A short cruise out of Morro Bay offers likely views of whales, sea lions, sea otters and near-shore Pacific seabirds, including several species of shearwaters and auklets. Meet your leaders Tom Edell, Curtis Marantz, Russ Namitz, Jeff Miller and Wes Fritz at Morro Bay Landing in Morro Bay. Bring liquids, lunch and sunscreen, and take motion sickness medication prior to arriving. Dress for cold and wind, including gloves. The boat is typically used for fishing; no outdoor seating with seating available in the cabin. Note that the boat does not wait for late arrivals. Meets at Morro Bay Landing, 1213 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. Weather conditions may cancel.

Join Torrey Gage-Tomlinson for a BIG DAY of birding! Expect a fast-paced day, with the possibility of rapid ID of over 100 species at hot spots in SLO County. Special effort on regional specialties and rarities. Pace to be determined by the leader with input from the group. Travel in bus with leader and many in/out stops. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.

Are you a birder and would like to learn more about your camera and how to capture your own photos? Join professional Nature Photographer Krisztina with KS Nature Photography for a casual session of birding with the added bonus of photography. This program is open to all ages, birders, photographers, and anyone who would like to learn more about the birds and about basic camera techniques for bird photography. Bring your binoculars and any camera, if you like (point and shoot, DSLR, Mirrorless – and any lens). To read more about Krisztina, please visit www.KSNaturePhotography.com. Specific meeting instructions will be emailed beforehand. Meets in the parking lot across from 150 Azure Street, Morro Bay.

Join Roger Zachary and Scott Inman for birding and wine at Halter Ranch. Drive through oak woodlands and vineyards along Vineyard Road to Halter Ranch. Look for Raptors, Wild Turkeys, and Yellow-billed Magpies on the way. Park in the barnyard parking lot. We will bird the barnyard area, along Los Tablas Creek, and observe birds near the agriculture pond next to the vineyard. Wine tasting is optional, and no outside food is allowed. You must make an online reservation if you are interested in wine tasting and food. Check the website (halterranch.com) for tasting fees, menu, location, and reservations. This trip meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay at 7:30am. As an option, attendees may meet the group at the intersection of Hwy 46 and Vineyard Drive just west of Templeton at 8am. The group will carpool from that location to Halter Ranch. Hwy 46 and Vineyard Drive map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CqwgFubCbSR3XvGb7

Join Seth Greene, Harnawaz & Clara Thomas for a slow-paced walk of 1.5-2 miles along a beautiful and wild ocean bluff trail. Expect rock-loving shorebirds such as Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Surfbirds, Whimbrels, scoters, terns, gulls and maybe a Harlequin Duck. 20 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Moderate. Meets at the "Fig Tree" parking lot on CA-1 north of Cayucos. The Fig Tree Parking lot  is the third parking area 2.1 miles north of where CA-1 becomes single-lane.

We love birds for so many reasons: their beautiful songs, their fascinating behaviors, their incredible life histories. And, of course, their gorgeous plumage! This watercolor workshop led by Christina Baal will focus on capturing the amazing colors and patterns of birds in an expressive, splashy watercolor painting style that is simple to use and requires basic, easy to obtain materials. The class will focus on letting go of anatomical perfection to examine instead a combination of emotion, energy, and color that portrays a bird in a way that is loose and fun. We will learn tips and tricks that make it easy to jump into a painting no matter your skill level! While geared toward beginner/intermediate skill levels, anyone is welcome to attend. Please note that this class can be messy- dress accordingly! All materials required will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Meets at the Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St, Morro Bay.

Join us for a morning Bird Photo Walk at the beautiful Cloisters Park, Morro Bay. During our relaxed two-hour photo walk, you will have plenty of chances to snap stunning photos of birds in different habitats, portrait shots of Long-billed Curlews, Snowy Plovers in flight, and experiment with compositions in the soft morning light. We'll stay on pavement or boardwalk most of the way, ending with a short stretch of sandy path through the dunes. 
We aim to build a fun, supportive community where we can learn birding and photography techniques from one another. We will have an optional post-walk online session, allowing everyone to share photos and experiences from the day. Our camera and birding gear: Body Sony Alpha 7 II body, Lens Sony FE 200-600mm, Tripod Sirui AM-225 Carbon Fiber Small, and Nocs Provisions Binoculars. 
Ethical bird photography: We believe in capturing beautiful bird photos while respecting their space, keeping a gentle distance, and ensuring our presence doesn't disturb their habitat.
Meet ats Cloisters Park. From Hwy 1 at the north end of Morro Bay, turn west (toward the water) at the San Jacinto traffic light, then take first left (south) on Coral Avenue; in a few blocks enter the parking lot on the right, next to the restrooms.

Join Van Pierszalowski to bird the Cambria Pines above Washburn Creek.  This is a relatively flat trail through the pines above the San Simeon State Park Campground where you can expect to see nuthatches, creepers, Stellar Jays and other birds that prefer forested habitats.

Meets at Washburn Day Use parking lot, on Hwy 1, 1.8 miles north of last traffic light in Cambria. Right turn into the parking lot with public bathrooms available. The group will carpool a short distance to the event starting point.

Join a guided kayak tour of Morro Bay for an up-close look at birds in their natural habitat. Possible sightings include White Pelicans, Brant, Common Loons, and a variety of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Along the way, you’ll paddle past the Heron Rookery, Grassy Island oyster farm, expansive mudflats, and winding Back Bay channels.
The tour uses stable double kayaks, and no prior kayaking experience is required. Please dress in layers and follow these guidelines: wear synthetic or wool clothing (avoid cotton), bring a windbreaker jacket, a hat for sun and wind protection, and shoes that can get wet. Note: trips may be canceled due to weather conditions.
Meets at the Morro Bay State Park Marina Kayak Shop. 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay.

It's not a bird walk; it's a bird sit! A Bird Sit requires birders to record observations from within a single, 16-foot diameter circle. A Big Sit typically runs from dawn to dusk. We are offering a Little Big Sit for three hours with Pete Dunne hosted by Janny and Steve Tillmann at the Elfin Forest. Note that this is a “stop by and scope” event, you are welcome to come at any time and spend time checking the current species list and chatting with Pete. Anyone interested in helping with the count is welcome, just bring your optics and hang out for a while. Snacks are welcomed.
The Little Big Sit takes place in the Elfin Forest at Bush Lupine Point Lookout. The Lookout is at the western end of the Ridge Trail. Ridge Trail can be accessed from the northern end of 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th or 16th street in Los Osos. Walk to the western end of the Trail to the Lookout. 

Montana de Oro is a spectacular 8,600-acre state park with untamed coastline and coastal uplands. Join Dave Berry & Steve Schubert to search for rocky-shore shorebirds, water birds, raptors, and passerines in various habitats. Includes 1-2 miles of slow walking. 20 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Moderate. Meets at the Spooner Ranch House, 3550 Pecho Valley Road, Los Osos. From Los Osos, west on Los Osos Valley Road, becomes Pecho Valley Road. Ranch House is 5.2 miles from Los Osos.

Explore the spectacular scenic coastline at Point Buchon with Aaron Kreisberg & Michael Mulroy. Expect to see gulls and shorebirds -- maybe even a Peregrine Falcon. Bring your camera to capture the striking sea stacks that dot this coastline and peek into a dramatic sink hole. Be prepared for wind and cool weather. Active 5.5 mile round trip hike. Meets at the Coon Creek Parking Lot in Montana de Oro. From Los Osos, west on Los Osos Valley Road, the road becomes Pecho Valley Road. The Parking Lot is 5.9 miles from Los Osos.

Visit spots along the rugged North Coast with Bob Keally & Terri May to look for surfbirds, turnstones, Snowy Plovers, scoters, mergansers, loons, grebes, gulls and more. We always hope to see a variety of raptors, including Peregrine Falcons, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Ferruginous Hawks and Burrowing Owls. 60 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Moderate. Meets at the Elephant Seal Rookery north of San Simeon. Hwy 1, 7 miles north of San Simeon.

Join Jon Dunn, Ed Harper & Rusty Scalf to bird the hot spots in Los Osos. Expect to find birds in a variety of habitats including coastal scrub, beach, tidal marsh, mudflats, open bay, and willow thickets. Explore 6-8 birding hotspots including Elfin Forest, Audubon Overlook, Back Bay, Sweet Springs, Doris Ave Marsh, and Pecho Willows. Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.

Join Roy Poucher in the field for the hands-on companion to the Bird Sounds Master Class Workshop. Solidify the general principles learned with practical experience and field identification of specific local bird songs and calls. We will stand at different locations, silently noting bird sounds, then discuss as a group. Notebooks needed, but binoculars are not! The Thursday morning Master Class Bird Sounds Workshop (#113) is a prerequisite for this event. You must attend that class to join this field trip. Total walking distance will be about 1.2 miles. Easy. Meets at El Chorro Park, located at State Hwy 1 @ Dairy Creek Rd. Assemble in the SLO Botanical Gardens parking lot.

Join Michael Moss and Isaiah Woodard 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, kingfisher, woodpeckers, flycatchers, swallows, wrens, sparrows and warblers. There is even the possibility of a rarity of two! Meets in front of the Visitors Center located at 555 Pier Ave., Oceano CA

Join Scott Weidensaul, Grace Hayes and Marin Romero for a walk adjacent to the coastal sand dunes and southernmost reaches of Morro Bay during a rising tide, focusing on upland passerines, raptors in flight, aquatic waterfowl, shorebirds, and long-legged waders. Overview of the natural history, flora and fauna will also be discussed. Habitats will include: estuary, coastal salt marsh and mudflats, coastal dune scrub, and planted eucalyptus trees. Note: hiking in loose sand on gently undulating terrain for 1.5 - 2.0 miles, moderate difficulty. Optional continuation to crest of the dunes overlooking the sandy shore and Pacific inshore waters of Estero Bay. Meets at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.

Green Birding, Bob Jones Trail Head to Harford Pier. Join Jim Royer for an 8 mile (mostly flat) round trip, birding by bicycle with possible short walks. The trip begins and ends at the Bob Jones Trailhead Parking Lot. The pace will be slow with frequent stops to discuss bird field marks and vocalizations. Bring multi-speed bicycle, lock, helmet, water, snacks, tools, spare tube and patch kit. (You should have everything to repair a flat tire on your bike.) Also bring: binoculars, layered clothing (it can be very cold at the beginning and warm by the end). Leader will have a scope. We will stop at the Harford Pier for some birding and an inexpensive lunch at Mersea's Seafood Restaurant before returning back to our starting point. Beginning birders welcome, but not recommended for beginning cyclists. It will be possible to see over 60 species. Rain or high winds cancel. Be present with your bike and ready to go at 7:45 AM. Meets at the Bob Jones Trailhead Parking Lot, 7009 Ontario Road, San Luis Obispo.

Step into the captivating world of avian photography with the master class, Feathers in Focus: Mastering Bird Photography. Led by seasoned expert Don Quintana, this hands-on workshop takes participants on an unforgettable journey, unveiling the secrets to capturing breathtaking bird photographs. Through the guidance of an experienced teacher, attendees will be immersed in a comprehensive curriculum that showcases proven field techniques - from learning how to blend into natural surroundings to mastering camera settings and composition for dynamic results.
Whether your goal is identification shots, portfolio images, or award-winning photographs, this class equips passionate photographers with the skills to elevate their craft. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders around you and unlock the true beauty of avian photography in this extraordinary master class.
Part 1 will take place from 8:00am to 11:30am; after a lunch break, Part 2 is from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Lunch is NOT included. Meets in the Meeting Room at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Oso

Enjoy leisurely in-depth bird observation and enhance your ID skills with the help of Greg Miller, Claudia Freitas & Karen Watts. This is not a tick and run Big Day, but a stroll through El Chorro Regional Park sharing observations, and checking for positive identification. Be surprised at the variations you see, whether crows or Black Phoebes. Bring binoculars and a favorite field guide. El Chorro Park is located at State Hwy 1 @ Dairy Creek Rd. Meets in the SLO Botanical Gardens parking lot.

Join Tony Gayfield to enjoy close views of waterfowl and occasional bitterns and rails from the boardwalk over Oso Flaco Lake and marsh. Bird two prime willow habitats for wintering warblers. Note that this trip is intended for Beginning Birders. Includes 2-3 miles of slow walking. Moderate. Meets ats Oso Flaco parking lot, 3004 Oso Flaco Lake Road, Arroyo Grande. State Parks requires a parking fee of $5.

Be one of the first to explore the rolling grass-covered foothills of the Santa Rita Ranch within the Santa Lucia Mountains. You will be joined on your adventure by Daniel Elting. The crown jewel and so focus of this trip is the 234-acre foot lake, the fourth largest privately-owned lake in the county. You will also explore the downstream riparian habitat, chaparral and coastal oaklands. Meets at Santa Rita Ranch in Templeton. 3520 Old Creek Road, Templeton.

Thinking about buying your first pair of real binoculars or upgrading the ones you have? Considering taking the leap to buy a spotting scope? Join Marilyn Rose to learn all about binoculars and scopes, and how particular products perform in different birding situations. What's more, try out a range of products to find out what feels right in your hands and to see the difference for yourself! Meets in the Longe at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay. Lounge.

Join leaders Rachel Clark & Rick Grijalva for this bird walk around Atascadero Lake which will be approximately one mile long, at a slow to moderate pace, depending on where and how often we are seeing birds. The terrain is gentle, over flat surfaces. Expect to see numerous species in a variety of habitats, with likely sightings of: Red-shouldered Hawk, California Quail, California Scrub-Jay, Woodpeckers and a variety of Waterfowl. Meets at 9100 Morro Road (CA-41) in the parking lot next to the Central Coast Zoo.

Morro Rock is home to Peregrine Falcons, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Common Yellowthroat, various sparrows, and the elusive Canyon Wren. Join Teodelina Martelli & Sharon Stiteler to look for cormorants, various species and age classes of gulls, Brown Pelicans and maybe a Common Murre. Meets at Morro Rock. Coleman Drive, Morro Bay. Meet across from bathrooms, next to Morro Rock.

Prefumo Creek Restoration Site at City Farm SLO is an important natural corridor in between the Target shopping center and agricultural lands of San Luis Obispo! This small strip of creek, trees, shrubs, and native plants provides important habitat, food, and a safe space for numerous birds and other animals and was an historical spawning site for steelhead trout. Join Steven Marx and Anne Marie Bergen to learn more about its history, discover the many birds along the creek, in the willows and cottonwoods, and learn how to engage with this city treasure through nature journaling. In this session you will be introduced to the Prefumo Creek restoration site by Steven, learn some basic nature journaling strategies with Anne Marie, then select your favorite sit spot along the creek to journal and bird watch!  
What to bring: Binoculars along with your Notebook or Journal and pencil/pen.
What will be provided: 1) high quality watercolor sets and water brushes; 2)watercolor paper you can add to your notebook or journal.
Meets in the parking lot BEHIND Dick's Sporting Goods, 11970 Los Osos Valley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.

Join Ann Stockert for & Kristin Loft on an unhurried walk around the edges and through the heart of the Morro Coast Audubon Sweet Springs Preserve. This trip will look for wintering songbirds as well as waterfowl and shorebirds in the nearby estuary. Previous trips have seen hawks, falcons, owls, osprey and kingfishers in this area. The effort will be easy to moderate and the walk should appeal to all birding levels. Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.

Join a guided kayak tour of Morro Bay for an up-close look at birds in their natural habitat. Possible sightings include White Pelicans, Brant, Common Loons, and a variety of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Along the way, you’ll paddle past the Heron Rookery, Grassy Island oyster farm, expansive mudflats, and winding Back Bay channels.
The tour uses stable double kayaks, and no prior kayaking experience is required. Please dress in layers and follow these guidelines: wear synthetic or wool clothing (avoid cotton), bring a windbreaker jacket, a hat for sun and wind protection, and shoes that can get wet. Note: trips may be canceled due to weather conditions.
Meets at the Morro Bay State Park Marina Kayak Shop. 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay.

Join Dorian Anderson, Reef Comer and Griffin Davies for a morning bird walk along the road at Cerro Alto Campground. Along the way, we may encounter a variety of species, including Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Cassin's Vireo, Western Wood-Pewee, Western Flycatcher, Brown Creeper, Purple Finch, and Olive-sided Flycatcher. The walk will primarily follow a paved road, with the possibility of a few short detours onto well-maintained dirt trails. The total distance (out and back) is approximately two miles. Meets at Cerro Alto Campground, just off CA- 41, 8 miles east of CA-1 in Morro Bay. 

Just north of Hearst Castle on Highway 1, the Piedras Blancas Light Station has been guiding travelers since 1875. Named for the striking white rocks offshore, this wild coastal point is home to elephant seals, sea lions, seabirds, and more than 70 native plant species. Though earthquakes shortened its tower in 1949, the lighthouse remains a proud coastal landmark. Today it’s part of the California Coastal National Monument, cared for as a historic park, wildlife sanctuary, and research station. Join us for a tour to step into history, explore incredible wildlife, and take in breathtaking views of the Monument! Join Leisyka Parrott for a tour of this historic site. Meets at the former Piedras Blancas Motel, 1.5 miles north of the Light Station on Highway 1. After meeting, cars will caravan from this point to the Light Station. The group must pass through the entry gate at the same time. 

Join Dale & Jamie Ball for a birding walk followed by olive oil tasting at Pasolivo Ranch in Paso Robles. Birding the oaks on the ranch should yield sightings of Yellow-billed Magpies and the resident Acorn Woodpeckers. Meets at Pasolivo Ranch, 8530 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles.

Join Eric Wier & Doug Stinson for a walk at Pecho Willows and Cuesta Inlet. This small but highly important bay habitat is an ebird hotspot where shorebirds and ducks gather during migration and in the winter.  The Pecho Marsh is thick with willows and a special birding spot for locals where a number of rare birds have been seen over the years. Meets in the parking area at the north end of Pecho Road, address is 2-1798 Pecho Rd, Los Osos. If the parking lot is full, park out on Binscarth Road.

The Morro Bay State Park Marina boardwalk provides opportunities for viewing a variety of shorebirds, ducks, geese, loons, grebes, gulls, terns and herons. Peregrine Falcons and other raptors are often seen. Led by Emma Cox & Nora Livingston, the level half-mile walk is especially suited for photographers, wheelchairs and those using walkers and canes. Easy. Meets at the Peninsula Trail Head, southeast end of the State Park Marina parking lot, across from Morro Bay State Park Campground.

Many enjoy birding to escape the constant nagging of your phone - however, there are lots of ways to use it to enhance your birding! Join Erik and Hannah on a Walk/Field Trip to learn how to use the latest birding technology. We will see what birds we can find and use some technology-based tools, like eBird, Merlin, and iNaturalist to help explore the outdoors. So, charge up your phone and join us! Meets ats Cloisters Park. From Hwy 1 at the north end of Morro Bay, turn west (toward the water) at the San Jacinto traffic light, then take first left (south) on Coral Avenue; in a few blocks enter the parking lot on the right, next to the restrooms.

Join Captain Scott Stellar on a pontoon boat ride adventure birding Santa Margarita Lake. We'll cruise pretty much the entire lake taking in all the migratory and permanent birds as well as shoreline wildlife that abound. Restrooms are available along the route. Meets at the Marina at Santa Margarita Lake, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita. After checking in at the entry kiosk, drive down to the boat dock and Marina store parking area. Note that there is a $12 entry fee per vehicle to enter the SML Campground.

Join Bob Isenberg and Jerry Pyle, Peregrine Watch, for pastries (while they last) and to search for owls and Peregrine Falcons at Morro Rock. Morro Rock is home to two pairs of breeding Peregrine Falcons. NOTE: this is a stop and scope event, not a planned walk. Stop by anytime from 9am and 2pm. Meets at Morro Rock. Coleman Drive, Morro Bay. Meet across from bathrooms, next to Morro Rock. Look for Bob's van with awning, scopes and Peregrine statue.

While you will see birds, the focus of this trip is the natural history of Morro Rock and features of the estuary using photos, diagrams and hands-on materials. Join Dean Thompson and Dave Clendenen for a bay cruise on a pontoon boat and learn the local sights and activities of this working harbor. There will be opportunities to photograph wintering birds, otters and sea lions. Easy access for limited mobility. Meets at Morro Bay Landing, 1213 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. Weather conditions may cancel.

Join Dawn Beattie at Cloisters Park. The Park, with pond and nearby dunes, offers an interesting variety of birds, such as White- and Golden-crowned Sparrows, California Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Black-crowned Night-Heron. The pond also attracts migratory ducks and geese. People in wheelchairs or using walkers or canes will find all paths accessible. Two miles from the Community Center. Easy. Meets ats Cloisters Park. From Hwy 1 at the north end of Morro Bay, turn west (toward the water) at the San Jacinto traffic light, then take first left (south) on Coral Avenue; in a few blocks enter the parking lot on the right, next to the restrooms.

The elusive western snowy plover lives and breeds on the sand on only a few of our local natural beaches. A small federally threatened shorebird, this grey/brown and white bird has darker breeding plumage. It blends in well on the sandy beach, making it difficult to spot. Following a short talk by Sharon Iranpour about plover life, a  demonstration of a replica nest, and other shorebirds we might see,  we’ll walk across the grassland to the bluff and down onto the beach to look for them and other shorebirds. If there is time, we can also check out beach drift and some interesting rock formations. This is an easy walk, partially on soft sand and the distance is approximately a mile roundtrip. Bring binoculars, wear sturdy shoes and layer up.  This event requires walking a short distance in soft sand. Walking distance about 1 mile. Meets at the Villa Creek parking lot on CA-1 north of Cayucos. The parking lot  is the fourth parking area 3.3 miles north of where CA-1 becomes single-lane.

Forty-four states have completed Breeding Bird Atlases, globally recognized projects that guide conservation and strengthen biodiversity. California is not one of them. That’s about to change. Join Van Pierszalowski to learn about the California Bird Atlas (CBA), a new nonprofit, is leading the first statewide Breeding Bird Atlas, launching January 1, 2026. Over five years, thousands of community scientists and professional field biologists will contribute observations through a new California-specific eBird Atlas Portal created with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The result will be the most comprehensive record of California’s breeding birds ever established, a powerful baseline to guide conservation for decades to come.

Meets at the Vet's Hall, 209 Surf St, Morro Bay.

Enjoy a leisurely boating tour of the bay and estuary in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran with Robert Lindsay and Claudia Freitas. View a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, 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. Dress warmly. Meets at Sub Sea Tours, 699 Embarcadero, #9, Morro Bay.

Join Faylla Chapman for a habitat stroll on the Marina Boardwalk. This habitat encompasses the saltmarsh, Pacific Flyway, and marina habitat, with salt-loving plants, coastal scrub and mud areas that are so attractive to many land and shore birds. The walk is partially on a path in the saltmarsh and then on to the boardwalk, down to the muddy shore and back to the start along the marina, about 1.2 mile round trip. Meets at the Peninsula Trail Head, southeast end of the State Park Marina parking lot, across from Morro Bay State Park Campground.

NOTE: This is part 2 of a Master Class. YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR PART 1 (Event #141) to attend this class.

This is a scaled-down version of a college class on Bird Biology. Topics will be presented at an introductory level. The class is comprised of two afternoon sessions: Part 1 (Event #141) will focus on the external appearances of birds, and Part 2 will focus on bird behaviors. Ornithological vocabulary will be introduced and used throughout. The basic principles of bird identification will also be presented. The class will be presented by Jim Bland, a retired avian ecologist, former college lecturer on Ornithology, and experienced wildlife photographer. Meets in the Conference Room at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.

Laguna Lake and the surrounding park are a migratory stop and home to many waterfowl, including ducks, gulls, grebes, shorebirds, herons, egrets, Snow Geese. Join Steve McMasters & Todd Easterla to see these and other birds like House Finch, Goldfinch, meadowlarks, raptors and even a possible Loggerhead Shrike. Beginners welcome! Includes 1 mile of level walking. 30 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Easy. 504 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, meet at the Laguna Lake bathroom parking lot (lakeside, next to playground and picnic area).

Join Scott Weidensaul, Dave Berry & Steve Schubert for an unhurried walk around the edges and through the heart of the Morro Coast Audubon Sweet Springs Preserve. This trip will look for wintering songbirds as well as waterfowl and shorebirds in the nearby estuary. Previous trips have seen hawks, falcons, owls, osprey and kingfishers in this area. The effort will be easy to moderate and the walk should appeal to all birding levels. Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.

Join us for a special screening of "The Big Year",. a 2011 based on the 2004 non-fiction book The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature and Fowl Obsession by Mark Obmascik. The book follows three men on a quest for a Big Year – a competition among birders to see who can spot and identify the greatest number of bird species in North America (north of Mexico) in a calendar year. The three birders were Sandy Komito, Al Levantin, and Greg Miller, who were chasing Komito's prior record. Greg Miller, played by Jack Black in the movie, will be our featured guest and available for Q & A after the movie.

Join Rouvaishyana for owling. Leaving from the Morro Bay Community Center at 3:30 PM and returning around 9:00 PM, we begin searching for daytime owls 3:30-5:30 PM, then eat dinner together 5:30-6:30 PM, finishing up listening for nighttime owls 6:30-8:30 PM. Details: Daytime owling for Short-eared, burrowing and roosting owls. We will stop for no-host dinner to share stories as we wait for dark. After dark, we listen for nighttime owls. Dress warmly in quiet clothes - no nylon. We will be walking quietly through mud, standing silently in cold weather, while it is pitch black, listening for owls! Sounds like a good time to me! Possibilities: Great-horned, Western Screech, Saw-whet, Short-eared, Barn Owls, Poorwill and more. Travel with leader in bus with many in/out stops. Heavy rain will cancel field trip. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.

Join Pete Dunne for a description of his latest book, The Courage of Birds.   From your back yard to the rim of the Arctic Ice sheet, birds have evolved remarkable specializations and strategies that allow them to survive winter’s hardships– from diminished hours of daylight, to reduced food supplies, to temperature cold enough to freeze an eider. It is a tale of hardship and survival, nature pushing life’s limits of life to its inhospitable rim, and the remarkable adaptations that permit winsome chickadees and hardy Ptarmigan to drive a wedge into winter and win passage to Spring, winter’s finish line. It must take great courage to be a bird and this book is a celebration. Come prepared to marvel at the hardiness and ingenuity of birds whose specializations have made them apex denizens of planet earth. Consider: no Emperor Penguin has ever survived a winter in the Alaskan interior but chickadees do so routinely. Find out how.

Meets at the Vet's Hall, 209 Surf St, Morro Bay.