Wetlands Bird Walk and Annual General Meeting
LJ & Mike – 10/5/2023
We were fortunate to have Mark Stevenson, head of the Napa-Sonoma chapter of the Audubon Society, as our guide on a beautiful sunny day on the bay at Wetlands Edge Park in American Canyon.
Before we left, Mark and his two helpers made sure everyone had binoculars and gave us a brief overview of what we could expect to see. We had frequent stops along the way, as particular birds were sighted, and by use of apps on his phone, Mark could show us close-up pictures of those birds.
We saw and were able to identify several birds that frequent our own backyards, as well as great flocks of migratory shore birds that stop in the area to feed on the rich mud flats of the bay. We got to see a flock of White Pelicans, whose wingspan is only an inch shorter than the condor, fly right over us; and had a chance to watch Great Egrets feeding.
Our final stop on the edge of the bay was breathtaking, with sightings of thousands of feeding birds, as well as huge flocks, rising and landing as one.
Many thanks go to Mark for sharing his knowledge and experience so generously and to Betsy for putting this trip together!
We ended the day with a delicious lunch at the La Scala Italian restaurant and a quick meeting to reelect Mike and Klara and to hear reports from Don, Betsy, Tami, and Tony.