Central Valley Birding Symposium 2014

2014

Central Valley Birding Symposium

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.
Central Valley Bird Symposium Poster 2014

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.

The Jon Dunn Fieldtrip, at the Los Vaqueros Reservoir, allowed for close looks at a Bobcat.
The Jon Dunn Fieldtrip, at the Los Vaqueros Reservoir, allowed for close looks at a Bobcat.
The Bird ID panel hosted by Ed Harper was fantastic as always. This is a big favorite of the crowd. Our panel L to R: Jon Dunn, Keith Hansen, John Garrett, Kristie Nelson, Joe Morlan, and Kimball Garrett.
The Bird ID panel hosted by Ed Harper was fantastic as always. This is a big favorite of the crowd. Our panel L to R: Jon Dunn, Keith Hansen, John Garrett, Kristie Nelson, Joe Morlan, and Kimball Garrett.
Jon Dunn’s Friday Field Trip
Jon Dunn’s Friday Field Trip
David Yee, kicking off the 18th annual Central Valley Birding Symposium. It was a full house for Ed Harper’s talk, “A Passion for Shorebirds”.
David Yee, kicking off the 18th annual Central Valley Birding Symposium. It was a full house for Ed Harper’s talk, “A Passion for Shorebirds”.

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