May Field Trips
Saturday—May 5 —8 a.m.—Whelan Lake Monthly Bird Count
Whelan Lake is a bird reserve with a freshwater lake, riparian edge habitat, grass-covered hillsides, and an oak grove. The varied habitat results in a nice assortment of bird species in all seasons. It is especially noted for its wintering duck populations
and interesting sightings during fall and spring migration.
Directions: I-5 to Hwy. 76 East, left at Douglas and continue to light at North River Rd., left on North River Rd. Meet at the cul-desac at the end of the road by the entrance gate.
Leader: John Haddock, 760-941-7824
Saturday—May 19—6:30 a.m.—2012 Birdathon and Bloomathon Early Bird Edition
Those wishing to get an earlier start on our 2012 Birdathon and
Bloomathon are invited to join Steve Brad’s early morning
group. Steve will lead a caravan to several nearby locations in
an attempt to spot some of those early birds that supposedly get
all the worms. Steve’s group will then return to the Nature
Center in time to join one of the regular (i.e. later-rising)
Birdathon and Bloomathon groups assembling at 8 a.m. Meet Steve at 6:30 a.m. at the BVAS
Nature Center (2202 South Coast Hwy., Oceanside).
Contact: Steve Brad, 760-633-1639; stevebrad1@earthlink.net.
(Cell phone will also be turned on May 19: 760-274-5256.)
Saturday—May 19—8 a.m.—2012 Birdathon and Bloomathon Basic Birding Class and Buena Vista
Lagoon Bird Count
NOTE: Beginning in May, BVAS will be combining
the Basic Birding Class and the Buena
Vista Lagoon Bird Count. We’ll meet at the
Nature Center at 8 a.m. and then caravan
around the lagoon to a series of selected stops
to observe birds, discuss bird behavior, and
record the number of species we see. We’ll
conduct our count a week earlier this month to
participate in the Birdathon and Bloomathon
on May 19.
Are you interested in learning a little more about the birds of
our lagoon? Join the friendly group of fledgling birders that
regularly turn out for our basic birding class at Buena Vista
Lagoon each month. Everyone is invited to join the class for
some informal, no-pressure birding and lots of friendly tips.
The class will also officially record the different bird species
seen at the lagoon. This monthly bird survey has been conducted by BVAS for many years, and our extensive database of bird sightings will be a factor for consideration as officials continue to study the best approach for managing, maintaining, and restoring this ecological reserve.
Directions: Meet at the BVAS Nature Center, 2202 S. Coast Highway,
Oceanside, at 8am
Leader: Joan Fountain, 760-729-1379.
Saturday—May 19—8 a.m.—2012 Birdathon and Bloomathon El Corazon Bird and Bloom Walk
Join Joan Bockman and Diane Nygaard for a special guided
walk along the new El Corazon Park trails as part of the 2012
Birdathon and Bloomathon.
Directions: Meet at the BVAS Nature Center, 2202 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside, at 8am
May Pelagic Birding Trips
Spring Migration—Sat., May 19
Join BVAS for a 13-hour pelagic birding trip
to the furthest reaches of San Diego County
waters. We’ll search for deep-water species
including several species of albatross, and expect to see lots
of marine mammals. Cost is $75-$115 depending on date of
reservation. Call Point Loma Fisherman’s Landing at 619-
223-0627 and tell them you’d like a spot on the May 19 birding
trip on board the Grande. Boat leaves at 6 a.m.
Whales and Seabirds—Sat.-Sun., May 26-28
This multi-day Memorial Day Weekend pelagic birding trip
on board the Searcher always turns up some rare and exciting
species. Call Celia at Searcher Natural History Tours for
reservations. Cost of trip: $450.
For more information, visit the BVAS Pelagic Birding Website at
www.socalbirding.com
________________________________
BVAS Field Trip Info Line
Check out the new
BVAS phone-in service
for last-minute information
about scheduled field trips.
Call the hotline number to
hear a recorded message
giving the latest information
about dates, locations,
directions, and times for
upcoming field trips.
760-688-0660
Heavy rain cancels field trips
Birders of all skill levels are always welcome to join us!
