Demystifying “Brown Ducks” on Crowley Reservoir @ Green Church on Benton Crossing Road

Join trip leaders Debbie House and Jon Dunn for a full-day birding field trip along the shores of Crowley Reservoir, focusing on identifying fall waterfowl and shorebirds in confusing non-breeding and juvenile plumages — the so-called “brown duck” season. Meet at 8:00 AM at the Green Church on Benton Crossing Road. RSVP is strongly encouraged; contact fieldtrips@easternsierrabirds.org with questions or RSVP at the link on the event page.

Bring binoculars, a spotting scope, a light jacket, and food and water for a full day in the field (~7,000 ft elevation — hat and sunscreen essential). Carpooling in AWD/higher-clearance vehicles is recommended. The group will visit several shoreline locations looking for lingering breeding waterbirds, young birds in various plumages, migrating waterfowl, and shorebirds of multiple ages and molt stages. Possible highlights include Common Tern and Sabine’s Gull, both regular fall migrants in the eastern Sierra.