Ohlone Audubon Society

Autonomously-Monitoring Birdboxes: An Eco Innovate Initiative!
2025-09-02 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Eco Innovate is a youth-founded nonprofit combining technology and sustainability. Starting in early 2024 with their founding project, Birdboxers, the organization innovated a system to revolutionize the field ofnestboxmonitoring. They utilize technology to power autonomous remote-monitoring systems which remove the manual aspects of nestbox monitoring for ornithology and climate change research.They have installed 15 Birdboxesat local gardens and parks in the Bay Area, and have received over 40,000 data points from these installations. Founding members of Eco Innovate are Pooja Verma, Sophie Le, Lisa Sun, Sai Sri Lashya Gillella and, Harshitha Loganathan.

Membership Appreciation Picnic
2025-09-14 11:00
Ohlone Audubon Society Invites You to
The Sara Matthews & Helen Sowers
MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION PICNIC
Date: Sunday, September 14th, 2025
Schedule: Field Trip with Bob Toleno at 11:00, Lunch at Noon (RSVP required), Presentations at 1:00
Location: 3 Calhoun Sisters’ Ranch, 12461 Mines Road, Livermore
Presenters:

History of 3 Calhoun Sisters’ Ranch – Nancy Mueller
Bluebird Boxes at 3 Calhoun Sisters’ Ranch – Irv Tiessen
Audubon California Conservation Ranching Program Staff

This picnic is to show appreciation to members for their support.
You and your family are invited to a catered (no charge) luncheon.
Please RSVP to Pat Gordon – pa****@*ol.com
Directions: From 580 East take exit 52B North Livermore Avenue. Turn right on Livermore Ave. and head south. Take Livermore Ave. all the way to the very end where it takes a left and becomes Tesla Road. At the flrst stoplight, turn right onto Mines Road. Once you are on Mines Road you will drive about five miles and come to a Y. Just before the Y there is a sign that shows you can turn left towards San Jose, or go straight up the hill to Lake Del Valle. You will turn left there to continue driving on Mines Road. Continue on Mines Road for about another 4 miles. Watch for the 8.7 mile marker. The gate for the ranch is on the right just past that mileage marker.
Location: 3 Calhoun Sisters’ Ranch, 12461 Mines Road, Livermore

River Gates: From Alaska to Tierra del Fuego: Audubon’s Conservation Impact across the Pacific Flyway
2025-10-07 19:30
Presenter: River Gates, Pacific Shorebird Conservation Coordinator, National Audubon Society, Latin America and the Caribbean and Alaska Programs
Title/Description: From Alaska to Tierra del Fuego: Audubon’s Conservation Impact across the Pacific Flyway
River will discuss the migratory connectivity of waterbirds along the Pacific Flyway, emphasizing the critical role of coastal estuaries and interior wetlands in Alaska and California’s Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys. She will also highlight Audubon’s conservation initiatives across the Flyway that are making lasting impacts on the protection and restoration of migratory bird habitats.
Presenter Bio: River Gates joined Audubon in 2017 and has more than 20 years of experience in leading international shorebird conservation and research projects in the Pacific and East Asian-Australasian Flyways. She earned her M.S. in wildlife conservation from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2011, studying the breeding and migration ecology of Dunlin. River co-created the Pacific Americas Shorebird Conservation Strategy and serves as the coordinator for the partnership. She advises shorebird conservation programs more broadly through her service on the following executive councils: U.S. Shorebird Conservation Partnership, Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network’s Hemispheric Council, and Western Hemisphere Shorebird Group.

Location Via Zoom

Penguin Quest - Birding in the Southern Ocean
2025-11-04 19:30 - 22:30
Ohlone Audubon Society member Harvey Trop will share the results of a long term, personal project to observe and photograph all the penguin species on the planet, along with the diverse environments they call home. He will also show some photos of the other birds that call the Southern Ocean home.

Bio: After a long career developing manufacturing and testing technology for fiber-optic based telecommunication hardware, Harvey retired in early 2020. Since then, he has focused his time on travel and his interest in wildlife photography.

Location Zoom
Click here to register for the Zoom meeting

Update on Condor Recovery Program and Introducing "Ohlone"!
2026-01-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Zoom
By Joe Burnett and Kelly Sorenson, Ventana Wildlife Society
Join us for a very special evening with Joe Burnett and Kelly Sorenson from the Ventana Wildlife Society who will give a brief update on condor recovery and status in the wild, as well as a special presentation on a wild-raised chick, named “Ohlone” in honor of the Indigenous Peoples of California. “Ohlone” was raised in a wild nest in central California and has a very special story. Through the generosity of our members, Ohlone Audubon has adopted this wild fledged chick in memory of Phil Gordon.
Joe Burnett, Sr. Wildlife Biologist, CA Condor Recovery Program Manager, first began working with Ventana Wildlife Society in May 1993 as a Field Assistant for VWS’ Bald Eagle Restoration Program in Big Sur, CA. In 1996, Joe became Field Supervisor for VWS’ Condor Restoration Program and coordinated the first seven releases of condors in central California, six in Big Sur and one at Pinnacles National Monument. Joe left VWS in 2003 to start up Oregon Zoo’s Captive Breeding Program for condors. His experiences with captive condors vastly broadened his knowledge base of the species. In 2005, Joe returned to VWS to coordinate the release effort once again. Joe received a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries, focusing on birds, from West Virginia University in 1994. He began his field studies of birds as an undergraduate in 1992 and now has over 25 years experience working with a variety of bird species. He is currently a two-term Monterey County Fish and Game Commissioner.
Kelly J. Sorenson, Executive Director, is a wildlife conservationist and “jack of all trades,” blending science, storytelling, and leadership to protect California’s endangered birds. For more than three decades, he has led major recovery efforts for the California Condor and Bald Eagle, helping reestablish wild populations across Central California. Sorenson has co-authored scientific studies on wildlife recovery and lead poisoning, produced award-winning documentaries such as Giants of Big Sur and Condor Canyon, and secured the funding and partnerships that power long-term conservation. He also serves as a managing director for the California Central Coast Joint Venture. With a background in wildlife management and public administration, Sorenson continues to bridge research, film, and community engagement to advance conservation throughout the West.

Bats of Northern California with Mary Jean "Corky" Quirk
2026-02-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Zoom
Join us for an engaging educational presentation on the Bats of Northern California. Discover the remarkable adaptations of these flying mammals, what they eat, and the vital roles they play in both natural ecosystems and agriculture. We’ll also explore the challenges bats face today. As a special feature, the presentation will include a rare opportunity to see live bats up close.
Zoom link for Meeting

We Put the Venture in Adventure: Across the Central Coast with Magpies, Martins, and Hummingbirds
2026-03-03 19:30 - 21:30 | https://ohloneaudubon.org/event/we-put-the-venture-in-adventure-across-the-central-coast-with-magpies-martins-and-hummingbirds/
By Gregor Yanega, PhD, Conservation Project Manager at the California Central Coast Joint Venture, American Bird Conservancy
Dr. Yanega will talk about the role that the California Central Coast Joint Venture and the American Bird Conservancy plays in connecting landscapes, people/ partners, and birds in a common cause. He will also talk about active projects that are underway focusing on Yellowbilled Magpie oak Savanna habitats, statewide surveys of martins, and Allen’s hummingbird coastal riparian habitat.
Gregor Yanega is the Conservation Project Manager at the California Central Coast Joint Venture of the American Bird Conservancy. He grew up in the forested cloudscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the lands of the S’Puyalupubsh (Puyallup) peoples. Beginning with an avid interest in natural history and ornithology, it was a small step forward to embark on a career in conservation biology and land stewardship. He works to support the diversity and beauty of the central coast by finding enduring and sustainable ways to help birds and humans thrive together. His initial work was in support of the ABC’s Marbled Murrelet Recovery efforts. Gregor is also an accomplished writer with an extensive collection of publications spanning peer reviewed literature to children’s books.

COLOMBIA: South America’s Birding Mecca
2026-04-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Zoom
Presenter: Benny Jacobs-Schwartz
Description: Explore the birdiest country on Earth! Discover Colombia’s five regions, the power of the Andes, and why this nation hosts nearly 2,000 bird species and over 80 endemics. A vibrant journey through extraordinary habitats and unforgettable birds.
Bio: Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz owns and operates a bird-guiding business and lifestyle brand called BIRDS by BIJS (pronounced Bee-jus). Working professionally for over 15 years as a naturalist guide, expedition trip leader, and international bird guide, Benny has worked in a variety of locations coast to coast, including exotic places such as Alaska, Central America, the Colombian Andes, and the Ecuadorian Amazon. Benny is a passionate educator and photographer, specializing in birds! Benny uses his ample collection of nature-based content to leverage an active social media presence. BIJS uses his passion for the natural world to inspire others to put down their phone and pick up their binos.

Alameda Song Sparrow Habitat Use of Salt Pond Restoration Sites in South San Francisco Bay
2026-05-05 19:30 - 21:30
Presenter: Brad Speno
Description: In the San Francisco Bay, several large restoration projects are returning salt ponds to tidal salt marsh. The Alameda song sparrow (Melospiza melodia pusillula), a California species of special concern, uses both restored and historic marshes, but their use of restored salt ponds is not well understood. Brad Speno assessed Alameda song sparrow abundance and breeding presence with respect to salt pond restoration age and percent cover, and height of native and non-native plants. He conducted bird count surveys and botanical surveys at seven study sites, then mist-netted and banded birds at four study sites to detect breeding birds. Brad will discuss the results of his research and share recommendations for future restoration management projects.

Bio: Brad Speno is a wildlife biologist based in San Jose. He earned an undergraduate degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Colorado, and he worked for various Department of Interior agencies and consulting companies prior to completing a Master’s of Science degree at San Jose State University. He volunteers with the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, who assisted in his research, and he currently works for LSA Environmental Consultants.

Annual Potluck Picnic Installation of Officers
2026-06-09 16:00 - 20:00 | Lake Chabot Regional Park, 17600 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley , CA, 94546
Bird Walk: 4PM • Setup: 5PM • Dinner: 6PM
Location: Lake Chabot Regional Park, Group picnic area near restrooms, 17600 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley
Our annual meeting dinner will take place outdoors with a potluck picnic, (in-person!) with us flocking together at Lake Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley. Time to catch up with fellow members about birds, happenings, or life, over delicious food. We will also be installing our new Board of Directors for FY 2026-27.
Come early—Kathy Robertson will lead a bird walk beforehand. Please bring your own table service, utensils, and a dish to share (about 10 to 12 servings)
Last names: A-G: entrée, vegetable or side dish; H-O: dessert; P-Z: salad.
Beverages will be supplied, courtesy of OAS. (Visitors are requested to refrain from alcoholic beverages in the park).
Directions: In Castro Valley on I-580 westbound, take the Strobridge Avenue exit. Turn right on Strobridge, right on Castro Valley Blvd. and left on Lake Chabot Road. The Lake Chabot Marina is about two miles ahead on the right. In Castro Valley on I-580 eastbound, exit at Redwood Rd and go left, go left at Castro Valley Boulevard, right at Lake Chabot Rd, and follow the directions above. From I-580 in San Leandro, exit at Fairmont Drive and go east (uphill). The marina entrance will be to the left at the bottom of the hill. (Parking fee/EBRPD pass)
NO MEETINGS IN JULY OR AUGUST
PLEASE CONSIDER AN ELECTRONIC KITE CALL!
We are urging members to switch over to an electronically issued Kite Call (but you don’t have to! ) The benefits are a cost savings to our chapter, in both printing costs and postage. Other benefits include getting it quicker and it is much more colorful!!! See all of these beautiful photos in color! Also, note that links are live!
