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Godwit
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Godwit Days Migratory Bird Festival
Arcata, CA
April 19, 20, 21, 2002
(Post Festival
Trips April 22, 23)
Registration & Information 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Registration for all events is at the New Community Center registration table. Pre-registrants can also pick up their tickets and information. A reduced registration (daily rate) will be available for all trips not yet fully booked.
01 Humboldt Scouting Field Trip - $10.00 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Leader: Rob Hewitt
Join Rob on a general birding trip around Humboldt Bay in preparation for the Festival. Shorebirds, waterfowl, and other birds of the bay will be seen. Migrant spring passerines like Pacific Slope Flycatcher or Black-capped Chickadee will be sought out in the Blue Lake riparian habitats. The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary will be featured as well as the Eureka Waterfront, Humboldt Bay NWR and the raptor-rich bottomland pastures of the Eel River.
Expect to see: Marbled Godwit, Western Gull, Western Grebe, Spotted Towhee, Western Sandpiper, possibly Palm Warbler and White-throated Sparrow
02 Reception - Free 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Arcata MainStreet is hosting the reception at the New Community Center. See our Gallery of Birds Art exhibit and meet local wildlife and nature artists. Our expert field trip leaders will be on hand to meet with you and discuss birding opportunities. The rare bird board will be updated with all the current interesting bird sightings from the Arcata Birdbox hotline at 822-5666 and the scouting trip. Refreshments will be provided. The North Coast Chamber Players will provide musical entertainment.
03 Owls Field Trip - $18.00 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Leaders: Steve Tucker & Laura Nelson
The trip leaders will mimic owl calls to elicit responses at known stakeout locations. Pre-dusk activities will include a search for roosting Barn Owls and Short-eared Owls at sunset over the Bottoms in Arcata. Bus transportation will be provided. Clear weather is best for nighttime owling. Rain will cancel trip.
Expect to see or hear: Spotted Owl, Barn Owl, Western Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, Northern Pygmy Owl, Saw-whet Owl, and Short-eared Owl.
04 Lectures (Snowy Plover & Spotted Owls) - Free 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Presenters: Ron LeValley & Lowell Diller
Spotted Owls and Snowy Plovers. Both species have had a big impact biologically here on the Northcoast. Both presenters will feature their work with these birds at the forefront of natural resources conservation issues. The brief background will provide an appetizer for the scheduled trips (#19, 33, 60, and 70) that visit these species in their natural surroundings.
Registration & Information 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Registration for all events is at the New Community Center registration table. Pre-registrants can also pick up their tickets and information. A reduced registration (daily rate) will be available for all trips not yet fully booked.
The Godwit Café 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Before or after your field trip, visit The Godwit Café in the main hall, operated by Redwood Region Audubon Society. Offering hot and cold drinks (including shade-grown, bird-friendly coffee), pastries, bagels, and hot lunch. Soup and/or chili served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All proceeds benefit RRAS, the local Audubon chapter of Humboldt and Del Norte counties.
05 Marbled Murrelets Field Trip - $10.00 5:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Leader: Gretchen O'Brien
Discover the endangered and mysterious Marbled Murrelet, set in dramatic redwood old-growth forest with a local Murrelet surveyor. This trip to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is for early birds! The dawn chorus, Varied Thrush and Pileated Woodpecker, accompanies pre-dawn flights of these birds. (Carpool, 100 miles round trip)
Expect to see (hear): Marbled Murrelet, Varied Thrush, Winter Wren, Pileated Woodpecker, Wilson’s Warbler, Barred Owl, Vaux’s Swift, Roosevelt Elk, and majestic old-growth redwoods.
06 Indian Island Boat Tour 1A - $25.00 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Leader: Hum-Boats
Enjoy an up-close and personal view of the wildlife reserve and egret rookery on Indian Island as only a small boat can offer. We will motor to the island then switch to quiet electric power. This ride is a nature lover’s, photographer’s, or videographer’s delight. The two-hour trip will take you along the shores of Indian Island, close to the rookery, to explore this National Wildlife Refuge off the Eureka waterfront in Humboldt Bay. Boats depart from Woodley Island Marina, Dock F. This same trip leaves every two hours between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from the Woodley Island Marina, Dock F.
Expect to see: Horned Grebe, Eared Grebe, Brown Pelican, Western Gull, Black-bellied Plover, and bay ducks.
07 *Pelagic Tour - $75.00 6:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Pacific Ocean pelagic birds including Black-footed Albatross, shearwaters, Cassin’s Auklet, Sabine’s Gull, and jaegers are expected. Marine mammals such as migrating gray whales, dolphins, and seals are also likely to be seen. The ultimate seabird experience! Come aboard the Shenandoah for this extraordinary all-day trip!
Expect to see: Black-footed Albatross, Northern Fulmar, Cassin’s Auklet, Rhinoceros Auklet, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, and Black-legged Kittiwake.
*The weather at this time of year is unpredictable; therefore, the trip may be cancelled if the weather is too bad. Should cancellation be necessary, a morning cruise of the bay will be substituted, combined with a complimentary pass for any other workshop or fieldtrip available that afternoon or on Sunday. Sorry, no refunds.
08 California Specialties Field Trip - $10.00 7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Leader: Steve Tucker
This trip will focus on the rare birds that have been scouted up in the week before the event. If there is nothing to chase the trip will look for the specialties of the area. A scan for Tufted Puffin first thing and a sea-watch off Elk Head at Trinidad will start the day. Migrating shorebirds will be the focus thereafter, possibly ending up at the North Jetty for rocky shore and pelagic species. A good scope is recommended, although sharing will be possible.
Expect to see: Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorant, California Gull, Pigeon Guillemot, Red-necked Grebe, Clark’s Grebe, White-winged Scoter, Surfbird, and Red Knot.
09 High Elevation Habitats Field Trip - $10.00 7:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Leader: Pablo Herrera
This trip will head up to Horse Mountain (about 30 minutes inland) to search for montane species such as Townsend’s Solitaire along the higher elevations reached on Forest Service Route 1 (Titlow Hill). Bring a lunch and expect beautiful scenery!
Expect to see: Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s race), Hairy Woodpecker (western race), Mountain Quail, Blue Grouse, Mountain Chickadee, Townsend’s Solitaire, and Cassin’s Vireo.
10 Humboldt “Big Day” Field Trip - $30.00 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Leaders: Justin Ward & Mary Severdia
Join Justin, Mary, and the Big Day team as they attempt to exceed the 100 species mark once again! A good variety of birds are expected, as the group travels by bus up and down the coast visiting our area’s best spots. Big Day trips compete for a prize for the most species seen. Trip includes box lunch.
Expect to see: Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Eurasian Wigeon, American Wigeon, California Quail, American Coot, Virginia Rail, Willet, Sanderling, Northern Flicker (red-shafted), Black Phoebe, Violet-green Swallow, Wrentit, Spotted Towhee, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Lesser Goldfinch, and Brewer’s Blackbird.
11 South Fork Trinity River Field Trip - $10.00 7:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Leader: John Hunter
Join John as he leads the group to his adopted county along the spectacular South Fork of the Trinity River. Forest birds will be the focus, but also expect Spotted Sandpiper, American Dipper, and other exciting special birds. Located just over the county line, travel time is about 1 hour.
Expect to see: Pacific-slope Flycatcher, American Dipper, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Purple Finch, Hermit Thrush, Western Tanager, Nashville Warbler, and Black-throated Gray Warbler.
12 West Coast Specialties Field Trip 1 - $10.00 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Leader: To be determined
Western Gull! Pacific Loon!! Wrentit! If you’ve never been west of the Rockies, then even the everyday California birds will be new. This trip is designed to introduce the beginner to the typical species of the West Coast. Birding around Humboldt Bay and the Arcata Marsh Project will be an easy paced start to this weekend.
Expect to see: Western Gull, Pacific Loon, Steller’s Jay, California Quail, Black Turnstone, Anna’s Hummingbird, Wrentit, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter, and Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon race).
13 Northern Specialties Field Trip 1 - $10.00 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Leader: David Juliano
Down to Ferndale looking for the Gray Jay starts the day and then elsewhere looking for the “boreal” species that reach their southern range limit in Northern California. The conifer forests around here are not typical of the rest of the state, so Pileated Woodpecker and other forest birds will be targeted.
Expect to see: Gray Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Winter Wren, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Hutton’s Vireo (Pacific race).
14 Birding by Ear Workshop / Field Trip 1 (Intermediate Level) - $8.00
7:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Tristan McKee
The first hour will focus on methods for identifying bird songs, then key in on several local species’ songs. The remainder will be spent taking participants to different habitats to practice this exercise. Helpful tips from experienced birders are often the best way to get started. The class is a primer designed to get you started on this critical aspect of bird identification. Expertise is not required.
Reference Event # 6 Leader: Hum-Boats
16 Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Kayak Tour - $35.00 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Leader: Hum-Boats
Hum-Boats will provide instruction and all the gear for a canoe and kayak exploration of the Hookton Slough area of the Humboldt National Wildlife Refuge in South Bay. The highlights will be viewing Teal Island, a cormorant-nesting colony packed with birds and other wildlife. Using the waterways gains access to areas often obscured from the main trail. We will also bird from shore before and after the two-hour paddle.
Expect to see: Cinnamon Teal, White-tailed Kite, American Avocet, and Brant (western race).
17 Redwoods/Elk Prairie Field Trip - Free 8:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Elk Prairie at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is one of the most productive locations to bird in a redwood setting. Elk Prairie and its surrounding redwood trees offer a large area of edge habitat perfect for birding on a spring morning. Enjoy a leisurely walk with park staff among the towering trees and learn about this amazing forest.
Expect to see: Roosevelt Elk and old-growth Redwoods.
18 Arcata Marsh Walk 1 (Redwood Region Audubon Society) - Free
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Leader: To be determined
Join a trained docent for this regular walk at the crown jewel of birding on the North Coast, the Arcata Marsh, home to 250 species of birds and mammals. These walks meet every Saturday, rain or shine, at the foot of I Street at the Audubon sign. A leisurely paced trip introducing the marsh birds is perfect for anybody with an interest in nature. Spring is an excellent time to visit this sanctuary. Swirling swallows, roosting shorebirds, and possible hunting falcons are a regular spectacle.
Expect to see: Marbled Godwit, gulls, shorebirds, Marsh Wren, Peregrine Falcon, Purple Martin and the Black-crowned Night Heron roost.
Clam Beach hosts a resident population of Snowy Plover, a threatened species on the west coast. Join local biologists working with this species to observe plovers on the beach and learn about their needs. Gulls often roost at the mouths of the Little and Mad Rivers and coastal birding for other species is prime. Caution: This is the nesting period for Snowy Plovers and they MUST NOT BE DISTURBED.
Expect to see: Western Snowy Plover, Glaucous-winged Gull, and Common Raven.
Reference Event #6 Leader: Hum-Boats
21 Conservation in Action Lecture 1 - Free 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Leader: Humboldt Wildlife Care Center
Local non-profit organization, the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center, will present one of their avian charges Al the Great-horned Owl or Miranda a Red-tailed Hawk. The open forum will also inform the public about what you can do if you discover an injured bird or mammal.
22 Humboldt State University Wildlife Department Tour - Free 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Leader: Faculty/Staff
Tour HSU’s Wildlife Department and examine their extensive bird collection. See the newly constructed Wildlife Building and learn why the university is among the very best in the country for wildlife students. Free shuttle bus from the Community Center.
23 Arcata Marsh Walk 2 (Friends of the Arcata Marsh) - Free 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Leader: Suzie Bulger
Join FOAM for a 90-minute tour around the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. Meet at the Interpretive Center on South G Street. Free shuttle bus from the Community Center.
25 Lanphere Dunes Field Trip 1 - Free 12:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Leader: John St. Marie
Participants will enjoy a guided tour of the dynamic dunes ecosystem and associated rare and endangered plants. Formerly Nature Conservancy property, the dunes were recently added to the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The coastal spruce forest supports flocks of chickadees and at Godwit Days 2001, hosted Friday night’s Great-horned Owl.
Expect to see: Menzie’s Wallflower, Beach Layia, giant shifting sand dunes, beach shorebirds, near-shore ocean species, Steller’s Jay, and Red Crossbill.
26 Gulls Workshop/Field Trip 1 - $8.00 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Steve Tucker
This combination workshop/field trip will focus on identification of the adult gulls of the Pacific Coast. The field trip to practice on identification of the common species will visit a large mixed-species roost in Eureka and the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary at the foot of I Street.
Expect to see: Western Gull, Mew Gull, Ring-billed Gull, California Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Bonaparte’s Gull, and possibly Thayer’s and Herring Gulls.
27 Headwaters Hike - $10.00 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Leaders: Julie Clark & Emily Evans
As an extension of the outdoor activities weekend a hike into the BLM Headwaters Forest Preserve has been arranged. This formerly controversial property is the last large old-growth stand that remained in private hands and is now managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The eleven and a half mile walk is moderately strenuous but the scenery is incredible. Hikers can enjoy all the expected forest birds as they compare harvested timberland with the now protected adjacent old-growth redwood grove. The BLM interpreters are specifically prepared to present the natural and local logging history on this trip.
Expect to see: Varied Thrush, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Winter Wren, old-growth Redwoods.
28 Stone Lagoon Paddle - $49.00 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Leader: Center Activities
It is time to break away, and what better way to do it than by floating in
a canoe or a two seat touring kayak around Stone Lagoon. Both types of water
craft have the advantage of being easy for novice paddlers to enjoy. Stone
Lagoon is located 27 miles north of Arcata and is a secluded oasis often bypassed
by both tourists and locals. Join us as we tour the Lagoon while viewing local
flora, fauna and geography. No prior experience is necessary. Off and on the
water a bird guide will highlight bird life of the surrounding habitats. Transportation,
canoes and/or kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are provided.
29 Humboldt State University Wildlife Department Tour - Free 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Reference Event #22
Leader: Faculty/Staff
31 Nature Illustration Workshop - $10.00 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Presenter: Joan Dunning
Accomplished local artist and author Joan Dunning introduces the skill of wildlife illustration. Through her work on the acclaimed books, The Loon and Secrets of the Nest, she describes her methods. Class participants should bring a sketchbook and be prepared to break through the inhibitions associated with putting pen or pencil to paper. Joan has experience teaching classes and can bring out the artist in all.
32 Hawks Workshop (Advanced Level) - $10.00 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Presenter: Tristan McKee
This workshop will focus on the identification of North American raptors and their habitats. Aging and plumage morphs will be discussed. It is great preparation for the Sunday afternoon Eel River trip (reference event #68). Hawks in Flight and other books by Clay Sutton, Godwit Days 2000 keynote speaker, will be discussed.
Leader: Keith Hamm
This field trip takes us to excellent spots to observe Northern Spotted Owls in their nesting habitat. Superb photographic opportunities will be available, as the owls have become accustomed to human presence over the years that they have been studied. Local timber biologists work with several territories that are well distributed throughout the local redwood forests.
Expect to see: Northern Spotted Owl and Bald Eagle.
34 Introduction to Birding Lecture – Free 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Bob Frey
This first lecture in the two-part Basic Birding Series (reference event #33) will introduce birders to the tools of the trade. General slides of the common birds of the area will be discussed and the groundwork laid for the next day’s birding on the Big Day bus.
35 Indian Island Boat Tour 5A - $25.00 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Reference Event #6
Leader: Hum-Boats
36 Arcata Forest Walk - Free 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Leader: Mark Andre
City Forester Mark Andre will tour the Arcata Community Forest. The history of the area and current timber management plans will be featured. This unique arrangement allows the city to generate income through timber harvest as well as provide recreational and natural resource opportunities for the community.
37 Binoculars & Scopes (Optics Lecture) - Free 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Rob Hewitt
This second session in the two-part Basic Birding Series (reference event #30) will introduce birders to the many types and uses of optical aids. This time slot will be used to provide essential information about types, field of view, focus distance, magnification, high-density glass, and industry jargon related to birding optics. Eagle Optics will be at the Bird Fair with all types and brands of binoculars, spotting scopes, tripods, and accessories for side-by-side comparisons.
38 Humboldt State University Wildlife Department Tour - Free 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Leader: Faculty/Staff
Reference Event #22
39 Arcata Treatment Works Tour 1 - Free 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Leader: David Couch
Arcatans “flush with pride” due to their world-renowned wastewater treatment system. Conceived by engineering and natural resource professors at Humboldt State University, this facility converted an old log pond and city dump into a multi-functional resource for fishing, wildlife, outdoor activities, and the city’s wastewater treatment. Friends of the Arcata Marsh (FOAM) docents are trained to lead tours of the Arcata Marsh Project and answer any questions you may have about this facility that continues to serve as a model for communities nationally and globally.
40 Owls Workshop - Free 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Presenter: Steve Pagliughi
Steve will present identification, vocalizations and the natural history of the owl species that occur here on the North Coast. From working with owls on the Mendocino National Forest, Steve’s familiarity with the Spotted Owl has expanded into an interest in all nocturnal species.
41 Gardening for Birds Lecture - Free 3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Presenter: Louise Bacon-Ogden
Louise Bacon-Ogden, owner of Strictly for the Birds in Old Town Eureka, has a wealth of information on how to create bird-friendly environments around your home. She will highlight some of the delights of managing those habitats. The slideshow will be presented in the small workshop room.
42 Indian Island Boat Tour 6A - $25.00
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Reference Event #6 Leader: Hum-Boats
Gourmet Buffet dinner available before the Keynote Address from 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. catered by Abruzzi Catering of Arcata. $15.00 per person. Sign up for dinner with your registration or obtain extra tickets from the registration desk.
43 Keynote Address (included with Registration) 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Speaker: Matt Johnson
Birds, beans,
bugs, and barf: the role of coffee cultivation in the conservation of tropical
songbirds.
Registration & Information 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration for all events is at the New Community Center registration table. Pre-registrants can also pick up their tickets and information. A reduced registration (daily rate) will be available for all trips not yet fully booked.
The Godwit Café 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Before or after your field trip, visit The Godwit Café in the main hall, operated by Redwood Region Audubon Society. Offering hot and cold drinks (including shade-grown, bird-friendly coffee), pastries, bagels, and hot lunch. Soup and/or chili served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All proceeds benefit RRAS, the local Audubon chapter of Humboldt and Del Norte counties.
44 Marbled Murrelets Field Trip - $10.00 5:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Reference Event #5 Leader: Brit O’Brien
45 Indian Island Boat Tour 1B - $25.00 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Reference Event #6 Leader: Hum-Boats
46 Pelagic Tour 2 - $75.00 6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Reference Trip #7 Leader: Tristan McKee
47 Grouse Field Trip - $15.00 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Leader: Mark Higley
With the help of a local biologist, the elusive Ruffed Grouse was located last year. Northwestern California forests are the only place in the state where the Ruffed Grouse is regularly found. The Hoopa Tribal lands just north of Willow Creek have a rich and diverse natural wildlife and human culture. (Carpool, 120 miles roundtrip. Truck or sport utility vehicle recommended.)
Expect to see: Mountain Quail, California Quail, Blue Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Varied Thrush, Winter Wren, and Chestnut-backed Chickadee.
48 Humboldt Bay Bird Observatory Banding - $10.00 6:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Kim Hollinger
Experience the technique of bird banding at the Lanphere Dunes unit of the USFWS refuge on the shores of the Mad River Slough. Birds are captured in very fine mist nets, a numbered band is attached, and measurements are taken before the bird is released. The Humboldt Bay Bird Observatory has operated for several years under the direction of Dr. C. J. Ralph. The banding program has grown into the Klamath Demographic Network… aka “Bigfoot Banding Bunch." A wetland restoration project will also be highlighted
Expect to see: Black-capped Chickadee, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Bushtit, Downy Woodpecker, Rufous and Allen’s Hummingbirds.
49 California Specialties Field Trip 2 - $10.00 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Leader: Justin Ward
This trip will again check for any rare birds that may be in the area, but will have an interior coast range focus for Humboldt County specialties. The southern part of the county always has a few surprises, not the least of which was the discovery during Breeding Bird Atlas work of nesting White-throated Swifts and Rufous-crowned Sparrows. We will head south on Highway 101 for a long day of great birding!
Expect to see: California Towhee, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Bluebird, Western Meadowlark, Western Scrub Jay, Oak Titmouse, and Lark Sparrow.
50 Humboldt “Big Day” Field Trip 2 - $30.00 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Leaders: Stan Harris & Mary Severdia
Join the Big Day team as they attempt to exceed the 100 species mark once again! A variety of birds is expected, as the group travel by bus up and down the coast visiting our area’s best spots. Big Day trips compete for the most species recorded in one day for the festival. Awards are Sunday 5:00 p.m. Trip includes box lunch.
Expect to see: Cormorants, grebes, loons, herons, waterfowl, hawks, shorebirds, gulls, woodpeckers, warblers, sparrows, blackbirds and finches.
51 West Coast Specialties Field Trip 2 - $10.00 7:30 a.m. – 11: 30 a.m.
Leader: Steve Tucker
Reference Event #12
52 Northern Specialties Field Trip 2 - $10.00 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Leader: Tom Leskiw
Reference Event #13
53 Birding by Ear Workshop/Field Trip 2 (Advanced Level) - $8.00
7:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Presenter: To be determined
This workshop / field trip combination will focus on distinguishing similar sounding species, identification by contact and call notes, and all bird point count techniques. The field trip (9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.) will challenge the participants with identification of all the birds in various habitats, including the Blue Lake cottonwoods.
Expect to see: Bewick’s Wren and Lazuli Bunting.
Reference Event #6 Leader: Hum-Boats
55 Bike & Bird the Bottoms - $35.00 (bicycle provided)* 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Leader: Elias Elias
Experienced cyclist Elias will round out the outdoor activities weekend with a cycle tour of the greater Arcata area. With relatively easy riding the leader will demonstrate how one can leave one’s vehicle behind and enjoy a more peaceful and environmentally friendly birding experience. *Trip cost includes bicycle rental. If you provide your own bicycle trip fee is $15.00
Expect to see: White-tailed Kite, Greater Yellowlegs, Savannah Sparrow, Common Snipe, and Cattle Egret.
56 Humboldt Bay NWR Kayak Tour - $35.00 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Leader: Hum-Boats
Reference Event # 16
57 Fern Canyon/Gold Bluff Beach Field Trip 2 - Free 8:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Presenter: Brent Critch
Brent will take visitors to the lavish Fern Canyon and Gold Bluff Beach, redwood natural history, elk and ocean scenery will be the highlights. This can be a very productive birding spot, providing excellent ocean/forest edge habitat.
58 Del Norte and Tufted Puffin Field Trip - $15.00 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Leader: Alan Barron
An assistant will bring the group from Arcata to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park to rendezvous with the Murrelet trip. From this magnificent old-growth setting, participants will continue the scenic drive north to Crescent City. The harbor and rocky shore supports an interesting array of birds, including Tufted Puffin on Castle Rock, the third largest seabird colony on the West Coast. We will visit Alexander Dairy for shorebirds and Lake Earl for waterfowl, which will provide a full day’s birdwatching. Leading resident birder Alan Barron will guide participants through this beautiful county.
Expect to see: Common Murre, Black Oystercatcher, Tufted Puffin, Harlequin Duck, Black Scoter, Hooded Merganser, and Rock Sandpiper.
59 Arcata Marsh Walk 4 (RRAS) - Free 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Reference Event #18 Leader: Kerry Ross
60 Snowy Plover Field Trip 2 - $8.00 9:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Reference Event #19 Leaders: Sean McAllister & Amber Transou
61 Indian Island Boat Tour 3B - $25.00 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
62 Planting for Wildlife - Free 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Mary Barber
Miller Farms Nursery has provided much of the greenery for this event. Mary has constructed a demonstration garden and in this presentation will elaborate on what to plant to attract birds and wildlife.
63 Arcata Marsh Walk 5 (FOAM) - Free 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Reference Event # 23 Leader: To be determined
64 Indian Island Boat Tour 4B - $25.00 12:00 p.m.– 2:00 p.m.
65 Lanphere Dunes Field Trip 2 - Free 12:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Reference Event #25 Leader: John St. Marie
66 Shorebirds Workshop & Field Trip (Intermediate Level) - $10.00
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This combination workshop / field trip will focus on migration and the identification of shorebirds in both breeding and winter plumage. A supplementary field trip to mud flats and shorebird roost sites around Humboldt Bay will put your skills to the test.
Expect to see: Marbled Godwit, Western Sandpiper, Dunlin, American Avocet, Long-billed Curlew, Least Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Ruddy Turnstone, and Short-billed Dowitcher.
67 Alcid Workshop (Advanced Level) - Free 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Rob Hewitt
Rob will present an identification overview of members of the Alcid family, a well-represented group in the North Pacific Ocean. His experience working as a surveyor for the Marbled Murrelet will provide insight and a more detailed look at this particular fascinating endangered species.
68 Arcata Treatment Works Tour 2 - Free 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Reference Event # 39 Leader: David Couch
69 Field Sketching Workshop & Field Trip - $10.00 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Presenter: Gary Bloomfield
Join this three-hour class for a crash course in bird anatomy shorthand for capturing gestures in moving birds. Participants will then head for the field after class to learn bird field sketching techniques for art reference and visual note taking.
70 Spotted Owls Field Trip 2 - $10.00 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
71 Eel River/Ferndale Field Trip - $10.00 1:00 p.m. – 5 :00 p.m.
The Eel River Delta to the south of Humboldt Bay is home to the lovely Victorian town of Ferndale and some great waterfowl, and riparian bird habitats. We will visit the coastal freshwater ponds of the Eel River wildlife area (Ocean Ranch), location of many incredible rare shorebirds.
Expect to see: Raptors, waterfowl, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Steller’s Jay, Tundra Swan, and Red-tailed Hawk (western race).
72 Help with Commonly Confused Species Lecture - Free 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: To be determined
Quite often, it’s not the challenging rarity that causes identification problems, but several everyday birds. Greater and Lesser Scaup are eternally confusing and many distant water birds like loons, cormorants, and grebes can be tough. This slide show presentation will also focus on shorebirds, woodpeckers, and Purple/House Finches.
73 Gulls Workshop 2 (Advanced Level) - Free 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Leader: Rob Hewitt
The workshop will focus on aging and identifying all gulls of the Pacific Coast. A step up from the intermediate level, this workshop will provide much valuable insight into one of the toughest groups of birds. Recent videos by J. Dunn on identification of gulls will be featured and will be sure to improve your “gulling.”
74 Indian Island Boat Tour 5B - $25.00 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
75 Field Guides Lecture - Free 2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Presenter: Carl Meyers
Many field guides have been published recently including the breakthrough Audubon guide by David Sibley. This presentation will address the strong points of each as well as reiterate the strengths of the old standards: Peterson’s Western Birds and the National Geographic Guide to North American Birds. A birder’s library can always grow and good homework will always improve birdwatching skills. Other books such as Hawks in Flight, The Identification Guide Series, and Peterson’s Advanced Birding will be discussed.
76 Conservation in Action Lecture 2 - Free 3:30 p.m.– 5:00 p.m.
Presenter: Barbara Irish, Wildlife Images
Wildlife Images will feature one of their incredible rehabilitated birds in the hand and provide much insight into the work they conduct caring for injured wildlife. Members of the public can help and some simple tips on helping injured wildlife will also be presented.
Festival Closing Ceremonies 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Join us for the Big Day awards (Current Record 118 species) for the leaders who got the most species, the announcement of winning artwork that will become the official poster and t-shirt art for Godwit Days 2003 and a recap of festival highlights. Say good-bye to new friends, relax from your last trip of the day, or get ready for additional activities on Monday!
77 Mendocino Monday Field Trip - $10.00 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Leader: Justin Ward
County birding is a great way to learn avian distribution. This trip will include identification of birds by sight and song. Justin will guide you around Fort Bragg, Ukiah, Lake Mendocino, and the Garcia River mouth. The rocky shore off Highway 1 is impressive and hosts Pelagic and Brandt’s Cormorants. Forested areas will provide passerine migrants, woodpeckers, Steller’s Jay, and Red Crossbill.
Expect to see: Pygmy Nuthatch.
78 Mulligan Monday Field Trip - $10.00 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Leader: To be determined
Stay a day and join the trip leader as he rounds up all the great birds found during the festival weekend. A chance to wind down with some easy-paced birding will help fatten the birder’s list for the weekend. Arcata Marsh, the Bottoms, and the Blue Lake cottonwoods will be visited.
Expect to see: Yellow-breasted Chat, Black-throated Gray Warbler, American Redstart, Anna’s and Allen’s Hummingbirds, Western Kingbird, Orange-crowned Warbler (Pacific race), and Lazuli Bunting.
79 Bird Habitats of Humboldt Bay Field Trip - $15.00 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Leader: To be determined
With all the attention focused on birds, this trip will take a botanical angle. The various habitat types of Humboldt Bay will be visited. The varied plant communities and associated wildlife they support will be identified.
80 Northeast California Field Trip - $80.00 Mon 8:00 a.m. – Tues 8:00 p.m.
Leader: Rob Hewitt
An introduction to the varied habitats of California in Siskiyou, Modoc, and Lassen Counties and their associated birds will be the basis for this trip. An incredible diversity of birds will be observed along the Modoc Plateau, loaded with Bald and Golden Eagles. At Tule Lake, there will be an vast array of waterfowl at the beginning of the spring migration. Interior passerines will include Brewer’s Sparrow and Sage Thrasher. Following the classic route developed by Dr. Stan Harris, past trips have recorded more than 200 species.
Expect to see: Swainson’s Hawk, Rock Wren, and Hermit Warbler.
WEEKEND PACKAGES
81 Beginning Birders Package trip #12, 34, 37, 41, 50 $90
82 Intermediate Birders Package trip #3, 14, 33, 44, 60, 66 $110
83 Advanced Birding Package trip #1, 8, 32, 53, 67, 73 $90
84 West Coast Package trip #7, 51, 71 $140
85 Outdoor Activities Package trip #16, 27, 55 $125
86 County Birding Package trip #1, 11, 58, 77 $90
Extraordinary Birding from the Redwoods to Humboldt Bay
All package registrations include the following*:
Package weekend pricing represents a 10% savings!
Registration
· Opening Reception
· Basic Registration ($35.00)
· Gallery of Birds Art Exhibit
· Birding Fair Trade Show
· Godwit Days T-Shirt ($18.00)
· Presentations, Seminars and Workshops
· Birding Video Shows
· Buffet, Book Signings by local authors
· Banquet Ticket Saturday evening ($15.00)
· Keynote Address by Matt Johnson of Humboldt State University
· Live Birds of Prey on exhibit
*Substitutions allowed depending upon availability and payment of associated fees. However, no reduction in original package price can be given for substitutions.
Saturday
West Coast Specialties (#12)
Introduction to Birdwatching (#34)
Binoculars & Scopes (#37),
Gardening for Birds (#41)
Sunday
Humboldt Big Day 2 (#50)
This weekend’s activities will combine the following: “West Coast Specialties” with introduction to birdwatching lectures Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, the Big Day bus trip will provide all the birding needed to put the lessons of the previous day into practice. If you have never gone birding before, this weekend is designed for you.
Kayak Humboldt Bay NWR (#16)
Hike Ancient Headwaters Forest (#27)
Sunday
Bike & Bird the Bottoms (#55)
The Humboldt area abounds with outdoor activities. We have combined some of these with birding to make a great active weekend. Kayaking around Hookton Slough, on Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, will be followed by a hike in the ancient old-growth redwood Headwaters Forest Preserve. On Sunday, get on your bikes for a birding tour around Arcata and the Bottoms. After that, take it easy back at the Community Center unless, of course, you want to use the Healthsport gym right next door!
TRIP LEADERS AND PRESENTERS BIOGRAPHIES
Mark Andre is the forester for the City of Arcata.
Louise Bacon-Ogden, the owner of “Strictly for the Birds” in Eureka, has for more than ten years helped the public refine the art of feeding and attracting wild birds. Louise offers effective suggestions and an enjoyable backyard birding experience. She has supported Godwit Days for many years and served on the board of the Redwood Region Audubon Society.
Art Barab is the FOAM treasurer and leads many docent walks.
Alan Barron is the county bird compiler for Del Norte and he has found many of the area’s best birds, including Bristle-thighed Curlew, in April 1998. There is no one better to join for a great day’s birding. Alan is the Tufted Puffin trip coordinator and leads the Big Day trips for Crescent City’s Aleutian Goose Festival (www.delnorte.org/soar).
Gary Bloomfield is a local artist whose work is featured at the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center. Gary is a board member of the Redwood Regional Audubon Society (www.northcoast.com/~rras/) and has provided many bird illustrations for this event and other local birding brochures. On a wider field, he has designed cover art for recent Birding and Nature festivals booklets for North America.
Susie Bulger is a birder, biologist, educator and amateur photographer. A graduate of Humboldt State University, her experiences have taken her from working as a biologist in Costa Rica, to teaching junior high school science. She is currently president of the board of directors of Friends of the Arcata Marsh, and bands birds with Humboldt Bay Bird Observatory.
Julie Clark is an HSU graduate and is currently an interpreter for the Bureau of Land Management. She specializes in the local history of this area. The BLM is the agency charged with managing the recently acquired Headwaters Forest Preserve (www.ca.blm.gov/caso/).
Dr. Mark Colwell is the Wildlife Department Chair at Humboldt State University and is involved in extensive shorebird research (www.humboldt.edu/~wldm/). Mark has always supported the HSU wildlife department involvement in Godwit Days, encouraging his shorebird students to help lead the Arcata Marsh walks. He was one of the keynote speakers at the second annual Godwit Days.
Dave Couch is on the FOAM board of directors, one of the organizations founding members, and treatment plant operator.
Brent Critch is the Executive Director of North Coast Redwood Interpretive Association. He studied Wildlife Management at HSU. Brent has lived here since 1989 and his hobbies are making caramel apples and walking barefoot through puddles.
Dr. Lowell Diller is the senior wildlife biologist for Simpson Timber Company (www.simpson.com/index.cfm). His thesis work dealt with reptiles and amphibians. Since coming to the north coast from Idaho, he has focused on forest biology issues including Northern Spotted Owls, Torrent Salamander, and Coho Salmon. Past president of the California North Coast Chapter of The Wildlife Society (www.northcoast.com/~cnctws/), he is active in many local forest biology working groups.
Joan Dunning is an accomplished local artist and author of The Loon, Secrets of the Nest, and From the Redwood Forest. Joan gave a wonderful keynote presentation at Godwit Days in 1999 on her understanding of old-growth Redwood ecology issues.
Elias Elias is president of the Redwood Region Audubon Society (www.northcoast.com/~rras/). Elias served many years as RRAS secretary and also transcribes the local bird box for the Birdwest Rare Bird Alert listserve. He is a keen cyclist who has led several bike-and-bird trips.
Emily Evans is an interpreter for the BLM (www.ca.blm.gov/caso/) who has a particular interest in forest ecology of our area. An HSU graduate, Emily really enjoys the chance to work outdoors.
Bob Frey works at The Redwood Sciences Laboratory dealing with Neotropical migrant bird species. He particularly enjoys bird banding especially when it involves their site in Tortugero, Costa Rica.
Friends of the Arcata Marsh (FOAM) provides volunteer support for a wide range of activities at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. The interpretive center is open 9-5 for visitors and is located on South G Street in Arcata.
(http://arcatacityhall.org/amws/foam/mainfoam.html)
Keith Hamm is Associate Wildlife Biologist for Simpson Timber Company, California Operations. He received his B.S. from Frostburg State University and M.S. in Wildlife from Humboldt State University. He is a Certified Wildlife Biologist and is president of the California North Coast Chapter of The Wildlife Society. He has been working with wildlife on the North Coast since 1989.
Stan Harris, Professor Emeritus, Humboldt State University Wildlife Department. He has studied birds for the past thirty years and is the author of The Birds of Northwestern California. A mentor for many of our local birders, he keeps sighting updated in the field notes section of the Sandpiper for RRAS.
Pablo Herrera is a wildlife biologist with LBJ Enterprises. He has also served as a naturalist for three seasons at Grizzly Creek State Park (cal-parks.ca.gov/DISTRICTS/ncrd/gcrsp.htm). He has recently spent several months banding birds in Costa Rica. Pablo is well prepared to present all aspects of our local natural history.
Rob Hewitt is a past president of the Redwood Region Audubon Society and a professional wildlife biologist. He is the chapter representative for the local North Coast Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Rob is the owner of LBJ Enterprises (“Little Bird Jobs”) (www.humboldt1.com/~lbjent). He tackles anything and everything to do with birds. He is a major sponsor and deeply involved in the planning and execution of Godwit Days, and has served on the committee since 1995. His donation of services and expertise has helped the festival expand and remain a favorite activity for birders of all experience levels. He was one of the founders of the Humboldt Breeding Bird Atlas project and is the moderator of the local birding listserve (nwcalbird@yahoogroups.com). Rob continues to promote birding wherever he can.
Mark Higley, an HSU graduate, works for the Hoopa Tribal Council coordinating their wildlife program. Spotted Owls, Pacific Fishers and murrelets are his focus but he also often sees Ruffed Grouse. He was a keynote speaker at the first Godwit Days and completed his Masters degree studying the birds of the Arcata Marsh.
Hum-Boats is a local boat tour company owned by Jay Dottle (www.humboats.com/).
Humboldt Wildlife Care Center is a local non-profit organization dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned wild animals and birds. The local home for injured wildlife and an education resource for local schools, they can be contacted at 822-8839.
John Hunter was the Marbled Murrelet coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service study on the range and distribution of this species. His master's degree from HSU included research on Northern Spotted Owls. He currently addresses endangered species issues from his position with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Arcata office. He has taken the lead in local efforts to produce a Humboldt County Breeding Bird Atlas. The five years of fieldwork were completed in 1999, a testament to his efforts.
Matt Johnson received his B.S. in Wildlife from UC Davis and a Ph.D. in Ecology from Tulane University. Before returning to California to teach Wildlife at HSU, his research focused on the ecology of migratory songbirds in tropical ecosystems, especially in Jamaica. That work led him to investigate the role of coffee cultivation in tropical bird conservation, which will be the topic of his talk at Godwit Days.
David Juliano grew up in San Francisco and fled to the greener pastures of Humboldt in 1989 to pursue his interest in birds. He received his B.S. in wildlife from HSU in 1995, and is currently working on his long overdue M.S. thesis on the ecology of woodpeckers on the Olympic Peninsula. David is president-elect of the California North Coast Chapter of The Wildlife Society, and works as a wildlife ecologist for Pacific NorthWestern Biological.
Ron LeValley is the owner of Mad River Biologists. In the 1970s, he completed his graduate study of Yellow-footed Gulls at Humboldt State University. Ron’s professional activities include wildlife surveys and tours to Baja California, Australia, and the Galapagos. Ron was a keynote presenter for the first two Godwit Days events. He is a renowned pelagic tour guide and is the compiler for the Arcata Christmas Bird Count.
Tom Leskiw is a U.S. Forest Service biological/hydrological technician. An avid writer, Tom co-authored the “Guide to Birding In and Around Arcata,” and has a monthly column in Redwood Region Audubon Society’s newsletter since 1992 (www.northcoast.com/~rras/). He is a long-serving member of the board.
Sean McAllister is a wildlife biologist with Mad River Biologists. He is a former board member of the Redwood Region Audubon Society. He has discovered some of the county's most exciting birds. Currently, he is working closely with the local Snowy Plover populations on Clam Beach, the South Spit, and Centerville Beach.
Tristan McKee A recent arrival in Humboldt, and a student at CR, Tristan brings a wealth of experience from his home back in San Mateo. Tour guide for Shearwater Journeys and a member of the California Bird Records Committee, he is a welcome addition to the LBJ Crew.
Carl Meyers is a local birder and is an active docent with Friends of the Dunes. He has a background in biology and botany from HSU and has lead Arcata Marsh walks with RRAS for over a decade.
Michael Morris is a local birder and baker with the Northcoast Bakery. He is a regular leader for the Arcata Marsh walks through the RRAS.
Brit O’Brien: Brit is a USDA Forest Service seabird biologist working with the Redwood Sciences Laboratory (www.rsl.psw.fs.fed.us/). He spends his summers surveying for Marbled Murrelets and other seabirds from a boat off the Pacific Coast. Brit is originally from Maine and moved here in 1992 to attend Humboldt State University for a degree in wildlife. Brit began surveying for Murrelets in the local old-growth forests in 1992.
Gretchen O'Brien is a wildlife biologist and projects manager with LBJ Enterprises. She has been a certified Marbled Murrelet surveyor for the past four years and surveys for the elusive birds all over Humboldt County forests. This Central Oregon native moved to Humboldt County in 1994, attended Humboldt State University, and graduated with a degree in wildlife.
Chet Ogan is immediate past president of the RRAS (www.northcoast.com/~rras/) and works as a biologist with the Redwood Sciences Laboratory (www.rsl.psw.fs.fed.us/). Chet has conducted the Arcata Christmas Count in the Freshwater sector since its inception. With the RRAS Conservation Committee and the local wildlife society chapter Chet worked to get international status recognition for Humboldt Bay in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) (www.earthsystems.org/links/whsrn.html). Conservation endeavors include working with the Pacific Coast Joint Venture.
Steve Pagliughi is a graduate student in the Fisheries Department at Humboldt State University. Relocated from New Jersey, he is an avid fisherman and conducts research on Northern Spotted Owls with the Redwood Sciences Laboratory (www.rsl.psw.fs.fed.us/).
Kerry Ross is an active local birder and wildlife student in Humboldt County. He works as a seasonal wildlife technician for Mad River Biologists.
Redwood Region Audubon Society (RRAS) - The local chapter of the Audubon Society, this group has represented bird issues here in the Redwood Region for the past 25 years. Originally formed to protect the egret and heron rookery on Indian Island, their long-term support for the environment is well established here on the north coast (www.northcoast.com/~rras/).
Mary Severdia is an avid birder, a docent at the Arcata Marsh and is the volunteer coordinator for FOAM, as well as a member of the board. A regular participant in Godwit Days she has supported the event from its early beginnings with the City of Arcata.
John St. Marie is a docent for Lanphere Dunes and the owner of The Outside Lane print shop. He has produced our Godwit Days T-shirts over the years.
Amber Transou is a graduate of Humboldt State Wildlife Department and is a biologist with Mad River Biologists where she works with Snowy Plover and beach management issues.
Steve Tucker is a college junior who has impressed us all with his exceptional birding skills as an LBJ technician for the past four years. Originally from Southern California, he assisted in the Ventura section of the American Birding Association’s Guide to Birding Southern California (www.americanbirding.org/).
Justin Ward recently graduated from Humboldt State University Wildlife Department. Justin works for California State Parks and with LBJ Enterprises. Located in Mendocino, he provides a bird-friendly outreach to our southern neighbors. A wildlife biologist, Justin's talents include helping to run a banding station on the Mendocino coast.
Wildlife Images (www.wildlife-image.com/) is a non-profit corporation working with State and Federal wildlife agencies since 1981, providing treatment and shelter for thousands of sick, injured, and orphaned creatures rescued from the wild each year. The organization’s clinic, nature center, and holding facilities are located on 24 acres adjacent to Oregon’s Rogue River that serves as an excellent location for wildlife release. A hit at last year's Aleutian Goose Festival (www.delnorte.org/soar), this group will energize the festival with their feathered guests. They will be at the Community Center both days to present their birds.
