Three hundred and forty-eight people enjoyed the 18th Annual 2014 Central Valley Birding Symposium Nov 20-23, 2014. Ed Harper kicked off the program with an excellent presentation on shorebirds Thursday night. On Friday night, Nat Seavey, from Point Blue Conservation Science, followed with a very interesting program on water management in the Central Valley and how it affects bird populations and conservation decisions. Joel Greenberg, the author of the nationally recognized “The Echoes of their Wings: The Life and Legacy of the Passenger Pigeon”, was Saturday’s keynote speaker. His presentation on the extinction of the species and why it matters today was very timely. Bob Meese gave an excellent presentation on the status of the Tri-colored Blackbirds in the valley-a matter near and dear to the Club’s heart.

As usual, the workshop presentations were lively and educational. Joe Morlan and Jon Dunn, joined by several of the younger generation of birding pros, led a great Bird ID panel. Other workshops discussed subspecies, changing taxonomy questions, and more. Workshops and speakers offered something for everyone’s taste and interest.

Field trips were fun and productive, and we enjoyed good weather throughout. The excellent team of volunteer leaders took participants from eastern Contra Costa County to the Sutter Buttes; from the eastern foothills to the Pacific Flyway National Wildlife Refuges. The best bird was a Northern Parula found at La Grange Regional Park, it was seen by many birders.