Band Birds with Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Dedicated birders who would like banding experience are invited to apply to become volunteer banders for a MAPS (Mapping Avian Productivity and Survivorship) station at the Starr Ranch Bird Observatory. MAPS is a growing network of hundreds of songbird banding stations in North America run by the Institute for Bird Populations (IBP). Long term banding data from MAPS stations help track changes in populations and migration patterns. In 2005, Audubon California/Starr Ranch Sanctuary became part of an international monitoring network that tracks birds in their wintering grounds, MoSI (Monitoreo de Sobrevivencia Invernal) with stations from Mexico to Columbia (and Starr Ranch!). Visit: https://starrranch.org/volunteer/
Monitor Songbirds with Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Besides bird banding, Starr Ranch manages other songbird monitoring projects that utilize volunteer citizen scientists who are trained by ornithologists. Monitoring usually targets rare species and habitats such as coastal sage scrub but they also use songbirds as indicators of restoration success and climate change. New monitoring projects help them make decisions on which invasive plant species they will work to control. Below are some current songbird monitoring projects that utilize citizen science volunteers. Songbirds of Starr Ranch Coastal Sage Scrub, Effects of Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration on Songbirds, Effects of the Streambank Weed, Periwinkle, on Songbirds, Songbird Phenology in Coastal Sage Scrub and Riparian Woodlands. If you would like to volunteer or would like to learn more about Starr Ranch songbird monitoring projects, please contact Sandy DeSimone (sdesimone@audubon.org) at 949-858-0309. Visit: https://starrranch.org/volunteer/
Join Los Angeles Audubon Society’s Open Wetlands at Ballona Salt Marsh
The first Saturday and second Sunday of every month (EXCEPT AUGUST), from 9 a.m. to noon, Los Angeles Audubon Society hosts the “Open Wetlands” event at the Ballona Salt Marsh. Binoculars will be available to borrow, and volunteers will help visitors view aquatic invertebrates through microscopes, learn about the unique ecosystems found at Ballona, and view birds through powerful spotting scopes along Ballona Creek. Please call (310) 301-0050 if you have any questions. Enter through the gate located in the northeast corner of the parking lot behind Alkawater/Gordon’s Market, in the 300 block of Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey. No baby strollers please. Print and bring your own copy of "Field List of the Birds of Los Angeles County (mainland and off shore waters)". Visit: https://www.laaudubon.org/calendar?view=calendar&month=04-2024
Join Los Angeles Audubon Society’s Open Wetlands at Ballona Salt Marsh
The first Saturday and second Sunday of every month (EXCEPT AUGUST), from 9 a.m. to noon, Los Angeles Audubon Society hosts the “Open Wetlands” event at the Ballona Salt Marsh. Binoculars will be available to borrow, and volunteers will help visitors view aquatic invertebrates through microscopes, learn about the unique ecosystems found at Ballona, and view birds through powerful spotting scopes along Ballona Creek. Please call (310) 301-0050 if you have any questions. Enter through the gate located in the northeast corner of the parking lot behind Alkawater/Gordon’s Market, in the 300 block of Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey. No baby strollers please. Print and bring your own copy of "Field List of the Birds of Los Angeles County (mainland and off shore waters)". Visit: https://www.laaudubon.org/calendar?view=calendar&month=04-2024
Walk and Learn at the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area Bird Walk
This walk covers landscaped parkland, an artificial creek, and lake and natural and restored areas of Coastal Sage Scrub habitats within the Baldwin Hills. You are likely to see many of the resident birds such as Black Phoebe, Cassin's Kingbird, California and Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Red-tailed, Red-shoulder and Cooper's Hawk. Refer to the Western Tanager Newsletter for seasonally specific birds that may also be encountered. The park entrance is off of La Cienega Blvd. between Rodeo Rd. and Stocker St. After passing the entrance kiosk ($7.00 parking fee) turn left (leading to the “Olympic Forest”) and park in the first available spaces. (4100 S. La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles 90056). Binoculars provided. Visit: https://www.laaudubon.org/calendar?view=calendar&month=04-2024
Walk and Learn at the Beginner’s Bird Walk – Will Rogers State Historic Park
Join leaders Julie Hanson and Jane Klein for a beginners bird walk at this beautiful coastal location. Leaders will cover the basics of binocular use, bird identification, and common Los Angeles birds. Experienced birders welcome too. Some binoculars available to borrow. Children ages 8 and up welcome with parent. Please RSVP in advance by text to (310) 922-8153; limited to 10. Meet at the picnic tables next to the parking lot at Will Rogers State Historic Park at 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road in Pacific Palisades. Visit: https://www.laaudubon.org/calendar?view=calendar&month=04-2024
Join the Dancing Chicken Weekend Field Trip with Los Angeles Audubon Society
Mary Freeman will be leading her 31st trip to watch the Greater Sage Grouse performing their ritual dance in Long Valley. You will have a Sage Grouse biologist present to talk about the biology of these wonderful birds, on Friday evening. You will search for many of the eastern Sierra Nevada specialty birds the whole weekend including Rosy Finch, Juniper Titmouse, Pinyon Jay, Sooty Grouse and more. Reserve your accommodations as soon as possible as this is the opening weekend for fishing. Mail separate per person checks at $60 per person, payable to Los Angeles Audubon Society, mailed to: Los Angeles Audubon Society, P.O. Box 411301, Los Angeles CA 90041-8301. Net profits are an LAAS fundraiser. Note: Checks are held for deposit until closer to the event date and participants are confirmed. No refunds for cancellation after: End-of-day, Monday, April 8, 2024. Each participant will receive an itinerary of the weekend’s activities, and some of the hotels in Bishop, when your registration fee is received. $60 per person for the entire weekend. Limit of 12 participants, 8 cars allowed (NOTE: As of Wed. Feb. 14th, 5 spots have already been reserved with checks in the mail.). For more information on how to register, call Susan at (323) 876-0202 (voice) or email susancastor@laaudubon.org. To Register (sorry, no online payments or credit cards): 1) Send email to: susancastor@laaudubon.org and provide for EACH participant: •Name, •email address, and •Mobile phone number. If traveling with another, please advise who and how many will arrive in your vehicle. (8 car maximum allowed, 12 participants only). 2) Mail separate checks at $60 per person, payable to: Los Angeles Audubon Society to P.O. Box 411301, Los Angeles CA 90041-8301. Visit: https://www.laaudubon.org/calendar?view=calendar&month=04-2024
Join the Dancing Chicken Weekend Field Trip with Los Angeles Audubon Society
Mary Freeman will be leading her 31st trip to watch the Greater Sage Grouse performing their ritual dance in Long Valley. You will have a Sage Grouse biologist present to talk about the biology of these wonderful birds, on Friday evening. You will search for many of the eastern Sierra Nevada specialty birds the whole weekend including Rosy Finch, Juniper Titmouse, Pinyon Jay, Sooty Grouse and more. Reserve your accommodations as soon as possible as this is the opening weekend for fishing. Mail separate per person checks at $60 per person, payable to Los Angeles Audubon Society, mailed to: Los Angeles Audubon Society, P.O. Box 411301, Los Angeles CA 90041-8301. Net profits are an LAAS fundraiser. Note: Checks are held for deposit until closer to the event date and participants are confirmed. No refunds for cancellation after: End-of-day, Monday, April 8, 2024. Each participant will receive an itinerary of the weekend’s activities, and some of the hotels in Bishop, when your registration fee is received. $60 per person for the entire weekend. Limit of 12 participants, 8 cars allowed (NOTE: As of Wed. Feb. 14th, 5 spots have already been reserved with checks in the mail.). For more information on how to register, call Susan at (323) 876-0202 (voice) or email susancastor@laaudubon.org. To Register (sorry, no online payments or credit cards): 1) Send email to: susancastor@laaudubon.org and provide for EACH participant: •Name, •email address, and •Mobile phone number. If traveling with another, please advise who and how many will arrive in your vehicle. (8 car maximum allowed, 12 participants only). 2) Mail separate checks at $60 per person, payable to: Los Angeles Audubon Society to P.O. Box 411301, Los Angeles CA 90041-8301. Visit: https://www.laaudubon.org/calendar?view=calendar&month=04-2024
Join the Dancing Chicken Weekend Field Trip with Los Angeles Audubon Society
Mary Freeman will be leading her 31st trip to watch the Greater Sage Grouse performing their ritual dance in Long Valley. You will have a Sage Grouse biologist present to talk about the biology of these wonderful birds, on Friday evening. You will search for many of the eastern Sierra Nevada specialty birds the whole weekend including Rosy Finch, Juniper Titmouse, Pinyon Jay, Sooty Grouse and more. Reserve your accommodations as soon as possible as this is the opening weekend for fishing. Mail separate per person checks at $60 per person, payable to Los Angeles Audubon Society, mailed to: Los Angeles Audubon Society, P.O. Box 411301, Los Angeles CA 90041-8301. Net profits are an LAAS fundraiser. Note: Checks are held for deposit until closer to the event date and participants are confirmed. No refunds for cancellation after: End-of-day, Monday, April 8, 2024. Each participant will receive an itinerary of the weekend’s activities, and some of the hotels in Bishop, when your registration fee is received. $60 per person for the entire weekend. Limit of 12 participants, 8 cars allowed (NOTE: As of Wed. Feb. 14th, 5 spots have already been reserved with checks in the mail.). For more information on how to register, call Susan at (323) 876-0202 (voice) or email susancastor@laaudubon.org. To Register (sorry, no online payments or credit cards): 1) Send email to: susancastor@laaudubon.org and provide for EACH participant: •Name, •email address, and •Mobile phone number. If traveling with another, please advise who and how many will arrive in your vehicle. (8 car maximum allowed, 12 participants only). 2) Mail separate checks at $60 per person, payable to: Los Angeles Audubon Society to P.O. Box 411301, Los Angeles CA 90041-8301. Visit: https://www.laaudubon.org/calendar?view=calendar&month=04-2024
Donate to Toucan Rescue Ranch
The Toucan Rescue Ranch (TRR) mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release Costa Rica wildlife. TRR works with a model that focuses on conservation, education, and research to ensure a brighter tomorrow for Costa Rica wildlife. Toucan Rescue Ranch is a charitable organization that solely depends on donations - they do not receive any government funding. Get involved with various campaigns, crowdfunding projects, unique donation programs, and volunteer opportunities by following this link: https://toucanrescueranch.org/donate/
Volunteer with Toucan Rescue Ranch
The Toucan Rescue Ranch (TRR) mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release Costa Rica wildlife. TRR works with a model that focuses on conservation, education, and research to ensure a brighter tomorrow for Costa Rica wildlife. Volunteers assist with daily activities such as providing proper diets to various wildlife, as well as contributing to the overall success and culture of TRR. As a volunteer, you may also play a key role in other important activities such as assisting with animal husbandry, helping coordinate events for their education program, or working to improve animal enclosures and giving enrichment. Learn more here: https://toucanrescueranch.org/volunteer/
“Adopt” an Animal at Toucan Rescue Ranch
The Toucan Rescue Ranch (TRR) mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release Costa Rica wildlife. TRR works with a model that focuses on conservation, education, and research to ensure a brighter tomorrow for Costa Rica wildlife. Have you visited the Toucan Rescue Ranch while you were in Costa Rica? Maybe you have read their RESIDENTS page or social media and fell in love with an animal? Perhaps you’re looking for that perfect gift for a family member or friend - Consider symbolically adopting at the Toucan Rescue Ranch! By adopting a character or species, you will be helping with their overall care. Find out more here: https://toucanrescueranch.org/adopt/
Featured Projects
Spend a Day with Rescue Dogs and Us at The Brittany Foundation!
Big Sunday,
info@bigsunday.org,
(323) 549-9944
Join us for a day of walking, bathing, and working alongside the dogs of The Brittany Foundation! Volunteering is a great way to offer direct help to the dogs at the rescue and you’ll get to see first-hand the difference you're making! They need your help with dog walking, socializing dogs, playing with the dogs, grooming, and landscaping. Whatever you know how to do, there’s a place for you! The event will take place outside, so please remember to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. All ages are welcome, but all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. VIsit: https://bigsunday.org/wildwoollyapril24/
Get Your Pet Portrait Taken with Big Sunday
Big Sunday,
info@bigsunday.org,
(323) 549-9944
Bring your pet by Big Sunday headquarters to have their portrait taken (for FREE!) by a professional photographer. The portrait can include people (e.g., you) or just be your pet. For every portrait we take, Big Sunday will donate 5 cans of dog food or cat food (your choice!) to our Wild & Woolly Pet Food Collection! (The goal in April is 2024 cans of each. You do the math!) Please Note: This is a limited capacity event. Please sign up for the event if you would like to attend. All ages welcome! Visit: https://bigsunday.org/wildwoollyapril24/
Come to Big Sunday’s Kitty-Palooza!
Big Sunday,
info@bigsunday.org,
(323) 549-9944
Join Big Sunday and Kitty Bungalow for a Volunteer/Adoption/Kitty-Palooza! We'll be building kitty supply kits, kitty-sized fleece blankets, helping Kitty Bungalow staff with cleaning and care maintainance and facilitating their weekly adoption event. Bring your best cat-themed outfit and get ready to party! Visit: https://bigsunday.org/wildwoollyapril24/