By the time the 12th edition of the CVBS commences we will have voted a new administration into the White House.  For many it will stir hopes of positive change in our country and around the world.  And well it should.  It's an ongoing legacy our nation has fulfilled in so many ways.  But when it comes to wildlife, habitat, and the environment, hopes of positive change have occurred, and continue, mostly on the local, grassroots level.  As birders/birdwatchers, whether hard-core or occasional backyard observer, we're at our best as a community.  The CVBS and the Central Valley Bird Club offer many things, but they regard forming a community of good stewards towards birds and their habitats as one of its highest priorities.  We're all fully aware of rising costs on all fronts.  But there has never been a time when we need each other more. Whether you've joined us before or yet to be initiated, we hope you will join us for our series of wonderful programs as well as a gathering of great friends.

See you soon,

David Yee
Chair

PROGRAM

             Thursday, November 20^th

3:00 pm—9:00 pm            Registration at the Stockton Grand Hotel

6:00 pm—7:00 pm            Social Hour- Hors D’oeuvres/ No Host Bar

7:00 pm—9:00 pm            Birder’s Welcoming Party!

David Yee, Ed Harper & other CVBC members

 Friday, November 21^st

  5:30 am—2:30 pm Field Trips: Bufferlands & Stone Lakes NWR, Colusa NWR. Cosumnes River Preserve, Eastern Contra Costa Co, Eastern Stanislaus Co, Gulls, O’Neill Forebay/ Merced Refuges, Pardee Reservoir Eagle Boat Trip, Raptor Run, Salt Springs Valley, San Joaquin River NWR, Sutter Buttes, Yolo Co.

  3:30 pm—5:30 pm            Bird Identification Panel—Moderated by Ed Harper

  6:00 pm—7:30 pm            Dinner at the Stockton Grand Hotel

  7:45 pm—9:00 pm            Keynote Speaker — Hans Peeters

“Owls of California & the West”

            Saturday, November 22^nd

  6:30 am—10:00 am            Local Field Trips: Bufferlands & Stone Lakes NWR, Cosumnes River Preserve, Fish Hatchery, Flood/Waverly Rd, Lodi Lake, Mt. Plovers, Lodi Sewage Ponds, Stockton Parks, Stockton SP, Turner Rd Vintners, Woodbridge Rd, Woodbridge Reg. Park.

10:00 am—11:00 am            “Gardening for Birds & Wildlife”—Genelle Treaster

10:00 am—11:00 am            “Update on Swainson’s Hawk Conservation, Management, & Current Research in the Central Valley”—Jim Estep

11:30 am—2:30 pm            “Beginning Birding”—Jim Gain

11:30 am—12:30 pm            “Why Birders Should Drink Less Wine & Eat More Beef“

Ed Pandolfino & Darrel Sweet

12:30 pm—2:00 pm            Lunch

  2:00 pm—4:30 pm            Specialized Field Trips: Beginning Birding Field Trip—Jim Gain

  2:00 pm—3:30 pm            “Bird & Nature Digiscoping”—Clay Taylor

  2:00 pm—4:00 pm            “Ornithology 101: Specimen Workshop in Avian Form and Function”

Andy Engilis

  4:30 pm—6:00 pm            Book Signing/Wine & Cheese Reception

  6:00 pm—7:30 pm            Dinner at the Stockton Grand Hotel

  7:45 pm—9:00 pm            Keynote Speaker—John Laws

“Exploring the Sierra Nevada as Naturalist & Artist”

            Sunday, November 23^rd

  6:00 am—10:00 am            Local Field Trips: Same as Saturday

  7:00 am—10:00 am            Specialized Field Trip: Nature/Wildlife Photography in the Field

  8:30 am—12:00 pm            Drawing Workshops—John Laws

Drawing Songbirds (8:30—10:30)

Drawing Waterfowl (10:30—11:15)

Drawing Raptors (11:15—12:00)

10:00 am—12:00 pm            “Raptor ID Workshop”—Joe Morlan

12:00 pm—2:00 pm            Lunch/ CVBC Meeting

  2:00 pm—3:30 pm            “Bird ID Workshop”—Jon Dunn

 Monday, November 24^th

8:00 am—12:00 pm            Post Symposium Field trip (Fund Raiser): Digiscoping—Clay Taylor

Learn about Digiscoping, the technique of taking digital photos through the eyepiece of a spotting scope. Sign up for this special workshop led by Clay Taylor of Swarovski Optik. Bring your own equipment (he will bring some spotting scopes) and you will get past the basics to taking some remarkable photos. We will actually be taking pictures of birds in the field.

PROGRAMS, WORKSHOPS, AND SPEAKER PROFILES

All workshops and programs will be held at the the Stockton Grand Hotel. It is highly recommended that you bring your binoculars to all programs and workshops.

Programs of Interest to all Levels of Birders

Thursday, November 20^th

7:00 PM—9:00 PM       Birder’s Welcoming Party!

David Yee, Ed Harper & other distinguished CVBC members

David, Ed, and others will allow us to continue in the enjoyment and excitement of reconnecting with old friends and perhaps the making of a few new ones. We will take advantage of the scrumptious buffet, great beverages, and our new home for the weekend by using a variety of photos, audios, and birding personalities to enhance the evening while allowing you to be at your social best. We will also make any special announcements and additions/ changes to the Symposium at this time, and will cover Friday’s fieldtrips.

Friday, November 21^st

3:30 PM—5:30 PM       Bird Identification Panel -- Moderated by Ed Harper

This program has become an annual favorite. What better way to learn about the finer points of bird identification than by listening to the experts go through the process? Our illustrious panel will include Keith Hansen, Joe Morlan, and Jon Dunn. They will be presented with slides of difficult-to-identify bird groups (such as Golden-Plovers, winter plumage loons, female goldeneyes, etc.), and then each will mention what features they use to aid in clinching an ID.

7:45 PM—9:00 PM            Keynote Program – Hans Peeters

                                                            “Owls of California and the West”

Owls are truly one of our most fascinating bird groups. Their vaguely humanoid faces and nocturnal habits combined with their superior hearing, vision, and silent flight has made them the subject of mystery, myths, and misconceptions. Hans will educate us on their biology, behavior and identification, and his program will be full of intriguing anecdotes. Hans has long been one of our nation’s premier wildlife illustrators. In recent years his gifts as an outstanding ornithologist, conservationist, and photographer have won wide acclaim with publication of his “Raptors of California” and “Owls of California”.

Saturday, November 22^nd

10:00 AM—11:00 AM            “Update on Swainson’s Hawk Conservation, Management, and Current Research in the Central Valley “– Jim Estep

Jim Estep is a wildlife biologist who has worked with Swainson’s hawks for nearly 25 years. He’s conducted research on various aspects of the species’ ecology, prepared management and conservation plans, and conducted surveys throughout the Central Valley and elsewhere. His presentation will provide information on the current distribution and abundance of the species, results of county-wide baseline survey efforts, status of conservation planning efforts, and discuss the results of on-going research projects in the Central Valley. Jim has worked for the CA Dept of Fish and Game, and since 1999 has been a consulting biologist.

4:30 PM—6:00 PM       Wine & Cheese Reception/Book Signing

This is a time to visit and have fun with one another. Many of our speakers have authored books that may be in your library. Artists likely to be present include Keith Hansen, Tim Manolis, Peter Knapp, Gary Bloomfield, & Beth Carver. Many books will be available for purchase.

7:45 PM—9:00 PM            Keynote Program—John Laws

“Exploring the Sierra Nevada as Naturalist & Artist”

John Muir Laws will present an illustrated lecture about the natural history of the Sierra Nevada, and the process of creating a field guide. This engaging program will highlight some of the beautifully and amazing species in the Sierra and the relationships between them. John will also discuss some of the conservation challenges in the Sierra Nevada and what stewards of nature are doing to confront them. John is a naturalist, educator, and artist who resides in northern CA. For 6 years he backpacked the Sierra Nevada to research and illustrate “The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada”.

Sunday, November 23^rd

12:00 PM—2:00 PM       Lunch/CVBC meeting

The Central Valley Birding Symposium serves as the annual meeting of the Central Valley Bird Club. We will conduct a brief meeting to give members (if you attend the Symposium, you’re an automatic member) an update on the club, and to take care of any business that requires the approval by the membership. This is also when we will conduct the ever-popular raffle where many of the vendors and artists donate wonderful items and works to support the Club.

General Wildlife Programs

These programs are geared for a general audience. Birders of all levels will appreciate them. Students and beginning birders will especially find them rewarding.

Saturday, November 22^nd

10:00 AM—11:00 AM            “Gardening for Birds & Wildlife”—Genelle Treaster

Genelle will discuss several ways to attract birds & wildlife to your garden through appropriate planting and other strategies. She runs a business called All Things Wild in Wilton. Native plants discussed during class will be available for sale at her booth.

11:30 AM—12:30 PM            “Beginning Birding”—Jim Gain

This workshop will cover the “basics”: How to choose and use optics and field guides, when and where to bird, and the first steps toward identifying a bird. Jim is a high school teacher from Modesto who has a contagious love for birds and education. He is one of the top birders in Stanislaus County.

2:00 PM—3:30 PM       “Bird & Nature Digiscoping”— Clay Taylor

Digiscoping - the marriage of a spotting scope and digital camera to document wildlife sightings – is the hottest topic in the birding world. The seminar time will be divided between the classroom and the field. Topics will include choosing the best camera mounting options, shooting tips, and techniques in the field. New material this year will include tips on using a Digital SLR behind the scope eyepiece. Participants are encouraged to bring their spotting scopes, digital still cameras and camcorders.

Sunday, November 23^rd

10:00 AM—12:00 PM            “Bird Sketching”—John Laws

                                    Drawing Songbirds (8:30am—10:30am)

                                    Drawing Waterfowl (10:30am—11:15am)

                                    Drawing Raptors (11:15am—12:00pm)

John will start a series of hands-on field sketching workshops beginning with songbirds. He will share his tricks-of-the-trade of how to quick sketch shapes and proportions, and then fill in the details with an improved understanding of bird anatomy. Learn which critical details to check and master the one minute gesture sketch as well as sketching birds in flight. John is a very gifted teacher, and loves teaching beginners and our youth.

Workshops For The Serious Birder

Saturday, November 22^nd

11:30 AM—12:30 PM            “Why Birders Should Drink Less Wine and Eat More Beef”

Ed Pandolfino & Darrel Sweet

Dietary advice for birdwatchers? Well, not exactly. Ed and Darrel will tell you about how a bunch of hard-nosed cowboys and tree-hugging enviros discovered they had more in common than anyone thought. The unexpected coalition that resulted is working to save what is, arguably, the most important and most threatened bird habitat in California. Ed’s professional experience has ranged from touring as a drummer for Rock 'n Roll bands, to post-doctoral research in biochemistry to running divisions of a major medical device company. He is very actively involved with birding and conservation organizations throughout Northern CA. Darrel represents the 5th generation of a ranching family that has been on their Altamont Pass ranch since 1868. He is a past president of the California Cattlemen’s Association and served as a director of the Alameda Resource Conservation District for 20 years. He is one of the founding board members of the California Rangeland Trust, an organization responsible for the preservation of over 180,000 acres of rangeland, making it the largest land trust in California. Darrel is also proud to report that his Altamont Pass ranch has absolutely none of the wind power generators that have killed so many hawks and eagles in the area over the years.

2:00 PM—4:00 PM            “Ornithology 101: Specimen Workshop in Avian Form and Function”

Andy Engilis

Andy is throwing a new spin onto this longtime favorite workshop.  Have you ever wondered what are the “angulated commisure of the bill”, or “emarginate feathers”, or perhaps who has “pamprodactyl feet”? Or maybe what makes a Trogon a Trogon? This year the UCD Museum of Wildlife Fish and Biology will use specimens to teach laboratory Ornithology, examining form and function of birds and characteristics of N. America's bird fauna. See how specimens aid ornithologists and would-be ornithologists in understanding avian diversity and systematics. And oh yes, expect the annual bird ID specimen challenge! Andy is the curator of the Museum, has been a senior biologist for Ducks Unlimited. Andy and the Museum have had long history with this event and the Bird Club, and both are very committed to bird conservation in the Central Valley.

Sunday, November 23^rd

10:00 AM—12:00 PM            “Raptor ID Workshop ” — Joe Morlan

Why do we have regular workshops on raptors? First, they’re one of our more challenging bird groups to understand and identify. Secondly, the Central Valley is now considered one of the premier wintering raptors regions in the entire country. Not only does nearly every wintering species occur here, but they’re usually found in proportionately large numbers with nearly every race and color morph represented. And there’s no better person to go over these challenges than Joe.  Joe has been a fixture at this event for many years. He’s one of the nation’s leading birders and has long served on the CA Bird Records Committee. He teaches very popular birding classes at the College of San Francisco.

2:00 PM—3:30 PM       “Bird ID Workshop” — Jon Dunn

Jon will cover those bird groups that are particularly difficult for many of us such as flycatchers, sparrows, hummingbirds and shorebirds. He will pay particular attention to those species encountered in the Central Valley and surrounding areas. Jon is one of the world’s leading field ornithologists and has few peers when it comes to explaining the finer identification points within challenging bird groups. Jon has authored many books/articles on bird ID, status and distribution; most recently Gulls of the Americas: Photo Guide with Steve Howell. He also leads birding tours for Wings.

Click FIELD TRIPS box (above) for a printable list of field trips.  Please note the codes in parentheses after the descriptions are ratings provided as a service to our participants with limited mobility. Explanations are given after the Specialized Field Trips section.

Friday

Directions and maps for all Friday trips will be provided Friday morning prior to departure time. Please be considerate of the leaders and fellow birders by arriving in plenty of time, prior to the departure, to receive any last minute instructions and to arrange the carpools. Due to the rising cost of fuel, please remember to offer the driver gas money. Contact Kurt Mize (km1542@att.com), field trip coordinator, if other arrangements need to be made. A boxed lunch will be available from the Stockton Grand. Please designate on the registration form if you desire to purchase one.

5:30 AM departures    A) Colusa NWR

                                        B) O’Neill Forebay/ Merced Refuges   

                                        C) Salt Springs Valley & Vicinity

                                        D) Sutter Buttes

                                        E) Eastern Stanislaus Co.

6:00 AM departures     F) Cosumnes River Preserve

                                        G) Eastern Contra Costa Co

                                        H) Pardee Reservoir Eagle Boat Trip

                                         I) Raptor Run

                                        J) Bufferlands & Stone Lakes NWR

                                        K) San Joaquin River NWR

                                        L) Yolo County

6:30 AM departures   M) Gull Workshop

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge, Sutter Buttes, and District 10: The main focus will be Colusa NWR, one of the best places in the Central Valley to view large waterfowl concentrations. There will be myriad ducks on the tour and skeins of Snow and Ross's and White-fronted geese, and many raptors overhead—possibly including Bald Eagle and/or Peregrine Falcon. Eurasian Wigeon is almost a cinch. There will be some easy walking on a level trail through a riparian forest next to the main viewing pond. If time allows on the return trip, we will drive around the Sutter Buttes to look for Rough-legged Hawk, Sandhill Cranes, and diving ducks.  Then we’ll proceed to District 10, northeast of Marysville, a winter haven for thousands of easily viewed geese and swans, including occasional Trumpeter and Bewick's swans, and White-faced Ibis. Driving time from Stockton to Colusa NWR is about 2 hours. (2)

Cosumnes River Preserve: Cosumnes River Preserve has the finest valley oak riparian forest in California. The preserve also has extensive wetlands, fallow fields, oak savannas, and fresh water tidal marshes and swamps. There are 2 possible routes: 1) River Walk trail, Lost Slough Boardwalk, along Desmond Road, and wetlands around “The Barn”, (about 4-5 miles), or 2) Tall Forest, Accidental Forest, along Desmond Road and wetlands around “the Barn” (approx. 4-5 miles). The River Walk and Lost Slough Boardwalk trails are flatter, unobstructed, and a better sampler of all the habitats of the lower preserve. Birding the Tall Forest requires following animal trails through thick shrubs and over and under fallen trees. Ten years of accumulated deadfall, without a cleansing flood, has made transit of the Tall Forest very difficult. Rubber boots are encouraged due to standing water and low spots. Participants on both tours can expect to see many cranes and waterfowl, a diverse variety of raptors and many songbirds. No Tall Forest specialty has not been seen on the River Walk, but Winter Wren, Varied Thrush, Hutton’s Vireo, and Wrentit are likelier in the Tall Forest. Driving time is about 30 minutes. (3/C)

Eastern Contra Costa Co.: Eastern Contra Costa County, despite rampant development in recent years, still offers fine birding opportunities. Planned stops include Clifton Court Forebay for rarities which may include Tufted Duck, scoters and loons, Byron Hot Springs for raptors as well as Burrowing and Short-eared owls, Marsh Creek Reservoir for water birds, Holland Tract for geese and Sandhill Cranes, and the ponds at Iron House Sanitary District for waterfowl, American Bittern and a chance to hear Black Rails. Walking is minimal, except for a flat, leisurely walk of approximately 2 miles at Iron House Sanitary District. Driving time is about 45 min. (2)

Eastern Stanislaus Co.: The focus of this field trip is the rolling grasslands, Oak Savannah and foothill reservoirs of Eastern Stanislaus Co. We will travel first to Turlock Lake State Park to look for early Mountain Plovers and then work our way east to Joe Domecq/Basso Bridge (sneak peeks at the salmon) and north along Cooperstown Rd., Willms Rd., Knight's Ferry and Sonora Rd. In the event that roads are wet, we will travel north on Crabtree Rd. instead of Willms Rd. Expect to see Lewis' Woodpeckers, lots of raptors (including both eagles and 3 falcon species), Vesper Sparrows, Mountain Bluebirds, wintering songbirds and more. Restrooms available at 3 stops, but no food or gas services available after the meeting spot. Meet at the Fruit Yard Restaurant (the corner of Hwy 132 and Albers Rd). east of Modesto at 7AM or at the symposium at 5:45 AM. (2)

Gull Workshop-Nimbus Fish Hatchery: Jon Dunn will lead a special field trip to the Nimbus Fish Hatchery. This is one of the premier spots to view rare pink-legged gulls in the Central Valley. Since this is a fund raiser for the Youth Scholarship Fund, donations will be $20. (3/R) Limited to 25 participants.

O’Neill Forebay & Merced Refuges: O'Neill Forebay lies 90 miles south of Stockton, on the west side of Hwy 33 & I-5, and north of Hwy 152, off of Hwy 5 and 152. This area attracts large numbers of divers, including loons, grebes, scaups, Redhead, Canvasback, and an occasional scoter or Long-tailed Duck. The refuge lies east of Hwy 5, next to the Los Banos area. There are 180,000 acres of grassland and wetland habitat extending east from the Forebay all the way to Merced NWR. This is the largest block of wetlands in the Central Valley, recognized as an Important Bird Area for its huge concentrations of cranes, waders, and shorebirds but is better known for attracting a half million waterfowl. Yearly, it attracts large numbers of ducks, geese, and many raptors. The refuge will be our best chances for White-faced Ibis and White Pelican. Driving time is about 90 minutes. (1)

Pardee Reservoir Eagle Tour: This scenic foothill reservoir is normally closed to the public during the winter months. This field trip features a four hour boat tour led by East Bay MUD fisheries and wildlife technician James Jones. Eagles, Ospreys, and winter waterfowl are expected. (C) Limited to 20 participants.

Raptor Run: We will drive around the countryside trying to see as many raptors as possible. Five buteos (light and dark morphs) and four falcons (including Prairie and Merlin) are possible, as well as Golden and Bald eagles, Northern Harrier, White-tailed Kite, and Osprey. Five owls are possible, though only the Burrowing (and possibly Short-eared) are likely in the daylight. The Flood/Waverly Roads area will be our starting point. Most of the raptors have been seen there. From there we’ll chase the missed raptors in areas where they have been recently reported. (1)

Sacramento Co. Bufferlands and Stone Lakes NWR: We will visit wetlands, riparian forest, and grassland habitat with a high diversity of bird species. This is an excellent chance to see, raptors, winter songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and hopefully a few surprises. We will visit several sites, with short to moderate walks at each. (2/R) Limited to 20 participants.

San Joaquin River NWR: The San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge is located west of Modesto, California, within the historic floodplain of the confluences of the San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Rivers. Refuge lands consist of oak-cottonwood-willow riparian forest, pastures, agricultural fields, and wetlands. The refuge has an approved refuge boundary of 12,877 acres with over 1,900 acres of pristine riparian woodlands and 800 acres of newly-restored riparian woodland. It is the primary wintering site of 98 percent of the Aleutian Canada Geese that winter in the Valley (October - April), plus it is a major wintering/migration area for Lesser & Greater Sandhill Cranes, Cackling Geese, and White-fronted Geese. The refuge's riparian forest provides important migration and breeding habitat for neotropical migratory land birds with the most recent celebrity, Least Bell's Vireo. We should expect to get close to 100 species on this trip. (3/C)

Salt Springs Valley and Vicinity: East of Stockton, in the low foothills of Calaveras County lies the Salt Springs Valley. Much of the outing is on the Webster Ranch, which is not open to the public. Due to the variety of habitats visited, a nice selection of birds will be viewed. Expected birds will include good numbers and variety of raptors and waterfowl. These usually include Bald and Golden eagles, Ferruginous Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, & Prairie Falcon. Waterfowl will include a mix of geese, dabbling and bay ducks, mergansers, grebes, shorebirds, herons, moorhens and coots. The ranch is also good for Lewis’s Woodpecker & Phainopepla. Driving time is 60-90 min. over a narrow country road. It is necessary to caravan together to gain entrance through the locked gate. The walking is not taxing, though the ground is a bit uneven. Restroom opportunities are limited. (3/R) Limited to 20 participants.

Sutter Buttes: The trip will be an opportunity for birders to get a close up look at the only mountains in the Central Valley. The time of year will limit the diversity of birds but it will be a good opportunity for those working on their Sutter County bird lists. (3/R) (Cost $30 for the Middle Mountain Foundation) Limited to 18 participants; Carpooling mandatory.

Yolo County: Participant’s will be guided by some of Yolo’s premier birders to sites offering the county’s largest variety of wintering birds. This trip goes to wetlands, sewage ponds, lake and riparian habitats. Some possible stops are: Putah Creek riparian for passerines  (Rufous-crowned Sparrow), and waterfowl along the creek (Hooded Mergansers, Barrow’s Goldeneye); Lake Solano (Osprey); Davis landfill and waste water treatment plant for gulls (Glaucous-winged, Thayer’s) and shorebirds; Yolo Bypass marshes for waterfowl (Blue-winged Teal, mixed geese) and shorebirds (Ruff). This outing consistently produces the highest species total among symposium field trips. Easy to moderate walking, mostly driving. Plan to meet leaders in Davis by 7am. (2)

Local Field Trips: (Sat/Sun)

Camanche Lake Fish Hatchery: A small delightful riparian oak woodland along the banks of the Mokelumne River northeast of Lodi. Expect mergansers, sparrows, warblers, and an occasional Osprey or eagle. There are maintained trails in this area leading from the parking lot to the river and riparian forest. 6:30 am departure time. (3/WS/SS)

Cosumnes River Preserve: We will visit the River Walk Trail. 6:30 am departure time. (3/C)

Flood/Waverly Roads: The Flood/Waverly rangelands in eastern San Joaquin County are a “Raptor Wonderland” in winter. Birds likely to be seen include Ferruginous and Rough-legged hawks, perhaps a Prairie Falcon or Merlin. Eagles and owls and numerous other raptors are possible. Non-raptors to be looked for include Mountain Bluebirds and perhaps rare gulls at the landfill. 6:30 am departure time. (1)

Lodi Lake: A 40 acre oak riparian jewel along the Mokelumne River near downtown Lodi. Maintained trails make for very easy walking. It’s a great spot for wintering passerines such as Varied Thrush, Winter Wren, and Golden-crowned Kinglet. A good vagrant trap and some of the rarest birds in the country have been found here. 7 am departure time. (3/WM, SM)

Lodi Sewage Ponds - These small settling ponds are near the intersection of I-5 and Hwy 12. Highly productive over the years, they are the spot to see Pacific Golden-Plover locally. If the conditions are right, they can attract good numbers of other shorebirds as well as gulls, terns and ducks. 7 am departure time (1)

Mt. Plover Chase: The Mt. Plover has become increasingly difficult to find in the Central Valley and elsewhere in recent years. With a little luck, they can still be found at traditional wintering sites in Yolo, Colusa, and Solano counties. Our destination for this trip will be based on the results of scouting in those three counties during the week prior to the symposium. We have been able to locate a Mountain Plover flock on this trip during previous Symposia. Other birds likely on this trip include raptors that frequent grassland and agricultural environments. Diversity is typically low but a rarity is always possible. 7 am departure time. (1)

Sacramento Co. Bufferlands & Stone Lakes NWR: An abbreviated version of Friday’s trip. 6:30 am departure time. (2/R)

Stockton Parks: A variety of local parks in Stockton will be visited to view wintering passerines. Varied Thrush, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Townsend’s and Black-throated Grey warblers are a few possibilities. A Red-naped Sapsucker was an extremely rare treat six years ago!! 8 am departure time (3/C)

Stockton Sewage Ponds: Some of the largest ponds in the world, this complex attracts large numbers of gulls, waterfowl, and shorebirds all year round. In previous years these ponds produced a Franklin’s Gull and Peregrine Falcon for the Symposium. 7 am departure time. (1)

Turner Rd. Vintners: This wildlife-friendly winery features sewage ponds and a 40 acre wetlands created with wastewater from winery operations. Winter visitors in 2003 included Common Loon, Ross's Goose, and a second county record of Vermilion Flycatcher! 7 am departure time. (1)

Woodbridge Rd: This road is just north of Hwy 12 off I-5. It has long been known as one of the most accessible areas in the state to see Greater Sandhill Cranes. Raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds are also present, especially at the special crane preserve.7 am departure time. (1)

Woodbridge Regional Park: This park consists of lush riparian woodlands nestled along the south bank of the Mokelumne River in the town of Woodbridge. Dirt trails meander throughout the park. It is a great spot for wintering passerines such as Varied Thrush, Winter Wren, and residents like Wrentit. This is a good vagrant trap, very similar to Lodi Lake. 7 am departure time. (3/R)

Specialized Field Trips: (Sat/Sun)

Beginning Birding Field Trip: Jim Gain

Jim will help put into action many of the topics he covered earlier. He will visit Oak Grove Regional Park in north Stockton where wintering birds abound. Bring binoculars, field guides and note book. {Sat. 2:00—4:30 PM (3/WM, SM)}

Nature/Wildlife Photography in the Field: Clay Taylor

Grab your digital camera and join us in a nearby location to practice some basic techniques for creating great nature and wildlife images! We will find a variety of subject matter to photograph, including very cooperative critters, and we'll discuss different ways of shooting tips and techniques in the field. {Sun. 7:00—10:00 AM (3/WM, SM)}

Post Symposium Field Trip (Monday): Digiscoping—Clay Taylor

Learn about Digiscoping, the technique of taking digital photos through the eyepiece of a spotting scope. Sign up for this special workshop led by Clay Taylor of Swarovski Optik. Bring your own equipment (he will bring some spotting scopes) and you will get past the basics to taking some remarkable photos. We will actually be taking pictures of birds in the field. Donations will be $20. (3/R) Limited to 15 participants.

Field Trip Ratings for Limited Mobility Birders

Time in Car vs. Out

(1) Most birding can be done in and around car

(2) Mixed

(3) Most or all birding requires being out of car

Codes (if applicable) for out-of-car segments:

(WM) Most areas suitable for wheelchairs and scooters

(WS) Some areas suitable for w/s

(SM) Most areas have places to sit

(SS) Some areas have places to sit

(R) Rough and/or muddy terrain

(C) Contact leader, multiple routes of various accessibility possible

Stockton Grand Hotel
2323 Grand Canal Blvd
Stockton, California

209-957-9090 for reservations

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Fees/Registration

Registration fee ($90) includes Programs and Field trips for Thursday through Sunday, and membership/renewal fees for the Central Valley Bird Club. If you are attending as a couple the price is discounted to $175. If you are unable to attend the full Symposium, but wish to attend 1-2 days there is a $45 Single day fee available. College age students (ID required) will only pay $45 for the entire event, or $25 Single day. All other students through high school age are free! Spaces at the CVBS are limited. Please send in your registration by November 15^th to ensure a space. Make checks payable to: Central Valley Birding Symposium.

Upon receiving your registration, a confirmation notice will be mailed. Registration packets, which contain your name badge & meal tickets, may be picked up beginning at 3:00 PM on Thursday November 20^th at the Stockton Grand Hotel. Registration packets will also be available on Friday morning (prior to field trip departures), Friday afternoon and evening, and again on Saturday morning. Email Frances Oliver @ hummer52@sbcglobal.net if other arrangements need to be made.

Cancellations & Refunds

If you cancel your registration, either by telephone or in writing, you will receive a full refund, minus a $5 processing fee. Notification must be received by November 15^th. Beginning November 16^th, no cancellations or “no shows” will be refunded.

Lodging

Lodging is not included in the registration fee. Our headquarters, the Stockton Grand Hotel is providing a limited number of rooms at the discounted rate of $104 night, so register early! Make reservations directly with the hotel by calling 209-957-9090 and tell them you are attending the CVBS.

Meals

A “Hot Breakfast” will be available Friday through Sunday morning from the Stockton Grand Hotel.. Box lunches, with a vegetarian option, are available for Friday’s field trip. Saturday and Sunday buffet lunches will include soup, salad, sandwiches, and drinks. Friday and Saturday dinners will be served at the Stockton Grand Hotel. prior to the keynote speaker. They will be served buffet style, and will include meat, chicken and vegetarian entrees. We try our best to accommodate special needs, but bringing your own is the only way to be certain that your dietary requirements are not compromised. Please indicate on the registration form which meal you are interested in attending/ purchasing. Meal prices are indicated on the registration form.

For those of you not choosing to participate in the meals, there are a few fast food places surrounding the Stockton Grand Hotel to choose from. Unfortunately, there are very few early breakfast places available.

T-shirts and Sweatshirts

T-shirts and sweatshirts have been a big hit for the last 11 years. This year’s artist will be  René Reyes.   In order to accommodate as many people as possible we are asking you to indicate your preference and size on the registration form.

Weather

In November, in the Central Valley, rain and fog are to be expected. In fact anything except snow and high temperatures are possible. Participants should plan accordingly. Since conditions commonly change during the course of a day, it is usually best to be dressed in layers that can be shed or added as necessary.

Field trips

Car-pooling is encouraged, so be sure to start the day with a full tank of gas. Friday will be a long field day, so bring plenty of water, snacks and pack a lunch for the day. Due to the variation in weather condition participants should be well prepared. Dress in layers; bring an outer rainproof/windproof shell, wool gloves and caps, and perhaps a hat to shade the eyes. Good sturdy shoes are a must, and perhaps rubber knee boots will be useful for some areas.

Binoculars are essential, with spotting scopes useful to help optimize looks at distant waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, or gulls

Please don’t forget your optic cleaning equipment. If you are inclined, familiarize yourself with tape recordings of different birdcalls for the area. Bring your own field guides for birds, mammals, butterflies, insects, animal tracks, etc. Unfortunately, the local amphibians and reptiles will have withdrawn into winter quarters by mid-November. A daypack is desirable to carry your personal gear. Don’t forget a thermos of your favorite hot beverage!

If you are planning to take part in the photographic field trip, you will need your camera & lenses.

Please judge your own limits for walking. For those birders that have limited mobility, the field trips have been rated. For further information please contact Cheri Pillsbury cpillsbury@softcom.net or Kurt Mize km1542@att.com.

BIRDING NATURE FAIR AND ART SHOW

Additional Lodging in Stockton

Hotel & Motels within 5 –10 miles of the Stockton Grand Hotel:

Comfort Inn & Suites                                                              Courtyard by Marriott

2654 W. March Ln                                                                      3252 W. March Ln

209-478-4300                                                                            209-472-9700

La Quinta Inn                                                                          Motel 6, Stockton North

2710 W. March Ln                                                                      6717 Plymouth Rd

209-952-7800                                                                            209-951-8120

Residence Inn                                                                         Super 8 Motel

3240 W. March Ln                                                                      2717 W. March Ln

209-478-9800                                                                                                                                                         209-477-5576

Best Western, Stockton Inn                                                    Econo Lodge

4219 E. Waterloo                                                                      2210 S. Manthey Rd

209-931-3131                                                                            209-466-5741

Howard Johnson, Express Inn                                                  Travelodge

33 N. Center                                                                              1707 W. Fremont St

209-948-6151                                                                             209-466-7777

SPONSORS

The continued success of the Central Valley Birding Symposium is strongly dependent upon its Sponsors. Most of them have been sponsoring this event since its inception ten years ago. We are deeply indebted to them.

ALTACAL AUDUBON             SACRAMENTO AUDUBON

SAN JOAQUIN AUDUBON                STANISLAUS AUDUBON

YOLO AUDUBON                    JOHN BLADES, DDS

WANDERING TATTLER            BIRDER’S WORLD

CITY OF LODI                               CITY OF STOCKTON

NOAH’S BAGEL’S                        DUNCAN PRESS

COSUMNES RIVER PRESERVE

MT STATEN ISLAND RANCH

OAK GROVE REGIONAL PARK

WEBSTERS RANCH COMPANY

EXHIBITORS

KOWA OPTIMED

SWAROVSKI OPTIK, NORTH AMERICA

NIKON

OUT OF THIS WORLD OPTICS

PENTAX

 WILDLIFE COMPUTING SOFTWARE

Page revised 8-24-2008 

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