STORE EVENTS

Special Raptor Event: In Honor of Raptors

Sat, Oct 28, 2023 • 10 am-12:30 pm • Sanborn Park • Fee $75 • Lisa Myers, Kenny the Falconer, and the Raptors

We invite you to join us for a very special raptor event in the redwoods of Sanborn County Park. Birds of prey, also known as Raptors are a customer favorite. This is the group of birds that come in all sizes and colors and make a living actively hunting for their next meal. Depending on the raptor the next meal could be a dragonfly, lizard snake, or perhaps a jack rabbit, trout, or even another bird. This special event will include a 60-minute raptor workshop with Lisa Myers. With the fall migration upon us, raptors are also on the move. Lisa will review the variety of raptors that can be found in the Bay Area throughout the new year, how these raptors differ, where they can be found, and their preferred meals. After the workshop, we’ll enjoy Falconer Kenny Elvin of Full Circle Falconry as he flies his birds of prey. Kenny offers an educational experience for his audience while in the company of several species of raptors. A few lucky participants will win raptor-themed door prizes. The morning will include breakfast snacks, fruit, bagels, juice, and water. Call 408-358-9453 to register as capacity is limited and pre-registration is required.

A Day with Cranes in California’s Central Valley

Sat, Dec 2, 2023 • 9 am-8 pm • Fee: $65

If you have ever been birding with Lisa you know that her favorite family of birds is the cranes. Worldwide there are 15 different species of cranes. They can be found on every continent except South America and Antarctica. In North America, we have two species of cranes. Sandhill Cranes are one of the most numerous of all 15 species holding strong with over 800,000 individuals. And we have the Whooping Crane. This impressive crane is one of the most endangered. Their numbers were once down to as low as 40. After great efforts by landowners and organizations like the International Crane Foundation, Whooping Cranes now number just over 800. While we do not have Whooping Cranes in the west, we can find wintering Sandhill Cranes in California’s Central Valley. Sandhills need marsh-type habitats to thrive and the flooded farmlands of the Central Valley provide this. They start to arrive in October and will remain until Spring. We will start this day later than most because we will end just after sunset. It is 2 hours one way to reach the Sandhill Crane habitat. Participants will be encouraged to carpool. There will be little walking. Temperatures could be cold. Everyone should bring their snacks, liquids, and lunch. Call 408-358-9453 to register as capacity is limited and pre-registration is required.

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES 

BIRD ID WORKSHOPS – 5:30 pm–6:30 pm at the store

(These ID workshops will resume in 2024)

• Tues, Sept 12, 2023 – Juvenile Raptors, Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk

These free in-store workshops help customers learn how to identify various species of birds found in the Bay Area. We review four species per class, their behaviors, food, habitat preferences, vocalizations, and more. Please bring your own folding chair and field guide with you. Call the store to save your spot. 408-358-9453. Free

SATURDAY BIRD WALKS

These morning walks start at 8:30 am on location and end at 10:00 am. Call 408-358-9453 to register as capacity is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration for each month’s walks opens on the first of that specific month. These walks are free and open to all birding levels.
Sept 30, 2023 • Ulistac Natural Area, Santa Clara

Oct 14, 2023 • Agnews Historic Park
Oct 28, 2023 • No Saturday walk (see Raptor event below)

Nov 11, 2023 • Los Gatos Creek Park
Nov 15, 2023 • Martial Cottle Park