Program Topic

Cristhian Mace, Natural Areas Biologist with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, will be our speaker.

The 2025 Eaton Fire and subsequent winter storm surges dramatically reshaped Eaton Canyon Natural Area, altering more than 190 acres of habitat at the wild land urban interface. 

Mace will share how fire and flooding, long-standing ecological forces in the San Gabriel Mountains, are unfolding under modern pressures such as climate change, invasive species, and heavy recreational use. 

Drawing on post fire baseline studies using vegetation assessments, iNaturalist, and eBird, the presentation will highlight early signs of native plant and wildlife recovery alongside areas heavily impacted by sedimentation , channel migration, and erosion. These findings are guiding restoration priorities, invasive species management, and long term monitoring efforts that incorporate traditional ecological knowledge and community science, offering lessons for protecting bird habitat and biodiversity across Southern California fire adapted landscapes.

The presentation will be given in person.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: NEW LOCATION! This year our meeting location has changed.

• Address: First Friends Church, 13205 Philadelphia St., Whittier.

• Entrance: The entrance is on Washington Ave.

• Parking: Parking is available in the parking area behind the church and along Washington Ave.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

This is your chance to show your favorite photos from this year. Bring a thumb drive with your photos and some holiday goodies to share. (Kindly limit your photos to 25.)

Program Format

In person only.

NEW LOCATION! This year our meeting location has changed.

• Address: First Friends Church, 13205 Philadelphia St., Whittier.

• Entrance: The entrance is on Washington Ave.

• Parking: Parking is available in the parking area behind the church and along Washington Ave.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

Robb Hamilton will speak about local “patch” birding in the Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach.

“Patch birding” develops a different mindset — focusing on one local spot, which may not be much of a well-known “hotspot,” rather than driving long distances looking for birds where all the other birders go. This allows birders to achieve good coverage throughout the year, and across multiple years, to capture inter-annual variability. 

Robb will share his work on the illustrated checklist in eBird for the Colorado Lagoon, and demonstrate the useful information it provides for birders who are not familiar with the location.

Robb has been working on establishing baseline conditions before the major change of completing the open channel between the lagoon and Alamitos Bay, so that he can evaluate the extent to which the new channel and associated landscaping/restoration affects the birdlife in the lagoon.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: NEW LOCATION! This year our meeting location has changed.

• Address: First Friends Church, 13205 Philadelphia St., Whittier.

• Entrance: The entrance is on Washington Ave.

• Parking: Parking is available in the parking area behind the church and along Washington Ave.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

Journey to California's Channel Islands, often called the "Galapagos of North America"will be presented by Tim Lopez, Interpretive Park Ranger and Environmental Educator at the Whittier Area Audubon's Meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at First Friends Church, Fellowship Hall, 13205 Philadelphia St., Whittier, CA. 90601.(562)698-9805 The speaker will present virtually but it will be a hybrid meeting where it can be watched live on a screen in the meeting room as well. The parking lot is in the alley off of Philadelphia St. behind the Church or there is street parking. 

This presentation explores the natural and cultural history of these remarkable islands--where unique wildlife, ancient Chumash heritage, and dramatic landscapes come together. From towering sea cliffs to hidden kelp forests, discover why the Channel islands are one of the most biologically diverse and culturally rich places in the United States., and learn how their story continues to shape our understanding of wild places.

Tim Lopez is a park ranger and storyteller from Southern California. His work has taken him from the historic sites and old growth forests of New York City to the remote beauty of the Channel islands. With a background in education and storytelling, Tim specialized in connecting people to the natural world through history, and personal narrative. Whether guiding a hike, facilitating a workshop, or sharing stories on stage, stimulating brings a passion to landscapes, wildlife, and the human stories that shape our parks.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: NEW LOCATION! This year our meeting location has changed.

• Address: First Friends Church, 13205 Philadelphia St., Whittier.

• Entrance: The entrance is on Washington Ave.

• Parking: Parking is available in the parking area behind the church and along Washington Ave.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

Our own Linda Leroy will be sharing her Birds of Whittier Narrows. For all who have seen Linda’s photos at photo share events, her bird photography is excellent and she is a regular presence in the Narrows. 

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: NEW LOCATION! This year our meeting location has changed.

• Address: First Friends Church, 13205 Philadelphia St., Whittier.

• Entrance: The entrance is on Washington Ave.

• Parking: Parking is available in their parking area behind the church and along Washington Ave.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

IMPORTANT: THIS MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18TH.

To cap off our Chapter year, join us at the Community Center to share food and photos.

Bring an appetizer, main dish, or dessert to share. Bring your own plate, utensils, and cup.

If you would like to share your favorite photos from this year, bring a thumb drive with up to 25 photos.

The program is in-person only and will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

"Modern Conservation: Exploration, Education, Action" will be the topic presented by Los Angeles Zoo and Botanic Gardens docent, John L. Peel at our meeting on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

Peel provides zoo tours for all ages. He provides lectures and multi-media presentations on reptiles, mammals, birds, and bugs. He has visited 38 zoos and wildlife rescue programs across the country. He is also a professional part-time animal keeper in the Enrichment Department at the Zoo, researching, designing and building custom apparatus that promotes health and well-being for every species. John is the board parliamentarian of the Association  of Zoo and Aquarium Docents and Volunteers, an international organization.

Peel started rescuing injured, captured, and mistreated wild animals more than 50 years ago and continues to assist in the homing and relocation of snakes.   

He has also been a docent for the Puente Hills Habitat Authority, guiding tours exploring the flora and fauna in California.

John is a graduate of UCLA and Cal State University Fullerton. He worked with families, adolescents, and children in direct service and administrative positions in various social service academic, faith-based, and health care organizations for nearly 40 years. John founded two adoption agencies during his 29 years as CEO.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

Scott Rashid will present on the Northern Goshawk. The Northern Goshawk is a large and powerful hawk that inhabits the mountains of the west. In March these magnificent birds, about the size of a Common Raven, begin courtship in the mountains above 8000 feet. They construct large stick nests near the tops of large aspen, ponderosa or lodgepole pine. The female lays two to three light blue eggs and feeds her nestlings as the male delivers prey. 

These birds’ prey upon a wide variety of items. These massive hawks are fearless while pursuing their prey through the forest. They do this with impressive speed and power, often overtaking their prey in short bursts of powerful flight.

During the program you will see images and videos of these truly impressive birds in their preferred habitat. You will learn how they prepare their prey for consumption, how they feed their young, how they defend their nest and young and much more.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

"After the Fires," will be the topic presented by Eric Strauss and Lisa Fimiani, both from the Center for Urban Resilience (CURes) at Loyola Marymount University.

With the aftermath of the January fires still with us, we are going to examine the impact of fire--and the almost constant threat of fire -- on our region. Eric Strauss is the executive director of the Center for Urban Resilience (CURes) at Loyola Marymount University. He is an expert in urban ecology and studies ways humans and nature can better coexist.

Our co-speaker is Lisa Fimiani, who is The Drollinger Environmental Leadership Fellow with Loyola Marymount University's Center for Urban Resilience (CURes). She will talk about landscaping to lessen the risk of fires. She is a certified Master Gardener and Restoration Specialist.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

Scott Rashid has been studying small owls for more than 30 years. His presentation, "Small Mountain Owls" covers the natural history of the Northern Pygmy, Northern Saw-whet, Flammulated, and Boreal Owls that inhabit the mountains of the west. During the presentation, he will be discussing teach species courtship activities, vocalizations, nest site preferences, preferred prey, egg laying, young, and post fledgling activities.

Scott has had the Northern Pygmy-Owls, Flammulated Owls, and Northern Saw-whet Owls nesting in the same tree in different years. which shows that in Colorado these three specie prefer the same habitat. 

During the presentation, we will see images and videos of each species' that only Scott has found as he has documented the first Flammuated Owl nest and Boreal Owl nest in the history of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

Bruce Everett will be sharing his photos and stories of the Puente Hills Habitat.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

This is your chance to show your favorite photos from this year. Bring a thumb drive with your photos and some holiday goodies to share. (Kindly limit your photos to 25.)

Program Format

In person only.

The meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

Citizen Science in Mindo, Ecuador will be presented by Whittier Audubon member, Susana Guerrero. Last summer, Susana participated as a citizen science volunteer in Mindo, Ecuador on a bird banding project. Susana has participated in previous citizen science projects involving avian studies, this is her fifth. She will present photos taken while participating on the project and share details about her experience.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

The presentation highlights updates about the Habitat Authority's restoration, preservation, wildfire preparedness and how it serves the local communities. Now in its 30th year as an agency, its financial challenges will be discussed as well, along with information about Measure PH which was unanimously put on the November election ballot by the Habitat Authority's Board of Directors for consideration by voters.

https://www.habitatauthority.org/measureph/

Bios

Michelle Mariscal is the ecologist for the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority (Habitat Authority). She has a Master’s degree in Ecology from the University of California Riverside. Her responsibilities include coordinating the ecological activities of the Puente Hills Preserve and helping to monitor the long-term sustainable health of the Preserve’s natural resources in balance with recreation.

Andrea Gullo is the Executive Director of the Habitat Authority. She has 29 years' experience in natural land management, and previously worked for several park agencies including California State Parks. She holds a Master's degree in Urban Planning from UCLA. She has served as President and Board Member for several local and national nonprofit organizations. At the Habitat Authority, she is responsible for managing and/or supervising all agency activities.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

"Raptor Quest: Chasing America's Raptors" will be presented by Author and Photographer, Scott Harris.  Harris will present his program remotely but can be watched live on the screen at the Community Center as well as virtually.

Scott Harris spent 17 months chasing 53 raptors across 34 states--his version of a Raptor Big Year. The program will be about his adventures, misadventures, successes and failures. From 36-degree days, to ones over 100 degrees, to just getting on the bird just in time, to the frustrations of missing one by minutes. It's about the birds--of course--but it is also about the people he met, the things he learned and why he's already working on his next adventure.

Scott Harris will present a program of photographs of raptors and his journey to find 53 of the Raptors that call the Lower 48 States home. It took him 17 months and more than 100,000 miles of travel across 34 States. 

He is the author of a brand new book, "RaptorQuest, Chasing America's Raptors."

Harris is retired and lives with his wife in South Carolina.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

To cap off our Chapter year, join us at the Community Center to share food and photos.

Bring an appetizer, main dish, or dessert to share. Bring your own plate, utensils, and cup.

If you would like to share your favorite photos from this year, bring a thumb drive with up to 25 photos.

The program is open to the public and is free.

The program will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier.

Program Topic

Larry and Jennifer Schmahl will share stories and pictures from their recent nature tour of Northern Ecuador.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

John Beynon, past President of the Whittier Area Environmental Coalition (WAEC) will speak about the origins of  Earth Day and how Whittier celebrates it. The talk will be presented live at the community center, and you can join in person or online.

Beynon graduated with a decree in architecture from MIT in 1959.  He worked for UNESCO for 32 years, stationed in Paris and Bangkok. He was the lead architect of an international team tasked to introduce low-cost innovations in school design. During his final six years with UNESCO, he served as director of development cooperation in Education. Tasks included leading multi-disciplinary teams to assess and plan national educational systems including the Palestinian Authority and Bosnia Herzegovina. 

Since retirement in 1996 he headed the United Nations Association Chapters in Boulder, Colorado and Whittier. With the Whittier Chapter, the Whittier Area Environmental Coalition , WAEC was formed. WAEC is open to all Whittier Area organizations contributing to protect the environment. The Whittier Area Audubon Chapter is one of those organizations. The main event of the WAEC is the Earth Day event which will take place earlier in the week.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

"Dark-eyed Juncos: Adaptations to the Urban Environment" will be presented by Ellie Diamant and Samuel Bressler.

Ellie Diamant is a behavioral ecologist and evolutionary biologist interested in the interaction between human-caused environmental change and wildlife response, particularly birds in the built environment. She is currently a Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholar at Ben Gurion University of the Negev. Previously she conducted her doctoral research at UCLA with Pamela Yeh. She explored how populations respond to multiple stressor interactions, with an emphasis on the pattern and process of behavioral and morphological adaptation in an urbanizing songbird, the Dark-eyed Junco, across Southern California cities.

Sam Bressler is a Biological Consultant with LSA Associates, Inc. specializing in the birds of Southern California. He is also a long-time volunteer and former board member of Sea and Sage Audubon Society and compiles the organization's Puente-Chino Hills Christmas Bird Count.

Dark-eyed Juncos are a model species to study urban adaptation and response in California. Diamant and Bressler will discuss their six years of research into how juncos are being shaped by the urban environment and the patterns and processes underlying their adaptation to the urban environment . Dark -eyed Juncos exhibit differences and similarities in morphological evolution across Southern California , potentially in relation to behavioral innovation. Behaviorally, urban juncos have lower fearfulness across cities and nivel nesting behavior. The COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity to explore how these behaviors are shaped by human activity, demonstrating key insights on behavioral adaptations to city living.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

"Birds of Sri Lanka" will be the topic presented by Dinara De Silva.

Dinara is the 12 year-old who astonished us with her photos at our December photoshare. Currently she is studying in Sti Lanka and is in the 7 th grade. Dinara enjoys going on many birding trips. This program will focus on a birding trip to a rain forest and will show the birds found there. She will also show common Suburban birds and discuss their behavior. Suburban common wetland birds will also be featured. 

Dinara has been interested in birding and wildlife for about three years and photography for about two years. She uses a Canon R500 with a Sigma 75 to 200 lens.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

Andrea Jones, Director of Conservation for Audubon California, will speak about the latest science and conservation projects at the Salton Sea and Owens Lake. Despite record breaking snowpack this past winter across the west, saline lake ecosystems are facing continued long-term water declines-- threatening habitat, birds, and surrounding communities. Learn more about Audubon's incredible network of chapters and advocates that make significant progress in protecting this irreplaceable network of habitats through science and policy efforts.

Andrea Jones is Director of Conservation for Audubon California. For the past 15 years, she has worked with staff and the network of Audubon chapters across the state to implement conservation projects at high priority Important Bird Areas. In particular, she has focused on leading Audubon's conservation efforts along the coast and in estuaries, focusing on restoration, advocacy and engagement. Her work has also included providing science expertise and negotiating conservation agreements at saline lakes, including Owens Lake and Salton Sea. She oversees efforts in priority bird species and serves as the spokeswoman for bird conservation across California. Prior to California, Andrea worked at Massachusetts Audubon where she served as the Director of the Coastal Waterbird and Grassland Bird Programs.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

At the December meeting, we will share bird and nature photographs. Bring your photos to share on a flash drive to the meeting in person. Also please bring cookies to share.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Room 3. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

Bruce Everett, volunteer at the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority, will speak on “Hiking the John Muir Trail.” This trail, named after the 19th century naturalist, is a long distance trail in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California passing through Yosemite, King’s Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.

Everett is a retired neurosurgeon who volunteers as a docent at the Puente Hills Habitat Authority. His talk will include birds and flora and fauna on this Trail. 

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Room 1 & 2. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

The Stories within Ecology and Ecosystems

Everyone knows birds live within an ecosystem.  Also that birds directly affect and are affected by the myriad living and nonliving things in the ecosystem, including us.  However, all the functions and stories of interacting flora, fauna and environment make up a fascinating tale of millions of years of evolutionary history.  This talk will lead from fundamental building blocks of world ecosystems to more complex and little-known eco-stories, with emphasis on our southern California plants and animals.

Mickey Long retired in late 2010 after 39 years working in the County's Nature Centers and Natural Area Parks, ending this time as Administrator over the 19 Natural Areas.  These included sites from Antelope Valley to San Pedro, and local sites like Whittier Narrows and Eaton Canyon.  His academic studies and publishing have been in the realms of Botany, Ornithology and Herpetology, but ecology and biogeography of local flora and fauna is an overriding interest.

He continues to teach natural history classes for Docents at Whittier Narrows and Eaton Canyon and for Pasadena Audubon, and finds presentations among his most enjoyable pursuits (along with monthly folk music with Letty Brooks).

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Room 1 & 2. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

Birds have much to tell us. So they helped create a presentation. Then they asked Steve Kaye to include his photos and add a few words. Now they’re sending you an invitation to attend this meeting on September 21, 2023.

Please join us for a uniquely entertaining and provocative experience filled with stories, solutions, inspirations, and (of course) photos.

This is an excellent program for anyone who wants to know more about how they can help birds. And it’s a wonderful reminder of the extraordinary beauty that we have outdoors. So bring a friend. 

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Room 1 & 2. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

About the Presenter

Steve Kaye shows people who care about birds how small actions can make a difference.

He shows people who care about birds how small actions can make a difference.Steve Kaye has been taking photos casually since 1954 and professionally since 2011. He has conducted photo classes, led photo walks, and judged photo contests.

And he has shown his photos at Bird Festivals, Audubon Chapter meetings, Sierra Club meetings, Nature Center programs, plus many other events.

He has published 70 articles plus 166 blog posts (which appear on his web site) about birds, life skills, and photography. And he has created 6 self-published books containing his photos.

As you might expect, he follows an eco-friendly lifestyle and he talks to birds.

Find photos and more at: www.stevekaye.com

If you have yet to attend a meeting, this program is for you.

To cap off our Chapter year, join us at the Community Center to share food and photos.

Bring an appetizer, main dish, or dessert to share. Bring your own plate, utensils, and cup.

If you would like to share your favorite photos from this year, bring a thumb drive with up to 25 photos.

The program is open to the public and is free.

The program will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. We will be in the smaller room across the hallway due to a City event.

Program Topic

Scott Thomas, Chair of the Sea and Sage Audubon's Raptor Research Committee, will discuss what raptors nest or should be nesting in Orange County and the San Gabriel mountains. This will include the year-round residents and fairly common species, such as Great Horned Owls and Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, to the more elusive, infrequent rare species, such as Long-eared Owls and Swainson's Hawks. The 2023 breeding season should be quite successful for raptors, as the early and favorable rains we have should prompt a boom in prey availability. Thomas has been studying raptors in the field for more than 40 years.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

Andrea Gullo, Executive Director for the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority, and Michell Mariscal, Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority Ecologist, will provide updates on current projects currently underway on the Preserve and also share information on other endeavors, in particular a special funding mechanism because the Habitat Authority currently faces a declining budget. The Habitat Authority is interested to hear from Audubon members about their priorities for the Puente Hills.

Andrea Gullo has over 25 years of experience in natural land management. She was staff for the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, and California State Parks before joining the Habitat Authority. She has served on the Board of Directors for various local and national nonprofit organizations. She holds a masters degree in Urban Planning from UCLA.

Michelle Mariscal is the ecologist for the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority. Her responsibilities include coordinating the ecological activities of the Puente Hills Preserve and helping to monitor the long-term sustainable health of the Preserve’s natural resources in balance with recreation.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

Hoo's There? will be presented by Whittier Audubon member, Susana Guerrero. Last summer, Susana participated as a citizen science volunteer in Northern Utah, on a project study involving Flammulated Owls. Susana will present photos taken while participating on the project and share details about her experience. Most recently, Susana traveled to Panama and will share additional photos of owls and other bird species observed in her travels there. 

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.

Program Topic

Delving into topics of migration, tropical speciation, and biodiversity, this media-rich journey will share some of the fascinating and unique birds that inhabit the new world tropics. Sure to both educate and entertain, this presentation will leave you with a deeper understanding of tropical ecology, and knowledge about where some of our backyard birds spend their winters!

About the Speaker

Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz owns and operates a bird-guiding business and lifestyle brand called BIRDS by BIJS (pronounced Bee-jus). Working professionally for over 10 years as a naturalist guide, expedition trip leader, and international bird guide, Benny has worked in a variety of locations coast to coast, including exotic places such as; coastal Alaska, Central America, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Benny is a passionate educator and photographer, specializing in birds! Benny uses his ample collection of nature-based content to leverage an active social media presence. BIJS uses his passion for the natural world to inspire others to put down their phone and pick up their Binos.

Program Format

Hybrid meeting - It is your preference: Join in person or online.  

In person: the meeting will take place at the Whittier Community Center, located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier. Please wear a mask.

Online: please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the meeting.

The program is free and open to the public.