoes and layer up. This event requires walking a short distance in soft sand. Walking distance about 1 mile. Meets at the Villa Creek parking lot on CA-1 north of Cayucos. The parking lot is the fourth parking area 2.1 miles north of where CA-1 becomes single-lane.
Enjoy learning about the Southern Sea Otters at their favorite hangouts in Morro Bay! Sharon Blakely will provide fascinating natural history of these marine mammal superheroes of a healthy kelp forest. 3 miles round trip by personal vehicle; 30-minute walk one way. Easy. Meets at South T pier next to Great American Fish Company, 1185 Embarcadero, Morro Bay
Join Robert Lindsay for a leisurely boating tour of the bay and estuary in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran. View a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, often at close range. The boat will move slowly enough for you to see details of many species that you normally see only through a scope from shore. Good photo opportunities, but no tripods. Dress warmly. Meets at Sub Sea Tours, 699 Embarcadero, #9, Morro Bay.
Called the 'Grebe Whisperer' by many of her students and fellow photographers, professional wildlife and nature photographer Krisztina Scheeff has spent years studying and photographing grebes on Lake Hodges in San Diego County. The unique mating behavior of grebes, rushing, is one of the most photographed of all animal behaviors. Krisztina will take you on a photographic journey into the world of grebes and provide details on why and how they 'walk on water' to find a mate. Krisztina will also share her filming project with the BBC Natural History Unit. In January 2024 she spent 3 weeks with the BBC in San Diego to film the Grebes. Meets at the Vet's Hall, 209 Surf St, Morro Bay.
Many enjoy birding to escape the constant nagging of your phone - however, there are lots of ways to use it to enhance your birding! Join Erik and Hannah on a Walk/Field Trip to learn how to use the latest birding technology. We will see what birds we can find and use some technology-based tools, like eBird, Merlin, and iNaturalist to help explore the outdoors. So, charge up your phone and join us! Meets ats Cloisters Park. From Hwy 1 at the north end of Morro Bay, turn west (toward the water) at the San Jacinto traffic light, then take first left (south) on Coral Avenue; in a few blocks enter the parking lot on the right, next to the restrooms.
Drawing songs? How is that possible? It's not about copying sonograms or knowing musical notes. Drawing, listening, discerning, and singing back to birds will profoundly increase your memory and recall of bird songs. Join Melinda as she shares her take on intuitively drawing bird songs. You will practice easy, playful ways to capture the sounds of birds and nature in a journal to develop your auditory ID skills. All levels of drawing or birding skills. Supplies for nature journaling with Melinda - you can see some recommended here - https://www.melindanakagawa.com/supplies Bring: 1) Sketchbook/journal; 2) Pen (ball point, fountain, felt- your favorite kind); 3) Color media - your favorite: colored pencils, watercolor travel kit with waterbrush (see supplies link), markers, crayons; 4) Folding stool- optional; 5) Binoculars (optional spotting scope); 6) An open, non-judgmental mind and willingness to try something new! Meets in the Oak Glen Pavilion at SLO Botanical Garden (inside El Choro Park), 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo.
Destination: SLO Botanical Garden Oak Glen Pavilion
NOTE: This is part 2 of a Master Class. YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR PART 1 (Event #352) to attend this class. Join Jim Bland for a deep dive into the ducks and geese of the Morro Bay Region. All waterfowl species that frequent Morro Bay, Estero Bay, and nearby freshwater wetlands will be covered. The class will be comprised of two afternoon lectures, each lavishly illustrated with Jim's high-quality photographs. Topics will include waterfowl habitats of the region, taxonomic relationships of the waterfowl "tribes", tips for distinguishing similar species, and the migration patterns, foraging ecology, and reproductive biology of each species. Jim Bland is a retired avian ecologist, former college lecturer on Ornithology, and experienced wildlife photographer. Meets in the Conference Room at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.
Join Friends of the Elephant Seal docents Reinhard Hohensee & Van Dees for a "prime time" tour of the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal rookery. This is one of the best times to visit the rookery. Mid-January is the peak of birthing. The beaches will be full of big bulls, birthing and nursing moms and pups. Be ready to dive deep into their natural history and adaptations. We will meet at the Kiosk at the SOUTH END of the main Elephant Seal viewpoint, 5 miles north of Hearst Castle.
Los Osos Valley Garden Club presents "Gardening for the Birds: Return of the Natives" with John Chestnut. Mr. Chestnut will explore the habitat value of Dune Natives and share A Habitat Restoration Recipe for Success. Mr. Chestnut approaches habitat restoration by mixing fundamental ecological processes and food webs with the hands-on experience earned by decades of practice in habitat restoration throughout California. This presentation will highlight important plant-bird relationships in the dune ecosystem. Explore, as a case study, Morro Coast Audubon's coastal dune habitat restoration: a repeatable approach for bird habitat restoration at multiple scales! Meets at 1900 Los Osos Valley Road, Cross Roads of Los Osos Valley Road and Lariat Drive. Drive to the back building of the church and park. Look for Los Osos Valley Garden Club signs as well as a greeter to direct you to the back building entrance. Complimentary coffee, tea & treats will be provided by the Los Osos Valley Gardening Club Hospitality Committee.
Raptors also known as birds of prey have long fascinated man. Their prowess demands our interest, admiration, and inquiry. But raptors can at times be devilish difficult to identify to species. This offering, presented by Ed Harper, will illustrate raptors one might encounter in California with useful and important identification aid along with their status and distribution. With beautiful images illustrating instructive aspects of raptor identification, this presentation will be very informative. Meets in the Meeting Room at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.
The Elfin Forest of Los Osos encompasses 7 habitats visible from a boardwalk, with bay overlooks. Join Cindy Roessler to see raptors, passerines and shorebirds in this easy-paced walk. Beginners welcome! The 'Magic' of the Elfin Forest is in the adaptability of the various plant communities with hidden beauty found everywhere. This trip is accessible to wheelchairs or people using walkers and canes. Total walking distance will be about 1.5 miles. 15 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Easy. Meets at the entrance on the north end of 16th Street from Santa Ysabel Avenue in the town of Los Osos. Parking at the street end is very limited, however you can park anywhere along 16th Street as long as you do not block driveways or mail boxes. You can even park on an adjacent street and walk the short distance to the 16th Street entrance.
Costa Rica, a birder's paradise! For birders and photographers alike, the incredible avifauna of Costa Rica is certain to inspire. Come join Krisztina as she takes you on a photo journey of this amazing country, through a diverse range of ecosystems and elevations to spot some of the hundreds of bird species that call Costa Rica home. Of course besides birds there are many other wildlife species to see! Meets at the Vet's Hall, 209 Surf St, Morro Bay.
Join Sharon Stiteler, Teodelina Martelli & Trevor Wimmer for a leisurely boating tour of the bay and estuary in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran. View a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, often at close range. The boat will move slowly enough for you to see details of many species that you normally see only through a scope from shore. Good photo opportunities, but no tripods. Dress warmly. Meets at Sub Sea Tours, 699 Embarcadero, #9, Morro Bay.
Learn techniques to identify resident and wintering gulls from leader Russ Namitz. Discussion of species, distribution, aging and plumages will be presented immediately followed by a fun afternoon of birding with a focus on our local gulls. You will have a chance to practice identifying and aging the gull species easily viewable on the shore. Binoculars are necessary and scopes are recommended but not required. Meets in the Multi-Purpose Room at the Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Join Rouvaishyana for owling. Leaving from the Morro Bay Community Center at 3:30 PM and returning around 9:00 PM, we begin searching for daytime owls 3:30-5:30 PM, then eat dinner together 5:30-6:30 PM, finishing up listening for nighttime owls 6:30-8:30 PM. Details: Daytime owling for Short-eared, burrowing and roosting owls. We will stop for no-host dinner to share stories as we wait for dark. After dark, we listen for nighttime owls. Dress warmly in quiet clothes - no nylon. We will be walking quietly through mud, standing silently in cold weather, while it is pitch black, listening for owls! Sounds like a good time to me! Possibilities: Great-horned, Western Screech, Saw-whet, Short-eared, Barn Owls, Poorwill and more. Travel with leader in bus with many in/out stops. Heavy rain will cancel field trip. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Multiple Sites
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Even as scientists make astounding discoveries about the navigational and physiological feats that enable migratory birds to cross immense oceans or fly above the highest mountains, go weeks without sleep or remain in unbroken flight for months at a stretch, humans have brought many migrants to the brink. Based on his bestselling book "A World on the Wing," author and researcher Scott Weidensaul takes you around the globe -- to the shores of the Yellow Sea in China, the remote mountains of northeastern India where tribal villages saved the greatest gathering of falcons on the planet, and in the field with researchers using the latest tracking tools to follow even the smallest travelers -- to learn how people are fighting to understand and save the world's great bird migrations. Prior to the Keynote address, you will be treated to the world premiere of Flight Feathers, a short video that documents the life of a Red-Tailed Hawk chick who was raised in a Bald Eagle nest in the spring of 2024. Producer Emmet Arries will be joined by others who participated in this amazing story will be on hand to answer questions from the audience. The Keynote address takes place at the Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center (CPAC) at Cuesta College, Romauldo Road, SLO (CA-1 & Hollister Road). Please park in P2 Parking Lot.
Join Roger and Ruth Zachary and Scott Inman for birding and wine at Halter Ranch. Drive through oak woodlands and vineyards along Vineyard Road to Halter Ranch. Look for Raptors, Wild Turkeys, and Yellow-billed Magpies on the way. Park in the barnyard parking lot. We will bird the barnyard area, along Los Tablas Creek, and observe birds near the agriculture pond next to the vineyard. Wine tasting is optional, and no outside food is allowed. You must make an online reservation if you are interested in wine tasting and food. Check the website (halterranch.com) for tasting fees, menu, location, and reservations. This trip meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay at 7:30am. As an option, attendees may meet the group at the intersection of Hwy 46 and Vineyard Drive just west of Templeton at 8am. The group will carpool from that location to Halter Ranch. Hwy 46 and Vineyard Drive map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CqwgFubCbSR3XvGb7
Destination: Halter Ranch
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Join Dave Berry, Mark Mushkat & Chris Henry for a half day big day on closing day. Starting at 7:30am, you will be visiting local birding hot spots to hopefully add new birds to your Festival life list. Birding hotspots will depend on weekend birding reports and also inputs from the group consensus, with a goal of a variety of habitats. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Destination: Multiple Sites
Getting there: Stop at the light..
Join a guided kayak tour of Morro Bay for an up-close look at birds in their natural habitat. Possible sightings include White Pelicans, Brant, Common Loons, and a variety of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Along the way, you'll paddle past the Heron Rookery, Grassy Island oyster farm, expansive mudflats, and winding Back Bay channels.The tour uses stable double kayaks, and no prior kayaking experience is required. Please dress in layers and follow these guidelines: wear synthetic or wool clothing (avoid cotton), bring a windbreaker jacket, a hat for sun and wind protection, and shoes that can get wet. Note: trips may be canceled due to weather conditions.Meets at the Morro Bay State Park Marina Kayak Shop. 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay.
Join Bettina Eastman for in-depth bird observation and ID skills enhancement with a walk through El Chorro Regional Park. She will share observations of bird behaviors and characteristics to enhance your ID skills. Field guides will be checked to verify. This trip is aimed at all levels of birders including those who want to teach others how to learn bird ID most effectively. Bring binoculars and a favorite field guide. El Chorro Park is located at State Hwy 1 @ Dairy Creek Rd. Meets in the SLO Botanical Gardens parking lot.
Join Evan Weissman and Phylene Wiggins for a long walk (4 miles round trip), to bird various habitats beginning at a riparian zone, moving through grasslands, past vernal pools, and to the cliffs above the rocky coast. Meets at the Harmony Headlands trailhead parking lot, Hwy 1, 5 miles north of Cayucos, across from the Linn's Pies billboard.
Join Jon Dunn & Reef Comer to explore the hot spots in Los Osos. Expect to find birds in a variety of habitats including coastal scrub, beach, tidal marsh, mudflats, open bay, and willow thickets. Explore 6-8 birding hotspots including Elfin Forest, Audubon Overlook, Back Bay, Sweet Springs, Doris Ave Marsh, and Pecho Willows. Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
Destination: Los Osos Multiple
Join Rouvaishyana for a walk through the riparian habitat in Montana de Oro State Park to identify and discuss how birds interact with the surrounding plants they are utilizing. 2-3 mile walk. Meets at the Coon Creek Parking Lot in Montana de Oro. From Los Osos, west on Los Osos Valley Road, the road becomes Pecho Valley Road. The Parking Lot is 5.9 miles from Los Osos.
Join Tom and Owen Slater for close views of waterfowl and occasional bitterns and rails from the boardwalk over Oso Flaco Lake and marsh. Bird two prime willow habitats for wintering warblers. Includes 2-3 miles of slow walking. Moderate. Great trip to join if you're heading home going south. Meets at Oso Flaco parking lot, 3004 Oso Flaco Lake Road, Arroyo Grande. State Parks requires a parking fee of $5.
Join Dorian Anderson, Bob Keally & Todd Easterla to bird San Simeon Creek Road. Search for raptors, songbirds and a chance to see one or more of the California Condors released in the area. Meets at Washburn Day Use parking lot, on Hwy 1, 1.8 miles north of last traffic light in Cambria. Right turn into the parking lot with public bathrooms available. Carpools will be arranged.
Designed for those driving SOUTH, home from the Festival. Travel by personal vehicle to Las Cruzitas, a private 1,500-acre cattle ranch including oak grassland and sage-covered canyons. You will be met by Cruz Phillips, Cher Hollingworth and Wes Fritz who will lead the trip. Expect to see yellow-billed magpies, vesper and lark sparrows, band-tailed pigeons, red-breasted sapsuckers, golden eagles, and possibly burrowing owls, prairie falcons, phainopeplas, red-naped Sapsuckers and Lewis' woodpeckers. At least 30 species are seen from the ranch house bird feeders alone, so folks who cannot walk far can sit in the yard and have a great time birding. Bring lunch. Meets at the intersection of Alisos Road and Happy Canyon Road in Santa Ynez.
Join local expert photographers Ben Kolstad & Rick Derevan to enjoy a leisurely photography focused boating tour of the bay and estuary in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran. View a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, often at close range. The boat will move slowly enough for you to see details of many species that you normally see only through a scope from shore. Good photo opportunities, but no tripods. Dress warmly. Meets at Sub Sea Tours, 699 Embarcadero, #9, Morro Bay.
Join leaders Dale & Jamie Ball for this bird walk around Atascadero Lake which will be approximately one mile long, at a slow to moderate pace, depending on where and how often we are seeing birds. The terrain is gentle, over flat surfaces. Expect to see numerous species in a variety of habitats, with likely sightings of: Red-shouldered Hawk, California Quail, California Scrub-Jay, Woodpeckers and a variety of Waterfowl. Meets at 9100 Morro Road (CA-41) in the parking lot next to the Central Coast Zoo.
Join Grace Hayes & Marin Romero for an unhurried walk around the edges and through the heart of the Morro Coast Audubon Sweet Springs Preserve. This trip will look for wintering songbirds as well as waterfowl and shorebirds in the nearby estuary. Previous trips have seen hawks, falcons, owls, osprey and kingfishers in this area. The effort will be easy to moderate and the walk should appeal to all birding levels. Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
Join a guided kayak tour of Morro Bay for an up-close look at birds in their natural habitat. Possible sightings include White Pelicans, Brant, Common Loons, and a variety of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Along the way, you'll paddle past the Heron Rookery, Grassy Island oyster farm, expansive mudflats, and winding Back Bay channels.The tour uses stable double kayaks, and no prior kayaking experience is required. Please dress in layers and follow these guidelines: wear synthetic or wool clothing (avoid cotton), bring a windbreaker jacket, a hat for sun and wind protection, and shoes that can get wet. Note: trips may be canceled due to weather conditions.Meets at the Morro Bay State Park Marina Kayak Shop. 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay.
Join Wildlife Biologist Russ Namitz to explore the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is a major wintering grounds for thousands of ducks, geese, and other migratory birds. During the winter the waterfowl numbers may peak to 80,000 in December and January. Large concentrations of waterfowl can be seen foraging in the moist soil and seasonal marsh areas. This trip is intended for people traveling to the Festival from the North and East. Meets at the Ranger Station at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. 10811 Corcoran Rd, Wasco, CA 93280
Whether you're just discovering the joys of birding, seeking to develop your birding skills, or wanting to share your love of birding with your family, these trips with Hannah and Erik are for you! They are happy to answer any and all questions about birds, birding, gear, and more. Expect a slow-paced walk as we look for birds, talk about IDs, and whatever else comes to mind! Meets at Morro Rock. Coleman Drive, Morro Bay. Meet across from bathrooms, next to Morro Rock.
Join Captain Scott Stellar on a pontoon boat ride adventure birding Santa Margarita Lake. We'll cruise pretty much the entire lake taking in all the migratory and permanent birds as well as shoreline wildlife that abound. Restrooms are available along the route. Meets at the Marina at Santa Margarita Lake, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita. After checking in at the entry kiosk, drive down to the boat dock and Marina store parking area. Note that there is a $12 entry fee per vehicle to enter the SML Campground.
Jim May Park is an urban park featuring a large fresh water lake. Join Linda Signal & Tony Gayfield for this easy, .65 mile walk around the lake taken at a slow to moderate pace, depending on bird activity and sightings along the way. The route follows gentle terrain over flat surfaces, making it accessible for most participants. Winter brings a number of gulls and geese to the area. A few different species of both have been found on the lake, along with a variety of other waterfowl. American White Pelicans may be present. The White-faced Ibis is an occasional visitor. Likely species would include the Great-tailed Grackle. Jim May Park has one of the largest Great-tailed Grackle colonies in the county. Bathrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience. This trip is intended for Southern California birders traveling southbound from the festival. Meet at Jim May Park, 809 Stanford Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93454.
Designed for those driving south from the festival, enjoy a stopover at the Carpinteria Salt Marsh. Known as El Estero, the marsh is a rare salt wetland in Southern California. Winter birding is known for an abundance of waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds, including species like the Northern Pintail, Blue- and Green-winged Teal, Yellow and Black Crowned night herons, Gadwall, and the Belding's Savannah Sparrow. You can also expect to see resident and migratory birds of prey like Ospreys and White-tailed Kites, and various waders such as the Great Blue Heron. Directions: Located near the beach Carpinteria Salt Marsh Park has plenty of parking and restrooms located at the southern end of Ash Lane in Carpinteria. Exit off Highway 101 at Linden Ave, take all the way to the beach and take a right at Sandy Lane and follow until it ends at Ash Lane and park anywhere along Ash Lane. We will meet at the south end of Ash Lane.