Field trip to Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge with Joseph Brandt.

Saturday, October 15, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Participation is limited 25.
Advance registration required at synature@west.net or 805 693-5683.
Member registration begins: August 16. Non-member registration begins: August 26.
Members free/non-members free.

This is a rare opportunity to watch our largest land birds soar above the deep canyons, steep ridgelines and rocky pinnacles of Hopper Mountain NWR. The 2,471-acre refuge adjoins the southern boundary of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary (53,000 acres), a component of the Los Padres National Forest. Here California condors can safely forage, build nests, and rear their young, with oversight and assistance from a team of biologists and volunteers dedicated to their preservation and welfare. We’re fortunate to have Fish and Wildlife Service field biologist Joseph Brandt, who heads up that team, guide us on this unique tour. In addition to animal wildlife, the refuge supports native oak woodlands, grasslands, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, riparian areas, and some of the last remaining intact stands of California black walnut.

The trip begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. in the Fillmore area, includes driving and short walks over uneven steep ground, and returns to the Fillmore meeting area by 5:00 p.m.  Dress in layers, bring lunch, water, sun protection, and binoculars. High clearance/4WD vehicles recommended.

Photos: © The Condor’s Shadow, courtesy Good Eye Films