STORE EVENTS
Bringing fun and educational events to you throughout the year
STORE EVENTS
Bringing fun and educational events to you throughout the year
Western Bluebird fledglings taking a bath –Tony Woo
FREE Monthly Birding Workshops
Curious about the birds in your backyard? Start here!
Open to all levels, these free workshops help customers learn the fundamentals of birding in the Bay Area and beyond. Workshops will take place at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher outside in our back parking lot from 6:00−7:00 PM. We ask that you bring your own folding chair with you. Call the store to save your spot, 408-358-9453.
Workshop Schedule:
Tuesday, July 14 – How to tell the juvenile birds from adults.
Tuesday, Sept 22 – Fall Migration: Who is coming and going?
Western Bluebird fledglings taking a bath –Tony Woo
Monthly Birding Workshops
Curious about the birds in your backyard? Start here!
Open to all levels, these free workshops help customers learn the fundamentals of birding in the Bay Area and beyond. Workshops will take place at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher outside in our back parking lot from 6:00−7:00 PM. We ask that you bring your own folding chair with you. Call the store to save your spot, 408-358-9453.
Workshop Schedule:
Tuesday, July 14 – How to tell the juvenile birds from adults.
Tuesday, Sept 22 – Fall Migration: Who is coming and going?
Paint Your Pet with Tangy Design Studio (or paint your Favorite Bird!)
At the Los Gatos Birdwatcher
Thurs, Aug 20 • 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM • $85
The Los Gatos Birdwatcher is known for sharing a love of birds, but dogs have always been welcome too, and the dog treats hidden behind the counter are anticipated by our furry friends after they walk through the front door. In honor of all the wonderful pets we have met throughout the years we welcomed professional pet portrait artist Marianne Carmona of Tangy Design Studio to design an event for the store. This event was created so our fellow pet loving customers could enjoy a relaxed evening of creativity, laughs, and community. Marianne will guide us step-by-step as we turn our pet’s photo into a one-of-a-kind painted portrait. Marianne will create a custom sketch of your pet from your submitted photo, then guide you step-by-step as you bring your portrait to life on canvas. No artistic experience needed. Just bring your love for your pet and get ready for a creative evening filled with color, laughter, and fellow animal lovers.
Your registration includes:
• Custom pre-sketched 11×14″ canvas of your pet
• All painting supplies for use
• Step-by-step instruction
• A one-of-a-kind portrait to take home
• Some light refreshments
How it works: Call the Los Gatos Birdwatcher to sign-up and we’ll save you a space and tell you where to submit your pet portrait. Marianne will have your canvas ready to paint when you arrive the evening of August 20. Space is limited.
Paint Your Pet with Tangy Design Studio (or paint your Favorite Bird!)
At the Los Gatos Birdwatcher
Thurs, Aug 20 • 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM • $85
The Los Gatos Birdwatcher is known for sharing a love of birds, but dogs have always been welcome too, and the dog treats hidden behind the counter are anticipated by our furry friends after they walk through the front door. In honor of all the wonderful pets we have met throughout the years we welcomed professional pet portrait artist Marianne Carmona of Tangy Design Studio to design an event for the store. This event was created so our fellow pet loving customers could enjoy a relaxed evening of creativity, laughs, and community. Marianne will guide us step-by-step as we turn our pet’s photo into a one-of-a-kind painted portrait. Marianne will create a custom sketch of your pet from your submitted photo, then guide you step-by-step as you bring your portrait to life on canvas. No artistic experience needed. Just bring your love for your pet and get ready for a creative evening filled with color, laughter, and fellow animal lovers.
Your registration includes:
• Custom pre-sketched 11×14″ canvas of your pet
• All painting supplies for use
• Step-by-step instruction
• A one-of-a-kind portrait to take home
• Some light refreshments
How it works: Call the Los Gatos Birdwatcher to sign-up and we’ll save you a space and tell you where to submit your pet portrait. Marianne will have your canvas ready to paint when you arrive the evening of August 20. Space is limited.
San Jose’s peregrine fledglings
The Peregrines of San Jose City Hall
Presentation at The Terraces with Sherry Stack & Jan Gliozzo
Fri, Sept 11 • 7:00 – 8:00 PM • Free
Location: The Terraces (behind the Los Gatos Birdwatcher)
Parking: King’s Court Shopping Center
Registration: Not required
Educators and Fledgewatch volunteers Jan Gliozzo and Sherry Stack will speak about the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group’s past and current Peregrine Falcon conservation efforts. They will discuss the successful recovery of Peregrine Falcons following the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, as well as today’s famous Peregrine Falcon families that return every year to raise their young on San Jose City Hall. Jan and Sherry will bring one nesting season to life by following the hatching, development, banding, and first flights of peregrines Chico and his sisters. Learn about the lives of peregrines in urban settings, the challenges posed by Avian Influenza, and how the UC Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group and Fledgewatch volunteers rescue and release birds during the nesting season. Registration is not required. Park at the King’s Court Center and walk over to The Terraces, located behind the Los Gatos Birdwatcher.
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
The Peregrines of San Jose City Hall
Presentation at The Terraces with Sherry Stack & Jan Gliozzo
Fri, Sept 11 • 7:00 – 8:00 PM • Free
Location: The Terraces (behind the Los Gatos Birdwatcher)
Parking: King’s Court Shopping Center
Registration: Not required
Educators and Fledgewatch volunteers Jan Gliozzo and Sherry Stack will speak about the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group’s past and current Peregrine Falcon conservation efforts. They will discuss the successful recovery of Peregrine Falcons following the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, as well as today’s famous Peregrine Falcon families that return every year to raise their young on San Jose City Hall. Jan and Sherry will bring one nesting season to life by following the hatching, development, banding, and first flights of peregrines Chico and his sisters. Learn about the lives of peregrines in urban settings, the challenges posed by Avian Influenza, and how the UC Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group and Fledgewatch volunteers rescue and release birds during the nesting season. Registration is not required. Park at the King’s Court Center and walk over to The Terraces, located behind the Los Gatos Birdwatcher.
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!