Location: Pleasanton Middle School  5001 Case Avenue, 94566
Presenter: Denise Wight

What do California Thrasher, Phainopepla and Lawrence’s Goldfinch have in common? Aside from being some of the favorite species one can see on a Mines Road-Del Puerto Canyon field trip, they all mimic the sounds of other bird species. Denise Wight will explore the weird and wonderful world of avian vocal mimicry. From the well know mockingbird to lesser known mimics, some of these birds copy not only the sounds of their own species but also those of other bird species and, sometimes, even the sounds of animals and mechanical objects. We’ll gain an understanding of who mimics whom and some of the theories for this behavior. We will also learn how bird mimicry can be a challenge for those of us who bird by ear. Throughout her talk, Denise will share some favorite stories of how she, too, has been confused and fooled by mimics.

Denise Wight is an accomplished birder, and her expertise includes teaching others how to recognize birds by the sounds they make. She is familiar with all of the breeding birds of the San Francisco Bay Area as well as those that winter in or migrate through the area. Denise has led birding field trips since 1989, taught general classes in birding since 1996, and birding by ear classes since 2006. She participated in, reviewed parts of, and was listed as a “local expert” in the Alameda County Breeding Bird Atlas.

To reach Pleasanton Middle School, from I-680 take the Bernal Avenue exit and head east on Bernal to Case Avenue. Turn right on Case. The school is located on the right, about midway down the street. Park at the south end of the parking lot. We will meet in the library, which is to the left once you enter the campus.