Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
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Field Trip to River West Madera 8:00 am
Field Trip to River West Madera @ River West Madera
Dec 4 @ 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Field Trip to River West Madera @ River West Madera
Field Trip to River West Madera Wednesday December 4, 2024 REGISTRATION Link    All participants must agree to the FAS Liability Waiver Form when they register. Use the QR code below or the form can also be found here River West Madera December 4, 2024 ...
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Saturday Field Trip – Merced Grasslands & Merced NWR 6:45 am
Saturday Field Trip – Merced Grasslands & Merced NWR
Dec 7 @ 6:45 am – 5:45 pm
Saturday Field Trip - Merced Grasslands & Merced NWR
Saturday Field Trip – Merced Grasslands & Merced NWR Registration required for all FAS field trips. All participants must agree to the FAS Liability Waiver Form when they register. Use the QR code below or the form can also be found here Registration for this...
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Merced Wildlife Refuge  (off Sandy Mush Rd) Location Change 10:00 am
Merced Wildlife Refuge  (off Sandy Mush Rd) Location Change @ Merced Wildlife Refuge
Dec 11 @ 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
Merced Wildlife Refuge  (off Sandy Mush Rd) Location Change @ Merced Wildlife Refuge
Audubon Field Trip to Merced Wildlife Refuge Location changed from Eastman OR Hensley (TBD) due to lack of birds in this location. All participants must agree to the FAS Liability Waiver Form when they register. Use the QR code below or the form can also...
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Lost Lake Christmas Bird Count 2024
Lost Lake Christmas Bird Count 2024
Dec 14 all-day
Lost Lake Christmas Bird Count 2024
Lost Lake Christmas Bird Count Details Subject to Change.   On Saturday, December 14, 2024, Fresno Audubon will be hosting the annual Lost Lake Christmas Bird Count, which covers sections of both Fresno and Madera Counties. Participants will be assigned to particular sections, and will...
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Field Trip to River West Open Space 8:00 am
Field Trip to River West Open Space @ River West Open Space
Dec 28 @ 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Field Trip to River West Open Space @ River West Open Space
Field Trip to River West Open Space Saturday, December 28, 2024 Event Details Subject to Change All participants must agree to the FAS Liability Waiver Form when they register. Use the QR code below or the form can also be found here Register here! Join...
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FAS Board Meeting 11:00 am
FAS Board Meeting @ Zoom meeting
Dec 29 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Contact admin@fresnoaudubon.org for login credentials
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Dec
11
Wed
2024
Merced Wildlife Refuge  (off Sandy Mush Rd) Location Change @ Merced Wildlife Refuge
Dec 11 @ 10:00 am – 3:30 pm

Audubon Field Trip to Merced Wildlife Refuge

Location changed from Eastman OR Hensley (TBD) due to lack of birds in this location.

All participants must agree to the FAS Liability Waiver Form when they register. Use the QR code below or the form can also be found here

FAS Release of Liability Form

FAS Release of Liability Form

Registration Link

Wednesday December 11, at 10:00

Meet at the first observation deck at the Merced Wildlife Refuge at 10 am.
DIRECTIONS FROM FRESNO:
MERCED NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
7430 W Sandy Mush Rd.
Merced, CA 95341
HWY 99 north, to HWY 152 West, to HWY 59 N/NE, to Sandy Mush road ( left turn). Follow Sandy Mush Road west to Merced Wildlife Refuge ( left turn into the refuge). Follow refuge road to first observation deck and parking area. Restrooms available at first and second observation deck areas.

We will drive the auto-tour route, viewing birds from each car as we drive to the second observation deck. At the second observation deck we will stop for lunch and discussion of what has been seen during the drive. After lunch we will walk the loop trail directly opposite the observation area. We will end the trip at approximately 3:30-4pm.

 

Please recall on the auto tour route persons are not permitted outside the vehicle ( walking or standing). Sandhill cranes, Northern Shovelers, Snow Geese, greater White-fronted geese are to be expected, as well as Red-tailed hawks. Many shore/ water birds such as Wilson’s Snipe, Long-billed Curlew, and Black-necked Stilts. Great Horned owls may be observed resting in the trees.

 

Registration Link

 

Dec
14
Sat
2024
Lost Lake Christmas Bird Count 2024
Dec 14 all-day

Lost Lake Christmas Bird Count

Elegant Terns, Malibu Lagoon, by Rick Grijalva

Details Subject to Change.

 

On Saturday, December 14, 2024, Fresno Audubon will be hosting the annual Lost Lake Christmas Bird Count, which covers sections of both Fresno and Madera Counties. Participants will be assigned to particular sections, and will count each of the birds they see and hear. Generally, the count lasts from dawn until dusk, but we understand that some people who wish to participate might not be able to devote that much time to the count, and that is perfectly alright! Participants can devote as much or as little time as they desire, so do not be deterred if you cannot count birds all day! Even if you are not a birding expert, you can still partake in the count if you are willing to pair up with an expert birder, so do not let that deter you, either!

 

If you are interested in participating, or have any questions, please reach out to Lost Lake CBC compiler/past Fresno Audubon president Rachel Clark at tanagergirl@gmail.com.

 

Sponsored by the National Audubon Society, the Christmas Bird Count, held annually from December 14-January 5, is a time during which citizen scientists from all over the Americas turn out to count birds in designated areas, collecting valuable data on the long-term health and status of bird populations. For more information about the history of the Christmas Bird Count and how the data is used, follow this link: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/history-christmas-bird-count

Dec
28
Sat
2024
Field Trip to River West Open Space @ River West Open Space
Dec 28 @ 8:00 am – 12:30 pm

Field Trip to River West Open Space

Saturday, December 28, 2024

Event Details Subject to Change

All participants must agree to the FAS Liability Waiver Form when they register. Use the QR code below or the form can also be found here

FAS Release of Liability Form

FAS Release of Liability Form

Register here!

Join Fresno Audubon for a bird hike at River West Open Space on Saturday December 28. We will meet at River View Dr and W Bluff Ave at 8 a.m.

This is a rich area with many target species. We can expect to see a wide variety of ducks, including Goldeneye, Mergansers, and Bufflehead. There are many resident raptors – including Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, and occasional Osprey and Bald Eagle sightings. There are many songbirds waiting to be discovered as well – sparrows, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Anna’s Hummingbirds, and Loggerhead Shrikes. It is not unusual to log more than 40 species.

Participants should bring snacks, water, hat, sunscreen, and binoculars, and should dress in layers. There really isn’t anywhere to eat lunch at this property; we will likely be wrapping up by 12:30.  Registration is required for this event.

The trip leader is George Folsom. He can be reached at georgefolsom@icloud.com if you have any questions. There is plenty of on street parking available on River View Dr and W Bluff Ave. It is about a 3-mile loop of flat walking. There are no restrooms or water available so come prepared!

Register here!

Dec
29
Sun
2024
FAS Board Meeting @ Zoom meeting
Dec 29 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Contact admin@fresnoaudubon.org for login credentials

Jan
4
Sat
2025
Lake Yosemite in Merced Jan. 4, 2025 @ Lake Yosemite
Jan 4 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Lake Yosemite in Merced

Details subject to change.

 

All participants must agree to the FAS Liability Waiver Form when they register. Use the QR code below or the form can also be found here

FAS Release of Liability Form

FAS Release of Liability Form

The Fresno Audubon Society Wednesday Walk to Lake Yosemite in Merced will be on January 4. Registration is required for this event.

Register Here

 

Bring lunch and be prepared for cool to warm weather, with possibility of rain. The Lake Yosemite website shows an entrance fee of $6. We may see late wintering birds, including Bald Eagles, Ospreys, several species of ducks, bluebirds, woodpeckers, shrikes, sparrows, and possibly Ferruginous Hawks and falcons, among others, and early spring migrants.
We will congregate at the Lake Yosemite park parking lot just past the entrance kiosk at about 9am.

To get there-Take Hwy 99 north to Campus Parkway/Mission Road, turn right, go east on Campus Parkway past one roundabout, at the second roundabout, go north on Lake Avenue all the way to the UC Merced campus-just beyond it is Lake Yosemite Park-

 

 

Leader contact info:
Cell:  please text 559-377-8427 ( voicemail is problematic so text is preferred)

Register Here

 

Jan
9
Thu
2025
Pixley NWR Field Trip @ Pixley NWR Field Trip
Jan 9 @ 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Pixley NWR Field Trip

Details subject to change.

Registration is required for this event.

All participants must agree to the FAS Liability Waiver Form when they register. Use the QR code below or the form can also be found here

FAS Release of Liability Form

Registration Link

 

 Date: January 9, 2025

Trip Leaders: Susan Heidebrecht & Lowell Young

Meeting time: 8:30 AM

Meeting location: Pixley National Wildlife Refuge at 8:30

We will meet in the parking lot at the Pixley National Wildlife Refuge at 8:30 AM. We will form carpools immediately, enter the refuge and lock the gate behind us. After that point, those who are late will be out of luck. But, they will be able to bird along the path to the viewing platform and see some of the refuge from there.

Duration of Field trip: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Weather: We will go rain or shine. So, be prepared for any weather.

 We will have walkie-talkies available.

Location: Pixley National Wildlife Refuge: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fRTKEtGJjkdA9cRBA

 

 

What to bring: Binoculars, clothing, (this is the month of January, almost any weather is possible), walking shoes, sunscreen / hat, water, snacks and lunch, free downloads of Audubon and/or Merlin Apps are very useful, western bird identification field guides are also useful. Be advised, there may be insects such as mosquitos, gnats etc.

Walking will be limited and will be on dirt roads. Driving will be on dirt and/or graveled roads. Rest rooms are available in the parking area of the Refuge.

Using the Merlin Sound ID app as an enhanced identification tool.

Possible birds: Over 100 bird on the wildlife refuge in January. Approximately 300 acres (120 ha) of managed wetlands provide habitat for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. 

Other possible sightings…Threatened and endangered species include the San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, Tipton kangaroo rat, and the vernal pool fairy shrimp.

 

 

Contact:

Lowell Young

(209) 617-9921

yosemite.birder@gmail.com

Susan Heidebrecht

(559) 313-1777

email: sunheidebrecht@comcast.net

 

Registration Link

All participants must agree to the FAS Liability Waiver Form when they register. Use the QR code below or the form can also be found here

FAS Release of Liability Form

Jan
11
Sat
2025
Save the DATE Big Dry Creek Reservoir Grasslands
Jan 11 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Save the DATE!

Time subject to change.

More details and registration link available soon.

Jan
14
Tue
2025
General Meeting – Jan. 2025- Benny Jacobs-Schwartz: Colombia: South America’s Birding Mecca @ Zoom
Jan 14 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

 Virtual General Meeting

Benny Jacobs-Schwartz

Colombia: South America’s Birding Mecca

 

Colombia: South America’s Birding Mecca

Register for Fresno Audubon General Meeting Jan. 14th, 7:00pm
This meeting will be broadcast online via Zoom
 Register to receive login information.

New to Zoom? Check out all you need to know here before the meeting.

Description: 

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Get ready for a dive into South America’s birdiest country! Together we’ll explore Colombia’s unique ecology, breathtaking scenery, and unparalleled avian diversity! Colombia holds the record with nearly 2,000 bird species and an impressive 80 endemics!

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During our time together we’ll discuss the country’s five regions, conservation successes, and how the mighty Rio Magdalena and Rio Cauca eroded the continent’s spine and split the Andes Mountain Range into three distinct cordilleras. From sloth-eating Harpy Eagles to shy antpittas, and menageries of colorful tanagers and hummingbirds, Colombia’s astonishing diversity will leave you wanting more!

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Bio:

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Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz owns and operates a bird-guiding business and lifestyle brand called BIRDS by BIJS (pronounced Bee-jus). With a background in biology, ecology, and outdoor education, Benny has worked professionally for over 10 years as a naturalist guide, expedition trip leader, and international bird guide.  Through his business, Benny offers professionally guided birding outings in Southern California and offers small-group birding tours to his favorite tropical locales like Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Colombia.

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Benny is a passionate educator and photographer, specializing in birds! Benny is active on social media where he creates fun, educational videos and posts to inspire others about the natural world with the goal of getting folks to put down their phone and pick up their Binos.



Fresno Audubon Society
Thank you for your continued involvement in and support of Fresno Audubon Society.
Jan
26
Sun
2025
FAS Board Meeting @ Zoom meeting
Jan 26 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Contact admin@fresnoaudubon.org for login credentials

Jan
29
Wed
2025
Wednesday Walk – Ball Ranch @ Ball Ranch meeting location - Target
Jan 29 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Wednesday Bird Walk

Ball Ranch

Registration is required for this event.

All participants must agree to the FAS Liability Waiver Form when they register. Use the QR code below or the form can also be found here

FAS Release of Liability Form

FAS Release of Liability Form

Register for the walk here.

Ball Ranch, on the San Joaquin River Parkway, offers various habitats including grasslands, wetlands, ponds, riparian areas and oak groves. Cormorants, ducks, mergansers, grebes, raptors, sparrows, finches, quail, gnatcatchers, woodpeckers and many others can be found there. Occasionally we have found Lewis’s Woodpeckers.  We will walk 1 to 2 miles on dirt roads and a short trail.  There are restrooms on site.
We will meet at Ball Ranch in the recently developed parking lot at 8:00. We plan to be finished by noon.
The property is open to the public, so the gates will be open if anyone needs to leave early.
Checklist:  binoculars, scope, field guide, snacks, water, sunscreen, hat.

Ball Ranch meeting location    (36.9361267, -119.7309237)

 

 

 

Green Heron by Clayton Dahlen