Conejo Valley Audubon

King Gillette Ranch Field Trip
2022-04-23 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mullholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA, 91302
Meet at the parking area at 8 am. This park offers a wide variety of birds.
Leader TBA – check with Dee Lyon (805) 427-0987

Rancho Sierra Vista Field Trip
2022-04-16 08:00 - 11:00 | Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa, 4803 Lynn Rd, Newbury Park, CA, 91320
Meet at the parking area at 8 am. We’ll look for grassland birds.
Leader TBA – check with Dee Lyon (805) 427-0987

Sisar Canyon Field Trip
2022-04-09 08:00 - 11:00 | Sisar Canyon, 12799 Sisar Canyon Rd, Ojai, CA, 93023
Meet at the two water towers at 8 am. We’ll walk up to the creek, looking for migrating warblers.
Leader is Sammy Cowell (818) 470-7098

Monthly Program - April 2022
2022-04-04 19:30 - 21:00 | CVAS Monthly Program Zoom Meeting
BIRD MIGRATION IN THE SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS
With Dr. Ryan Terrill
Dr. Ryan Terrill
Bear Divide is a narrow pass in the San Gabriel Mountains, just outside of Los Angeles, that is home to spectacular dawn flights of migrating birds in the spring. With thousands of migrants funneling through such a narrow corridor, this is a unique biological phenomenon. In 2021, the Moore Lab of Zoology at Occidental College began a regular count to quantify the numbers and identities of birds migrating through Bear Divide. Join Dr. Ryan Terrill to learn about the status of spring migration across the Divide, and how you can help.
Currently working at the Moore Lab of Zoology at Occidental College, Dr. Terrill received his B.S. from UC Santa Cruz and his PhD from Louisiana State University. He has studied the evolution of bird molt, an incredible adaptation that allows birds to drop and regrow worn feathers each year, and as the lead on the Mexican Bird Resurvey Project, he used big biodiversity data and genomic tools to understand how a century of human-caused change has impacted bird communities. Dr. Terrill is one of the top experts on local birds and serves on the California Bird Records Committee, the group which compiles the state bird list and rules on new records.
To attend this meeting, use this link: https://zoom.us/j/6155249106

Soule Park Field Trip
2022-04-02 08:00 - 11:00 | Soule Park, Soule Park Dr., Ojai, CA, 93023
Meet in the parking lot at 8 am. We’ll look for woodpeckers, riparian birds, and raptors.
Leader TBA – check with Dee Lyon – (805) 427-0987

Wind Wolves Preserve Field Trip
2022-03-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Wind Wolves Preserve, 16019 CA-166, Bakersfield, CA, 93311
Wind Wolves Preserve
Meet at 9:00 am at the parking lot. It’s a 2 hour drive to get there in the south end of the San Joaquin Valley. We will walk in this beautiful preserve looking for elk, wood-land birds and spring migrants.
Leader is Dee Lyon (805) 427-0987.

Lake Piru Field Trip
2022-03-19 08:00 - 11:00 | Lake Piru, 4780 Piru Canyon Rd, Piru, CA, 93040
At the entrance to Lake Piru, tell the attendant that you are with the Conejo Valley Audubon Society group, and you will receive a discounted admission rate of $5 per vehicle. After entering the park, take the first road on the right that leads down to the docks and then head up the hill on the left towards the store at Condor Point to meet the leader at 8:00 am.
Bring water, snacks, binoculars, and a scope if you have one. There are restrooms in the park. The last time this trip was offered we saw 70+ species, including California Condors and Bald Eagles, as well as orioles and other spring arrivals.
Leader is Pete Robertshaw (909) 771-9720.

Rustic Canyon/Happy Camp Field Trip
2022-03-13 08:00 - 11:00 | Rustic Canyon, Campus Park Rd., Moorpark, CA, 93021
Meet at 8:00 am at the parking area under the Eucalyptus trees east of the golf course parking lot. Bring water! We will look for migrants, sparrows, hawks and field birds.
Leader is Don Klabunde (805) 522-8023

Monthly Program - March 2022
2022-03-07 19:30 - 21:00 | CVAS Monthly Program Zoom Meeting
CREATING AN EVOLVING BACKYARD HABITAT
With Don and Chrystal Klabunde
Over the past 35 years, the Klabunde’s have worked to create a comfortably natural environment in their half acre of rocky clay hillside in Simi Valley. Many bird, mammal and reptile species, visit them regularly to shelter, nest, and feed. To enhance the productivity of this backyard habitat, they’ve gravitated toward more and more native plants from Douglas Irises to a magnificent Valley Oak. On March 7th, they’ll talk about what has grown successfully and what hasn’t, and they’ll share pictures of the birds that inhabit their yard now, including the ones that have come to nest there.
Don and Chrystal Klabunde are retired physicist and animator respectively. They are long-time active members of CVAS, both serving on the board.
To attend this meeting, use this link: https://zoom.us/j/6155249106

Arroyo Verde Park Field Trip
2022-03-05 08:30 - 11:00 | Arroyo Verde Park, Arroyo Verde Park Rd., Ventura, CA, 93003
Meet at 8:30 am at the back parking lot by the baseball fields. Bring water. We will look for woodpeckers, early migrants and woodland birds.
Leader is Linda Easter (818) 519-2833 .

Lake Sherwood Field Trip
2022-02-26 08:30 - 11:00 | Lake Sherwood, 2201 Stafford Rd., Westlake Village, CA, 91361
Meet at 8:30 am. Enter on Stafford Rd. off of Potrero Rd. We will see lots of great water birds and oak woodland denizens.
Leader is Mary Hansen. Call her at (805) 390-4586 to get your name onto the list to get in through the gate.

Monthly Program - February 2022
2022-02-07 19:30 - 21:00 | CVAS Monthly Program Zoom Meeting
NESTING IN THE CITY
With Daniel S. Cooper PhD
Dan Cooper
Bird populations, particularly in urban areas, are in constant flux, with some species adapting and thriving, and others declining. Daniel S. Cooper Ph.D. will describe two studies he recently conducted as part of his dissertation for his Ph.D. from UCLA (Biology, 2020). First, he examined patterns of urban tolerance in nesting raptors of the upper Malibu Creek watershed along the Ventura-Los Angeles county border between Thousand Oaks and Calabasas. Here he found major changes in the distribution of nesting raptors since earlier surveys were conducted in the 1970s and 80s, with certain species becoming very urban-tolerant, and others not. He also investigated the role of ecological and behavioral traits that maybe accounting for distributional shifts in more than 50 species of nesting birds in the Los Angeles area, using two datasets separated by over 20 years. He will discuss trends in species distribution and abundance, explore traits that appear to confer success in urban areas, and offer predictions as to which species – or types of species – will continue to thrive in urban and urbanizing Southern California. He will also discuss species that declined during this time period, and offer suggestions for their conservation.
Daniel S. Cooper is a lifelong resident of Southern California, and is regarded as an expert on the birds of the region. Through research and independent consulting, he has spent more than 20 years conducting surveys and analyzing bird populations from the deserts to the coast, including rare and protected species such as the California Gnatcatcher and the coastal Cactus Wren. Dan has served on many environmental advisory boards and committees, including most recently on the Oak Park – Park and Recreation Planning Committee. Since 2012, he and his family have made their home in Oak Park, where he enjoys the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, even if his two kids don’t.
To attend this meeting, use this link: https://zoom.us/j/6155249106

Briar’s Bluff Field Trip - CANCELED
2022-01-29 08:00 - 11:00 | Briar Bluff (CLU), 200 Bainbridge Ct, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360, United States
**** CANCELED – Due to COVID/Omicron Surge ****
Briar’s Bluff behind California Lutheran University (a change from initial schedule).
Meet at 8 am at the north end of Mountclef Blvd. We will look for the CA Gnatcatchers, Cactus Wrens, sparrows and other grassland birds.
Leader is Dennis Allen.

Point Mugu Navy Base Field Trip - CANCELED
2022-01-21 08:00 - 11:00 | CA
*** Unfortunately, we have had to cancel this field trip. We will try to reschedule it later in the year. ***
This field trip is open only to current members of Conejo Valley Audubon Society. The Navy says they will be ready for us this time.
Text Dee Lyon at (805)427-0987 for the forms which must be in by three weeks prior to the trip. That’s January 1st!
We saw close to 70 species in November.

California State University Channel Islands Field Trip - CANCELED
2022-01-16 08:00 - 11:00 | CSUCI, 1 University Dr., Camarillo, CA, 93012, United States
**** CANCELED – Due to COVID/Omicron Surge ****
We will look for flycatchers, grassland birds and any unusual birds found on the Christmas Bird Count.
Contact leader, Bonnie Clarfield-Bylin (805-405-5632), for time and information on parking.

Beginner Bird Walk - Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa - CANCELED
2022-01-12 08:00 - 09:30 | Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa, 4803 Lynn Rd, Newbury Park, CA, 91320
**** CANCELED – Due to COVID/Omicron Surge ****
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).

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 | 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 | CA
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 | 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 | CA
(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 | CA
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
