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Godwit Days Saturday Events
Celebrate the Marbled Godwit and explore the lush Redwood Coast. Observe many bird species and wildlife through our selection of field trips, lectures, workshops, and boat excursions led by experienced local guides.
To register, go here.
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SATURDAY EVENTS:
SA28 Marbled Murrelet Field Trip 1 - $12 5:00am - 8:30am
Leader: Amber Transou , California State Parks
Discover the endangered and mysterious Marbled Murrelet, set in dramatic redwood old-growth forest with a local biologist. This trip to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park near Orick is for early birds! (Carpool, 90 miles round trip). The dawn chorus, including Varied Thrush, and Pileated Woodpecker, accompanies pre-dawn flights of the murrelets. These birds are usually seen only in flight. Plenty of other redwood forest birds can be enjoyed.
SA29 Shorebird Spectacle at the Marsh - $12 6:00am -11:00 am
Leader: To be confirmed
Witness the spectacle as flocks of thousands of shorebirds become tens of thousands, then form a huge milling swarm as the last of the mud flats by the old wharf footing get covered. The birds then fly off low over the Bay toward the west. North Humboldt Bay is a shorebird staging site clearly of hemispherical significance.
SA30 Pelagic Tour 2 - $100 6:30am - 3:30pm
Leaders: Gary Lester
Aboard the Shenendoah, Pacific Ocean pelagic birds — including Black-footed Albatross, shearwaters, Cassin’s Auklet, Sabine’s Gull, and jaegers — are expected. Marine mammals such as migrating gray whales, dolphins, and sea lions are likely. Rough seas will cancel this trip: registrants will receive a full refund. This boat trip meets at the Woodley Island Marina in Eureka (map will be included in registration packet).
SA31 Dawn Chorus-Arcata Marsh Field Trip 3 - $6 6:30am - 8:30am
Leader: Brendan Higgins
This pre-breakfast trip is planned to catch the dawn chorus in full swing at the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary. Birds are on the move at this time, so there will be plenty of birding action. The willows will have songbirds singing and the reed beds will have chattering Marsh Wrens and possibly rails. The leader will explain all vocalizations from the straight forward Mallard quack, and California Quail “Chi-CA-go” call, to the more intricate sparrow calls and chips. This trip is for everyone and will provide an introduction to the skill of birding by ear.
SA32 Grouse Field Trip to Redwood National Park - $15 6:45am - 10:45am
Leader: Brit O’Brien
This trip will take you in search of grouse and other game birds in the early morning in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Expect mostly flat even ground, but we may need to go off-trail if a grouse is spotted. There is a good chance for Ruffed Grouse on this trip, plus other redwood forest birds such as Varied Thrush and Pacific Wren will be singing.
SA33 HBBO Bird Banding Field Trip - $10 6:45am - 11:00am
Leaders: Kim Hollinger, Josee Rousseau
The Humboldt Bay Bird Observatory was established in 1982 by Dr. C. John Ralph and Dr. Carol Pearson Ralph. HBBO is adjacent to the Lanphere Dunes Unit of the Humboldt Bay NWR, bordered by Mad River Slough and coastal dune forest. This variety of habitats supports a high diversity of bird species. Bird populations and demographics have been monitored at the station continuously since 1982 making the HBBO one of the longest-running stations in the nation. Education and volunteer programs provide the opportunity to observe and learn about birds, bird monitoring, and research techniques.
SA34 Humboldt Bay Boat Tour 3 - NAC 7:00am - 8:00am
Leader: Terry Roelofs, Humboldt Baykeeper
Humboldt Bay supports mud-flat loving shorebirds and wading birds at its tidal edge. While in deep water channels, kept open for boat traffic, fish eating grebes, cormorants, scoters and mergansers occur year round. Expect to see: Herons, egrets, loons, grebes, shorebirds, and deep water ducks. This trip meets at the Eureka Public Marina near the Wharfinger Building at the start time.
SA35 Humboldt “Big Day” Field Trip 1 - $35 7:00am - 5:00pm
Leader: Ken Burton
Join the Big Day team as it attempts to exceed the 100 species mark! Travel up and down the coast visiting our area’s best spots. This year, the Big Day groups will be smaller than in previous years, so there is a better chance for all participants to see or hear the species tallied. This is a fast-paced field trip, making several quick stops to record as many species of birds as possible. Many times, you will not wander far from the bus provided for this trip that includes a box lunch (vegetarian choice available).
SA36 Redwood Creek Rafting Trip - $175 7:00am - 5:00pm
Leader: John Sutter, Redwood River Trips
This trip takes all day and encompasses a broad variety of habitat, including shrub, grasslands, redwood second growth, and the old-growth forests of Tall Trees Grove. We have seen Bald Eagles and Sooty Grouse on this trip many times. This premier package offers heated seats and a splendid picnic lunch with many local delicacies and is exclusively limited to four people at a time. We will leave Arcata at 7:30 am, arrive at the trailhead at 9:00. Bird watching from Bald Hills to Redwood Creek. Put in near Emerald Creek around 10:30. Stop for lunch around 11:30, about 1.5 miles downstream at Tall Trees Grove. Continue floating down river and arrive at Orick around 4:30pm.
SA37 Birding by Ear Basics Workshop/Field Trip - $12 7:00am - 11:30am
Leaders: Dave Juliano
Spend the first hour in a classroom focusing on methods for identifying bird songs, then key in on several local species. The remainder will be spent traveling to different habitats to practice. Expertise is not required for this primer designed to get you started on this critical aspect of bird ID.
SA38 Birding with Keynote Speaker - $20 7:00am - 10:00am
Leaders: CJ Ralph, Gary Langham
Join Godwit Days board member Dr. CJ Ralph with this year’s keynote speaker, Audubon Chief Scientist Gary Langham, on a leisurely field trip birding local hotspots. HBBO founder and notable local ornithologist CJ arranges our keynote speaker each year and hosts this popular trip.
SA39 South Fork Trinity River Field Trip - $20 7:15am - 3:00pm
Leader: Tom Leskiw
Forest birds will be the focus, but also expect Spotted Sandpiper, American Dipper, and other exciting inland birds along the spectacular Trinity River. Located just over the Humboldt County line, one-way travel is about 1 hour. Expect variable terrain, including short, steep pitches on developed trails.
SA40 Best Birding Spots in Central Coastal Humboldt - $20 7:15am - 4:00pm
Leaders: David Fix, Jude Power
Sample the birds at a half-dozen of the best birding spots in central coastal Humboldt County. Outer coast, spruce forest, cottonwood riparia, and freshwater marsh will be visited. Emphasis is on interpretation of each site, discussion of birding in an historical context, and a relaxed pace.
SA41 Native Plants in Yards and Forest - FREE 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Leader: Carol Ralph, CNPS
Join the California Native Plant Society on a brisk morning walk from the Community Center to Arcata Community Forest and back to see native plants in landscapes and in a redwood forest. Besides identification, questions like “What IS a native plant?” “Why plant natives in your yard?” “How do you mimic in a yard a wild, native habitat?” will be considered. Hopefully, trillium will be blooming in the forest. The walk is about 3 miles on sidewalks and good paths, with about 250 ft. elevation gain..
SA42 Trinidad Bay Kayak Bird & Whale Watching 1 - $65 8:30am - 11:30am
Leader:Hawk Martin, Humboats Kayak Adventures
Paddle with certified guides of Humboats Kayak Adventures on a tour of one of the West Coast’s premiere kayaking destination. Trinidad Cove is a gathering point for Gray Whales migrating with newborn calves north to the feeding grounds in the Bering Sea. We paddle seaworthy tandem kayaks. Wetsuit, life jacket, and all necessary gear included. Prior kayaking experience helpful but not necessary. Call Hawk at 707-443-5157 with questions. This trip meets at the Seascape restaurant parking lot in Trinidad at the start time (map will be included in registration packet).
SA43 Arcata Marsh Field Trip 1 - FREE 8:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Michael Morris
Join a trained docent for this weekly Audubon walk at the crown jewel of birding on the North Coast, the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary, where over 300 species of birds have been recorded. A leisurely paced trip introducing the marsh birds is perfect for anybody with an interest in nature. Terrain mostly flat, but may be wet.
SA44 Shay Park e-Bird Survey Field Trip – FREE 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Leader: Rob Fowler
Local “Arcata Patch” Shay Park has been visited regularly by Rob as part of the national e-Bird program of Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The species are varied and Rob’s particular knowledge of the site is helpful. This, as are many other trips for Godwit Days, is entered into the e-Bird database, look for the booth at the Community Center.
SA45 Faye Slough Kayak Tour - $25 9:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Pacific Outfitters
Kayak through Arcata’s Faye Slough with a guide from Pacific Outfitters. Bring your own kayak or use one provided. Faye Slough is a CDF&G refuge that has had considerable recent habitat management. This has created scrapes and additional ponds to attract waterfowl. Resident birds will be “on-nest” at this time and may reveal another aspect to their biology. This trip will not stop for food, no restrooms are available once away from the store. Dress for paddling. This event meets at the Pacific Outfitters retail store in Eureka at the start time (map will be included in registration packet).
SA46 Herpetology Field Trip - $17 9:30am - 2:30pm
Leaders: Ryan Bourque
Reptiles and amphibians are sometimes overlooked, but they can be fascinating! The redwood forest is home to the Pacific Giant Salamander, which can grow to nearly 1 foot in length and is one of the only salamanders that vocalize - a faint yelp when captured! Join a local herpetologist to uncover the world of snakes, turtles, salamanders, frogs, and more.
SA47 Headwaters Forest Reserve - FREE 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Leader: David Anthon, BLM
Join BLM staff as they take you into the Headwaters Forest Reserve. Old-growth redwoods and forest birds will be seen. Varied Thrush an iconic bird of the Pacific Northwest should be heard and seen as well as Pacific Wren and Wilson’s Warbler. Information about the cultural history of the area, as well as on current management activities, will be provided.
SA48 Birdwatching 101 Lecture/Field Trip - NAC 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Leader: Rich Cimino
This session will begin with a one hour lecture to introduce the tools of the trade. Identification of common local birds will be discussed. Then, attendees will go on a field trip to apply what they have learned. Expect mostly flat terrain, and there will be plenty of opportunity to use a spotting scope.
SA49 Kids’ Birding Field Trip 1 - FREE 9:30am - 11:30am
Leader: Mary Burke
This field trip is designed for the young naturalist, between the ages of 4 and 12, accompanied by an adult. An introduction to birds, how to use binoculars, and identification tips will precede a leisurely walk around the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary practicing what the youngsters have learned. End at the interpretive center with interactive displays. .
SA50 Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Field Trip - FREE 11:00am - 2:00pm
Leader: HBNWR staff
See a startling diversity of bird life and hear about refuge management for migratory birds and other wildlife. Following a 15-minute slide show highlighting the refuge and local wildlife issues, staff will lead a leisurely, level walk around the refuge. This event meets at the Richard J. Guadagno Headquarters and Visitor Center (map will be included in registration packet.)
SA51 Art Workshop for Kids - FREE 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Leader: Gary Bloomfield
This workshop is designed for young artists to learn the basics of drawing. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Please bring your own paper and drawing materials. Local artist Gary Bloomfield will share his insight on this fun activity.
SA52 Lanphere Dunes Field Trip 1 - FREE 12:00pm - 2:45pm
Leader: Friends of the Dunes
Enjoy the dynamic dunes ecosystem and associated rare and endangered plants. Formerly a Nature Conservancy property, the dunes are now part of the Humboldt Bay NWR. The coastal spruce forest supports flocks of chickadees, and the brush Wrentits. Terrain is sandy, steeply undulating terrain; wear closed-toed shoes.
SA53 Humboldt Bay Kayak Ecotour 1 - $40 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Leader: Hawk Martin, Humboats Kayak Adventures
Focused on Indian Island, this true “ecotour” by kayak presents the wildlife and incredible rookery of Humboldt Bay, as well as the Native American history of the Wiyot tribe original inhabitants. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron and Black-crowned Night-Heron fill the trees and loons, grebes, and waterfowl are on the Bay. Plus, thousands of shorebirds line the water’s edge. Call Hawk at 707-443-5157 with questions. This kayak trip meets in Eureka at the Woodley Island Marina Dock A (map will be included in registration packet).
SA54 Spotted Owls Field Trip 2 - $20 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Leader: Green Diamond Resource Company
Visit excellent spots to observe Northern Spotted Owls in their nesting habitat. Offers superb photographic opportunities, as the owls have become accustomed to human presence over the years they have been studied. The owls may be seen roadside, but more likely will require a hike along a short but possibly steep forest trail.
SA55 Field Sketching Workshop/Field Trip - $12 1:30pm - 5:00pm
Leader: Gary Bloomfield
This is a crash course in bird anatomy shorthand for capturing gestures in moving birds. Following an introductory lecture, participants will head outdoors to learn field sketching techniques for art reference and visual note taking. Terrain will be flat and easy access. Sunny weather will allow outdoor sketching, wet weather will bring us indoors to sketch the live raptors on display at the Community Center.
SA56 Humboldt Bay Kayak Ecotour 2 - $40 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Leader: Hawk Martin, Humboats Kayak Adventures
Focused on Indian Island, this true “ecotour” by kayak presents the wildlife and incredible rookery of Humboldt Bay as well as the Native American history of the Wiyot tribe original inhabitants. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron and Black-crowned Night-Heron fill the trees and loons, grebes, and waterfowl are on the bay. Plus, thousands of shorebirds line the waters edge. Call Hawk at 707-443-5157 with questions. This kayak trip meets in Eureka at the Woodley Island Marina Dock A (map will be included in registration packet).
SA57 Arcata Treatment Works Field Trip - FREE 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Leader: To be confirmed
Arcatans “flush with pride” due to their world-renowned wastewater treatment system. This facility converted a log pond and dump into a multifunctional resource for fishing, wildlife, outdoor activities, and wastewater treatment. This trip will introduce you to the waste-water treatment plant that has been the model for others around the world. This is not a birding trip, although birds may be observed as the facilities are part of the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. 4th grade minimum age allowed on this trip.
SA58 Happy Hours Social - NAC 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us for beverages before the keynote address, browse vendor booths, and find out about the day’s birding highlights.
SA59 Banquet - $30 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Relax after a full day of events over a gourmet banquet provided by Abruzzi Italian restaurant, featuring dishes for both meat-lovers and vegetarians. Includes a buffet meal, complimentary glass of beer or wine, shade-grown bird-friendly coffee, and dessert.
SA60 Keynote Lecture -FREE w/ registration; $10 w/o reg 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Speaker: Gary Langham
“Creating an Audubon Guide to Future Bird Ranges: Implications for North American Bird Conservation.” Dr. Gary Langham was named Audubon’s Chief Scientist in June 2011, after four years as Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon California. One ticket is automatically issued with each paid registration. Additional tickets for unregistered guests may be purchased onsite for $10.
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- Phone: 707-826-7050
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