Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2018 by Weeklys

14TH ANNUAL

MONTEREY BAY BIRDING FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 28-29-30, 2018

FIELD TRIPS - WORKSHOPS - SPEAKERS - FAMILY DAYS 275 M AIN S TREET W ATSONVILLE , CA 95076

R EGISTER AT MONTEREYBAYBIRDING . ORG

Photo by

Tarmo Hannula

Welcome to the home of one of the most spectacular birding and wildlife venues in North America the fourteenth annual Monterey Bay Birding Festival! Premier Birding

From soaring Golden Eagles, effortlessly gliding California Condors, cheeky Bushtits, colorful Townsend’s Warblers, scampering Snowy Plovers, to thousands of Sooty Shearwaters streaming along the ocean’s surface - few places can match the diversity of species as the Monterey Bay region. September marks the peak of fall migration with wintering shorebirds arriving en-masse. Warblers and other passerines are doing the same and we even start seeing the first appearances of wintering shorebirds ducks and other waterfowl. Meanwhile, just a few miles offshore, jaegers, shearwaters, and alcid are present in good numbers. There is no better time to visit the Monterey Bay to see the greatest number of species or to find a rarity.

World-Class Field Trips

The Monterey Bay Birding Festival hosts some of the best bird-watching field trips in the world! Whether you are a beginning birder, a serious birder doing a Big Year, or just love the outdoors, our field trips will fulfill your desires. You will have the opportunity to see as many as 200+ species of birds during the festival. You will also get to explore extraordinary ecosystems such as:

• Elkhorn Slough National Marine Estuary •Watsonville Wetlands •Pinnacles National Park •Big Sur

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Join a pelagic birding trip to experience the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, one of the most productive regions for albatrosses, shearwaters, storm-petrels, whales and more. Or, take a scenic ride in Elkhorn Slough by kayak, pontoon, or electric boat to see birds, otters, seals and sea lions.

Fantastic Workshops

Make time for the exceptional workshops offered throughout the festival. Where else will you have access to some of the best professionals in their field providing workshops on, birding optics, field sketching, photography, bird language, and bird wood carving.

Exceptional Speakers

Don’t miss our evening presentations by renowned local experts! On Friday, September 28, 2018 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM, John Muir Laws will present Thinking Like a Naturalist: Reclaiming the Art of Natural History. The Saturday Keynote Presentation is by renowned author, Jonathan Franzen speaking about Seabirds: Their Beauty, Their Amazingness, Their Plight on Saturday, September 29, 2018, from 7:30 – 8:30 PM.

Join Us!

TABLE OF CONTENTS Pg.4

Guest Speakers

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Native Bird Connections

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A Taste of the Pajaro Valley

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Birders’ Marketplace

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Field Trip & Workshop Info

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Water Adventures

Pg.10 Field Trip & Workshop Leader Bios Pg.11

Debi Shearwater

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Family Days

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Birding Ethics & Directions Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2018

2018 Guest Speakers Presentation by

JOHN MUIR LAWS: Friday, September 28, 2018, 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Thinking like a Naturalist: Reclaiming the Art of Natural History Did you know that your powers of observation and curiosity are not static traits but skills that you can develop and enhance? How can you get more out of every nature ramble? Developments in neuropsychology have opened doors in our understanding of the brain and cognition and how you can train yourself to see more and to be more curious about what you discover. Naturalist and illustrator John Muir Laws will demonstrate simple and fun techniques you can incorporate into your own recreational nature study, classroom, or family outings. You will learn an adaptable three-step approach

Presentation by

that will dramatically increase your memory and observational skills, focus and heighten your curiosity, help you think more creatively, and give you a framework for exploring mysteries in nature. Naturalist, educator and artist John (Jack) Muir Laws is in love with the natural world and has lived his life sharing this passion with others. He is trained as a wildlife biologist and is a Research Associate of the California Academy of Sciences. In 2009, he received the Terwilliger Environmental Award for outstanding service in

Environmental Education. He is a 2010 TogetherGreen Conservation Leadership Fellow with the National Audubon Society. Laws wrote and illustrated The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling (2016), The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds (2012), Sierra Birds: a Hiker’s Guide (2004), The Laws Guide to the Sierra Nevada (2007), and The Laws Pocket Guide Set to the San Francisco Bay Area (2009). He is the founder and host of the Bay Area Nature Journal Club, monthly free nature sketching workshops, field trips and events, connecting people with nature through art.

JONATHAN FRANZEN: Saturday, September 29, 2018, 7:30 - 8:30 PM

Seabirds: Their Beauty, Their Amazingness, Their Plight The world of seabirds encompasses two-thirds of our planet but is mostly invisible to us. Until recently, invisibility was an advantage for seabirds, a cloak of protection. But now, as invasive species and commercial fishing threaten their existence, they need people to protect them. In his presentation, Jonathan Franzen will discuss the beauty and

value of Californian seabirds, the threats that seabirds face elsewhere in the world, and the people who are doing inspiring work to save them. Jonathan Franzen is a novelist, essayist, journalist, and birder. He has written extensively about birds and the environment for The New Yorker, National Geographic, and

other publications, and has served for nine years on the board of the American Bird Conservancy. His honors include the National Book Award, for his novel The Corrections, and the EuroNatur Prize, for his work in bird conservation. He lives in Santa Cruz, California.

Visit Santa Cruz County Wildlife Watching Guide There are approximately 400 migratory and permanent bird species found throughout Santa Cruz County, and thousands of monarch butterflies, whales, and elephant seals which call the area home on a seasonal basis. Now, avid wildlife viewers have an easy-to-use resource, thanks to Visit Santa Cruz County’s free Wildlife Watching Guide. The 52-page guide is designed for use by both visitors to the area and residents of communities adjacent to the many birding and wildlife destinations throughout the county. Information on monarch butterflies, whale watching and elephant seals is also featured. The guide includes information on a variety of habitats, from sandy beaches to lagoons, wetlands and river mouths, as well as descriptions and photographs of some of the area’s most commonly seen wildlife and the best times of the year for viewing. It also provides maps of birding and wildlife hotspots, points of interest, and pull-out map. Visit Santa Cruz County is distributing the free guide – part of a Wildlife Watching Kit - at its main visitor center at 303 Water Street in Santa Cruz and via mail by request at www.birding.travel. For more information about the Wildlife Watching Guide, call 831.425.1234 or 800.833.3494.

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• Pajaro Va lley • Watsonv ille Wetla nds • 14 Calif ornia State Parks • Montere Marine Say Bay National nctuary

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2018

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Hooded Merganzer - photo courtesy of Jeff Bleam

Special Free Event at the Monterey Bay Birding Festival on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 1:00 p.m., a presentation by Native Bird Connections with live raptors. Native Bird Connections

Monterey Bay Birding Festival Opening Reception:

A Taste of the Pajaro Valley

Please join us for the opening reception of the Fourteenth Annual Monterey Bay Birding Festival! A Taste of the Pajaro Valley taking place on Friday, September 28th, from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Community Room at the Watsonville Civic Center located at 275 Main Street (top floor), Watsonville. The reception features delicious appetizers and beverages from the best of Watsonville’s growers, producers, and restaurants to enjoy while socializing with fellow birding enthusiasts and community members. Delectable hors d’oeuvres will be served by long-time festival supporters California Grill, Carmona’s BBQ and Deli, Cilantro’s, Ella’s at the Airport, Jalisco’s, Nob Hill Foods, Second Street Café, Sushi Garden, The Fish House Bar and Grill, Uma Wan, and many more. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. We hope you will join us and share the delightful food and beverages that the Pajaro Valley has to offer.

BIRDERS’ MARKETPLACE

presents public educational programs with live non-releasable wild raptors. We emphasize Respect, Responsibility, and Reverence throughout while including: • The personal stories of how the birds became non-releasable • A view into the private life and experience of each bird • Conservation information • Adaptations, biology, physical attributes and more woven into the dialog Our programs are never canned and can spontaneously follow the interest of the audience. Questions are encouraged and presentations are appropriate for all ages. The overall goal is to immerse the audience in the life experience of each bird in order to inspire attitudes of respect and awe. This presentation is free and perfect for families and kids of all ages. We hope you will join us! This special presentation is being held at the Watsonville Civic Center, top floor, located at 275 Main Street, Watsonville.

Birders’ Marketplace hours are: Friday, Sept. 28, 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to visit the Birders’ Marketplace, located in the community room (top floor) at the Watsonville Civic Plaza at 275 Main Street. An array of artists, crafts-people, and optics vendor will be represented. Local nonprofits will share their missions and engage birders and future-birders with activities, crafts, and even specimens! The marketplace is the perfect spot to

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search for high quality bird-related items, from photography and jewelry to handmade blankets and totes. A variety of non-profits will be participating in Family Days on Saturday, with kid-friendly activities and information. Whether you’re hoping to learn more about birds, or whether you’re more interested in nature in general, this is the spot for you.

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2018

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2018 Events | Field Trip & Workshop Descriptions FRIDAY EVENTS

Field Trips: 101. BIG SUR RIVERMOUTH and CALIFORNIA CONDORS Date/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. TRIP FEE: $10 to Cover Park Entrance Trip Leader: Eric Feuss

This trip takes you birding in one of the world’s most spectacular locations – Big Sur! Field trip leaders will take you to Andrew Molera State Park, a premier vagrant traps on the West Coast. Afterward, we’ll spend time looking for condors in likely spots along Highway 1. Participants should bring plenty of water to drink, lunch, and sunscreen for this all-day trip. Transportation: Carpooling is recommended, as is a full tank of gas. Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6 a.m. Andrew Molera State Park is approximately 50 miles from Watsonville. Those not traveling in the caravan may meet at 7:15 a.m. at the Ventana Discovery Center/Andrew Molera State Park. CALL the festival to alert the leader if you plan to meet at the park entrance: 888-909-7829 Activity: Moderate

102. CALIFORNIA SPECIALTIES Date/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 6:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Trip Leader: Kumaran Arul

This trip focuses on seeing birds unique to California and the Western United States, such as Yellow-billed Magpie, California Thrasher, Wrentit, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Snowy Plover, California Towhee, Lawrence’s Goldfinch, Clark’s Grebe, White-tailed Kite, and many more. Ranging from Pacific beaches to the Salinas Valley and beyond, this fast-paced trip will help maximize your list of western birds. Perfect for the out-of-state birder, but fun for anyone. Participants should bring lunch, plenty of water to drink, and sunscreen for this all-day trip. NOTE: Some locations featured in other trips may be visited on this outing. Transportation: Car caravan from Watsonville Civic Plaza leaves at 6:30 a.m. Carpooling recommended. Please have a full tank of gas. Activity: Moderate

103. VAGRANTS AND MORE ON THE CARMEL RIVER SOUTH BANK TRAIL Date/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 6:30 a.m.-noon Trip Leader: Bill Hill

September and fall migration is the time to head to riparian corridors to search for vagrants and rarities not found in the area at any other time of the year. This Carmel Valley hotspot opened to the public in 2011 and has already collected rarities such as: Bluewinged and Blackpoll plus 8 other Warbler species, Eastern Kingbird, and Red-eyed Vireo. The trail, is a 3-mile round trip that is flat and mostly paved and meanders through multiple habitat types along the Carmel River. Transportation: Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Activity: Moderate

104. LLAGAS CREEK Dates/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 6:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Trip Leader: Mark Paxton

birds. From Lee Road Overlook we may go to Harkins Slough, or various locations overlooking Struve Slough, depending on water levels and recent sightings. The entire Explore the upper reaches of the Pajaro Watsonville Slough system is excellent for River watershed on this rare opportunity to birding, and its preservation and access trails bird in a restricted access area. We’ll explore are the result of grassroots conservation Llagas Creek, a tributary of the Pajaro River. efforts and a responsive City Council. A restored native plant corridor borders this Transportation: Car caravan leaves creek, which is managed by the Santa Clara Watsonville Civic Plaza at 7 a.m. County Water District. Paralleling the City Activity: Moderate of Gilroy’s wastewater treatment plant, it consistently offers surprises in any season. 108. HATTON CANYON HOT SPOT Depending on water conditions, San Felipe Dates/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Reservoir will be included. Participants Carmel Lagoon optional afternoon activity should pack a lunch, hat, sunscreen, and Trip Leader: Rick Berg This may be a half day trip or extended into plenty of water for this trip. Transportation: Car caravan leaves a full day to include Carmel River Lagoon Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Please after lunch. Hatton Canyon and the Carmel Mission trail involve a leisurely birding walk carpool as parking is limited. on flat trails through riparian and tall pines Activity: Moderate woodlands. This is a heavily forested area 105. BIRDING PAJARO DUNES & with a large number of bird species. Expected are migrating songbirds and hummingbirds, RIVERMOUTH Dates/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 7-11:30 a.m. several varieties of woodpeckers, woodland raptors, nonmigratory birds, and other Leaders: Lisa Larson Shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl are all feathered friends. Regularly seen in Hatton likely as we visit the varied habitats of Pajaro Canyon are: Anna’s Hummingbirds; RedDunes. Pajaro means “bird”, and is the shouldered and Cooper’s Hawks; Bandperfect name for one of the best places to tailed Pigeons; Nuttall’s, Acorn, and Downy look for rarities and migrants. Snowy Plovers Woodpeckers; California and Spotted nest on the dunes themselves, and the Pajaro Towhees; California Scrub and Steller’s Jays; River Mouth has long been a premier location Blue-gray Gnatcatchers; and the sparrows for shorebirds, gulls and terns. Stands of and songbirds, migratory and nonmigratory, Monterey Cypress and willow patches provide who inhabit our forest. Note: Wear a hat and habitat for a variety of passerines. This trip sunscreen, and bring water. Lunch is on your highlights some of the richest birding areas own in Carmel or bring a lunch if continuing on to Carmel River Lagoon. of the entire Pajaro Valley. Transportation: Car caravan leaves Transportation: Car caravan meets at Civic Plaza at 7:30 a.m. Please divide into those Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. folks only doing the morning trip and those Activity: Moderate planning to stay on for the afternoon trip. 106. UCSC ARBORETUM OBSERVATIONS Activity: Easy

AND INTERPRETATIONS Date/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 7-11 a.m. Trip fee: $5 Trip leader: Todd Newberry

The UCSC Arboretum, overlooking the north end of Monterey Bay, has an internationally famous array of “Mediterranean,” Australian and South African trees and shrubs. This trip will explore an extraordinary 60-acre habitat. While September is a quiet time for songbirds, some 50 species of them are likely to be in the gardens. We will focus on building a long bird list and honing some of the observational and interpretive skills that lead naturalists into keen perceptions of other creatures’ lives. Transportation: Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 7 a.m. to meet the leader at 8 a.m. at the Arboretum entrance. Activity: Easy

107. WATSONVILLE SLOUGHS Date/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 7-11 a.m. Trip Leaders: Earl Lebow

This trip will start at the south part of Lee Road, overlooking the west end of Struve Slough. If there is morning sun, the light is nearly perfect to look over the slough. The area is good for viewing both land and water

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2018

111. WINE AND FLOWERS FOR THE BIRDS Date/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 11 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Trip Fee: $23 to cover wine tasting and light lunch Guide: Debbie Diersch

Drive a short distance to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains for a private sampling of five fine wines at one of the area’s newest wineries. Named for a Peregrine, Anatum Winery will host a wine tasting and offer a light lunch to include local artisanal cheeses. Relax on the patio overlooking the vineyard and meet a falconer and his trained falcon. Continue on to Sierra Azul Nursery and Sculpture Gardens where you’ll enjoy landscaped gardens suitable for attracting birds to your own garden and drought resistant plants for California’s Mediterranean climate. Enjoy a guided tour of the nursery highlighting bird friendly plants. Anatum Winery will offer tour participants a 20% discount off purchased bottles. Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 11 a.m. Activity: Easy

110. BEGINNING BIRDING - Morning Date/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 8-11:30 a.m. Trip Leader: Rusty Scaff

Unsure about how to find birds in your binoculars? Don’t know a Great Blue Heron from a Mourning Dove? Or, are you just looking for some tips about how to improve your identification skills? Come join us for an introductory bird walk emphasizing the ABCs of identifying and observing birds in the wild. Transportation: Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 8 a.m. Activity: Moderate

114. BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE: CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF BIRDS THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY Date/Time: Friday, 7–11 a.m. Workshop Leader: Lisa Sheridan

This photography workshop will focus on capturing the essence of the bird and its location by using water, the horizon, trees, sticks, and stones to frame shots. Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy colors and water reflections at Lee Road, Pinto Lake and other Santa Cruz County birding areas. Photographers in this workshop will be encouraged to practice the art of sharing, seeing in new ways, and supporting one another. While it’s easy to feel outdone by people with bigger and better cameras and lenses, great bird shots are possible with just a few changes in how one sees the bird and landscape. Whether you use a point and shoot or a mega-lens, this workshop is designed to push your creativity to new levels and 112. BEGINNING BIRDING - Afternoon Date/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. find some great birds in the county too. All levels of experience are welcome, and bring Trip Leader: Rusty Scaff Unsure about how to find birds in your whatever camera you have. Final Locations binoculars? Don’t know a Great Blue Heron will depend on locating recent and special from a Mourning Dove? Or, are you just bird sightings and weather conditions. Be looking for some tips about how to improve prepared to go anywhere! your identification skills? Come join us for an Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at introductory bird walk emphasizing the ABCs 7 a.m. of identifying and observing birds in the wild. Transportation: Car caravan leaves 115. SCIENTIFIC ILLUSTRATION OF BIRDS Date/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 1:15-3:15 p.m. Watsonville Civic Plaza at 1 p.m. Workshop leader: Sophie Webb Activity: Moderate

Venue: Watsonville Main Library Classroom

113. OWLS OF ROBINSON CANYON Date/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 8:30 p.m. – Midnight (or whenever the evening program concludes) to after midnight). Trip Leader: Steve Rovell

109. PINTO LAKE – AN AREA FAVORITE These trips always sell out! Robinson Canyon Dates/Times: Friday, 9/28/18, 7:30-11:30 a.m. is one of California’s most productive owling Trip Leader: Bob Ramer sites. Western Screech, Great Horned, Barn, Pinto Lake area is home to the Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawk, White-tailed Kite, California Thrasher, woodpeckers, waders, ducks, and songbirds. We’ll wander the trails of Pinto Lake County Park searching for these and other birds. This trip is recommended for both beginners and experienced birders as something unusual nearly always shows up. Transportation: Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 7:30 a.m. Activity: Moderate

Workshops and Evening Presentation

and Northern Saw-whet owls are all likely. Northern Pygmy and the endangered Spotted Owl are possibilities. These field trips, limited to 8, are a must if you’re looking for owls. Bring a flashlight and dress warmly. Please be aware that most owls will only be heard, and not seen. NOTE: Birding location is approximately 40 miles and a 50 minute drive from the Civic Center Plaza. Transportation: Car caravan meets at Watsonville Civic Plaza at 8:30 p.m. or after conclusion of evening program. Meet the leader in the lobby outside of the evening presentation. Activity: Limited Maximum number of participants: 8

Drawing helps us to become better observers. This class will aid both those who want to learn how to take better field notes and those that want to hone their drawing skills. The class will start with a short presentation on bird anatomy and structure followed by a series of exercises using mounts and or projected photos that will help with both drawing and observation skills. The latter half of the class will be devoted to longer more detailed drawings. Materials: pencils and paper, bring color if you want (paint or pencils).

116. SEA OTTERS AT ELKHORN SLOUGH Date/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Workshop leader: Ron Eby Venue: Council Chambers

Ron will share his research on sea otters and thoughts on how to succeed as a citizen scientist. His observations of sea otters led to a three-year project to tag and implant radio transmitters in 26 otters in Elkhorn Slough in order to document the behavior of individual animals. Ron will discuss the results of this study that began to describe for the first time how southern sea otters utilize an estuarine environment. Ron also designed and installed remote solar powered cameras to monitor otters and share via the Internet. Workshop participants will look in on the Elkhorn Slough sea otters through this live “Otter Cam”.

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117. BIRD LANGUAGE: A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME…BUT WHAT WAS IT SAYING? Date/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 3:30 - 5:15 p.m. Workshop leader: Jeff Caplan Venue: Watsonville Main Library Classroom

The birds are talking all around us... Can we learn what are they saying? Songbirds are the inter-connected eyes and ears of the forests, the cities and our backyards. They watch and warn other vulnerable animals about the house cat, coopers hawk and curious humans. Birds build their families, and keep themselves alive through their songs, calls and body language. Research is showing that bird language may contain the roots of the evolution of human language. By learning to interpret bird songs, sounds and movements we can begin to develop a deeper connection with birds and what they see and know. This workshop is based on the book What the Robin Knows by Jon Young. You will learn: •The 5 different voices of the birds •To begin to interpret their communication from sound, movement and alarm •Skills you can apply in your backyard, on a hike or sitting quietly observing

opened doors in our understanding of the brain and cognition and how you can train yourself to see more and to be more curious about what you discover. Naturalist and illustrator John Muir Laws will demonstrate simple and fun techniques you can incorporate into your own recreational nature study, classroom, or family outings. You will learn an adaptable three-step approach that will dramatically increase your memory and observational skills, focus and heighten your curiosity, help you think more creatively, and give you a framework for exploring mysteries in nature.

hotspot opened to the public in 2011 and is already collecting rarities such as: Bluewinged and Blackpoll plus 8 other warbler species, Eastern Kingbird, and Red-eyed Vireo. The trail, a 3-mile round trip that is flat and mostly paved, meanders through multiple habitat types along the Carmel River. Transportation: Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Activity: Moderate

SATURDAY EVENTS

This half-day trip will find us scouring locations such as the mudflats of Moss Landing, visiting the famous Moon Glow Dairy, or checking the freshwater pond of Zmudowski State Beach for the many migrating and wintering shorebirds, gulls, and waterfowl of the region. Peregrine Falcons and Merlin are often attracted to the large flocks of shorebirds, and California sea otters are usually in the area. Come see why Elkhorn Slough has long been a target destination for birders from around the world. Exact itinerary will be determined based on local conditions. Transportation: Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Activity: Moderate

Field Trips 121. BIG SUR RIVERMOUTH and CALIFORNIA CONDORS Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. TRIP FEE: $10 Trip Leader: Phil Brown

This trip takes you birding in one of the world’s most spectacular locations – Big Sur! Field trip leaders will take you to Andrew Open to all skills levels —especially Molera State Park, a premier vagrant traps on the West Coast. Afterward, we’ll spend beginners. Great for kids and families! time looking for condors in likely spots along 118. FROM FALCONS TO CONDORS: TWO Highway 1. Participants should bring plenty SPECIES PULLED FROM THE BRINK OF of water to drink, lunch, and sunscreen for this trip. TOXIN-MEDIATED EXTINCTIONS Date/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Transportation: Carpooling is recommended, as is a full tank of gas. Car caravan leaves Presenter: Zeka Glucs Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6 a.m. Andrew Venue: Council Chambers Avian predators and scavengers are Molera State Park is approximately 50 miles vulnerable to toxic effects from many from Watsonville. Those not traveling in the anthropogenic contaminants that enter caravan may meet at 7:15 a.m. at the Ventana the food chain. Eggshell thinning driven Discovery Center/Andrew Molera State Park. by exposure to the pesticide DDT caused CALL the festival to alert the leader if you plan drastic avian population declines in the mid to meet at the park entrance: 888-909-7829 20th century, perhaps most famously in Activity: Moderate the Peregrine Falcon populations of North America. We will examine the success of the 122. CALIFORNIA SPECIALTIES Peregrine Falcon recovery effort from the Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 6:30-4 p.m. 1970s-1990s, and discuss differences and Trip Leader: TBA similarities with the current conservation This trip focuses on seeing birds unique to challenge of California Condor recovery in a California and the Western United States, such lead-contaminated landscape. What can we as Yellow-billed Magpie, California Thrasher, learn and how can we maximize our success Wrentit, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Snowy Plover, in the face of future wildlife toxicology crises? California Towhee, Lawrence’s Goldfinch, Clark’s Grebe, White-tailed Kite, and many 119. OPENING RECEPTION, A TASTE OF more. Ranging from Pacific beaches to the foothills to the Salinas Valley, this fast-paced THE PAJARO VALLEY Date/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 5:30 – 7:15 p.m. trip will help maximize your list of western birds. Perfect for the out-of-state birder, Venue: Festival Headquarters The Festival welcomes all attendees! Socialize but fun for anyone. Participants should with fellow birders and enjoy beverages bring plenty of water to drink, lunches, and and appetizers from our valley’s growers, sunscreen for this all-day trip. NOTE: Some producers, and restaurants. Visit vendors and locations featured in other trips may be visited on this outing. non-profit organization displays. Transportation: Car caravan leaves 120. FRIDAY KEYNOTE PRESENTATION, Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Carpooling THINKING LIKE A NATURALIST: RECLAIMING recommended. Please have a full tank of gas. THE ART OF NATURAL HISTORY by JOHN Activity: Moderate

MUIR LAWS Date/Time: Friday, 9/28/18, 7:30-8:30 p.m. 123. VAGRANTS AND MORE ON THE CARMEL RIVER SOUTH BANK TRAIL Cost: Festival pass or $10 lecture ticket Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 6:30-Noon Venue: Council Chambers Did you know that your powers of observation Trip Leader: Rita Carratello and curiosity are not static traits but skills that you can develop and enhance? How can you get more out of every nature ramble? Developments in neuropsychology have

September and fall migration is the time to head to riparian corridors to search for vagrants and rarities not found in the area at any other time of the year. This Carmel Valley

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124. ELKHORN SLOUGH & MOSS LANDING COASTAL BIRDING Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 6:30-noon Trip leader: RJ Adams

125. POINT PIÑOS AND THE MONTEREY PENINSULA Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 6:30-noon Trip leader: TBA

Another spectacular destination, including outstanding vagrant traps, rocky shorelines and coastal seabirding. Point Piños is one of the best locations on the west coast for scoping sea birds from land, and there are often Black Oystercatchers, Black & Ruddy Turnstones and Surfbirds feeding along the rocky shore. Migrant land birds, gulls, and California sea otters are certain to be seen as well. Pacific Grove and the Monterey Peninsula present various options for additional stops and feature pine forest birding in addition to the rocky shoreline. For those wishing to spend the afternoon at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this is very convenient trip. Transportation: Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Activity: Moderate

126. RANCHO DEL OSO AND THE NORTH COAST Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 6:30-noon Trip leader: David Sidle

Located at the border of Santa Cruz & San Mateo County, Rancho Del Oso provides a wealth of birding habitat; sandy beaches, the open ocean, the riparian corridor of Waddell Creek, and serves as the coastal gateway to the redwoods of Big Basin State Park. Possible birds include Marbled Murrelet, Snowy Plover, Townsend’s Warbler, Wrentit, Pygmy Nuthatch and a wide selection of migrants and wintering passerines. If time permits, we may stop at various coastal destinations during the return trip back to Watsonville. Transportation: Located about 30 miles north of Watsonville. Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Activity: Moderate

127. NATURAL BRIDGES AND WEST CLIFF DRIVE Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 6:30-noon Trip leader: Alex Rinkert

Another fine destination for migrating songbirds and coastal access. Famous for spectacular gatherings of monarch butterflies, Natural Bridges is also a great birding destination. After our exploration of the park interior and observing birds like California Thrasher, Pygmy Nuthatch and looking for migrants, we’ll scan the adjacent rocky shores and open ocean for birds like Black Oystercatchers and perhaps a Surfbird or two, and look for loons, murrelets, Clark & Western Grebes, and perhaps a few Sooty Shearwaters and marauding Parasitic Jaegers. Time permitting, we might visit other local hotspots like Antonelli’s Pond or Bethany Curve Park. Transportation: Located about 15 miles north of Watsonville. Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Activity: Moderate

128. BIRDING PAJARO DUNES & RIVERMOUTH Dates/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 7-11:30 a.m. Leaders: TBA

Shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl are all likely as we visit the varied habitats of Pajaro Dunes. Pajaro means “bird”, and is the perfect name for one of the best places to look for rarities and migrants. Snowy Plovers nest on the dunes themselves, and the Pajaro River Mouth has long been a premier location for shorebirds, gulls and terns. Stands of Monterey Cypress and willow patches provide habitat for a variety of passerines. This trip highlights some of the richest birding areas of the entire Pajaro Valley. Transportation: Car caravan leaves at Watsonville Civic Plaza at 7:00 a.m. Activity: Moderate

locale. Transportation: Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 7 a.m. Activity: Moderate. Walk 2 miles on a sandy path.

131. ELKHORN RANCH BIRDING (SPECIAL ACCESS TRIP) Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 7:00-11:00 a.m. Trip Leader: Hugo Ceja

This is a rare opportunity to bird on the historic Elkhorn Ranch private property in Moss Landing. Elkhorn Native Plant Nursery, located on the property and open to the public on Fridays, originally produced California native grass seed for the ranchland’s restoration. The nursery now produces seed for restoration projects throughout the area. You’ll be able to go beyond the nursery on this trip to walk the low hills. Birding is superb here, since there is a freshwater pond, as well as grassy hillsides, oaks, willows, conifers, and a stunning overview of Elkhorn Slough. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Take precautions for ticks. Transportation: Car caravan departing Watsonville Civic Plaza at 7:00 a.m. Carpooling is essential since parking is limited. Activity: Moderate.

132. MAGPIES AND RAPTORS OF SAN BENITO COUNTY BACKROADS Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 7:30 a.m.noon Leader: Mark Paxton and Steven Johnston

Wander the back roads of San Benito County in a drive-stop-drive trip that’s especially good for less mobile birders. There should be an excellent array of raptors and residents such as Rock Wren, Oak Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, the three local woodpeckers, and Yellow-billed Magpies. But as is often the case, the rock stars of birding trips are often birds of prey. Golden Eagle, Northern Harrier, Redtailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, possibly several species of falcons, and even wannabe raptors like Loggerhead Shrike can be 129. WATSONVILLE SLOUGHS expected. Transportation: Car caravan leaves Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 7-11 a.m. Watsonville Civic Plaza. Carpooling is essential Trip Leaders: David and Jane Styer This trip will start at the south part of Lee to cut down on the number of vehicles on Road, overlooking the west end of Struve road shoulders. Bring sunscreen, water, a Slough. If there is morning sun, the light hat, and a full tank of gas. is nearly perfect to look over the slough. Activity: Easy The area is good for viewing both land and water birds. From Lee Road Overlook we may 133. BIRDING FOR TEENS go to Harkins Slough, or various locations Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 8-11 a.m. overlooking Struve Slough, depending Note: Open to ages 12-18 on water levels and recent sightings. The Trip Leader: Amanda Preece entire Watsonville Slough system is excellent Are you a young birder, or would you like to for birding, and its preservation and be? Here’s the perfect chance to bird with access trails are the result of grassroots other teens and be guided by leaders who are conservation efforts and a responsive City experienced helping young birders. Whether Council. Transportation: Car caravan leaves you’re just beginning or have some birding experience, this trip is for you. A variety Watsonville Civic Plaza at 7 a.m. of bird species will be likely in the various Activity: Moderate locales chosen by the leaders. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. If you are a licensed 130. SALINAS RIVER MOUTH driver, you may drive yourself, otherwise a Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 7-noon parent must drive. Trip Leader: Tim Amaral The mouth of the Salinas River offers an Activity: Moderate excellent opportunity to find a vagrant NOTE: there is no fee to enroll in this field trip. shorebird, observe several species of terns, Registration is necessary. study Snowy Plovers, catch a Northern Harrier or a Peregrine Falcon on the wing, or just enjoy a walk to the Pacific Ocean. Fall is the premier time of the year to visit this

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2018

134. BEGINNING BIRDING Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 8-noon Trip Leader: Rusty Scaff

135. HARKINS SLOUGH Date/Time: Saturday, 9/28/18, 8:30-11:45 a.m. Trip Leader: Earl Lebow

Special access to the inland side of Harkins Slough will take participants to an area that is rarely birded but has produced a nice variety of vagrants and wintering species in past years. Proximity to the Santa Cruz County landfill assures us of a good variety of gulls for the laru-philes in attendance. We’ll follow-up by visiting traditional viewing points of the slough, where state specialties like California Thrasher and White-tailed Kites are expected. Bald Eagle and Osprey nest here, and if water levels are favorable to shorebirds, Peregrine Falcon is regularly sighted. Transportation: Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 8:30 a.m. Activity: Moderate

136. BEGINNING BIRDING Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 1-4 p.m. Trip Leader: Rusty Scaff

137. OWLS OF ROBINSON CANYON Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 8:30 p.m. (or whenever the evening program concludes) to after midnight Trip Leader: Steve Rovell

These trips always sell out! Robinson Canyon is one of California’s most productive owling sites. Western Screech, Great Horned, Barn, and Northern Saw-whet owls are all likely. Northern Pygmy and the endangered Spotted Owl are possibilities. These field trips, limited to 8, are a must if you’re looking for owls. Bring a flashlight and dress warmly. Please be aware that most owls will only be heard, and not seen. NOTE: Starting Location is approximately 40 miles and a 50+ minute drive from the Civic Center Plaza. Transportation: Car caravan meets at Watsonville Civic Plaza at 8:30 p.m. or after conclusion of evening program. Meet the leader in the lobby outside of the evening presentation. Activity: Limited

Workshops and Evening Presentation

much more you see and learn from your own observations with a sketchbook in your hand. John Muir Laws will guide participants in best practices in nature journaling, jump starting 138. SKETCHING BIRDS (indoor workshop) your own journal work. Bring binoculars, a Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 8:45 a.m.- spotting scope if you have one, your own Noon sketchbook, pencils, and a small set of Workshop leader: John Muir Laws colored pencils. No experience necessary Venue:WatsonvilleWetlandsWatchClassroom but this field trip will allow you to practice the This workshop will introduce fast drawing techniques you developed in the Sketching techniques that will allow you to draw what Birds workshop (W137). However, attending you see from live birds. John Muir Laws will Sketching Birds is not a requirement. introduce you to fundamental anatomy that Bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on the is essential for accurate sketching and art ground! Transportation: Car caravan leaves tricks that help you get the form you see Watsonville Civic Plaza at 1 p.m. down on paper. In this class we will emphasize ducks, shorebirds, and herons and egrets in 142. ART OF COMPOSITION FOR BIRD preparation for the wetlands field sketching PHOTOGRAPHY field trip. Bring your own sketchbook, pencils, Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. and a small set of colored pencils. No Presenter: Seraphina Landgrebe experience necessary. Transportation: Car Venue: Watsonville Main Library Classroom caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 8:45 Bring sample photographs to class to help a.m. for Watsonville Wetlands Watch classroom you create images that have the “WOW” on the Pajaro Valley High School Campus. factor, even if you think they are not good. We will look and analyze photographs of birds 139. TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BIRDING and show you how the rules of composition PHOTOGRAPHY apply to the image. Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 1:00-2:00 pm Bring your computer and also prints. I will Presenter: Seraphina Landgrebe provide cropping guides for prints. Venue: Watsonville Main Library Classroom Instructional material will be provided to aid Bring all your cameras, lens and tripods for a you in learning the art of composition. hands on class on how to photograph birds. •Learn how to take high impact images using Receive individual instruction working with the art of composition. your equipment. •Learn how your eye travels through an Instructional material will be provided to aid image you in learning how to photograph birds. *Become aware of the balance and •Learn easy photography techniques on how movement in images to set up your camera, lenses and tripod. •Learn to use photojournalist techniques of •This workshop is focused on learning field cropping to create the desired composition. techniques with your camera and tripod in a •Adjust your point of view with creative classroom. cropping •You will practice using your camera and •Understand perspective and how to use it to tripod. your advantage. •gain a good understanding of your camera; how to set shutter speed, aperture, iso, white 143. WHAT FLIGHT PERFORMANCE CAN balance and focus TEACH US ABOUT ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, •learn how to photograph in the field to get AND BEHAVIOR the best bird images Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 2:30 – 3:30 • Tips for photographing flying birds, birds in p.m. the water Presenter: Paolo Segre • Learn about LIGHTING. Venue: Council Chambers The ability to fly has allowed birds to diversify, 140. OPTICS DEMYSTIFIED radiate, and become one of the most Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 1:00 – 2:00 successful taxa of vertebrates on earth. In p.m. many ways, birds are defined by their ability to Presenter: Marilyn Rose fly – hummingbirds hover to drink nectar from Venue: Council Chambers flowers, frigate birds spend months in the air, Thinking about buying your first pair of and many rail species have lost their flight “real” binoculars or upgrading the ones you after arriving on predator-free islands. In this have? Considering taking the leap to buy a talk we will take a look at how technological spotting scope? Learn all about binoculars innovations have made the detailed study and scopes, and how particular products of avian flight possible. We will examine perform in different birding situations. how the study of wing movements may What’s more, try out a range of products have broken a 150 year-old impasse in the to find out what feels right in your hands debate over the evolution of avian flight, and and to see the differences for yourself! we will look at how form influences function in the maneuvering performance of tropical 141. WETLAND FIELD SKETCHING BIRDS hummingbird species, helping them find food, (outdoor workshop) defend territories and escape predators. Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Held at the Watsonville Civic Center Council Leader: John Muir Laws Chambers

Venue: Meet at Festival Headquarters to carpool P144. SATURDAY KEYNOTE PRESENTATION, Explore wetlands using field sketching SEABIRDS: THEIR BEAUTY, THEIR techniques to improve your memory and AMAZINGNESS, THEIR PLIGHT observation skills. You will discover how

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2018

Date/Time: Saturday, 9/29/18, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Cost: Festival Pass or $10 lecture ticket Presenter: Jonathan Franzen Venue: Council Chambers

purchase in the park so please make sure to bring your lunch with you in the morning. Transportation: Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. – have a The world of seabirds encompasses two- full tank of gas. thirds of our planet but is mostly invisible to Activity – High – temperatures vary, can be us. Until recently, invisibility was an advantage very hot. for seabirds, a cloak of protection. But now, as invasive species and commercial fishing 147. RARITY ROUND-UP New! threaten their existence, they need people to Date/Time: Sunday, 9/30/18, 6:30-4 p.m. protect them. In his presentation, Jonathan Trip Leader: Kumaran Arul Franzen will discuss the beauty and value of This fast-paced trip will be an effort to view Californian seabirds, the threats that seabirds some of the highlights from the Friday and face elsewhere in the world, and the people Saturday field trips; specifically, to chase down the rarities and unexpected birds found who are doing inspiring work to save them. during the previous few days. The itinerary will be based on the leader’s expertise and SUNDAY EVENTS findings of the previous two days, focusing or the rarest or most-likely-to-be-re-found Field Trips: species, and those within a reasonable driving route. Some will be re-found, some 145. BIG SUR RIVERMOUTH and missed, but that’s the nature, thrill (and even CALIFORNIA CONDORS disappointment) of rarity chasing. And, we Date/Time: Sunday, 9/30/18, 6-6 p.m. might even find a few new birds that have just Trip Fee: $10 arrived. Trip Leader: Eric Feuss Transportation: Car caravan leaves This trip takes you birding in one of the Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Carpooling world’s most pristine locations – Big Sur! recommended. Please have a full tank of gas. Field trip leaders will take you to Andrew Activity: Moderate Molera State Park, a premier vagrant traps on the West Coast. Afterward, we’ll spend 148. NEW BRIGHTON BEACH time looking for condors in likely spots along and PINE FOREST Highway 1. Participants should bring plenty of Date/Time: Sunday, 9/30/18, 6:30-noon water to drink, lunch, and sunscreen for this Trip Leader: Jeff Manker all-day trip. New Brighton State Beach includes patches Transportation: Carpooling is recommended, of willows, oaks, and a fine Monterey Pine as is a full tank of gas. Car caravan leaves forest, all of which are attractive to both Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6 a.m. Andrew migrating and wintering birds. Townsend’s Molera State Park is approximately 50 miles Warblers, Pygmy Nuthatches, Downy and from Watsonville. Those not traveling in the Hairy Woodpeckers, and Brown Creepers caravan may meet at 7:15 a.m. at the Ventana are all likely to be seen. The adjacent waters Discovery Center/Andrew Molera State Park. of Monterey Bay are a good place to view CALL the festival to alert the leader if you plan Caspian, Elegant, and Forster’s Terns, and to meet at the park entrance: 888-909-7829 sometimes even a Parasitic Jaeger! Activity: Moderate Transportation: Car caravan leaves

146. EAST PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK Date/Time: Sunday, 9/30/18, 6:30-3:30 p.m. Trip Fee: $15 Trip Leader: RJ Adams

Join us for a fun carpooling trip to Pinnacles, one of America’s newest National Parks. We will go south on Highway 25, entering the park on its east side and from there we will hike the 2.5 mile Reservoir Loop. This hike is listed as “moderately” difficult and does include a fairly steady climb of several hundred feet as well as spots where participants will have to duck under low rock overhangs. In exchange for this, we get to pass through a variety of habitats, including oak woodlands, chaparral, and riparian woodland. Afterwards we will eat our lunch picnic style at the Visitors Center near the campground, which presents one of our best chances for picking up California Condor. Possible birds include a wide variety of raptors including Golden Eagles, Prairie Falcons, and California Condors. Additional possibilities include Yellow-billed Magpies, Acorn and Nuttall’s Woodpeckers, California Thrasher, Wrentit, White-throated Swifts, and Bell’s Sparrow. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and hiking clothes, bring plenty of water, and be aware that there is very little in the way of food available for

Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Activity: Moderate

149. BIRDING QUAIL HOLLOW RANCH Date/Time: Sunday, 9/30/18, 6:30-10:30 a.m. Trip Leader: David Sidle

Description: Quail Hollow Ranch hosts a great diversity of habitats, including the endemic Santa Cruz sandhills, offering a good opportunity to see many of the western birds and California specialties. We will likely encounter Nuttall’s Woodpecker, California Thrasher, Wrentit, and more. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn about Quail Hollow nest box projects for Western Bluebirds, Ash-throated Flycatchers, and other cavity nesters. Transportation: Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Carpooling and full gas tanks recommended; winding road. Activity: Moderate

150. ELKHORN RANCH BIRDING (SPECIAL ACCESS TRIP) Date/Time: Sunday, 9/30/18, 7:00-11 a.m. Trip Leader: Hugo Ceja

Description: This is a rare opportunity to bird on the historic Elkhorn Ranch private property in Moss Landing. Elkhorn Native Plant Nursery, located on the property and open

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to the public on Fridays, originally produced California native grass seed for the ranchland’s restoration. The nursery now produces seed for restoration projects throughout the area. You’ll be able to go beyond the nursery on this trip to walk the hills. Birding is superb here, since there is a freshwater pond, as well as grassy hillsides, oaks, willows, conifers, and a stunning overview of Elkhorn Slough. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Spray beforehand for ticks. Transportation: Car caravan departing Watsonville Civic Plaza. Carpooling is essential since parking is limited. Activity: Moderate.

151. HATTON CANYON + CARMEL RIVER LAGOON AFTERNOON OPTION Dates/Time: Sunday, 9/30/18, 7:30-11:30 a.m. Trip Leader: Rick Berg

Description: This may be a half day trip or extended into a full day to include Carmel River Lagoon after lunch. Hatton Canyon and the Carmel Mission trail involve a leisurely birding walk on flat trails through riparian and tall pines woodlands. This is a heavily forested area with a large number of bird species. Expected are migrating songbirds and hummingbirds, several varieties of woodpeckers, woodland raptors, nonmigratory birds, and other feathered friends. Regularly seen in Hatton Canyon are: Anna’s Hummingbirds; Red-shouldered and Cooper’s Hawks; Band-tailed Pigeons; Nuttall’s, Acorn, and Downy Woodpeckers; California and Spotted Towhees; Western-scrub and Steller’s Jays; Blue-

gray Gnatcatchers; and the sparrows and songbirds, migratory and non-migratory, who inhabit our forest. Wear a hat and sunscreen, bring water, and avoid wearing white. Lunch is on your own in Carmel or bring a lunch if continuing with to Carmel River Lagoon. Transportation: Car caravan meets at Civic Plaza at 7:30 a.m. Please divide into those folks only doing the morning trip and those planning to stay for the afternoon trip. Activity: Easy

152. BIRDING FOR TEENS Date/Time: Sunday, 9/30/18, 8-11 a.m. Note: Open to ages 12-18 Trip Leader: Jeff Caplan

Are you a young birder, or would you like to be? Here’s the perfect chance to bird with other teens and be guided by leaders who are experienced helping young birders. Whether you’re just beginning or have some birding experience, this trip is for you. A variety of bird species will be likely in the various locales chosen by the leaders. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. If you are a licensed driver, you may drive yourself, otherwise a parent must drive. NOTE: there is no fee to enroll in this field trip. Registration is necessary. Activity: Moderate

153. BEGINNING BIRDING Date/Time: Sunday, 9/30/18, 8-noon Trip Leader: Rusty Scaff

Description: Unsure about how to find birds in your binoculars? Don’t know a Great Blue Heron from a Mourning Dove? Or, are you just looking for some tips about how to improve your identification skills? Come join us for an introductory bird walk emphasizing the ABCs of identifying and observing birds in the wild. Transportation: Car caravan meets at Watsonville Civic Plaza at 8 a.m. Activity: Moderate

154. EXPLORING ELKHORN SLOUGH RESERVE Date/Time: Sunday, 9/30/18, 8:15-Noon Trip Leader: Dave Feliz

Description: Join us in exploring the Coast Live Oak woodland at Elkhorn Slough Reserve. Oak specialties such as Hutton’s Vireos, Oak Titmice, White-tailed Kites, and maybe a Barn Owl or two will be looked for. Acorn Woodpeckers will put on a good show while stocking and defending their granary trees, and, depending on tidal conditions, we’ll be able to oversee some of the interior tidal wetlands of “the Slough” proper. And our eyes should be constantly on the alert for raptors such as Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons. Transportation: Car caravan meets at Watsonville Civic Plaza at 8:15 a.m. Activity: Moderate

155. BIRD CARVING WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS Date/Time: Sunday, 9/30/18, 11:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Materials Fee: $30 Presenter: Jim Burcio Venue: Watsonville Wetlands Watch

Description: Join Jim Burcio and Master Carvers from the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association to learn how to carve a bird from wood. All of the necessary materials, including a study guide and carving knives, will be provided. Short lectures with lots of hands-on carving time and personalized instruction will enable you to complete a nearly life-size female California Quail. Suitable for ages 16 and older, class size is limited to 12. Additional carving knives for purchase will be available during the workshop. The Pacific Flyway Decoy Association is a non-profit art association dedicated to the preservation of wildfowl art through education. Decoy carving is an original American art form beginning with the functional, handcarved hunting decoy. What started out as functional has evolved to include artistic renditions of birds worldwide. The association hosts an annual show held at the Double Tree Hotel in Sacramento, and teaches carving seminars at birding festivals throughout Northern California. Transportation: Car caravan leaves Watsonville Civic Plaza at 11:30 a.m. for Watsonville Wetlands Watch classroom on the Pajaro Valley High School Campus.

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2018 WATER ADVENTURES The Monterey Bay Birding Festival is pleased to partner with the following companies who provide a variety of fun and educational water adventures in and around the Monterey Bay. Dates and times are subject to change. Please book trips directly with the vendor. ELKHORN SLOUGH SAFARI Date/Time: Friday through Sunday, 9/28/18 – 9/30/18 - Various times. Book directly at www.elkhornsloughsafari. com Description: Elkhorn Slough Safari is a birding adventure aboard an open 27-foot pontoon boat, allowing for exploration of the slough from a perspective usually experienced only by birds and sea otters. This tour offers a unique opportunity to observe these species in their native habitats, up close and personal. Shorebirds, raptors, grebes, and both harbor seals and sea otters are highlighted. Tours last 1.5- 2 hours. Transportation: Go directly to Elkhorn Slough Safari in Moss Landing. Meet in the Moss Landing Harbor Parking Lot: 7881 Sandholdt Rd, Moss Landing, 95039. KAYAK CONNECTION – ELKHORN SLOUGH Date/Time: Friday through Sunday, 9/28/18 – 9/30/18 Book directly at www.kayakconnection.com or call 831-724-5692. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Description: Here’s your chance to take your own birding tour of Elkhorn Slough and enjoy a kayaking adventure courtesy of Kayak Connection in Moss Landing. Shorebirds, sea otters, grebes, pelicans, plus the rarities of fall migration are possible on this guided trip. Some of the most intriguing spots of the slough are accessible only by kayak. Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tours and Family Adventure Tours are available. Beginning kayakers are

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welcome and encouraged to sign up. Limited to 10 people in five double kayaks. Transportation : Go directly to Kayak Connection 2370 Hwy 1, Moss Landing 95039 MONTEREY BAY KAYAKS – ELKHORN SLOUGH Date/Time: Friday through Sunday, 9/28/18 – 9/30/18 Book directly at https://www. montereybaykayaks.com/ or call (831) 3735357. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Description: Join a natural history tour of the Elkhorn Slough or rent a kayak and explore the Slough on your own. Paddle with sea otters, seals, sea lions and a wide variety of birds. No experience required. Children between 3 and 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Transportation : Go directly to Monterey Bay Kayaks 2390 Hwy 1, Moss Landing 95039 SHEARWATER JOURNEYS PELAGIC TRIPS Date/Times: Friday through Sunday, 9/28/18 – 9/30/18, 7 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monterey Sea valley: Fall Seabird Classic Book reservations directly through Shearwater Journeys by mailing check to: PO Box 190, Hollister, CA 95024. Include first and secondchoice trip dates, name, complete address, email address and phone numbers. Reserve early to avoid disappointment. All trips depart from Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey at Chris’ Fishing Shop, and run from 7:00 am to 3:00 p.m. The boat fee is $140 per person. We will have top notch leaders on board to help beginner birders. We follow pelagic protocol for eBird checklists throughout the trip.

Description: An incredible submarine canyon lies below the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary which hosts a vast variety of seabirds and marine mammals just a few miles from shore. In addition to humpback whales and a variety of dolphins, we can expect to see sooty, pink-footed, and Buller’s shearwaters; common murres, pigeon guillemots, Cassin’s and rhinoceros auklets; pomarine and parasitic jaegers; and maybe a south polar skua, Black-footed albatross, Manx and flesh-footed shearwaters, black and ashy storm petrel; Sabine’s gull, and arctic tern highlight just a partial list of our possibilities. Transportation: Monterey Pelagic Trips meet Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Chris’s Fishing Shop, Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. DO NOT meet at Watsonville Civic Plaza! Allow at least one hour driving time from Watsonville. Parking is available in the large lot that connects Fisherman’s Wharf and Commercial Wharf #2. You will receive a $10 parking voucher from us. Be sure to go to Fisherman’s Wharf and not the Commercial Wharf. Be at Chris’ Fishing Shop on Fisherman’s Wharf at 7:00 a.m. SHARP! Latecomers who miss

the boat will forfeit their fees. The boat will return about 3:00 p.m. www.shearwaterjourneys.com/ WHISPER CHARTERS Date/Times: Friday & Saturday, 9/28/18 & 9/29/18, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 6:15 PM and Sunday, 9/30/18, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM Book directly at www.http://www. whispercharters.com Description: Silent as a whisper, the electric powered Selkie II glides across the waters of Elkhorn Slough. Explore the slough’s natural wonders on an elegant, eco-friendly electric cruiser. Elkhorn Slough is one of the premier bird watching sites in the western United States. More than 340 species visit or find permanent refuge here, a remarkable number given the slough’s relatively small size. The tremendous number and variety of birds at the slough attracts thousands of bird watchers from across the country each year. In addition, you’re likely to see sea otters, as well as harbor seals. Transportation: Go directly to Whisper Charters in Moss Landing.

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2018

2018 MBBF Bios

Field Trip and Workshop Leaders In Alphabetical Order

RJ ADAMS A native Californian, RJ has lived and birded throughout the state for nearly 30 years. He has an MS in biology from the University of Utah where he focused on the co-evolutionary history of birds and their ectoparasites. He is also the author of A Field Guide to the Spiders of California and the Pacific Coast States, and will soon begin working on an inventory of the spiders of Pinnacles National Park. R.J. works as a special education teacher and greatly enjoys leading field trips for beginning birders. TIM AMARAL Tim is an educator by training and a professional guide who loves to teach folks about the natural history of his favorite patch – the Monterey Bay region. He has been a guide for local bird festivals, conferences, and community organizations since 1996. He has also worked as the tour coordinator and trip leader for Monterey Seabirds Tour Company and has served as the vice-president of the local Audubon Society. KUMARAN ARUL Kumaran has led trips for the Monterey Bay Birding Festival since its beginning and is a passionate observer of birds in the Monterey Bay area. He has conducted breeding bird surveys in the Santa Cruz Mountains, taught classes on birding-by-ear, and led regular trips for local bird groups. He enjoys sea watching on the rich coastal waters of the Monterey Bay, ruminating on the beauties of bird songs, and birding foreign lands with his wife and three children. When not birding, he teaches music at Stanford University. RICK BERG Rick’s background includes 25 years in the US Army as an intelligence expert, specializing in languages. He also taught at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center. He started birding in 2010 with the Pacific Grove Adult Education birding class led by Brian Weed. Rick has done most of his birding in the Central Coast area, and he has participated in more than fifteen Christmas Bird Counts around Monterey. He currently leads a variety of events and classes for the Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District, such as birding, geocaching, map and compass navigation, and a variety of wildlife-orients hikes, both day and night. PHIL BROWN Phil turned a lifelong interest in birds into an obsession in 2004 when he joined the Santa Cruz Bird Club. He has led birding trips for the Santa Cruz Bird Club since 2006, coordinated field trip program from 2008 to 2014, and currently serves as club president. He participates in the bluebird birdbox program at Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, leads a section in the Santa Cruz and Moss Landing Christmas Bird Counts, and surveys bird populations for the Watsonville Wetlands Watch. JIM BURCIO Jim is a master carver and has competed nationally in wildfowl carving shows. For the past twenty-five years, Jim has annually taught carving seminars, and judged at the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association’s Wildfowl Art Festival in Sacramento. He has also competed and judged at the Ward World Championships in Ocean City, Maryland. In addition to his carving accomplishments, Jim has written several articles for the California Waterfowl Magazine regarding how to carve and paint decoys. Jim has been

involved in the leadership of the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association since 1983. He has served on the Board of Directors, held the office of Vice President, President, Secretary, and is currently the Vice President in charge of Membership. In 2010, and 2012, Jim was selected by the Ward Foundation in Salisbury, Maryland to be an instructor in their National Endowment for the Arts Grant. JEFF CAPLAN Jeff weaves 30 years as a naturalist and a teacher of communication skills to cultivate a common language for connecting more deeply with nature and birds. He has lead bilingual classes and walks for the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, the UCSC Bird School Project and Watsonville Wetlands Watch. Internationally, he has given workshops and keynotes in Malaysia and in the Amazon jungles of Ecuador. He combines story telling, citizen science and strengthening observation skills to inspire connection and stewardship among his audiences. RITA CARRATELLO Rira considers Monterey County her specialty patch. She participated in the county’s breeding bird atlas project, wrote species accounts, and designed the publication published in 1993. She was the voice for the Monterey rare bird alert before the automated BirdBox, and served on the Monterey Audubon Society’s board of directors as the newsletter editor. She and her husband, Don Roberson, also travel the world in search of bird families, and enjoy giving multimedia presentations of these adventures. See more at http://montereybay.com/ creagrus/trips.html. HUGO CEJA Hugo was first introduced to the world of birds during college. Since then, his passion for birds has been the primary factor that determines his excursions. Currently, he is an educator working for the non-profit, Watsonville Wetlands Watch, where he teaches youth about the importance of wetlands and the environment. When he is not working with kids, he is working with Black Oystercatchers along the southern end of Monterey Bay for Audubon California. He is “all about the outdoors” and has a strong appreciation for all biotic and abiotic things. Most of his birding is in Monterey County where he resides; however, he also enjoys birding the Central Valley wetlands near where he grew up. RON EBY Ron Eby grew up in Ocean City, MD and spent most of his youth on the water, boating, fishing and crabbing. Ron graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1969, retiring in 1989 as a Commander. He fell in love with the Monterey area while attending the Naval Postgraduate School after Vietnam, and returned to Monterey in 1989. He has been a volunteer for Elkhorn Slough Reserve for a decade monitoring bird boxes, assisting in bird surveys, and observing sea otters. DAVE FELIZ Dave Feliz is the manager of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve. He has been managing public lands for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife since 1988. Originally, from Southern California, he graduated from Humboldt State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management. Professionally, he has set up and managed a variety of active working partnerships to further the management and public use of State Wildlife Areas and Ecological Reserves. He has an avid interest in birding, finding reptiles and amphibians, and outdoor nature photography. ERIC FEUSS Eric Feuss has been very actively birding since he was 16; he is now an empty nester. From 1992 to 1999, he

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2018

worked for the Institute for Bird Populations’ (IBP) MAPS Program, a long-term productivity and survivorship monitoring study. As a field biologist for the IBP, he worked in Oregon, Kansas, Missouri, and Yosemite National Park. He has birded in almost every part of the United States and, with the exception of his years with IBP, has led regular field trips for the Santa Cruz Bird Club since 1987. Because of his friendly, informative leading style, he is a much sought-after leader.

seeking out creatures in the wild which he loves to share with others. He taught Junior and High School science for 30 years including creating and teaching the only year-long high school ornithology class in the state of California. In retirement he serves on the board of the Bird School Project, the Monterey Bay Birding Festival and for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s BirdSleuth K-12 educational program.

ZEKA GLUCS Dr. Zeka Glucs has been exploring the nexus of toxicology and birds for over a decade as a field biologist and environmental researcher. She lives and works on the central coast of California and is an affiliated researcher with UCSC.

TODD NEWBERRY Todd Newberry, a lifelong birder, has taught biology for 40 years at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He leads frequent, popular bird walks throughout our region, including regular walks in the university’s arboretum and others along the coast, for the Santa Cruz Bird Club. He is the author of The Ardent Birder.

BILL HILL Bill is a lifetime resident of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Since early childhood he has frequented the Carmel River area for fishing, birding, photographing, or just exploring. First introduced to birding in the sixth grade, he has seriously birded Monterey County for 20 years. Few spend more time birding the Carmel River mouth and the surrounding area. He is a wealth of information on the area and all of its avian inhabitants. A real “people person,” birders always have fun when they go into the field with Bill.

MARK PAXTON Mark has been a docent at Elkhorn Slough since the 1980s. He leads local tours for area bird clubs, including the Santa Cruz Bird Club and regional Audubon Societies. He also assists avian research studies throughout Monterey County and is the land steward for a 2300acre ranch at the center of one of Audubon California’s Important Bird Areas. Speaking about the Monterey Bay region, Mark says, “While I do travel to chase birds, there is such rich diversity here that several lifetimes wouldn’t do our home patch justice. For a birder, this is paradise.”

SERAPHINA LANDGREBE Master photographer and photographic craftsman Seraphina Landgrebe holds a Master of Arts degree in photography from San Francisco State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California. She is an internationally acclaimed photographer, portrait artist, and educator who has taught photography worldwide. She was awarded “Photographer of the Year” for nine consecutive years by the Professional Photographers of the Monterey Bay area. She has studied with Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, and Bret Weston. Her work has been accepted into the permanent collection at the International Photography Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, the Professional Photographers of America’s ASP traveling loan collection, the PPA loan collection at Disney World’s Epcot Center, and the Photokina Photography Show of Shows in Cologne, Germany. She has also been honored with three Fuji Masterpiece Awards.

AMANDA PREECE Amanda Preece is a second-year graduate student at California State University Monterey Bay in the Environmental Science Masters program. She works for California State Parks in Pacific Grove restoring Monterey Pine forest and coastal dune habitat, and also leading bird walks for the public. She is on the Monterey Audubon Society board and has been an avid Montereyarea birder for 8 years. She is passionate about getting everyone excited about birds and wildlife in the hopes that they will take up the mantle of “conservationist” and work to preserve our planet, for wildlife and ourselves.

LISA LARSON Lisa Larson has loved all things nature as long as she can remember. Love ignited into an obsession for birding when she received her first pair of good binoculars. The second bird she saw through the bins was a Marbled Murrelet flying into a tall California Redwood! She spends time birding throughout Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties. Steve Gerow inspired her to learn to bird by ear, an essential birding skill that she greatly admired in him and will refine for her lifetime. Lisa is never bored thanks to our feathered friends! EARL LEBOW Earl has been birding and leading bird trips on the Central Coast of California since he moved here from the East Coast in 1986. Though he had been birding for many years in and around NYC, his skill and passion for birding increased exponentially when he moved to California. He has birded extensively throughout the United States, Central America, Africa, and Europe. He has led trips for the Santa Cruz Bird Club for many years and enjoys leading trips locally and sharing his love of birds and birding with others. JEFF MANKER Jeff started birding as a kid and never lost that love for

BOB RAMER Bob has been birding in the Monterey Bay area for more than 30 years and has done volunteer work with the Nature Conservancy, the Point Reyes Bird Observatory, and the Elkhorn Slough Foundation in monitoring the bird populations in this area. In 1976, he was one of the founders of the Moss Landing Audubon Christmas Bird Count; and he and his wife, Bernadette, continue as co-compilers of this count. ALEX RINKERT Alex Rinkert, a native of the Monterey Bay area, is an active member of the local birding scene. He recently finished a biology degree at UC Santa Cruz and now works as a biologist studying the region’s avifauna. He leads regular birding field trips on land and at sea, and is an avid contributor to eBird. While birds remain a focus, he has a great appreciation for all aspects of the natural world. MARILYN ROSE Marilyn Rose, who has been in the optics business for 25 years and owns Out of This World and DiscountBinoculars.com in Mendocino, will demystify birding optics and answer your questions. Her website is OutofThisWorldOptics.com. STEVE ROVELL Steve is a lifelong resident of California. He escaped the hectic life of Southern California to pursue his studies at Humboldt State University where he graduated with a degree in Natural Resources and a teaching credential. He moved to Monterey County in 1990 where he now

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teaches high school biology and earth science. His other hobbies include native plant gardening and dragonflies. Steve lives in Marina with his wife and two sons, Julian and Marco. RUSTY SCALF Rusty has been birding since his teenage years and has taught adult school bird ID for beginners since 1988. He has been involved in several California breeding bird atlas projects as cartographer and field surveyor and has been a regular field volunteer for organized population studies such as state wide burrowing owl and long-billed curlew surveys. Rusty lives in Berkeley and is active with the Golden Gate Audubon Society.

American Birding Association Ludlow Griscom Award Presentation to Debi Shearwater

PAOLO SEGRE Paolo Segre is a comparative ecophysiologist who uses the study of form and function to understand the higher-level processes of ecology, evolution, and behavior. His research focuses on animal movement and maneuvering performance in natural and laboratory settings, in order to examine the underlying physiological and physical mechanisms that make this critical life function possible. Throughout the course of his career Paolo has applied these principals to the study of locomotion in animals ranging from the smallest tropical hummingbirds to the largest whales. Paolo is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University. LISA SHERIDAN Lisa has combined two long-time passions--conservation and photography--to create a strong voice for bird and habitat preservation. As Conservation Officer for the Santa Cruz Bird Club, she has used her remarkable photos to do what she loves best--tell a compelling story. She finds special joy in discovering totally unexpected magic through her lens and creating a seamless blend of birds, landscapes and photo collages. Lisa’s photos are on special display at the Santa Cruz Visitor Bureau and at UCSC’s Arboretum. She’s also had juried exhibits in both Santa Cruz and Pacific Grove. She’s participated in Open Studio tours, most recently in 2014 and 2015, and is a regular participant in First Friday Exhibits in Santa Cruz City. DAVID SIDLE David Sidle caught the birding bug during a trip with his brother Dan to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Spring of 2002. By the end of 2003 he had met Steve Gerow who became his primary mentor as a birder and a naturalist. David is glad to be a part of the Santa Cruz birding community and enjoys sharing birds with new and visiting birders. DAVID and JANE STYER David and Jane have lived in the area since 2001 and have led field trips for the Monterey Bay Birding Festival almost since its inception. David became an avid birder in1950, and has birded over much of this country, as well as in other countries. Both he and Jane have served on the board of directors for the Monterey chapter of the Audubon Society, and have led many bird trips in the Monterey Bay area. In addition to birding, David is working on a flora (inventory) of the native plant life on the lands of the former Fort Ord. David also served on Ohio’s technical committee to determine the state’s Important Bird Areas (IBAs). His book, Birds of the Oxbow, chronicles the bird life at the mouth of the Great Miami River, on the Ohio/Indiana border. From their home, David and Jane take great pleasure in watching the sooty shearwaters streaming past in Monterey Bay. SOPHIE WEBB Sophie has travelled from the Antarctic to the Arctic and numerous places in between to both draw and study birds. She co-authored and illustrated a Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America (OU Press) and a Field Guide to the Marine Mammals of the Pacific Coast (UC Press). She has contributed illustrations to a variety of bird guides, books and magazines. In recent years she has written and illustrated three children’s books about the research projects she has worked on (Houghton Mifflin Co). One of her favorite pastimes is to sketch wildlife in the field.

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The Monterey Bay Birding Festival Association is honored to announce that our own, Debi Shearwater, will be presented the American Birding Association’s Ludlow Griscom Award for Outstanding Contributions in Regional Ornithology at the 2018 Monterey Bay Birding Festival on Saturday, September 29th, at 7 p.m. The American Birding Association bestows the Ludlow Griscom award to individuals who have dramatically advanced the state of ornithological knowledge for a particular region. This may be through their long-time contributions in monitoring avian status and distribution or through the force of their personality, teaching and inspiration. As founder of Shearwater Journeys, Inc., Debi Shearwater has collected avian data for over four decades on Monterey Bay and many other places along the California coast. On her pelagic seabird trips, species new to California have been discovered and documented. Indeed, species of seabirds never before found anywhere in North America have been recorded on her trips, including White-capped Albatross, Greatwinged Petrel, and Bulwer’s Petrel to name a few. It is perhaps, her long years of record keeping that might prove the most valuable for the conservation of certain seabirds, especially Ashy Storm-Petrel. Over 70,000 nature lovers have joined her at sea to witness seabirds from far flung areas of the world’s oceans. Jeffrey Gordon,

President of the American Birding Association, said, “Debi Shearwater, with her boundless dedication to and passion for the seabirds of Monterey Bay and indeed all the world’s oceans, has done pioneering work that has greatly increased our understanding of the status, distribution, and conservation of these wonderful and mysterious birds. She has also done a great deal to raise awareness and appreciation of seabirds far beyond her home region, serving as a leading spokesperson for the amazing, eversurprising birdlife of the seas.” Debi is a world traveler, leading expedition voyages to remote places such as the Russian Far East, Galapagos Islands, Svalbard, and Antarctica. She is a past Director of the American Birding Association. She lives in Hollister with her beloved Great Pyrenees and is involved in conservation projects in San Benito County. Liz Deluna Gordon, Events Coordinator of the American Birding Association, will present the Ludlow Griscom Award for Outstanding Contributions in Regional Ornithology to Debi Shearwater at 7 PM on Saturday, September 29th, at the Watsonville Civic Center Council Chambers located at 275 Main Street, Watsonville. Immediately following the award ceremony, Debi will introduce Jonathan Franzen who will give the keynote presentation on “Seabirds: Their Beauty, Their Amazingness, Their Plight.”

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2018

BIRDING FOR TEENS ages 12 - 18

eeBird Watching Field Trips Sponsored by the Monterey Bay Birding Festival r F Non-drivers must be accompanied by an adult

Photos Courtesy of Clay Kempf & Jeff Bleam

Photo Courtesy of David Dennis

Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 8 - 11 AM Sunday, September 30, 2018 from 8 - 11 AM

Registration for the entire festival is Free for all K-12 Students Fees apply for adults over 18. Minors should be accompanied by adults for other registered events.

Includes Many More Field Trips, Workshops, Speakers Meet Rescued Birds and Wildlife on Saturday at 1 PM Festival Headquarters Located at 275 Main Street, Watsonville, CA

Photo Courtesy of David Dennis

Get all the info and register at montereybaybirding.org

Elkhorn Slou gh Reserve Open Hous e Saturday, September 22, 2018

Protecting habitat for 340 species of birds Help us conserve the land and waters of the Elkhorn Slough, a globally important birding area and ecological gem on California’s Central Coast.

Elegant terns, photo by Mark Holsapple

www.elkhornslough.org

conservation • restor ation • inspir ation • tr ansformation

y D l i ay m a F

At the City of Watsonville Nature Center Saturday - September 29, 2017 Sunday- September 30, 2017

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Family Bird Watching & Exploration Walks Saturday, the 29th -11:00 am Sunday, the 30th - 1:30 pm

The whole family is welcome for all indoor and outdoor activities. All ages may participate. No registration needed.

Bilingual Spanish/English Binoculars and instruction provided No birdwatching experience needed

ves para e las A al d v i t es

La Familia a d To en el CENTRO DE NATURALEZA de la CIUDAD DE WATSONVILLE

sábado, 29 de septiembre domingo, 30 de septiembre

ACTIVIDADES AL AIRE LIBRE

Caminatas para la observación de aves para toda la familia sábado, 29 de septiembre -11:00 am domingo, 30 de septiembre - 1:30 pm

Toda la familia es bienvenida para las actividades internas y al aire libre. Todas las edades pueden participar.

Bilingüe español/ingles Binoculares e instrucciones serán proveídos No se requiere experiencia

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

Arts & Crafts and Science Activities all Day Learn about birds while making masks and playing fun games!

estival ng F i d r Bi

ACTIVIDADES INTERNAS

For more information call (831) 768-1622

Snacks and drinks provided

30 Harkins Slough Rd (behind Ramsay Park) Watsonville, CA 95076

Proyectos de arte y actividades de naturaleza todo el día.

Para mas información

(831) 768-1622

Se proveerán bocadillos

30 Harkins Slough Rd (detrás del parque Ramsay) Watsonville, CA 95076

THANK YOU!

The Monterey Bay Birding Festival Steering Committee members wish to express their gratitude & appreciation for all of our Sponsors, Friends and Supporters who help make this annual event possible. We ask, all of you, in turn, to encourage and support them with your patronage.

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Years 1868 - 2018

The City of Watsonville

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2018

HOW TO GET TO

CIVIC PLAZA

The Monterey Bay Birding Festival is based at the Watsonville Civic Plaza, top floor, located at 275 Main Street, Watsonville, CA. Registration desk, lectures, workshops, field trip staging, and Birders’ Marketplace will be held in the Community Rooms and Council Chambers Room.

If You Are Driving:

From Highway 1 south, exit Riverside Drive, turn left from off ramp exit and proceed 2 miles. Turn left on Rodriguez Street, proceed ½ mile to Watsonville Civic Plaza. Turn right into the garage parking structure and proceed to top floor. From Gilroy (Highway 101) to Highway 152, take Leavesley Road exit toward San Ysidro Avenue. Turn left at Monterey Street. Turn right at 1st Street/Highway 152/Hecker Pass Road to Santa Cruz County. Stay on Highway 152/East Lake Avenue and proceed for 3.2 miles. Turn left on Main Street and proceed 0.3 mile to Watsonville Civic Plaza. Turn right on First Street and right on Rodriguez Street. Turn left to enter garage parking structure and proceed to top floor. From Highway 101 to Highway 129, head northwest on Highway 129/Chittenden Road to Rodriguez Street, Watsonville, 12.7 miles. Turn right on Rodriguez Street and proceed

½ mile to Watsonville Civic Plaza. Turn right off Rodriguez Street into parking structure and proceed to top floor.

Parking Fees

On Thursday and Friday, parking is free for the first two hours after which there is a parking fee. Parking vending machine is located on the second floor of the parking structure. Parking is free all day on Saturday and Sunday.

If You Are Flying:

From Mineta San Jose International Airport, head southwest on Airport Blvd. Take the ramp on the left onto Interstate 880 South. Continue on Highway 17 South, 26.3 miles. Take the exit onto Highway 1 South toward Watsonville/ Monterey, 14.3 miles, to Riverside Drive exit. Turn left from off ramp and proceed 2 miles. Turn left on Rodriguez Street and proceed ½ mile to Watsonville Civic Plaza. Turn right into parking structure and proceed to top floor. Travel distance is 47 miles and approximately 55 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Allow more time during heavy commuter hours. From San Francisco International Airport, head east, merge onto Highway 101 South via the ramp to San Jose, 23.4 miles. Slight right onto Highway 85 (signs for Cupertino/Highway 85/Santa Cruz) 13.3 miles. Take the exit onto Highway 17 South toward Santa Cruz, 22 miles. Take the exit onto Highway 1 South toward Watsonville/Monterey, 14.3 miles, to Riverside Drive exit. Turn left at off ramp exit and proceed 2 miles. Turn left on Rodriguez Street, proceed ½ mile to Watsonville Civic Plaza. Turn right into parking structure and proceed to top floor. Travel distance is 77 miles and about 1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions. Allow more time during heavy commuter hours.

From Monterey Airport, head west on Fred Kane Drive. Fred Kane Drive turns slightly right and becomes Olmsted Road. Turn right at Highway 68. Merge onto Highway 1 North via the ramp to Santa Cruz, 12.8 miles. Exit Riverside Drive, veer to right and proceed 2 miles. Turn left on Rodriguez Street, proceed ½ mile to Watsonville Civic Plaza. Turn right into parking structure and proceed to top floor. Travel distance is 26.9 miles and about 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Allow more time during heavy commuter hours.

Everyone who enjoys birds and birding must always respect wildlife, its environment, and the rights of others. In any conflict of interest between birds and birders, the welfare of the birds and their environment comes first. American Birding Association’s PRINCIPLES OF BIRDING ETHICS Code of Birding Ethics 1. Promote the welfare of birds and their environment. 1(a) Support the protection of important bird habitat. 1 (b) b. To avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger, exercise restraint and caution during observation, photography, sound recording, or filming. Limit the use of recordings and other methods of attracting birds, and never use such methods in heavily birded areas, or for attracting any species that is Threatened, Endangered, or of Special Concern, or is rare in your local area. Keep well back from nests and nesting colonies, roosts, display areas, and important feeding sites. In such sensitive areas, if there is a need for extended observation, photography, filming, or recording, try to use a blind or hide, and take advantage of natural cover. Use artificial light sparingly for filming or photography, especially for close ups. 1 (c) c. Before advertising the presence

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of a rare bird, evaluate the potential for disturbance to the bird, its surroundings, and other people in the area, and proceed only if access can be controlled, disturbance minimized, and permission has been obtained from private landowners. The sites of rare nesting birds should be divulged only to proper conservation authorities. 1 (d) Stay on roads, trails, and paths where they exist; otherwise keep habitat disturbance to a minimum. 2. Respect the law, and the rights of others. 2 (a) Do not enter private property without the owner’s explicit permission. 2 (b) Follow all laws, rules, and regulations governing use of roads and public areas both at home and abroad. 2 (c) Practice common courtesy in contacts with other people. Your exemplary behavior will generate goodwill with birders and non-birders alike. 3. Ensure that feeders, nest structures, and other artificial bird environments are safe. 3(a) Keep dispensers, water, and food clean, and free of decay or disease. It is

important to feed birds continually during harsh weather. 3(b) Maintain and clean nest structures regularly. 3(c) If you are attracting birds to an areas, ensure the birds are not exposed to predation by cats and other domestic animals, or dangers posed by artificial hazards. 4. Group birding, whether organized or impromptu, requires special care. Each individual in the group, in addition to the obligations spelled out in Items #1 and #2, has responsibilities as a Group Member. 4(a) Respect the interests, rights, and skills of fellow birders, as well as people participating in other legitimate outdoor activities. Freely share your knowledge and experience, except where code 1(c) applies. Be especially helpful to beginning birders. 4(b) If you witness unethical birding behavior, assess the situation, and intervene if you think it prudent. When interceding, inform the person of the inappropriate action, and attempt, within reason, to

have it stopped. If the behavior continues, document it, and notify appropriate individuals or organizations. Group Leader Responsibilities [amateur and professional trips and tours]. 4(c) Be an exemplary ethical role model for the group. Teach through word and example. 4(d) Keep groups to a size that limits impact on the environment, and does not interfere with others using the same area. 4(e) Ensure everyone in the group knows of and practises this code. 4(f) Learn and inform the group of any special circumstances applicable to the areas being visited (e.g. no tape recorders allowed). 4(g) Acknowledge that professional tour companies bear a special responsibility to place the welfare of birds and the benefits of public knowledge ahead of the company’s commercial interests. Ideally, leaders should keep track of tour sightings, document unusual occurrences, and submit records to appropriate organizations.

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2018