WINGBEAT!

California Fall Challenge
September 16 - October 15, 2006

Support conservation science in the Bay Area by going for a big day of birding! California Fall Challenge is the Bird Observatory's annual bird-a-thon fundraiser. Big changes are planned for the Bird Observatory and your contributions will help make them happen! More information available at www.sfbbo.org/cfc	photo by Bill Hepburn
	Bird Observatory birders in top form

Bird Observatory Events

"Birding the Bay Trail" at Lake Merritt with Lisa Myers, Sept. 9, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 
Join “Let’s Go Birding” guide and Bird Observatory Board member Lisa Myers on a bird walk at Lake Merritt as migrants return to the Bay Area. Beginners encouraged to attend! RSVP to jchow@sfbbo.org.

Fall Challenge Workshop, Sept. 12 or 19, 7 - 8 p.m.
New to bird-a-thons and need an introduction? Want some fundraising tips for the California Fall Challenge bird-a-thon?  Bird-a-thon pro Bonnie Bedford-White will give you a whole packet on information with all you'll ever need to know about bird-a-thons.  RSVP to jchow@sfbbo.org or 408 946 6548. Workshops held at the Bird Observatory offices.

New Volunteer Orientation, Sept. 27, 7 - 8 p.m.
Interested in volunteering for the Bird Observatory? Come to our New Volunteer Orientation to hear about all the opportunities available in the field, at the office, and out at events. You'll also fill out an application and have a chance to ask questions. RSVP to jchow@sfbbo.org or 408 946 6548. Orientation held at the Bird Observatory offices.

Don't forget to support the Bird Observatory by participating in our California Fall Challenge Bird-a-thon from Sept. 16 - Oct. 15! Register Now!

Annual Meeting and 25th Anniversary Party, Oct. 29, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The Bird Observatory invites you to join us in celebrating 25 years of critical avian research in the Bay Area. More information here.

Volunteer!
Build and maintain vital structures needed for fieldwork and local habitats

Volunteer Joelle Buffa at CCFS	The Bird Observatory needs your help to maintain the Coyote Creek Field Station and build water control structures for Snowy Plover habitat! These volunteer opportunities will involve manual work outdoors, and all for a good cause. Click on the links above for more details and how to sign up.
Dates for these projects are:  Sept. 23, 9 a.m. -12 p.m. and Sept. 24, 1 - 4 p.m. (CCFS) Dec. 2, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and Dec. 3, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (CCFS) 1 - 2 days dependent on volunteers' schedules (Snowy Plover habitat)

The capture of 35 Western Flycatchers (Pacific-slope) and 4 Yellow Warblers marked the initiation of fall migration. Western Flycatchers are divided into Pacific-slope and Cordilleran Flycatchers. Pacific-slope Flycatchers, aptly named, breed along the Pacific Coast from Southern California up through British Columbia. Cordilleran Flycatchers breed mostly in New Mexico and Arizona up through Alberta. Visually, these two species are difficult to differentiate, although vocalizations may be useful on breeding grounds within the segregated breeding ranges. Read more...

News on the Fly
Canning Sardines? Nope, Packing Boxes of Data, Books, and Office Supplies!

Thanks to the Sobrato Foundation, the Bird Observatory has found a new temporary home in Milpitas and will be moving in late November/early December. We will need help organizing and packing, so here's your chance to put your organizational skills to work...or get rid of old boxes that are piling up at home.	Good-bye, Bayside Canning Co!
Please contact Outreach Specialist Juliana Chow at jchow@sfbbo.org or call 408 946 6548 if you would like to be contacted to be part of our "packing crew" or if you would like to donate boxes.