Against all odds, Orange County, California produced at least three juvenile Black Oystercatchers from the 2024 season. The Black Oystercatcher is designated as Climate Endangered. This talk follows the journey of one of them from near hatchling to juvenile status on the Dana Point breakwater. We will cover the history of the Dana Point jetty, the status of Black Oystercatchers, and the stresses and mortality factors on raising their young in our county. The talk will rely on videos and photos, mainly taken by the author and Dawn Garcia.

Joel Weintraub, born and raised in New York City, is an emeritus Professor of Zoology at California State University. He was instrumental in establishing the Environmental Studies Master’s Degree program there, and in 1995 was recognized by the Orange County Science Education Association with their Award for Excellence in Science Education. Joel and Bob Allen created the first Orange County Birding listserv in 2000 and they maintained it for 16 years. Joel also ran the Orange County Rare Bird Alert for many years. The duo was recognized by the Sea and Sage Audubon Conservation Committee with a Letter of Commendation in 2017. Joel maintains a YouTube channel at ‘JDW Talks’ with over a hundred videos on Orange County birds, birding optics, and Family History topics.

Meeting room opens at 6:30 PM; join us at 6:45 pm. for a Sea and Sage project highlight; meeting starts at the 7:00.

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Need help? Email Melissa Rapp at reedjandm@cox.net