| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 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 ... | 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 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... | |||||
| 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 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... | Lost Lake Christmas Bird Count 2024 Lost Lake Christmas Bird Count 2024 Dec 14 all-day  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... | |||||
| 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 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... | ||||||
| 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 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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Dec
4
Wed
2024
Field Trip to River West Madera
Wednesday
December 4, 2024
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
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
Dec
7
Sat
2024
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
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
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
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
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/
Dec
21
Sat
2024
Introduction to Birding at the River Center
11605 Old Friant Rd
Fresno, CA 93730
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
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!
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.
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
Dec
28
Sat
2024
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
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!
Jan
4
Sat
2025
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
Fresno Audubon Society field trip Saturday, January 4, 2025
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Be prepared for possible rainy and cool weather. We will walk the park and summarize our sightings at lunch on the picnic tables.
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Driving directions for a Fresno Audubon Society field trip, Saturday, January 4th, 10am- 1pm, to Lake Yosemite County Park, 5714 Lake Rd, Merced 95340.
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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.
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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
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Leader contact info:
Email: rufusradar@att.net
Cell: please text 559-377-8427 ( voicemail is problematic so text is preferred)
Jan
9
Thu
2025
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
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
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
Jan
18
Sat
2025
Introduction to Birding at the River Center
11605 Old Friant Rd
Fresno, CA 93730
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
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!
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.
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
Jan
22
Wed
2025
Field Trip to River West Open Space
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
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
Join Fresno Audubon for a bird hike at River West Open Space on Wednesday, January 22. We will meet at 9am as it is frequently foggy in the morning in the river bottom.
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 Susan Estep. She can be reached at (402)212-1215 or sbse820@gmail.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 porta-potties available but no fresh water.
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