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In this four-part series, BenitoLink will explore birds and birding on the Central Coast, which has been named the best state for bird watching in several categories including the number of bird species, national and state parks, bird watching groups, and Audubon Society offices and chapters. In Part 3, we look at the area’s Audobon and Sierra Club chapters.
While San Benito County has no chapters of the Audubon Society or the Sierra Club, the Central Coast area hosts several, including some who are active locally.
Based in Carmel, the Monterey Audubon Society’s mission statement is showcased on its website.
“Founded in 1940, the Monterey Audubon Society is a volunteer organization dedicated to conserving and celebrating the birds and wildlife of the greater Monterey Bay region. Our chapter includes 1,200 members throughout Monterey and parts of Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties. We engage in an array of educational, community science, and advocacy initiatives geared toward protecting the region’s birds and its biological diversity.”
The organization participates in the annual Christmas Bird Count with citizen science volunteers counting birds at Pinnacles National Park and in the Panoche Valley.
Monterey Audubon also offers many outings along the coast and inland areas throughout the year, including some bilingual outings. It also hosts a birders club for younger enthusiasts.
The website site describes the young birders club as “a fun and welcoming community for young birders.”
The club is free to participate, but a $20 annual donation (individual membership) is encouraged to help support its mission of “celebrating and conserving local birds and habitats.”
This club is open to all children and young adults, from the first through 12th grades, at all levels of birding interest and knowledge.
The website also notes:
- The Young Birders Club is a welcoming community for all abilities, backgrounds, and identities. If you identify as a BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+, this space is for you! If you need any accommodations in order to fully participate, just let us know by emailing info@MontereyAudubon.org.
- First through fifth graders should be accompanied by a chaperone. Young Birders in the sixth through 12th grade age range may attend unchaperoned as long as they have registered.
- Make sure you bring:
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and warm layers—it can be cold and foggy or warm and sunny, so plan for all weather!
- Snacks and water
If you have binoculars, bring them! If you don’t, no problem—just check the box that you would like to borrow binoculars in the registration form.
The Sierra Club, whose mission is more environmental and political than the Audubon Society’s, is the “largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States,” according to its website.
The club’s Ventana Chapter has about 6,000 members. “Inspired by nature, we work together to protect our 127 miles of coastline, hundreds of thousands of acres of wild lands and our dwindling water supplies,” its website says.
The Santa Cruz Group is a unit within the Ventana Chapter which offers several outings a year. Its website indicates everyone is welcome to participate in Santa Cruz Group activities, members and nonmembers alike (unless explicitly stated otherwise).
Advance signup is not necessary for one-day activities unless the announcement states otherwise.
The group advises that before attending any Sierra Club activity one should familiarize themself with the organization’s outings policies and other helpful information, including hike and walk ratings, and backpack ratings.
The Loma Prieta Chapter is “the local face of Sierra Club, serving San Benito, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties,” according to the club’s website. “The chapter offers opportunities to become involved and actively contribute time, talents, skills, and funds to the local environmental work of the Sierra Club.”
One of the club’s hiking sites is in Pinnacles National Park. The chapter also offers several hikes in south Santa Clara County and along the coast.
Birding and bird watching etiquette
Take only photographs, leave only footprints
Do not disturb birds or other wildlife
Do not handle birds or other wildlife
Do not flush birds
Keep groups small
Wear neutral or muted color clothing
Avoid using flash photography
Do not pull over onto dry vegetation
Do not enter private property without the landowner or occupant’s permission
Ebird list of San Benito County birds
List of birds found in California
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