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CANCELLED: Winter Birding Hike

January 14, 2023 @ 8:00 am - 10:00 am

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO FORECASTED STORMY WEATHER CONDITIONS. STAY TUNED FOR FUTURE EVENTS.

To be, or not to be, that is the question. What it takes to be a lesser scaup, or to be a greater scaup, now that’s a great question. Winter is an excellent time to spot these two scaups, which are both found along China Camp’s shoreline—but telling them apart can get a bit tricky. However, with a trusty pair of binoculars and knowing these tips about habitat, calls, behaviors and shape from Audobon.org, one can confidently check each correctly identified species off your bird list. 

The following is a short list of identifying characteristics. Both birds have a black head and chest, dark brown rumps, and a black and white crosshatch pattern on their back. In general, greater scaups have round-shaped heads, shorter necks, and white wings visible in flight. Lesser scaups have egg-shaped heads that are (sometimes) iridescent purple, longer necks, and a crosshatch pattern on both their back and wings. 

On this month’s hike we will look for these and other birds along China Camp’s marshes and shoreline. We will review the four keys to identifying birds in the field, and learn about tools such as checklists, atlases, binoculars, and telescopes. Participants will also learn how to identify birds by observing flight patterns, noting body shapes and sizes, hearing songs, and watching behaviors.

 

Date: Saturday, January 14

Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Location: Turtle Back Trailhead

Walking difficulty: Easy; 1½ miles 

 

REGISTER HERE

 

Space is limited; reservations required. 

Free (donations appreciated).

Cancellations notified via email.

Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.

 

Photo: Lesser scaup by Brian Kushner | Audubon.org

Details

Date:
January 14, 2023
Time:
8:00 am - 10:00 am