Stafford Lake
CA, United StatesLocation: Novato, CA Trip Leader(s): Bob Atwood Start Date: Saturday, March 7, 2020 Start Time: 9:00 AM End Time: 12:00 PM Description: Located west of Novato, Stafford Lake is a beautiful but less birded area that is productive for waterfowl and raptors. Approximately 172 species of birds have been spotted at Stafford Lake throughout the years with our group likely to see a considerable variety of the resident as well as wintering birds. The county park has facilities and plenty of parking. The mostly level terrain and water views make for pleasant birding as we walk around a portion of the lake and the surrounding area. Heavy rain cancels. DIRECTIONS: From Highway 101 in Novato, take the exit for San Marin Drive west 2.9 miles. Turn right onto Novato Blvd. and follow for 2.6 miles. The park is on the left. Turn left after the gatehouse and travel to the parking lot. Entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. If you have a Marin County library card, you can check out a free library park pass from any Marin County Free Library.
CANCELLED – Why Birds Sing and Other Wonders of Animal Communication
CA, United StatesSpeaker: Greg Budney Host: Doug Waterman Start Date: Thursday, March 12, 2020 Start Time: 7:30 PM End Time: 9:00 PM This presentation explains the basics of how and why birds vocalize (as well as other animals) and features many interesting and astonishing examples (including a humorous Common Loon recording) and explores a range of behaviors from courtship to warning signals. Greg is the retired former Audio Curator of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds, the world's largest collection of wildlife sound recordings. He is also an experienced bird sound recordist and has produced numerous audio guides to sounds of birds of the Americas. He has trained hundreds of biologists and citizen scientists in techniques for capturing the sounds of wildlife for research, conservation, and education. Photo of Greg Budney with parabola was taken by Eduardo Inigo Elias.
Marin Audubon Speakers Series with Nora Livingston on Zoom Thursday May 14, 2020 at 7:30pm PDT
Zoom CA, United StatesJoin naturalist Nora Livingston for a talk about Mono Lake, one of California’s best birding spots, to learn about the natural, cultural, and political history of the lake and what birds you might expect to see there. Nora will share current news about the lake and about the exciting natural history programs she leads in the summer.
Habitat Potential with Josiah Clark
Zoom CA, United StatesSpeaker: Josiah Clark Host: Doug Waterman Start Date: Thursday, June 11, 2020 Start Time: 7:30 PM End Time: 9:00 PM Description: An online Zoom meeting, this presentation will note dozens of bird and plant species, focusing on important resources that provide for local birds and wildlife. Josiah will share conservation related information on the limiting factors of vulnerable and declining groups, including cup-nesting songbirds, precocial young and birds of open habitats. This presentation aims to help naturalists both find more species and become more informed conservation advocates. Consulting ecologist Josiah Clark grew up steeped in the natural history of the Bay Area, where he has been birding for more than 20 years. Defining moments of birding experiences include: observation and mist-netting on Southeast Farallon Island; extensive travel, study, and tour leading in Latin America; and a 24 hour birding and bicycling marathon in Marin County during which he spotted 158 species. Josiah owns Natures Acres Nursery and Habitat Potential Consulting. Both are dedicated to interpreting, preserving, and creating productive wildlife habitats in the human landscape. We will post the link to the Zoom meeting in early June.
Sierra Valley Overnight Trip with Rich Cimino – MAS Chapter Supporting Membership Required
Sierra Valley CA, United StatesLocation: Highway 89 North of Truckee Trip Leader(s): Rich Cimino Start Date: Thursday, June 25, 2020 End Date: Saturday, June 27, 2020 Start Time: End Time: Description: REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 2. The valley floor of this popular Sierra birding destination is covered with sagebrush scrub, broken by freshwater marshes, grasslands and riparian woodland. On Friday we will bird the valley floor and western portion of Sierra Valley where the headwaters of the Feather River support freshwater marshes. The western edge of the valley is made up of coniferous forest and chaparral. On Saturday morning we will bird the Yuba Pass area, which is high Alpine habitat. This portion of the trip requires walking for three hours while we bird. For a list of birds seen in this Important Bird Area (IBA), check out both Plumas and Sierra County checklists at: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1007569?m=6&yr=last10&changeDate=Set https://ebird.org/hotspot/L109258?m=6&yr=last10&changeDate=Set Many of the birds on these lists will be present at the time of our visit. This popular trip will fill quickly, so sign up right away if you are interested in joining our group. The trip will be limited to 15 participants. When reserving your lodging, be mindful of the distance you'll need to travel to meet the group each morning in Sierraville. Although there is no charge, you must be a Chapter Supporting Member of Marin Audubon to participate. To sign up for the trip, email Jeanine Starritt at . Be sure to provide your name(s), email address and phone number. If you are not yet a Marin Audubon Chapter Supporting Member, please sign up at www.marinaudubon.org prior to registering for this trip. Participants will be responsible for their own lodging or camping arrangements in the Sierraville, Truckee or Portola areas. Plan to arrive in the area on the evening of June 25. Those confirmed on the trip will receive additional information and instructions prior to the trip.
Best of Mitchell Canyon with Bruce Mast
Mitchell Canyon CA, United StatesMitchell Canyon, on Mount Diablo’s northern flank is one of the best examples of mid-elevation riparian habitat in the East Bay. Along with numerous avian residents, spring brings an assortment of neotropical migrants including warblers, vireos, flycatchers, tanagers, grosbeaks, and hummingbirds. The canyon is also famous for its spring butterflies and wildflowers, including the rare endemic Mount Diablo globe lily (also called fairy lantern).
Spring Bird Songs with Lisa Hug (3 Classes) – Registration Now Open
Five Brooks / Big Rock / Mount Burdell , United StatesSpring is the best time of year to hear and learn bird songs. Males are full of hormones and bursting with song. Many neo-tropical migrants are returning and vying for mates and territories. It is a very exciting time of year, so even if you dislike getting up early, it might be worth your while to join one or more of these classes. Participants will be asked to stay quiet to enable us to listen to the myriad of bird sounds. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring layered clothing, water, binoculars, field guides, and snacks.
American Canyon Wetlands with Lucas & Mark Stephenson
CA, United StatesYouth Birder Lucas Stephenson will lead this fun trip to the American Canyon Wetlands that hosts species from the unique habitats found in American Canyon: Grassy Fields and Eucalyptus Groves, to the Tidal Mudflats and the Bay. The Wetlands are home to a diverse number of birds from Merlins and Peregrine Falcons, to Burrowing Owls, Marsh Wrens, Sora and Virginia Rails, migrating Black-bellied Plovers, Long-billed Curlews, Barrow’s Golden Eyes, and possibly even a Long-tailed Duck! Last year with Lucas, our group spotted an impressive 88 species! As per usual with Lucas and his Dad, we will be on the lookout for new local species of interest.
Spring Bird Songs with Lisa Hug (3 Classes) – Registration Now Open
Five Brooks / Big Rock / Mount Burdell , United StatesSpring is the best time of year to hear and learn bird songs. Males are full of hormones and bursting with song. Many neo-tropical migrants are returning and vying for mates and territories. It is a very exciting time of year, so even if you dislike getting up early, it might be worth your while to join one or more of these classes. Participants will be asked to stay quiet to enable us to listen to the myriad of bird sounds. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring layered clothing, water, binoculars, field guides, and snacks.
Spring Bird Songs with Lisa Hug (3 Classes) – Registration Now Open
Five Brooks / Big Rock / Mount Burdell , United StatesSpring is the best time of year to hear and learn bird songs. Males are full of hormones and bursting with song. Many neo-tropical migrants are returning and vying for mates and territories. It is a very exciting time of year, so even if you dislike getting up early, it might be worth your while to join one or more of these classes. Participants will be asked to stay quiet to enable us to listen to the myriad of bird sounds. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring layered clothing, water, binoculars, field guides, and snacks.
Hummingbirds at Home
Zoom Event CA, United StatesJoin us for a Zoom event...
Farallon Islands Boat Trip with David Wimpfheimer – A Few Spaces Still Available
Clipper Yacht Harbor, Sausalito Sausalito, CA, United StatesJoin us for our annual day of seabird and marine mammal watching as we head out to the Farallon Islands and offshore waters. Naturalist David Wimpfheimer will be our guide once again aboard Jim Robertson’s power catamaran Outer Limits. Last year’s sightings included both Humpback Whales, Laysan and Black-footed Albatross, Tufted Puffin, Pink-footed, Sooty, and Buller’s Shearwaters, Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers, Rhinoceros and Cassin’s Auklets, and more. We will get a close-up look at the islands and hear about their interesting natural and human history. This is a trip that both experienced and first-time birders and nature lovers will enjoy.
Online Birding: Diurnal Raptors of Marin
Zoom Event CA, United StatesZoom Program - CLICK HERE to signup
Start Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Time: 7 PM to 8:30 PM
With Shannon Burke - Marin County Parks Naturalist
From colorful kestrels to enormous eagles, diurnal raptors are charismatic birds of our landscapes. Perched at the top of the food web, these species take advantage of different habitats and use various strategies to hunt. We’ll explore how these behaviors, along with distinguishing field marks, can help in identifying our local species as we discuss some of the life history stories that make each unique.
Marin County Parks Naturalist Shannon Burke, known for her expertise in a variety of natural history fields (some animal, some vegetable), has a special interest in raptors and worked for a number of years as a volunteer for the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. She always combines her considerable field identification skills with substantial knowledge of animal behavior to create outstanding programs.
Photo Credit: Elyse Omernick
“The Warden” – Mill Valley Film Festival Streaming Event
CA, United StatesMarin Audubon Society is partnering with the Mill Valley Film Festival to present “The Warden (De Vogelwachter)"
On the deserted beach of tiny Benty Island, the warden (Freek de Jonge in a wonderfully understated solo turn) follows a strict daily routine at the bird sanctuary he has overseen, alone, for decades. With the same precision as his beloved grandfather clock, he monitors the flocks of resident and migrating sea and shore birds that are his only companions and his constant source of wonderment. But everything in his world shifts tectonically when he learns that his post will be shut down. The warden must find a way to resist his fate—but how? Writer-director Threes Anna (The Bird Can’t Fly, MVFF31) captures the quiet joys of solitude and self-imposed isolation in a beautiful film allegory that fits the pandemic era we have now entered—and offers a glimpse of what joy there is to find oneself, after so long alone, face to face with another human being and kindred spirit.
Birds of the Sierra
Zoom Event CA, United StatesSpeaker: Bob Lewis
Host: Doug Waterman
Date: October 8, 2020
Start time: 7:30 PM
End time: 9:30 PM
Description:For over 20 years, Bob Lewis has been leading birding trips to the Sierra Valley, often staying to photograph the birds and he sees. At the headwater of the Feather River, the valley is a magnet for birds and the surrounding mountains provide additional habitats.
Bob will take us to some of his favorite places and show us the birds that live there, along with a few other creatures. He has often been asked where his favorite birding spot is and Sierra Valley ranks high on the list.
Bob trained as a chemist, but his second career is very avian. He’s served on the GGAS board where he led the Adult Education Committee. He’s an award-winning photographer and world traveler, and frequent public speaker on avian topics at libraries and Audubon Societies. He has co-taught Master Birding, Avian Evolution and Bay Area Birds for GGAS, and his bird life list stands at 5059.
Use the link below to access the meeting. A Q&A will follow the presentation. To ask a question use the Chat feature on Zoom.
CLICK HERE for Zoom Link
Photo taken by Bob Lewis - American Bittern
Online Birding: The Biology of Owl Vocalizations – What ARE They Talking About?
Zoom Event CA, United StatesZoom Program - CLICK HERE to sign up
Start Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Time: 7 PM to 8:30 PM
With Joe Mueller
The sounds of owls talking late into the night may seem mysterious, but there are solid biologically accepted reasons for their diversity of vocalizations. The variation has much to do with how owls have evolved, becoming the dominant nocturnal avian predators. Join Joe for an introduction to owls with a focus on the exploration as to why owls have evolved such a plentiful repertoire of hoots, howls, wails, screams, whistles, yelps, shrieks, barks, whines, and whinnies.
As a Professor of Biology for 30 years Joe has been teaching a rich diversity of courses ranging from ornithology to marine invertebrate zoology as well as leading field courses from Alaskan tundra to Costa Rican Tropical Rain Forests. His teaching style has developed from a view of life focused on systems thinking and how interrelationships make up the essential nature of life. He developed and coordinates the Natural History Program at College of Marin and is the 2008 recipient of the Terwilliger Environmental Education Award.
Photo Credit: Elyse Omernick
Online Birding: The Natural History of Osprey in Marin County: Colonization and Population Growth
Zoom Event CA, United StatesZoom Program - CLICK HERE to signup
Start Date: Wednesday: October 21, 2020
Time: 7 PM to 8:30 PM
With Jules Evens
Since the establishment of a nesting colony of Osprey at Kent Lake beginning in the mid-1960’s, the local population grew exponentially, at least over the next three decades. Beginning in the mid-1990’s, the numbers leveled off and then began to decline somewhat. This presentation will trace the dynamics of that founding population, discuss the reasons for its local decline as well as the population’s expansion in the greater Bay Area.
Born and raised in New England, Jules lived with his family and worked as a wildlife biologist in western Marin County for over three decades. He currently lives in coastal Oregon but returns to Marin for field work and friendships. His primary research focuses on tidal wetlands, avian population trends, and species at-risk. He has written three California Natural History Guides: The Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula (3rd ed. 2008), An Introduction to California Birdlife with Ian Tait (2005), and Birds of the Northern California Coast with Rich Stallcup (2014).
Photo Credit: Dave Strauss
Online Birding: Red Tales, Hawkish Behaviors, and Migratory Stories – Revelations from the GGRO’s First 35 Years
Zoom Event CA, United StatesZoom Program - CLICK HERE to signup
Start Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Time: 7 PM to 8:30 PM
With Allen Fish
Each fall, tens of thousands of birds of prey funnel overhead at the Marin Headlands, the largest known raptor migration along the Pacific Coast. In the early 1980’s a few Marin citizens started conducting counting and banding studies on the flight, studies that drew many volunteers and soon evolved into the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, a full-fledged program of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy in cooperation with the National Park Service. Today, the GGRO is part of a broad program of community science and ecological stewardship coordinated by the Parks Conservancy, including ONE TAM, and the Native Plant Nurseries.
Now 35 years old, with four staff and 240 volunteers, the GGRO is the only barometer of migrating raptor populations in California, providing population trends and migration locations for up to 19 species of hawks, kites, falcons, eagles, osprey, vultures, and harriers. Along with keeping an annual pulse on California’s raptors, the GGRO has forged long-term relationships with local biologists – to study a range of stressors on the wild birds of prey we have in hand, among them, diseases, parasites, rat poisons and other toxins.
Come join us for an entertaining discussion of the GGRO, Migratory Story and all things raptor, as GGRO director Allen Fish delves into the best stories from Hawk Hill, as well as the unique meaning of 2020 for long-term bird monitoring. For many Bay Area birders, Allen needs no introduction. The GGRO’s first director, he was hired in 1985. With a background in evolutionary ecology and conservation biology from UC Davis, Allen has a particular interest in bird population responses to urban development, climate change, and other human pressures. His presentations always manage to inform and entertain audiences. This program will no doubt continue that tradition.
Online Birding: Improving Habitat for Central Valley Waterbirds
Zoom Event CA, United StatesImproving Habitat for Central Valley Waterbirds
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
7 PM to 8:30 PM
With Khara Strum
Sign up for the Zoom Webinar HERE
Did you know that over 50 percent of the potential habitat for migratory waterbirds in the Central Valley is also agricultural land? Farm fields might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of waterbirds, but here in California farmland is essential to supporting the millions of waterbirds that call the Central Valley home. Join Khara Strum for a tour of some of the ways Audubon California is working with farmers and private landowners to support migratory waterbirds in the Central Valley.
Khara Strum is a Conservation Project Manager for Audubon California. For the last decade, Khara has worked with agricultural industry groups, private landowners, and government agencies to increase the habitat value of farmland for birds and other wildlife in the Central Valley of California.
Feathers and Flight: A Journey to the New World Tropics
Zoom Event CA, United StatesSpeaker: Benjamin Jacobs-Schwartz
Host: Doug Waterman
Date: November 12, 2020
Start time: 7:30 PM
End time: 9:30 PM
Description: International Bird guide, naturalist and photographer, Benny Jacobs-Schwartz will share his dazzling bird photos, captivating videos, and animated story-telling to bring a slice of the tropics to your screen!
Delving into topics of migration, tropical speciation, and bio-diversity, this media rich journey will share some of the fascinating and unique birds that inhabit the new-world tropics. Designed to both educate and entertain, this presentation will certainly leave you with a deeper understanding of tropical ecology, and knowledge about where some of our backyard birds spend their winters!
Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz owns and operates a bird guiding business and lifestyle brand called BIRDS by BIJS (pronounced Bee-jus). Working seasonally as a naturalist guide, expedition trip leader, and international bird guide, Benny works in a variety of locations. Most recently bringing him to such exotic places like coastal Alaska, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Ecuadorian cloud forest.
Seasonally Benny or BIJS, is based in Los Angeles, where he leads public and private birding adventures to urban hotspots. He is also a passionate photographer, specializing in birds. He uses his impressive collection of content to leverage his prolific social media presence. Benny hopes his love of the natural world will inspire others to conserve the open spaces around them and look up more often from their phones!
CLICK HERE to join the Zoom Speaker Series Event. A Q&A will follow the presentation. To ask a question use the Chat feature on Zoom.
Please contact for questions regarding Marin Audubon's Speaker Series events.