The 14th annual Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua kicks off bright and early tomorrow with nearly 300 participants, over 50 presenters, and more than 80 programs! Many programs are still open, some are free, and some are great for kids, so take a look and sign up for them before they fill….
ALL OPEN PROGRAMS
Birding the Bridgeport Valley (field trip)
Peter Metropulos
Join Peter Metropulos for an exploration of wetlands and lake habitat of Bridgeport Reservoir. After birding along the eastern shore of the reservoir we will head north, pausing here and there to investigate the riparian corridor and pinyon pine woodland bordering the East Walker River along Hwy 182. Bridgeport Reservoir sits within beautiful Bridgeport Valley between the Sierra Nevada and Sweetwater ranges. Waterfowl, grebes, terns, pelicans, and shorebirds grace the surface and shores of this popular fishing reservoir. In 2008 a pair of Sandhill Cranes nested at Bridgeport Reservoir—a new record for Mono County documented by Peter! (est. driving miles: 70)
Friday 6:30am–11:30am ● Lee Vining Community Center
Ancient shorelines, modern resurrection (field trip)
Paul McFarland
Starting at the Lee Vining Community Center, we’ll wander along through a sagebrush sea before dropping down a stair-step of ancient shorelines. After a gentle meander through a bitterbrush plain, we’ll follow the magnificent thread of Lee Vining Creek—a desert riparian ribbon reborn thanks to decades of advocacy—back to town. Over this 3.5-mile walk along trails with one short cross-country section, we’ll discuss local geology, plant communities, butterflies, and hopefully Green-tailed Towhees. Wear good walking shoes, bring water and a snack. (Zero driving.)
Friday 7:30am–11:30am ● Lee Vining Community Center
Learning the language of birds (field trip)
Peter Bergen
Bird language is an ancestral skill that people have used to help them survive and thrive for thousands of years. Only recently entering the scientific dialogue, bird language is made up of a collection of skills and principles that are being revived by modern peoples. When routinely practicing the routines of bird language, learners experience direct feedback on their own engagement with awareness and sensitivity to other species. Through this feedback loop, people learn to walk with less impact and more conscious awareness. For this reason, in Jon Young’s newest book, What the Robin Knows: How the Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World, the term “Deep Bird Language” is coined. During this experiential workshop, seasoned Bird Language and Nature Connection mentor Peter Bergen and team, who have worked closely with Young’s Nature Connection Mentoring Foundation, will immerse participants in a group-learning model that can be brought to any education center where nature experience is celebrated. As Joe Ellis, NAS board member remarked after his initial bird language experience. “Birds talk to each other, we can understand it, and it’s fun.” Come join the fun! (est. driving miles: 8)
Friday 7:30am–12:00noon ● Lee Vining Community Center
Fly casting clinic (outdoor workshop)
Trout Unlimited
Have you always wanted to learn how to cast a fly fishing rod? Or just improve your current casting stroke? Members of the Golden State Flycasters Chapter of Trout Unlimited will provide a free fly casting demonstration clinic that will help you improve regardless of your current level of experience. This clinic is open to all ages from beginners to advanced casters. Rods and reels will be provided or you can bring your own equipment. (Zero driving)
Friday 1:00pm–3:30pm ● Lee Vining Community Center
Birding for little fledglings (field trip)
Michael Ross
Explore the world of birds through children’s books with Yosemite-based children’s book author Michael Ross. We’ll hop, hunt, fly, and play at being birds on this romp for young children and their families. This is ideal for little ones (ages 4–8) and their adult traveling companions. Open to kids of all ages. (Zero driving)
Friday 2:00pm–4:00pm ● Lee Vining Community Center
Sierra snow: Where did it go? (evening presentation)
Jessica Lundquist
The name “Sierra Nevada” translates to “snow-covered mountains,” but in recent years, “Cordillera Secao,” meaning “dry mountain range,” might be more appropriate. Where did the snow go? The question has multiple parts. First, what leads to heavy snowfall (or lack thereof) in the Sierra Nevada? How are conditions over the past four years related to natural atmospheric variability, to sea surface temperatures, and to climate change? How predictable are such droughts, and are we likely to see more of them in the future? Second, once snow does cover the Sierra, where is it, and how long does it take to melt? How predictable is the evolution of snow on the ground, and how are new tools (small sensors, remote sensing, and computer models) improving how we track snow’s influence on ecosystems and watershed hydrology? The talk will discuss current research on what we know and don’t know about Sierra snow—past, present, and future.
Friday 7:30pm–8:30pm ● Scenic Area Visitor Center auditorium
Enchanted evening: Stories and stars on the lakeshore (evening presentation)
Ane Carla Rovetta & Lisa Murphy
In the days before internet, TV, and radio, there were more Chautauquas, campfires, and storytelling. We bring them all together under the splendor of a dark Mono Basin sky where stories and stars come alive. Master storyteller Ane Carla will usher in the creatures of the night with her vivid and illuminating natural history stories and legends. Yosemite National Park ranger Lisa Murphy will lead us across the night sky for an evening of astronomical wonder. Bring a blanket or low chair and dress warmly. This program is open to humans of all ages! (est. driving miles: 17)
Friday 8:00pm–9:30pm ● South Tufa: From Lee Vining, drive approximately 5 miles south on Highway 395. Turn left on Highway 120 East and travel another 5 miles to the South Tufa/Navy Beach turn-off. Turn left following the signs to the left toward the South Tufa parking lot.
Birding the Bridgeport Valley (field trip)
Ted Beedy & Keith Hansen
Join Ted Beedy and Keith Hansen for an exploration of wetlands and lake habitats of Bridgeport Reservoir. Bridgeport Reservoir sits within beautiful Bridgeport Valley between the Sierra Nevada and Sweetwater ranges. Waterfowl, grebes in courtship, terns, pelicans, and shorebirds grace the surface and shores of this popular fishing reservoir. A pair of Sandhill Cranes has recently been nesting at Bridgeport Reservoir and there is a chance of seeing or hearing these rare Mono County birds. Participants typically see more than 50 species of birds on this field trip. (est. driving miles: 65)
Saturday 6:30am–11:30am ● Lee Vining Community Center
Birding Horse Meadow (field trip)
Karyn O’Hearn
Horse Meadow is perched up among moraines south of Lee Vining Canyon situated between stunning views of Mt. Dana and Mt. Gibbs, and a gorgeous, bird’s-eye view of Mono Lake. In this less-traveled area of the Mono Basin our walk will explore Upper Horse Meadow and environs, including the mix of meadow, sagebrush, aspen, and conifer forest habitats, which often provides a wide range of bird sightings. (est. driving miles: 15)
Saturday 7:30am–11:30am ● Lee Vining Community Center
Tarns and kettles (field trip)
Karen Amstutz
Come spend the morning at the crest of the Sierra. At nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, we will find ourselves immersed in the beauty of the alpine edge and the edge of Yosemite National Park. Among glacial tarns and kettles, lodgepole and whitebark pines, peaks and meadows we will meander in search of nesting Mountain Bluebird, Spotted Sandpiper, Cassin’s Finch, and many more. Tioga Pass is a thoroughfare for birds and we could easily be surprised by a rare sighting as we explore seeking birds and other wildlife in this rich variety of habitats. Bring a hat, sunscreen, warm layers, water, and snacks. (est. driving miles: 25)
Saturday 8:00am–12:00noon ● Lee Vining Community Center
Kayaking the south shore of Mono ($85 additional program cost)
Stuart Wilkinson & guide
Late spring reveals snow-capped mountains towering over a glassy Mono Lake—a great time to kayak! Join Stuart Wilkinson of Caldera Kayaks and a Mono Basin naturalist for a guided expedition along Mono’s south shore. This natural history kayak tour will cover a wide variety of topics relating to this unusual Great Basin lake, such as birds, geology, ecology, history, and politics. Expect to see underwater tufa towers, brine shrimp, lake-bottom springs, and a variety of birds. Some kayak experience is helpful, but not necessary; kayaks and safety equipment are provided. Minimum age is 14 years old, and minors must be accompanied by a parent. (Maximum participants: 12)
Saturday 8:30am–1:00pm ● meet at Navy Beach
Incredible inks (workshop)
Ane Carla Rovetta
Ever since the Egyptians invented honey-soot ink 3,000 years ago, written history has depended upon the clever recipes of determined calligraphers. We will write and draw with John Muir’s favorite ink, then try walnut, oak, green tea, and carbon inks. These elixirs can take months to darken so don’t miss this rare opportunity to open a portal to the past.
Saturday 9:00am–11:30am ● Scenic Area Visitor Center conference room
Fly casting clinic (outdoor workshop)
Trout Unlimited
Have you always wanted to learn how to cast a fly fishing rod? Or just improve your current casting stroke? Members of the Golden State Flycasters Chapter of Trout Unlimited will provide a free fly casting demonstration clinic that will help you improve regardless of your current level of experience. This clinic is open to all ages from beginners to advanced casters. Rods and reels will be provided or you can bring your own equipment. (Zero driving)
Saturday 1:00pm–3:30pm ● Lee Vining Community Center
Nature connection adventure (outdoor workshop)
Peter Bergen
This full immersion “Dirt Time” experience into the natural world is an opportunity for kids of all ages (7 to 77) to spend a day in the field with a team of mentors—exploring, learning, and having fun while connecting with their own wild and true selves, one another, and nature. This curiosity and passion-led program provides unforgettable experiences while developing an appreciation for the beautiful and wild places of the Mono Basin. “Dirt Time” means hands- on fun, so be prepared to get a little dusty and dirty!
Saturday 1:00pm–4:00pm ● Scenic Area Visitor Center conference room
Introduction to image editing (workshop)
Bob Steele
Join professional bird photographer Bob Steele as we explore digital photo editing in Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, and Lightroom. Topics discussed and demonstrated will include: image storage and backup strategies, converting RAW images using Adobe Camera RAW (PS and PSE plug-in), basic image editing for JPEG and TIFF images, sizing and sharpening images for different outputs—email, internet, printing—and a group discussion with questions and answers.
Saturday 1:00pm–5:00pm ● Mono Lake Committee theater & gallery
Survivor! A story of adaptations (workshop)
Burleigh Lockwood
Burleigh could speak on the subject of dirt and have an audience riveted for hours. She’s back this year with a presentation about the desert. What is a “desert” and what are the characteristics of the Eastern Sierra, Great Basin, and the Mojave, the three desert environments that meet in eastern California? Could you survive if you couldn’t move to water and shade? Plants can! What kind of plants and animals live in this uniquely diverse desert area. What adaptations are necessary for them to survive in a desert? Allow Burleigh to educate and entertain you in her usual style. Open to kids of all ages.
Saturday 1:30pm–3:00pm ● Scenic Area Visitor Center conference room
Birding bonanza (outdoor workshop)
Erica Tucker
Are you looking for something a little different from a classic bird walk? Perhaps you are feeling competitive or playful, or you just don’t want an early start? The Birding bonanza is for you! This new activity offers you the opportunity to compete against your fellow birders and identify bird images on a short race course. All ages and birding levels are welcome—there’s something for everyone in the bonanza! Bring your binoculars and your playful spirit. This is a free event and does not count toward your registration fee. (est. driving miles: 14)
Saturday 2:00pm–4:00pm ● Meets at Mono Lake County Park (5 miles north of Lee Vining)
Two views: Exploring the Sierra Nevada through the eyes of an artist and a naturalist (presentation)
Erik Westerlund
Discover the sights and sounds of Yosemite, test your powers of observation, and find hidden treasures, while learning about the natural world through the whimsical art of renowned artist Charley Harper. Using art, music, games, and storytelling, Erik takes the audience for an armchair tour of Yosemite’s flora and& fauna by exploring one of Harper’s masterpiece works, The Sierra Range.
Saturday 1:30pm–3:00pm ● Scenic Area Visitor Center auditorium
Tule tangles (workshop)
Ane Carla Rovetta
Wet, wild and wonderful tule grass (Scirpus ) is held in high esteem by weavers around the world. We will discover the features that make tule so unique, then fashion the supple stems of this sedge into a Yokuts-style visor hat.
Saturday 3:00pm–5:30pm ● Meets at Mono Lake County Park (5 miles north of Lee Vining)
Who gives a hoot (workshop)
Burleigh Lockwood
Join Burleigh Lockwood to learn which owl says what. We will discuss raptors in general and compare owls with hawks. Many “biofacts” will be shared along with mounted specimens for a real hands-on experience. We’ll also learn how to hoot! This has consistently been one of the Chautauqua’s most popular events. Open to kids of all ages.
Saturday 3:30pm–5:00pm ● Scenic Area Visitor Center conference room
Waterbird use of the Owens Lake dust control project (presentation)
Debbie House
The Owens Lake Dust Mitigation Program was implemented by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power in 2001. Water-based dust control measures in the project area have greatly increased wildlife presence on Owens Lake by providing water and vegetation on formerly barren playa. This presentation will discuss the dust control project area as bird habitat, and temporal and spatial patterns of use of the project area by waterfowl, diving waterbirds, and shorebirds based on 2012–2014 surveys. This bird data is being used to inform future management of Owens Lake.
Saturday 3:30pm–4:30pm ● Scenic Area Visitor Center auditorium
Should we let our forests burn? Big fires, new science, and the Black-backed Woodpecker (evening presentation)
Stephen Shunk
We love our forests, so we don’t want them to burn. Forests provide idyllic settings for our homes, playgrounds for recreation, and wood products for our growing population. Besides, burned forests are ugly, and fires destroy millions of acres of important habitat. Right?!
Saving our forests from wildfire was once a worthy effort, when did not understand forest ecology. Today’s scientific knowledge, however, forces us to think differently about fire. The 2013 Rim Fire on the western side of Yosemite has been called “the largest wildfire on record in the Sierra Nevada.” Recent research, however, indicates that prehistoric fires regularly burned immense swaths of forest in western North America.
Enter the Black-backed Woodpecker, the quintessential poster-child for the current state of California’s montane forests. A century of fire suppression has left volatile fuel loads, which burn violently once sparked. Societal pressures send us into these burned forests to salvage the charred timber before it can decay, but removing burned timber destroys habitat for the Black-backed Woodpecker and a whole suite of fire-dependent organisms. This handsome forest carpenter is the now subject of California and federal petitions to list the species as threatened or endangered. But is the Black-backed Woodpecker really threatened or even declining in California’s forests? And should protections for a woodpecker come before the needs of society?
Join Oregon naturalist and North American woodpecker specialist Steve Shunk for a thorough primer on the natural history, ecology, and conservation of the Black-backed Woodpecker. Steve will put the woodpecker into context—with the Rim Fire and other recent conflagrations—and he will share the latest research on this keystone species and its habitats. After studying the Black-backed Woodpecker in dozens of California’s burned forests and living the last 18 years in the heart of Oregon’s Black-backed habitat, Steve will also share his unique perspectives on today’s forest fire conundrum.
Saturday 7:30pm–8:30pm ● Scenic Area Visitor Center auditorium
Butterflies, bees, beetles, and other bugs of the basin (field trip)
Elizabeth Long
Insects are an important part of the Mono Basin ecosystem, and the area’s creeks and canyons abound with fascinating and beautiful insect species. We’ll take a relaxed walk nearby and observe the relationship of these animals to the environment, with particular focus on how they interact with plants. Som5e insects may be netted for close observation but all will be released. Bring binoculars, a net, and a butterfly or insect field guide if you have them. The weather or progression of spring into summer will determine the best location, but possible sites include Lee Vining Creek, Lundy Lake, or Dechambeau Ponds. Open to kids of all ages. (driving miles: 25)
Sunday 8:30am–11:30am ● Lee Vining Community Center
Fields’ guide to Osprey Sunday (field trip)
Lisa Fields
We will drive out to South Tufa where we will walk down to the lake to view active Osprey nests, discuss why a fish-eating bird is living on a fishless lake, and answer questions about Osprey natural history. South Tufa is the best area to view active nests and if we are lucky the chicks will be large enough to offer us a glimpse. Updates to the current research will also be discussed, which includes some dispersal and migration data thanks in part to Chautauqua grants for the banding and telemetry study. We may adjust our route (and possibly our location) based upon current Osprey activity. We will be in exposed areas so please bring a hat, water, and sunscreen. Open to kids of all ages. (driving miles: 22)
Sunday 8:30am–11:30am ● Lee Vining Community Center
Capturing birds with pencil and paper (workshop)
Keith Hansen
Join Keith Hansen for an in-class session of bird illustration. Learn to capture birds on paper with techniques that will aid and enhance your experiences while birding. Whether you want to render quick impressions of birds in the field for your note book, or create something of beauty that you have seen, this class will help you to achieve that goal. With step-by-step demonstrations, Keith will cover many elements, including basic anatomy and form, perspective, foreshortening, effects of lighting, negative space, back ground contrast, and others that will give you a good foundation for rendering your own images. From beginner to expert, this class will aid in and increase your overall enjoyment of your time spent in nature.
Materials to bring include:
– Any kind of notebook or sketch pad you would like.
– 2 or 3 pencils with various hardness from medium to soft.
– Razor blade/sharp pocket knife as well as some “not too rough” sandpaper for keeping pencils sharp.
– An eraser, either an “Art Gum” or “Magic Rub.”
Sunday 9:00am–11:30am ● Lee Vining Community Center
A visit with Yosemite guardian Galen Clark (outdoor presentation)
Pete Devine
Galen Clark was the first guardian of what’s considered by many to be the world’s first national park, the Yosemite Grant. Galen endured many hardships in his long life but dedicated himself to the stewardship of Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. He was a highly regarded public servant and he created a model of commitment and concern followed by every park ranger since. Galen has returned to us in Yosemite’s sesquicentennial year and brings inspired stories of frontier life, historic celebrities, and overcoming obstacles that can interrupt a life of good intentions. This program will be outdoors in a cool, shaded area. (Maximum participants: 40)
Sunday 9:00am–10:00am ● Lee Vining Community Center
Picnic and music at Mono Lake County Park
(and the bird calling contest)
Join us Sunday afternoon for a picnic in the park complete with live music. This is a perfect way to kick off your summer by enjoying lunch, relaxing in the green shady glow of County Park, and immersing yourself in music. Feel free to bring your own lunch or consider purchasing lunch for $10 at County Park, which benefits Lee Vining High School. We’ll continue our traditional bird calling contest. So come enjoy good food and live music with new and old friends as we recap the weekend’s bird sightings or steal away down the boardwalk for a last-minute glimpse at the birds. This is a great way to end the Chautauqua! A great event for family pods and humans of all ages.
2015’s live musical guest: Mumbo Gumbo
Lunch fundraiser for Lee Vining High School
The Lee Vining Lunch Bunch is returning to provide lunch for the Chautauqua picnic once again. Help improve both academic and extracurricular opportunities for the local high school while you eat a delicious lunch! The $10 lunch menu includes a choice of hamburger, cheeseburger, or garden burger, and all the toppings. Lunch also includes a garden salad, drink, and dessert.
Sunday beginning at 12:00noon ● Mono Lake County Park: To get to County Park from Lee Vining, head north on Highway 395 approximately 5 miles and turn right on Cemetery Road. Go down the hill and look for parking directions. Carpooling from Lee Vining is highly recommended.
FREE OPEN PROGRAMS
Fly casting clinic (outdoor workshop)
Trout Unlimited
Have you always wanted to learn how to cast a fly fishing rod? Or just improve your current casting stroke? Members of the Golden State Flycasters Chapter of Trout Unlimited will provide a free fly casting demonstration clinic that will help you improve regardless of your current level of experience. This clinic is open to all ages from beginners to advanced casters. Rods and reels will be provided or you can bring your own equipment. (Zero driving)
Friday 1:00pm–3:30pm ● Lee Vining Community Center
Fly casting clinic (outdoor workshop)
Trout Unlimited
Have you always wanted to learn how to cast a fly fishing rod? Or just improve your current casting stroke? Members of the Golden State Flycasters Chapter of Trout Unlimited will provide a free fly casting demonstration clinic that will help you improve regardless of your current level of experience. This clinic is open to all ages from beginners to advanced casters. Rods and reels will be provided or you can bring your own equipment. (Zero driving)
Saturday 1:00pm–3:30pm ● Lee Vining Community Center
Picnic and music at Mono Lake County Park
(and the bird calling contest)
Join us Sunday afternoon for a picnic in the park complete with live music. This is a perfect way to kick off your summer by enjoying lunch, relaxing in the green shady glow of County Park, and immersing yourself in music. Feel free to bring your own lunch or consider purchasing lunch for $10 at County Park, which benefits Lee Vining High School. We’ll continue our traditional bird calling contest. So come enjoy good food and live music with new and old friends as we recap the weekend’s bird sightings or steal away down the boardwalk for a last-minute glimpse at the birds. This is a great way to end the Chautauqua! A great event for family pods and humans of all ages.
2015’s live musical guest: Mumbo Gumbo
Lunch fundraiser for Lee Vining High School
The Lee Vining Lunch Bunch is returning to provide lunch for the Chautauqua picnic once again. Help improve both academic and extracurricular opportunities for the local high school while you eat a delicious lunch! The $10 lunch menu includes a choice of hamburger, cheeseburger, or garden burger, and all the toppings. Lunch also includes a garden salad, drink, and dessert.
Sunday beginning at 12:00noon ● Mono Lake County Park: To get to County Park from Lee Vining, head north on Highway 395 approximately 5 miles and turn right on Cemetery Road. Go down the hill and look for parking directions. Carpooling from Lee Vining is highly recommended.
KIDS OPEN PROGRAMS
Birding for little fledglings (field trip)
Michael Ross
Explore the world of birds through children’s books with Yosemite-based children’s book author Michael Ross. We’ll hop, hunt, fly, and play at being birds on this romp for young children and their families. This is ideal for little ones (ages 4–8) and their adult traveling companions. Open to kids of all ages. (Zero driving)
Friday 2:00pm–4:00pm ● Lee Vining Community Center
Nature connection adventure (outdoor workshop)
Peter Bergen
This full immersion “Dirt Time” experience into the natural world is an opportunity for kids of all ages (7 to 77) to spend a day in the field with a team of mentors—exploring, learning, and having fun while connecting with their own wild and true selves, one another, and nature. This curiosity and passion-led program provides unforgettable experiences while developing an appreciation for the beautiful and wild places of the Mono Basin. “Dirt Time” means hands- on fun, so be prepared to get a little dusty and dirty!
Saturday 1:00pm–4:00pm ● Scenic Area Visitor Center conference room