FIELD TRIPS
Field Trip Coordinator: Christiane Omer 775.354.2634 or happycpo AT aol.com
LAS field trips are free and open to the public. Birders of all skill levels are encouraged to participate. Please reserve your space with field trip leaders. Reservations provide leaders with contact information so they can reach you in the event of trip changes, or cancellations. Always dress for changing weather conditions, and bring something to eat and drink. For more information contact Field Trip Chair Christiane Omer.
Field Trips by Date - click on link for details on trip.
- Saturday, January 24, 2009 - The Great Reno Caper
- Saturday, January 31, 2009 - Annual Dipper Day, Reno Area
- Saturday, February 7, 2009 - Raptors in the Nile Valley
- Saturday, February 14, 2009 - Riverview Park, Carson River
- Saturday, February 21, 2009 - Winter Waterfowl Tour, Stillwater NWR
The near by Plumas Audubon Society also has field trips scheduled that area birders may find of interest. For more details please visit http://www.aviancenter.com/Plumas_Audubon.htm
Field Trip Reports
Previous field trip reports can be found on the Field Trip Reports Page.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Great Reno Caper
Leader: Dennis Serdehely, 775.575.0319 or birders@clearwire.net
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Come join us for…The Great Reno Caper! This wonderful winter trip is confined to the Reno City Limits and includes such birding hot spots as Rancho San Rafael Park, Oxbow Nature Study Area, Virginia Lake, Rosewood Estates and others. Meet at the north end of Virginia Lake at 9:00 a.m. This is a full day trip so please dress warmly, and bring a bag lunch, binoculars, and a scope if you have one.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Annual Dipper Day, Reno Area
Leader: Jim Eidel, 775.841.6543
Time: 8:00 a.m.
This popular annual trip offers a unique opportunity to hear and observe the elusive but vocal American Dipper. You will be introduced to a bird species specialized in living a semi aquatic life in swift mountain streams and rivers. From their nictitating membrane (third eyelid), large oil glands, dense plumage and unique underwater foraging techniques, this bird species is truly a “water ouzel”. The trip will also offer the opportunity to observe other bird species residing along the Truckee River corridor.
Meet in the main Rancho San Rafael parking lot in front of the Wilber D. May Arboretum at 8:00 AM. Please be prepared for snow (boots, jackets, gloves, etc.) and bring a bag lunch, or money to buy lunch as we will wind up at Donner if time permits.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Raptors in the Nile Valley
Leaders: Debbie and Randy Pontius, 775.273.3642, or deborahpontius@gmail.com
Time: 8:30 a.m.
The Nile Valley/Big Meadows surrounding Lovelock annually posts the highest raptor numbers for GBBO’S Winter Raptor Count. Hawks, falcons, Great Horned, Barn and Burrowing Owls, and Golden Eagles are possible. We will view the vast communal raptor/heron roost, and search out any offspring of our resident white Red-tailed Hawk who passed on to that great aviary in the sky last spring. Other species of note could be turkeys, herons and egrets along the Humboldt River and agriculture fields. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Chevron (coffee, restaurant, bathrooms, and snacks available) off exit 106 in Lovelock. If leaving Reno, leave at 7:00 a.m. It takes about 1.5 hours from Reno to Lovelock. Contact Debbie or Randy to confirm attendance and get further directions. Plan for lunch at a local Mexican restaurant, but you are welcome to bring a bag lunch. We will end at about 2:00 p.m. Scopes are helpful.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Riverview Park, Carson River
Leader: Nancy Santos 775.884.1570 or nancylas@att.net
Time: 9:00 a.m.
This is the ninth annual Riverview Park winter bird trip. We will explore wetland, sagebrush and riparian habitats, on an approximately one mile easy loop trail. The total number of species observed during the past five years is 35. Some of our more memorable species included a large flock (+200) of Pinyon Jays, Belted Kingfisher, Black-crowned Night Heron, Cedar Waxwing, and a close-up view of a Bald Eagle. I hope you can join us this year. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot. Riverview Park is located at the east end of East 5th Street, adjacent to the Carson River. Please contact Nancy if you plan to attend, so she can plan for additional trip leaders accordingly.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Winter Waterfowl Tour, Stillwater NWR
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Leader: Mike Goddard 775.423.5128
Hunting season will be over, Tundra Swans should be plentiful, and the waterfowl will be in beautiful nuptial plumage, so come enjoy a tour of Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge. Meet at the refuge office, 1000 Auction Road (just off Williams Avenue (US 50) behind the Speedway gas station) at 8:00 a.m. Please RSVP to Mike Goddard, Stillwater NWR Project Leader 775.423.5128, ext. 223.