The Yolo Bird Alliance will offer a lecture and three birding field trips throughout January.

The public is invited to join the Yolo Bird Alliance at its Jan. 15 virtual meeting. This month’s lecture features two speakers, Finn Velisaris and Christopher Torres, Ph.D., who will talk about phoebes and flamingos, respectively.

According to a Yolo Bird Alliance press release, Finn Velisaris, a recent UC Davis graduate, will present his independent research project, “How do Songbird Nest Predator Communities and Predation Rates Change Across an Urban Gradient?” Velisaris’ talk will highlight how urbanization influences the composition of predator communities and the predation rates on nests.

He will also share the unique challenges faced by black phoebes in urban environments. His presentation aims to foster a deeper appreciation for these adaptable flycatchers.

The second speaker, Torres, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of the Pacific, will discuss “The Evolution of the Flamingo’s Smile.”

Flamingos are among the most iconic birds on the planet. They are also among the world’s most highly specialized birds, employing a filter-feeding approach unlike any other species. As such, Flamingos provide an ideal model system for studying what drives the evolution of beak shape. In this talk, Torres will share the current understanding of the evolutionary history of Flamingos.

The meeting will be held Jan.15 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. For details on how to join the meeting go to yolobirdalliance.org or facebook.com/yolobirdalliance.

On Saturday, Jan. 11, the public is invited to join Yolo Bird Alliance for a field trip to Bridgeway Island Pond and the Deepwater Shipping Channel in West Sacramento.

This field trip will be led by Lynette Williams Duman and Konshau Duman. Bridgeway Island Pond is one of the best places in Yolo County to see species such as blue-winged teal, spotted sandpiper, common gallinule, cinnamon teal and american avocet.

The group will also walk up the levee and scan the Deepwater Ship Channel for water-loving birds such as bald eagles, osprey, and western grebe. Near the levee, there is also a small stand of trees and bushes where there could be passerines such as spotted towhee and orange-crowned warbler.

On Sunday, Jan. 19, Kevin Guse will lead the annual ‘Raptor Ramble.’ California’s Central Valley has one of the largest wintering raptor populations in the country. The goal of this field trip is to see how many species of raptors can be found. Highlights of past trips include a ferruginous hawk, rough-legged hawk, golden eagle, peregrine falcon, merlin, bald eagle, and prairie falcon.

On Saturday, Jan. 25, Sharon Kirkpatrick will lead a field trip to the pastures of southeastern Solano County to look for overwintering raptors and other winter visitors. The group has seen prairie falcons, merlins, golden eagles, ferruginous hawks, rough-legged hawks, and mountain plovers on prior trips.

These events are free and open to the public, featuring easy walks and good photo opportunities. Beginning birders are welcome. For more information on how to participate in these events, go to the group’s websites at yoloaudubon.org or facebook.com/yolobirdalliance.