Stanislaus Audubon Society

In the late fall of 2025, I joined five other adventurers for a descent into the Amazon Basin. This Zoom Program centers on our time at the Sani Bird Lodge. The lodge’s grounds are alive with over 550 bird species. Nestled deep within the Ecuadorian Amazon near the broad, meandering Napo River, Sani Bird Lodge sits at the heart of one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, surrounded by pristine rainforest that forms a living bridge between Yasuní National Park to the south and the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve to the north. Together, these protected areas create a vast ecological corridor—an unbroken sweep of forest where life thrives in staggering abundance.

Jim Gain is a biologist, longtime educator, and dedicated naturalist, with over 35 years of experience in citizen science, conservation, and bird photography. He has served in nearly every leadership role within the Stanislaus Audubon Society, contributes to the Central Valley Bird Club and Modesto Camera Club, and remains active as a Webmaster, StanislausBirds Administrator, eBird Reviewer, and member of the Stanislaus Bird Records Committee. His photography has been featured on Audubon Field Guide, Birds of the World, All About Birds, Merlin, and numerous other platforms.

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Merced National Wildlife Refuge will have some good shorebird habitat at this time of year, and breeding water fowl species will also be present. Early migrating landbirds may be starting to arrive. Most of the birds are easily viewed, making for enjoyable and easy birding. We will meet at the kiosk and viewing platform located at the end of the entry road on the main portion of the Merced NWR. Note that this is an approximately 75-minute drive from Modesto. We will start our birding in the kiosk area and then go on the 5 mile-long auto tour loop, stopping frequently to look at birds. We will also take a short walk (optional) at the Bittern Marsh trail. Participants of all skill levels are welcome and should bring their own binoculars, water, snacks, and insect repellant. Be ready for variable weather conditions. Heavy rain will cancel the trip. 

Australia has a very diverse and fascinating avifauna. Its ecology and geologic history have greatly affected its bird diversity. Nearly half of its bird species occur no where else. It is also believed to be where the songbirds and parrots originated before spreading to the rest of the world.  After a brief introduction on Australia’s natural history and overal bird diversity, we will look at many examples of its unique bird life, including many parrots, cockatoos, honeyeaters, megapodes, and emus.

Ann Kohlhaas is Professor Emerita of Biological Sciences at California State University, Stanislaus.  Her teaching load included courses on vertebrates, conservation, and biogeography.  She has a B.S. in Wildlife from Texas A&M University, College Station, an M.S. in Biology from Texas A&I University (now A&M, Kingsville), and a Ph.D. in Biology from University of Colorado, Boulder.  She is currently a Board Member of Stanislaus Audubon Society. 

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Caswell Memorial State Park contains of one of the best protected groves of Valley Oaks and Valley Riparian Woodlands left in the San Joaquin Valley. The valley oak is the largest oak species in the United States. We will be birding close to the Stanislaus River along flat trails. By late April, year-round resident birds such as Wrentit and Bewick’s Wren will have begun nesting, while Neotropical migrants such as Ash-throated Flycatchers, Black-headed Grosbeaks and Bullock’s Orioles will be arriving to establish their breeding territories. We will meet at the entrance kiosk. There is a $10 day use fee per vehicle. Please bring binoculars, water, insect repellent, and a snack or lunch.