For this month’s birding hike, we will focus on the effects of climate change on the birds of the Bay Area. Local backyard birds like dark-eyed juncos, acorn woodpeckers, and chestnut-backed chickadees (shown here) are at serious risk of extinction from the projected effects of climate change. A new report by Audubon suggests that birds like chestnut-backed chickadees may be forced to relocate to Canada as the trend towards extreme heat and torrential springtime rainstorms in the Bay Area could destroy nestlings.

We will also observe and identify these vulnerable species in the park. Jerry Coe will show us how to identify birds by shape, flight patterns, calls, and habitat, and give tips on how to effectively use binoculars and bird guides.

Jerry Coe has over eight years of intensive training in ornithological field identification. He spent 15 years as a volunteer in Nevada’s Great Basin National Park, using bird activities to assess the health of habitats. Jerry has also guided outdoor expeditions all over the world.