Activities

** We have recently experienced some web related technical difficulties. If you have RSVP'd for a walk or event and you did not receive an email acknowledgement within 3 days, your email has not been received! Please contact Stephanie Ellis, Outreach and Programs Coordinator at 408-946-6548 x12 for assistance. ***

Science of Birds!

"Science of Birds" is a walk series highlighting conservation science. Learn about current research and fieldwork from Bird Observatory biologists and do a little birding on the way! Each walk will focus on a specific Bird Observatory project in the salt ponds, parks, or open spaces of the Bay. More "Science of Birds" walks are coming soon.

Sat. May 10, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. *** This demo is full as of 5/5/08 ***
Sat. June 14, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Sat. July 12, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
RSVP
A Bird in the Hand
Site: Coyote Creek Field Station (Milpitas)
Visit the Bird Observatory's field station and experience conservation science in action. Tour mist nets, watch a bird banding demonstration, and explore a restored riparian habitat. Meet at the Borders bookstore parking lot in McCarthy Ranch, Milpitas. Please include a contact phone number in your RSVP. In the event of rain, the tour is cancelled. Maximum 20 participants. This trip is free to members of the Observatory. A fee of $10 is requested for non-members.

Sat. May 10, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Vasona Park Salute to Great Blue Herons!
Site: Vasona Lake County Park (Los Gatos)
The Bird Observatory has been closely monitoring several colonies of Great Blue Herons in the south and east bay since 1981. Come bask in the springtime sun with this fantastic Great Blue Heron colony and their chicks. Bird Observatory staff will share information about our colonial waterbird research in the bay and about the biology and behavior of Great Blue Herons. There will be an informational display, and volunteers will be on hand with their scopes so that you can get a closer look at these beautiful birds. Look for us near the parking lot just across Los Gatos Creek if coming from the main park entrance. Please visit okaponds.com for updates. No RSVP is necessary. This activity is FREE. Please email Outreach@sfbbo.org if you need directions.

Sat. July 19, 8:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
RSVP
Birding Bear Creek Redwoods
Site: Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Avoid the "summer doldrums" in this permit-only preserve less than 15 minutes from downtown Los Gatos. Bear Creek Redwoods is a gem in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Join Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District docents Jan Hintermeister and Kay Partelow and Big Basin Redwoods State Park docent Karen DeMello for an exploration of this beautiful site. This 2-1/2 mile walk begins with history as we pass by the remnants of Alma College, a former Jesuit Seminary. We'll then look for butterflies in the meadows, dragonflies at the ponds, and (of course) birds along the way. Please carpool if possible; the parking area is small. Note that there are no bathroom facilities (though lots of trees). Since we will be behind a locked gate, we will need to stay together as a group. Please RSVP for meeting location and directions. Maximum participants 15. This trip is free to members of the Observatory. A fee of $10 is requested for non-members.

A Special Series

Thurs. May 15, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
RSVP
The Reproductive Lives of Birds
Site: Sobrato Center for Nonprofits (Milpitas)
Spring is here…this is the perfect time to learn about the birds and the bees! Join me, Outreach Specialist Stephanie Ellis for this special lecture. We will cover the basics of avian reproduction including reproductive anatomy, copulation, egg production, incubation and types of development in different species. We will discuss parental care and learn tips to help you identify young birds.

This lecture is free to members of the Observatory. A fee of $10 is requested for non-members.

Wed. June 11, 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (Lecture)
Thurs. June 12, 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (Bat demo)
RSVP
Bats of the Bay Area
SITE: Sobrato Center for Nonprofits, Milpitas (Lecture)
SITE: Coyote Creek Field Station, Milpitas (Demo)
Join renowned bat expert Dave Johnston for an evening lecture and slide presentation on “Bats of the Bay Area”. Dave will talk about the biology and behavior of our local bat species. Dave will also discuss some of his recent bat research in the area. This lecture will take place from 7:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. at the Sobrato Center for nonprofits in Milpitas on June 11th. On Thursday, June 12th join Dave and Bird Observatory staff and volunteers to capture and release bats at the Coyote Creek Field Station from 7:00 to 12:00 p.m. (Yes! Midnight.) All ages welcome. Field trip limited to 20 persons. RSVP required.

This special 2 part series is $30 for members of the Bird Observatory and $35 for non-members. (For a contribution of $40 you can become a Bird Observatory member!)

Carpooling

We've started a mail list group to make carpooling easier. Join the group by going to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BirdObsCarpool/.

Once you join, you can send and receive messages to coordinate carpools to Bird Observatory events. Title your messages "Offer Ride" or "Need Ride" with the location and date of the event. In the message body, include the approximate location of where you'll be coming from. Others who read your message can contact you to arrange a carpool.