MCAS Field Trip - NOV 16 - Shorebirds Made Easy Workshop

Long-billed Curlew [photo by Jamie Lee]

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents

FIELD TRIP:    Shorebirds Made Easy Workshop

DATE:             Saturday, November 16, 2024

TIME:              10:00am - 1:00pm

LEADER:        Claudia Freitas

Trip is limited to 12 participants - Signups will be taken for 24 hours. Participants will be randomly selected. The remainder will be put on standby status in case of cancellations. Only registered people may attend.

Description: Do shorebirds confuse you? How do you ever tell one shorebird from another? What is a 'shorebird?' Learn how to tell the most common species apart. Join Claudia Freitas for a photo presentation showing the characteristics of our local shorebirds, followed by a walk along the shore to test your new-found knowledge. Skills practice can be done indoors if it is raining. Bring binoculars if you have them. Restrooms are available. 

ADA Accessible: Yes

Experience Level: All Levels Welcome

Registration and RSVP to confirmation Required! 

Registration will open on the morning of NOV 6^th. On that date, MCAS members will automatically receive an ALERT with the LINK to the Field Trip’s Registration Form.

Non-members can receive ALERTS from MCAS regarding Field Trips, Community Programs, and other MCAS activities. You will need to fill out the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST sign up form in the footer of the MCAS website. You can also join the SLOCOBIRDING email list to get ALERTs via Groups.io. (Field Trip alerts only)

Please consider becoming a member of MCAS to support MCAS’s mission and activities, including Field Trips.

Questions? Email Robbie Revel robbie@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Virtual Community Program - NOV 18 - Becoming a Birder in South Africa

South Africa's National Birds, Blue Cranes, on a carpet of native wildflowers in Namaqualand, South Africa [photo by Nishi Rajakaruna]

MCAS November Zoom Community Program

 

Date:           Monday, November 18th, 2024, 7:00 pm

 

Title:           Becoming a Birder in South Africa

 

Presenter:  Nishanta Rajakaruna

 

Join Zoom Meeting Zoom Meeting ID: 918 9942 4958; Passcode: 615341

You can also find the link on the MCAS Events Calendar in our website’s header https://www.morrocoastaudubon.org/.

 

All MCAS Zoom Community Programs are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. No signup/registration required to attend.

 

Description: Nishi Rajakaruna fell in love with birding and wildlife photography during his 2022-2023 visit as a Fulbright US Scholar to South Africa. During his travels, he took photos of 402 bird species in southern Africa and is looking forward to sharing some of his photos and stories.

 

Bio: Nishi Rajakaruna was born and raised in Sri Lanka. He pursued his undergraduate education in human ecology at College of the Atlantic, Maine, and his MS and Ph.D. in botany at the University of British Columbia, Canada. He conducted postdoctoral research in plant ecology at Stanford University. He has taught at predominantly undergraduate teaching-focused universities for 20 years and is currently a professor in plant biology at California Polytechnic State University where he teaches general botany, ethnobotany, biogeography and geoecology. Nishi is currently a Fulbright US Scholar Alumni Ambassador, promoting opportunities for educational and cultural exchange among faculty and students across the United States.

If you are not already an MCAS member, please consider becoming a member to support our mission and activities, including Community Programs.

 

If you have questions, email Wendy McKeown, Community Programs Chair: CommPrograms@morrocoastaudubon.org

 

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VIDEO now available for OCT 21st Community Program

People recycle their food waste to create compost [photo courtesy of Laura Albers]

View video on MCAS YouTube Channel

Title: Building Resilience in a Climate Changing World

 

Presented by Laura Albers, MPA, executive director, SLO Climate Coalition

Description: Climate change is happening, and there is evidence all around us. While the current trajectory of how we will experience our world can be frightening, there are things each of us can do to create climate resiliency in our communities. Hear from Laura Albers, executive director for SLO Climate Coalition, about the resources and actions available here on the Central Coast to help you find ways to create resiliency around you, your life, and your community.

 

Bio: A California native - originally from Santa Barbara, and having grown up in Oakland - Laura Albers came to San Luis Obispo in 2002 to raise her two children and put down roots. She earned a BA in Elementary Education from Pepperdine University, and a Master in Public Administration for Nonprofit Management from USC.

 

Among numerous volunteer roles, Laura’s professional experience includes serving in several local nonprofits, including as the executive director for the Central Coast State Parks Association and SLO Chamber’s Leadership San Luis Obispo program, as well as positions with Gala Pride & Diversity Center, San Luis Coastal Unified School District, Los Padres ForestWatch, and the SLO County YMCA. Laura is currently serving as the executive director for SLO Climate Coalition, and volunteers as the board treasurer for R.A.C.E. Matters SLO.

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MCAS Virtual Community Program - OCT 21 - Building Resilience in a Climate Changing World

People recycle their food waste to create compost [photo courtesy of Laura Albers]

MCAS October Zoom Community Program

Monday, October 21st, 2024, 7:00 pm

 

Title: Building Resilience in a Climate Changing World

 

Presented by Laura Albers, MPA, executive director, SLO Climate Coalition

 

Join Zoom Meeting  Zoom Meeting ID: 953 1580 3234  Passcode: 857832

 

All MCAS Zoom Community Programs are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. No signup/registration required to attend.

 

Description: Climate change is happening, and there is evidence all around us. While the current trajectory of how we will experience our world can be frightening, there are things each of us can do to create climate resiliency in our communities. Hear from Laura Albers, executive director for SLO Climate Coalition, about the resources and actions available here on the Central Coast to help you find ways to create resiliency around you, your life, and your community.

 

Bio: A California native - originally from Santa Barbara, and having grown up in Oakland - Laura Albers came to San Luis Obispo in 2002 to raise her two children and put down roots. She earned a BA in Elementary Education from Pepperdine University, and a Master in Public Administration for Nonprofit Management from USC.

 

Among numerous volunteer roles, Laura’s professional experience includes serving in several local nonprofits, including as the executive director for the Central Coast State Parks Association and SLO Chamber’s Leadership San Luis Obispo program, as well as positions with Gala Pride & Diversity Center, San Luis Coastal Unified School District, Los Padres ForestWatch, and the SLO County YMCA. Laura is currently serving as the executive director for SLO Climate Coalition, and volunteers as the board treasurer for R.A.C.E. Matters SLO.

If you are not already an MCAS member, please consider joining us to support our mission and activities, including Community Programs.

If you have questions, email Wendy McKeown, Community Programs Chair: CommPrograms@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Field Trip - NOV 7 - Bay Birding Cruise - MEMBERS ONLY

Bay Birding Cruise-Aboard the Dos Osos [photo by Robbie Revel]

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

FIELD TRIP:       Bay Birding Cruise           MEMBERS ONLY

DATE:                 Thursday, November 7, 2024  

TIME:                  10:00am - 12:00 noon 

LEADER:            Claudia Freitas  

CO-LEADER:     The Revel Team  

Trip is limited to 18 participants - Signups will be taken for 24 hours or until the trip fills. Participants will be randomly selected. Those 18 participants must remit payment ($35) within 6 days of registration to be completely confirmed for the trip. The remainder will be put on standby status in case of cancellations. Details will be provided to the 18 participants selected. Only registered people may attend.

Description: Join Claudia and other leaders to enjoy a leisurely boating tour of the bay and estuary in the Dos Osos. Cruise the length of the bay to identify a variety of shorebirds, sea ducks, grebes and loons often at close range. The boat will move slowly enough for you to see details of many species that you normally see only through a scope from shore. Good photo opportunities, but no tripods.

Restrooms are available at the landing. Weather conditions may cancel.

ADA Accessible: No

Experience Level: All Levels Welcome

Registration and RSVP to confirmation Required! 

Registration will open on the morning of OCT 28^th. On that date, MCAS members will automatically receive an ALERT with the LINK to the Field Trip’s Registration Form.

Non-members can receive ALERTS from MCAS regarding Field Trips, Community Programs, and other MCAS activities. You will need to fill out the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST sign up form in the footer of the MCAS website. You can also join the SLOCOBIRDING email list to get ALERTs via Groups.io. (Field Trip alerts only)

Please consider becoming a member of MCAS to support MCAS’s mission and activities, including Field Trips.

Questions? Email Robbie Revel robbie@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Field Trip - NOV 4 - Native Plants & Birds of the Pismo Preserve

Birding at Pismo Preserve [photo by BJ Gingg]

REGISTRATION CLOSED. 

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  

FIELD TRIP:       Native Plants & Birds of the Pismo Preserve  

DATE:                  Monday, November 4, 2024  

TIME:                   9:00am to 11:30am  

LEADER:            Peggy Burhenn  

Trip is limited to 15 participants - Signups will be taken for 24 hours. Participants will be randomly selected. The remainder will be put on standby status in case of cancellations. Only registered people may attend.

Description: Explore the beauty of the Pismo Preserve with California Naturalist and MCAS member, Peggy Burhenn. We will wander the trails through coastal scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland habitat to identify native plants and of course, birds. The mountain and ocean views from the trails are spectacular. Distance about 2 miles, elevation gain 600 feet. Restrooms are available. There will be an option to purchase the book “Wildflowers of San Luis Obispo” (from California Native Plant Society) from leader at start of hike for $15. Cash only and exact change appreciated. Rain Cancels.

ADA Accessible: No

Experience Level: All Levels Welcome

Registration and RSVP to confirmation Required! 

Registration will open on the morning of OCT 25^th. On that date, MCAS members will automatically receive an ALERT with the LINK to the Field Trip’s Registration Form.

Non-members can receive ALERTS from MCAS regarding Field Trips, Community Programs, and other MCAS activities. You will need to fill out the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST sign up form in the footer of theMCAS website. You can also join the SLOCOBIRDING email list to get ALERTs via Groups.io. (Field Trip alerts only)

Please consider becoming a member of MCAS to support MCAS’s mission and activities, including Field Trips.

Questions? Email Freddy Howell freddy@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Field Trip - OCT 30 - In Search of Owls

Short-eared Owl [photo by Don Quintana]

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents  dd

FIELD TRIP:       In Search of Owls  

DATE:                  Wednesday, October 30, 2024  

TIME:                   6:00 PM - 9:00 PM  

LEADER:            Rouvaishyana  

CO-LEADER:     Peggy Burhenn 

Trip is limited to 12 participants - Signups will be taken for 24 hours. Participants will be randomly selected. The remainder will be put on standby status in case of cancellations. Only registered people may attend.

Description: We will look/listen for a variety of owls: Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Short-Eared Owl, Western Screech-Owl, and Long-Eared Owl are the most likely to encounter. We hope to hear owls; spotting one will be a bonus. We go to locations where we have encountered owls or where they are expected.

Participants should plan to have dinner beforehand or bring snacks. We will listen at the vehicles or in some cases take short walks with some up and down but mostly level. There may be gravel, grass/loose leaf litter or loose footing, wear appropriate shoes. Total walking distance less than 1 mile.

 

Note:  Both co-leaders speak Spanish, and will be ready to discuss owls in Spanish if there are Spanish-speaking participants. Se habla español.

 

Restrooms are not available at the stops, but we can stop at a shopping center along the way that has public restrooms.

 

ADA Accessible: Parking areas where we plan to go are accessible, and participants could experience part of our planned program. Trails are not ADA accessible.

Experience Level: All Levels Welcome

Registration and RSVP to confirmation Required!

Registration will open on the morning of OCT 20^th. On that date, MCAS members will automatically receive an ALERT with the LINK to the Field Trip’s Registration Form.

Non-members can receive ALERTS from MCAS regarding Field Trips, Community Programs, and other MCAS activities. You will need to fill out the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST sign up form in the footer of theMCAS website. You can also join the SLOCOBIRDING email list to get ALERTs via Groups.io. (Field Trip alerts only)

Please consider becoming a member of MCAS to support MCAS’s mission and activities, including Field Trips.

Questions? Email Freddy Howell freddy@morrocoastaudubon.org

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MCAS Field Trip - OCT 26 - Biking Birding Tour of Los Osos

Mike Royer Heading Off for Birding

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents 

FIELD TRIP:       Biking Birding Tour of Los Osos  

DATE:                  Saturday, October 26, 2025  

TIME:                   7:45 am - 1:00 pm  

LEADER:            Jim Royer  

Trip is limited to 8 participants - Signups will be taken for 24 hours. Participants will be randomly selected. The remainder will be put on standby status in case of cancellations. Only registered people may attend.

Description:  Join expert Green Birder Jim Royer for a bike tour around Los Osos hotspots. The exact route will be determined by the best birding spots in the week before the trip. Participants should be prepared for a moderately hilly 6 - 8 mile ride, with 1-2 miles of walking. Bring multi-speed bicycle, lock, helmet (required), water, snacks and lunch, tools, spare tube and patch kit. Also bring: binoculars, layered clothing (it can be cold at the beginning and warm by the end) including long pants for possible poison oak along the trail. Leader will have a scope. Beginning birders welcome, but not recommended for beginning cyclists. Participants who have signed up will be called prior to the trip for the starting point. We will go over field marks, vocalizations, and behavior of our avian neighbors during the trip. The trip is limited to 8 participants.

Rain Cancels - Restrooms will be accessed if needed.

ADA Accessible: No

Experience Level: All Levels of birding skills welcome

Registration and RSVP to confirmation Required! 

Registration will open on the morning of OCT 16^th. On that date, MCAS members will automatically receive an ALERT with the LINK to the Field Trip’s Registration Form.

Non-members can receive ALERTS from MCAS regarding Field Trips, Community Programs, and other MCAS activities. You will need to fill out the MCAS ALERT EMAIL LIST sign up form in the footer of theMCAS website. You can also join the SLOCOBIRDING email list to get ALERTs via Groups.io. (Field Trip alerts only)

Please consider becoming a member of MCAS to support MCAS’s mission and activities, including Field Trips.

Questions? Email Robbie Revel robbie@morrocoastaudubon.org

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