Conejo Valley Audubon

Salton Sea Field Trip
2022-01-08 - 2022-01-09 | Salton Sea, Brawley, CA, 92227, United States
Register for the trip by emailing the leader, Pete Robertshaw, at PeterRobertshaw@verizon.net to receive the details of where and when to meet. Please make your own hotel reservation in Brawley. Pete recommends the Brawley Inn, but there are other options. You will need to fill out a liability waiver.
We will start early Saturday afternoon, near the north end of the Salton Sea, then bird down the west side of the lake to Unit 1. We’ll spend the night in Brawley, bird a little around the town ear-ly on Sunday and then work our way north on the east side of the lake, stopping at a few hotspots before heading home Sunday afternoon. Please note that the trip will require a limited amount of driving on unpaved roads.
Target birds: thousands of Snow and Ross’s Geese, Sandhill Cranes, lots of ducks and waders, rails, raptors, Burrowing Owls, and desert species like Gambel’s Quail, Abert’s Towhee, doves, Gila and Ladder-Backed Woodpeckers, and Vermilion Flycatcher.

Monthly Program - January 2022
2022-01-03 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CVAS Monthly Program Zoom Meeting
A GUIDED TOUR OF PANAMA’S COLORFUL BIRDS
Guido Berguido
In Panama, where there is an amazing variety of environments within a small space. From marshes to dry scrub to rainforests to foothills and all the way up to mountainous cloud forests over 3,000 feet high, brightly colored resident birds share their home with thousands of migrants from distant latitudes. In this month’s presentation you will not only learn about those amazing colorful birds and ecosystems, but importantly about how birding in Panama will support a local group’s efforts to preserve them.
A native of Panama City, our guide, Guido Berguido, describes himself as a biologist by training, a tour leader by accident, and a conservationist at heart. He was instrumental in founding the 1,500-acre Cerro Chucantí Private Natural Reserve and the ADOPTA Rainforest Association. He has earned degrees in Environmental Biology, Tourism Administration, and even an MBA. And for more than 25 years he has been steeped in the rich avifauna and ecosystems of Panama.
To attend this meeting, use this link: https://zoom.us/j/6155249106

Arroyo Simi Field Trip
2022-01-02 08:00 - 11:00 | Arroyo Simi (Madera), 20 E Easy St, Simi Valley, CA, 93065, United States
Arroyo Simi has a great assortment of shorebirds, ducks, herons and gulls. It is easily accessed via a level bike path that runs from Madera Street to First Street and on through most of Simi Valley. We will walk slowly along the mostly natural bottomed channel scanning for birds and taking our time to better learn identification skills. Expected species include Green Heron, Black-necked Stilt, Belted Kingfisher, and White-faced Ibis. Possible birds include Hooded Merganser and Blue-winged Teal. Meet at the entrance to the bike path at Easy Street in Simi Valley, just east of Madera Road.
Please register in advance by contacting walk leader Don Klabunde at (805) 522-8023.

Chesebro Canyon
2021-12-27 08:00 - 11:00 | Chesebro Canyon, 5792 Chesebro Rd, Agoura Hills, CA, 91301
Meet at 8:00 am in the parking lot. Always great for woodpeckers.
Leader to be arranged, check with Dee, (805) 427-0987.

Christmas Bird Count 2021
2021-12-19
Please join us for the National Audubon Society’s 121st annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Sunday December 19, 2021, and help cover the Conejo Valley Audubon Society’s “Thousand Oaks” CBC circle.
See this page for more details

Paramount Ranch
2021-12-11 08:00 - 11:00 | Paramount Ranch, 2903 Cornell Rd., Agoura Hills, CA, 91301
Meet at 8:00 am, in the parking lot. Great birds in the oak trees.
Leader to be arranged, check with Dee Lyon, (805) 427-0987.

Beginner Bird Walk - Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa
2021-12-08 08:00 - 09:30, 2021-11-10 08:00 - 09:30, 2021-10-13 08:00 - 09:30, 2021-09-08 08:00 - 09:30, 2021-08-11 08:00 - 09:30, 2021-07-14 08:00 - 09:30, 2021-06-09 08:00 - 09:30, 2021-05-12 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).

Monthly Program - December 2021
2021-12-06 19:30 - 21:00 | CVAS Monthly Program Zoom Meeting
THE BIRDS NEED OUR HELP!
Population declines have hit many of our favorite birds, and it’s time we talk about how we can help them out. Join our President, Frank DeMartino, who will take a closer look at Cornell’s Seven Simple Actions as well as some other local organizations and projects that are helping restore lost habitat. He’ll talk about turning your yard into a Certified Wildlife Habitat and how native plants can help turn the tide for our feathered friends.
Frank is an avid birdwatcher whose passion for birds has led him to serve on the board of both Ventura Audubon Society and Conejo Valley Audubon Society where he is currently President. He even opened a Wild Birds Unlimited store in Ventura in 2017.
To attend this meeting, use this link: https://zoom.us/j/6155249106

Rustic Canyon
2021-12-05 08:00 - 11:00
(CHANGE FROM ORIGINAL SCHEDULE) Meet at the gate at 8:00 am. We will walk along the path, looking for birds who like the edge of the golf course.
Leader is Dee Lyon, (805) 427-0987.

Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa
2021-11-27 08:00 - 11:00 | Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa, 4803 Lynn Rd, Newbury Park, CA, 91320
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. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Walk leader Richard Armerding (310) 701-3878 (texting is OK).

Conejo Valley Botanic Gardens
2021-11-21 08:00 - 11:00 | Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, 400 W. Gainsborough Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360
We will see lots of passerines.
This 41-acre property, adjacent to Conejo Community Park, was first acquired in 1973. In 1976, the first areas of the Botanic Garden began to emerge. Since then, dedicated community volunteers, donors, and sponsors have continued to nurture this growing garden oasis, adding a popular children’s garden in March of 2003.
Enter on Jeaunine Dr, off of Gainsborough Rd and park near the Kids Adventure Garden.
Trip Leader: David Person 805-469-6806

Saticoy Ponds
2021-11-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Saticoy Ponds, 3127 Los Angeles Ave, Oxnard, CA, 93036
New young proficient birder, Ava Molnar, will lead our trip to Saticoy Ponds.
We will meet at 9 am at the gate where we will have the code and will need to have our waivers filled out and ready. See waiver on our website. Lots of water birds, some shore birds and passerines.
Trip leader: Ava Molnar 805-427-0987

Monthly Program - November 2021
2021-11-01 19:30 - 21:00
WILDLIFE CROSSING AT LIBERTY CANYON
Beth Pratt, California Regional Executive Director of the National Wildlife Federation, leader of the #SaveLACougars Campaign, and the author of When Mountain Lions Are Neighbors: People and Wildlife Working It Out in California, will speak to us on November 1st about this month’s conservation topic.
To attend this meeting, use this link: https://zoom.us/j/6155249106

Ventura Settling Ponds
2021-10-31 08:00 - 11:00 | Ventura Settling Ponds, 1400 Angler Ct., Ventura, CA, 93001, United States
Meet at the gate at 8 am.
We will look for water birds and warblers. Bring masks and water.
Leader is Frank de Martino (856) 906-8733

Bob Kildee Community Park Tams
2021-10-24 08:00 - 10:00 | Bob Kildee Community Park – Tamarisk Trees, 1051 Eston St., Camarillo, CA, 93010, United States
We will visit the renowned tamarisk trees along the east edge of Bob Kildee Community Park. Previous October visits have yielded views of Black-and-White, Tenessee, Orange-crowned, Lucy’s, Nashville, MacGillivray’s, Magnolia, Bay-breasted, Blackburnian, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Blackpoll, Palm, Yellow-rumped, Prairie, Black-throated Gray, Townsend’s, Hermit, and Wilson’s Warblers. We might also encounter Downy Woodpecker,
Western Wood-Pewee, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red- and White-breasted Nuthatch, Cedar Waxwing, and Western Meadowlark. Meet at the southeast corner of the tennis courts (along Eston Street).
Bring a mask and water.
Trip leader: Linda Easter (818) 519-2833

Hill Canyon
2021-10-16 08:00 - 11:00 | Hill Canyon, Hill Canyon Rd, Camarillo, CA, 93012
Meet at Hill Canyon Park at 8 am.
We will look for White-throated Swifts, sparrows and oak woodland birds. Bring masks and water.
Leader is Bonnie Clarfield Bylin (805) 405-5632

Canada Larga
2021-10-10 08:00 - 11:00 | Canada Larga Road, 180 Canada Larga Rd, Ventura, CA, 93001
Meet at the start of Cañada Larga Road at 8 am.
We will look for sparrows, sapsuckers, raptors and other various field birds. This is car birding with several stops. Bring masks and water.
Leader is Dee Lyon, (805) 427-0987.

Monthly Program - October 2021
2021-10-04 19:30 - 21:00
THE WONDERFUL LIFE OF A DYING TREE
A dead tree needlessly cut down and hauled away is a tree deprived of half its life value and commendable destiny. Gillian Martin’s presentation unveils the habitat value of dead trees. She persuasively illustrates their contribution to the health and sustainability of forests, yes, even the urban forest. Attendees will learn what to consider when selecting and converting a hazardous tree as a habitat tree. They will forever view a dead tree with greater interest and appreciation.
As a passionate bird advocate, naturalist, public speaker and writer, Gillian Martin has invested the last 20 years advocating for birds. One of her earliest missions was to establish the Cavity Conservation Initiative to encourage the safe retention of dead trees as habitat. She is also the cofounder of Tree Care for Birds and other Wildlife Program of the Western Chapter International Society of Arboriculture. Her articles have been published in numerous professional journals and newsletters.
To attend this meeting, use this link: https://zoom.us/j/6155249106

Camino Real Park
2021-09-26 08:00 - 17:00 | Camino Real Park, 4298 Dean Dr., Ventura, CA, 93003
Hopefully some vagrant warblers will appear as well as the usual cast of characters.

Trip Leader is Dee Lyon
Please bring water, a snack, bug repellant and a jacket. YOU MUST WEAR A MASK! RAIN CANCELS
Everyone is welcome to attend any Conejo Valley Audubon field trip, but Conejo Valley Audubon assumes no responsibility for injuries, personal or otherwise, incurred while attending a CVAS sponsored activity and in order to attend, all attendees agree that CVAS is not liable for such accidents. Everyone attends at their own risk.

Mugu Lagoon and Sycamore Canyon
2021-09-18 08:00 - 11:00 | Mugu Lagoon Turnout, 5735 CA-1, Oxnard, California, 93033
Meet at the big lagoon turnout on PCH. There should be water birds, ducks and raptors. Then to lower Sycamore Canyon, famous for vagrants, warblers and raptors.
Photo by Don Klabunde

California Thrasher
Trip Leader: Matthew Page
Please bring water, a snack, bug repellant and a jacket. YOU MUST WEAR A MASK! RAIN CANCELS
Everyone is welcome to attend any Conejo Valley Audubon field trip, but Conejo Valley Audubon assumes no responsibility for injuries, personal or otherwise, incurred while attending a CVAS sponsored activity and in order to attend, all attendees agree that CVAS is not liable for such accidents. Everyone attends at their own risk.

Monthly Program - September 2021
2021-09-13 19:30 - 21:00
Each September, our first meeting of the season is dedicated to the birding trips and adventures of our members, so you are invited to submit your recent, or not-so-recent photos. As has become our habit, this year’s Show & Tell will be again conducted over Zoom. Those of you who wish to share your photos, please contact Don Klabunde for instructions and the link where you can upload your files. You will be able to narrate your show during the Zoom meeting.
To attend this meeting, use this link: https://zoom.us/j/6155249106

Laguna Tams
2021-09-12 08:00 - 10:00 | Laguna Road Tamarisk Trees, 3690 Laguna Rd., Oxnard, CA, 93033, United States
We will visit the renowned tamarisk trees along Laguna Road in the Oxnard Plain. Previous October visits have yielded views of Black-and-White, Tenessee, Orange-crowned, Lucy’s, Nashville, MacGillivray’s, Magnolia, Bay-breasted, Blackburnian, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Blackpoll, Palm, Yellow-rumped, Prairie, Black-throated Gray, Townsend’s, Hermit, and Wilson’s Warblers. We might also encounter Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and White-breasted Nuthatch. Meet on Laguna Road, about a quarter mile east of Pleasant Valley Road.
Trip Leader: Frank DeMartino
Please bring water, a snack, bug repellant and a jacket. YOU MUST WEAR A MASK! RAIN CANCELS
Everyone is welcome to attend any Conejo Valley Audubon field trip, but Conejo Valley Audubon assumes no responsibility for injuries, personal or otherwise, incurred while attending a CVAS sponsored activity and in order to attend, all attendees agree that CVAS is not liable for such accidents. Everyone attends at their own risk.

Santa Clara River Estuary
2021-09-04 08:00 - 11:00 | Surfer’s Knoll, 1600 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA, 93001
The Santa Clara River Estuary produces some of the most diverse observations of ducks, sandpipers, terns, gulls, plovers and other shorebirds in the county. We’ll meet at Surfer’s Knoll at 9 am and walk down to the estuary after peeking over the fence into the Ventura Settling Ponds. The estuary should be a great place to see Elegant, Forster’s and Caspian Terns, Brown Pelicans, Western, California, and Ring-billed Gulls, Ruddy Ducks, Whimbrels, Long-billed Curlews, American Avocets, and Western & Least Sandpipers. We may even spot a Peregrine Falcon.

Directions: from the 101 freeway, exit Seaward Ave. and proceed south to Harbor Blvd. Turn left and continue to Spinnaker Dr., turning right to enter the harbor area. Drive past the Surfer’s Knoll parking area on the left and make a U-turn to double back and enter the parking lot.
Walk leader: Kay Regester.
Please bring water, a snack, bug repellant and a jacket. YOU MUST WEAR A MASK! RAIN CANCELS
Everyone is welcome to attend any Conejo Valley Audubon field trip, but Conejo Valley Audubon assumes no responsibility for injuries, personal or otherwise, incurred while attending a CVAS sponsored activity and in order to attend, all attendees agree that CVAS is not liable for such accidents. Everyone attends at their own risk.
