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Written by Elias
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Sunday, 29 January 2012 23:14 |
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Please note: We also have regularly scheduled walks at El Dorado Nature Center, Gum Grove Park, and Los Cerritos Wetlands every month. For more information on those events, see our Upcoming Events Calendar at right.
Chavez Ravine Arboretum/Elysian Park
Los Angeles
Wednesday, February 8th, 9:00 a.m.
The Chavez Ravine Arboretum was founded in 1893 by the Los Angeles Horticultural Society and is the first and oldest arboretum in Southern California. Planting of rare trees in the Arboretum continued through the 1920s. Most of the Arboretum's original trees are still standing in their regal grandeur. Many of the trees are the oldest and largest of their kind in California and even the United States. Rich in history and displayed for your pleasure and education, these splendid trees are but an introduction to the more than 100 varieties from around the world that can be grown in our mild Southern California climate. As mature trees, they should afford us the opportunity for a good display of tree-loving birds.
Directions: Take the 91 (W) to the 710 Fwy (N) to I-5 (N) to US-101 (N) to Echo Park Ave (R). Stay to the right on Echo Park Ave for 0.8 mi to Morton Ave (slight right) 0.3 mi to Academy Rd (R) 0.1 mi to Elysian Park Dr (L) and follow the signs.
If you would prefer to carpool, please meet at the south end of the El Dorado Branch Library, on Studebaker Road just south of Spring Street, at 8:00 a.m. Otherwise, meet at the field trip site at 9:00am. Sadly, rain cancels the trip. This is an open-ended trip, so bring a lunch and/or snacks if you wish.
San Jacinto Wildlife Area & Lake Perris
Perris, CA
Saturday, February 25th, 9:00 a.m.
Well, we tried this trip last year, but were rained out. I hope you held on to your rain checks, because we are going to try it again. If you make it to any field trip this year, this would be the one to do! San Jacinto is a raptor & waterfowl heaven. In the past we've had both types of eagles, ferruginous hawk, kites, harriers, and long eared, great horned & short-eared owls. Waterfowl possibilities include any of the geese, shovelers, red heads, 3 species of teal and other such ducks. It's also a good place for mountain bluebird, rock wren, pheasant, 6 species of icterids (blackbirds), shrikes and sage sparrow.
If you would prefer to carpool, please meet at the south end of the El Dorado Branch Library, on Studebaker Road just south of Spring Street, at 6:30 a.m. Otherwise, meet at the field trip site at 9:00am. Sadly, rain cancels the trip. You now need a CA Dept. of Fish & Game Lands Pass ($4.32 for the day) for San Jacinto. You may either buy one there or we will have a few available for you.
Directions: take the 91 Fwy to the 60 east; then take the 215 south to the exit for Ramona expressway. Go east about 10 miles to the town of Lakeview and turn north (left) on Davis Rd. Go about 2.5 miles to the entrance. There will be a kiosk on the left where you sign in. Please note that you may see turn-offs for Lake Perris on the way to the San Jacinto Wildlife Area; please don’t go there first. Ignore the signs and continue on to the San Jacinto Wildlife Area. When we are done there, we will all caravan back to the south entrance for Lake Perris.
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Last Updated on Sunday, 29 January 2012 23:47 |
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Written by Elias
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Sunday, 29 January 2012 23:24 |
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The Big Picture in a Small Frame: the Natural History of the Kern County including portions of Tulare and Inyo Counties in the Southern Sierra Nevada
Why does landlocked Kern County have such an impressive list of flora and fauna? A diversity of geology and biology unparalleled for any area in North America, north of Mexico is why. Come learn about the natural history of Kern County from its beginnings: geology, tectonics, paleontology, Floristic Provinces, Native Americans, early settlers and about the diverse assemblage of flora and fauna in the modern day. This whirlwind journey is the result of 20+ years of research and field explorations reconstructing the pieces on why this region is so diverse. It began as a result of working on endangered species issues back in the 1980's, where inquiries to researchers, government officials and literature yielded little information on life before European conquest of area Indians and common wildlife species. This program is an amalgamation of searches of literature, museum collections, interviews of experts, and Nature Ali's own field work. Expect to leave this presentation with a deep appreciation for why this area of central California is so special.
About the Speaker
Alison Sheehey, aka Nature Ali, is the Outreach Director for Audubon Kern River Preserve. She has lived in Kern County since 1980. Her deep appreciation of all things Kern began with her explorations of the desert environs of the Temblor Range (the western border of Kern County) where she fell in love with the intricacies of the geology, flora and fauna in a place many regarded as an ugly wasteland. Seeing beauty in every natural niche is one of the many talents of "Nature Ali". A member of Audubon Society since 1985, she has been a staunch advocate for the environmental protection of Kern County and this planet preferring to quietly affect policy through education. Her extensive natural history website can be found at www.natureali.org.
Join us on Thursday, February 16th at 7:30 p.m., at El Dorado Nature Center, 7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach (between Los Alamitos Blvd. and Studebaker Rd.) Parking is free and refreshments will be served. Remember to bring your recyclable aluminum cans and plastic bottles with caps removed to help support chapter activities.
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Great Backyard Bird Count |
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Written by Elias
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Sunday, 29 January 2012 23:29 |
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Family Activity Alert
A Great Backyard Bird Count reminder and a suggestion: Involve your children, grandkids, neighborhood kids, or just do it yourself. It is a fun family activity and a great way to introduce birding to others. All you need to do is a little (or a lot, but a minimum of 15 minutes, it's up to you) birding or feeder watching. Count all the birds at one location- CBC style. The dates are February 17 -20 (President's Day weekend). All you have to do then is enter it at www.birdcount.org, no password or pin needed. No fee. Your data joins a nationwide survey organized by Audubon and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. They even do a photo contest, so get ready and have fun.
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Conservation News & Updates |
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Written by Elias
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Sunday, 29 January 2012 23:17 |
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2nd & PCH Project
2nd & PCH Project turned down by City Council, 5-3. Please thank Councilmembers O'Donnell (4th), Schispke (5th), Lowenthal (2nd), Andrews (6th) and Neal (9th). The EIR was inadequate and the local coastal plan should be amended first, going through the California Coastal Commission. The project was inconsistent with current zoning -- height and density. Currently height limits are 35 feet and this project included a 12-story building and other taller than 35 feet buildings. The City Council then passed a motion directing the City Manager to come back to council in 60 days with a plan for funding to update SEADIP (local coastal plan) zoning.
Banning Ranch
The City of Newport Beach Planning Commission will be discussing the proposed Banning Ranch development during four study sessions in January and February. Open to the public, the meetings are intended to give commissioners and the public the chance to discuss and ask questions about the Banning Ranch plans. Each study session will cover a certain aspect of the development. Newport Beach City Council Chambers, 3300 Newport Blvd. Public comments welcome and written comments to the DEIR can be submitted. Check out http://banningranchconservancy.org for more info.
4:30 to 6:00 p.m., February 9, Open Space, Parks, and Trails,
5:00 to 6:30 p.m., February 23, Land Use, Development Regulations, and Architectural Guidelines and 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., February 23, Draft Environmental Report.
http://banningranchconservancy.org/
Bolsa Chica
Bolsa Chica Land Trust reports that the California Coastal Commission fined Goddell’s $430,000 for unauthorized archeological work done on their property. A permit to use non-invasive methods to examine the site and without a Native American monitor being present. The BCLT thanks the Coastal Commissioners for recognizing the importance of the resources on the Goodell property, and for recognizing the un-permitted work was deliberate.
California Gardens
Tours of California Gardens continue on the third Saturday of the month, 10:00 a.m., Orange between Willow and Spring. Contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
for more information. February 18, March 17 and April 21.
Gum Grove Park Walks
Gum Grove Park walks continue on the second Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Avalon entrance parking lot near Catalina and Avalon.
Los Cerritos Wetlands Bird/Nature Walk
Los Cerritos Wetlands bird/nature walk, second Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. at First and PCH in Seal Beach, turn left onto First Street and park off the driveway to the right. See herons, egrets, migratory ducks, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors.
(Note: Parking is off a driveway so there is no address. Please note that from Long Beach it is left on First Street and park off road.)
Snow Day
Join us at 4th District "Snow Day", Saturday, February 4 11:00 to 3:00 p.m. in Whaley Park on Atherton (nr. Bellflower). This is a good community event with chances for the kids to ride sleds on snow, music and so on. El Dorado Audubon will have an information table where we can use some help. Stop by and say hello!
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Last Updated on Monday, 30 January 2012 00:17 |
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Christmas Bird Count Update |
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Written by Elias
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Sunday, 29 January 2012 23:26 |
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What a perfect day to be out in the field counting birds! This year’s CBC surpassed expectations in all areas. Here are stats:
175 species seen, which includes 4 exotics
39 total participants, 3 at feeders
2 sub-species seen (Beldings Savannah Sparrow & Myrtle’s Yellow-rumped Warbler)
4 Count Week birds (Count Week is 3 days before & 3 days after)
35, 775 total birds counted
Bird highlights: Northern Parula, Baltimore Oriole, Lapland Longspur, Virginia Rail, Hooded Oriole and Count Week birds Orchard Oriole, Nashville Warbler, Least Flycatcher, Clay-colored Sparrow.
Co-Chair Donna Bray and I would like to thank Kevin & Teri Alcaino, Judy Anderson, Richard Barth, Suzanne Bowers, Jeff Boyd, Donna Bray, Jill Brennan, Greg and Joseph Cook, Cindy Crawford, John & Lindsay Fitch, Nancy Flagg, Jan Gaffney, Karen Gilbert, Robb Hamilton, Cathy Hodge & Miguel Flores, Roz Hoffman, Debi Ketcham, Paula Lane, Vic Leipzig, Clarann Levakis, Joanne McLaughlin, Kim Moore, Mary Parsell, Gary Peebles, Keith & Terry Quinlivan, Annabelle Rice, Joe Rosenthal, Bob Schallmann, Mark Singer, Steve & Becky Turley, John Willis and Jan Wilson for helping us count birds and making the 112th CBC one of our best ever! Hope to see you next year.
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Last Updated on Sunday, 29 January 2012 23:26 |
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