EVENT CALENDAR - Fresno Audubon Society
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
3
4
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 ...
5
6
7
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...
8
9
10
11
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...
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Introduction to Birding Saturday Dec. 21, 2024 9:00 am
Introduction to Birding Saturday Dec. 21, 2024 @ River Center
Dec 21 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Introduction to Birding Saturday Dec. 21, 2024 @ River Center
Introduction to Birding at the River Center 11605 Old Friant Rd Fresno, CA 93730     Registration link  All registrants must agree to the FAS Liability Waiver Form when they register. Use the QR code below or the form can also be found here Description...
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
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...
29
30
31
Nov
16
Sat
2024
Elkhorn Slough, November 16, 2024 @ Elkhorn Slough
Nov 16 @ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit and Willet by Peter Nagayama

 

 

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

Note: Payment is now a part of the registration process. 

When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:30 on the Private Chartered Boat (22 people)

Cost: $40 per person (NON-REFUNDABLE) Does not include gratuity for Naturalist.

 

 

HOW LONG?

Our tours take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

WHERE & WHEN

Please check in with your naturalist, 30 minutes prior to the departure time, at our Office/Gift Shop located at 7981 MOSS LANDING ROAD, STE.E., AT THE CROSSROAD OF SANDHOLDT RD. The naturalist on duty will get you checked in and tell you where to go from there. It’s a short, 1 minute to walk from our Gift Shop to our boat in the harbor.

 

PARKING
FREE PARKING is available on Moss Landing Rd., near our Office/Gift Shop at 7981 Moss Landing Rd. Ste E. As long as you park on the shoulder of the road, without blocking any entrances to the local businesses, parking will be free all day. Parking is also available in the Moss Landing Harbor lot at 7881 SANDHOLDT RD., MOSS LANDING, CA. The cost is $12.00, payable at the harbor office near the flag poles. Parking in the harbor lot is free with a handicap placard.

DO NOT ENTER “ELKHORN SLOUGH” INTO GOOGLE MAPS, THIS WILL DIRECT YOU AWAY FROM OUR LOCATION AND WE WILL NOT BE ABLE HOLD THE DEPARTURE IF YOU ARE LATE.

WHAT TO WEAR/BRING? -BE SURE TO CHECK THE WEATHER THE DAY OF YOUR TOUR -DRESS IN LAYERS, even on warm days it can get quite chilly on the water, be prepared so you stay warm and comfortable. -BINOCULARS, We do offer complimentary binoculars for our guests to use during their tour, but do bring your own if you have a pair. -We recommend comfortable, closed toed shoes. Please, no high heels. -Sunscreen -Blanket, for extra warmth or to cushion your seat -Camera -No food or drink on board please. Bottled water is ok.

 

Please keep in mind that there are NO restrooms on the boat, consuming lots of beverages before the tour is not recommended. There are public restrooms available at the Moss Landing Harbor parking lot, as well as at our Office/Gift Shop.

 

 

We look forward to showing you the wonders of Elkhorn Slough!

 

Elkhorn Slough Safari
www.elkhornslough.com
831-633-5555

 

 

Contact: Maureen Walsh
mewnew10@yahoo.com
(559) 706-4980

 

Checklist: binoculars, bird guide, water, layered clothing and sun protection.

 

Nov
21
Thu
2024
Field Trip to Kern National Wildlife Refuge 2024 @ Kern National Wildlife Refuge
Nov 21 @ 6:45 am – 3:00 pm

Kern National Wildlife Refuge

Thursday, November 21, 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

 

FAS Release of Liability Form

FAS Release of Liability Form

 

November 21, join trip leader Judy Johnson for an excursion to Kern National Wildlife Refuge for sightings of migratory waterfowl.
We will meet in the Walmart parking lot at Ashlan and Blackstone at 6:45am for a 7:00am start.
It will take us at least 2 hours to reach Kern NWR, and we will make a brief stop at the Corcoran Reservoir. Target birds include the usual winter duck species, with canvas backs and red heads likely. Good chance of seeing several grebe species, gallinules, and the usual wading birds. If we are lucky, we may see ferruginous hawks and peregrine falcons on the drive down, and possibly greater roadrunners.
Bring day packs, lunch, snacks, plenty of water, binoculars, sunscreen, and radios (walkie talkies) if you have them. Dress in layers. Hiking will be minimal, but wear comfortable walking shoes.
We will leave the refuge at 1:00pm, arriving in Fresno at around 3pm.

 

Registration is required for this event.

Registration Link

Nov
23
Sat
2024
CANCELED Introduction to Birding Saturday Nov. 23, 2024 CANCELED @ River Center
Nov 23 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Introduction to Birding at the River Center

11605 Old Friant Rd
Fresno, CA 93730

 

CANCELED Due to Weather!

Registration link 

 

The Parkway Trust and Fresno Audubon Society have joined forces to offer a birding class that combines instruction, exploration, and fun! Beginning birders will see and learn about local and migratory birds that might be visiting the River Center. New birders will discover easy ways to identify migrating and year-round, local birds. The class will include a walk looking for birds in the various habitats found at the River Center. We will meet at the new picnic shelter on the north side of the center. After learning about using binoculars and various aids in bird identification like guide books and phone apps, we will bird around the property. Bring binoculars, lunch, water and sun protection.  Fresno Audubon will have binoculars to loan if you do not have your own. Children are welcome!
BegBirdHO
QR Code for Beginning Birding Handout.
Heavy rain cancels this event.
Class is held from 9 AM -12 PM on the third Saturday of each month from October through May. Subject to change.

Registration link 

 

Nov
29
Fri
2024
#optoutside Opt Outside Bird Walk @ Friant Cove/Millerton Lake
Nov 29 @ 7:30 am – 1:30 pm

Opt Outside November 29, 2024

Registration is required for this event.

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

FAS Release of Liability Form

.

On November 29, Fresno Audubon will sponsor the annual #optoutside Bird Walk as a fun alternative to Black Friday Christmas Shopping.
.
We will meet in front of the Target at Riverpark Shopping Center at 7:45am and leave no later than 8am.
.
.
Our first stop will be the parking lot at Friant Road and Highway 145, where the bridge goes over the San Joaquin River. In the past, this area has been good for waterfowl, woodpeckers, sparrows, and more. Then we will drive over to the Madera(West-camping) side of Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. Just inside the entrance kiosk(there is an entrance fee), we will stop to look for both Rock and Canyon Wrens, more sparrows, Say’s Phoebes, and other birds, as well as scan the reservoir for waterfowl and gulls. We will then go to the camping areas, looking for more sparrows, woodpeckers, hawks, phoebes, finches, and shrikes, among many other birds.
.
Bring a lunch. Participants are responsible for carpool arrangements beforehand.
.
For more information, contact Larry Parmeter at 559-288-3456 or at lanpar362@gmail.com.
.

Even if you’re not able to join us, we hope that you are able to Opt Outside on Friday following Thanksgiving!

 

 

Dec
4
Wed
2024
Field Trip to River West Madera @ River West Madera
Dec 4 @ 8:00 am – 12:30 pm

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

FAS Release of Liability Form

FAS Release of Liability Form

River West Madera

December 4, 2024 

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 

Leaders: John McDaniel/George Folsom

(559) 779-7186/(559) 351-7192

mandomac@comcast.net /georgefolsom@icloud.com

 

Carpooling arrangements (unless Wildwood Nature Park is open—check with trip leaders):

 

Location: Target Parking Lot (see River Park Shopping Center map)

7600 N Blackstone

Time: 8:00 a.m.

 

Destination (see Golf Center Trailhead map for both locations):

Location: Intersection next to Valley Golf Center 

41445 Ave 9, Fresno, CA 93720

 

Alternate location if open (check with trip leaders):

 

Wildwood Native Park

Madera, California

 

Time: 8:15 a.m.

 

We will meet at 8:00 a.m. in the Target parking area in River Park Shopping Center to carpool to our destination due to limited parking at the destination. We will proceed from Target to Valley Golf Center (which is south of and down the hill from Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera County). 

Directions from Fresno: Take Highway 41 north from Fresno to the first exit north of the San Joaquin River (Exit 138A). Turn right at the intersection and follow Cobb Ranch Road back toward Fresno until you get to the first intersection. Turn right and proceed under the Highway 41 bridges to the parking area just outside the golf course where we will assemble. Park along either side of the road or under the bridges. Do not park in the Golf Center parking area or in the posted no parking areas immediately to the south.

 

If the Wildwood Native Park is re-opened by the the time of the trip, we will instead rendezvous at Wildwood and avoid the carpooling arrangements. The route to Wildwood Park is the same as the Golf Center, except you turn left at the Avenue 9 intersection and proceed around the corner to the park entrance. See accompanying maps.

 

Weather and trail conditions permitting, the plan is to walk on Palm Avenue from the golf course, following the river downstream, first on the service road to Sycamore Island, then along the Riverfront Trail, ultimately emerging at a grouping of several ponds and a large lagoon just north of the river channel. The Riverfront Trail follows a berm next to the river and is somewhat narrow and uneven. For anyone not comfortable with it, the Sycamore Island service road can be followed instead. Total distance is about 3.5 miles. 

 

Although this is directly across the river from River West Open Space, be prepared for some different birds on the Madera County side, including black-crowned night heron, wigeon, gadwall, green-wing teal, cinnamon teal, phainopepla, wrens, and acorn, Nuttall’s and downy woodpeckers. Expect also to see the usual assortment of white-crowned, song and Lincoln sparrows, several flavor of egrets, red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks,  On our spring walks we may see signs of nesting activity by the returning osprey and great-horned owls, and perhaps an appearance by a bald eagle. 

 

Bring suitable clothing (layers) and walking shoes (depending on the season, the trail may be sloppy in some areas), snacks, water, head covering, sunscreen, and binoculars. The ponds and lagoon will be quite amenable to spotting scopes, although they are more than a mile and a half from the assembly area. 

 

Leader: John McDaniel

Phone: (559) 779-7186

Email: mandomac@comcast.net

REGISTRATION Link 

Dec
7
Sat
2024
Saturday Field Trip – Merced Grasslands & Merced NWR
Dec 7 @ 6:45 am – 5:45 pm

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

FAS Release of Liability Form

FAS Release of Liability Form

Registration for this trip is here.

Event details subject to change.

Jeff Seay will lead this trip through the Merced Grasslands Important Bird Area finishing at Merced National Wildlife Refuge. Meet at that Walmart parking lot at Ashlan and Blackstone at 6:45 am for a 7 am departure. The trip will cover the Madera County’s foothill Grasslands on the way to the Merced Wildlife Refuge. We expect to see wintering raptors and other birds of the low foothills and grasslands. We will mostly be driving and getting out of the car periodically with possible small walks. At the end of the trip we will enjoy the spectacle of sandhill cranes, snow and Ross’s geese, and other waterfowl. It will last most of the day, ending about 5:45 at the refuge.

 

Checklist: binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras, radios, jackets, lunch/snacks, water, and insect repellent.

 

Registration for this trip is here.

 

Directions to the assembly point are here.

Trip leader: Jeff Seay, ‭(559) 960-0849‬, jeffseay@sbcglobal.net

 

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
21
Sat
2024
Introduction to Birding Saturday Dec. 21, 2024 @ River Center
Dec 21 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Introduction to Birding at the River Center

11605 Old Friant Rd
Fresno, CA 93730

 

 

Registration link 

All registrants 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

Description
The Parkway Trust and Fresno Audubon Society have joined forces to offer a birding class that combines instruction, exploration, and fun! Beginning birders will see and learn about local and migratory birds that might be visiting the River Center. New birders will discover easy ways to identify migrating and year-round, local birds. The class will include a walk looking for birds in the various habitats found at the River Center. We will meet at the new picnic shelter on the north side of the center. After learning about using binoculars and various aids in bird identification like guide books and phone apps, we will bird around the property. Bring binoculars, lunch, water and sun protection.  Fresno Audubon will have binoculars to loan if you do not have your own. Children are welcome!
BegBirdHO
QR Code for Beginning Birding Handout.
Heavy rain cancels this event.
Class is held from 9 AM -12 PM on the third Saturday of each month from October through May. Subject to change.

Registration link 

All registrants 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

 

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!

Jan
4
Sat
2025
Lake Yosemite in Merced Jan. 4, 2025 @ Lake Yosemite
Jan 4 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Lake Yosemite in Merced

 

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

Fresno Audubon Society field trip Saturday, January 4, 2025
.
Be prepared for possible rainy and cool weather. We will walk the park and summarize our sightings at lunch on the picnic tables.
.
Driving directions for a Fresno Audubon Society field trip, Saturday, January 4th, 10am- 1pm, to Lake Yosemite County Park, 5714 Lake Rd, Merced 95340.
.
From Hwy 99 travel north to Campus Parkway exit ( Merced). Right turn at exit onto Campus Parkway. Continue travel through all-way stop ( Market Place shopping/travel center) . At second roundabout, drive west, toward Merced. At first traffic light ( Lake Street) turn right. Continue past UC Merced entrance into Lake Yosemite Park ( straight ahead). There is a kiosk at the entrance with a $6 entrance fee ( see Lake Yosemite County Park website for additional park information). We will meet at the large parking lot near the entrance. Restroom and picnic tables available.

 

.
Possible sightings:
Red Tailed Hawk
Osprey
American White Pelican
Black Phoebe
Cormorant
Grebes (sp)
Killdeer
Yellow-rumped warbler
Canada Goose
Cackling Goose
Anna’s Hummingbird
Bufflehead
California Scrub-Jay
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Northern Flicker
Vermillion flycatcher
.
Leader contact info:
Cell:  please text 559-377-8427 ( voicemail is problematic so text is preferred)

Register Here