Observing Birds of Prey
Photo: Turkey Vultures Horaltic Pose by Steve Schubert
Learn about the biology, classification, migration, flight characteristics, and predatory adaptations of locally occurring birds-of-prey, both year-round resident and seasonally overwintering raptors. Learn to identify and recognize the diagnostic visual field marks useful in identification of species of Hawks, Eagles, Falcons, Ospreys, Kites, Harriers, Accipiters, Vultures, and Owls.
Guided van field trip to birding locations and a variety of habitats on the Central
Coast, including Morro Rock - home of the famous nesting Peregrine falcons - as well
as estuary and coastal salt marsh, grasslands/agricultural fields, shrublands, oak
and streamside woodlands, urban mix of planted trees and shrubs, freshwater ponds
and lakes. Sightings of more than a dozen species of raptors are likely.
Bring a sack lunch, water, snacks, binoculars, and identification references. Dress
in warm layers. Van transportation included.
$4 parking permit required to leave your vehicle on campus
WEATHER POLICY. If a class is canceled due to safety or weather issues, students will be notified by Cuesta Community Program. The class will be rescheduled or full refunds will be given. If the class or program is on the weekend, the instructor will make the decision and call all registered.
DATES:
- 1 Saturday: February 3, 2024 - Register Online
- 1 Saturday: February 24, 2024 - Register Online
TIME:
- 9:00-10:30am lecture in room 4117
- 10:30am-4:00pm van trip
FEE: $68
LOCATION: San Luis Obispo Campus Room 4117
MODE OF DELIVERY: In-Person Van Trip
INSTRUCTOR: Steve Schubert
QUESTIONS: Contact instructor at s_schub1@msn.com or 805-440-9390
| Meet the instructor | |
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Steve attended college at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and received a Master’s degree in Field Biology and a Life Sciences Secondary Teaching Credential. He taught high school biology and earth sciences for several years, has taught natural history courses for Cuesta College Community Programs more than 25 years and works as a naturalist instructor at a local residential outdoor school program called Camp KEEP (Kern Environmental Education Program), attended by more than 3,000 6th grade students each school year. He served on the committee that published the book “Wildflowers of San Luis Obispo” and the eBook “Plants of the Carrizo Plain”. Steve authored the book entitled “The Peregrine Falcons of Morro Rock – A 50-year History”, available at Amazon.com. He is past-President of Morro Coast Audubon Society and is the Volunteer Coordinator of the Hi Mountain Lookout Project (www.facebook.com/condorlookout), a restored fire lookout in Los Padres National Forest where volunteers and college interns radiotrack the movements of California Condors and conduct biological field research projects. He has been a speaker and field trip leader for the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival each year since its inception more than 20 years ago. Steve enjoys kayaking, running, biking, hiking, playing basketball, and wildlife and landscape photography (photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12571965@N07 |