Shasta Birding Society

05/19/2026

Save the date!!
California Bird Atlas Big Weekend bird walk on Sunday June 7th.
Location TBD
If you have suggestions, leave it in the comments.

05/19/2026

We have a pair of Black Phoebes nesting on our porch! I must be blessed. Here are some early and the latest photos.

05/19/2026

I was treated to a Western Warbling Vireo this morning and got some pretty good photos. This little gem is a persistent singer which is how I found it calling from the oak trees.

05/09/2026

A CALL FOR ACTION from Shasta Birding Society

The City of Anderson is considering a proposal to allow a motorcycle training center within Anderson River Park, in an area where birding enthusiasts and park visitors commonly go to enjoy the park’s rich riparian habitats. Although the proposal is currently preliminary, the City of Anderson has already held a public meeting to develop public interest in siting it adjacent to Department of Fish and Wildlife lands within Anderson River Park. Called the Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp, a private for-profit enterprise, they hope to host motorcycle riders, chiefly youth but allowing adults as well, to train for off-road riding. This is clearly not an appropriate use for sensitive riparian areas, with potential noise, dust, traffic and other human impacts which will degrade the riparian areas that park visitors have come to appreciate and wildlife depend on. It is well known that loud OR persistent noise can adversely affect roosting, prey and breeding behaviors of birds. Also, reportedly there is a bald eagle nest near the site, which although not currently in use by eagles must be protected under federal and California laws. A variety of raptors also nest in the immediate area. To date, no professional noise studies (or any other impact analyses) have been made by the proponent. Before this project gains public enthusiasm to “keep kids off the street”, the City of Anderson needs to hear loudly and clearly that the Park’s riparian habitat needs to be protected, not threatened by noise and dust. Surely the applicant can find a suitable site away from sensitive areas rather than choosing this highly sensitive location.

Please consider calling or emailing the City to register your dismay and urge the City to find a more suitable site that does not threaten birds and wildlife. Please contact:
Anderson City Manager Joey Forseth-Deshais at (530) 378-6646, email [email protected]

You can also send email messages to Council Members by requesting distribution from City Clerk Christy White, City Clerk, email [email protected]

05/08/2026

Wednesday May 13th, Bridget Mulkerin, Senior Manager of Climate Policy at Audubon California will present on Climate Action over zoom only. She was hoping to come in person, but California Legislative duty to secure climate bonds for habitat conservation in Sacramento calls…

Please see our calendar for the zoom link

https://shastabirdingsociety.org/calendar

05/07/2026

Join us this 2nd Saturday May 9th at Turtle Bay for the postponed Youth Leadership Day Walk led by teen birder Nova Yates.

Meet @ 9 am by the benches at Sundial Bridge. The walk lasts one hour. Spare binoculars available.

05/06/2026

The April Atlas Dispatch is published, and 🤯 WOW 🤯 what a month!

Please read the Dispatch, it contains upcoming event information, town halls, questions submissions, guides, and a ton of really great information. But in summary I will quote below:

"At last check on March 31st, 157 species had already been recorded as confirmed breeders. Since then we’ve collectively added another 69! Our list of confirmed species now stands above 200!"

What a month! Thank you to all who have been taking part and continue to do so, the momentum is still going strong!

Hello May, and welcome to the latest edition of Atlas Dispatch! Before we look back at the incredible discoveries from April, a few quick updates: California Bird Atlas Big Weekend (June 4–7, 2026) We’re launching the inaugural CBA Big Weekend, our annual flagship event.

07/18/2025

A few shots of Anna's Hummingbirds feeding from Red Yucca and Woolly Blue Curls