STORE EVENTS
Bringing fun and educational events to you throughout the year
STORE EVENTS
Bringing fun and educational events to you throughout the year
Nesting Dark-eyed Junco on door wreath by Tom Gray
A Valentine’s Day Nest Showcase
Saturday, February 14 • 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM • Free
The Los Gatos Birdwatcher • Refreshments will be served • Ask us about the nesting material sale
Birds are some of nature’s most devoted architects. Before eggs are laid, nests must be carefully planned, territory chosen, materials gathered, and the right partner found. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we invite you to explore our store’s Nest Collection, featuring a variety of nests gathered and donated by our customers over the years. Learn how different birds build their homes and raise their young, with nests made by local species such as Hooded Oriole, Bushtit, American Robin, California Scrub Jay, Bewick’s Wren, and more. Stop by to enjoy light refreshments, ask questions, and discover the fascinating stories behind each nest. We’ll also feature a special sale on nesting materials you can place in your own yard to help local birds prepare for the breeding season. A perfect way to celebrate nesting craftsmanship and the birds we love.
Inside the Secret Lives of Los Gatos Owls
Barn Owls: Courting, Nesting & Raising Young
Tuesday, February 17 • 7:00 PM • Free
Location: The Terraces (behind the Los Gatos Birdwatcher)
Parking: King’s Court Shopping Center
Registration: Not required
After installing nest boxes in prime Los Gatos open-space habitat, Ed set up cameras that have captured rare, intimate footage of Barn Owls throughout their courting, nesting, and chick-rearing seasons, with a few surprise visits from Western Screech Owls as well. Through video clips and firsthand observations, Ed will share what he’s learned about owl behavior, family life, and habitat needs. This presentation will offer a unique opportunity to see owls as few people ever do and to better understand how these remarkable birds coexist with us.
SCVBA’s Wild Life Faire
Saturday, October 4 • 10 AM – 3:30 PM • Free • no registration required
Join us as we participate in the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance’s Wildlife Fair – Celebrating 100 Years of Conservation & Community! This festival will celebrate conservation work across Santa Clara County, feature speakers from environmental organizations involved with everything from bird monitoring to habitat restoration. We’ll be there to answer your questions about backyard bird feeding. We’ll also have a Nikon optic’s expert there to answer all your binocular questions. Location: West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Ave. Saratoga, CA, 95070
A MORNING IN THE EAST FOOTHILLS—Fundraiser for SFBBO
Reverting the Land Back to Nature
Saturday, Oct 11, 2025 • 9 AM–1 PM
Limited to 20 • $50 donation benefits SFBBO
As part of San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory’s SFBBO’s annual fundraiser, the California Fall Challenge, the Los Gatos Birdwatcher has partnered with customer LC Boros for a special morning and lunch tour of LC’s private East Foothills property, fondly known as Purgatory Auto Works & Dinosaur Farm. Once an overgrazed site, the property has been transformed into a thriving native habitat where more than 110 bird species have been documented. Through targeted land management and re-seeding of native grasses, the wildlife is returning: California Quail, American Badgers, Great Horned Owls, Bobcats, Wild Turkeys, and more. The centerpiece is a 60-year-old Mid-Century Modern “glass house” carefully made into a bird-safe home. This is a SFBBO’s California Fall Challenge fundraiser with 100% going to SFBBO—$50 per person includes lunch! Please join Lisa Myer’s and LC Boros for a fun, educational tour in the Mt. Hamilton Range. Reserve now: 408-358-9453. Tour fills at 20.
SPECIAL VISIT: Learn All About Bats
Live At The Store • Saturday, November 15 • 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
NorCalBats is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of bats throughout Northern California. They are committed to public education regarding the environmental benefits of bats, and dispelling fears and myths that lead to their death. We are excited to have NorCalBats at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher. They will bring live bats found here in California and presented for viewing and discussion. All the bats you’ll see are certified as non-releasable by California Department of Fish & Wildlife and the U.S. Department of Agriculture—injury precludes them from surviving in the wild. We invite you to come learn about these mammals and their importance as insect control. This event is free but NorCalBats is funded through donations so we hope you’ll bring some extra cash to put into their donation box. Call to register 408-358-9453
BIRD ID WORKSHOPS RETURN IN 2026
Thank you to all the talented photographers who contributed to our website!
Ellen Bateman: Bewick’s Wren on a Fence
Malcolm Bramwell: Great Horned Owl
Susan Dodd: Western Tanager
R.Henke: Left Bend Winery’s Western Bluebirds
Scott Hooper: Anna’s Hummingbirds in nest
Ray Kawakami: Western Bluebird eating mealworms
Patricia Lillich: Chestnut-backed Chickadee on branch with berries
Ron Machado: Black-headed Grosbeaks, Anna’s Hummingbird
on branch, Coyote Creek Birdwatchers, Chestnut-backed Chickadee
at feeder.
Brooke Miller: American Goldfinch, Squirrels, Red-breasted Nuthatch at Squirrel Buster
Gregory Milstein: Anna’s Hummingbird with water drops
Judy Rudolf: Bewick’s Wren at suet/mealworm feeder
Stega (LC Boros): Bullock’s & Hooded Orioles bathing
Nancy Turek: Red-breasted Sapsucker, Common Merganser female
Tony Woo: Chestnut-backed Chickadee on binoculars, Hummingbird in sprinkler, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Cranes, White-tailed Kite, Moss Landing Sanderlings, Lawrence’s Goldfinch bathing in Joseph Grant Park, Birdwatchers on tour, Hooded Orioles at feeder
Joan Young: Bald Eagle
SCVBA’s Wildlife Fair
Saturday, October 4 • 10 AM – 3:30 PM • Free • no registration required
Join us as we participate in the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance’s Wildlife Fair – Celebrating 100 Years of Conservation & Community! This festival will celebrate conservation work across Santa Clara County, feature speakers from environmental organizations involved with everything from bird monitoring to habitat restoration. We’ll be there to answer your questions about backyard bird feeding. We’ll also have a Nikon optic’s expert there to answer all your binocular questions. Location: West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Ave. Saratoga, CA, 95070
A MORNING IN THE EAST FOOTHILLS—Fundraiser for SFBBO
Reverting the Land Back to Nature
Saturday, Oct 11, 2025 • 9 AM–1 PM
Limited to 20 • $50 donation benefits SFBBO
As part of San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory’s SFBBO’s annual fundraiser, the California Fall Challenge, the Los Gatos Birdwatcher has partnered with customer LC Boros for a special morning and lunch tour of LC’s private East Foothills property, fondly known as Purgatory Auto Works & Dinosaur Farm. Once an overgrazed site, the property has been transformed into a thriving native habitat where more than 110 bird species have been documented. Through targeted land management and re-seeding of native grasses, the wildlife is returning: California Quail, American Badgers, Great Horned Owls, Bobcats, Wild Turkeys, and more. The centerpiece is a 60-year-old Mid-Century Modern “glass house” carefully made into a bird-safe home. This is a SFBBO’s California Fall Challenge fundraiser with 100% going to SFBBO—$50 per person includes lunch! Please join Lisa Myer’s and LC Boros for a fun, educational tour in the Mt. Hamilton Range. Reserve now: 408-358-9453. Tour fills at 20.
SPECIAL VISIT: Come Learn All About Bats
Live At The Store • Saturday, November 15 • 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
NorCalBats is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of bats throughout Northern California. They are committed to public education regarding the environmental benefits of bats, and dispelling fears and myths that lead to their death. We are excited to have NorCalBats at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher. They will bring live bats found here in California and presented for viewing and discussion. All the bats you’ll see are certified as non-releasable by California Department of Fish & Wildlife and the U.S. Department of Agriculture—injury precludes them from surviving in the wild. We invite you to come learn about these mammals and their importance as insect control. This event is free but NorCalBats is funded through donations so we hope you’ll bring some extra cash to put into their donation box. Call to register 408-358-9453
Thank you to all the talented photographers who contributed to our website!
Ellen Bateman: Bewick’s Wren on a Fence
Malcolm Bramwell: Great Horned Owl
Susan Dodd: Western Tanager
R.Henke: Left Bend Winery’s Western Bluebirds
Scott Hooper: Anna’s Hummingbirds in nest
Ray Kawakami: Western Bluebird eating mealworms
Patricia Lillich: Chestnut-backed Chickadee on branch with berries
Ron Machado: Black-headed Grosbeaks, Anna’s Hummingbird
on branch, Coyote Creek Birdwatchers, Chestnut-backed Chickadee
at feeder.
Brooke Miller: American Goldfinch, Squirrels, Red-breasted Nuthatch at Squirrel Buster
Gregory Milstein: Anna’s Hummingbird with water drops
Judy Rudolf: Bewick’s Wren at suet/mealworm feeder
Stega (LC Boros): Bullock’s & Hooded Orioles bathing
Nancy Turek: Red-breasted Sapsucker, Common Merganser female
Tony Woo: Chestnut-backed Chickadee on binoculars, Hummingbird in sprinkler, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Cranes, White-tailed Kite, Moss Landing Sanderlings, Lawrence’s Goldfinch bathing in Joseph Grant Park, Birdwatchers on tour, Hooded Orioles at feeder
Joan Young: Bald Eagle
Bird ID Workshops
Open to all-levels, our Bird ID Workshops focus on four bird species, exploring behavior, diet, habitat, and vocalizations. We host these discussions outside in the store’s back parking lot. It’s a fun way to boost your ID skills and connect with fellow bird lovers. Please bring your own folding chair and field guide. Call us to save your spot. 408-358-9453. See more ID Workshops here… Photo: Hermit Thrush – Garret Lau
When: Tues, Sept 23 • 5:30 PM–6:30 PM
September Species: Swainson’s Thrush, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Western Bluebird
Fundraiser for SFBBO
Reverting the Land Back to Nature
Saturday, Oct 11, 2025 • 9 AM–1 PM
Limited to 20 • $50 donation benefits SFBBO
As part of San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory’s SFBBO’s annual fundraiser, the California Fall Challenge, the Los Gatos Birdwatcher has partnered with customer LC Boros for a special morning and lunch tour of LC’s private East Foothills property, fondly known as Purgatory Auto Works & Dinosaur Farm. Once an overgrazed site, the property has been transformed into a thriving native habitat where more than 110 bird species have been documented. Through targeted land management and re-seeding of native grasses, the wildlife is returning: California Quail, American Badgers, Great Horned Owls, Bobcats, Wild Turkeys, and more. The centerpiece is a 60-year-old Mid-Century Modern “glass house” carefully made into a bird-safe home. This is a SFBBO’s California Fall Challenge fundraiser with 100% going to SFBBO—$50 per person includes lunch! Please join Lisa Myer’s and LC Boros for a fun, educational tour in the Mt. Hamilton Range. Reserve now: 408-358-9453. Tour fills at 20.
ACTIVITIES
Saturday, September 20, 2025 • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
We’re throwing an anniversary party full of bird talks, live wildlife, expert talks, and community fun. This free event is open to all ages, bring your love of birds and curiosity!
Live Wild Bird Visit from WERC (Wildlife Education & Rehab Center) 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Wild Bird Seed Q&A with Mike from Volkman, our seed distributorMonarch & Milkweed Talk with Tara Johnson: 11:00 – 11:30 AM
Binocular Lab with Jessica Guenther-Dang: 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Crane Talk with Lisa Myers: 3:00 – 3:30 PM
Throughout the Day:
- Store Raffles
- Refreshments
- Backyard birding inspiration
- A chance to meet your favorite bird nerds
Visitor & Speaker Bios:
Live Birds Visit with WERC (Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center)
The Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center (WERC) is a local nonprofit dedicated to the care and release of native wildlife and to inspiring environmental stewardship through education. WERC rescues injured, orphaned, and ill wild animals throughout the South Bay, with the goal of returning them to the wild whenever possible. At our anniversary celebration, WERC will be on-site in the morning showcasing their ambassador birds, wild raptors who can no longer survive in the wild but now serve as powerful educators. This special visit gives you an up-close look at native birds of prey while helping raise funds for WERC’s critical work.
Crane Talk with Lisa Myers
Lisa Myers is a South Bay native and lifelong birder who turned her passion for birds into a full-time mission to connect people with nature. In the early 2000s, she founded Let’s Go Birding tours to lead fun, approachable birding adventures for adults new to the hobby. Her teaching style emphasizes learning through curiosity and community. After many years leading tours and classes for the Los Gatos Birdwatcher, she became the store’s owner in 2015 upon the Howell family’s retirement. Lisa continues to share her love of birds through education, conservation advocacy, and the everyday magic of backyard birdwatching.
Binocular Lab with Jessica Guenther-Dang
Jessica Guenther-Dang is a biologist and full-time team member at Los Gatos Birdwatcher. With a Master’s in Natural Resources and a background in Wildlife Biology, she brings field experience and a research-driven perspective to the shop. Formerly an Open Space Aide with the Open Space Authority, Jessica enjoys helping others deepen their birdwatching knowledge, especially when it comes to optics. She’s passionate about wildlife conservation, especially increasing research on lesser-studied species and supporting women in science.
Monarchs & Milkweed Talk with Tara Johnson
Tara Johnson is an environmental scientist, Certified California Naturalist, and founder of Naturedigger. With over 25 years of experience in conservation and community science, she has led efforts in endangered species research, invasive species monitoring, and public education. Since 2014, her primary focus has been monarch butterfly and milkweed conservation. Tara works closely with the Monarch Joint Venture and monitors overwintering monarchs in Santa Cruz alongside a team of biologists. She is also the author of two forthcoming books on monarchs for educators and community scientists.
Wild Bird Seed Q&A with Mike, Our Seed Guy from Volkman Pet Products
Mike represents Volkman Pet Products, one of the oldest family-run bird seed companies in the country. Based in California’s Central Valley and in business since 1863, Volkman has proudly supplied premium wild bird seed for generations. Mike works closely with Lisa at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher, he’s our go-to “seed guy”—and will be on hand to answer your bird feeding questions, share tips, and maybe even hand out a few seed samples!
About the Los Gatos Birdwatcher:
Founded in 1995, the Los Gatos Birdwatcher is a locally owned nature store offering high-quality bird seed, feeders, optics, gifts, and expert advice for backyard birders and naturalists alike. Owner Lisa Myers and her team are proud to be part of the South Bay’s vibrant nature-loving community. Thank you for 30 amazing years!