PVAS will be hosting its 52nd annual CBC (Christmas Bird Count) on Saturday, December 14th this year. Anyone can join a counting team for this fun event. All levels of birding experience are welcome because the more eyes in the field the better! (And you’ll be joined by experienced fellow members.) There is also an option to count from your home or nearby park on your own. For more information or to join a team, contact Seth Thompson at polpsych@gmail.com.

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park.  San Dimas, CA 91773 – Difficulty: Moderate

Enjoy one of the richest birding sites in Southern California on our fourth Sunday of the month Bonelli Bird Walk.  We meet in the parking lot of Brackett Field (airport) at 1615 McKinley Ave., La Verne, CA 91773 (better known as the Norm’s Hanger Coffee Shop parking lot.) To reach the parking lot, take McKinley Ave. west from Fairplex Drive to the parking area at the end of the road on the right. Meet at 7:45 AM to caravan into the park for free entrance and an 8:00 AM walk. 2-3 hours. Don’t forget your binoculars and comfortable shoes. Walk Leader: Brian Elliott (brianelli@aol.com). 

1500 N. College Ave. Claremont, CA 91711
Meet at the entrance at 8:00 AM for free admission. This family-friendly bird walk is approximately 2 hours long and is perfect for beginners and experienced birders alike. No binoculars? No worries! Loaner binoculars are available (limited number so first come first served.) You will receive instructions on their use as well. PVAS volunteer Ken Burgdorff (gwrencaps@gmail.com) and others will lead the walks. Please RSVP using this link to the Botanic Garden’s reservation site: http://11213.blackbaudhosting.com/11213/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=c9ab6304-d860-40aa-9b89-0503f54d5d92

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 (750 S. Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte, CA  91733) & the San Gabriel River Spreading Grounds – (Off Mines Avenue, Pico Rivera) Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (up to 4 miles.)

Dan will lead us in search of wintering waterfowl, sparrows, flycatchers and more. Both locations are great places to find winter vagrants. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Memorial Park in Claremont. Bring snacks, water, and lunch for a full day trip. Est. driving 70 mi.

Contact Trip Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 456-4994 or DanRCRenee@verizon.net

Salton Sea State Park Headquarters 100225 State Park Rd, Mecca, CA 92254 and Multiple Locations. Difficulty:  Easy to Moderate.  Driving on good gravel roads with minimal walking, some of the walking on uneven gravel roads.

The Salton Sea is a major wintering ground for shorebirds, ducks, geese, and Sandhill Cranes. It is also great for desert specialties such as Abert’s Towhee, Verdin, Black-tailed Gnatcatchers and more with nearly 100 species expected.  The trip begins at the State Park headquarters at 8:00 AM (Entry fee $7.00 adults/$5.00 seniors).  From there we will caravan (carpooling recommended) along the east shore to multiple sites, ending at Unit 1 of the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge at sunset to see the spectacular flights of geese and cranes.  Lodging is available in the Brawley area and recommendations will be forthcoming.  An optional second day of birding begins at dawn on Sunday at Unit 1 or other sites to be specified, with the trip winding up by 1:30 PM.  Contact trip leader Brian Elliott brianelli@aol.com or 909-241-8036 to RSVP and for last minute details. 

Birding the Newport Back Bay by Pontoon Boat

931 W Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663- Difficulty: Easy

This is our Pelagic Trip for Landlubbers with excellent opportunities to see and photograph shorebirds, waterfowl, herons, ospreys and more from a covered pontoon boat.  Meet at Memorial Park in Claremont by 08:30 AM or be at the Newport Sea Base by 10:00 AM.  Anticipate 2-2 ½ hour trip. Attendance limited to 18 participants with sign up no later than January 8, 2025. Cost $24.00 per participant (nonrefundable) via check made out to Pomona Valley Audubon Society or via Paypal or Venmo. Mileage: 86 miles roundtrip.  Contact trip leader Scott Marnoy gopherus2@gmail.com BEFORE sending payment to reserve a spot.  

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