Ohone Audubon Field Trips

Aug. 24, Sun., 8:00 a. m., Ano Nuevo State Reserve, Leaders:
Pat & Phil Gordon, 510.538.3550, PAGPEG@aol.com
Join us in birding the San Mateo coast in late August. At Ano
Nuevo, we will travel through coastal scrub and grasslands,
checking for passerines, by the pond for rails and grebes, and
check the coast for returning shorebirds. We may be lucky and see
the post-nesting Bank Swallows and Black Swifts. The beach area
should have Brown Pelicans, Heermann’s Gulls, Caspian and
Elegant Terns, Pigeon Guillemot and we may see Common
Murres, Marbled Murrelets, Rhinoceros Auklet, and possibly a
puffin. This trip will involve about 1.5 miles of walking (sometimes
on sand), so wear comfortable shoes, and bring a lunch. The
coast may be overcast and cool; dress accordingly.
Ano Nuevo State Reserve is about 27 miles south of Half
Moon Bay on SR-1. From our area, proceed west across the San
Mateo Bridge, staying on SR-92, and turning south on SR-1 in
Half Moon Bay. —PAGPEG

Sep. 13, Sat., 8:30 a. m. Environmental Education Center
(EEC), Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife
Refuge, Alviso, Leader: Michael Mortensen
Wading birds have already been arriving from Alaska to
winter at the refuge and many migrant land birds await our
discovery. Meet at the Environmental Education Center (Alviso)
Parking Lot. To reach this part of the DESFBNWR from Alameda
County, take I-880 south to SR-237, exit toward Milpitis, follow
SR-237 northwest to a right turn on Zanker Rd., which becomes
Los Esteros Rd., and then a right turn on the Refuge Rd. (after
San Jose Santa Clara Waste Treatment Plant and the solid waste
landfill & just after the tall Power Lines) to meet in the Parking
Lot at the end. This is about 18 miles from SR-92 X I-880.
Several fine trails lead out from here. We may also check out the
ponds at Spreckles Av. and State St. and the Alviso Marina as time
allows. Good walking shoes and appropriate apparel for sun and
wind protection will be needed. We plan to locate a suitable spot
for eating lunch together. Lunch will be within a 4 mile radius of
the Refuge Parking Lot.

Sep. 28, Sun., 9:30 a. m., Ora Loma Marsh, San Lorenzo,
(Hayward Regional Shoreline north), Leaders: Pat &
Phil Gordon, 510.538.3550, pagpeg@aol.com
By the end of September we are expecting up close and
personal views of returning shorebirds. Note the later starting
time, based on a high tide at 12:40 p. m.. From the parking area,
we will walk out to the shore and head south along the San
Lorenzo Trail, checking out both the shoreline as the tides comes
in, and the inner ponds where the birds roost during high tide.
This is a great chance to study those difficult shorebirds, such as
Western and Least Sandpipers, dowitchers, yellowlegs, plovers,
Willets, godwits, Dunlin and Red Knots, and others of our
abundant wintering population. We will also watch the sky for
various terns and gulls.
This is an all walking trip, along a level path. Meet at the end
of Grant Avenue in San Lorenzo, by the water treatment plant.
There is a staging area for parking on the north (right) side,
before the end of the road. A restroom is available. Bring snacks
or a light trail lunch, as we will be birding through the lunch hour.
To reach Grant Avenue in San Lorenzo, exit I-880 at Washington
Avenue and head south on Washington Avenue. Turn right (west)
on Grant Avenue (there is a traffic light at this intersection, and
Arroyo High School is nearby on the right) and proceed to the
end of the road, towards the bay. —PAGPEG

PAGPEG Call Leaders Phil and Pat Gordon for additional
information: 510.538.3550, or PAGPEG@aol.com

Click here to find out about the locations were Ohlone Audubon members love to bird.

On July 13, a group put together a list of tentative trips for the
next twelve months. It appears below. Some trips have leaders
and their scheduling is relatively fixed. Some have leaders but the
date is uncertain. For others, leaders hadn’t been approached.
Some of the leaders feel overscheduled, and would probably
willingly give up a trip to another who is fond of the destination
and desires to lead the trip. One who has a favorite birding spot
might want to share it with OAS members and friends. Any
volunteers would be welcomed, and a wealth of assistance and
support will be offered. Co-leading a trip is a good way for some
to be introduced to the essentials of leading (know where to meet
and where the bathrooms are). Please contact Evelyn Cormier
with your suggestions.
The trips chosen for this year are largely within a few miles of
the Bay Area. We now actively encourage carpooling.

The tentative schedule for the coming year is below. Note that
the trips and dates are tentative. Be sure to check the Kite Call
and the website for updates and changes.

The trips chosen for this year are largely within a few miles of
the Bay Area. We now actively encourage carpooling and using
meeting spots that offer adequate and safe parking for riders.
Means of organizing pooling from home will be explored, e.g., a
carpooling listserve (bulletin board) on the internet.

The Trips
2008
8/24 Ano Nuevo*
9/13 Alviso*
9/28 Ora Loma*
10/11 Garretson Point/Arrowhead Marsh
10/26 Redwood Shores
11/1 Brushy Peak Regional Park
11/8 Raptors of the Central Valley*
12/6 Cosumnes/Sandhill Cranes/Isenberg Reserve*
12/14 Hayward Fremont Christmas Bird Count
12/20 Mount Diablo Christmas Bird Count
2009
1/10 Shadow Cliffs*
1/15 Coyote Hills Regional Park*
1/18 DESFBNWR
2/1 Coyote Hills Regional Park*
2/12 Lake Elizabeth*
2/14-15 Central Valley Refuges Los Banos
3/1 Morgan Territory Road
3/14 Tri-Valley Hot Spots
3/28 Sunol Regional Park
4/4 Bluebird Nests, Pleasanton*
4/12 Garin Regional Park
4/23 Dry Creek/Garin RPs
4/25 Swallow Festival Field Trip*
4/26 Swallow Festival Field Trip*
5/2 Start of Birdathon period
5/9 Solano*
5/17 Briones Regional Park
5/31 Del Valle Regional Park
6/13 Vagrant Traps, MossBeach, Point Reyes, Moss Landing
6/27-28 Sierra Camp Out
8/29 Salinas River Mouth

Notes
1 * indicates committed leader.
2 As time progresses into 2009, the dates of trips become
less firm. —DE

Willie and Friends Thursday morning field trips have been postponed for a while. Watch the Kite Call for an announcement. Thanks again to Anna Wilcox and Jean-Marie Spoelman for leading many wonderful years of field trips for OAS.—WS.

Note: For Trip Information contact the leaders. All are welcome on field trips. Wear clothing suitable for walking and the weather. "$" in a description indicates a parking or access fee is possible. Often even half-day trips include a chance to eat your portable lunch and discuss the trip.

Is the West Nile Virus a threat? Mosquitos use the wetlands, so we encourage attendees to bring bug repellent.

Thanks to our Ohlone Audubon Society Field Trip Leaders!
Thanks to our field trip leaders who give their time and energy to guide us into wild places to see our beautiful feathered friends. They are Steve Abbors, Vi and Ron Barklow, Debbie Bedford, Jerry Bibbey, Debbi Brusco, Art Carey, Nancy Christensen, Howard Cogswell, Rick and Lee Ellis, Sandy Ferreira, Ray Fontaine, Phil and Pat Gordon, Alice Hoch, Sheila Junge, Cathy Loewen, Michael Mortensen, Kathy Robertson, Don Schmoldt, and Willie and Friends (Anna Wilcox and Jean-Marie Spoelman)—WS

Help Wanted

The Field Trips Committee needs a volunteer to send field trip announcements to Fremont and Hayward newspapers. This only takes a few minutes a month and can be completed by email. Please contact Michael Mortensen , field trips chair or contact one of our board members if you are interested in this position. Thanks!

F i e l d Tr i p E t i q u e t t e

To help make your field trip experience a pleasant one for all, consider these tips:

1. Avoid loud noises and talking out loud. Remember that the leader and others may be trying to locate birds by listening for their unique songs and calls.
2. Stay behind the leader so the leader can spot and identify the birds.
3. Once you have seen the bird, give those behind you a chance.
4. Beginners can maximize their learning experience by staying with the leader during the walk.
5. Please leave family pets at home during field trips.

Ohlone field trips are open to all, with no charges but travel and required entrance fees. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate to the weather. Binoculars, weather protection, and insect repellent are useful on field trips. Scopes and bird ID guides are frequently helpful depending on the terrain and your familiarity with expected species. Most trips end at noon or beyond, so a lunch or snack may be appreciated. Thank you for helping to make Ohlone Audubon Society field trips an enjoyable and educational experience for everyone.—MM

Big Basin Redwoods State Park invites you to the 5th Annual Wings Over the Basin on May 19-21. Experience the park's varied birdlife at the height of the nesting season on guided bird and butterfly walks. Scroll down to see the schedule of activities; all activities are free and open to the public. We are lucky to have a special group campsite under the redwoods near headquarters ($15/per person for the weekend). Space at the group campsite is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot soon by going to our website, downloading the Registration PDF, and sending in the registration form.

Whether you camp at the park or drive in for the day ($6 day use/parking fee), whether you are an experienced birder or a beginning birder, I look forward to seeing you at Wings Over the Basin.

2006 Wings Over the Basin Friday, May 19 7:15 PM - Night Wings Tune in to the nocturnal world of owls, bats, moths, and other denizens of the redwood forest that spread their wings (or paws, or antennae..) when the sun goes down with docent Karen DeMello. 3 miles, 2.5 hours. Meet near the group campsite at the Gazos Creek Road Bridge. Dress in layers, and bring a flashlight.

Saturday, May 20 7:30 AM - Once Upon a Nest Listen to tales of the history and lore of the endangered marbled murrelet as you follow the path of its discovery right here in the center of Big Basin with Steve & Stephanie Singer and docent Karen DeMello. You will also meet typical birds of the redwood forest along the way! Meet at Park HQ. 2 miles, 2 hours. 10:30 AM - Last Chance Flutter National Park Service Biologist Paul Johnson returns to search for butterflies and other gifts of nature along this less traveled trail in the park. Meet at Park HQ. 4 miles, 5.5 hours. Bring a lunch, water, binoculars (if you have them), and prepare to get your toes wet! 5:30 PM - Potluck Dinner for Campers This optional food-fest is an eagerly awaited tradition! It is held at the Group Camp. Bring a dish to share. 8:00 PM - Campfire Program Join us in our historic campfire center for an evening of song and story. Meet at the Campfire Center and dress warmly. Firelighting and marshmallows at 8:00 p.m. and program begins at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 21 5:15 AM - Dawn Marbled Murrelet Survey Join Jan Hintermeister in listening and looking for this remarkable bird as it circles over the old growth forest nesting area before heading out to sea. Learn why this robin-sized seabird is so special to Big Basin. Meet at Park Headquarters at 5:15 AM sharp. (1-1/4 hours) 7:00 AM - Birding by Ear with Todd Newberry Such tall trees, such deep shadows! But you hear the birds you can't see. We will learn how to listen, and we will try to learn a half-dozen kinds of birds out of the many we will hear. And we will try to make sense of what these birds are up to when they sing or -- not the same -- when they call. 2 miles, 3 hours.

Meet at Park Headquarters. 10:00 to 11:00 AM - Booksigning Bring your copy of "The Ardent Birder" to Park Headquarters and author Todd Newberry will sign it! -- Wings Over the Basin 2006 May 19-21, 2006

Sandhill Crane Tours

For Crane tours during winter months and/or information on viewing the Cranes in the Lodi, California area, please call: California Department of Fish & Game,

1701 N. Nimbus Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670, 916.358.2869 or 916.358.2353

DFG web site information: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/reg2/shcranetour/

Livermore Area Recreation and Park District
4444 East Ave.
Livermore, California 94550-5053
(925) 373-5700
Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. M-Th.
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday
9 a.m.-noon Saturday
Contact Us
Patti Cole, LARPD Ranger