The trip and the waiting list are full

14980 River RD. Corona,CA. , Orange County Water District David McMichael, Orange County Water District biologist, will once again conduct a private tour for PVAS. Shallow ponds provide ideal habitat for wading shore birds, waterfowl, raptors, and a large population of endangered Least Bell’s Vireo. Walk from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Meet at Prado Wetlands. Trip limited to 12 people. Contact trip leader to reserve your spot and to discuss the need for carpooling. Leader: Tina Stoner: 909-292-3900. tinastoner@earthlink.net 

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. RSVP Walk Leader: Keith Condon catbird117@yahoo.com

7:00 – 9:00 pm at the Hughes Center (1700 Danbury Road, Claremont) Bird Id, light refreshments, chapter business, door prize drawing and the Featured Presentation:

Christopher Clark, PhD – “The Ghost of the North Goes Hunting: How Great Gray Owls Catch Voles Under Snow”

In winter, aerial predators like Great Gray Owls perform a remarkable feat: they catch voles hidden under a layer of snow. A layer of snow that can be nearly 20 inches deep with a hardened crust strong enough to hold a person’s weight. But snow is not just a visible barrier; it absorbs and refracts sound creating an ‘acoustic mirage’ that owls must overcome. Come learn about the acoustics of snow and the physical and behavioral adaptations that allow owls to catch their prey without seeing them.

Christopher Clark is a professor of biology at UCR where he and his students use wind tunnels, high speed video, acoustic cameras and other technology to study courtship displays and how feathers produce sound with a focus on hummingbirds. More recently, he has also begun to unravel the mysteries of quiet flight in owls. This fun mix of bioacoustics and biomechanics is used to study the relationship between sound and behavior. Dr. Clark attended Washington State University, UT Austin and received his doctorate from UC Berkeley.

(11055 East Dr, Morongo Valley, CA 92256 – Difficulty: Moderate (up to 4 mi. but optional feeder watching only.) A famous desert oasis at the height of western migration with lots of local nesting activity too. Great photo ops during our lunch stop at the bird feeders. Meet at 6:00 a.m. at Memorial Park in Claremont (Note earlier start time!) We’ll also visit Covington Park next door. Bring snacks, water and lunch for a full day trip. (Est. driving 167 mi.)

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

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=a9311530-1fdf-4995-9714-5483f3bef4a3

We’re going to the LA County Fair! PVAS is teaming up with our friends from the San Dimas Canyon Nature Center to have side by side booths in the Great American Outdoors section of the Fairplex (behind the flower pavilion). We’d love for you to join us in the booth on Friday, May 10 from 3 to 7 p.m. to talk to the public about raptors and the dangers of rodenticides (rat poison). This will be the first time both organizations have been to the fair and we hope to reach out to a broader audience. If you are interested in volunteering, please email tinastoner@earthlink.net. Thank you!

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. RSVP 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=7a35c216-bd70-40f9-a1d3-b514302e11c6

(multiple locations – Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (up to 4 mi.) Beat the summer heat and head up to the mountains with us. Enjoy birding the Big Bear Lake area and Bluff Lake during the breeding season of montane species. Meet at 6:00 a.m. (Note earlier start time!) at Memorial Park in Claremont. Bring snacks, water and lunch for a full day of birding. (Est. driving 150 mi.)

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

Remember this tip – If the trip name is “Big” (Big Morongo and Big Bear) we start at 6:00 a.m.

4031 N Mills Ave #1406, Claremont, CA 91711-Difficulty: Strenuous (Fire Road, 0.91 miles, 243 ft gain)

Search for Black Swifts in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Preserve with leader Tom Miko.  The Wilderness Park is unique as a reliable spot to see Black Swifts as they return to their mountain roosts, deep in the San Gabriel Mountains.  Plan on a one-mile walk with appropriate foot wear, ample water for afternoon heat and insect repellent. The trail ascends through a canyon shaded by ancient Coast Live Oaks, reaching the overlook where a bench is conveniently located.  Black Swifts may be seen with cliff swallows as they pass above the overlook.  In addition, the usual suite of chaparral birds and other creatures are expected.  Meet at the gate on Mills Ave at 5:00 PM.  Parking is free with a Claremont City Pass in the South lot and metered $7.00, no cash, credit card only for those without a pass.  RSVP to trip leader Tom Miko tgmiko@gmail.com.