Listening to Nature's Divas: What Female Songsters Tell Us
2025-11-11 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Central United Methodist Church, 3700 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, California
Speaker: Karan Odom

Most bird enthusiasts are familiar with the intricate, beautiful songs of male songbirds. However, it is less well known that females of many bird species also sing. While male songbirds sing to attract mates or defend territories, the reasons that females sing can be much broader, including competing for year-round resources for herself and her young. However, there is still a lot to learn about the extent of differences between male and female songs, the reasons that female songbirds sing, and the evolutionary pressures that led female songbirds to sing in the first place. Dr. Karan Odom will provide a glimpse into the world’s diversity of female bird songs and explain what these natural divas have to tell us.Bio: Karan Odom is an Assistant Professor at University of the Pacific and a behavioral ecologist. Karan is especially interested in the evolution of elaborate bird songs in female as well as male songbirds. She combines phylogenetic comparative methods with field studies to tease apart the evolutionary processes responsible for the sexual dimorphism we see in female and male song today. Karan recently came to Stockton after complete postdoctoral positions at the University of Maryland, College Park and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Karan received her Ph.D. at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) studying male and female song in troupials, a tropical oriole in Puerto Rico, and her Master’s at the University of Windsor in Ontario, studying the function and geographic variation in Barred Owl duets. Karan also runs a citizen science project (the Female Bird Song Project- www.femalebirdsong.org), encouraging wildlife enthusiasts to help document the understudied singing behaviors of female songbirds.

Beginner Birding at the San Joaquin River NWR
2025-11-29 08:00 - 23:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge, 2714 Dairy Road, Vernalis, CA, 95385, United States
Leader: Henry Koertzen
We will drive and/or walk from the parking lot along Pelican Road to enjoy the sunrise, bird sounds and the Geese and Cranes departing for the day from the wetlands. Binoculars will be available for use. There are bathrooms at the parking lot.
Directions: Meet at the refuge gravel parking lot on Dairy Road (2714 Dairy Rd, Vernalis, CA 95385)

Christmas Bird Count Review and Prep
2025-12-09 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Central United Methodist Church, 3700 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, California
Please join us for our annual Christmas Bird Count review with updates provided by our very own David Yee. David will discuss the latest information on birds in the Central Valley, the State, North America, and the World. David has his finger on the pulse of all-things bird related so you can rest assured that we will be receiving the latest information that’s out there.
David Yee is a past San Joaquin Audubon Society President, Board Member, and Field Trip Leader. He is also a Founding member, Past President, and Board member of the Central Valley Bird Club, the creator of the Central Valley Birding Symposium, and a wonderful friend and mentor to most San Joaquin Audubon Society birders

Stockton Christmas Bird Count
2025-12-14 07:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Leader: Compiler-Donna Marciano
This is one of two Christmas Bird Count (CBC) within San Joaquin County. The Stockton count is comprised of north Stockton, Lodi and Thornton, a valley floor count as compared to our foothill count.

Beginning birders to experienced birders are welcome. Some area have all walking (~7 miles), others areas have birding mostly from the car, still other areas are a combination of both.
Christmas Bird Counts are performed rain or shine (except in extreme conditions).
Please contact Donna Marciano @ paulmarciano@att.net if you would like to join a group.
The Stockton count circle is at the intersection of Hwy 12 & Hwy 5, the official center point. The count circle radiates out 15 miles in all directions. Counts will start 7-7:30 am with designated leaders in 15 areas and ends when the count is completed, usually before sundown. Count area surveys consist of all driving, some walking & driving or all walking 6-7 miles. Some count leaders also conduct an owl survey occurring before dawn.

Wallace-Bellota Christmas Bird Count
2026-01-03 07:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Leader: Compiler-Kasey Foley

This is a Christmas Bird Count (CBC) that goes from the valley floor up to the lower foothills and incorporates San Joaquin County, Calaveras County, with a sliver in Amador County. It is centered in San Joaquin County.
Beginning birders to experienced birders are welcome. Some area have all walking (~7 miles), others areas have birding mostly from the car, still other areas are a combination of both.
Christmas Bird Counts are performed rain or shine (except in extreme conditions).
Directions: contact Kasey Foley at kaseyfoley@sbcglobal.net for assignments, please put “CBC” in Subject line

Wetlands Beginner Birding at the San Joaquin River NWR
2026-01-24 08:00 - 23:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge, 2714 Dairy Road, Vernalis, CA, 95385, United States
Leader: Henry Koertzen
We will hike along the wetlands section of the Pelican Trail for a flat couple of miles looking for a variety of bird species. Binoculars will be available for use. There are bathrooms at the parking lot.
Directions: Meet at the refuge gravel parking lot on Dairy Road (2714 Dairy Rd, Vernalis, CA 95385)

Merced NWR Field Trip
2026-01-25 09:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Merced National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), 7430 West Sandy Mush Road, Merced, CA, 95341, United States
We will drive the loop trail. If conditions permit and there is interest, we can hike the refuge trails. Expect to be back in Stockton by late afternoon. Bring lunch, water. Keep your eye on the weather and dress accordingly. Carpooling is encouraged.
Meet Jim Rowoth at

07:30 AM PST @ Bagel St Cafe (formerly Tout Sweets) (Quail Lakes & March) OR
09:00 AM PST @ Main parking lot at entrance of NWR

Bird Sit at University of Pacific (Stockton Campus)
2026-02-01 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | University of Pacific Stockton Campus, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA, 95211, United States
Please join us for this fun event suitable for everyone. No matter your age, your knowledge of birds and your level of mobility. We will be sitting in one spot to enjoy, observe and/or discuss the birds, and all other parts of nature, around us.
Bring your questions regarding bird identification by sight or sound, binoculars, free phone apps, etc.

Come at any time from 2pm and stay as short or long as you like. Bring your binoculars or borrow our extras.

The fountain is located to the north of the library and bench seating is available.

Handicapped parking on Atchley Wlkwy and regular parking on Dave Brubeck Way.

Birds of the California Delta by Aaron Haiman
2026-02-10 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Central United Methodist Church, 3700 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, California
The Delta is a place of connections where rivers meet each other, where freshwater meets salt water, where ocean fish come inland, where birds from the north come for the winter, and where birds from the south come to breed. The Delta is also a place of complexity. How water interacts with land and forms soil is a complex process. How birds and fish find and utilize habitats are complex sets of instincts and signals. How humans use water and land contains a nest of complex pressures. All these connections and complexities play out on a daily basis throughout the Delta. Exploring the many wetlands, grasslands, and sloughs of the Delta is always a fascinating and beautiful adventure into this meeting ground of complexity. And these adventures have led to a book that Aaron has written titled: Birds of the California Delta. This book introduces the reader to the Delta and to a scattering of the birds that live and visit it. Aaron will be sharing this book, and his own birding experiences and knowledge.

Aaron Haiman began birding when he was 6 years old, and his passion for birds has remained strong ever since. Following this passion has included volunteering for a variety of bird research organizations, undergraduate and graduate degrees studying birds, and working for the State of California as a Senior Environmental Scientist on ecosystem restoration. Aaron’s love of birds also takes him out birding on his own and with friends, old and new, and onto social media to share information and love of birds, nature, and science under the handle “A Birding Naturalist”.

Ripon Water Treatment Plant & River Trail
2026-02-28 08:00 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ripon Water Treatment Plant
As shorebirds begin their journey southward they pass through the Ripon Sewage ponds. Our hope is to be there when they pass through, we can expect to see Greater Yellowlegs, sandpipers (least and maybe western), Black neck Stilts, long billed dowitchers and maybe a few unexpected species. Join leader Donna Marciano for a morning of birding. This will be a good trip for beginners to learn about shorebirds or for experienced birds to improve your identification skills. The trip is for folks of all ages. We will start at the gravel parking lot located at the south end of Jack Tone Road. We’ll be walking the smooth dirt/path, accessible by stroller or wheelchair. Bring water, hat, sunscreen and binoculars, we do have a few pairs to loan out for the trip if you need them.
First we will look for water and shore birds on the ponds, and then we will bird the path along the Stanislaus River.
Note: there are no bathroom facilities on site.

Climate Change and the Birds of the Zuni Mountains Region of New Mexico: Past and Present, and Maybe Future
2026-03-10 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Central United Methodist Church, 3700 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, California
The Zuni region enjoys a history of ornithological study that must be the envy of every other place in interior western North America. The specimens collected in the second half of the 19th Century and the early years of the 20th Century are mostly still extant and form the basis of assessing how the regional avifauna has changed and is changing across time. Change has been very rapid since the turn of the new millennium.

Born and reared in Vallejo, John Trochet has lived in Sacramento for the last 44 years. He briefly practiced medicine before returning to school in ornithology, and retired from the UC Davis Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology in 2017. He remains a research affiliate of the museum. Along with following the birds of the Cosumnes River Preserve and being a team member of Project Principalis in Louisiana, the 45+ year study of the birds of the Zuni Mountains Region is one of three long-term projects that keeps him busy in retirement.

Del Puerto Canyon Fieldtrip
2026-03-14 08:00 - 16:30 UTC | Del Puerto Canyon Meeting Point, Starbucks , 2952 Speno Dr, Patterson, CA, 95363, United States
Field Trip Coordinator – Ralph Baker
Del Puerto Canyon is Stanislaus County’s most diverse natural environment. Its habitats range from grasslands along the western valley floor to chaparral, blue oak woodland, and pines. Over 150 species of birds have been observed here (your guide has personally seen 128). Species we could see at this time of year include Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Greater Roadrunner, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Rock and Canyon Wren, Wrentit, California Thrasher, Phainopepla (which would make it a good day, indeed) and Rufous-crowned Sparrow. The birds, along with interesting geology, herps, insects, and other wildlife, make this a must-see birding spot. A Townsend’s Solitaire has recently been seen in the upper reaches of the canyon and this is one of the few places in the county where it’s possible to see Steller’s Jay (though they are extremely rare, even here).

Visit the Stanislaus Audubon website HERE for a more detailed description of the canyon.

We will traverse the canyon, stopping at several locations to bird. Most birding will be done near or from the road, but there will be a couple of hikes away from the road; the one at Frank Raines Park will be rather steep, but anyone who does not wish to participate in the steep climb can bird around the parking lot and picnic area. Dress in layers, where comfortable walking shoes and bring lunch/snacks (as we will not be returning to Patterson until sometime after lunch), water and binoculars. A scope would also be useful if you have one
Directions: Meet at Starbucks, 2952 Speno Dr, Patterson, CA 95363

Beginner’s Bird Walk @ River Islands
2026-03-28 08:00 - 11:00 UTC | River Islands, 301, Stewart Rd, Lathrop, CA, 95330, United States
Join leader Henry Koertzen for a beginning bird walk for folks of all ages. We will start at the gravel parking lot at the south entrance of River Islands (at the river side of the road) . We will walk the smooth paved path, accessible by a stroller or wheelchair.We will do a two mile loop. First we will follow the path along the San Joaquin River, and then we will cross over to return around the lake. Note: there are no bathroom facilities at the site.
DirectionsTake exit 460 (Manthey Rd) from I-5(S).Turn right onto Manthey Road.At the first stop sign turn left onto Stewart Road. When you reach the first roundabout the parking area is on the right. Coordinates 37.788505, -121.309836
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2jzoQsgQJcNVeDhf7

Introductory Birding at Lodi Lake
2026-04-04 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Lodi Lake, 1101 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA, 95240, United States
Join leader Cavan Allen at the north end of Laurel Ave. in Lodi (on the east side of Lodi Lake Park, off of Turner Rd.) at 8:00 AM. Birders of all skill levels are welcome, but the focus will be on birding fundamentals. Extra binoculars and field guides will be available.Location: Lodi Lake,1101 W Turner Rd, Lodi

Beginner Bird Walk at UoP
2026-04-05 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | University of Pacific Stockton Campus, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA, 95211, United States
Leader: Henry Koertzen
Please join leader Henry Koertzen for this fun beginner event. We will stroll around the campus identifying the birds we find.
Bring your questions regarding bird identification by sight or sound, binoculars, free phone apps, etc.,
Remember your binoculars or borrow our extras.
We will meet at the fountain which is located just north of the library

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (Kiln Canyon)
2026-04-07 08:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Kiln Canyon, Carnegie State Vehicle Recreation Area, 18600 Corral Hollow Road, Tracy, CA, United States
Leader: Kasey Foley and John Blades

Please join trip leaders John Blades and me, Kasey Foley, on our annual Kiln Canyon Trip at Carnegie State Vehicle Recreation Area,18600 West Corral Hollow Rd, Tracy. We will meet at the ranger station at 8:00 AM and will be accompanied by a Park Ranger, as birders are only allowed in Kiln Canyon when accompanied by Park staff. We will look for area specialties like Rufous-crowned sparrow, Roadrunner, Golden and Bald eagles, Bullock’s orioles, maybe Cassin’s kingbird, California thrashers, hopefully some Rufous, Costa’s, and Calliope hummingbirds (we can always hope!), native plants, butterflies, oh yeah, and rattlesnakes!

The trip will last until about 12-1:00 PM. Bring LOTS of water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc), boots, snacks, and of course, binoculars. Bring a sack lunch if you want to join us for lunch under the canopy after the hike. Bathrooms available near the ranger station and at the bottom of the canyon.

The trip is approximately a 3 mile long round trip with steep trails and some slippery, rocky soil in areas. You may want to bring hiking poles. Be aware this is an active motorcycle trail that we will be walking on.

You can email me to RSVP at kaseyfoley@sbcglobal.net.

Cosumnes River Walk
2026-04-11 06:45 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cosumnes River Preserve, 13501 Franklin Blvd, Galt, CA 95632, Galt, CA, United States
Join leader Jim Rowoth for the monthly River Walk bird count through the varied habitats of the CRP. Meet Jim at the visitor center on Franklin Blvd.

Rainforest in Flight: Birds of the Ecuadorian Amazon
2026-04-14 07:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Central United Methodist Church, 3700 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, California
Presenter: Jim Gain

In the late fall of 2025, I joined five other adventurers for a descent into the Amazon Basin. This Zoom Program centers on our time at the Sani Bird Lodge. Nestled deep within the Ecuadorian Amazon near the broad, meandering Napo River, Sani Bird Lodge sits at the heart of one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, surrounded by pristine rainforest that forms a living bridge between Yasuní National Park to the south and the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve to the north. Together, these protected areas create a vast ecological corridor—an unbroken sweep of forest where life thrives in staggering abundance. The lodge’s grounds are alive with over 550 bird species.

Jim Gain is a biologist by training, an educator for more than 35 years, and a lifelong naturalist whose curiosity has fueled decades of work in citizen science and conservation. His involvement with the Stanislaus Audubon Society spans over three decades in nearly every leadership role, including past president, complemented by service on the Central Valley Bird Club board and years with the Modesto Camera Club. He remains deeply engaged in the birding community as a Webmaster, eBird Reviewer, and member of the Stanislaus County and San Joaquin County Bird Records Committee. Blending photography with field observation has become one of his greatest joys, and his images have been featured on platforms such as Audubon Field Guide, Birds of the World, All About Birds, and the Merlin Bird ID App—reflecting a lifelong commitment to celebrating and sharing the beauty of the natural world.

Against All Odds...Protecting the West's Largest Wetland
2026-04-14 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Central United Methodist Church, 3700 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, California
Presenter: Peter Ottesen

Will discuss my book of the same title, going from the time of the northern Yokuts, to Cattle Baron Henry Miller, to the dewatering of the San Joaquin River, to fighting for water to sustain and protect the 240,000-acre Grassland Ecological Area.Legacy: A classic example of private ownership fighting for a public trust resource.
Click here to see the book review

Woodbridge Wilderness Survey
2026-04-18 08:00 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Woodbridge Wilderness Area, 301 E. River Meadows Dr., Woodbridge, CA, United States
Join leader Cavan Allen for our monthly census of this small riparian area on the banks of the Mokelumne River.
Woodbridge Wilderness Area, 301 E. River Meadows Dr.,Woodbridge

Monthly Census @ Fish Hatchery
2026-04-19 08:00 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery Day Use Area, 25800 N Mcintire Rd, Clements, CA, United States
Join leader Liz West for our monthly census of this lovely riparian area on the Mokelumne River below Camanche Dam. Meet the leaders in the fish hatchery parking lot below the dam at 8:00 AM.

Stockton Earth Day Festival
2026-04-19 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | Stockton Victory Park, 1001 N Pershing Ave, Stockton, CA, 95203, United States
Please join the 2026 Stockton Earth Day Festival (The Seeds of Change) on April 19th (10-00 AM to 4:00 PM) at Stockton Victory Park. Admission is Free. Find more information about the event at https://www.earthdaystockton.com/
San Joaquin Audubon will have a table there selling T-shirts. Make sure to visit us!.

Tracy Earth Day
2026-04-25 09:00 - 15:00 UTC
Tracy Earth Day is on 25th April (Saturday), 2026 at 9th Street and Central Avenue, Tracy. Please visit the web site of the event for more info. San Joaquin Audubon will be there. Please make sure to visit our booth!.

Beginner’s Bird Walk At Mountain House Creek Park & Wetlands
2026-04-26 08:00 - 10:00 UTC | Mountain House Park, 25 Main St, Mountain House, CA, United States
Join leader Henry Koertzen for a beginning bird trip for people of all ages. We will start the bird walk near the intersection of Main Street and Central Parkway (at the pond side of the road). We will be walking the dirt path, accessible by stroller or wheelchair.
Location: Mountain House Park, 25 Main St, Mountain House

Birds Blooms Brunch
2026-05-16 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Longview Avenue, 1643 W. Longview Avenue, Stockton, United States
Enjoy an educational morning under heritage oak trees watching birds, learning about California native plants, and sharing brunch with fellow bird watchers and nature lovers at Stockton Garden Club’s native plant garden.

Hosted by the California Native Plant Society – North San Joaquin Valley, the San Joaquin Audubon Society and the Stockton Garden Club.

To RSVP, and for more information, please email or text: fortunegardener@gmail.com, 209 244-0460

1643 W Longview Ave, Stockton, CA 95207-4609

Mono Lake Field Trip
2026-06-27 06:00 - 2026-06-28 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mono Lake
Leaders: Ralph Baker & John Harris

We intend to bird several locations around Mono Lake. Some possible destinations are Mono Lake County Park, Pole Line Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road, Bodie, Lundy Lakes, Virginia Lakes Resort, Wild Rose Canyon, Mono Mills, Crestview Rest Area and Lee Vining Canyon. Birds we’ll be looking for include Greater Sage Grouse, Common Nighthawk, Common Poorwill, Costa’s and Calliope Hummingbird, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Lewis’s Woodpecker, various flycatchers, Plumbeous Vireo, Pinyon Jay, Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, Black-billed Magpie, Juniper Titmouse, American Dipper, Mountain Bluebird, Gray-crowned Rosy Finch, Cassin’s Finch, Red Crossbill, Pine Siskin, Black-throated, Sagebrush and Vesper Sparrow, Yellow-breasted Chat and Virginia’s Warbler. And there’s always the possibility of something rare showing up.

Plus, John will lay out some traps to see what kind of small mammals we can catch (they will be released unharmed after we make our observations). John began his interest in Mono Lake while working as an undergraduate assistant in a study of chipmunks in 1975. He went on to study kangaroo mice on Mono Lake’s dunes while a graduate student at U.C. Davis and has studied small mammals in the Sierra Nevada, San Joaquin antelope squirrels and Mojave ground squirrels. John retired from teaching biology at Mills College in 1983 and currently lives near Oakdale, CA.

This will be a 2-3 day trip. We plan to arrive late Friday (if we arrive before dark we may do a little evening birding) and then meet participants at Whoa Nellie Deli, 22 Vista Point Dr, Lee Vining, CA 93541, early Saturday morning, but anyone is welcome to join us later. We will bird all day Saturday and a big chunk of Sunday before heading home, but, of course, anyone is free to head back at any time. More details will be announced as the date approaches.
For recommendations on accommodations check out https://www.leevining.com/lodging.
For questions or to RSVP contact Ralph at sharks_hockey_maniac@yahoo.com
