Conejo Valley Audubon

Owling at Palo Camado Canyon ?
2023-06-10 20:00 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Palo Comado Canyon, 6613 Smoke Tree Ave, Oak Park, CA, 91377, United States
Join us as we do some nighttime birding (aka “owling”). We will listen and look for Great Horned Owls, Barn Owls, and Western Screech Owls! Meet at the Sunrise Meadows Open Space Trailhead on Smoke Tree Ave. in Oak Park at 8 p.m. Bring flashlights and/or headlamps! Trip leader: Sammy Cowell (818) 470-7098.

Beginner Bird Walk - Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa
2023-06-14 08:00 - 09:30, 2023-07-12 08:00 - 09:30 | Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa, 4803 Lynn Rd, Newbury Park, CA, 91320
Conejo Valley Audubon invites birders of all experience levels to attend our monthly Beginner Bird Walks 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, which is accessible off 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 will teach the best techniques for locating and identifying them. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Please register in advance by contacting walk leader Richard Armerding at (310) 701-3878 (texting is OK).

Beginner Bird Class ?
2023-06-17 08:00 - 11:00 | Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, 400 W. Gainsborough Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360
Interested in learning more about birds, but unsure where/how to start? Join us over the course of three weekends as we go over the basics of birdwatching, become familiar with field guides and equipment, and learn about the local birds in the area! Suitable for all ages!
What to bring: Binoculars (if you have them; if not, we can supply them!), field guides, chairs, and a cheerful attitude!
Donation: A $10 donation per class is encouraged, but not required! Donations will go to the Conejo Valley Botanical Garden. PayPal, card, cash, and check are all accepted.
Please contact Sammy Cowell (samueldavidcowell@gmail.com or 818-470-7098) if you are planning on attending!

Beginner Bird Class ?
2023-06-24 08:00 - 11:00 | Hill Canyon, Hill Canyon Rd, Camarillo, CA, 93012
Interested in learning more about birds, but unsure where/how to start? Join us over the course of three weekends as we go over the basics of birdwatching, become familiar with field guides and equipment, and learn about the local birds in the area! Suitable for all ages!
For Week 2, we will be heading to Hill Canyon along Santa Rosa Road. Some birds to become familiar with beforehand: California Quail, White-throated Swift, Ash-throated Flycatcher, House Wren, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Yellow-breasted Chat, Brown-headed Cowbird, Yellow Warbler.
What to bring: Binoculars (if you have them; if not, we can supply them!), field guides, and a cheerful attitude!
Donation: A $10 donation per class is encouraged, but not required! Donations will go to the Conejo Valley Botanical Garden. PayPal, cash, and check are all accepted.
Trip leader: Bonnie Clarfield-Bylin, 805-405-5632

Beginner Bird Class ?
2023-07-01 08:00 - 11:00 | Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Ave, Simi Valley, CA, 93065, United States
Interested in learning more about birds, but unsure where/how to start? Join us over the course of three weekends as we go over the basics of birdwatching, become familiar with field guides and equipment, and learn about the local birds in the area! Suitable for all ages!
What to bring: Binoculars (if you have them; if not, we can supply them!), field guides, and a cheerful attitude!
Donation: A $10 donation per class is encouraged, but not required! Donations will go to the Conejo Valley Botanical Garden. PayPal, card, cash, and check are all accepted.
Location: Our third class will be held at Rancho Simi Community Park. There, we will look at the duck pond and Arroyo Simi to become familiar with some basic waterfowl and wading birds. Meet at the parking lot off Royal Ave.
Please contact Matthew Page (southern.pacific.9735@gmail.com, or 805-990-6534) if you are planning on attending!

How to: eBird ??
2023-07-10 19:00 - 20:30 | CA
In this special, online event, you will learn the ins and outs, tips and tricks, do’s and don’ts of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird platform! Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced birder, eBird offers an interactive, data-driven platform to engage all levels! Learn how to explore a local area, report rarities, set up alerts, and much more!
Presenter: Sammy Cowell

Santa Clara River Estuary ?
2023-09-02 08:00 - 11:00 | Surfer’s Knoll, 1600 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA, 93001
The Santa Clara River Estuary (SCRE) is a great place to look for shorebirds during fall migration. Target species include Baird’s Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Red Knot, phalaropes, and more! Park at the Surfer’s Knoll parking lot of Spinnaker Dr. at 8 a.m. Trip leader – Dee Lyon (805) 427-0987

Bob Killdee Tams ?
2023-09-09 08:00 - 11:00 | Bob Kildee Community Park – Tamarisk Trees, 1051 Eston St., Camarillo, CA, 93010, United States
Migrating warblers need a place to stop and refuel during their long fall migrations, and the row of tamarisk trees at Bob Kildee Park provides ample food for these little songbirds! Just be prepared to be looking up into the trees a lot! Park along Eston St. or Curt Dr. at 8 a.m. Trip leader – John Mueller (818) 625-9584

Monthly Program - September 2023
2023-09-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, 439 Calle San Pablo, Camarillo, CA, 93012
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW TIME FOR THIS PROGRAM – 7:00pm
SEPTEMBER MONTHLY PROGRAM
MEMBER SHOW & TELL
Each September, our first meeting of the season is dedicated to the birding trips and adventures of our members, so you are invited to show off your recent, or not-so-recent photos.
Bring them on either thumb drive or other medium to WFVZ for the meeting, or for those who wish to share your photos via Zoom or need technical advice, please contact Don Klabunde for instructions and the link where you can upload your files. Then, as long as you have a microphone on your computer, you will be able to narrate your own show on Zoom during the meeting.
Whether or not you need advice, please let Don or Chrystal know if you plan to participate, so we can schedule your contribution.
In Person
Masks will be required, and the in person group will be limited to a maximum of thirty to allow for social distancing purposes, so please RSVP to the Programs Coordinator to reserve a seat.
Via Zoom
To attend this meeting, use this link (https://zoom.us/j/6155249106) at the meeting time.

Beginner Bird Walk - Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa
2023-09-13 08:00 - 09:30, 2023-10-11 08:00 - 09:30, 2023-11-08 08:00 - 09:30 | Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa, 4803 Lynn Rd, Newbury Park, CA, 91320
Conejo Valley Audubon invites birders of all experience levels to attend our monthly Beginner Bird Walks 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, which is accessible off 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 will teach the best techniques for locating and identifying them. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Contact walk leader Richard Armerding at (310) 701-3878 (texting is OK).

Sycamore Canyon ?️
2023-09-16 08:00 - 11:00 | Sycamore Canyon, 9000 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, California, 90265
The creek and sycamore trees at this aptly named campground provide great refuge for all sorts of migrating birds. Parking costs $9 for three hours, so carpooling is encouraged! Trip leader – Matthew Page (805) 990-6534

Matilija Forest ?
2023-09-23 08:00 - 11:00 | Matilija Dam Parking, 450 Matilija Canyon Rd., Ojai, CA, 93023
The cottonwood and willow forest upstream of Matilija Lake provide great habitat for mixed foraging flocks of migrating songbirds. The terrain is rugged; hiking sticks and water shoes/boots are encouraged! Park by Rattlesnake Canyon along Forest Route 5N13 (may be subject to change, depending on road conditions). Trip leader – Sammy Cowell (818) 470-7098

Laguna Road Tams ?
2023-09-30 08:00 - 11:00 | Laguna Road Tamarisk Trees, 3690 Laguna Rd., Oxnard, CA, 93033, United States
Like Bob Kildee, the row of tamarisks here along Laguna Road provide a great rest stop for migrating warblers and other songbirds! Parking is somewhat limited along this busy road, so carpooling is encouraged! Trip leader – Frank DeMartino

Monthly Program - October 2023
2023-10-02 19:00 - 20:30 | Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, 439 Calle San Pablo, Camarillo, CA, 93012
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW TIME FOR THIS PROGRAM – 7:00pm
OCTOBER MONTHLY PROGRAM
Friends of the California Condors Wild and Free
Presented by Debbie Parisi
California condors are a critically-endangered species. In the 1980s, there were as few as 22 birds remaining, but with breeding programs and government protections, the population has rebounded – growing to 561 as of December 2022. Condors live throughout the western United States and Baja, Mexico.
Debbie will review the history of the California condor and what led to its endangered status. She will also talk about the California Condor Recovery Program and how with its partners including the SB Zoo and USFWS, we are “Saving the California Condors.”
Debbie is a board member of the non-profit Friends of California Condors, Wild & Free. The organization supports the USFWS refuges that are home to the endangered California Condor. She has been a USFWS volunteer since 2008 working on the refuges as a CACO nest monitor and radio telemetry tracker in support of the California Condor Recovery program. She also completed the CA naturalist program and has a level 3 wildlife track and sign.
In Person
Masks will be required, and the in person group will be limited to a maximum of thirty to allow for social distancing purposes, so please RSVP to the Programs Coordinator to reserve a seat.
Via Zoom
To attend this meeting, use this link (https://zoom.us/j/6155249106) at the meeting time.

?Ventura Settling Ponds
2023-10-07 08:00 - 11:00 | Ventura Settling Ponds, 1400 Angler Ct., Ventura, CA, 93001, United States
The Ventura Settling Ponds are a great habitat to see both migrating warblers and most species of our over-wintering waterfowl. Potential warbler migrants include Nashville, MacGillivray’s, Black-throated Gray, and Townsend’s Warbler, with a good chance for a rare species or two! Meet outside the gates along Angler Court at 8 a.m. Trip leader – Tina Tan (909) 531-9544

?Oxnard Plains Sod Fields
2023-10-15 08:00 - 11:00 | Oxnard Plains Sod Fiels, Arnold Rd., Oxnard, CA, 93033, United States
The Oxnard plains are a great area for migrating shorebirds and open-habitat songbirds, particularly the sod fields. Likely target species include Baird’s and Pectoral Sandpiper, Black-bellied Plover, and Pacific Golden-Plover. Potential rarities include Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Mountain Plover, Red-throated Pipit, and longspur species! Meet at the parking lot at the end of Arnold Rd. at 8 a.m. Trip leader – Ryan Burnett (530) 258-6742

?Oxnard College
2023-10-21 08:00 - 11:00 | Oxnard College, 4000 S Rose Ave., Oxnard, CA, 93033, United States
The Oxnard College campus is a severely under-birded area of the county, with a potential for many interesting migrants and rarities! Past species of interest have included Swamp Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Pine Warbler, and Prairie Warbler, to name a few! Parking on campus is not allowed without a permit, so park along Bard Road and meet at the parking lot at 8 a.m. Afterward, we will head over to Mik’s Pizza for lunch! Trip leader – Sammy Cowell (818) 470-7098

?Birds and Bread
2023-10-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Mik’s Pizza, 1720 E Channel Islands Blvd, Oxnard, CA, 93033, United States
Join us for lunch at Mik’s Pizza following the field trip to Oxnard College!

?Lake Piru
2023-10-28 08:00 - 11:00 | Lake Piru, 4780 Piru Canyon Rd, Piru, CA, 93040
Join us as we look for late fall migrants, early wintering waterfowl, and of course, condors at Lake Piru! Meet at 8:00 am at the store/Condor Point, beyond the entrance. The entrance fee is $5 per car, (Normally it is $10, however the fee was reduced for this field trip, so be sure to tell them you are part of the CVAS birding group). Trip Leader – Peter Robertshaw (909) 771–9720.

✈️Pt. Mugu Naval Base
2023-11-03 08:00 - 11:00 | Pt. Mugu Naval Base, 10A Naval Air Rd., Port Hueneme, CA, 93041, United States
Open to current CVAS members only! The Navy must background check each attendee before attendance, so members will need to email fieldtrips@conejovalleyaudubon.org to get and complete the form before October 13th! Join us as we explore the amazing wetland habitat around Pt. Mugu. Target species include Brant, Black Skimmer, shorebird species, Vermillion Flycatcher, and more! Trip Leaders – Martin Ruane and David Pereksta. Email fieldtrips@conejovalleyaudubon.org for more information.

Monthly Program - November 2023
2023-11-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, 439 Calle San Pablo, Camarillo, CA, 93012
NOVEMBER MONTHLY PROGRAM
Climate Change
Presented by Don Price
Don Price is a professional engineer now retired from the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District. A graduate of Purdue University, he has over 30 years of experience in the control of air pollution. He has been involved in global climate change education since 2007 and has spoken to almost 10,000 people on the subject. He will discuss climate-related issues that are occurring now, climate science that indicates human involvement and how climate change will impact California. He’ll also talk about existing and future technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as actions that everyone can take to slow global climate change.
Questions are encouraged.
In Person
The in person group will be limited to a maximum of forty people, so please RSVP to the Programs Coordinator to reserve a seat.
Via Zoom
To attend this meeting, use this link (https://zoom.us/j/6155249106) at the meeting time.

?Mt. Pinos
2023-11-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Mt. Pinos, Cuddy Valley Rd., Frazier Park, CA, 93225, United States
Join us as we go into the mountains to find some alpine birds! We will carpool from the Janss Park & Ride at 7 am. Janss Park & Ride is located on the east side of the 23 freeway at the Janss Road Exit by the soccer fields. Alternately, meet at 9:00am at the Mt. Pinos Nordic Base parking lot at the end of Mount Pinos Road (GPS: Cuddy Valley Rd, Forest Rte 9N24, Frazier Park, CA 93225 – or – coordinates 34.8134, -119.1263). Please note that each vehicle that parks at the Mt. Pinos Nordic Base parking lot will need to display a valid adventure pass. Bundle warm! Target species include – Clark’s Nutcracker, Mountain Chickadee, Red Crossbill, Williamson’s Sapsucker, and Evening Grosbeak. Trip leader – Richard Aremerding (310)-701-3878.

?️ Arroyo Vista Community Park
2023-11-18 08:00 - 11:00 | Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark, CA, 93021, United States
Bordering the Arroyo Simi in Moorpark, this park provides a good mix of open space and shrubs for a variety of bird habitat. Meet at the end of the parking lot by the footbridge over the arroyo at 8 a.m. Target species include – Lark Sparrows, Red-breasted Nuthatch, wintering warblers and waterfowl. Afterwards, we will meet at the Country Harvest Cafe for brunch around 11:30 a.m. Trip leader – Sammy Cowell (818) 470-7098.

?Birds and Brunch
2023-11-18 11:30 - 13:00 | Country Harvest Restaurant, 252 Los Angeles Ave, Moorpark, CA, 93021, United States
Join us for brunch at Country Harvest Restaurant in Moorpark following the trip to Arroyo Vista Community Park!

?Sapwi Trails Community Park
2023-11-25 08:00 - 11:00 | Sapwi Trails Community Park, 2225 Westlake Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA, 91362, United States
Sapwi trails provides excellent habitat for overwintering sparrows and raptors. Meet at the Westlake Rd. parking lot at 8 a.m. Just be mindful of the flying discs! Target species include Golden-crowned Sparrows, sapsuckers, and raptor species. Trip leader – Steve and Karen Rusch (805) 208-1851

? Saticoy Settling Ponds
2023-12-02 07:00 - 09:00 | Saticoy Ponds, 3127 Los Angeles Ave, Oxnard, CA, 93036
We will be looking for waterfowl at the spreading ponds from 7 AM to 9 AM. All participants must have read the rules for United Water, signed the waiver, and emailed to birding@unitedwater.org. Please email field trips@conejovalleyaudubon.org by November 30th for waiver and rules. Trip leader: Sammy Cowell (818) 470-7098

Monthly Program - December 2023
2023-12-04 19:00 - 20:30 | Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, 439 Calle San Pablo, Camarillo, CA, 93012
DECEMBER MONTHLY PROGRAM
3D Birds Project
Presented by Russell Campbell
The oBird project is an effort by the Moore Lab of Zoology to digitize bird specimens and the morphological data they possess. Using a technique called photogrammetry, hundreds of photos of a specimen are combined to create a 3D digital model. These models improve public access to museum specimens and can be used by scientists for research purposes anywhere in the world. Currently there are two main objectives, to model a wide array of genera across all bird life and to model a selection of bird species in ultraviolet (UV) light to study the occurrence of UV reflectance in birds.
Russell Campbell is a recent graduate of Oregon State University and current research technician at the Moore Lab of Zoology in Occidental College. He’s passionate about wildlife in all forms and loves to share his interests with burgeoning biologists who want a career in the coolest field in the world!
In Person
The in person group will be limited to a maximum of forty people, so please RSVP to the Programs Coordinator to reserve a seat.
Via Zoom
To attend this meeting, use this link (https://zoom.us/j/6155249106) at the meeting time.
