Conejo Valley Audubon

Monthly Program - November 2023
2023-11-06 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

✈️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.

?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.

?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!

?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

?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

Beginner Bird Walk - Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa
2023-10-11 08:00 - 09:30, 2023-09-13 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).

?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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Beginner Bird Walk - Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa
2023-07-12 08:00 - 09:30, 2023-06-14 08:00 - 09:30, 2023-05-10 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).

How to: eBird ??
2023-07-10 19:00 - 20:30
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

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!

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 ?
2023-06-17 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!

Owling at Palo Camado Canyon ?
2023-06-10 20:00 - 21:30 | 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.

Birds and Burritos ?
2023-06-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Margarita’s Mexican Grill, 702 Lindero Canyon Rd, Oak Park, CA, 91377, United States
Join us at 6:30 p.m. at Margaritas Mexican Grill for some delicious food and socializing before our evening field trip! Please text or call Sammy Cowell (818) 470-7098 if you plan on coming.

Santa Clara River (SCR) Estuary
2023-05-27 08:00 - 11:00 | Surfer’s Knoll, 1600 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA, 93001
Meet at Surfer’s Knoll parking lot. We will walk along the beach looking at shorebirds and gulls, specifically the nesting California Least Terns and Western Snowy Plovers! Trip leader: Marc Better (510) 919-5283

Mt. Pinos Field Trip
2023-05-20 07:00 - 15:00 | Janss Road Park and Ride, 1336 E. Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91362, United States
Head to higher elevations and hopefully see some mountain birds (Mountain Chickadees, Clark’s Nutcrackers, White-headed Woodpecker, Brown Creeper). Bring a day pack with food, water and clothing layers; weather is unpredictable.

Note: As of April 22nd, the road to Mt. Pinos was open. A sign by the road said tire chains were required, but this was not being enforced. Unless we get more snow before the date of this field trip, the road should be clear of ice and snow. Check nordicbase.org or http://www.frazmtn.com/fmcoc/snowcond.htm for road conditions.
Leader is Richard Armerding (call or text: 310-701-3878).
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. On a recent Saturday, a ranger was ticketing cars without passes. An Adventure Pass may be purchased locally at Big 5 Sporting Goods. Or you can stop at the 7-11 in Castaic and purchase one.

Ventura River Estuary and Emma Wood State Beach
2023-05-13 08:00 - 11:00 | Ventura River Estuary, Shoreline Dr., Ventura, CA, 93001
We will explore the Ventura River Estuary for any migrating shorebirds and gulls. Then, we will explore Emma Woods State Beach shoreline and forest. Park along Shoreline Drive at Surfer’s Point Park. From there, we will walk west along the bike path toward the estuary. Bring shoes or boots that you don’t mind getting wet if we need to cross the estuary! *Update* Trip leader Max Breshears (805) 218-0979.

Birds and Burgers
2023-05-06 20:00 - 21:30 | Hozy’s Grill, 1760 Lemonwood Dr, Santa Paula, CA, 93060
If you can’t make the field trip, but still want to hang out with your fellow bird nerds, come join us each month for food and drinks! This month, we will be going to Hozy’s Grill in Santa Paula at 8:15 p.m.

Two Rivers Park
2023-05-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Two Rivers Park, River St., Fillmore, CA, 93015
Meet at Two Rivers Park of River St. in Fillmore for some evening birding. We will walk around the park at dusk and look at the ponds; specifically, we will be looking for Lesser Nighthawks! Afterwards, meet at Hozy’s Grill around 8 p.m. in Santa Paula for some food and drinks! Trip leader Tina Tan. (909) 531-9544
