Update on Condor Recovery Program and Introducing "Ohlone"!
2026-01-06 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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!
