Pipits, Plovers and Pipers of the Oxnard Plain
2025-10-26 08:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Meet at 8 am at the end of Arnold Road at the parking area. We can carpool back out to the fields depending on attendance to ensure we don’t crowd the side of the road. We’ll spend about an hour on the Arnold Road sod fields and then caravan over to Casper Road where these birds are also common. Parking is virtually non-existant on Casper, so maximum carpooling is encouraged when we travel to Casper.

We’ll look for pipits, plovers, sandpipers, raptors and who knows what else. Bring a scope if you have one. We can discuss as a group when we’re there to come up with a game plan.

RSVP at this link on Google Forms for all our field tripsLeader – John Mueller (818) 625-9584 for info

Program: Waterfowl of Mono Lake
2025-11-03 19:00 - 20:30 | CA
Mono Lake is well-known for its breeding population of California Gulls, and for the large numbers of Eared Grebes and phalaropes that use the lake in fall migration. Tucked away in the scattered wetlands, ponds and creeks around the shores of Mono Lake, there is also an established breeding waterfowl population. Deborah House has monitored the waterfowl at Mono Lake for over two decades, and she will take you on a virtual tour of the habitats that support waterfowl at Mono Lake, discussing the dynamic nature of these areas, how these systems have varied with lake level, and how breeding waterfowl have responded to these fluctuations.

Deborah is a semi-retired community ecologist who has conducted several long-term bird monitoring programs in the eastern Sierra region of California. She has spent her summers walking the incredibly beautiful and dynamic shoreline of Mono Lake, keeping track of the breeding waterfowl and their habitats as part of the restoration program for the lake.

Conejo Creek Park North
2025-11-09 08:00 | CA
Meet at 8 am in the parking lot on the southern end near the exit. We will then walk a loop of the park to listen and look in the riparian area and grass for migrants and common park birds. This location may have returning waterfowl such as American Wigeon, and the trees and shrubs could be alive with various migratory birds such as warblers, vireos and sparrows.

RSVP at this link on Google Forms for all our field tripsLeader is John Mueller (818) 625-9584

Rancho Simi Community Park
2025-11-16 08:00 | CA
Meet at 8 am in the parking lot nearest the swimming pool off Royal Av west of Erringer Rd. Rancho Simi Community Park is a hot spot that offers up a variety of habitat such as a pond with an island, old sycamores, stands of conifers, and the adjacent Arroyo Simi. Resident species include Canada Goose, Western Bluebird, Belted Kingfisher, Black-crowned Night-heron, and there almost always seems to be at least one White-faced Ibis in the arroyo. We’ll also look for Plumbeous Vireo, Cackling Goose, various ducks, sparrows, migrating warblers, and other winter visitors.

RSVP at this link on Google Forms for all our field trips

Leader is Don Klabunde (805) 522-8023

BIRD OUR PARKS
2025-11-30 08:00 | CA
This will be a social birding experiment where we as Ventura County residents will bird our neighborhood parks and see what kind of birds we can find. Birds commonly visit our parks so we will use social media (such as our new “Conejo Valley Audubon Society (CVAS)” WhatsApp community group from your phone) to count birds and discuss what we’re seeing. Every city in Ventura County has multiple parks, so feel free to visit a couple and post your findings on our eBird Trip Report. If you would like to work together as a team, we will have a sign-up form closer to the date. We will then publish our results on the CVAS website and discuss at the December 1st meeting.

Contact John Mueller (818) 625-9584 to indicate which park you intend to cover

Or use our new Field Trip Sign-Up Form and indicate which you want to cover

Here is the proposed list of parks that could be covered. To maximize coverage, I would suggest no more than 2 people per park. Maybe spend 30-60 minutes per park to cover it sufficiently, but not over-doing it. If there are parks missing, please let us know.

Park Name

City

Birder

Bob Kildee Community Park

Camarillo

John Mueller

Community Center Park

Camarillo

Freedom Park

Camarillo

Lokker Park

Camarillo

Mission Oaks Park

Camarillo

Pitts Ranch Park

Camarillo

John Mueller

Valle Lindo Park

Camarillo

John Mueller

El Rio Park

El Rio

Sunkist Park

El Rio

Sheill Park

Fillmore

Two Rivers Park

Fillmore

Meiners Oaks Park

Meiners Oaks

Arroyo Park

Moorpark

Campus View Park

Moorpark

Oak Park

Moorpark

Peach Hill Park

Moorpark

Poindexter Park

Moorpark

Nyeland Acres Park

Nyeland Acres

Chaparral Park

Oak Park

Deerhill Park

Oak Park

Medea Creek Park

Oak Park

Oak Canyon Community Park

Oak Park

Oak View Park

Oak View

Libbey Park

Ojai

Soule Park

Ojai

College Park

Oxnard

Del Sol Park

Oxnard

La Colonia Park

Oxnard

Rio Lindo Park

Oxnard

Rio Vista Park

Oxnard

Southwinds Park

Oxnard

Warring Park

Piru

Bubbling Springs Park

Port Hueneme

Civic Center Park

Port Hueneme

Moranda Park

Port Hueneme

Orvene S. Carpenter Park

Port Hueneme

Wright Park

Port Hueneme

Las Piedras Park

Santa Paula

Teague Park

Santa Paula

Santa Rosa Valley Park

Santa Rosa Valley

Rancho Madera Park

Simi Valley

Rancho Simi Community Park

Simi Valley

Rancho Tapo Community Park

Simi Valley

Sequoia Park

Simi Valley

Conejo Community Park

Thousand Oaks

Conejo Creek North Park

Thousand Oaks

Old Meadows Park

Thousand Oaks

Arroyo Verde Park

Ventura

Barranca Vista Park

Ventura

Camino Real Park

Ventura

Hobert Park

Ventura

Juanamaria Park

Ventura

Marion Cannon Park

Ventura

Montalvo Hill Park

Ventura

Thille Park

Ventura

Westpark

Ventura

December Program-Patch Birding in Long Beach
2025-12-01 19:00 - 20:30 | CA
Patch Birding the Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach

Patch-birding will lead to better understanding of how our local birds use different parts of the landscape from year to year and season to season, which may be more useful than knowing how often birds stray far off-course.

Over the course of 8 years, Robb Hamilton has birded about 800 times at Colorado Lagoon, a cozy little body of water in Long Beach, recording 228 species out of the 246 that have been reported on eBird, and photographing the different species.

By achieving good coverage of the lagoon throughout the year, and across multiple years, Robb has been able to capture inter-annual variability, and has established the baseline conditions ahead of a major change in the configuration of the lagoon — the opening of a large channel between Alamitos Bay and the lagoon, which will greatly increase the tidal flushing of the lagoon and increase the area of native habitat available to the birds. Ultimately, Robb intends to collect several years of post-channel data and compare it with the extensive pre-channel data already collected.

Born in Santa Barbara, Robb Hamilton has been birding since he was 15. He’s been an independent biological consultant since 1994.

Conejo Community Park & Botanical Gardens
2025-12-06 08:00 | CA
Meet in the botanical gardens parking area off Gainsborough Road. There are toilets there and we’ll begin our walk promptly at 8am. The botanical gardens are adjacent to the large open Community Park which offers several opportunities for a variety of birds this time of year. There may be wintering warblers. We’ll look for pipits on the grass; bluebirds in the trees; sparrows, nuthatches and kinglets in the gardens, and hawks in the sky.

This will be a beginner-friendly walk designed to help those new to the hobby learn how to listen, look and identify various types of birds in our area. Check our Field Trips website for current information, updates and a link to sign-up. The botanical garden is a bit hilly, so wear appropriate shoes.

Leader is DAVID PERSON 805-469-6806

Beginner Bird Walk
2025-12-10 08:00 | CA
Conejo Valley Audubon invites birders of all experience levels to attend our monthly Beginner Bird Walk at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa. These walks are held on the second Wednesday of each month. We will meet at 8:00 am at the main parking lot, accessible from Lynn Road at Via Goleta in Newbury Park. Rancho Sierra Vista is an excellent place to see many of the oak woodlands birds that are common in the Conejo Valley area. We will take time to introduce beginning birders to these species and teach the best techniques for locating and identifying them. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing, and bring water.

Contact walk leader Richard Armerding at (310) 701-3878 (texting is OK)

Christmas Bird Count- Thousand Oaks
2025-12-14 00:00 - 23:59 | CA
Contact Dave Pereksta at pereksta@pacbell.net, if he hasn’t already contacted you. Carol and Bill Langford will be hosting the post-count tally party. You can reach Carol at (360) 742-6059.

Christmas Bird Count-Ventura
2025-12-20 00:00 - 23:59 | CA
Interested folks can email venturabirdcount@gmail.com to sign up.

January-How Does a Songbird Learn to Sing
2026-01-05 19:00 - 20:30 | CA
How Does a Songbird Learn to Sing?

Especially when he’s a cowbird who has never met his parent?

Steve Rothstein will discuss generalizations regarding how songbirds learn their vocalizations as well as some exceptions to those generalizations. He will also discuss cowbirds and what’s known about their vocal development and how both innate and genetic aspects combine with learning to produce vocal repertoires.

Steve Rothstein is a Research Professor, Professor Emeritus of Zoology, Department of Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology, at UC Santa Barbara.

SEE PROGRAMS PAGE

CSUCI Regional Park & Ponds
2026-01-10 08:00 | CA
CSU Channel Islands Regional Park & Ponds

WHERE – Take Lewis Road south to Camarillo Street (going to the university, and after the first bridge turn left on Old Dairy Road (yes, the Scary Dairy). Right inside there will be a kiosk where we can pay for parking ($7 I believe) and then we’ll drive to the parking area where the old model planes used to fly.

This is one of the best open spaces in Ventura County for not only good habitat for sparrows as well as raptors and the back ponds for wintering waterfowl. Canvasback have been seen there most years as well as American White Pelicans among others. Expect to walk about 2 miles total. Not much shade so bring a hat and sunscreen.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP

Leader is John Mueller (818) 625-9584

More info: https://www.csuci.edu/unipark/

Beginner Bird Walk - Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa
2026-01-14 08:00, 2026-02-11 08:00 | CA

Hill Canyon
2026-01-24 08:00 | CA
Meet at 8 am at Santa Rosa Valley Park, the equestrian parking area at the beginning of Hill Canyon. We will walk through the open space around the equestrian area including the short walk to the creek. Next, we’ll walk across the bridge and up the canyon in search of wintering birds. Rain will cancel this trip. Bathrooms are available at the parking area.

Leaders are Carol & Bill Langford (360) 742-6059

February Program-California Walnut Woodlands
2026-02-02 19:00 - 20:30 | CA
Rooted in Community: California Walnut Woodlands

The Ecological Significant to Avifuana

Changes in land use following Euro-American colonization resulted in the severe reduction of the endemic Southern California black walnut (Juglans californica) and its woodland habitat. Natasha Khanna-Dang studied the availability of trees and large shrubs and feeding behavior of birds in eight patches of California walnut woodland in Los Angeles County during the breeding and nonbreeding periods of 2023. Natasha will join CVAS’s monthly meeting via Zoom to discuss the findings on the importance of these woodlands to the larger ecosystem and will discuss how ecological research can intersect with both conservation and social justice issues.

Natasha Khanna-Dang works as an urban conservation biologist based out of Los Angeles, California. They completed their Master of Science degree in Environmental Science at California State University, Los Angeles in 2024.Natasha is also an environmental educator and believes in the importance of intersectional ecology – ecological research that intersects with issues of environmental and social justice.

SEE PROGRAMS PAGE

Bard Lake
2026-02-06 07:45 | CA
Meet by 8:00 am at the boardroom of the Calleguas Municipal Water District office, 2100 Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. After a brief introduction by the CMWD staff, they will escort us on the 3 mile loop around the 230 acre reservoir looking for different duck and gull species. (note: golf carts are available for those who would like them) The lake is typically closed to the public, so this is a special treat for CVAS! All participants must show a signed waiver and their driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID when we gather. Please email fieldtrips@conejovalleyaudubon.org for your copy of the waiver to sign in advance.

Trip leaders: Bill & Carol Langford (360) 742-6059

Great Backyard Bird Count
2026-02-13 00:00 - 2026-02-16 23:59 | CA
Done annually in February, the GBBC is a global, four day community science event where people of all ages and skill levels help track bird populations by simply watching birds anywhere they choose for 15 minutes or more. Participants can count birds on any of the four days and submit sightings using Merlin Bird ID, eBird Mobile, or the eBird website, with no separate registration required. The goal is to create a worldwide snapshot of where birds are and how they’re doing. It’s easy, fun, and meaningful whether you’re birding solo, with family, or as part of a community event.

More info at: https://www.birdcount.org/

Point Mugu Naval Base - NEW DATE
2026-02-13 08:00 - 13:00 | CA
Restricted to current CVAS members.

[NEW DATE] Sign-up deadline was Jan 20th. Check our Field Trips page for current updates, or email John Mueller, your Fieldtrip Chair for more Information: fieldtrips@conejovalleyaudubon.org.

Birds & Brews
2026-02-15 15:00 - 17:00 | CA
Birds & Brews – Tarantula Hill Brewing – Thousand Oaks

We will be picking-up the Birds & Brews social meetups in 2026 with our first meet in Thousand Oaks at Tarantula Hill Brewing on T.O. Blvd. We will be in the middle of the GBBC and this will be a good opportunity to meet other birders from the area and discuss progress, or anything else. RSVP if you’re interested so we can reserve a table ahead of time. Join our Conejo Valley Audubon Society (CVAS) WhatsApp community group from your phone or desktop and chat with others in real-time to discuss rare birds, get bird IDs or just get to know each other.

Carrizo Plain
2026-03-07 07:00 | CA
Meet at 7am on highway 33 under the bridge off Casitas Vista Road. Organize your own carpool with a vehicle suitable for bumpy dirt roads and a full tank of gas. We will meet at the dirt parking area under the highway 33 bridge (where many bikers and hikers park) and caravan up Hwy 33 to the south entrance of the National Monument via Soda Lake Road. Road conditions may vary so a higher clearance vehicle is recommended. Please bring water, food, and suitable clothing as this may be an all-day event depending on weather, traffic and overall conditions. There may be traffic in the valley due to the high wildflower bloom this season so there may be many visitors. Cell service will be limited.

Hopefully we will see lingering Mountain Plover and raptors, but there will also be a good chance of incoming Spring Migrants. We will be sensitive to the natural vegetation and only stay on roads and approved trails.

SIGN UP HERE: https://www.mobilize.us/conejovalleyaudubonsociety/event/915146/

Trip Leader – John Mueller (818) 625-9584

Beginner Bird Walk - Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa
2026-03-11 08:00 | CA
Conejo Valley Audubon invites birders of all experience levels to attend our monthly Beginner Bird Walk at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa. These walks are held on the second Wednesday of each month. We will meet at 8:00 am at the main parking lot, accessible from Lynn Road at Via Goleta in Newbury Park. Rancho Sierra Vista is an excellent place to see many of the oak woodlands birds that are common in the Conejo Valley area. We will take time to introduce beginning birders to these species and teach the best techniques for locating and identifying them. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing, and bring water.

SIGN UP HERE: https://mobilize.us/s/cDGC18

Contact walk leader Richard Armerding at (310) 701-3878 (texting is OK)

Annual Dinner/Auction
2026-03-14 17:30 | CA
Conejo Valley Audubon’s annual gala fundraiser. See ANNUAL FUNDRAISER page for details. Come and share the fun.

Lake Piru
2026-03-28 08:00 | CA
Meet at 8 am at Warring Park in the town of Piru. We will then carpool (Lake Piru entrance fee is $14 on weekends) and slowly go up the road to the lake entrance. The road up may have a better chance of seeing Condor, Eagles and other raptors. Once at the lake we’ll explore the shoreline, the grass park and trees and perhaps go a little further time permitting.

Bring a scope for waterfowl far out on the lake and check the weather as the Piru area experiences extreme weather conditions. Dress accordingly.

SIGN UP HERE: https://mobilize.us/s/c2I14Q

Trip Leader – Peter Robertshaw (909) 771-9720

Beginner Birding Class
2026-04-11 08:00 | Conejo Valley Botanic Garden (CVBG),, 400 W. Gainsborough Rd., Thousand Oaks
Come learn the basics of birdwatching and how to use a field guide and binoculars. Learn to ID the birds in your backyard and our local parks. A bird walk in the Conejo Community Park will follow.

Meet at 8:00 am at the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden (CVBG), 400 W. Gainsborough Rd., Thousand Oaks. Drive to the parking lot on Jeaunine Drive. Class will be held in the Kids’ Adventure Garden. A $10 cash donation will be collected for CVBG. Bring water & snacks, wear comfortable shoes and binoculars if you have them. After this one class, you’ll feel ready to join our regular schedule of birding trips. Look for them on our website.

RSVP: https://mobilize.us/s/bsHUTi

Family Birding Event
2026-04-18 09:00 - 11:00 | CA
In collaboration with Moorpark City Library, come and learn the basics of birdwatching. Learning activities for all ages and a bird walk through the park will help you ID the birds in your backyard and our local parks.

Meet at 9 am at Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road, Moorpark.

RSVP: https://mobilize.us/s/2ZFUyS

Bird-friendly Garden Tour
2026-04-26 09:00 - 15:00 | CA
Please join us on Sunday, April 26th from 9 AM until 3 PM for the

2026 CVAS Bird-friendly Garden Tour

This tour will feature yards which provide habitat for our native birds and demonstrate the use of drought tolerant California native plants in the landscape. This year we will once again partner with the California Native Plant Society (CNPS Channel Islands). All of the gardens will be located in the city of Camarillo, and the hosts will be on site to answer questions.

CVAS has a mission to make the public aware of the importance and beauty of birds, natural habitats, native plants and wildlife. At a time when bird populations are in decline due in large part to loss of habitat, we are dedicated toward promoting the creation of viable habitat for both local and migratory birds in our area. Our Bird-Friendly Garden Tours serve to educate and promote awareness about the importance of California native plants in supporting our bird populations, because native plants support the native bugs that birds feed to their babies. We encourage you to spread the word and bring your friends!

If you are interested in attending this year’s tour, please RSVP to gardentour@conejovalleyaudubon.org

NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, APRIL 17th, 2026.

When registering, please include the FIRST and LAST NAME and EMAIL of each guest who will be attending, along with thePHONE NUMBER of the person who will be registering. You will receive confirmation within 72 hours of your RSVP. If you do not receive confirmation, please check your SPAM or Junk mail. If you do not find the confirmation, please resubmit your RSVP and add this e-mail to your safe-senders list.

Two days prior to the tour, you will receive a list of addresses.

Then after the tour, you will receive a follow-up e-mail with information relevant to planting a bird-friendly native garden habitat.

And we hope that our Bird-Friendly Garden Tour will inspire you to install a bird-friendly habitat of your own.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

· No restroom facilities will be available. Sorry

· No dogs will be allowed in any of the gardens.

· We encourage plant photography

· There will be no charge for this educational tour.
