EVENT CALENDAR - Fresno Audubon Society
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 ...
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
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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
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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...
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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...
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Sep
25
Wed
2024
Clovis Botanical Gardens/ Cottonwood Park @ Clovis Botanical Gardens
Sep 25 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Clovis Botanical Gardens/ Cottonwood Park.

NOTE: The garden was closed at the beginning of September while they were working on the sewer/water lines for their new construction but according to their Instagram the garden reopened on Sept. 11. 

 

Registration is required for this event.

 

All participants must agree to the FAS Liability Waiver Form when they register. To view the form 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

On Wednesday, September 25, Fresno Audubon will visit the Clovis Botanical Gardens and adjacent Cottonwood Park. This area is always good to see many species of urban birds, including hummingbirds, woodpeckers, sparrows, towhees, and arriving wintering migrants. In addition, the Cottonwood Park pond has waterfowl, egrets, herons, comorants, and many other species, including occasional Ospreys and Bald Eagles.

 

A short walk along Dry Creek behind the Botanical Gardens is good for riparian birds, including migrant warblers.

 

Meet in the Botanical Gardens parking lot at Clovis Avenue and Alluvial at 8am. For more information, contact Larry Parmeter at 559-288-3456 or at lanpar362@gmail.com

 

All participants must agree to the FAS Liability Waiver Form when they register. To view the form 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

Oct
2
Wed
2024
Wednesday Bird Walk at Sycamore Island Oct. 2024 @ Sycamore Island
Oct 2 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

 

Wednesday Bird Walk at Sycamore Island 

Registration is required for this 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

 Registration link

 

Meeting location:  Sycamore Island (36.8590560, -119.8230324)

Meeting time: 8:00 AM

End time:  Noon, or you may stay and have lunch with the group 

Sycamore Island, part of the San Joaquin River Parkway, is along the San Joaquin River in Madera County downstream from River West open space. It offers a variety of habitats:  river, ponds, riparian, grasslands, and wetlands.  We can expect ducks, raptors, herons, egrets, owls. woodpeckers, finches, swallows, sparrows among many others. 

 

This is a large property and we will do a combination of driving and  walking.  Walking distance will be 1 to 2 miles but those who don’t care to walk can drive to most of the areas.  There are picnic shelters with tables for lunch and restrooms on the property. 

 

Participants should bring snacks, lunch (if desired), water, hat, sunscreen, and binoculars, and should dress in layers.  

 

Registration is required for this event. If you have any questions, please reach out to trip leader at 559.351.7192 or geofolsom@gmail.com

 

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

Oct
12
Sat
2024
Avocado Lake Bird Walk
Oct 12 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Avocado Lake Bird Walk

 

Explore Avocado Lake’s Hidden Treasures!

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 closes 24 hours before the event or when full.

 

Registration link

 

Join us for a birding adventure at Avocado Lake, a lesser-known gem offering a diverse habitat of open waters, riparian zones along the Kings River, and oak woodlands. This scenic area is ideal for spotting a variety of species including fall migrants, woodpeckers, nuthatches, sparrows, and finches—keep an eye out for the elusive Lawrence’s Goldfinch! The lake itself may host early wintering waterfowl and the occasional Common Loon. Raptors and towhees are also frequent visitors to this vibrant birding spot.

 

We’ll gather at 7:45 a.m. at the Manchester Center (corner of Blackstone & Shields), with an 8 a.m. departure.

 

Be prepared for a rewarding day of birding, and don’t forget your essentials:

 

Checklist: Binoculars, field guide app(s), snacks, lunch, water, sunscreen, and hat.

 

Trip Leader: Rick Grijalva, 559-578-6168

Oct
19
Sat
2024
Introduction to Birding Saturday Oct. 19, 2024 @ River Center
Oct 19 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Introduction to Birding at the River Center

11605 Old Friant Rd
Fresno, CA 93730

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 

 

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.

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

 

Oct
23
Wed
2024
Birding at the Ruth Mckenzie Preserve @ Ruth Mckenzie Preserve
Oct 23 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Birding at the Ruth Mckenzie Preserve

 

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

Join FAS for birding at the Ruth Mckenzie Preserve.  The walk is initially fairly easy, along a dirt road that undulates along a stream.  After about a mile, the road crosses the stream, and the hiking becomes a bit steeper.  We may see enough birds along that mile that we won’t cross the creek.  Possible sightings are Acorn Woodpeckers, Lewis Woodpecker, Phainopepla, Red-Tailed Hawk, Bluebirds, and a nesting pair of Golden Eagles.

 

Meet at the parking lot at the Sportsman’s Warehouse on Friant Road at 8:00.

 

 

Participants should bring snacks, lunch (if desired), water, binoculars, and a hat.  Wear sturdy shoes.  Registration is required for this event.  If you have questions, reach out to either trip leader.

Contact:

Wes Beal

(559) 250-2988

email: beal4farms@gmail.com

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

Oct
26
Sat
2024
Saturday Bird Walk at Lost Lake Oct. 2024 @ Lost Lake
Oct 26 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Lost Lake Audubon Field Trip Oct. 26

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 closes 24 hours before the event or when full.

 

Registration link

 

Location: Lost Lake , Fresno County Park

                  Lost Lake Rd, Friant, CA 93626

Date and Meeting time: 8:00 am, Oct. 26th

Meeting location in park: Audubon Trailhead at the west end (down stream end) of the park. There is a small parking area at the trailhead, and a larger one a few hundred yards further into the park.

 

Duration of walk: 8:00 am – 11 am

 

Special instructions: the park entrance fee is usually enforced. Fee is $5. Please follow instructions at the entry kiosk if there is no attendant at the kiosk. 

 

What to bring: Binoculars, check weather report for comfortable clothing, (this is the month of March, almost any weather is possible), walking shoes, sunscreen / hat, water, snacks ( or lunch if staying beyond noon), 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. 

 

Walk Description: walking on mostly flat park grass, or on paved park road, from west ( at the trailhead) to east ( toward Friant Dam and the park campground). We will bird river, river lined grass/ shrub and oak tree habitat, and on the upper road the grassland leading into the park, using binoculars but also using the Merlin Sound ID app as an enhanced identification tool. In the park, there are picnic benches for rest stops, and the restrooms are usually open.

 

Possible birds: Egrets (several species), Cedar Waxwing, Hawks (several species) Varied Thrush, Bald Eagle,  Common Merganser , Acorn Woodpecker, Canada Goose, Ring- necked Duck, Anna’s Hummingbird, Great Blue Heron, Wood Duck, Phainopepla, Black Phoebe, and many others.

 

Other possible sightings…Coyotes, Bobcats…on the other side of the river.

Registration is required for this walk.

Hard Rain or flooding cancels this walk.

Trip Leader: Kevin Enns-Rempel

Contact information

Email: kevin.enns.rempel@gmail.com

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

Introduction to Birding Saturday Oct, 2024 (Zoo Docents) @ River Center
Oct 26 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Introduction to Birding at the River Center

11605 Old Friant Rd
Fresno, CA 93730

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 for Zoo Docents Only

 

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.
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 April.

 

 

Oct
30
Wed
2024
The Raptor Trail Field Trip on The Kings River at Pine Flat Dam @ The Raptor Trail on The Kings River at Pine Flat Dam
Oct 30 @ 8:30 am – 1:30 pm

The Raptor Trail on The Kings River at Pine Flat Dam

 

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

Join FAS for birding along the Kings River. The trail begins across from the parking lot on the south side of the bridge just below Pine Flat Dam. The trail is basically an easy walk of approximately a mile and a quarter each way, but there is some uneven terrain and river rocks create a cobblestone surface in parts. Some of our target species include Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Oak Titmouse, Acorn Woodpecker,  California Quail,  White-Breasted Nuthatch and Osprey.

 

Meet in the parking lot at the south side of the bridge. If you want to look for directions from the eBird map, the Raptor Trail is just across the river from the North Riverside Access Park eBird Hotspot. GPS Coordinates 36.8298592686927, -119.33621274737327.

 

Participants should bring snacks, lunch (if desired), water, hat, sunscreen, and binoculars, and should dress in layers. Registration is required for this event. If you have any questions, please reach out to the trip leader.

Contact:

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

Nov
9
Sat
2024
Kings River Mitigation Site
Nov 9 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Kings River Mitigation Site

 

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

Leader: Rick Grijalva, rickgrijalva2@gmail.com

.

Field Trip Description:

 

Join us for a new bird walk. This site is not usually accessible to the public, but Fresno Audubon Society and Westervelt Ecological Services have partnered for this unique field trip. Though not on the Kings River, the property is situated along the western extent of the historical Kings River floodplain. There are approximately 1.5 acres of open water on the site where Virginia Rails have been heard calling for over a year. Join us for an educational birding excursion led by Westervelt’s senior ecologist, Francesca Carrizo, and FAS President, Rick Grijalva. Likely bird species include a variety of hawks, warblers, sparrows, blackbirds, ducks, and other waterfowl.

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Meet at Faller Park at 7:45 a.m. to arrange carpools to the site. Park cars on 10th Street. We will leave at 8:00 a.m.  for the Mitigation Site.

NOTE:

  • Participants will need to sign a Westervelt Ecological Services waiver;
  • There are very little defined trails on the property, so the field trip will require walking off trail in uneven terrain with potentially tall grass – I recommend everyone wear pants and sturdy shoes they don’t mind getting dirty;
  • There are cows on the site and will likely have to avoid cow patties when we walk;
  • There are no bathrooms on the property.

.

 

Registration Link

Nov
13
Wed
2024
Field Trip to Merced National Wildlife Refuge 2024 @ Merced National Wildlife Refuge
Nov 13 @ 11:45 am – 5:30 pm

Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Registration Link

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

With winter migrants filling local refuges and putting on a tremendous show, it is a wonderful time to bird Central Valley wetlands. Join Fresno Audubon on Wednesday, November 13 for a tour of the Merced National Wildlife Refuge. We will meet at the MacDonald’s parking lot in the Marketplace at El Paseo (6741 N Riverside Dr, Fresno, CA 93722, see map below) at 11:45 for a noon start.

 

Secondary meet up is at the first parking lot of the refuge, near the bathrooms and the first observation deck, at 1:00pm (see map). After driving the auto tour, we will gather at the second observation deck at sundown for the spectacular crane fly-in, which should end around 5:30pm.

 

Target birds include Lesser Sandhill Cranes, Black and Say’s Phoebes, White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows, American Pipits, Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintails, Gadwalls, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teals, Greater White-fronted Geese, Snow Geese, Ross’s Geese, American White Pelicans, Great and Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons, American Coots, Black-necked Stilts, White-faced Ibis, Long-billed Dowitchers, Dunlin, Wilson’s Snipe, Least Sandpipers, Long-billed Curlews, Red-tailed Hawks, and Northern Harriers. Also possible are Cackling Geese, Red-shouldered Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, Bald Eagles, Kestrels, and Great-horned Owls. Both a Burrowing Owl and Vermillion Flycatchers.

 

Participants should bring day packs, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, plenty of water, snacks, lunch (if desired), and binoculars, and should dress in layers. We probably will not be doing much hiking, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please bring radios (walky-talkies) if you have them.

 

Registration is required for this event.

Registration Link