The new name for Sequoia Audubon Society
— The October - December 2025 Newsletter is now available online —
Note: links to external sites open in a new tab or window.
SMCBA needs volunteers for committees and the Board. Please help. Click for opportunities.
Upcoming Meeting
October 9, 2025 - ZOOM Meeting
Program: A Once in a Lifetime Work: The Wall of Birds Turns Ten
Jane Kim
2025 Youth Birding Scholarships Available
Note: Apply by September 19, 2025
For details visit the SMCBA Scholarship Page
SMCBA Field Trips
Note: Registration is required for every field trip. There are also new protocols that must be followed. A brief description is on the field trip page.
We also encourage participation in the iNaturalist project "Meet your nature neighbors"
Find a Bird in Distress?
If at all possible please leave a baby bird where it is because the adults will usually continue to feed and care for it.
To report a bird in distress please contact the Peninsula Humane Society Wildlife Rescue,
first call 650-340-7022, if directed take it to their center at 1450 Rollins Rd, Burlingame
Is a Drone disturbing Wildlife?
What you can do if you see a drone disturbing wildlife:
- Contact your local police non-emergency number.
- Contact Department of Fish and Game by using the CalTIP program
- Get the license plate number of the drone pilot's vehicle.
- Obtain a photo or video of the pilot using the drone in a manner, which is disturbing the birds. However, do not put yourself in danger while doing this. Do not confront the pilot.
Have you tried our Birding Guide?
Photo Resource on
Birds of San Mateo County
What you can do if you see a drone disturbing wildlife:
- Contact your local police non-emergency number.
- Contact Department of Fish and Game by using the CalTIP program
- Get the license plate number of the drone pilot's vehicle.
- Obtain a photo or video of the pilot using the drone in a manner, which is disturbing the birds. However, do not put yourself in danger while doing this. Do not confront the pilot.
Registration for Christmas Bird Count 2025 Now Open
Crystal Springs CBC, Saturday, December 20, 2025
Año Nuevo CBC, Saturday, January 3, 2026
The Big Sit! is an event originated by the New Haven Bird Club in Connecticut in 1992. It has evolved into a fun event with a competitive component, attracting international teams.
The Big Sit! is an all-day birding event in which birdwatchers try to see as many species as possible from one designated spot. Sequoia Audubon Society participated in the event from 2011 to 2019 at our chosen spot, most years, at Pescadero Marsh. The San Mateo County Bird Alliance will revive our tradition this year on Sunday, October 12, 2025. We plan to set up our circle on the hill in the marsh overlooking North Pond, but if conditions limit us, we might set up adjacent to the Central Pescadero State Beach parking lot. Look for us at the parking lot first. The Central parking lot is the best location for parking, either way.
The Big Sit! is an event in which birders detect as many species as possible from within a circle of 17.5-foot diameter. All species detected within the circle will be added to our list. We will count at our circle from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Anyone, of any skill level, can participate. You can be a part of the bird-watching team, helping to accumulate a high team species total for the day. You can also pledge a certain amount per species seen. For example, if you pledge $1.00 per species, and the team identifies sixty species over the course of the day, your pledge will total $60.00. Third, you can help collect pledges towards the event's total. You can do any combination of these three activities, too, even all three of them! Enthusiastic participation is encouraged: let's help the birds we love!
All the funds raised in this pledge drive stay right here in San Mateo County, to aid in San Mateo County Bird Alliance's mission: protecting native birds and other wildlife and their ecosystems by engaging people of all ages in conservation, education, advocacy and enjoyment. Funds help us provide monthly speaker programs, field trips, and engage in conservation issues around the county.
Join us Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Central Pescadero State Beach parking lot, not at Water Lane. Bring snacks, water, a camp chair, and binoculars if you have them. You can arrive at any time and stay for as long or as short as you like.
Registration Link * Pledge Sheet PDF * Pledge Collection Sheet PDF
Volunteers Wanted!
If you are interested in helping to shape the future of The San Mateo County Bird Alliance please consider joining the Board. While all members' ideas are welcome and encouraged, participating as a Board or Committee Member increases the opportunity to get involved in the "nuts & bolts" of the chapter.
We have several open positions at this time, as shown below. Please have a look and let us know if you (or anyone you know!) are interested by contacting The San Mateo County Bird Alliance at: office@smcbirdalliance.org.
Open positions include:
- Program Committee: Help arrange speakers for the monthly meetings.
- See the Volunteer Page for other opportunities to help Sequoia Audubon Society
Learn Bird Sounds and Benefit
The San Mateo County Bird Alliance
Ever wish you knew how to identify birds by ear? It's one of the most essential birding skills, but one of the hardest to learn. Some folks from Seattle's Audubon chapter set out to make learning bird sounds truly accessible to everyone.
The result is Larkwire: a game-based learning system that uses cognitive techniques to make it easier to learn and remember bird sounds. Combining quiz games, an extensive sound library, and tips from renowned birdsong expert Michael O'Brien, Larkwire makes the learning process not only much easier but fun. Customizable levels from beginner to advanced invite both the backyard birder and the serious student to play and learn.
The company behind Larkwire is a social venture whose mission is not only to teach birdsong; a minimum of ten percent of all proceeds go to support conservation.
The San Mateo County Bird Alliance has joined their affiliate program; enter our code when you purchase and we'll receive 20% of the purchase price! Our code: SEQAUD
Larkwire is now available as a native app
in the Apple App Store.
It's a great tool and your purchase supports The San Mateo County Bird Alliance
The San Mateo County Bird Alliance protects native birds and other wildlife and their ecosystems in San Mateo County by engaging people of all ages in conservation, education, advocacy and enjoyment.
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Please consider supporting the San Mateo County Bird Alliance with a tax-deductible donation.  Your support is greatly appreciated. |
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The San Mateo County Bird Alliance is committed to equal opportunity and abides by all relevant laws and regulations. All San Mateo County Bird Alliance programs and volunteer opportunities are administered without regard to race, gender, creed, national origin, age, political affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation, physical, mental or sensory handicap, or any other basis prohibited by law. However, San Mateo County Bird Alliance reserves the right to exclude volunteers who do not support its goals.
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