Monthly Program
Every third Thursday of the month, the Society
presents a Program/General Meeting. Chapter Projects, and various
agendas are discussed. A guest speaker also highlights the evening. The
meetings start at 7:30PM at El Dorado Nature Center, but refreshments
and a hospitality table are available by 7:15 PM. Free parking and
refreshments. Bring your recyclables to the meeting so that we can
support chapter activities.
May 15, 2008: 7:30 PM
Upper Newport Back Bay
Upper Newport Back Bay is one of the few remaining estuaries in Southern
California. It is home to close to 200 species of birds, mammals, fish
and other critters. The 752 acre Ecological Reserve was created in
1975 and is managed by the California Department of Fish and Game. An
additional 140 acres of bluffs were added later and is managed by OC
Parks. It is a wonderful place to recreate and enjoy the wildlife
including birds, of course!
Driving along Jamboree Road along the bay, one notices dramatic changes
taking place over time. At the upper end of Back Bay sediment from San
Diego Creek has turned large areas of open water into mudflats which
is affecting the habitat of the endangered California Least Tern
and California halibut. Also, sediment washed into the ocean is
negatively affecting navigation in the Lower Newport Bay and the Marine
Life Refuges along the coast.
If you would like to learn more, join us for our May meeting where Kathy
Keane will present a lecture and slide show on the restoration project,
including her work on California Least Terns, herons, and other
wildlife.
Mary Parsell
April 17, 7:30PM
Starr Ranch
Justin Shew, biologist and educator, will present a slide show
and talk on the birds and other wildlife of Starr Ranch. This
sanctuary in southern Orange County anchors conservation in a
unique part of the state with programs, research, restoration and
education. Important research continues on coastal sage scrub and
native riparian habitats. Come and learn more about Starr
Ranch and opportunities to visit, as well as opportunities to monitor
other Audubon Important Bird Areas closer to home -- Los Cerritos
Wetlands and Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge.
www.starrranch.org
Mary Parsell, Program Chair
March 20, 7:30PM
The Northern Saw-whet Owls of Angeles Crest
During the five years of the Los Angeles County Breeding Birds Atlas
survey, data on this owl species was sorely lacking. In response, Mary
Freeman set out over the past eight years to study the status and
distribution of this little-understood owl in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Come and listen as Mary gives an overview of her findings relating to
Saw-whets, other owls and wildlife encountered during the project.
Mary is a native of Los Angeles and has led trips for numerous Audubon
Societies and bird festivals. She likes to bird by ear, has a degree in
art design, illustrates birds, designs jewelry, and has searched out
owls throughout the Americas. But her greatest passion is surveying
Saw-whets in our local mountains.
The meeting starts at 7:30 PM on Thursday, at the El Dorado Nature
Center, 7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach (between Studebaker Rd. and Los
Alamitos Bl).. Parking is free and refreshments will be served. Remember
to bring your recyclable aluminum can and plastic bottles to support
chapter activities.
Join us.…
Mary Parsell, Program Chair
February 21, 7:30PM
Jewels of South America
Garry George presents a new DVD of rare and elusive birds from his trips
to Venezuela and Southeast Brazil as well as Ecuador. The DVD highlights
representative species from unique families found only in South and
Central America like Tinamous, Guans, Ovenbirds, Antbirds, Antpittas,
Gnateaters and Cotingas but also colorful families we share such as
Hummingbirds, Tanagers and Finches. This presentation is pure avian
entertainment for those who like to watch the behavior and hear the
sounds of some of the glamorous birds of the continent to the South.
Garry George is Executive Director of Los Angeles Audubon Society.
Mary Parsell, Program Chair
January 17, 7:30PM
Global Warming
This month Jess Morten discusses the very important topic of global warming. Come and learn more about the impact of global warming on the environment. As always, we will also further discuss other Chapter Projects & next month's meetings.
Mary Parsell, Program Chair
December 20, 7:30PM
Birds of Argentina
John Fitch will be presenting a program on his & Lindsay's 2006 trip to NW Argentina. It ranged from the capital, Buenos Aires, to the stark beauty of the high Andes. John will show you images of a surprisingly beautiful landscape, the flora & fauna that make their home there, and some of the towns, "farms," and people along the way.
Mary Parsell, Program Chair