MCAS Field Trip - AUG 21 - Morro Rock Birding

Birding at Morro Rock [by Revel Team]

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   


Morro Rock Birding

August 21, 2026

9:00am to 11:00am 

Morro Rock

Description: Enjoy a leisurely walk around both sides of the rock for excellent birdwatching opportunities. With Claudia Freitas & Karen Watts, we'll observe cormorants, pelicans, sea ducks, various gull species, and a range of migratory shorebirds. Keep an eye out for our resident Peregrine Falcons and their newly fledged young and land birds that inhabit the coastal sage scrub on the rock. Special emphasis will be on the shorebirds that are returning to Morro Bay from their nesting grounds in the north. This easy, one-mile walk follows a flat dirt path and paved surfaces. 

This field trip is ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.


Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LNGUdttqW3N4N9r87


Directions: 

Meets at Morro Rock. Coleman Drive, Morro Bay. Meet across from bathrooms, next to Morro Rock.This field trip is ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience. 

Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org

 


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MCAS Field Trip - AUG 15 - Habitat - Sweet Springs

 

View to Morro Rock from Sweet Springs Nature Preserve [file photo]  

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   


Habitat - Sweet Springs

August 15, 2026

9:00am to 11:00am 

Sweet Springs


Description: Join Faylla Chapman for a stroll through Sweet Springs Nature Preserve to learn about the area's history and discover the plants that support local birds and wildlife. We’ll walk to the viewing area to observe birds utilizing the marsh during low tide. Be sure to bring binoculars and, if you have it, the Cornell Bird Sounds app, Merlin, to help identify local species. 


Restrooms are available at the East entrance.This field trip is not ADA accessible and the trip is open to all levels of experience.


Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.


Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nxcnSWMs3MqiT8ho8

Directions: Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos. 


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Field Trip - AUG 14 - Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat

 

Santa Margarita Pontoon Boat [by Bob Revel]

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents 


Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat  

August 14, 2026  

8:00am to 11:00am  

Santa Margarita  

Leaders: Scott Stellar and the Revel Team  

Description: Join Morro Coast Audubon on a pontoon boat ride adventure birding Santa Margarita Lake. We'll cruise the northwest portion of the lake taking in all the nesting birds as well as shoreline wildlife that abound. We will be on the lake for about 2 hours, returning before midday heat. In our most recent visit on on July 20th, we saw lots of Grebes still on their nests, but we also saw baby Grebes on mom’s back.

The registration fee for this trip is $30. Note that there is a $12 per vehicle entry fee at the campground kiosk. Participants selected for this trip will be sent information on the method of payment for the event. 


This field trip is not ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.


Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GsjyXDzJAD2LCvS76

Directions: Meets at the Marina store at Santa Margarita Lake Marina, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita. After checking in at the campground kiosk, drive down to the boat dock and Marina store parking area.

Bring a hat, water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars and dress in layers to accommodate wind and changing weather. Cameras are welcomed. Restrooms are available at the Marina store. 

Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Field Trip - AUG 13 - Ocean Lagoon Birding

 

Oceano Lagoon [courtesy State Parks]  

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents   


Oceano Lagoon Birding

August 13, 2026

9:00am to 12:00pm 

Oceano Lagoon 


Description: Join MCAS Field Trip Leaders for a morning of leisurely birding along the Oceano Lagoon Trail. The lagoon trail is approximately 1.25 miles in length, and located within the Oceano State Parks Campground. The trail will provide the opportunity of observing 60+ species of birds. Commonly found: ducks, grebes, gulls, terns, herons, raptors, kingfishers, woodpeckers, flycatchers, swallows, wrens, sparrows and warblers. There is even the possibility of a rarity or two!


This field trip is not ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.


Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b2RubpSdVSC174XC6


Directions: Meets in front of the Visitors Center located at 555 Pier Ave., Oceano CA 


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Field Trip - AUG 8 - Shorebird Habitat

 
Long-Billed Curlew eating sand crab [by Mike Baird]  

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents 


Shorebird Habitats

August 8, 2026

9:00am to 11:30am

Morro Strand Beach


Description: Morro Bay, located along the Pacific Flyway, is a vital stopover for thousands of migrating birds—especially during peak migration. The beaches may look quiet, but they are teeming with life just beneath the surface. Ever wonder what birds are poking for in the sand or digging through rotting seaweed? Join us as we explore the sandy beach and wrack line ecosystems to discover what’s attracting so many shorebirds. Learn how detritus, algae, bacteria, and piles of rotting seaweed (wrack) support a thriving community of invertebrates—providing a feast for migrating birds. We'll walk 1–2 miles along a combination of hard-packed and soft sand. 


This field trip is not ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.


Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Dqtzf7mvENgeC5R7


Directions: Meets at the entrance to the Morro Strand State Park Campground. Highway 1 north of Morro Bay, exit west on Yerba Buena St. Turn left on Trinidad.


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Member Management System Upgrade


Morro Coast Audubon Society Member Management System Upgrade

 

System Upgrade Overview

The Morro Coast Audubon Society has implemented significant improvements to our member management system called Neon. This upgrade is designed to enhance your experience when interacting with us online.

 

Changes to Donation and Membership Forms

As part of this system upgrade, you will notice a refreshed appearance on the forms used for donations and membership payments. These updates aim to provide a more streamlined and user-friendly interface.

 

This change became effective on March 31, 2026. If you have any questions or difficulties, please contact us at MCAS@morrocoastaudubon.org.


To take full advantage of our new Neon member system—including member registration for field trips, programs, volunteer opportunities, and other MCAS activities—we encourage you, at any time, to activate your online member portal. You can view your donations and update personal information.


Use the Membership System Login link in the website's header to login to or create your account.

 

Thank you for your continued support.

Morro Coast Audubon Society


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Reporting Banded Birds

Photo by Gary O'Neill - Osprey #62
A recent question came in regarding a banded Osprey that someone saw in SLO County so this 2018 post is being reposted.  

Reporting a banded bird...  

Sometimes when taking photos of the birds we encounter, we might notice, at the time or later when reviewing our photos, that a bird has a band, or two.

If you notice the band at the time you are in the field, you can try to get a closeup photo of the banded leg(s).  That's not always possible, as some of you might well know.

This excellent photo of a juvenile Osprey was taken by Gary O'Neill at 9:30 am on July 10, 2018 at the Piedras Blancas Light Station. Gary is self-described as "a member of the Audubon Society and also volunteer at the Piedras Blancas Light Station and a guide."

The black band with a white 62 on the left leg is clearly visible.  The metal federal band on the right leg is visible but the stamped numbers are unreadable. Gary was still able to report this bird to USGS.

Another banded juvenile Osprey, #63, has been seen this July at various locations. The sighting of #63 at Oso Flaco was reported to USGS, and so it will be interesting to find out if #62 and #63 are related.

What you can do---

Any banded bird you see can be reported to USGS's Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Bird Banding Laboratory by going to their website at https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/bblretrv/.

When on that website you will see the following horizontal tabs near the top of the screen:
Start / Who / What / About Band, Bird, and Date / etc.

When you get to the What tab, and you cannot read the metal federal band, select option 3:
* Color marker only (neck collar, wing tag, colored leg band, etc.)
The help message (blue ? icon) for that choice reads:
Please select this option if you observed or encountered a bird with a color marker, and there was no Federal band on the bird or it was unreadable [emphasis added].
From that point on you will be asked to enter various information about the bird you observed. You will need to be persistent and do your best to describe what you saw including any requested additional information. There is the ability along the way to add any photos you took, so have those available.

Photo by Joanne Aasen - Cooper's Hawk #226
It may take weeks, but Patuxent or the actual bander will eventually get back to you with information about "your" banded bird.  The Cooper's Hawk shown here, #226, was photographed on 10/3/2012 while perched on a utility line in Cambria. Since the bird was stationary the photographer was able to zoom in for a closeup. It turns out that this individual was captured at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and subsequently relocated to Cambria.

For those who are federally licensed to band birds it is useful to know where birds they have banded are found. You are doing a service by reporting them.
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MCAS Annual Picnic - JUN 29 - El Chorro Regional Park

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Birding at El Chorro Regional Park [photo by Wendy McKeown)

Morro Coast Audubon Society

Annual June Picnic and Birding Walk

Monday, June 29th, 2026 at 5:00 pm

El Chorro Regional Park, Mariposa Group Area


What:

  • Informal birding walk: 5:00-6:00 pm

  • Picnic: 6:00 - 7:15 pm


Where:

Mariposa Group Area, El Chorro Regional Park

2961 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo


Location Details:

The Mariposa Group Area is on your left as you drive into the park, just across from the SLO Botanical Gardens main entrance and Oak Glen Pavilion. NOTE: This is different from the one we typically reserve. The closest restrooms are located near the entrance to the park. This is an ADA accessible group area.


Picnic Details:

Bring a dish to share (w/serving utensils), and your own reusable table setting (plate, cup, flatware, etc.), in addition to a picnic tablecloth if you have one. If you’d rather not share, bring your own meal. Assorted beverages and cookies will be provided by MCAS hospitality. 


Birding Walk:

Prior to the Picnic, an informal birding walk around El Chorro Regional Park, led by Eric Wier and Mark Mushkat, will be held from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Join Eric and Mark for a late afternoon walk through the varied habitats and surrounding environs of El Chorro Regional Park. 


This short birding walk will be over gentle terrain and will begin and end in the Mariposa Group Area in time for the Morro Coast Audubon Annual Picnic! People of all birding skills are welcome. Some of the species we might expect to see include White-tailed Kite, Red-shouldered Hawk, California Quail, Western Scrub-jay, Western Bluebird, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Bullock's Oriole. Bring your own binoculars and take a casual stroll with fellow birders. No signups are required for this birding walk. 


The event is open to all at no charge. Donations towards our programs are always welcome.


We’d love to have you join us!


Questions? Email mcas@morrocoastaudubon.org
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MCAS Field Trip - JUN 26 - Atascadero Lake Birding

View over Atascadero Lake to Pavilion [by courtesy of VisitAtascadero.com]  

     REGISTRATION CLOSED.                                          

    Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Atascadero Lake Birding  

June 26, 2026  

8:00am to 11:00am  

Atascadero  

Leaders: Claudia Freitas & Karen Watts  


Description: Join Claudia & Karen for a guided bird walk around Atascadero Lake. This easy, one-mile walk will be taken at a slow to moderate pace, depending on bird activity and sightings along the way. The route follows gentle terrain over flat surfaces, making it accessible for most participants. We will look for nesting birds and chicks as well as raptors that frequent the lake.


Restroom facilities are available on site. This trip is ADA accessible.


Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/H3bh3nqxMyS4j81MA


Directions:  Meet at 9100 Morro Road (CA-41) in the parking lot next to the Central Coast Zoo, west of Atascadero.  


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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MCAS Field Trip - JUN 20 - Harmony Headlands

Harmony Headlands
[by courtesy of State Parks Image Gallery]  

REGISTRATION CLOSED.  

 Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

Harmony Headlands  

June 20, 2026  

8:30am to 12pm  

Harmony Headlands, Cayucos  

Leaders: Eric Wier & Steve McMasters  


Description: Harmony Headlands is a place of pristine beauty and dramatic landscapes. Join leaders Eric & Steve for a morning of birding along a 4 mile trail (round trip) to bird various habitats beginning in a riparian zone, through coastal sage scrub and grasslands, past vernal pools, and down to the rocky coast.  We will look for sparrows, raptors and other birds associated with coastal grassland and chaparral communities. At the shore we will look for turnstones, oystercatchers, scoters, and loons. The trail is moderate with some hills.


Bring a hat, water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars and field guides (if you have them) and dress in layers to accommodate wind and changing weather. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Ticks and poison oak may be encountered, so prepare accordingly. A portable restroom is available along the trail. Because of its length and some up and down portions this is rated as moderate hike.This trip is not ADA accessible.

Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.



Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tvrYR4ZPxB2jBPNr7


Directions:  Meet at the Harmony Headlands hiking only trailhead parking lot, on the west side of Hwy 1, 7 miles north of Cayucos and 7 miles south of Cambria. Look for Linn's billboard on the east side of Hwy 1. 


Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org


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