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Birds

While the avocets sweep, the long-billed dowitchers perforate the mud. A flock of more than 200, sectioned into groups of a several dozen, probe incessantly. They methodically cover all the unflooded surfaces—perhaps 15 percent of the open area. Shoulder-high stalks of buckwheat arch over the surrounding peat. The generous number of birds currently here (at least 450) is a reflection of this half-acre pond's “well-stocked larder.” In the weeks to come the buckwheat’s long, nodding flower-heads will produce a huge bounty of seeds favored by migrating songbirds and water birds, some of which will spend the winter here.

— From Jerry Busch’s essays on the Watsonville Slough System, from our book Watching the Watsonville Wetlands.

Birding Classes with Nanci Adams

Watsonville Wetlands Watch is pleased to announce that Nanci Adams, an avid and knowledgeable birder and popular teacher, will again be teaching Birding Basics classes, through Watsonville Adult Education, in the Patrick J. Fitz Wetlands Educational Research Center (the WERC). Map/directions to the WERC.

Questions on these classes? Call Lou or Joan: 831-477-0360.

Birding Basics

This fun and fascinating class is an introduction to many of the amazing birds of the Pajaro Valley, including resident birds and those who stop here during migration. You will begin building your basic field skills, including identification techniques. Please bring your binoculars and field guide, if you have them. Students are required to buy a $5 package of bird cards.

Both sections and sessions are held at the WERC (map/directions):

Session I: (Two sections, choose either Tuesday or Thursday), 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. $65 for 9 two-hour classes.

• Tuesdays, August 17 – October 12:  WERC and field practice
• Thursdays, August 19 – October 14:  (same as above)

Session II: (Two sections, choose either Tuesday or Thursday), 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. $65 for 9 two-hour classes.

• Tuesdays, October 19 – December 14: WERC and field practice
• Thursdays, October 21 – December 16:  (same as above)

To sign up for Birding Basics, mail this printable registration form to Watsonville Adult Education, 294 Green Valley Rd., Watsonville CA 95076.

Brown Bag Birding

Want to learn more about local birds, but can't attend a morning class? Bring a brown bag light meal, binoculars and a field guide, and join us in the late afternoon. This is a class of just field trips, and will involve easy walking. It is especially designed for beginners and for those who have taken Birding Basics.

Thursday late afternoon field trips, August 19 – October 7; 5 – 7 p.m.  $65 for 8 two-hour classes.

First meeting place:  Green Valley Center parking lot by Watsonville Adult Education. Click here for map.

To sign up for Brown Bag Birding, mail this printable registration form to Watsonville Adult Education, 294 Green Valley Rd., Watsonville CA 95076.

Some Indigenous Birds You May See

More about birding in the Pajaro Valley

• Bird Species List (.pdf 17KB)