Mono Basin Bird Tour

Date: July 10-12

Description:

We are delighted to invite you to join Golden Gate Bird Alliance for a special weekend in the Mono Basin. Your hosts, Randy Arnold and Greg Knight, have curated an immersive itinerary that highlights the natural and conservation history of Mono Lake through the voices of the region’s most knowledgeable guides. Throughout the weekend, you will meet local historians, conservationists, and scientists who have dedicated their careers to protecting Mono Lake and its remarkable birdlife—including Wilson’s and Red-necked Phalaropes, Eared Grebes, and California Gulls.

The weekend will begin at 3pm with a Friday afternoon tour of the National Forest Visitor Center led by Janet Carle. Janet and her husband Dave were the first State Park Rangers at Mono Lake. Janet helped develop many of the bird-themed displays in this great visitor center. Your hosts, Randy Arnold and Greg Knight, will then have an Opening Reception on Friday, late afternoon, at their home in Mono City. It will be a great opportunity to meet local birders, Mono Lake Committee staff and interns, as well as Eastern Sierra Bird Alliance members. There will be a silent auction of books, wine, and art to raise funds for GGBA. On Saturday and Sunday, you will tour locations like South Tufa to Navy Beach, Lee Vining Canyon County Park, and the Dechambeau Ponds and Ranch with local birding and conservation experts.

Saturday evening, Oikonos’ Science Director, Ryan Carle, will give a lecture on his groundbreaking Phalarope research. The weekend will end on Sunday at noon to allow you time to return to the Bay Area.

Please note that the price of this trip is for the bird tour component only—you are responsible for your own transportation, accommodation, and meals. A list of hotels will be provided upon registration. 

We look forward to an outstanding weekend of birding together and creating fellowship in the Mono Basin.

If you have any questions about this trip, please contact Randy Arnold at randy.leland.arnold@gmail.com

Golden Gate Bird Alliance is deeply grateful to the Mono Lake Committee and its conservation work. Also consider attending the Bird Chautauqua which is organized by the Mono Lake Committee. It will be held on June 19-20. Sign up for Chautauqua news and updates at support@birdchautauqua.org or support the Mono Basin Committee by donating here. 

Trip Price: $375 ($300 for members)

Event registration opens at 1pm on Tuesday, December 2 and closes at 11pm on Thursday, June 18.