Birding for Beginners

May 10, 2014: Saturday morning an excited group of beginning birders strolled alongside the Sendero Basin and San Juan Creek to learn the basics of birding. The San Juan Creek is a protected area and home to many species, including the endangered Arroyo Toad and Least Bell’s Vireo. The highlight of the day was hearing and seeing a Yellow-breasted Chat, a species of special concern that lives in the San Juan Creek. Tracy Meyers, birding expert, taught participants the best field guides for beginning birders, how to accurately spot a bird with binoculars, how to call to the birds and how to identify birds by sound. The cool morning was perfect for observing the active birds. Some of the favorites were the vibrant Red-winged Blackbirds, quick Rough-winged Swallows, bright yellow American Goldfinches and high-soaring Red-tailed Hawks. For a complete list of identified birds click here: 2014-05-10 Sendero Basin_San Juan Creek Birds.