Learn about Scaly-breasted Munias in the latest All Around Town; meet the Black Phoebe, our backyard bird of the month; and get tips for bird-friendly holiday decor. Photo by John Richardson
Backyard Birding in December
Prioritizing children over plastic
In the Los Gatan newspaper, our Environmental Advocacy Assistant, Giulianna Pendleton, speaks out in support of keeping our school athletic fields natural and not installing plastic turf.
Help save the newts
Our latest Action Alert highlights the plight of our native Pacific Newt population. Read Merav Vonshak’s update about the outpouring of support for newt safety at the MROSD meeting.
SCVAS Learn: Waterfowl
Get ready for a three-part class (with field trips!) on our local ducks, geese, & swans. Remote course taught by Matthew Dodder, Monday nights, 7PM from January 10 to January 24, 2022.
2021 Annual Report
SCVAS’s Annual Report for 2020-2021 is now available. This year we are going all-electronic to save paper and to give us more space to tell our story and to recognize our amazing volunteers, members and supporters.
Annual Event!
Our virtual Annual Event was Thursday, December 2 at 7pm. We enjoyed some live music with Bill Walker, an auction, a fun quiz and updates on our year’s achievements!
Remembering Gail Cheeseman
On November 15 we lost our good friend and fellow birder Gail Cheeseman. We’d love to hear your memories of Gail.
Altamont Wind Turbines
The National Audubon Society has filed suit opposing a new wind farm in Alameda County that endangers migratory birds. SCVAS is involved along with other local Audubon chapters.
Bay Area Bird Photographers, December 1st
Join us Wednesday December 1 at 7:30pm for a photographic presentation of Birds in Flight by Ron Bielefeld.
The Winter Avocet is Here
The Winter Avocet (portrait format or 2-page spreads) is available now for your reading pleasure. Also read our December Avocet Update.
December Self-Guided Field Trips
Need help finding great birding spots and figuring out what to look for? Check out our self-guided field trips for December. These guides include trail maps, driving directions, and everything else you need to know.
In-Person Field Trips
Feral Cats and Wildlife
In the Mountain View Voice, Matthew Dodder weighs in on the dangers to wildlife of feral cat colonies.
Bay Trail Hikes for Birders
The San Jose Mercury News interviewed our Education and Outreach Manager Carolyn Knight as part of this article highlighting four great Bay Trail hikes for birders and families.
An amazing, blazing spirit
On Monday we lost a friend, a mentor, a fellow birder, an adventurer. Gail Cheeseman shared her enthusiasm, fellowship, wisdom and love with so many of us. She gave us wings.
Speaker Series: Julia Clarke
How do we study evolutionary novelty in deep time? What can dinosaurs teach us about how novel structures and functions evolve?
Join us November 17 at 7PM to find the answers with us!
Backyard Birding in November
Meet the Anna’s Hummingbird, our backyard bird of the month; find out what birds our members have seen lately; and learn the basics of crowned sparrow ID. Photo: Deanne Tucker
Wildlife Corridors for Pacheco Pass
Wildlife Crossings are a fascinating topic, and anyone who has driven Pacheco Pass knows the concerns over the sudden appearance of a deer in the early hours. Take a deep dive into the issue with this great presentation compiled by Pathways for Wildlife, the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency, and their partners.
Video Festival Begins
The second Wildlife & Harvest Video Festival has started. We have dozens of videos from an assortment of wildlife and environmental organizations from around the Bay. Videos include fun facts about local birds, bugs, mammals, plants and more! Look for new video releases each week (until the end of November).
