| Day Planner | Overview | Events | Leaders | Venues |
Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 6:45 AM to 8:45 AM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Neha Kumar | Vinish Janardhanan
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Cloisters Park
Meet@: Cloisters Park
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
The Lazy Birders are waking up early for a special treat - you! Join us at 6:45 a.m. for a sunrise Bird Photo Walk at the beautiful Cloisters Park, Morro Bay. We'll be in the perfect spot to photograph various birds, from sparrows and herons to shore birds. Our relaxed two-hour walk will be packed with chances to snap stunning photos of birds in different habitats, portraits, in flight, and displaying unique behaviors.

We aim to build a fun, supportive community where we can learn birding and photography techniques from one another. We will offer an optional post-walk online session to edit images and share what we have learned.
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.

Meets at 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 the first left (south) on Coral Avenue; in a few blocks enter the parking lot on the right, next to the restrooms.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Curtis Marantz | Tom Edell | Wes Fritz | Benny Jacobs-Schwartz | Russ Namitz | Jeff Miller
Fee: $110.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Morro Bay Landing - Endeavor
Meet@: Morro Bay Landing
Transportation Type: Boat
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, Benny Jacobs-Schwartz, 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.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Sally Krenn | Eric Wier
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Point Buchon
Meet@: Coon Creek Parking Lot
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Explore the spectacular scenic coastline at Point Buchon with seasoned leaders Sally Krenn and Eric Wier. Learn the background of this historic ranch and the efforts to regenerate the Bishop pine forest along the ridges overlooking the ocean. Look for marine mammals, 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.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Rick Grijalva | Torrey Gage-Tomlinson
Fee: $105.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Multiple Sites
Meet@: Morro Bay Community Center
Transportation Type: Bus
Join Rick Grijalva and 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. Destinations include Oceano Lagoon and Oso Flaco Lake. Travel in bus with leader and many in/out stops. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Jacqueline Deely
Fee: $130.00
Trip Type: Master Class
Venue: Sea Pines Golf Resort - Conference Room
Meet@: Sea Pines Golf Resort
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Bird photography is one of the most challenging genres of nature photography, but also one of the most rewarding. Led by professional wildlife photographer and naturalist (Jacqueline Deely), this fun, supportive workshop is designed with entry level bird photographers in mind. Build your confidence and become acquainted with the recommended settings, techniques and post processing procedures used to capture compelling images of birds. Gain an understanding of light, composition, exposure and ethical practices while out in the field, as you are thoughtfully guided along the way. An in-class lecture will provide invaluable tips and advice along with time to discuss and share. Known for her friendly, relaxed style, Jacqueline enjoys teaching and is eager to pass on her knowledge and expertise. If you love birds and want to know how to photograph them, this is the master class for you!
Part 1 will take place from 7:00am to 12 Noon; after a lunch break, Part 2 is from 2:00pm to 4:30pm. Both sessions will involve driving to other locations.
Lunch is NOT included. Meets in the Conference Room at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Bert Townsend | Mike Bush
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Montana de Oro
Meet@: Montana de Oro
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Montana de Oro is a spectacular 8,600-acre state park with untamed coastline and coastal uplands. Join Mike Bush and Bert Townsend 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 if 5.2 miles from Los Osos.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Jon Dunn | Ed Harper | Bettina Eastman
Fee: $50.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Estero Bluffs
Meet@: Morro Bay Community Center
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join Jon Dunn, Bettina Eastman and Ed Harper 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 Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Scott Stellar
Fee: $45.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Santa Margarita Lake Ranger Station
Meet@: Santa Margarita Lake Ranger Station
Transportation Type: Boat
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 Santa Margarita Lake Ranger Station. 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Jim Royer
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Morro Bay Multiple
Meet@: Morro Bay Community Center
Transportation Type: Bicycle
Big Green Day Birding by Bicycle in Morro Bay. Join Jim Royer for a birding tour of the area on bicycle and on foot. This has moderate hills by bicycle and short walks of up to a mile. It starts and ends at the Morro Bay Community Center. The pace will be slow with frequent stops to discuss bird field marks and vocalizations. Bring multi-speed bicycle, lock, helmet, water, snacks and lunch, tools, spare tube and patch kit. Also bring: binoculars, layered clothing (it can be very cold at the beginning and warm by the end). Leader will have a scope. Beginning birders welcome, but not recommended for beginning cyclists. You must be able to very comfortably ride 10 hilly miles. We have seen over 100 species on this trip before. Rain or high winds cancel. Be present with your bike and ready to go at 7:15 AM at the front of the Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Christina Baal
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: Sea PInes Golf Resort - Meeting Room
Meet@: Sea Pines Golf Resort
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
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 in the Meeting Room at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: John Flaherty
Fee: $55.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: MB State Park Kayak Launch
Meet@: MB State Park Kayak Launch
Transportation Type: Kayak
Go on a guided kayak tour of Morro Bay for an up close opportunity to see birds in their natural habitat! You may see: White Pelicans, Brant, Common Loons and a host of other migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Paddle near the Heron Rookery, Grassy Island oyster farm, mudflats and channels of the Back Bay. Using double kayaks, no prior kayaking experience needed. Dress in layers with the following guidelines: synthetics or wool, no cotton, windbreaker jacket, hat for sun and wind protection, and shoes that can get wet. Weather conditions may cancel. Meets at the Morro Bay State Park Marina Kayak Shop. 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Brian O'Kelly | Luke Safford | Rob Ripma | David Lindo
Fee: $20.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Cloisters, Azure Street
Meet@: Cloisters, Azure Street
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join Brian Kelly, David Lindo, Luke Safford and Rob Ripma at Cloisters Park Azure Street. The coastal scrub to the beach will offer a variety of birds, such as White- and Golden-crowned Sparrows, California Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler and possible Ospreys in the nearby trees. On the beach, expect to see a myriad of shorebirds and waterfowl in the surf line. Further north on the beach, the Alva Paul pond is a great birding spot for terns and shorebirds. Two miles from the Community Center. Moderate walk, a short distance through sand. Meet at Cloisters Azure Street Park. Meets in the parking lot across from 150 Azure Street, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Steve Schubert
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Presentation/Field Trip
Venue: St Timothys
Meet@: St Timothys
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Through lecture and observation, you will learn the biology and current status of local resident Peregrine Falcons from Steve Schubert, author of The Peregrine Falcons of Morro Rock. This famous Morro Rock nesting site was a critical link in saving the species from extinction and has been monitored for over 50 years. Self-drive field trip to Morro Rock to observe falcon and other wildlife activity following the lecture presentation, with binoculars and spotting scopes viewing opportunities. Easy. Meets at St. Timothy's Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Aaron Kreisberg | Max Roberts | Peter Gaede
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Atascadero Lake
Meet@: Atascadero Lake
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join leaders Aaron Kreisberg, Max Roberts and Peter Gaede 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 9305 Pismo Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Jessica Griffiths
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Los Osos Multiple
Meet@: Sweet Springs
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Overwintering monarchs clustering together are a magical sight! Join Jessica Griffiths and drive to one or more monarch butterfly overwintering sites in and around Los Osos and/or Morro Bay and learn about monarchs, their ecology, and their migration. These sites may have hundreds or perhaps even thousands of butterflies! Which sites we visit will depend on the numbers of monarchs present. We will also look for birds in and around the monarch groves. We expect to see winter warblers, finches, sparrows, and perhaps roosting owls. Bring your camera, as there may be excellent opportunities for photos of clustered monarchs! Up to two miles of walking, some of it uphill. Up to 20 miles of driving (round trip). Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Van Pierszalowski
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Point Sierra Nevada Dunes Beach
Meet@: Elephant Seal Rookery
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join Van Pierszalowski for a relaxed half-mile walk along the bluffs to a secluded beach just south of Arroyo De La Cruz. Once at the beach, we'll stroll another quarter mile to the creek mouth, where we'll study La Cruz Rock through Van's scope and survey the area for gulls, ducks, and shorebirds, while remaining on the lookout for any nearshore surprises.
Meets at the south end of the Elephant Seal Rookery Parking Lot on Hwy 1, 7 miles north of San Simeon.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Elena Keeling | Dave Keeling
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Cal Poly Pier
Meet@: Cal Poly Pier
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
The Cal Poly Pier in Avila Beach is normally closed to the public but will be open to us! Join leaders Elena Keeling and Dave Keeling to learn about the research being done here as we walk to the end of the 1-kilometer pier and back for views of water birds and possible marine mammals. Then we will drive a few minutes to the Bob Jones Trail bridge over San Luis Obispo Creek for additional birding. Suitable for beginning birders. Minimum age 14. Total walking distance is under 2 miles, all on hard surfaces. Flat-soled, closed-toed shoes are required; the pier is accessible to people in wheelchairs but not suitable for canes or walkers due to a stretch of metal grating. 50 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Meets at the Cal Poly Pier, 3254 Avila Beach Drive, Avila. Located between the Avila Pier and the Port San Luis Hartford Pier in Avila Beach.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:15 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Don Quintana | Jerry Kirkhart
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Morro Bay Community Center
Meet@: Morro Bay Community Center
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Want to know where the professionals photograph birds? Bring a camera along with your binoculars to shoot in local hot spots. Don Quintana and Jerry Kirkhart will offer tips on capturing images, from birds to panoramas, while visiting several uniquely beautiful locations. All locations are easily accessible. Travel by personal vehicle. Easy. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:15 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: R Rouvaishyana | Vicky Johnsen
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Black Hill La Loma
Meet@: Morro Bay Community Center
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join Rouvaishyana and Vicky Johnsen to explore the pine woods on the slopes of Black Hill in Morro Bay, where you will hike trails searching for towhees, finches, woodpeckers and other birds of this habitat. Easy to moderate hiking for advanced beginner to intermediate birders. 5 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Easy. Guide is able to present this walk in Spanish. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Ann Stockert | Kristin Loft
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Morro Bay State Park Marina
Meet@: Morro Bay State Park Marina
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
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 Ann Stockert and Kristin Loft, 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.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Will Knowlton | Morgan Bing
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Oso Flaco Lake
Meet@: Oso Flaco Lake
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Search for rails in this uniquely rich environment with Will Knowlton & Morgan Bing. We might see Virginia Rails and Sora and any other surprise species in the rail family. We will explore the riparian habitat on our walk into the lake and then search for rails on the lake and surrounding areas. Oso Flaco is located 42 miles south of Morro Bay. Meet at Oso Flaco parking lot, 3004 Oso Flaco Lake Road, Arroyo Grande. State Parks requires a parking fee of $5.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Kristina Van Wert | Tyson Baker
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Laguna Lake
Meet@: Laguna Lake
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
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 Kristina Van Wert and Tyson Backer 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).
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Doug Stinson | Janet Bodle | Richard Cimino
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Morro Rock
Meet@: Morro Rock
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Morro Rock is home to Peregrine Falcons, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Common Yellowthroat, various sparrows, the elusive Canyon Wren, and sometimes a Burrowing Owl. Join Doug Stinson, Janet Bodel & Richard Cimino 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.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Grace Hayes | Marin Romero
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Sea Pines Golf Resort
Meet@: Sea Pines Golf Resort
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join Grace Hayes & 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.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Rusty Scalf | Richard Neidhardt | Debbie Jo Bird
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Elfin Forest
Meet@: Sweet Springs
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
The Elfin Forest and Sweet Springs Preserve provide a variety of habitats and bay overlooks. Expect to see raptors, passerines and shorebirds in this easy-paced walk led by Richard Neidhardt, Rusty Scalf and Debbie Jo Bird. Beginners welcome! The Elfin Forest and portions of the Sweet Springs locations are accessible to people in wheelchairs or using walkers and canes. Total walking distance will be about 1.2 miles. Easy. Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Bob Keally | Carmen Keally | Terri May
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Washburn Creek
Meet@: Washburn Creek
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join Bob & Carmen Keally and Terri May to bird San Simeon Creek Road. Search for raptors, songbirds and a chance to see one or more of the California Condors released in the area.
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. Carpools will be arranged.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Daniel Elting | Griffin Davies
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Santa Rita Ranch
Meet@: Santa Rita Ranch
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
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 & Griffin Davies. 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. Walking boots are a necessity! Meets at Santa Rita Ranch in Templeton. 3520 Old Creek Road, Templeton.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Ginger Howard
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Sea Pines Golf Resort
Meet@: Sea Pines Golf Resort
Transportation Type: Bicycle
Join Ginger Howard for a birding tour of the area on bicycle and on foot. This is a total 5.8-mile out and back with one moderate hill and short walks, starting and ending at Sea Pines Golf Resort. The pace will be leisurely with frequent stops to identify birds and discuss bird field marks and vocalizations. Bring multi-speed bicycle (tires for one stretch of dirt road), lock, helmet, water, snacks and lunch. Also bring: binoculars, layered clothing (it can be very cold at the beginning and warm by the end). Beginning birders welcome, but not recommended for beginning cyclists. Rain or high winds cancel. Be present with your bike and ready to go at 8:30 AM in the parking lot. Meets at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 8:30 AM to 3:15 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Mark Holmgren
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Santa Margarita Lake Ranger Station
Meet@: Santa Margarita Lake Ranger Station
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join Mark Holmgren for a big day of birding at Santa Margarita Lake. The trip will involve walking, driving, and scoping along the lakeshore, marsh, deciduous woodland, oak woodland, and Salinas River riparian area. It is possible to see over 60 species of birds. Bring snacks, water, and a picnic lunch. Spotting scopes are highly desirable. Up to 4 miles of walking. 70-90 miles round trip by personal vehicle, 45 minutes one-way from the Morro Bay. Moderate hike. Meets at Santa Margarita Lake Ranger Station. 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Rick Derevan | Sarah Killingsworth
Fee: $40.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Sub Sea Tours - Dos Osos
Meet@: Sub Sea Tours
Transportation Type: Boat
Join local expert photographer Rick Derevan & Sarah Killingsworth to enjoy a leisurely photography focused boating tour of the bay and estuary in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran. 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.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Virginia Flaherty
Fee: $55.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: MB State Park Kayak Launch
Meet@: MB State Park Kayak Launch
Transportation Type: Kayak
Go on a guided kayak tour of Morro Bay for an up close opportunity to see birds in their natural habitat! You may see: White Pelicans, Brant, Common Loons and a host of other migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Paddle near the Heron Rookery, Grassy Island oyster farm, mudflats and channels of the Back Bay. Using double kayaks, no prior kayaking experience needed. Dress in layers with the following guidelines: synthetics or wool, no cotton, windbreaker jacket, hat for sun and wind protection, and shoes that can get wet. Weather conditions may cancel. Meets at the Morro Bay State Park Marina Kayak Shop. 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Claudia Freitas | Karen Watts
Fee: $15.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Pasolivo Ranch
Meet@: Pasolivo Ranch
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join Claudia Freitas & Karen Watts 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.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Nature
Guide/Speaker: Gargi Chugh
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Journaling / Sketching
Venue: El Chorro Park
Meet@: El Chorro Park
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Step into the riparian zone - the lush, dynamic land next to freshwater streams and rivers - and use your nature journaling tools to explore its unique vegetation and interactions. This session focuses on capturing the intricate stories of water's edge and woodland connections. You'll learn techniques for mapping, observing, and documenting the vibrant life in these transitional areas. The session includes a journaling demo, hands-on activity, and a group discussion to reflect on your discoveries.
This session is suited for all skill levels, and no prior drawing experience is required. Participants will need a Journal/ Sketchbook, Pen/Pencil or any preferred drawing or writing tools, their choice of coloring medium: Color Pencils / Tombow brush pens / Watercolor
Optional but helpful Supplies: a ruler for measurements, binoculars, a folding chair.
Meets at El Choro Park, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo. Drive past the Botanical Garden office to the end of the road, just past the dog park.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Nature
Guide/Speaker: Brooke Morales
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Journaling / Sketching
Venue: SLO Botanical Garden Oak Glen Pavilion
Meet@: SLO Botanical Garden
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Meditative snapshots to connect and reflect. The ever-present yet constantly changing nature of the sky provides a wonderful backdrop for observing nature intentionally while developing your love for the process-even on days when you can't venture out. Learn how this meditative practice can help you develop a daily nature journaling habit while improving your watercolor skills. Any decent watercolor paper or sketchbook will do, but 100% cotton is preferred. Bring your watercolor palette and be sure to include blues (Cobalt/Ultramarine, Cerulean, Yellow Ochre, and some sort of black/dark grey for clouds), paint brush(es) or waterbrush(es), a water jar for painting if using regular brushes, tissue (i.e. Kleenex or paper towels), and 2 bulldog clips or binder clips for holding down your paper. Optional: Masking tape for clean lines and a small spray bottle for activating/re -wetting your watercolor paints.
Meets in the Oak Glen Pavilion at SLO Botanical Garden (inside El Choro Park), 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Bob Isenberg | Jerry Pyle
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Morro Rock
Meet@: Morro Rock
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join Bob Isenberg and Jerry Pyle, Peregrine Watch, for a cup of coffee and 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. For several years, a Burrowing Owl has also been seen on the Rock. 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.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Emmet Arries
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: Baywood Inn
Meet@: Baywood Inn
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Do you enjoy photography but feel lost when using the video mode? Join local wildlife cinematographer Emmet Arries, who's worked on film projects for National Geographic and PBS, as he shares tips and tricks for shooting compelling wildlife video. You'll learn about video specific camera settings, how shooting video differs from shooting stills, and how to shoot compelling video sequences. This presentation is aimed at beginning videographers with a photography background, and assumes a basic understanding of camera functions as well as photographic exposure using Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO. We'll take those concepts and apply them to your camera's video mode. Bring your camera, the class will be split into half presentation and half hands on assistance setting up your camera to shoot the best video possible.
Meets at the Baywood Inn, 1336 3rd St, Los Osos. Conference Room is adjacent to the parking lot.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Heather Hayes | Rebecca Heisman
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Cloisters, Azure Street
Meet@: Cloisters, Azure Street
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join Heather Hayes and Rebecca Heisman on Morro Strand to observe Long-billed Curlews and other shorebirds. Additionally, make a detailed search for Dozer, a radio-tagged curlew who winters on the Morro Bay beaches and returns in the spring to nesting grounds in southern Idaho.
Meets in the parking lot across from 150 Azure Street, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Max Taylor | Eva Moylan | Augie Hazel
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Morro Bay State Park Marina
Meet@: Morro Bay State Park Marina
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join Max Taylor, Augie Hazel & Eva Moylan to bird the Morro Bay State Park Marina Boardwalk. This trip is specifically for young birders and provides opportunities for viewing a variety of shorebirds, ducks, geese, loons, grebes, gulls, terns and herons. Peregrine Falcons and other raptors are often seen. Meets at the Peninsula Trail Head, southeast end of the State Park Marina parking lot, across from Morro Bay State Park Campground.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Erin Naegle
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: St Timothys
Meet@: St Timothys
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join Erin Naegle for a presentation on avian respiratory system adaptations. Birds have impressively efficient respiratory systems that help meet the high oxygen demands of flight. Learn about some respiratory adaptations, hypotheses about how they evolved, and some delightfully fun traits like telescopic tracheas! Meets at St. Timothy's Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Sharon Iranpour
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Cloisters, Azure Street
Meet@: Cloisters, Azure Street
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Learn about the life of the threatened Western Snowy Plover and walk south on Morro Strand Beach. We will then explore more of the beach and examine what else might be found in this sensitive environment. This event requires walking a short distance in soft sand. Walking distance about 1 mile. Meets in the parking lot across from 150 Azure Street, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Event Type: Nature
Guide/Speaker: Sharon Blakely
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: T Pier at Great American Fish Company
Meet@: T Pier at Great American Fish Company
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Enjoy learning about the Southern Sea Otters at their favorite hangouts in Morro Bay! Sharon Blakely will provide fascinating natural history of these marine mammal superheroes of a healthy kelp forest. 3 miles round trip by personal vehicle; 30-minute walk one way. Easy. Meets at South T pier next to Great American Fish Company, 1185 Embarcadero, Morro Bay
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: R Rouvaishyana | Vicky Johnsen
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Del Mar Park
Meet@: Del Mar Park
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Practice pishing using Pete Dunne's methods. Rouvaishyana and Vicky Johnsen will demonstrate how to imitate various birds and give you time to practice, including in the field. You will come away with a sense of how to listen more closely to birds, appreciate their sounds, and create their sounds yourselves. Meets at Del Mar Park, Morro Bay, north entrance at east end of Island Street. Past 500 Island Street, Morro Bay
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Dave Keeling
Fee: $40.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Sub Sea Tours - Dos Osos
Meet@: Sub Sea Tours
Transportation Type: Boat
Join Dave Keeling for a leisurely boating tour of the bay on the Dos Osos. Identify a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl in winter plumage at very close range as the boat moves slowly to see details of many species normally seen from shore. Good photo opportunities, but no tripods. Dress warmly. Meets at Sub Sea Tours, 699 Embarcadero, #9, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Event Type: Nature
Guide/Speaker: Sharon Lovejoy
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Journaling / Sketching
Venue: SLO Botanical Garden Oak Glen Pavilion
Meet@: SLO Botanical Garden
Transportation Type: None
Meet with author, naturalist, and life-long gardener Sharon Lovejoy to learn how to plant a garden that will attract and nurture birds, native bees, butterflies, and other critters. Sharon will share an illustrated talk and take participants on a walk through the San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens for a bird's eye view of what works and how to plan and plant successfully. She will focus on the value of native plants and drought-tolerant species that provide food, nesting materials, larval host plants, and habitat.
Meets in the Oak Glen Pavilion at SLO Botanical Garden (inside El Choro Park), 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Event Type: Nature
Guide/Speaker: Faylla Chapman
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Morro Bay State Park Marina
Meet@: Morro Bay State Park Marina
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
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. Restroom is available in the park.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Kenn Kaufman
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: Inn at Morro Bay - Morro Bay Room
Meet@: Inn at Morro Bay
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
What does it take to develop more skill at bird ID, and to be able to recognize more of the birds that we find? Well, for starters, it's not simply a matter of learning field marks. Often we can memorize all the field marks for a species and still have trouble identifying it, while in other cases we may recognize a bird without seeing any traditional field marks at all. In this program, based on a section from his Kaufman Field Guide to Advanced Birding, Kenn will talk about some basic principles that apply to all birds - principles that make it possible to name birds with more accuracy and confidence. He'll also discuss some surprising pitfalls of ID, and how to avoid being tripped up by them.
Meets at the Inn at Morro Bay, 60 State Park Road, Morro Bay. Morro Bay Room.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Melinda Nakagawa
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Journaling / Sketching
Venue: Sweet Springs
Meet@: Sweet Springs
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
The birder's Nature journal connects you to birds through active curiosity and creativity. It is a useful tool for people of all birding experience levels to increase your capacity to discern differences for identification, record behaviors, track seasonal changes, improve learning and memory of birds. Quick sketching helps to focus our attention and can serve as a sensory scrapbook for continued learning and enjoyment of birds. We can note bird calls, behaviors, shapes, colors and other notes.
In this 2-part experience, we'll start indoors where I'll introduce you to easy and effective ways to capture more birds in your journal. Then, we'll travel outdoors to put nature journaling skills into practice with birds that we encounter. We'll slow down to nature's pace to really soak in the experience with birds. Prior drawing or birding experience is not necessary, anyone can learn. Come see how you can boost your birding enjoyment.
Supplies for nature journaling with Melinda - you can see some recommended here - https://www.melindanakagawa.com/supplies
Bring: 1) Sketchbook/journal; 2) Pen (ball point, fountain, felt - your favorite kind); 3) Color media - your favorite: colored pencils, watercolor travel kit with waterbrush (see supplies link), markers, crayons; 4) Folding stool - optional; 5) Binoculars (optional spotting scope); 6) An open, non-judgmental mind and willingness to try something new!
Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Jessica Griffiths
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: Baywood Inn
Meet@: Baywood Inn
Transportation Type: None
Learning bird songs and calls will make you a better birder and enrich your birding experience. But it can be challenging! Jessica Griffiths will provide tips, tricks and mnemonic devices for identifying birds by sound, going over how to differentiate different groups of birds (how do you tell a finch from a warbler from a sparrow?) as well as reviewing songs and calls of the most common birds in this area. Open to all levels, beginner to advanced, who want to learn bird by ear skills. This workshop is a prerequisite for the Birding By Ear field trip (#422). Meets at the Baywood Inn, 1370 2nd St, Los Osos.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Event Type: Nature
Guide/Speaker: Melissa Gonzalez | Peggy Burhenn
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Journaling / Sketching
Venue: Sweet Springs
Meet@: Sweet Springs
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Are you curious about the migration of the monarch butterfly and the habitats they rely on? Join pollinator garden designer, Melissa Gonzalez and Peggy Burhenn, State Park Docent at the Monarch Preserve, as we "pioneer" through the eucalyptus /pine tree groves to explore this magnificent creature in the field at one of their overwintering sites to observe, draw, write and learn more about the significance of this mysterious phenomenon. Bring: portable tripod stool, water and sun hat, your favorite journal and writing supplies (watercolors and brush pen, colored and graphite pencils, pens for drawing).
Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Dean Thompson
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Montana de Oro
Meet@: Montana de Oro
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Enjoy a pleasant and level natural history walk with Dean Thompson along the Bluff Trail at Montana de Oro State Park for magnificent views and a variety of birds. You may see brown pelicans, black oystercatchers, turnstones, cormorants, sparrows and more. You may also see marine mammals: harbor seals, sea otters, and maybe spouting whales! Explore the rocky intertidal/tide pool ecosystem at Coralina Cove. 2-mile walk. Easy. 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 if 5.2 miles from Los Osos.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Jim Bland
Fee: $90.00
Trip Type: Master Class
Venue: Sea Pines Golf Resort - Conference Room
Meet@: Sea Pines Golf Resort
Transportation Type: None
This class is a scaled-down version of a college course on Bird Biology. Topics will be presented at an introductory level, and limited to those of greatest interest to visual artists (painters and photographers); essentially, what you're looking at when you observe birds or bird behavior. There will be two sessions: Part 1 will emphasize external appearances, and Part 2 will emphasize behaviors. Ornithological vocabulary will be introduced and used throughout. The basics of bird identification will also be presented. The class will be led by Jim Bland, a retired avian ecologist, former college lecturer on Ornithology, and experienced wildlife photographer. Meets at in the Conference Room at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Jim Burcio | Ken Nelson
Fee: $35.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: Sea PInes Golf Resort - Meeting Room
Meet@: Sea Pines Golf Resort
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
You will be introduced to the art of bird carving and guided through the woodcarving process by three expert wood carvers from the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association. After a day of using hand and power tools, participants will leave with a Ruddy Turnstone that they can then paint on their own. "The Concepts of Woodcarving" will be used as a reference. The small-group setting will provide participants with the attention needed to be successful with their project. This workshop is intended for beginners, but those with all levels of experience may participate, (must be 14 years old or older). This workshop includes a one-year membership in the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art association dedicated to the preservation of wildfowl art through education. To learn more about the association, visit pacificflyway.org.
Meets in the Meeting Room at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Event Type: Nature
Guide/Speaker: Pacific Wildlife-Care
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: Veterans Hall
Meet@: Veterans Hall
Transportation Type: None
Meet several birds of prey, including a Great Horned Owl, a Long-eared Owl, and a Red-tailed Hawk. These birds are educational ambassadors for Pacific Wildlife Care, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center in Morro Bay. Several non-releasable birds of prey will be present including: great horned owl, a long-eared owl, a red-tailed hawk and an American Kestrel. You will learn about the wonderful world of raptors and their important niche in the environment. Bring cameras and questions for this up-close study of raptors. You will learn about the wonderful world of raptors and their important niche in the environment. Bring cameras and questions for this up-close study of birds with binocular vision and sharp talons. General public event. Free for Festival attendees. Meets at the Vet's Hall, 209 Surf St, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Event Type: Nature
Guide/Speaker: David Lawrence
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Elephant Seal Rookery
Meet@: Elephant Seal Rookery
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join Friends of the Elephant Seal docent David Lawrence for a "prime time" tour of the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal rookery. This is one of the best times to visit the rookery. Mid-January is the peak of birthing. The beaches will be full of big bulls, birthing and nursing moms and pups. Be ready to dive deep into their natural history and adaptations. We will meet at the Kiosk at the SOUTH END of the main Elephant Seal viewpoint, 5 miles north of Hearst Castle.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Teodelina Martelli
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: St Timothys
Meet@: St Timothys
Transportation Type: None
Join Teodelina Martelli for her lecture on how the California Condor was saved from extinction thanks to its sister species, the Andean Condor. Teodelina will describe a history of the California Condor, the race to develop conservation methods against a genetic bottleneck, and the high bar for scientific collaboration set by this conservation success. The Andean Condor is an important part of the California Condor's survival story, and there will be updates on the status of both unique species. Come hear about her time spent in the field with these charismatic vultures!
Meets at St. Timothy's Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Doug Stinson | Steve McMasters
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Estero Bluffs
Meet@: Morro Bay Community Center
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Enjoy a slow-paced walk of 1.5-2 miles along a beautiful and wild ocean bluff trail with Doug Stinson & Steve McMasters. 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 Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Michael Mulroy | Scott Inman
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Laguna Lake
Meet@: Laguna Lake
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
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 Scott Inman and Michael Mulroy 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).
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 2:00 PM to 3:45 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Mike Bush | Emma Cox
Fee: $40.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Morro Bay Landing - Captain Stews
Meet@: Morro Bay Landing
Transportation Type: Boat
Enjoy a leisurely boating tour of the bay and estuary in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran with Mike Bush & Emma Cox. 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 Morro Bay Landing, 1213 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. Weather conditions may cancel.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Ed Harper | Seth Greene | Harnawaz Boparai
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: El Chorro Park
Meet@: El Chorro Park
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join leaders Ed Harper, Seth Greene and Harnawaz Boparai for a birding stroll at El Choro Park. Check out the birds near the SLO Botanical Gardens and up the Dairy Creek trail as time permits. Easy trip. El Chorro Park is located at State Hwy 1 @ Dairy Creek Rd. Meets in the SLO Botanical Gardens parking lot.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Heather Hayes
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Cloisters, Azure Street
Meet@: Cloisters, Azure Street
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Join Heather Hayes on Morro Strand to observe Long-billed Curlews and other shorebirds. Additionally, make a detailed search for Dozer, a radio-tagged curlew who winters on the Morro Bay beaches and returns in the spring to nesting grounds in southern Idaho.
Meets in the parking lot across from 150 Azure Street, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Cindy Roessler | Emily Brown
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Elfin Forest
Meet@: Elfin Forest
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
The Elfin Forest of Los Osos encompasses 7 habitats visible from a boardwalk, with bay overlooks. Join Cindy Roessler and Emily Brown to see raptors, passerines and shorebirds in this easy-paced walk. Beginners welcome! The 'Magic' of the Elfin Forest is in the adaptability of the various plant communities with hidden beauty found everywhere. This trip is accessible to wheelchairs or people using walkers and canes. Total walking distance will be about 1.5 miles. 15 miles round trip by personal vehicle. Easy. Meets at the entrance on the north end of 16th Street from Santa Ysabel Avenue in the town of Los Osos. Parking at the street end is very limited, however you can park anywhere along 16th Street as long as you do not block driveways or mail boxes. You can even park on an adjacent street and walk the short distance to the 16th Street entrance.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Event Type: Nature
Guide/Speaker: Pacific Wildlife-Care
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: Veterans Hall
Meet@: Veterans Hall
Transportation Type: None
Meet several birds of prey, including a Great Horned Owl, a Long-eared Owl, and a Red-tailed Hawk. These birds are educational ambassadors for Pacific Wildlife Care, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center in Morro Bay. Several non-releasable birds of prey will be present including: great horned owl, a long-eared owl, a red-tailed hawk and an American Kestrel. You will learn about the wonderful world of raptors and their important niche in the environment. Bring cameras and questions for this up-close study of raptors. You will learn about the wonderful world of raptors and their important niche in the environment. Bring cameras and questions for this up-close study of birds with binocular vision and sharp talons. General public event. Free for Festival attendees. Meets at the Vet's Hall, 209 Surf St, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 3:00 PM to 4:45 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Marlin Harms | Bert Townsend
Fee: $40.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Sub Sea Tours - Dos Osos
Meet@: Sub Sea Tours
Transportation Type: Boat
Enjoy a leisurely boating tour of the bay and estuary in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran with Marlin Harms & Bart Townsend. 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.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Rebecca Heisman
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: Inn at Morro Bay - Morro Bay Room
Meet@: Inn at Morro Bay
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
We've all heard amazing facts about bird migration - the long distances that birds travel, the ways that they navigate, etc. But did you ever wonder how we figured all of this out? While working for the American Ornithological Society, Rebecca Heisman became fascinated with the varied and creative techniques that scientists have used to study bird migration, and this eventually became the basis for her book Flight Paths: How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Pioneering Scientists Solved the Mystery of Bird Migration. In her talk, she'll share some surprising stories from the history of bird migration research and discuss why understanding migration is so crucial for bird conservation.
If you purchased copies of Rebecca's books during the registration process, Jennifer will be available to sign your book(s) at this event. Meets at the Inn at Morro Bay, 60 State Park Road, Morro Bay. Morro Bay Room.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: R Rouvaishyana
Fee: $90.00
Trip Type: Field Trip
Venue: Multiple Sites
Meet@: Morro Bay Community Center
Transportation Type: Bus
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.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker:
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Special Event
Venue: Morro Bay Community Center - Multi-Purpose
Meet@: Morro Bay Community Center
Transportation Type: None
The Festival is presenting two Welcome Receptions, one on Friday and one on Saturday. Enjoy wine, cheese, live music, and visit with fellow birders, VIPs and event leaders. Afterwards, visit the Bazaar to browse the vendor booths featuring optics, books, music, nature art & photography, woodcarvings, jewelry, educational exhibits and Festival Swag. Each Reception attendee will receive a free MBBF logo etched wine glass. Note that you can only attend one of the two receptions and an entry ticket is required. This event takes place in the Multi-Purpose Room at the Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
Event Day: Saturday
Event Hours: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: David Lindo
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Special Event
Venue: Cuesta College Performing Arts Center - Auditorium
Meet@: Cuesta College Performing Arts Center - Auditorium
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Celebrated Urban Birder, David Lindo, takes us around the urban world of birds. Over 20% of the globe's bird species have been recorded within our towns and cities, sometimes without us even noticing. You will be surprised as to some of the variety of species David will be featuring. To see some of these great birds all you have to do is open your eyes, ears, hearts, minds and importantly, look up!
If you purchased copies of David's books during the registration process, David will be available to sign your book(s) at this event. The Keynote address and book signing takes place at the Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center (CPAC) at Cuesta College, Romauldo Road, SLO (CA-1 & Hollister Road).