On Saturday morning, October 26th, ABA and Sacramento Audubon join forces to offer an accessible birding excursion at Consumes River Preserve, in celebration of Birdability Week 2024. In the afternoon, Steve Ball will share his insider tips for capturing magazine cover-worthy bird photos, whether in the field or in your backyard, during a hands-on classroom presentation at Mike’s Camera. We then head to a nearby establishment for a relaxed afternoon get-together.

On Sunday morning, October 27th, we will visit Effie Yeaw Nature Center for another fun morning of urban birding. After that, we will gather again at Mike’s Camera for a hands-on art talk/workshop by the ABA’s Artist of the Year, Natasza Fontaine!

All bird walks, talks, and workshops are free and open to the public (with cash bar/food during the afternoon social), but registration is mandatory.

Thanks to generous sponsor support, we are pleased to provide FREE camera and lens loaners from OM SYSTEM, plus onsite tech support. If you want to transform your birding by getting better bird photos, just sign up and bring an SD card (or borrow one if needed).

We are also grateful for the support of Vortex Optics, who are providing a variety of excellent Vortex binoculars for participants to use during our field trips.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts and enhance your birding skills. Sign up now and join us for an unforgettable weekend!

Sat. Oct. 26th, 8-11 AM PDT: Accessible birding at Consumnes River Preserve

In celebration of Birdability Week Paul Miller, Katinka Domen, and Steve Ball are hosting an accessible birding excursion at the Cosumnes River Preserve on Saturday October 26th. Join us there for a relaxing and therapeutic day with our majestic birds. The fall waterfowl migration will be in full swing and many species will be visible from the fully accessible walking path. This trip is open to all birders whether mobility impaired or not.

Birdability Week is an annual celebration dedicated to birders with disabilities and other health concerns. It serves as a platform to share resources and ideas, fostering an accessible, inclusive, and welcoming birding community. Inspired by other inclusive celebrations, Birdability Week aims to ensure that birding is a joyful and enriching experience for everyone.

Date: Saturday, Oct 26th, 2024, 8 – 11 AM PDT

Event type: Accessible Birding Excursion

Meeting Point: Consumnes River Preserve, 13501 Franklin Blvd, Walnut Grove, CA 95690

Guides and hosts: Paul Miller, Katinka Domen, Steve Ball, and others.

Cameras: OM SYSTEM cameras and lenses are available for loan, let us know if you would like to use one when signing up.

Binoculars: Vortex binoculars are available for loan, let us know if you would like to use one when signing up.

Trails / accessibility: More details coming.

List: Sacramento Audubon Society has published this useful Checklist of the Birds of the Sacramento Area.

Sat. Oct. 26th, 12.30-2:30 PM PDT: From Birding to Bird Photography

Love watching birds but want to know more about capturing those memories through photography? OM SYSTEM Ambassador Steve Ball will cover the different approaches between observing birds and trying to capture the perfect photo of our feathered friends. What to look for, how to set up your own “backyard studio” for birds and more. Tips for beginners through those who also may have experience taking bird photos.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 26th, 2024, 12.30-2:30 PM

Event type: Classroom presentation

Meeting Point: Mike’s Camera, 2200 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816 (bear in mind access to the classroom requires taking a flight of stairs)

Speaker: Steve Ball (OM SYSTEM Ambassador)

Sat. Oct. 26th, 3-5 PM PDT: Birds and Brews

Come together with fellow bird enthusiasts at our Saturday afternoon Birds and Brews. This informal get-together is ideal for connecting with nature lovers, exchanging stories about your recent birding adventures, and talking about everything from rare bird sightings to conservation efforts. Bring your birding experiences and enjoy snacks, drinks, and great company. This event is a wonderful chance to network, discover local birding spots, and plan your upcoming birdwatching trips.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 26th, 2024, 3 PM ET

Event type: Afternoon social (with cash bar and food)

Meeting Point: TBD

Hosts: Katinka Domen, Steve Ball, and others

CLICK TO REGISTER

Sunday October 27 Events

Sun. Oct. 27th, 8-11 AM PDT: Guided bird walk at Effie Yeaw

More details coming soon.

Date: Sun., Oct. 27th, 2024, 8-11 AM PDT

Event type: Guided bird walk

Meeting Point: Effie Yeaw Nature Center, 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael, CA 95608

Guides and hosts: Katinka Domen, Steve Ball, and others.

Cameras: OM SYSTEM cameras and lenses are available for loan, let us know if you would like to use one when signing up.

Binoculars: Vortex binoculars are available for loan, let us know if you would like to use some when signing up.

Sun. Oct. 27th, 12:30-2:30 PM PDT: The Art of Birds by Natasza Fontaine

In this talk, the ABA’s Artist of the Year, Natasza Fontaine, will share her art and talk about what inspires her as a natural science illustrator. She will also discuss her birding adventures, which include bioacoustics and fieldwork as an avid avian recordist.

Date: Sun., Oct. 27th, 2024, 12:30 – 2:30 PM PDT

Event type: Classroom presentation

Meeting Point: Mike’s Camera, 2200 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816 (bear in mind access to the classroom requires taking a flight of stairs)

Speaker and host: Natasza Fontaine, the ABA’s Artist of the Year 2024

CLICK TO REGISTER

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