Join us at this soon-to-be State Park to explore its oxbow lake and trail network. We should see a variety of spring migrants and summer residents such as swallows, kingbirds, and orioles. Waterbirds such as herons, egrets, and cormorants may be seen at the oxbow lake. This new preserve has not had much birding activity, so expect surprises! Take the entrance road to the parking lot where the group will meet. Restrooms are available. Bring water and snacks.

This park is set along the Tuolumne River, with a riparian habitat of oak, cottonwood, and sycamore trees.  There is a small pond there, and trails that were created during a recent renovation. We hope to see such spring migrants as Western Tanager and Wilson’s Warbler passing through. In addition, we may see and hear such nesting species as Bullock’s Orioles, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and Black-headed Grosbeak.  The pond attracts many egrets and ducks. Great-tailed Grackles and Yellow-billed Magpies can be abundant there.  We will meet at the main parking lot by the restrooms and walk down to the trails from a gravel road that ends at the boat dock. Bring water, snacks, and insect repellent. 

Dr. Chris Carlson is a retired genetic epidemiologist with a passion for hummingbirds. His father dragged him on one too many Christmas Counts as a child, so Chris didn’t rediscover birding until his kids quit playing soccer, and he found himself searching for new photographic targets. Since then, Chris has chased hummingbirds in Colombia, Peru, Costa Rica, Brazil, and Arizona. He currently lives in Kirkland, Washington.

Since retirement, Dr. Carlson has been researching for a book about the science and history of hummingbirds. He tried to understand how taxonomists decide where genera begin and end. He found himself more confused than enlightened, as this project led him down the rabbit hole of historical ornithology and binomial taxonomy.  To keep the audience from dying of boredom, Dr. Carlson will be presenting on how various hummingbird species construct their nests, and how the structure of hummingbird nests shows a remarkable degree of genetic determination. At some point, Chris will also likely digress with a rant on how little “Genus” actually means, from the perspective of an evolutionary biologist, for which he apologizes in advance.  

To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PN1KmQrMRmSovbdQS4YlrA 

Obi Kaufmann is an author of many best-selling books on California's ecology, biodiversity, and geography. The California Field Atlas recontextualized popular ideas about California’s more-than human world. His subsequent volumes are The State of Water, The California Lands Trilogy, The Deserts of California, and The State of Fire: Why California Burns.  When he isn’t backpacking, Obi Kaufmann makes his home in Oakland, where he is working on more field atlases. 

Development patterns over the past 175 years since California became a state have transformed habitat conditions for the thirty-one species of birds that make these arid lands home, as well as for the 220 species that utilize desert resources on yearly migrations. Sites like Modoc Plateau, Mono Lake, Owens Lake, the Mojave River, and Anza Borrego Desert State Park are among the vast array of essential habitat spaces that must be augmented and protected in the wake of encroaching infrastructure and other anthropogenic stress. In an artistic approach, complemented by his signature hand-painted maps, Obi will present a strong case for better stewardship and what should be a celebration of California’s desert bird populations. 

To register:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SAlg6-EES9a1sakN7mxiAg 

Ripon Oak Grove Park has 55 acres of riparian forest and oak woodland along the Stanislaus River, bordering Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties. We’ll look for summer and year-round residents. Highlights may include Swainson’s Hawk, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Wood Pewee, Northern Rough-winged and Tree Swallows, Bullock’s Oriole, Black-headed Grosbeak, and if we are lucky, Lawrence’s Goldfinch. There are no restrooms at this park; bring water, snacks, and insect repellant. From Hwy 99 in Ripon, take the Main St exit. If coming from the north, turn right to the 4-way stop. If coming from the south, go over the freeway to the 4-way stop. At the stop sign, turn left onto Stockton St and head south. When you reach the City of Ripon fueling station, do not follow the road as it curves right. Instead, take the left turn just before the station, where the road continues along the sidewalk. Follow it to the parking area behind the fueling station.