Birdwatching & Field Ecology

What you cover, in rotation

The group works through these in order and then begins again on fresh ground. Join at whatever stage it is on — nothing here assumes you were there for the last one, and nothing runs out — or drop in for a single session if that is all you can manage.

1. Stage 1The Observer's Toolkit — Optics, Silhouettes & Habitats

   • Binocular calibration, spotting scope operation, and field adjustments.
   • Size comparison, beak shapes, posture, and flight dynamics.
   • Year-round valley residents: California Thrasher, Western Bluebird, Anna's Hummingbird.
   • Establishing a personal field checklist and species log.
2. Stage 2Bird Songs, Calls & Bioacoustics

   • Territorial songs, alarm calls, contact chirps and flight calls.
   • Sonogram fundamentals: pitch, tempo and rhythm patterns.
   • Ethical use of audio detection tools — Merlin Bird ID and eBird.
   • A sound-mapping exercise along the shaded riparian willows.
3. Stage 3Raptors, Owls & Aerial Predators

   • Wing shapes, soaring thermal dynamics, and hunting strategies.
   • Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, Ospreys, White-tailed Kites, Great Horned Owls.
   • Owl pellet dissection to analyse local food webs and prey species.
   • A ridge-top vantage watch for active hunting and thermals.
4. Stage 4Migration Ecology & Field Journal Showcase

   • Pacific Flyway stopover points, flyways and wetland dependency.
   • Contributing citizen-science data to the eBird San Diego registry.
   • Sharing sketches, behavioural notes and bird lists with the cohort.
   • Coffee and light breakfast on the property overlooking the valley.

4 sessions in the cycle, then it begins again on new ground.