11th Annual MONTEREY BAY BIRDING FESTIVAL by Weeklys

The Comfort Inn Offers: • Complimentary Breakfast • FREE Parking • FREE Wi Fi • FREE Business Center

• Choice privilege Rewards program • Walking distance to: • Library • Shopping Center • Restaurants • Laundromat

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Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2015

Published By The Register-Pajaronian

WELCOME TO THE 11TH ANNUAL MONTEREY BAY BIRDING FESTIVAL Welcome to the home of one of the most spectacular birding and wildlife venues in North America – the eleventh annual Monterey Bay Birding Festival!

Premier Birding From soaring golden eagles, effortlessly gliding California condors, cheeky bushtits, gorgeous 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

Fantastic Workshops

Exceptional Speakers

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 250+ species of birds during the festival. You will also get to explore extraordinary ecosystems such as:

Make time for the exceptional workshops offered throughout the festival. Where else will you have access to professionals such as Marilyn Rose whose workshop will demystify birding optics; Steve Terrill PhD, who will help you identify pelagic birds; Chris Hartzell and Jeff Bleam who will provide hands-on field photography workshops; Scott Smithson who will discuss state-of-the-art green birding; Carol Bennett who will teach you Field Sketching techniques; and, Dr. Brook Keeney from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, who will show you how to use the latest technological advances in video bird identification and eBird.

Don’t miss our evening presentations by renowned local experts! Jon Young, author of “What the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World” is keynote speaker on Saturday evening. Dr. Mike Murray, Director of Veterinary Services for Monterey Bay Aquarium, presents: “A Glimpse Behind the Curtain: Birds at the Monterey Bay Aquarium” on Thursday evening, and Greg Meyer, Professional Naturalist, presents: “The Baja Connection” on Friday evening.

☀E lkhorn Slough National Marine Estuary ☀ Pinnacles National Park ☀ Andrew Molera State Park and Big Sur Join a boat trip to experience the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, one of the most productive regions for albatrosses, shearwaters, storm-petrels, and more. Or, take a scenic ride in Elkhorn Slough by kayak, pontoon, or electric boat.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! 12th Annual Monterey Bay Birding Festival

Join Us!

TABLE OF CONTENTS Pg.4 Pg.6 Pg.7 Pg.8

Receptions & Birders Marketplace Bird Lists Featured Speakers Workshop Presenters

Pg.10 Pg.12 Pg.15 Pg.16

Schedule of Events Trips & Workshops Birding Ethics Field Trip Leaders

Sept. 22-23-24, 2016 Watsonville Civic Plaza

Additional photos appearing throughout this guide taken at previous Monterey Bay Birding Festivals by Tarmo Hannula.

Art & Design: Mike Lyon

RECEPTIONS AND BIRDERS MARKETPLACE Monterey Bay Birding Festival Opening Reception:

A Taste of Pajaro Valley Thursday, September 24, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Join us for the opening reception of the eleventh annual Monterey Bay Birding Festival! Savor irresistible appetizers and beverages from the best of Watsonville’s growers, producers, and restaurants while socializing with fellow birding enthusiasts, and enjoy wine tasting hosted by awardwinning local vintners. There are so many things to see while enjoying hor d’oeuvres and wine including the Birders’ Marketplace where you’ll find world-class optics, lovely sculptures, beautiful jewelry, and much more. Peruse the tantalizing raffle prizes that our generous local businesses donated and that you’ll have a chance to win during one of the raffle drawings taking place on Friday and Saturday evenings. Enjoy the amazing photos submitted to this year’s

photo contest by photographers of all levels and take the opportunity to vote for your favorite. Revel in this fun and relaxing atmosphere before attending the kickoff evening presentation starting at 7 pm in the adjoining auditorium. Monterey Bay Aquarium Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Mike Murray, will show us: “A Glimpse Behind the Curtain: Birds at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.” Dr. Mike is a key figure in sea otter recovery efforts from California to the Russian far east. He is also deeply engaged in the aquarium’s Project White Shark exhibit and field research, cares for the aquarium’s living collection, and has worked to support recovery of endangered bald eagles and California condors.

BIRDERS’ MARKETPLACE The public is invited to visit the Birders’ Marketplace located in the community room (top floor) at the Watsonville Civic Plaza at 215 Main Street. An array of artists, craft people, and optics vendors will be represented in addition to local wildlife and nature non-profit organizations. For local birders, the Marketplace presents a great opportunity to inspect and try the latest in optical equipment including binoculars and scopes. For the new bird watcher, there is ample opportunity to chat with local birders and pick-up information about the Santa Cruz Bird Club, new trails and areas for birding. Daily field trips and workshops are scheduled so there will be ample time, for registered festival attendees, to shop the Marketplace. Thursday night’s Opening Reception will be held in the Marketplace from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Birders’ Marketplace hours are: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2 p.m. to 7p.m.

(Closed to the public: 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. for Opening Reception)

Friday, Sept. 25, 2p.m. to 7p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2015

Published By The Register-Pajaronian

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY VISITORS COUNCIL BIRDING AND WILDLIFE VIEWING KIT There are approximately 400 migratory and permanent bird species found throughout Santa Cruz County. Now, avid birdwatchers can locate winged creatures in their natural habitat a little easier, thanks to the Santa Cruz County Visitors Council’s Birding and Wildlife Watching Kit. The kit features a 48-page guide, designed for use by both visitors to the area and residents of communities adjacent to the many birding destinations throughout the county. The kit, three years in the making, was made possible by funding from the City of Watsonville, City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, Mountain Parks Foundation, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, and various business sponsors.

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 the some of the area’s most commonly seen birds, wildlife and the best times of the year to view them. It also provides maps of birding and wildlife hotspots, points of interest, and itineraries. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 31 percent of Americans engage in wildlife watching as a hobby or recreational activity, an increase of 13 percent from a decade ago. Graphic Studio

Hege Knutson

831 464 6224

Client: ESF July 27, 2007

Final Logo

“This area is an avian Eden for birders”, said Maggie Ivy, CEO of the Visitors Council. “Now, visitors interested in finding out about avian ‘hot spots’ have a guide to use in this living museum.” The Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council is distributing the free 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 Birding and Wildlife watching Kit, call 1-800833-3494.

Protecting habitat for 340 species of birds Join our efforts to conserve and restore the Elkhorn Slough watershed, a globally important birding area and ecological gem on California’s Central Coast.

COME BIRDING AT ONE OF ECUADOR´S FINEST BIRDING LODGES!!

Come Birding at one of Ecuador´s Finest Birding Lodges!! OVER 15 SPECIES OF HUMMINGBIRDS AT OUR FEEDERS 30 CHOCÓ ENDEMICS REGULARLY OBSERVED

• Over 17 species of hummingbirds at our feeders 7 MILES OF TRAILS IN A PRIVATE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY OF 1063 ACRES OF CLOUD FOREST HABITAT

• 30 Chocó endemics regularly observed

DELICIOUS HOME-STYLE MEALS & COMFORTABLE LODGING • 7 Miles of trails in a private wildlife sanctuary of 1063 acres of cloud forest habitat WITH ALL MODERN AMENITIES

• Delicious home-styleEASY meals & comfortable lodging with all modern amenities ACCESS TO ALL LOCAL BIRDING SITES

• Easy access to all local birding sites ONGOING CONSERVATION

Willet, photo by Jacqueline Deely

We invite you to the

Elkhorn Slough Reserve Open House & Native Plant Sale Saturday, September 26, 2015

www.elkhornslough.org

• Ongoing conservation projects PROJECTS

• Tour arrangements upon request UPON TOUR ARRANGEMENTS REQUEST

www.reservalasgralarias.com www.reservalasgralarias.com

2015 BIRD LISTS and OTHER SOURCES Photos by TARMO Hannula

Watsonville Wetlands encompass a variety of habitats (and the birds associated with those habitats), including: Riparian corridors Fresh-water and brackish marshes Seasonal and permanent lakes Grasslands Oak scrub Coastal beaches Open ocean

To find the latest information about birds in the Santa Cruz area, with daily reports from local birders, you may wish to sign on to the Monterey Bay Birders’ listserver at www. santacruzbirdclub.org/listserv.html

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 ducks and

other waterfowl. Meanwhile, at sea, jaegers, shearwaters and alcids are all present in great numbers. There is no better time to visit the Monterey Bay area to see the greatest number of species or find a rarity.

Among the hundreds of bird species visiting these varied environs are these regular visitors and/or local breeders. Golden Eagle, White-tailed Kite Peregrine Falcon, Wilson’s Snipe Virginia Rail, Sora Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler Snowy Plover California Thrasher, Wrentit The Wetlands of Watsonville and Elkhorn Slough are a mecca for shorebirds, with over 25 species regularly being seen through the fall and winter. Shorebirds present include:

The entire Monterey Bay region has the added attraction of being one of the premier locations for finding vagrants and wanderers

from even huge birds

all of North America and Asia. This combination of a variety of regularly occurring and the potential for rarities

truly makes the Pajaro Valley a destination that provides something for birders of all levels of skill and experience.

Extensive local bird lists can be found at: www.santacruzbirdclub.org/chlists.html, www.santacruzbirdclub.org/arrival.html www.elkhornslough.org/birds1.htm, www.shearwaterjourneys.com, www.www.montereybay.com/creagrus/

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2015

Black-bellied Plover Snowy Plover, Black-necked Stilt American Avocet, Whimbrel Long-billed Curlew Marbled Godwit Western and Least Sandpiper Short- and Long-billed Dowitcher Wilson’s Snipe, Red Knot Greater Yellowlegs Ruddy Turnstone Black Turnstone, Surfbird Published By The Register-Pajaronian

GUEST SPEAKERS Saturday, September 26, 7 p.m. Topic: What the Robin Knows – How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World

2015 Featured Evening Presentations Thursday, September 24, 7 p.m. Topic: A Glimpse behind the Curtain: Birds at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Friday, September 25, 7 p.m. Topic: The Baja Connection

Keynote Speaker: Jon Young

Kickoff Evening Presentation: Dr. Mike Murray

Friday Evening Presentation: Greg Meyer

In this year’s speaking tour, Jon tunes our ears, eyes and minds into the nearly lost art of bird communication. Ever wonder what our feathered friends are squawking about? Jon reveals how to easily decode their messages and why this is an essential survival skill and a powerful nature connection routine. Many report that training themselves in this ancient discipline gives them an edge in their modern lives, including their perception of complex human interactions, heightened creativity and understanding of entire ecological systems. These talks are part of Bird Language Leaders events in collaboration with the National Audubon Society. This is a must-go event for educators, community leaders, conservationists and anyone who wants to go outside, have fun and connect with nature in your own backyard.

Aquarium Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Mike Murray is a key figure in sea otter recovery efforts from California to the Russian Far East. He is also deeply engaged in the aquarium’s Project White Shark exhibit and field research, cares for the aquarium’s living collection, and has worked to support recovery of endangered bald eagles and California condors. As staff veterinarian, he provides routine health care for exhibit sea otters and other animals in the aquarium’s living collection, from shorebirds to giant Pacific octopus. He is the veterinarian for the aquariums pioneering Sea Otter Research and Conservation program, which rescues and rehabilitates stranded sea otters for return to the wild, and is a partner in the recovery program for the southern sea otter. Dr. Mike also supports medical and surgical activities for a variety of researchers working with marine mammals.

Many of the birds that we see in Monterey Bay spend part of their year in Baja California. Some of the more common species like Elegant Terns, Brown Pelicans and Hermann’s Gulls, nest on isolated desert islands that hold the future for these iconic seabirds. Other rare birds, such as three species of Murrelets, the Black-vented Shearwater, the endemic Yellow-footed Gull and Black and Least Storm-petrels, also nest there but their populations are smaller and conservation threats are less known. Baja also holds large populations of tropical seabirds such as Red-billed Tropicbirds, Blue-footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds. This talk will feature all these species, discuss the ecological factors that make Baja an important seabird habitat and highlight the remarkable natural history of these birds.

Held at the Watsonville Civic Plaza.

Jon Young is the author of What the Robin Knows– How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Nature World, The Kamana Naturalist Training Program, Animal Tracking Basics and Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature. As founder of the 8 Shields Institute, Nature Connection Mentoring Foundation, Bird Language Leaders and Wilderness Awareness School, he has pioneered nature connection models for over 30 years.

Dr. Mike Murray lectures and publishes widely on avian and exotic veterinary subjects, as well as wildlife and conservation medicine. He teaches veterinary endoscopy procedures worldwide, and has helped develop statewide veterinary standards through the California Veterinary Medical Association. He graduated from Purdue University as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and is licensed to practice veterinary medicine, dentistry and surgery in California and Indiana, as well as by the USDA. He is a Research Associate at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and serves on the Accreditation Commission of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which honored him as Accreditation Inspector of the Year. Prior to entering private practice and subsequently joining the aquarium staff, he worked in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, and at a private zoo and exotic animal practice. His honors include recognition by the Monterey County Society for the Prevention of Animals as its two-time Humanitarian of the Year, and by his peers in 2002 as Exotic Doctor of Veterinary Medicine of the Year.

Greg Meyer has been a professional naturalist since graduating from the University of California, Santa Cruz and has traveled to all seven continents in search of birds. He has been working in Baja California for 30 years, watching marine mammals, compiling bird sightings and researching this fascinating area.

Published By The Register-Pajaronian

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2015

WORKSHOP PRESENTERS Thursday, Sept. 24, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 24, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 25, 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 25, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Birding Optics Demystified

Carbon Neutral Cuckoos: Chasing Birds & Planting Seeds

Pelagic Birds Identification

Photography Gear and Techniques Lecture and Demonstration

Marilyn Rose

Scott Smithson

Scott Terrill, MS, PHD

Chris Hartzell

Thinking about buying your first pair of “real” binoculars or upgrading the ones you have? Considering taking the leap to buy a spotting scope? 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 differences for yourself!

California’s first Common Cuckoo was discovered in the Watsonville Wetlands in 2012, and hundreds of birders quickly descended upon a little known patch of recently restored riparian habitat. Thousands of miles were driven or flown by birders in pursuit of the Old World cuckoo, generating a ~40 ton CO2 footprint. Join Scott Smithson, founder of The Green Big Day, as he illuminates the natural connection between birders and habitat restoration through a journey of discovering the ecological impact of his own birding trips. Imagine a future where the rarest bird sightings are coupled with carbon offsetting through support of nearby restoration projects. Learn how to calculate and mitigate the ecological cost of those impromptu mega-rarity birding trips!

This workshop will provide an overview of seabirds off the California coast. It will introduce you to birding at sea and the overall approach to seabird spotting and identification. The focus of this workshop will primarily be on pelagic (offshore) birds, covering species typically encountered offshore in Monterey Bay. You will also learn how to identify more problematic species, such as jaegers, offshore terns, and stormpetrels. In addition, you’ll learn about some of the vagrant seabirds that occur off California.

This lecture will touch on field gear choices, gear purchasing, use of monopods and tripods, hand-holding large lenses, body mechanics, and positioning from standing to lying down for hand-holding.

Held at the Watsonville Civic Plaza.

Scott Terrill, MS, PHD, has conducted numerous seabird identification workshops for the Western Field Ornithologists and the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory. He and his wife, Linda, have been leading pelagic birding trips off central and northern California for Shearwater Journeys for more than two decades, logging hundreds of boat trips in California waters. Scott also is senior ornithologist for H. T. Harvey & Associates, an ecological consulting firm. In addition to contributing to a number of articles on bird identification, Scott was the major contributing author to the threevolume Master Guide to the Birds of North America. He also served for ten years as a regional editor on seabirds for North American Birds, and has been serving on the nine-member California Bird Records Committee for more than 15 years.

Held at the Watsonville Civic Plaza. 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.

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2015

Scott Smithson began birding in hometown Pacifica, CA, after receiving a little blue Golden Guide from his kindergarten teacher. At the age of 9, he met famed birder Gil West on a Sequoia Audubon field trip, and thus began a birdermentor-friendship that would continue until Gil passed away in 1994. Scott went on to receive his MS in biology from CSU Long Beach, studying the breeding biology of introduced orange bishops and nutmeg mannikins in southern CA. He is interested in finding creative ways to minimize carbon footprint of the birding subculture – see www.greenbigday.org. Scott currently teaches high school AP Biology & Environmental Science at The King’s Academy in Sunnyvale

Held at the Watsonville Civic Plaza.

Held at the Watsonville Civic Plaza. Chris Hartzell is an avid birder, photographer, and artist. He and his wife, Ame, offer wildlife photography tours, teach photography, produce informational movies, and work toward global environmental conservation. Chris also is the VP of Monterey Audubon Society and edits its newsletter, The Sanderling. In his other life, Chris is a fire captain with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Carmel Hill Fire Station.

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WORKSHOP PRESENTERS Friday, Sept. 25, 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26: 9:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 26: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Photography Field Workflow

Field Sketching

Bird Photography Basics

What’s That Bird? Merlin and eBird can Help!

Chris Hartzell

Carol Bennett

Jeff Bleam

Dr. Brooke Keeney

This is an in-field, hands-on workshop for those already shooting with a DSLR and already having an understanding of the basics. This workshop will focus on a realistic workflow for photographing wildlife in different lighting, focusing primarily on what to adjust and when. A short time will be taken to discuss daylight flash use for wildlife. Pre-requisite: basic knowledge of ISO, F-stop, shutter speed, metering, and their relationship with each other. Equipment needed: your own DSLR and zoom lens.

This workshop is designed to enhance your bird watching experience. The morning classroom session includes hands-on, step-by-step instruction, using various local bird specimens to study shape, proportion, color, and texture. After a one-hour lunch break, we’ll go to the wetlands for an afternoon of observation and sketching. What to Bring: Sketchpad, 6B soft pencil, colored pencils, sharpener, and eraser. For the afternoon at the wetlands, bring a folding chair, sun hat, and remember the binoculars!

Nature photography is arguably the hardest field of photography, even for those with years of experience. We will be heading into the field and I will work with you on how to set up your camera and give you feedback as we walk through the area sloughs taking photos. Limit 5-7 participants.

This workshop is designed to help bird lovers of all levels explore the applications, and capabilities of Merlin, Merlin Photo ID, eBird, and other digital ornithology resources from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Merlin is the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s free iPhone app, which currently offers real-time assistance in bird identification for 400 North American birds. eBird is a free, online database of bird observations providing scientists, researchers and amateur naturalists with current and up-to-date data about bird distributions and abundance. Workshop coverage will include details on how to get started with Merlin, Merlin Photo ID, and eBird, as well as how to use eBird’s data visualization tools to explore both the smalland large-scale impacts and capabilities of citizen science.

Held at the Watsonville Nature Center. Meet:

3:15pm at the Civic Center for carpooling or 3:30pm at the site, 30 Harkins Slough Rd. Chris Hartzell is an avid birder, photographer, and artist. He and his wife, Ame, offer wildlife photography tours, teach photography, produce informational movies, and work toward global environmental conservation. Chris also is the VP of Monterey Audubon Society and edits its newsletter, The Sanderling. In his other life, Chris is a fire captain with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Carmel Hill Fire Station.

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Held at the Watsonville Wetlands Watch Wetlands Education Resource Center (WERC) at 500 Harkins Slough

Road, Watsonville. Meet directly at the WERC, which is located at the top of the uppermost parking lot of the Pajaro Valley High School. Carol Bennett has enjoyed living and working in Santa Cruz County since 1980. She has an award-winning graphic design business, Carol Bennett Design, and teaches watercolor painting in local elementary schools as an Arts Council of Santa Cruz County Spectra artist. Carol also teaches through Watsonville Wetlands Watch, where she painted a wall mural and helped to create the “Web of Life in the Wetlands” diorama.

Meet at the Watsonville Civic Plaza to carpool to field location. Jeff Bleam currently works designing medical devices, but has been taking photos for more than 40 years, first with film and now digitally. Although relatively new to birding, he is a big supporter of eBird and feels that capturing birds in action is where nature becomes art.

Held at the Watsonville Civic Plaza. Dr. Brooke Keeney has a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution, and a life-long passion to bring natural history to the general public. She is the managing editor for the Birds of North America Online (bna.birds.cornell.edu), and Neotropical Birds (http://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu) websites at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. She is a strong proponent of making online education interactive and engaging, has designed courses and educational materials for Pearson Education, and the Northeastern University College of Professional Studies. In the past, Brooke has worked on projects ranging from the neural control of hummingbird flight, to avian malaria in Hawaii. Her favorite bird is the Northern Saw-whet Owl!

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2015

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Thursday, Sept. 24

Friday, Sept. 25

VENDORS/EXHIBITORS - NOON - 6:45 pm Birders Marketplace

FULL-DAY FIELD TRIPS

Andrew Molera/Condor Viewing @ Big Sur - 6 am - $15 California Specialties - 6:30 am - $15

HALF-DAY FIELD TRIPS

Vagrants & More @ Carmel River - 6:15 am Lee Road Overlook - 7:00 am Salinas River Mouth - 7:00 am Pinto Lake County Park - 7:30 am Beginning Birding - 8:00 am

Elkhorn Slough/Moss Landing (Coastal) - 6:30 am Llagas Creek - 6:30 am Pajaro Dunes/Sunset Beach - 6:30 am Rancho Del Oso - 8:00 am Beginning Birding - Morning - 8:00 am Beginning Birding - Afternoon - 1:00 pm

WATER ADVENTURES

Whisper Charters - 8 am - 10 am; 11 am - 1 pm; 2 pm - 4 pm - $39 Elkhorn Slough Safari - 12:30 pm - $38

WORKSHOPS Birding Optics Demystified, Marilyn Rose - 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Cuckoos and Carbon, Scott Smithson - 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

SOCIAL RECEPTION A Taste of the Pajaro Valley - 5 pm - 7 pm - FREE FEATURED SPEAKER Dr. Mike Murray, Monterey Bay Aquarium A Glimpse Behind the Curtain: Birds at the Monterey Bay Aquarium - 7 pm - $10

WATER ADVENTURES

Shearwater Journeys Pelagic Trip 7:00 am - 3:00 pm - $169 Whisper Charters 8 am - 10 am; 11 am - 1 pm; 2 pm - 4 pm - $39 Kayak Connection - 9 am - 11 am - $55 Elkhorn Slough Safari - 1:00 pm - $38

WORKSHOPS Photography Gear & Techniques, Chris Hartzell 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Photography Field Workflow, Chris Hartzell - 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm Pelagic Birds Identification, Scott Terrill, PhD - 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

RAFFLE Raffle Prizes - 6:00 pm FEATURED SPEAKER Greg Meyer, Professional Naturalist The Baja Connection - 7 pm - $10 NIGHT FIELD TRIP Owls of Robinson Canyon - 8:45 pm - $15

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2015

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Saturday, Sept. 26 VENDORS/EXHIBITORS - NOON - 6:45 pm Birders Marketplace FULL-DAY FIELD TRIPS Andrew Molera/Condor Viewing @ Big Sur - 6 am - $15 California Specialties - 6:30 am - $15 Pinnacles National Park - 6:30 am - $15

HALF-DAY FIELD TRIPS Vagrants & More @ Carmel River - 6:15 am Elkhorn Slough/Moss Landing (Coastal) - 6:30 am Kirby Park/Elkhorn Slough (Interior) - 6:30 am New Brighton State Beach - 6:30 am Watsonville Sloughs - 7:00 am Beginning Birding - 8:00 am

➤ All workshops and evening presentations are free with festival registration. Otherwise, you may purchase a ticket for a specific workshop or evening presentation. Tickets are $10.00 for each workshop and presentation. ➤ All trips are smoke-free, and most require some easy walking over sometimes rough terrain. ➤ Pelagic trips cannot accommodate pregnant women or individuals in wheelchairs. There are no refunds if you cancel your reservation. ➤ All workshops, with the exception of Tactical Field Photography and Field Sketching are wheelchair accessible.

WATER ADVENTURES

Shearwater Journeys Pelagic Trip 7:00 am - 3:00 pm - $169 Whisper Charters 8 am - 10 am; 11 am - 1 pm; 2 pm - 4 pm - $39 Kayak Connection - 9 am - 11 am - $55 Elkhorn Slough Safari - 2:15 pm - $38

WORKSHOPS Bird Photography Basics, Jeff Bleam - 7:00 am - 10:00 am Field Sketching, Carol Bennett - 9:30 am - 3:30 pm What’s That Bird? Merlin & eBird Can Help! Dr. Brooke Keeney - 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

RAFFLE Raffle Prizes - 6:00 pm FEATURED SPEAKER Jon Young, Author - What the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Screts of the Natural World - 7:00 pm - $10 NIGHT FIELD TRIP Owls of Robinson Canyon - 8:45 pm - $15 Published By The Register-Pajaronian

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2015

TRIPS AND WORKSHOPS 2015 Field Trips, Workshops, and Water Adventures

Please read about the festival’s fantastic field trips! Many of these trips will be offered multiple times to maximize your opportunities to see the most birds! And be sure to visit the Trip Leaders page to learn about the extraordinary expertise each of the field trip leaders brings to the festival.

FULL-DAY FIELD TRIPS ANDREW MOLERA STATE PARK and CONDOR VIEWING IN BIG SUR Description: This full-day trip takes you birding in scenic Big Sur. Field trip leaders will take you to Andrew Molera State Park, one of the premier vagrant traps on the West Coast. Afterward, you’ll spend time looking for condors in likely spots along Highway 1. This trip takes you birding in one of the country’s pristine locations – Big Sur! Carpooling recommended. Please have a full tank of gas. Participants should bring plenty of water to drink, lunch, and sunscreen for this nearly all-day trip. Dates: Thursday, Sept. 24; Friday, Sept 25; Saturday, Sept. 26 Time: 6:00 a.m. to between 2:00 & 4:00 p.m. in Big Sur Cost: $15.00 premium trip fee Trip Leaders: Phil Brown (Friday), Eric Feuss (Thursday and Saturday) Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6 a.m. Andrew Molera State Park is approximately 50 miles from Watsonville. For those not traveling in the caravan, meet at 7:15 a.m. at the Ventana Discovery Center/ Andrew Molera State Park. Activity: Moderate CALIFORNIA SPECIALTIES Description: 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, etc. Ranging from Pacific beaches to the foothills to the Salinas Valley, this fastpaced trip will help maximize your list of western birds. Perfect for the out-of-state birder, but fun for anyone. Carpooling recommended. Please have a full tank of gas. Participants should bring plenty of water to drink, lunches, and sunscreen for this nearly all-day trip. Dates: Thursday, Sept 24; Friday, Sept. 25; Saturday, Sept. 26 Time: 6:30 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. Cost: $15.00 premium trip fee Leaders: Kumaran Arul (Thursday & Friday), Tim Amaral (Saturday) Transportation: Car caravan from Watsonville Civic Plaza. Activity: Moderate 12

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2015

PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK Description: Join us for a visit to one of America’s newest national parks! Pinnacles provides a chance to look for specialties of the California interior landscape, including a chance at yellow-billed magpie, canyon wren, Lawrence’s goldfinch, greater roadrunner, loggerhead shrike, and resident prairie falcons. After birding, an NPS ranger/naturalist will do a presentation on the important work the Pinnacles National Park California Condor Recovery Program conducts. Other than Big Sur, Pinnacles offers the next best chance for seeing a California condor. Carpooling recommend – Please have a full tank of gas. Participants should bring plenty of water to drink, lunches, and sunscreen for this nearly all-day trip. Dates: Saturday, Sept. 26 Time: 6:30 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. Cost: $15.00 premium trip fee Leader: David Ekdahl Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza Activity: Moderate HALF-DAY FIELD TRIPS

BEGINNING BIRDING

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. Dates: Thursday, Sept. 24, Friday, Sept. 26, Saturday, Sept. 26 Time: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday), 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Friday) Cost: Included with registration Trip Leaders: Lois and Wally Goldfrank (Friday and Saturday a.m.); Rusty Scalf (Thursday a.m. and Friday p.m.) Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza Activity: Moderate

ELKHORN SLOUGH AND MOSS LANDING (COASTAL) Description: 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. Dates: Friday, Sept. 25; Saturday, Sept. 26 Time: 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Cost: Included with registration Trip Leaders: Bernadette Ramer (Friday), RJ Adams (Saturday) Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza Activity: Moderate KIRBY PARK and ELKHORN SLOUGH RESERVE (INTERIOR) Description: Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, in the heart of Elkhorn Slough, is one of the premier bird-watching sites in the Western United States. Birding from the Reserve offers an opportunity to explore several of its diverse habitats and see many of the more than 340 species that visit or take refuge throughout this watershed. Elkhorn Slough’s importance to birds during their great fall and spring migrations has led the American Birding Conservancy to declare it a “globally important” area. Dates: Saturday, Sept. 26 Time: 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Cost: Included with registration Trip Leaders: Christian Schwarz Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza Activity: Moderate LEE ROAD OVERLOOK Description: The Lee Road Overlook 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. This is an area that we have inventoried nearly weekly for several years. The area is dynamic so that we never see just the same birds two weeks in a row. The area is good for viewing both land and water birds. From Lee Road Overlook we may go to Harkens Slough, and then to the mouth of the Pajaro River. Each of these areas is different from the other, so that different bird species are likely to be added at each stop. Dates: Thursday, Sept. 24 Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Cost: Included with registration Trip Leaders: David and Jane Styer Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza Activity: Moderate LLAGAS CREEK Description: Explore the upper reaches of the Pajaro River watershed on this rare opportunity to bird in a restricted access area. We’ll explore Llagas Creek, a tributary of the Pajaro River. A restored native plant corridor borders this creek, which is managed by the Santa Clara County Water District. Paralleling the City of Gilroy’s wastewater treatment plant, it consistently offers surprises in any season. Participants should bring water, a hat, and sunscreen. Please be prepared to carpool, as parking is limited. Participants should pack a lunch, hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water for this nearly all-day trip. Dates: Friday, Sept. 25 Time: 6:30 a.m. to approximately 11:30 am. Cost: $15.00 premium trip fee Trip Leader: Mark Paxton Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza Activity: Moderate NEW BRIGHTON STATE BEACH Description: New Brighton State Beach includes patches of willows, oaks, and a fine Monterey Pine forest, all of which are attractive to both migrating and wintering birds. Townsend’s warblers, pygmy nuthatches, downy and hairy woodpeckers, and brown creepers are all likely to be seen. The adjacent waters of

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TRIPS AND WORKSHOPS Monterey Bay are a good place to view caspian, elegant, and Forster’s Terns, and sometimes even a parasitic jaeger! Dates: Saturday, Sept. 26 Time: 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Cost: Included with registration Trip Leaders: Matthew Strusis-Timmer Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza Activity: Moderate OWLS OF ROBINSON CANYON Description: 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 10, are a must if you’re looking for owls. Bring a flashlight if possible. Dress warmly! Please be aware that most owls will only be heard, and not seen. No refunds. Dates: Friday, Sept. 25, Saturday, Sept. 26 Time: 8:45 p.m. to after midnight Cost: $15.00 premium trip fee Trip Leader: Steve Rovell Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza Activity: Limited PAJARO DUNES/SUNSET BEACH Description: Shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl are all likely as we visit the varied habitats of Sunset Beach and Pajaro Dunes. Snowy plovers nest on the dunes themselves, and the Pajaro River Mouth has long been one of the premier locations for rare 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. Dates: Friday, Sept. 25 Time: 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Cost: Included with registration Trip Leaders: Nick Levendovsky Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza Activity: Moderate PINTO LAKE COUNTY PARK Description: The Pinto Lake area is “home” to the red-shouldered and redtailed hawk, white-tailed kite, California thrasher, woodpeckers, ducks, and songbirds. We’ll wander the trails of Pinto Lake County Park searching for these and other

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birds. This trip is recommended for both beginners and experienced birders as something unusual nearly always shows up. Dates: Thursday, Sept. 24 Time: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Cost: Included with registration Trip Leaders: Bob and Bernadette Ramer Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza Activity: Moderate RANCHO DEL OSO Description: Birding at this beautiful and historic locale brings together birds from a variety of habitats in a limited area. Turning from the birds of the ocean, beach, creek mouth and marsh, one can search amid riparian, Monterey pine, mixed evergreen, and coast redwood forests. Along with local favorites such as wrentit, pygmy nuthatch, purple finch, house wren, hermit warbler, northern pygmy-owl, marbled murrelet, and a variety of woodpeckers, this is a good place to encounter raptors and a chance for rare migrants and vagrants. Plan for a few miles of walking on mostly gentle slopes. Dates: Friday, Sept. 25 Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Cost: Included with registration Trip Leaders: Todd Newberry Transportation: Meet at Waddell Beach at 8 am – Drive north on Hwy 1 to the Waddell Beach parking lot (about 17 miles from Santa Cruz) north of Waddell Creek (just before towering bluffs). Trip will begin on Waddell Beach, then work inland from the road-gate that is directly across the highway from the beach parking lot. Alternatively, if you wish to carpool then car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:45 am. Activity: Moderate SALINAS RIVER MOUTH Description: The mouth of the Salinas River offers an excellent opportunity to find a vagrant shorebird, observe several species of terns, 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 locale. Dates: Thursday, Sept. 24 Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Cost: Included with registration Trip Leaders: Scott Smithson Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza Activity: Moderate

VAGRANTS AND MORE ON THE CARMEL RIVER SOUTH BANK TRAIL

CARBON NEUTRAL CUCKOOS: CHASING BIRDS & PLANTING SEEDS

Description: 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 is already collecting rarities such as: Blue-winged 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. Dates: Thursday, Sept. 24; Saturday, Sept. 26 Time: 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Cost: Included with registration Trip Leaders: Bill Hill (Thursday), Rita Carratello (Saturday) Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza Activity: Moderate WATSONVILLE SLOUGHS

Thursday, Sept. 24, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. California’s first Common Cuckoo was discovered in the Watsonville Wetlands in 2012, and hundreds of birders quickly descended upon a little known patch of recently restored riparian habitat. Thousands of miles were driven or flown by birders in pursuit of the Old World cuckoo, generating a ~40 ton CO2 footprint. Join Scott Smithson, founder of The Green Big Day, as he illuminates the natural connection between birders and habitat restoration through a journey of discovering the ecological impact of his own birding trips. Imagine a future where the rarest bird sightings are coupled with carbon offsetting through support of nearby restoration projects. Learn how to calculate and mitigate the ecological cost of those impromptu mega-rarity birding trips! Presenter: Scott Smithson PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR AND TECHNIQUES LECTURE AND DEMONSTRATION

Description: Come see where the mega-rarity, the common cuckoo, took refuge for several days in September 2012! The sloughs of Harkins, East and West Struve, Hanson, Gallighan, and Watsonville comprise the heart of the Watsonville Sloughs system. A variety of shorebirds, raptors, gulls, ducks, sparrows, and songbirds are present at the sloughs’ varied habitats and their associated uplands. Learn the local access sites for finding birds in Watsonville’s front yard. Dates: Saturday, Sept. 26 Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Cost: Included with registration Trip Leaders: Earl Lebow Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza Activity: Moderate, limited

WORKSHOPS

BIRDING OPTICS DEMYSTIFELD Thursday, Sept. 24, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Thinking about buying your first pair of “real” binoculars or upgrading the ones you have? Considering taking the leap to buy a spotting scope? 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 differences for yourself! Presenter: Marilyn Rose

Friday, Sept. 25, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. This lecture will touch on field gear choices, gear purchasing, use of monopods and tripods, hand-holding large lenses, body mechanics, and positioning from standing to lying down for hand-holding. This workshop is a good starting point for the next workshop, which takes place in the field. Presenter: Chris Hartzell PHOTOGRAPHY FIELD WORKFLOW Friday, Sept. 25, 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Learn how to read the environment, make appropriate camera settings in a timely manner, and then track and “capture” the wildlife you want to photograph! You can take classes to learn settings, but mastering the details of a successful workflow in the field can take years. Join this one-of-akind photography workshop where you’ll begin to develop a field workflow just like the pros. What You Need: Digital SLR camera with zoom lens; basic understanding of ISO/aperture/shutter speed; thorough familiarity with and understanding of your equipment’s buttons and functions. Presenter: Chris Hartzell

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2015

TRIPS AND WORKSHOPS PELAGIC BIRDS IDENTIFICATION Friday, Sept. 25, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This workshop will provide an overview of seabirds off the California coast. It will introduce you to birding at sea and the overall approach to seabird spotting and identification. The focus of this workshop will primarily be on pelagic (offshore) birds, covering species typically encountered offshore in Monterey Bay. You will also learn how to identify more problematic species, such as jaegers, offshore terns, and storm-petrels. In addition, you’ll learn about some of the vagrant seabirds that occur off California. Presenter: Scott Terrill, PhD FIELD SKETCHING Saturday, Sept. 26: 9:30 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  This workshop is designed to enhance your bird watching experience. The morning classroom session includes handson, step-by-step instruction, using various local bird specimens to study shape, proportion, color, and texture. After a one-hour lunch break, we’ll go to the wetlands for an afternoon of observation and sketching. What to Bring: Sketchpad, 6B soft pencil, colored pencils, sharpener, and eraser. For the afternoon at the wetlands, bring a folding chair, sun hat, and remember the binos! Presenter: Carol Bennett BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS Saturday, Sept. 26: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Nature photography is arguably the hardest field of photography, even for those with years of experience. We will be heading into the field and I will work with you on how to set up your camera and give you feedback as we walk through the area sloughs taking photos. Limit 5-7 participants. Meet at the Civic Plaza to carpool to field. Presenter: Jeff Bleam WHAT’S THAT BIRD? MERLIN AND EBIRD CAN HELP! Saturday, Sept. 26: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This workshop is designed to help bird lovers of all levels explore the applications, and capabilities of Merlin, Merlin Photo ID, eBird, and other digital orni14

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2015

(CONT.)

thology resources from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Merlin is the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s free iPhone app, which currently offers real-time assistance in bird identification for 400 North American birds. eBird is a free, online database of bird observations providing scientists, researchers and amateur naturalists with current and up-to-date data about bird distributions and abundance. Workshop coverage will include details on how to get started with Merlin, Merlin Photo ID, and eBird, as well as how to use eBird’s data visualization tools to explore both the small- and large-scale impacts and capabilities of citizen science. Held at Watsonville Civic Plaza. Presenter: Dr. Brooke Keeney

double-kayaks. Date: Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26 Cost: $55.00/person Time: 9:00 – 11:00 Trip Leaders: Kayak Connection crew. Reservations: Call the Moss Landing shop to reserve your trips by call 831-724-5692. They are open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Pacific. Transportation: Go directly to Kayak Connection in Moss Landing. Do not meet at Watsonville Civic Plaza. Allow 30 minutes travel time from Watsonville. For directions,   www.kayakconnection.com. SHEARWATER JOURNEYS PELAGIC TRIPS

Description: An incredible submarine canyon lies below the Monterey Bay WATER ADVENTURES National Marine Sanctuary, which hosts a vast variety of seabirds and marine ELKHORN SLOUGH SAFARI mammals just a few miles from shore. In addition to humpback whales and a variety Description: Elkhorn Slough Safari of dolphins, we can expect to see sooty, is a birding adventure aboard an open pink-footed, and Buller’s shearwaters; 27-foot pontoon boat, allowing for explocommon murres; pigeon guillemots; ration of the slough from a perspective Cassin’s and rhinoceros auklets; pomarine usually experienced only by birds and sea and parasitic jaegers; and maybe a south otters. This tour offers a unique opportunipolar skua. Black-footed albatross; Manx ty to observe these species in their native and flesh-footed shearwaters; black and habitats, up close and personal. Shoreashy storm petrels; Sabine’s gull, and birds, raptors, grebes, and both harbor arctic tern highlight just a partial list of our seals and sea otters are highlighted. Tours possibilities. last 1.5-2 hours. Limited to 10 seats per Book reservations directly day. through Shearwater Journeys by Dates: Thursday, Sept. 24 at 12:30 mailing check to: PO Box 190, Hollister, PM; Friday, Sept. 25 at 1:00 PM; SaturCA 95024. Include first- and second-choice day, Sept. 26 at 2:15 PM. trip dates, name, complete address, email Cost: $38.00/person address, and phone numbers. Reserve Trip Leaders: Captain Joe Mancino early to avoid disappointment. and crew Please note: Dress in layers due Transportation: Go directly to Elkhorn to the changing weather conditions. Slough Safari in Moss Landing. Meet in Bring your own lunch and beverages. the Moss Landing Harbor Parking Lot: Food/beverages are not available for 7881 Sandholdt Rd, Moss Landing, purchase on the boat. 95039. Parking is $6.00. Dates: Friday, Sept. 25; Saturday, For directions, go to Sept. 26; Sunday, Sept. 27 www.elkhornsloughsafari.com Cost: $169.00/person. Possible price adjustment, payable only in cash at the KAYAK CONNECTION – ELKHORN dock, $5-$15/person. SLOUGH Time: All trips depart at 7 a.m. and return at approximately 3 p.m. Description: Here’s your chance Leaders: Leaders TBD. to take your own birding tour of Elkhorn Transportation: Monterey Slough and enjoy a kayaking adventure– Pelagic Trips: Meet Friday and Saturday courtesy of Kayak Connection in Moss at Fisherman’s Wharf Monterey. Do NOT Landing. Shorebirds, sea otters, grebes, meet at Watsonville Civic Plaza! Allow pelicans, plus the rarities of fall migration at least one hour driving time from Watare possible on this guided trip. Some sonville. Parking is available in the large of the most intriguing spots of the slough lot that connects Fisherman’s Wharf and are accessible only by kayak. Beginning Commercial Wharf #2. Be sure to go to kayakers are welcome and encouraged Fisherman’s Wharf and not the Commerto sign up. Limited to 10 people in five cial Wharf. Stop in at Chris’ Fishing Shop

to get a parking voucher which can be used at the end of the day. Be at Chris’ Fishing Shop on Fisherman’s’ Wharf at 7 a.m., SHARP. Latecomers who miss the boat will forfeit their fees. The boat will return about 3 p.m. Send reservations, including first and second choice dates, in case first choice is sold out to: Debi Shearwater:  POB 190, Hollister,  CA 95024. Activity: The dock is unable to accommodate wheelchairs. This trip is unsuitable for pregnant women. WHISPER CHARTERS 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. Book early: Limited to six people per trip! Dates: Thursday, Sept. 24; Friday, Sept. 25; Saturday, Sept. 26 Cost: Festival Discount! $39.00/person Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Trip Leaders: Whisper Charters’ guides Transportation: Go directly to Whisper Charters in Moss Landing. Do not meet at Watsonville Civic Plaza. Allow 30 minutes travel time from Watsonville. For more information, www.whispercharters.com

Photo by TARMO Hannula

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HOW TO GET TO

CIVIC PLAZA

The Monterey Bay Birding Festival is based at the Civic Plaza, Fourth Floor, 275 Main Street, Watsonville. Registration desk, seminars, workshops, field trip staging, and Vendor’s Faire will be on the fourth (top) floor.

If You Are Driving: From the Highway 1 south, exit Riverside Drive, turn left from offramp exit and proceed 2 miles. Turn left on Rodriguez Street, proceed ½ mile to Watsonville Civic Plaza. Turn right off Rodriquez Street into garage. From the Highway 1 north, exit Riverside Drive, veer to right and proceed 2 miles. Turn left on Rodriguez Street, proceed ½ mile to Watsonville Civic Plaza. Turn right off Rodriquez Street into garage. 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/Highway152/Hecker Pass Road to Santa Cruz County. Remain on Highway 152/East Lake Ave., proceed 3.2 miles. Turn left on Main Street and proceed 0.3 mile to Watsonville Civic Plaza. Turn right on First Street, proceed to Rodriguez Street. Turn left to enter garage.

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, proceed ½ mile to Watsonville Civic Plaza. Turn right off Rodriguez Street into garage. Drive to top floor or park on any floor and take an elevator to the top. On Thursday and Friday, parking is free for the first two hours after which there is a parking fee. Parking is free all day Saturday and Sunday.

If You Are Flying: From Mineta San Jose International Airport, head southeast on Airport Blvd. Take the ramp on the left onto Interstate 880 S. 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 offramp exit and proceed 2 miles. Turn left on Rodriguez Street, proceed ½ mile to Watsonville

Civic Plaza. Turn right off Rodriquez Street into garage. Travel distance 47 miles, about 55 minutes. From San Francisco International Airport, head east, merge onto Highway 101 South via the ramp to San Jose, 23.4 miles. Slight right at Highway 85 (signs for Cupertino/ Highway 85/Santa Cruz) 13.3 miles. Take the exit onto Highway 17 S toward Santa Cruz, 22.0 miles. Take the exit onto Highway 1 South toward Watsonville/Monterey, 14.3 miles, to Riverside Drive exit, turn left from offramp exit and proceed 2 miles. Turn left on Rodriguez Street, proceed ½ mile to Watsonville Civic Plaza. Turn right off Rodriquez

Street into garage. Travel distance 77 miles, about 1 hour, 23 minutes. 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 off Rodriquez Street into garage. Drive to top floor or park on any floor and take an elevator to the top. On Thursday and Friday, parking is free for the first two hours after which there is a parking fee. Parking is free all day Saturday and Sunday.

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) 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 closeups. 1 (c) Before advertising the presence of a rare

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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 land-owners. The sites of rare nesting birds should be divulged only to the 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 import-

ant to feed birds continually during harsh weather. 3(b) Maintain and clean nest structures regularly. 3(c) If you are attracting birds to an area, ensure the birds are not exposed to predation from 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(s) of the inappropriate action, and attempt, within reason, to have it stopped. If the behavior continues, docu-

ment 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 2015

FIELD TRIP LEADERS Please read about the many talented and dedicated bird experts who will be leading the festival’s field trips!

Photos by TARMO Hannula

RJ ADAMS, a native Californian, 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 the recently published 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 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 vicepresident of the local Audubon Society.

KUMARAN ARUL 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. 16

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2015

PHIL BROWN 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.

RITA CARRATELLO 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.

DAVID EKDAHL has been birding and guiding trips for the Santa Cruz Bird Club for more than 20 years. He began his birding in Humboldt County and has birded in Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Canada, Alaska, New Zealand, and South Africa. He is a section leader in the Santa Cruz/Moss Landing and Pinnacles Christmas Bird Counts.

ERIC FEUSS has been avidly birding since he was a lad of 16. From 1992 to 1999, he 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. About to become an “empty nester,” he is looking forward to moving back into more academic and field-study activities. LOIS and WALLY GOLDFRANK have

been actively birding in the Monterey Bay area since becoming empty nesters in 1991. Their birding adventures have taken them to 50 countries and to most of the states in the U.S. They have seen over 7,000 species including at least one member of every bird family in the world. Both professional educators, they particularly enjoy leading walks for beginners and sharing their enthusiasm for birding and their knowledge of the local area with residents and visitors alike.

BILL HILL 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.

EARL LEBOW 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.

NICHOLAS

LEVENDOSKY was first introduced to the idea of birding while taking a natural history and ecology course at Prescott College in 2001. Although he found this idea rather silly at first, the puzzle and game of identifying birds quickly peaked his interest and he was hooked. From that point on he has worked to transform from a casual birder to an intentional observer. Since moving back to Santa Cruz six years ago after obtaining a job with the San Jose Fire Department, Nicholas has devoted a significant amount of time getting into the field to ‘simply learn birds.’ He most appreciates the relationship between species and habitat—believing birding lends itself to building a sense of place and physical community around one’s home.

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FIELD TRIP LEADERS TODD NEWBERRY a lifelong birder, has taught biology for 40 years at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He leads frequent and 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 recent book, The Ardent Birder. MARK PAXTON 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 2300-acre 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.”

BOB RAMER 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 cocompilers of this count.

BERNADETTE

RAMER began her studies in shorebird ecology of Elkhorn Slough as a student at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories in 1977. She has coordinated a number of censuses of shorebirds in and around Elkhorn Slough and is currently a volunteer for the Elkhorn Slough Shorebird Monitoring Project. She has led Elkhorn Slough field trips for many local birding groups and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. She spent more than 20 years as a field biologist for Point Reyes Bird Observatory, studying the Monterey population of the snowy plover. Bernadette and her husband, Bob Ramer, are co-compilers of the Moss Landing Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

STEVE ROVELL, 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

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where he now teaches high school biology and earth science. His other hobbies include native plant gardening and dragonflies. Steve lives in Marina with his wife of 20 years and two sons, Julian (17) and Marco (10).

RUSTY SCALF 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.

CHRISTIAN SCHWARZ is a Santa Cruz

resident who spends lots of time birding around his workplace in Watsonville. Although he is first and foremost a fungal taxonomist, engaging birdlife provides him with much-needed respite from those highly confusing taxa, and more importantly a broader perspective on ecology and evolution. He studied at UCSC and is in the process of finishing a new field guide to California’s fungi (Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast, on shelves next fall), and is very interested in fostering citizen science in all its forms.

9, he met famed birder Gil West on a Sequoia Audubon field trip, and thus began a birder-mentor-friendship that would continue until Gil passed away in 1994. Scott went on to receive his MS in biology from CSU Long Beach, studying the breeding biology of introduced orange bishops and nutmeg mannikins in southern CA. He is interested in finding creative ways to minimize carbon footprint of the birding subculture – see www.greenbigday.org. Scott currently teaches high school AP Biology & Environmental Science at The King’s Academy in Sunnyvale.

MATTHEW

STRUSIS-TIMMER has led trips for the Monterey Bay Birding Festival since its inception, and has been enjoying the avifauna of the Monterey Bay area since moving here in 2003. He enjoys natural history interpretation and has taught outdoor education in Santa Cruz County for three years. He has also volunteered for many different organizations and events over the years, including the Quail Hollow Nest Box Project, Santa Cruz County Forest Bird Monitoring Study, Santa Cruz Bird Club, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County

Conservation Blueprint, and Audubon Christmas Bird Counts. When not birding for fun, Matthew is often watching birds in the San Francisco Bay area for his job as a wildlife ecologist for H.T. Harvey & Associates.

DAVID and JANE STYER 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.

DEBRA SHEARWATER is a household

name for any North American birder interested in seabirds and a leader in the seabirding world. Pioneering “seabirding trips,” she started Shearwater Journeys in 1978. She has logged more than 4,500 days on the water, has had several publications on birding at sea, contributed to marine mammal research, co-produced a bestselling DVD on seabirds and marine mammals, been featured in many books, and was represented in the recent movie The Big Year as “Annie Auklet.” She has served on the board of directors for the American Birding Association, a past officer of the Santa Cruz Bird Club, and responsible for many California seabird records. Shearwater Journeys hold trips both locally and internationally, where Debi leads expedition voyages to many Polar Regions, including the Antarctic. Debi invites you to visit her website at www.shearwaterjourneys.com

SCOTT SMITHSON began birding in

hometown Pacifica, CA, after receiving a little blue Golden Guide from his kindergarten teacher. At the age of

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2015

FAMILY DAYS at the CITY OF WATSONVILLE

NATURE CENTER

Saturday & Sunday, September 26 & 27, 2015 s ks l e i a t i W iv n t o c i t A a e r r o u l t p a x N E

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t a w ird

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Family Bird Watching & Exploration Walks Saturday 1:30 PM Sunday 10:00 AM 1:30 PM At each of these times, a 1/2 hour walk and a 2 hour walk are available to choose from. Bilingual Spanish/English Binoculars and instruction provided

FREE!

INDOOR ACTIVITIES Arts and Crafts Projects & Nature Activities all day

The whole family is welcome for all indoor and outdoor activities.

Saturday & Sunday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

All ages may participate. No registration needed.

No birdwatching experience needed

Snacks and drinks provided

For more information call (831) 768-1622

City of Watsonville Nature Center 18

30 Harkins Slough Rd (behind Ramsay Park) Watsonville CA 95076 Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2015

Published By The Register-Pajaronian

Días para la Familia en el CENTRO DE NATURALEZA de la CIUDAD DE WATSONVILLE Sábado y domingo, 26 y 27 de septiembre 2015

la a r a e p s d e s s v a e a d at e a n i d d vi a i z t e c Camr vación l A ra u t e s a n ob ACTIVIDADES AL AIRE LIBRE Caminatas para la observación de aves para toda la familia Sábado

1:30 PM

Domingo

10:00 AM 1:30 PM

¡GRATIS! Toda la familia es bienvenida para las actividades internas y al aire libre.

Opciones de caminatas de media hora y dos horas para cada horario. Bilingüe español/ingles Binoculares e instrucciones serán proveídos No se requiere experiencia

ACTIVIDADES INTERNAS Proyectos de arte y actividades de naturaleza todo el día Sábado y domingo

Todas las edades pueden participar.

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

No es necesario registrarse.

Se proveerán bocadillos

Para más información llame al (831) 768-1622

Centro de Naturaleza de la Ciudad de Watsonville 30 Harkins Slough Rd (detrás del parque Ramsay) Watsonville CA 95076

The Monterey Bay Birding Festival Steering Committee members wish to express their gratitude and 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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By LUKE PHILLIPS

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City Manager Rachelle Rickard says the city expects Atascadero Lake to be completely dry soon and the low water levels are leading to complaints from residents around the lake. At the June 24, City Council meeting Rickard said the city has received numerous complaints about unpleasant odors coming from the lake and an increase in the amount of mosquitos in the area. “Our realistic options for dealing with the unpleasant odors are limited, she said, adding that most of the foul odors are coming from decaying algae and other plant matter. “It’s a very natural process, but unfortunately it does cause an odor at times.” Rickard says the city has also added mosquito dunks to the water in an effort to control the mosquito population in the area. The mosquito dunks release a chemical into the water that is deadly to mosquito larvae, but not harmful to humans or other animals. Rickard says that city crews are now cleaning up dead fish from the shores of the lake on a daily basis, but are no longer able to use a boat to retrieve dead fish from the lake itself due to the fact that the waters are now too shallow to accommodate a boat. The shores of the lake have

JARON AROMAS “unbeliev IAN — Renz got behin By TARM cination” able imaginatio d the whee o Lombardi O HAN Caterpillar OF THE a DVD set with “Mighty n and fasl of a gigan NULA REGISTER-PA Mach 777D into the tic JARON ment machthat shows heav ines,” SANTA work zoneTuesday, rollin IAN CRUZ y equip ines. son Quar g her first at the A.R. Renzo ry court appe— A high-end Wilfaces felon Once he in Aromas. tool in hiscan also identify prostitute aranc arrived, nearly every made into a Krup a Google y manslaugh e Wednesday often helpsfather Vince’s he then ter charg where she hopped exec Vince work toolbox, and he finish p rock crush es in the cycle. Alix Cath utive. er, on his moto death of quarry’s ed, he checked and after suspected erine Tiche r“This lman, 26, of killin sure thattruck repair shop out the aboard for both was an amazing g Forre everything his to make of st Timo of Folsom is them,” Cryst 50-foot thera docked Not exac said. was thy Haye yach at al Lomb py 3-year-old tly a typical in order. November the Santa Cruzt, Escape, while s, 51, ardi Tuesday day for canc . Small Craft it was began a The Seas er survivor. transfer Santa with Harbor ide resid chance said detecCruz Police in his Seasi truck picking up a big rig ent to Depu Make-A-W live his dream got the after susp tives were calle ty Chief Steve the quarrde home. Once Renzo at thank ish he Greater Granitero Since thenicious circumstad to the B dock Clark sign greety, where a lighte entered Bay Area s to ck Nov. 23 nces were d digita and intensive detectives Granitero of Watsonvil in a hard ed him, Renz uncovered have been o suited l investigati hat and tions Direc ck Communile. surroundin up . vest. conductin But the on to learn Renzo Lomb g the death said Tues tor Rose Ann ty Relag an suspect. the beginning. day’s surprises ardi show , and learn circumstances were just 777D. the comp day marked the Woolpert s that he more abou According “I saw Erik Chalho can fit insid Make-A-Wany was asked first time to an obitu t the claim ed a dump truck e the whee ub/Register-Pajaronia to host ish even ary, Haye a n t. “It’s as much rolled intoas a Cate rpill !” he exs of Santa l of a Cate Renz ar o, Cruz rpillar ing even the park is for the of who had 777D is move family,” a gift for us as the large ing lot, dwar See SUSP it was d from his kidne a tumo r reshe said. in the area. fst dump ECT, page pron ya His fasci trucks A8 December ounc ed canc year ago, tools Renzo and nation with er-fre e . his famil procl toy truck in was and diggers y recei s, Counamation from began 10-m istory the San ved a ty and Crystal onths-old, said when he Mon terey Benito Lombardi, Boar his moth er July ds of Supe and has rvisors, Coun ty had an 8 as declaring the A.R. “Renzo Lombardi By TARM Wilson Day” at Quarry. O HAN

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JARON CENTRA Cruz Beac L COASTIAN annual Seabright h Boardwal Whar — The 42nd k a new recor f to Wharf Point and area, Live Oak, area, the d: All 16,00race has set sold out Pleasure Wharf in then ends near 0 openings in 19 the Capit the Scott McCohours. New this heart of the villag ola nville, race said racer year e. tion on Capitola is a meet-up from more s this year are director, speed beach, desig stathan 40 coming up than 10 ned to states find one family members another ability to Zealand, countries inclu and more more direc “It Uganda Japan, Ethio ding New cern is just a way pia, Keny and Cana to allevi tly. ate cona, finishand confusion abou da. “It is the the race,” same six-m t those that with abou At the start McConville ile t cours 50 live band along the said. e creat ed a corra line organizers “It’s a fun route,” McCo s playing have l system nville that allow great expe event that make said. s rience s for a See WHA runners RF, page but obse not just for a uniqu the A5 rvers as e even well. It is The race t.” Runner and walk Municipal begins at the Santa Cruz annual Wha ers in the 37th along the Wharf and threa rf to Wha move along ds it coast throu rf race East Cliff gh the way Santa Drive Seve

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Arielle Spotswood of Corralitos helps plant begonias Thursday at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds as part of the annual flower planting day. Erik Chalhoub/The Land

Drought dampens fairgrounds flower planting Volunteers needed for next event

By TODD GUILD

drip irrigation, which is thought Of the Land to be efficient, said organizer Dave Schnitter. more A group of volunteers on Thursday, WATSONVILLE — The Santa June County Fairgrounds will once again Cruz 26, was at the grounds, trowels in hand, be in placing the seedlings into soil. bloom this year, with rows of begonias, has become an annual tradition. The planting zinnias and other flowers adding splashes of Another planting took place on July color to the September fair. 17. A retired teacher, former 4-H member and But thanks to the ongoing drought, numbers will be drastically reduced. their lifelong Corralitos resident, Stephanie Bulich While said she attends the fair every year. past years have seen upwards of “I’m giving back to the community,” seedlings being planted, that number 10,000 has been she said of her reason for reduced to 7,000. helping with the What’s more, the plants will be watered via

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WATSONVILLE — Pajaro Valley berry farmer John E. Eiskamp was named Farmer of the Year Thursday, June 26, at the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau’s 97th annual Meeting and Dinner. Eiskamp currently serves on the Santa Cruz Farm Bureau, and is past president of the organization. He was born in Palo Alto in 1960, but moved to Indiana as a young boy. He spent summers in Watsonville where he worked for both his grandfathers’ farms. That experience would later inspire him to enter a life of farming.

He serves on the Ad Hoc Funding Committee for the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency and is active in local water issues. He was also advocate in the fight to defeat Measure an T. Eiskamp launched J.E. Farms in 1988, and grows raspberries and blackberries. “It’s very nice to be recognized by your peers,” he said of the award. Eiskamp made a brief statement which he talked of his lifelong career, in but Please turn to Page 6

Please turn to Page 7

to Greenfield

vendors came to showcase actually their goods on El Camino going going pretty well. I’m mocha, cappuccino with to start recruiting more caramel Real. vendors in the next week or so vanilla, and hazelnut and GREENFIELD — South “I think this is the first that and tea. way we can grow this.” Monterey County Farmers time “I’ve we’ve had it after being Muniga said the Farmers children noticed that in Markets are underway as of inactive I’ve July 5. Clothing vendors, Michael for two years,” said Market has a lot of support it’s help them seen before, boost up their Muniga, Chamber from the City produce of Greenfield. immune vendors, food of Commerce director. “For Greenfield Police officers and energy system and just more vendors and green product the first throughout the day so time in two years, it’s explorers provided security they’re well nutrified,” said for the event. Zaragoza. Vendors for the event The Farmers Market also ranged from clothing vendors, showcased different types of to snow cone vendors, to solar solar lights from motorcycles, lights, restaurant vendors to dogs and fire hydrants to and tea/coffee and green red product vendors. One such also peppers. Patrons could get their fill of beans and vendor was Cecilio Zaragoza, different assortments of nuts. an independent Ganolife South County Farmers representative. Markets are every Saturday Ganolife is a tea and coffee from product that contains more are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you interested in a booth call than 150 anti-oxidants, 200 Michael Muniga at the City of photo nutrients and has anti- Greenfield. Greenfield Police Explorers pose for a picture. The explorers helped The market will tumor effects. with gate security for the Farmers It comes in run until Aug. 30. Market on July 5. Samantha different Bengtson/The land flavors like latte, Of the Land

Tonight Friday will be cloudy. will be sunn Tonight’s y. Friday’s low: 55 high: Details on page 71 A8.

By TODD GUILD

Of the Land

South County Farmers Markets return

CAPITOL A — The Capitola famed Rispi a $383,925has just gotte n Mans n a majo surroundin state grant r financial ion of that g garde ns and will be used to boost, Since fix up Capitola, the six-acre site paths. is owne a $600,000officials there d by the plan to City of make up redefine tab to restore the the prop the works direc erty trails mansion’s garderest of , Steve The Meditor, said. Jesberg, n and public terra nean long been wall off shuttered, is 1920 s home , situated whic h of Whar has a switc behind f Road hback trail a towering and the conduit property for pede that serves features Wharf Road as strians and bicyca heavily used “We don’t and Bay Aven lists betw ue. antic een into the mansion ipate the publi “Our impr c will be once we able ovements are around will enab done,” Jesberg to go one said. The projeside of the mans le the public to walk ion.” ct also and resto calls for ring widening The proje a large fount pathways ain. said. While ct will take two complete actual groundwor to three years a general , plan and k will take about Jesberg environmen a year tal review to will

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Keynote speaker encourages political involvement

ATASCADERO — With steadily increasing summer temperatures and an ongoing drought in the region, Atascadero

Prostitu suspectete in Googled exec’s d eath Body foun d in victi

August 2014

Eiskamp named SCFB Farmer of the Year

John E. Eiskamp smiles as he receives one of a pile of proclamations after he was named Farmer of the year. Todd Guild/The Land

Inside ... Cancer survivor granted wish Orchard given reprieve Challenging competition SVF welcomes new CEO Worlds of color

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