Monterey Bay Birding Festival by Weeklys

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Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

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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Photo by Tarmo Hannula.

Welcome to the home of one of the most spectacular birding and wildlife venues in North America

the twelfth annual Monterey Bay Birding Festival. Premier Birding

Fantastic Workshops

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.

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 by ear, birding optics, field sketching, green birding, poetry writing, photography, soundscapes, and sparrow identification.

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 250+ 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 Andrew Molera State Park and Big Sur

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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Pg.4

R eceptions & Birders Marketplace

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Bird Lists

Exceptional Speakers Don’t miss our evening presentations by renowned local experts! Bruce Lyon starts the lecture series with his presentation on Friday afternoon on: Reconsider the Coot: the Crazy Reproductive Antics of a Common Marsh Denizen. Alvaro Jaramillo will then present: Birding the Blob: Effects of Weird Warm Weather and the Drought on Birds. On Saturday, Karine Tokatlian opens with: Breeding Success of San Francisco Bay’s Western Snowy Plovers in the Wake of a Changing Environment. Kate Marianchild closes the lecture series with her presentation about: California’s Oak Woodlands... Tantalizing Tidbits about “Boring” Birds.

Join Us! Register for the entire three days or for just one day. Learn more and register at www.montereybaybirding.org.

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Featured Speakers W orkshop Presenters

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Trips & Workshops

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Birding Ethics

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Field Trip Leaders

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

Thursday Special Events:

Opening Reception, Early Bird Registration Check-in, and More!

Monterey Bay Birding Festival Collaboration with Moss Landing Marine Lab

Thursday, September 22, 5 pm to 7 pm

The Monterey Bay Birding Festival (MBBF) is pleased to announce a collaboration with Moss Landing Marine Lab (MLML) on Saturday, September 24, 2016, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Several free events will be available along with workshops offered by MBBF. The full itinerary is shown below. Food will be available for purchase, and attendees are invited to enjoy the beautiful grounds and vista. Both wetland and land birds inhabit the area. MLML is located at 8272 Moss Landing Rd.

Located in the community room (top floor) of the Watsonville Civic Plaza at 275 Main Street

Monterey Bay Birding Festival Opening Reception: A Taste of the Pajaro Valley Join us for the opening reception of the Twelfth Annual Monterey Bay Birding Festival! “A Taste of the Pajaro Valley” 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, and Uma Wan. And, for the first time, we are excited to welcome Kitchen Incubator to the festivities! Enjoy refreshing non-alcoholic beverages from local favorite, Martinelli’s, and wine tasting hosted by award-winning local vintners, Nicholson Winery. There are so many things to see while enjoying fine food and wine. Peruse the tantalizing raffle prizes that our generous local businesses donated and that you’ll have a chance to win at one of the raffle drawings taking place during the festival. 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.

Early Bird Registration Check-in

Relax during this fun prelude to the start of the festival and pick up your registration packet. The Early Bird Registration table will be open during the Taste of the Pajaro Valley opening reception. So take your time to stroll through the Taste of the Pajaro Valley reception, enjoying tasty bites and wine, then saunter over to the registration table and check in early so you don’t have to rush first thing in the morning before heading out to your field trips.

Photo Contest Awards

The 2016 Photo Contest winners will be announced during the Taste of the Pajaro Valley opening reception between 5:30 and 7 p.m. Chris Hartzell and Ame Wells, this year’s photo contest judges, will explain the criteria for judging, present the winners, and discuss winning photo attributes. In addition to the Photographic Capture category, this year’s photo contest has been expanded to include a Photographic Art category to further delight the senses. Winning photos will be on display for all to enjoy, and some will be donated to the raffle.

Falconry Tête-à-tête

Join us when master falconers Jim Roush and Melanie Kett bring their majestic hawks and discuss the art of falconry at The Taste of the Pajaro Valley opening reception. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see these remarkable birds up close and learn about the birds, how falconers have worked to save them in the wild, and the fascinating ancient “Sport of Kings”.

Saturday Special Events:

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

Seating is on a first-come-first-served basis. Audience space will be shared with the lab’s faculty, students, and guests. NOTE: Purchasing a $10 ticket for the 1:30-2:30 “Carbon Neutral Cuckoos” talk guarantees you a spot at the 11 a.m. Nature Sounds program, as well as the 3-4:30 p.m. documentary on Black-backed Woodpeckers and healthy reforestation after fires. To purchase this ticket, go to www.montereybaybirding.org and buy a $10 ticket for #W41. Check out the other exciting festival offerings while registering. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to visit one of California’s premier research and teaching facilities.

California Soundscapes 11-12:30 p.m.

Nature recordist Dan Dugan will provide a rare opportunity for the audience to experience surround sound for sixteen California soundscapes. There will be an introduction to soundscape analysis, a demonstration of various sound systems, an explanation of soundscape preservation in parks, and use of recording equipment to preserve soundscapes and document species. For an extra treat, there will be a hands-on experience with recording equipment. Soundscapes have become an increasingly important element of scientific research and species analysis. Find out how and why.

Carbon Neutral Cuckoos: Chasing Birds & Planting Seeds

1:30-2:30 p.m.

When California’s first Common Cuckoo showed up in 2012 in the Watsonville Wetlands, hundreds of birders quickly descended to see this rarity. This created a -40 ton CO2 footprint. Birder and science instructor Scott Smithson explores a means of balancing those enticing birding chases with support of habitat restoration in nearby areas. He’ll show how to calculate and mitigate the ecological cost of mega-rarity birding trips. This is especially valuable information for all birders and environmental studies students and staff.

Searching for Gold Spot—The Wild After Wildfire 3-4:30 p.m.

This beautifully filmed documentary is not only a visual feast. It highlights new research regarding the importance of fire to montane forests and wildlife in America’s West. The film chronicles the importance of species such as Black-backed Woodpeckers to the health of forests, and it provides amazing close-ups of a wide variety of species, such as a nesting Northern Goshawk. The film raises important questions about the best means of habitat and species preservation. Film director Maya Rhousa will be on hand to answer questions and receive feedback.

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Sunday Special Events:

Announcing Pancake Breakfast and More at the Watsonville Civic Plaza On Sunday, September 25, 2016, we’ll be holding a series of new, fun-filled events for individuals and families to enjoy throughout the day until 3 p.m. Events will take place at the Watsonville Civic Plaza located at 275 Main Street, Watsonville, top floor. Most events are free and perfect for families with children of all ages. Some events will take place outdoors with shaded patio seating, while others will be held inside the comfortable community rooms. Whether you are a birder or not, you’ll want to join us for one or more of these activities. Here’s the schedule:

Pancake Breakfast

7:00am - 11:00 am Fee: $8 Adult (advance purchase or $10 at the door), $5 children 12 and under All proceeds benefit the Freedom Lions Club Start your day with a scrumptious homemade breakfast of delicious pancakes, eggs, bacon or sausage, coffee, milk, and orange juice. Breakfast will be prepared and served on the patio with comfortable, shaded seating both outside and indoors. This is a great way to enjoy a tasty, hot breakfast, network with friends, and support the Freedom Lions Club.

Wild Things

8:00am and 10:30 am Wild Things Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates injured wild animals, including raptors and other birds. They’ll have several live, rescued raptors on hand and will talk about the animals and the critical work they do. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to get a close-up view of these stunning animals. This is a great event for kids with fantastic photo opportunities.

Junior Duck Stamp Exhibit and Activities

9:00am - 3:00pm The Junior Duck Stamp Program will include the traveling exhibit of winning duck stamp designs by young people. Ranger Lora Haller from the Sacramento NWR will be on hand to give a talk called “A Million Birds Can’t Be Wrong,” providing stunning looks at the refuge’s myriad inhabitants. There will also be a duck drawing demonstration for youngsters, and all supplies will be free. Parents and teachers, this is an exciting project to plan with your own youngsters.

Performance Art in Nature Study

9:00am - 3:00pm Nanda Currant, author of Bringing Nature to Life: The Use of Performance Art for Environmental Restoration, will be on hand to provide information and ideas to parents, educators, and others about this interesting concept. Her focus will be on making bird migration come alive for young people. She will share examples of past projects with youngsters.

Birder’s Marketplace

9:00am - 3:00pm This is the place to find unique items created by skilled local craftspeople as well as essential birding optics, and much more. In addition to vendors, several local non-profits will be on hand with information about their organizations. There will be many educational offerings. Find out, for example, how visually impaired people can become excellent birders.

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Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

Receptions and Birders Marketplace Photo by Tarmo Hannula.

BIRDERS’ MARKETPLACE 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, craft people, and optics vendors will be represented. Local non-profits will also be on hand to disseminate information. The marketplace is the perfect spot to search for high quality bird-related items, from photography and jewelry to handmade cards and jeweled birds. Have a yen for birding travel? Check out tour options and turn birding dreams into reality. Looking for solid additions to your birding library? Two of our evening speakers, Kate Marianchild and Alvaro Jaramillo, will have their books for sale. A variety of non-profits will be present and each offers valuable ideas, such as ways to support a healthier planet for birds, other animals and plants, and people, too. 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. You’ll even learn some surprising facts about blind people who have become excellent birders! How is that possible? Come to the Freedom Lions Club booth to find the answer!

Birders’ Marketplace hours are: • Friday, Sept. 23, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. • Saturday, Sept. 24, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. • Sunday, Sept. 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monterey Bay Birding Festival Opening Reception: A Taste of Pajaro Valley Thursday, September 22, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

JIM ROUSH, VET FALCONER will be presenting his Harri’s Hawk and answering questions. Come and visit to take advantage of this unforgettable experience! 6

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

Join us for the opening reception of the twelfth 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 award-winning 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 kick-

off evening presentation starting at 7 pm in the adjoining auditorium. JIM ROUSH, VET FALCONER will be presenting his Harri’s Hawk and answering questions. Come and visit to take advantage of this unforgettable experience!

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ENJOY THE FESTIVAL! NO BIRDING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! So, don’t be shy! Register for the birding festival. A single field trip, a day pass, or a festival pass can change your life. Register at www.montereybaybirding.org. We know. You’d like to try bird watching, but how do you get started? Easy! Sign up for beginning birding field trips at the

September 23-25 Monterey Bay Birding Festival. Very knowledgeable leaders who

especially enjoy helping new birders get started will guide and support you in your adventure.

Lois and Wally Goldfrank have traveled the world to bird, but they’re well-known for their patience and helpfulness with beginners. They’ll open a whole new world for you in the peaceful morning hours of the Watsonville slough system.

Rusty Scalf is another very experienced,

great leader who delights in turning people on to birds and birding. Seeing a common species through the eyes of a beginner is exhilarating for him. Birding questions are welcome. Like the Goldfranks, Rusty is patient and helpful. No binoculars? Marilyn Rose, owner of Out of This World Shop, is the perfect person to explain optics clearly. She’s also very accommodating when people want to try out equipment. There’s a very good reason that people seek her at every birding festival.

Graphic Studio

Hege Knutson

831 464 6224

Client: ESF July 27, 2007

*Beginning Birding with the Goldfranks #33 on the schedule 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, 9/24/16 *Beginning Birding with Rusty Scalf #10 on the schedule 8 a.m.-noon, Friday, 9/23/16 AND #34 on the schedule 1-4 p.m., Saturday, 9/24/16

Final Logo

* Birding Optics Demystified with Marilyn Rose #W40 on the schedule 1-2:30 p.m., Saturday, 9/24/16

See you there!

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. 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

• Ongoing conservation projects PROJECTS conservation • restor ation • inspir ation • tr ansformation

Open House & Native Plant Fair Saturday, September 24, 2016

Marbled Godwits,By photoThe by Jacqueline Deely Published Register-Pajaronian

www.elkhornslough.org

• Tour arrangements upon request UPON TOUR ARRANGEMENTS REQUEST

www.reservalasgralarias.com www.reservalasgralarias.com

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

GUEST Speakers Friday, Sept. 23, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 23, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

TOPIC: Reconsider the Coot the Crazy Reproductive Antics of a Common Marsh Denizen

TOPIC: Birding the Blob Effects of Weird Warm Weather and the Drought on Birds

Bruce Lyon

Alvaro Jaramillo

Presentation Overview Coots are often overlooked by birders because they are so common. I have been studying the reproductive antics of American coots for the past two decades and have discovered that there is far more to this bird than meets the eye. In the talk I highlight some of our discoveries about the parental and reproductive strategies of coots, from both a natural history and scientific perspective. We all are familiar with the story of the cuckoo female that lays eggs in the nests of other species rather than raising chicks herself. Some coot females do this sort of thing, but they lay their eggs in the nests of other coot females. Why would they do this — why lay eggs elsewhere when you have your own nest? What do the birds that receive these unwanted foster eggs do? Coots are just as bizarre when it comes to raising their own kids, and there are many puzzling features of coot parental care behavior. For example, why do coots lay far more eggs than they can normally raise and why do they beat up their kids so much? And, finally, why are baby coots born with such a ridiculously fluorescent orange plumage? I will answer these questions in my talk. In addition, because our coot research was done in a wild part of central British Columbia I will also briefly highlight a few of the special birds we encounter at our study site.

2016 Featured Evening Presentations

Speaker Bio Bruce Lyon is a professor of Evolutionary Ecology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His research focuses on the evolution of reproductive strategies and mating behavior of birds. His long-term research on the adaptive basis of brood parasitism in American coots has sought to understand why parasitism within species evolves and how the behavior influences other aspects of social behavior. Dr. Lyon has also investigated the evolution of ornamental plumage signals in a variety of species, including lark buntings, lazuli buntings and the evolution of ornamental offspring plumage in the newly hatched chicks of American coots. Most recently, he has conducted a decade long investigation into the winter social lives of migrant golden-crowned sparrows that spent their winters on the Arboretum of the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

Presentation Overview Weird things have been happening on the ocean and on land in the recent past with respect to California’s birdlife. We have been living through a drought, and we have also had some amazingly unusual warm water offshore, that has been termed “the Blob.” The blob is as ominous as it sounds, and exciting all at the same time. The bird life is reacting to differences in climate, and incredibly quickly. Is this good, bad? What is it? We may be in a time of transition, and for the naturalist it can be interesting as new and different species are appearing, formerly rare birds are becoming common even. It may not last, and we may look at this as a “blip” in time. Perhaps. Weird causes worry, but it also causes the birder to wonder about how exactly things work, what discoveries are there to be made and what unexpected birds and other creatures may pop up in weird times. This will be a trip through some of the effects and oddities of our time in the blob, the excitement of watching nature adapt and also a nice little background of what makes Monterey Bay, and central California an incredibly special place to watch birds.

Speaker Bio Alvaro Jaramillo, owner of Alvaro’s

Adventures, was born in Chile but began birding in Toronto, where he lived as a youth. He was trained in ecology and evolution with a particular interest in bird behavior. Research forays and backpacking trips introduced Alvaro to the riches of the Neotropics, where he has traveled extensively. He is the author of the Birds of Chile, an authoritative yet portable field guide to Chile’s birds. Alvaro writes the Identify Yourself column in Bird Watcher’s Digest. Alvaro recently wrote part of the sparrow chapter for the Handbook of Birds of the World, and the new ABA Field Guide Birds of California. He was recently granted the Eisenmann Medal by the Linnean Society of New York, it is awarded occasionally for excellence in ornithology and encouragement of the amateur. Alvaro lives with his family in Half Moon Bay, California.

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GUEST Speakers

2016 Featured Evening Presentations

Saturday, Sept. 24, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 24, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

TOPIC: Breeding Success of San Francisco Bay’s Western Snowy Plovers in the Wake of a Changing Environment

TOPIC: Extraordinary Ordinary Birds of California’s Oak Woodlands

Karine Tokatlian

Kate Marianchild

Presentation Overview The Pacific Coast population of the Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) typically breeds on coastal sandy beaches, and are also found in the South San Francisco Bay’s dry salt panne habitat provided by former salt evaporation ponds. The Pacific Coast population of Snowy Plovers is federally threatened as a result of poor reproductive success, due to habitat loss or alteration, human disturbance, and increasing predation pressure. Snowy Plovers in the South Bay nest almost exclusively on salt pond habitat and since 2003, the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory has been monitoring these breeding efforts. The South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project plans to restore 15,100 acres of former salt production ponds in the South Bay to tidal marsh and managed ponds. Though beneficial for native wildlife and combatting sea level rise, the Project’s actions would ultimately result in the loss of Snowy Plover breeding habitat (dry salt ponds). To aid in achieving Project and species recovery goals, SFBBO and the USFWS are investigating methods of habitat enhancement using oyster shells to maximize breeding success in the wake of a changing environment

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Speaker Bio Karine Tokatlian manages the San

Francisco Bay Bird Observatory’s Plover Program and oversees plover-related research and monitoring activities. Karine has a B.S. in Field and Wildlife Biology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and is currently working toward an M.S. in Environmental Studies at San Jose State University. She has eight years of professional experience monitoring protected breeding bird populations along the California coast, including the Western Snowy Plover and California Least Tern. As a native of California, Karine has a profound respect for the conservation of coastal ecosystems and, gratefully, has the opportunity to nurture her interests through the efforts of the Bird Observatory.

Presentation Overview Kate Marianchild doesn’t chase rare birds––she chases fascinating information about so-called ordinary birds. If you think you already know everything worth knowing about oak titmice, acorn woodpeckers, or western bluebirds, you might be in for a surprise. Do you know which birds imitate the sounds of dangerous animals? Do you know who engages in simulated sex rituals every night before bed? Who is capable of “mental time travel” and “theory of mind?” Whose winter social structure depends on oak mistletoe? Have you heard which bird eats poison oak berries and seeds for seven months of the year–– the same species that collects spider webs with its tail? If you would like to know more about the marvelous survival strategies, behaviors, and social structures of various bird species found in California’s most diverse terrestrial ecosystem, you will love this talk.

Speaker Bio Kate Marianchild is the author of the best-selling book Secrets of the Oak Woodlands: Plants and Animals among California’s Oaks (Heyday, 2014). After moving into a yurt near Ukiah in 2001, she fell in love for the first time––with an ecosystem, that is. A budding birder, she learned to recognize most of the regulars within a few years, but names weren’t enough. She wanted to know how the birds fit into the oak woodland web of life—particularly what they needed for survival and who needed them. While investigating those questions, she uncovered mind-boggling information about other oak woodland inhabitants, from fungi and plants to reptiles and mammals. Secrets of the Oak Woodlands is captivating Californians and nature lovers far and wide, and is playing a role in the effort to pass AB2162¬¬––the recently introduced Oak Woodlands Protection Act. Kate still lives in the same yurt, where she loves hearing “waka, waka, waka!” all day long. To read excerpts from Secrets of the Oak Woodlands or see samples of its lavish watercolor illustrations, go to www.katemarianchild.com.

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

FRIDAY - 2016 Field Trips 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 CONDORS OF BIG SUR

Date/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 6-6 p.m. Fee: $15 premium trip fee Trip Leader: Eric Feuss

Description: This trip takes you birding in one of the country’s pristine locations – 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. Participants should bring plenty of water to drink, lunch, and sunscreen for this nearly all-day trip. Transportation: Carpooling is recommended, as is a full tank of gas. 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 Maximum number of participants: 12

CALIFORNIA SPECIALTIES

Date/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 6:30-4 p.m. Fee: $15 premium trip fee Trip Leader: Tim Amaral

This trip focuses on seeing birds unique to California and the Western United States, such as Yellowbilled 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 foothills to the Salinas Valley, 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 plenty of water to drink, lunches, and sunscreen for this nearly all-day trip. Transportation: Car caravan from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Carpooling recommended. Please have a full tank of gas. Activity: Moderate

PARTIAL DAY FIELD TRIPS

VAGRANTS AND MORE ON THE CARMEL RIVER SOUTH BANK TRAIL Date/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 6:30-noon Trip Leader: Bill Hill

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. Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Activity: Moderate

LLAGAS CREEK Dates/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 6:30-1:00 p.m. Fee: $15.00 premium trip fee Trip Leader: Mark Paxton 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. Depending on water conditions, San Felipe Reservoir will be included. Participants should pack a lunch, hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water for this nearly all-day trip. Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Please carpool as parking is limited. Activity: Moderate

BIRDING THE DUNES Dates/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 7-11:30 a.m. Leaders: Earl Lebow and Tom Helman Description: Shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl are all likely as we visit the varied habitats of 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. Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 7 a.m. Activity: Moderate

BIRDING OBSERVATIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS (NEW) Date/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 7-11 a.m. Trip leader: Todd Newberry

Description: 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 all-morning trip will explore this extraordinary 60-acre habitat. While September is a quiet time for songbirds, some 50 species of them are likely to be in the gardens. But, we will focus not so much on building a long bird list as on honing some of the observational and interpretive skills that lead naturalists into keen perceptions of other creatures’ lives. Transportation: Carpool departure from Civic Plaza at 7 a.m. to meet the leader at 8 a.m. at the Arboretum entrance. Activity: Easy

HATTON CANYON HOT SPOT (NEW) Dates/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 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 at 1 p.m. 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

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

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 nonmigratory, who inhabit our forest. Note: Wear a hat and sunscreen, bring water, and avoid wearing white. Lunch is on your own in Carmel (eatery suggestions from Rick) or bring a lunch if continuing with Rick at 1 p.m. Transportation: Car caravan departs from Civic Plaza at 7:30 a.m. Please divide into those folks only doing the morning trip and those planning to stay with Rick for the afternoon trip. Activity: Easy

BIRDING AN AREA FAVORITE Dates/Times: Friday, 9/23/16, 7:30-11:30 a.m. Trip Leader: Bob Ramer

Description: Pinto Lake area is home to the Redshouldered and Red-tailed 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 birds. This trip is recommended for both beginners and experienced birders as something unusual nearly always shows up. Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 7:30 a.m. Activity: Moderate

MAGPIES AND FLAPJACKS (NEW) Date/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 7:30 a.m.-noon Leader: Nelson Samuels 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. For those who would like to have lunch on your own at Flapjacks in Tres Pinos afterwards, you’ll enjoy an area and leader favorite. The menu is at www. flapjackstrespinos.com. Transportation: Carpooling is essential to cut down on the number of vehicles on road shoulders. Note: A volunteer will lead carpooling birders from the Civic Plaza at 7:30 a.m. to Tres Pinos to meet the leader at 8:30. Promptness is essential. Activity: Easy (and tasty!)

BEGINNING BIRDING Date/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 8-noon Trip Leader: Rusty Scalf

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 departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 8 a.m. Activity: Moderate

CARMEL RIVER LAGOON HOT SPOT (NEW) Dates/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, noon-3 p.m. Trip Leader: Rick Berg Description: Explore the mouth of the Carmel River, the watershed that nourishes the valley and its towns and cities. This involves some uphill walking and beach sand, but trails are mostly good. Migrating shore, wading, and woodland birds stop at the lagoon on their way south, and nonmigratory birds take advantage of the riparian woodlands and seaside brush terrain. Among the species regularly encountered in September are: various gull species; Double-crested and Brandt’s Cormorants; nonmigratory White-crowned Sparrows; herons and egrets; raptors such as White-tailed Kites, Peregrine Falcons, Northern Harriers, and American Kestrels; and waterfowl, including Red-breasted Mergansers. A Wrentit or California Thrasher may pop up, too. Note: Wear a hat and sunscreen, and please avoid wearing white. Transportation: Attendees for only the afternoon session will leave Civic Plaza at noon to rendezvous with Rick and other morning attendees at 1p.m. Activity: Moderate

OLIVE GROVE BIRDING/ ECOAGRITOURISM (NEW) Dates/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 1:15-4 p.m. Fee: $10 premium trip fee Note: Roger will have olive oil for sale. Trip leader: Roger Wolfe Description: Join birder and grower Roger Wolfe at his organic olive grove, Dos Aguilas, for birding and olive oil tasting. Roger will treat us to a tasting of his award-winning oil and table olives. He’ll explain California olive history, growing and curing methods, and other aspects of his business. Additionally, since Roger’s grove teems with birds, there will be casual, fun birding. A sampling includes: California Thrasher, Barn Owl, California and Spotted Towhee, and woodpeckers, such as Acorn, Nuttall’s, and Northern Flicker. An eastern vagrant such as a Blackpoll might even be seen at the pond. Transportation: Car caravan from Civic Plaza at 1:15 p.m. Activity: Easy (and tasty!)

OWLS OF ROBINSON CANYON Date/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 7 p.m. to after midnight Fee: $15.00 premium trip fee Trip Leader: Steve Rovell

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 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. Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 7 p.m. Activity: Limited Maximum number of participants: 8

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SATURDAY - 2016 Field Trips

FULL DAY FIELD TRIPS

CONDORS OF BIG SUR Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 6-6 p.m. Fee: $15 premium trip fee Trip Leader: Phil Brown

CALIFORNIA SPECIALTIES Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 6:30-4 p.m. Fee: $15 premium trip fee Trip Leader: Kumaran Arul

PARTIAL DAY FIELD TRIPS

VAGRANTS AND MORE ON THE CARMEL RIVER SOUTH BANK TRAIL Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 6:30-Noon Trip Leader: Rita Carratello

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. Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Activity: Moderate

ELKHORN COASTAL BIRDING Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 6:30-noon Trip leader: RJ Adams 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

Published By The Register-Pajaronian

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

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.

BIRDING THE DUNES Dates/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 6:30-noon Trip Leader: Nick Levendovsky

BIRD SOUNDS FIELD STUDY (NEW) Dates/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 7:30noon Field Trip Leader: Roy Poucher

Description: Shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl are all likely as we visit the varied habitats of 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. Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Activity: Moderate

WATSONVILLE HOT SPOTS Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 7-11 a.m. Trip Leaders: David and Jane Styer

Description: 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. 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 Harkins 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. Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 7 a.m. Activity: Moderate

SALINAS RIVER MOUTH Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 7-noon Trip Leader: Scott Smithson

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. Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 7 a.m. Activity: Moderate

ELKHORN RANCH BIRDING (NEW) Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 7:3011:00 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 to the public on Fridays, originally produced California native grass seed for the ranchland’s restoration. The nursery now

Description: This field trip is the “hands-on” companion to the “Bird Sounds Workshop” held on Friday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. The goals are to solidify the general principles explored on Friday and to provide practical experience with field identification of specific Monterey Bay bird songs and calls. We will primarily be standing at different locations for short time segments, silently noting on paper what bird sounds we are individually hearing; then, as a group, we’ll discuss and identify these sounds. Though useful, binoculars are not necessary. Notebooks will be needed. The total walking distance will be about a mile, and walking will be easy. IMPORTANT NOTE: The prerequisite for this field trip is the Bird Sounds Workshop, offered Friday at 1:30 p.m. Transportation: Carpooling to field from the Civic Plaza at 7:30 a.m. Activity: Easy

BIRDING AND WINE TASTING (NEW) Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 7:45-1:30 p.m. Fee: $15 premium trip Trip leaders: Earl Lebow and Tom Helman

Description: Join Earl and Tom in a birding sampler of Watsonville’s productive slough system. The first stop will be parking at Landmark Elementary School. Then, depending on factors such as water levels, you’ll bird East Struve Slough, Harkins Slough, and wherever else scouting indicates. A wide variety of species is likely, as locals well know. Then, caravan to Nicholson Winery in rural Aptos to sample their specialties from noon to 1:30 p.m. Light snacks will be provided. Transportation: Depart from Civic Plaza at 7:45 a.m. to Landmark School Carpooling is essential! Activity: Moderate (and tasty!)

BIRDING FOR TEENS (NEW) Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 8-11 a.m. Note: Open to ages 12-18 Trip Leaders: Jeff Manker

Description: 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 a leader who is passionate about 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 leader. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water; please don’t wear white. Open to ages 13-18. Transportation: Car caravan from Watsonville Civic

Plaza. Rides provided for non-drivers. Activity: Moderate

BEGINNING BIRDING Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 8-noon Trip Leader: Lois and Wally Goldfrank

BEGINNING BIRDING Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 1-4 p.m. Trip Leader: Rusty Scalf

OLIVE GROVE BIRDING/ ECOAGRITOURISM (NEW) Dates/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 1:15-4 p.m.

Fee: $10 premium fee Note: Roger will have olive oil for sale. Trip leader: Roger Wolfe Description: Join birder and grower Roger Wolfe at his organic olive grove, Dos Aguilas, for birding and olive oil tasting. Roger will treat us to a tasting of his award-winning oil and table olives. He’ll explain California olive history, growing and curing methods, and other aspects of his business. Additionally, since Roger’s grove teems with birds, there will be casual, fun birding. A sampling includes: California Thrasher, Barn Owl, California and Spotted Towhee, and woodpeckers, such as Acorn, Nuttall’s, and Northern Flicker. An eastern vagrant such as a Blackpoll might even be seen at the pond. Transportation: Car caravan from Civic Plaza at 1:15 p.m. Activity: Easy (and tasty!)

OWLS OF ROBINSON CANYON Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 7 p.m. to after midnight Fee: $15.00 premium trip fee Trip Leader: Steve Rovell 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 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. Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 7 p.m. Activity: Limited Maximum number of participants: 8

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

SUNDAY - 2016 Field Trips FULL DAY FIELD TRIPS CONDORS OF BIG SUR

Date/Time: Sunday, 9/25/16, 6-6 p.m. Fee: $15 premium trip fee Trip Leader: Eric Feuss

EAST PINNACLES

Date/Time: Sunday, 9/25/16, 6:30-3:30 p.m. Trip Leader: RJ Adams Join RJ 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 Yellowbilled 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 purchase in the park so please make sure to bring your lunch with you in the morning. Transportation: Carpool from Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. – have a full tank of gas. Activity – High

CALIFORNIA SPECIALTIES

Date/Time: Sunday, 9/25/16, 6:30-4 p.m. Fee: $15 premium trip fee 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 foothills to the Salinas Valley, 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 plenty of water to drink, lunches, and sunscreen for this

nearly all-day trip. Transportation: Car caravan from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Carpooling recommended. Please have a full tank of gas. Activity: Moderate

PARTIAL DAY FIELD TRIPS

BIRDING NEW BRIGHTON

Date/Time: Sunday, 9/25/16, 6:30-noon Trip Leader: Matthew Strusis-Timmer 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 Monterey Bay are a good place to view Caspian, Elegant, and Forster’s Terns, and sometimes even a Parasitic Jaeger! Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Activity: Moderate

BIRDING QUAIL HOLLOW RANCH (NEW)

Date/Time: Sunday, 9/25/16, 6:30-10:30 a.m. Trip leader: Alex Rinkert 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, Ashthroated Flycatchers, and other cavity nesters. Transportation: Car caravan departs from Civic Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Carpooling and full gas tanks recommended; winding road Activity: Moderate

ELKHORN RANCH BIRDING (NEW)

Date/Time: Sunday, 9/25/16, 7:30-11 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 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.

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

HATTON CANYON HOT SPOT (NEW) Dates/Time: Sunday, 9/25/16, 7:3011:30 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 at 1 p.m. 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 (eatery suggestions from Rick) or bring a lunch if continuing with Rick at 1 p.m. Transportation: Car caravan departs from Civic Plaza at 7:30 a.m. Please divide into those folks only doing the morning trip and those planning to stay with Rick for the afternoon trip. Activity: Easy

BIRD SOUNDS FIELD STUDY (NEW) Dates/Time: Sunday, 9/25/16, 7:30noon Field Trip Leader: Roy Poucher

EXPLORING AN OAK WOODLAND (NEW)

Date/Time: Sunday, 9/25/16, 8:15-noon Fee: $10 premium trip Trip Leader: Kate Marianchild with ESR Docent, Shirley Murphy

Description: Join author Kate Marianchild as she explores an intact Coast Live Oak woodland at Elkhorn Slough Reserve. Visit a “grandmother” Coast Live Oak and learn why she is so popular with birds, butterflies, and neighboring plants. Inspect Lace Lichen and discover its importance to Hutton’s Vireos, Bullock’s Orioles, oaks, and manzanitas. Enjoy mind-boggling stories about Acorn Woodpeckers and woodrats, and yes, even come to appreciate Poison Oak! This is a two-for-one walk! Shirley Murphy, ESR docent extraordinaire, will accompany Kate in this adventure on land that she loves and tends with great care. Transportation: Car caravan departs from Watsonville Civic Plaza at 8:15 a.m. Activity: Moderate

CARMEL RIVER LAGOON HOT SPOT (NEW)

Dates/Time: Sunday, 9/25/16, 1-3 p.m. Trip Leader: Rick Berg

Description: Explore the mouth of the Carmel River, the watershed that nourishes the valley and its towns and cities. This involves some uphill walking and beach sand, but trails are mostly good. Migrating shore, wading, and woodland birds stop at the lagoon on their way south, and nonmigratory birds take advantage of the riparian woodlands and seaside brush terrain. Among the species regularly encountered in September are: various gull species; Double-crested and Brandt’s Cormorants; nonmigratory White-crowned Sparrows; herons and egrets; raptors such as White-tailed Kites, Peregrine Falcons, Northern Harriers, and American Kestrels; and waterfowl, including Red-breasted Mergansers. A Wrentit or California Thrasher may pop up, too. Transportation: Carpool from Civic Plaza to Carmel at noon, if not doing the morning trip to Hatton Canyon. Attendees for only the afternoon session will leave Civic Plaza at noon to rendezvous with Rick and other morning attendees at 1p.m. Activity: Moderate Note: Wear a hat and sunscreen, and please avoid wearing white.

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Bird Festival Family Days at the CITY OF WATSONVILLE NATURE CENTER Saturday & Sunday, September 24 & 25, 2016

g n i s h e c i t t i s a v k i w l t d a Ac W Bir e n r o i u Nat xplorat E

FREE!

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Family Bird Watching & Exploration Walks Saturday 1:30 PM Sunday

10:00 AM 1:30 PM Bilingual Spanish/English Binoculars and instruction

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

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

Arts and Crafts & Nature Activities all day Saturday & Sunday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

All ages may participate. No registration needed.

provided No birdwatching experience needed

Snacks and drinks provided

For more information call (831) 768-1622

City of Watsonville Nature Center 30 Harkins Slough Rd (behind Ramsay Park) Published By The Register-Pajaronian

Watsonville, CA 95076

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

Field Trip Leader Bios 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.

RICK BERG’s background includes 25 years in the US Army as an intelligence expert, specializing in languages. He 14

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 wildlifeorients hikes, both day and night.

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.

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

HUGO CEJA 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.

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.

TOM HELMAN was hooked on birding

ten years ago when he saw his first Mountain Bluebird. Since then, he has gone on countless single and group bird walks. His birding activities increased with retirement three years ago, and his current goal is to improve his knowledge of bird songs and calls. A great joy for Tom is combining his love of travel and birding, now having taken his binoculars along on trips to Japan, France, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, & more locally, to Florida, Toronto, and Maine. He finds it remarkable that some of his best birds have been found in parks and other green spaces close to urban areas. His recent trip to South America resulted in 82 new life birds, and over 40 of them came from a nature preserve just a 20minute walk from downtown Buenos Aires.

BILL HILL

Bill is a lifetime resident of Carmel-by-theSea, 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.

DAVID JAFFE

David has been an avid birder since the early 90s. He has a Master’s degree

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Field Trip Leader Bios in Applied Ecology, with a focus on avian diversity as it relates to riparian functionality. He has worked in Yosemite National Park as a biologist, and he’s served as a natural history guide for many outfits. Most recently, David has presented his sparrow ID workshop at the Mono Lake Chautauqua.

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.

JEFF MANKER started birding in the suburbs of Los Angeles where he grew up, escaping to a nearby field and marsh to watch the birds. While in high school, he used his birding skills to help get the 52-acre marsh saved as a park and educational center (Madrona Marsh Preserve in Torrance). In college, he participated in pelagic and desert field trips, his first Big Day, and eagle counts. He majored in Resource Planning and Interpretation at Humboldt State University. During that time, he found that he had a knack for teaching friends to bird, which led him to a career in education. After working as a naturalist for Santa Cruz County Outdoor Education, he got his credential in Life Sciences and has been teaching ever since. For the past 27 years he has variously taught Life Science, Earth Science, Biology, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, and Marine Science. Four years ago, he developed and has been teaching what he believes is the only year-long high

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school Ornithology class in the state at Gilroy High School.

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.”

ROY POUCHER has been a Sea and

Sage Audubon Society (Orange Co.) trip leader and field trip assistant in their introductory birding classes, including aural birding, for 24 years. He has led trips to Yosemite, the Eastern Sierra, Arizona, Texas, North Dakota (sparrows), the Great Lakes (warblers), and the eastern seaboard (shorebirds). Roy is also an international tour leader; with his company, Bird Odyssey Tours, he has led trips to Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Kenya, Thailand, and Cambodia. His passion is bird vocalization, and he has personally mentored aural birding with Dick Walton (author of the Peterson bird vocalization audio series), Luis Baptista (late of the California Academy of Sciences), Tom Hahn (UC Davis) and Sylvia Gallagher (renowned Southern California educator).

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.

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.

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 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).

NELSON SAMUELS is a retired teacher

and long-time San Benito County resident. He has enjoyed birding the county’s back roads for over thirty years. He has a good variety of staked-out bird species and can help birders find California specialties.

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.

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 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. ROGER WOLF has been a popular field trip and pelagic birding leader for years. His focus is now on his prize-winning olive production. However, his passion for birds continues, as he creates a healthy avian environment. Even his tree pruning reveals bird productivity, as he discovers nest after nest.

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

2016 Workshops FRIDAY WORKSHOPS BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE: CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF BIRDS THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY (NEW)

Date/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 7–10 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, mountains, 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 Watsonville 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. All levels of experience are welcome, and bring whatever camera you have. Meet at Watsonville Civic Plaza to carpool to field site. Maximum Number of Participants: 25.

SPARROW ID WORKSHOP

(NEW)

Dates/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 7:30-11:30 a.m. Cost: $10 premium workshop Workshop Leader: David Jaffe Description: This seminar is designed for folks interested in exploring the veil of secrecy shrouding the LBBs (little brown birds). It will be generally geared toward beginners, although all are welcome. We will spend about an hour indoors, learning some natural history of sparrows, studying key ID features to help us differentiate birds in the field, and learning how to avoid confusing sparrows with similar birds. Then, we’ll head to the field to practice. Held at the Watsonville Civic Plaza followed by carpooling from lecture at Civic Plaza to field Activity: Moderate

COMMUNITY POETRY CIRCLE: WINGS TAKE FLIGHT (NEW) POETRY WRITING WORKSHOP

Date/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 10-11:30 A.M. Workshop Leader: Magdalena Montagne Description: In this workshop we’ll read poetry written about birds. Then, we’ll watch our own words take flight as we write poems about birds. The workshop is open to all ages, and you don’t need any prior experience with writing poetry to join us. Held at the Watsonville Civic Plaza Maximum number of participants: 25

BIRD SOUNDS WORKSHOP (NEW)

Date/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Cost: $10 premium workshop Workshop leader: Roy Poucher Description: Bird songs are Nature’s music. We can plug into this magic no matter how good we are at finding birds with our eyes. The focus of this workshop is to increase our birding enjoyment

by improving our skills as auditory birders. Some prior experience with trying to identify birds by ear will surely be useful, but motivation to learn trumps experience; folks of all experience levels are welcome. We will explore the principles of describing bird vocalizations in general as well as become familiar with specific vocalizations of common birds in the Monterey Bay area. IMPORTANT NOTE: This workshop is a prerequisite for the Bird Sounds Field Study, offered Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. Held at the Watsonville Civic Plaza

HOW TO STORE, EDIT, AND USE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS (NEW)

Date/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Workshop leader: Chris Hartzell

Description: This one hour presentation will be a step-by-step for what you need to do to get your pictures from the camera to your storage device to then be edited and eventually used. It is for beginner through advanced photographers. We will go over cataloguing and storing your picture files. We will cover the basics of setting up storage and file naming, then importing and exporting in Lightroom and use of “collections.” We will go over a real-world workflow of basic editing (we will be using Lightroom, but the editing principles can be used with any program). We will cover the use of watermarks and copyrights, and their difference, and then finally how to safely use your pictures online. This will be a full demonstration with limited time for questions, so be prepared to take notes. Held at the Watsonville Civic Plaza.

PHOTOGRAPHY FIELD WORKFLOW

Date/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 3:30-5:00 p.m. Workshop leader: Chris Hartzell Description: 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. 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.

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS

Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 7:0010:00 a.m. Workshop Leader: Jeff Bleam

Description: 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. Meet at the Civic Plaza to carpool to field. Activity: Moderate Maximum number of participants: 7

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

SPARROW ID WORKSHOP

(NEW)

Dates/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 7:3011:30 a.m. Cost: $10 premium workshop Workshop Leader: David Jaffe

Description: This seminar is designed for folks interested in exploring the veil of secrecy shrouding the LBBs (little brown birds). It will be generally geared toward beginners, although all are welcome. We will spend about an hour indoors, learning some natural history of sparrows, studying key ID features to help us differentiate birds in the field, and learning how to avoid confusing sparrows with similar birds. Then, we’ll head to the field to practice. Held at the Watsonville Civic Plaza followed by carpooling from lecture at Civic Plaza to field Activity: Moderate

FIELD SKETCHING

Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 9:30noon, lunch break then 1-3:30 p.m. Workshop Leader: Carol Bennett

Description: 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 binos! Held at Watsonville Wetlands Watch WERC located at 500 Harkins Slough Rd, Watsonville.

BIRDING OPTICS DEMYSTIFELD Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 1-2:30 p.m. Workshop Leader: Marilyn Rose

Description: 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! Held at the Watsonville Civic Plaza.

CARBON NEUTRAL CUCKOOS: CHASING BIRDS & PLANTING SEEDS

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! Held at Moss Landing Marine Laboratory.

SUNDAY WORKSHOPS TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BIRDING PHOTOGRAPHY Date/Time: Sunday, 9/25/16, 10-noon Workshop Leader: Seraphina Landgrebe

Description: This workshop is focused on learning and practicing field techniques with your camera and tripod in a classroom setting. Bring all of your cameras, lenses, and tripods for a hands-on indoor class on how to photograph birds. Receive individual instruction while working with your own equipment. Gain a good understanding of your camera: how to set shutter speed, aperture, iso, white balance, and focus. Learn easy photography techniques for setting up your camera, lenses, and tripod. Learn about effective use of lighting. Learn how to photograph in the field to get the best bird images. Learn tips for photographing flying birds and birds in the water. Take home instructional material to aid you in learning how to photograph birds. Held at the Watsonville Civic Plaza

ART OF COMPOSITION FOR BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY Date/Time: Sunday, 9/25/16, 1-3 p.m. Workshop Leader: Seraphina Landgrebe

Description: This workshop is focused on creating the “WOW” factor in bird photography by employing the art of composition. Bring your computer, prints, and sample photographs to class, even if you think that they are not good. We will analyze bird photographs, and I’ll show you how the rules of composition apply to the images. I will provide cropping guides for prints, as well as instructional material to aid you in learning the art of composition. Learn how your eye travels through an image. Become aware of the balance and movement in images. Learn to use photojournalist techniques of cropping to create the desired composition. Adjust your point of view with creative cropping. Understand perspective and how to use it to your advantage. Held at the Watsonville Civic Plaza

Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Workshop Leader: Scott Smithson

Description: 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

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Workshop Leaders (In Alphabetical Order) CAROL BENNETT

Carol 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.

JEFF BLEAM

Jeff has taken up photography full time as an avid amature and has been taking photos for more than 40 years, first with film and now digitally. He has been a serious birder since 2005 and is a big supporter of eBird. He feels that capturing birds in action is where nature becomes art.

CHRIS HARTZELL

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. In his other life, Chris is a fire captain with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Carmel Hill Fire Station.

World’s Epcot Center, and the Photokina Photography Show of Shows in Cologne, Germany. She has also been honored with three Fuji Masterpiece Awards.

MAGDALENA MONTAGNE

Magdalena Montagne has extensive experience leading poetry writing workshops in Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and Monterey Counties, helping hundreds of people find their inner muse. She has taught with California Poets in the Schools and is currently serving as the editorial assistant for this year’s statewide anthology of student poems. She also is the County Coordinator for Poetry Out loud, a nationwide high school poetry recitation contest. She teaches writing and editing classes at the Catamaran Center for the Literary Arts at the Tannery in Santa Cruz. Additionally, she brings poetry writing workshops to seniors in assisted living facilities through her Wisdom Verse curriculum. She leads Poetry in the Workplace teambuilding activities. Her poems have been published in literary journals, including the Porter Gulch Review. Visit her website at www.poetrycirclewithmagdalena.com for more information.

ROY POUCHER

Roy Poucher has been a Sea and Sage Audubon Society (Orange Co.)

trip leader and field trip assistant in their introductory birding classes, including aural birding, for 24 years. He has led trips to Yosemite, the Eastern Sierra, Arizona, Texas, North Dakota (sparrows), the Great Lakes (warblers), and the eastern seaboard (shorebirds). Roy is also an international tour leader; with his company, Bird Odyssey Tours, he has led trips to Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Kenya, Thailand, and Cambodia. His passion is bird vocalization, and he has personally mentored aural birding with Dick Walton (author of the Peterson bird vocalization audio series), Luis Baptista (late of the California Academy of Sciences), Tom Hahn (UC Davis) and Sylvia Gallagher (renowned Southern California educator).

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.

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.

SCOTT SMITHSON

Scott 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 birder-mentorfriendship 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.

DAVID JAFFE

David has been an avid birder since the early 90s. He has a Master’s degree in Applied Ecology, with a focus on avian diversity as it relates to riparian functionality. He has worked in Yosemite National Park as a biologist, and he’s served as a natural history guide for many outfits. Most recently, David has presented his sparrow ID workshop at the Mono Lake Chautauqua.

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

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Photo by Tarmo Hannula.

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

2016 Water Trips FRIDAY WHISPER CHARTERS

Date/Times: Friday, 9/23/16, 8-10 a.m., 11-1 p.m., 2-4 p.m. Book directly at 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.

ELKHORN SLOUGH SAFARI

Date/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 12:30 p.m.

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, 9/23/16, 9-11 a.m.

Book directly at www.kayakconnection.com or call 831-724-5692. They are open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Pacific. 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. Beginning kayakers are welcome and encouraged to sign up. Limited to 10 people in five double-kayaks. Transportation: Go directly to Kayak Connection in Moss Landing.

SHEARWATER JOURNEYS PELAGIC TRIPS

Date/Time: Friday, 9/23/16, 7-3 p.m.

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 Petrels; Sabine’s Gull, and Arctic Tern highlight just a partial list of our possibilities. Transportation: Go directly to Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey.

SATURDAY WHISPER CHARTERS

Date/Times: Saturday, 9/24/16, 8-10 a.m., 11-1 p.m., 2-4 p.m. Book directly at 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.

ELKHORN SLOUGH SAFARI

Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 1:00 p.m.

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. Limited to 10 seats per day. 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: Saturday, 9/24/16, 9-11 a.m.

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

ALVARO’S ADVENTURES HALFDAY PELAGIC TRIP

Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, Half-day trip time to be announced Book directly www.alvarosadventures.com Description: This is a rare opportunity that’s provided just for the birding festival. This halfday trip is designed for those who would like to try pelagic birding or who can’t spend a whole day at sea. It is also a perfect chance to reinforce observations from Alvaro’s Friday night lecture and to ask questions of Alvaro himself. Transportation: Go directly to Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey.

SHEARWATER JOURNEYS PELAGIC TRIPS

Date/Time: Saturday, 9/24/16, 7-3 p.m.

Book directly by mailing check to: PO Box 190, Hollister, CA 95024. Include first- and second choice trip dates, name, complete address, email address, and phone numbers. www.shearwaterjourneys.com 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 Petrels; Sabine’s Gull, and Arctic Tern highlight just a partial list of our possibilities. Transportation: Go directly to Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey.

SUNDAY WHISPER CHARTERS

Date/Times: Sunday, 9/25/16, 8-10 a.m., 11-1 p.m., 2-4 p.m. Book directly at 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.

ELKHORN SLOUGH SAFARI

Date/Time: Sunday, 9/25/16, 2:15 p.m.

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. Limited to 10 seats per day. 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: Sunday, 9/25/16, 9-11 a.m.

Book directly at www.kayakconnection. com or call 831-724-5692. They are open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Pacific. 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. Beginning kayakers are welcome and encouraged to sign up. Limited to 10 people in five double-kayaks. Transportation: Go directly to Kayak Connection in Moss Landing.

ALVARO’S ADVENTURES PELAGIC TRIP

Date/Time: Sunday, 9/25/16, Full Day Time to be announced Book directly www.alvarosadventures.com Description: Deep water, closer to shore. Whales and more. It is a perfect chance to reinforce observations from Alvaro’s Friday night lecture and to ask questions of Alvaro himself. Transportation: Go directly to Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey.

SHEARWATER JOURNEYS PELAGIC TRIPS

Date/Time: Sunday, 9/25/16, 7-3 p.m.

Book directly by mailing check to: PO Box 190, Hollister, CA 95024. Include first- and second choice trip dates, name, complete address, email address, and phone numbers. www.shearwaterjourneys.com/ 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 Petrels; Sabine’s Gull, and Arctic Tern highlight just a partial list of our possibilities. Transportation: Go directly to Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey.

Published By The Register-Pajaronian

Festival de las Aves para Toda La Familia en el CENTRO DE NATURALEZA de la CIUDAD DE WATSONVILLE Sábado y Domingo, 24 y 25 de Septiembre 2016

a l a r a a p s z s e e l v a a a r at e u n t i d a n e Cam vación d s e r d a d i obse v Acti 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 Bilingüe español/ingles Binoculares e instrucciones serán proveídos No se requiere experiencia

¡GRATIS!

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

ACTIVIDADES INTERNAS Proyectos de arte y actividades de naturaleza todo el día Sábado y Domingo 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Todas las edades pueden participar.

Se proveerán bocadillos

No es necesario registrarse.

Para mas 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

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Friday, September 23, 2016

OPENING FESTIVTIES : 5:00PM - 7:00PM

VENDORS/EXHIBITORS : 3:00PM - 7:00PM

• A Taste of the Pajaro Valley Reception • Early Bird Registration Check-In • Photo Contest Award Ceremony • Falconry Tete-a-tete • Silent Auction Preview

Birdersʼ Marketplace

FULL-DAY FIELD TRIPS • Condors of Big Sur: 6:00am • California Specialties: 6:30am • East Pinnacles: 6:30am

HALF-DAY FIELD TRIPS

SILENT AUCTION Bidding Friday - Saturday

Bruce Lyon

SPEAKERS Reconsider the Coot: the Crazy Reproductive Antics of a Common Marsh Denizen

4:00 pm

WATER ADVENTURES

• Alvaroʼs Adventures: Full Day • Elkhorn Slough Safari • Kayak Connection • Shearwater Journeys Pelagic Trips • Whishper Charters. **Check with vendors for times**

WORKSHOPS

Alvaro Jaramillo Birding the Blob: Effects of Weird Warm Weather and the Drought on Birds

7:00 pm

• Vagrants & more on Carmel River: 6:30am • Llagas Creek: 6:30am • Birding the Dunes: 7:00am • Birding Obervations & Interpretations: 7:00am • Hatton Canyon Hot Spot: 7:30am • Birding An Area Favorite: 7:30am • Magpies and Flapjacks: 7:30am • Beginning Birding: 8:00am • Carmel River Lagoon Hot Spot: Noon • Olive Grove Birding/Ecoagritourism: 1:15pm • Owls of Robinson Canyon: 7:00pm

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

• Birding New Brighton: 6:30am • Birding Quail Hollow Ranch: 6:30am • Elkhorn Ranch Birding: 7:30am • Hatton Canyon Hot Spot: 7:30am • Birds Sounds Field Study: 7:30am • Exploring An Oak Woodland: 8:15am • Carmel River Lagoon Hot Spot: 1:00pm Published By The Register-Pajaronian

Saturday, September 24, 2016 VENDORS/EXHIBITORS : 3:00PM - 7:00PM Birdersʼ Marketplace

FULL-DAY FIELD TRIPS

• Condors of Big Sur: 6:00am • California Specialties: 6:30am

HALF-DAY FIELD TRIPS

• Vagrants & more on Carmel River: 6:30am • Elkhorn Coastal Birding: 6:30am • Birding the Dunes: 6:30am • Watsonville Hot Spots: 7:00am • Salinas River Mouth: 7:00am • Elkhorn Ranch Birding : 7:30am • Bird Sounds Field Study: 7:30am • Birding & Wine Tasting: 7:45am • Birding for Teens: 8:00am • Beginning Birding: 8:00am & 1:00pm • Olive Grove Birding/Ecoagritourism: 1:15pm • Owls of Robinson Canyon: 7:00pm

WATER ADVENTURES

• Alvaroʼs Adventures: Half-Day • Elkhorn Slough Safari • Kayak Connection • Shearwater Journeys Pelagic Trips • Whishper Charters. **Check with vendors for times**

Sunday, September 25, 2016 VENDORS/EXHIBITORS : 3:00PM - 7:00PM Birdersʼ Marketplace

FULL-DAY FIELD TRIPS

• Condors of Big Sur: 6:00am • California Specialties: 6:30am • East Pinnacles: 6:30am

HALF-DAY FIELD TRIPS

• Birding New Brighton: 6:30am • Birding Quail Hollow Ranch: 6:30am • Elkhorn Ranch Birding: 7:30am • Hatton Canyon Hot Spot: 7:30am • Bird Sounds Field Study: 7:30am • Exploring An Oak Woodland: 8:15am • Carmel River Lagoon Hot Spot: 1:00pm

WATER ADVENTURES

• Alvaroʼs Adventures: Full Day • Elkhorn Slough Safari • Kayak Connection • Shearwater Journeys Pelagic Trips • Whishper Charters. **Check with vendors for times**

WORKSHOPS

SATURDAY SPEAKERS Karine Tokatlian Breeding Success of San Francisco Bayʼs Western Snowy Plovers in the Wake of a Changing Environment

4:00 pm

• Tips & Tricks for Birding Photography: 10:00am • Art of Composition for Bird Photography: 1:00pm Pancake Breakfast - 7 a.m. - 11:00 .am. Wild Things Presentations - 8:00a.m. & 10:30a.m Junior Duck Stamps Exhibit & Activities - 9 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Performance Art in Nature - 9 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Silent Auction & Raffle Prize Pick-Up - 7 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Kate Marianchild Extraordinary Ordinary Birds of Californiaʼs Oak Woodlands

7:00 pm

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Elkhorn Slough Reserve Open House: 9:00am - 2:30pm • Moss Landing Marine Labs: 10:30am - 4:30pm • California Sound Scapes Workshop: 11:00 am • Carbon Neutral Cuckoos: Chasing Birds & Planting Seeds Workshop:1:30pm • Searching for Gold Spot - the Wild After Wildfire Documentary: 3:00pm

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 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) 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 bird, evaluate the potential for disturbance to 22

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 important to feed birds continually during harsh weather. 3(b) Maintain and clean nest structures regularly.

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

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, 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.

Published By The Register-Pajaronian

Mintie White Elementary Thank You A BIG IGGY THE EAGLE THANK-YOU TO MINTIE WHITE STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND TEACHERS WHO PROMOTED THE MONTEREY BAY BIRDING FESTIVAL IN WATSONVILLEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 4TH OF JULY PARADE! David Vera and mom Dusty Rodriquez Alynna, Alexa, Elvira, and Felipe Pedraza Todd Geiger | Paul Haut | Mamiche Young (TK teacher) Kristiana Caton (TK teacher) | Paloma Sebastian and mom Patricia Alejandro Martinez and mom Viridiana Aimee Mizuno | Pat Kennedy | Vicki Hallof, principal

1598 Freedom Blvd. Watsonville (831) 724-0919 1459 Main St Watsonville (831) 761-8450 190 Main St Watsonville (831) 768-8540

Published By The Register-Pajaronian

Monterey Bay Birding Festival 2016

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.

PAJARONIAN

LOCAL AUDIO INTERVIEWS