Join expert leaders Jeff Miller and Ben Kolstad for a bus trip to Carrizo Plain. Possible sightings are: Golden Eagle, Merlin, Prairie Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, Mountain Plover, Bell's and Vesper Sparrow, Roadrunner, and more. This is a unique habitat of semi-desert scrub, open grassland and juniper foothills. Time includes 4 hours round-trip travel many in/out bus stops in comfortable bus. Meets at Morro Bay Comm. Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.

Join Rick Grijalva and Rachel Clark 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.

Join leaders Tom Edell, Curtis Marantz, Reef Comer, Todd Easterla, Russ Namitz, Wes Fritz and Kevin Zimmer to search for albatross, shearwaters, kittiwakes, alcids, jaegers, gray whales and more with experienced leaders. Dress for cold and wind, including gloves. The boat is typically used for fishing; no outdoor seating on deck. There is seating available in the cabin, as well as snacks and drinks for sale. Bring lunch, liquids and sunscreen and take motion sickness medication before arriving. Note that the boat does not wait for late arrivals. Meets at Morro Bay Landing, 1213 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. Weather conditions may cancel.

Join 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 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.

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.

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 7:30am to 12 Noon; after a lunch break, Part 2 is from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Both sessions will involve driving to other locations. Lunch is NOT included. Meets in the Meeting Room at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, 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.

Montana de Oro is a spectacular 8,600-acre state park with untamed coastline and coastal uplands. Join Rusty Scalf, Debbie Jo Bird & Richard Neidhardt 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.

Join Greg Miller, Isaiah Woodard and Chris Henry 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 Jim Royer for a four mile walk exploring the various habitats of Los Osos and Baywood Park. We will likely stop at Pecho Willows, several neighborhood feeders, Cuesta Inlet, Frog Pond, Doris Avenue Coastal Access, Sweet Springs Preserve, Baywood Pier, Pasadena Beach Park, Audubon Overlook, the Elfin Forest, and numerous spots between. Bring lunch, water, sun protection, and layers of clothes as the morning may start frosty cold, but the afternoon can be warm. After we finish birding at the Elfin Forest we will drive back to the starting point so everyone has their cars. We will drop off several cars at the Elfin Forest and then drive to the starting point of our walk near Cuesta Inlet.

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. 

Enjoy leisurely in-depth bird observation and enhance your ID skills with the help of Doug Stinson & Steve McMasters. 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.

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 Baker 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 Robert Lindsay 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. Includes 2-3 miles of slow walking. Moderate. Meet at Oso Flaco parking lot, 3004 Oso Flaco Lake Road, Arroyo Grande. State Parks requires a parking fee of $5.

Join Griffin Davies & Michael Moss to observe birds at the Washburn Day Use area of San Simeon State Park. Moderate 1.5- 2 mile walk by riparian areas by reek, wetlands, shoreline, then onto chaparral, and pine forest habitats to discover a variety of land, shore and ocean birds including mergansers, terns, Pygmy Nuthatches, and a variety of raptors. 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.

Do you want to learn how to plan for, shoot, and edit wildlife video? You'll leave this masterclass with the knowledge of the video making process from start to finish, and your own short bird video created as part of the class. Join Paso Robles based wildlife cinematographer Emmet Arries, who's worked on film projects for National Geographic and PBS as well as directed his own short film about a red-tailed hawk. In part 1, you'll learn the basics of planning for a video shoot, video specific gear and camera settings, and how to shoot compelling wildlife sequences. We'll then spend time in the field shooting bird footage with your camera while practicing this new way of thinking and receiving personalized assistance. In part 2, we'll return to the classroom with your bird footage and walk through a basic editing process from start to finish. You'll leave with a short bird video (dependent on what birds we find) and the knowledge and confidence to shoot videos on your own. This masterclass is aimed at photographers interested in video, and assumes a basic understanding of camera functions as well as photographic exposure using Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO. No prior video or editing experience is necessary.

To make the most of the class, bring: your camera, your tripod, your laptop computer with Davinci Resolve installed (free version works), and two external hard drives for storing your footage. Limited to 8 participants so that everyone has time to receive personalized assistance with your camera and questions.

Meets at xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx

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 Scott Weidensaul, Jon Dunn, Will Knowlton & Morgan Bing. 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.

Join Peter Gaede 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.

Join Van Pierszalowski for a Big Day on San Simeon Creek Road in Cambria. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx.

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 for the trip up San Simeon Creek Road.

Join Sarah Killingsworth 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.

Join lichen enthusiast Michael Mulroy for a fascinating exploration of the unique maritime lichens at Morro Bay’s White Point. During the walk, you’ll learn about the charismatic fog lichens, their important ecological roles in coastal habitats, and how to identify several common—and perhaps one or two locally rare—lichen species. The walk involves a short but steep and uneven ascent to the top of White Point Vista, the overlook near the Natural History Museum. This may be challenging for some, so please consider this when registering. Restroom facilities are available. Meets at the Museum of Natural History, 20 State Park Rd, Morro Bay.

Join leader Daniel Elting, Eva Moylan & Trevor Wimmer 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.

Join Teodelina Martelli & Clara Thomas 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 an excellent location 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.

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 Roger & Ruth Zachary 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 Ann Stockert 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.

Join Bob Keally & Terri May to explore San Simeon Point. 

Meets at the entrance to the pier in the upper parking lot, 750 Hearst Castle Drive, San Simeon. Enter the parking lot via the State Park kiosk.

How do you ever tell one shorebird from another? What is a 'shorebird?' Learn how to tell the most common species apart. Join Claudia Freitas for a photo presentation showing the characteristics of our local shorebirds, followed by a walk along the shore to test your new-found knowledge. Easy. Meets xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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 Karen Watts, Sharon Stiteler & 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.

Join Linda Signal & Tony Gayfield for an unhurried walk around the edges and through the heart of the Morro Coast Audubon Sweet Springs Preserve. This trip is intended for beginning birders and 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 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 the Marina store parking area.

Join Torrey Gage-Tomlinson to explore the Villa Creek headlands, beach and estuary, part of Estero Bluffs State Park. This will be a slow-paced walk of 2-3 miles along a beautiful and wild ocean bluff trail along with a sandy beach stroll to Villa Cove. Expect rock-loving shorebirds such as Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Surfbirds, Whimbrels, scoters, terns, gulls. Look for herons and egrets in the estuary created by Villa Creek. Moderate hike due to hiking through sand for 1/2 mile. 21-mile roundtrip carpool from Morro Bay. 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.

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.

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  south on 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.  Walking distance about 1 mile. Meets in the parking lot across from 150 Azure Street, Morro Bay.

Join author, illustrator, and naturalist Sharon Lovejoy for a nature journaling workshop. Her tips and simple techniques will inspire you and give you a strong foundation and a set of wings. The workshop will begin with a video that shares dozens of journals. Basic bird anatomy (hand-out included) will jump-start your bird studies. A focus on birds common in gardens will be sketched along with small illustrations of their nesting materials, feathers, and foods-insects, acorns, berries, larvae, and flowers with nectar. Bring journals, 2 B pencils, kneaded erasers, a pencil sharpener, small watercolor sets, brushes, a ruler and a magnifying glass. Meets xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

VIf you’re not a morning person, this walk is for you! Join Lazy Birders, Neha and Vinish, at the Morro Bay Bird Festival for birding and bird photography. We welcome beginners curious to explore the world of birds and those with some experience who enjoy sharing their birding stories in a relaxed setting.
Enjoy a flat, paved stroll through Cloisters Park toward the beach. We will take a leisurely walk through different habitats: from grassy areas where American Pipits rest, past backyard bird feeders that attract Red-winged Blackbirds and Nuttall's woodpeckers, and finally out to Morro Strand State Beach to see Plovers and foraging Long-billed Curlews against the backdrop of the Morro Rock. We'll stay on pavement or boardwalk most of the way, ending with a short stretch of sandy path through the dunes.
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.

Enjoy a leisurely boating tour of the bay and estuary in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran with Dorian Anderson, Emma Cox & Nora Livingston. 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.

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 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.

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 miniature Green Heron 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 15 years old or older with parent signature on participation for). 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 Conference Room at Sea Pines Golf Resort. 1945 Solano St, Los Osos.

Join Jim Bland for a deep dive into the ducks and geese of the Morro Bay Region. All waterfowl species that frequent Morro Bay, Estero Bay, and nearby freshwater wetlands will be covered. The class will be comprised of two afternoon lectures, each lavishly illustrated with Jim’s high-quality photographs. Topics will include waterfowl habitats of the region, taxonomic relationships of the waterfowl "tribes", tips for distinguishing similar species, and the migration patterns, foraging ecology, and reproductive biology of each species. Jim Bland is 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 Aaron Kreisberg, Michael Mulroy & Scott Inman 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).

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

Do you want to learn how to plan for, shoot, and edit wildlife video? You'll leave this masterclass with the knowledge of the video making process from start to finish, and your own short bird video created as part of the class. Join Paso Robles based wildlife cinematographer Emmet Arries, who's worked on film projects for National Geographic and PBS as well as directed his own short film about a red-tailed hawk. In part 1, you'll learn the basics of planning for a video shoot, video specific gear and camera settings, and how to shoot compelling wildlife sequences. We'll then spend time in the field shooting bird footage with your camera while practicing this new way of thinking and receiving personalized assistance. In part 2, we'll return to the classroom with your bird footage and walk through a basic editing process from start to finish. You'll leave with a short bird video (dependent on what birds we find) and the knowledge and confidence to shoot videos on your own. This masterclass is aimed at photographers interested in video, and assumes a basic understanding of camera functions as well as photographic exposure using Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO. No prior video or editing experience is necessary.

To make the most of the class, bring: your camera, your tripod, your laptop computer with Davinci Resolve installed (free version works), and two external hard drives for storing your footage. Limited to 8 participants so that everyone has time to receive personalized assistance with your camera and questions.

Meets at xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx

Costa Rica, a birder's paradise! For birders and photographers alike, the incredible avifauna of Costa Rica is certain to inspire. Come join Krisztina as she takes you on a photo journey of this amazing country, through  a diverse range of ecosystems and elevations to spot some of the hundreds of bird species that call Costa Rica home. Of course besides birds there are many other wildlife species to see!  Meets xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Elfin Forest of Los Osos encompasses 7 habitats visible from a boardwalk, with bay overlooks. Join Cindy Roessler 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.

Join Faylla Chapman for a walk to Windy Cove below the Morro Bay State Park Natural History Museum. Learn about the plants, the mud, and the organisms that inhabit the mud and the surrounding rocks. Watch for various shorebirds in the water just off the mud flat. NOTE: you should have boots or shoes that can get very muddy. Park and meet at the parking area at the base of the Museum entrance driveway next to golf course.  Restrooms are available at the Natural History Museum. Not ADA accessible.

Join Daniel Elting, Eva Moylan & Trevor Wimmer for an afternoon 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. 

Enjoy a leisurely boating tour of the bay and estuary in an open-deck 34-foot power catamaran with Seth Greene & Harnawaz Boparai. 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 Rouvaishyana and Evan Weissman 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.

On January 1st, 2014, Dorian Anderson boarded his bicycle for the adventure of a lifetime. His two-wheeled journey was an eco-friendly twist on the Big Year, a project during which a birdwatcher tries to observe as many species as possible during a calendar year. While his predecessors utilized cars, planes, and boats, Anderson’s goal was to replicate their transcontinental travels without the use of petroleum, a herculean challenge no one before him had accepted. He ultimately survived subzero temperatures, drifting snow, gusting winds, lightning storms, mountainous ascents, dog attacks, crumbling roads, and several accidents. By December 31, he’d amassed 618 bird species across 18,000 miles of riding, totals no one imagined possible when he set off with zero cycling experience.

Anderson will speak about the genesis of his bike-birding project, provide a thrilling recount of his travels, highlight the birds he saw, and reveal how his adventure changed his life. His personality and enthusiasm are infectious, and his tales of birding, cycling, and self-discovery will inspire others to venture into the outdoors, take note of the birds around them, and make positive changes in their own lives.

The Keynote address takes place at the Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center (CPAC) at Cuesta College, Romauldo Road, SLO (CA-1 & Hollister Road).