Bird murmurations are large gatherings of birds flying in beautiful coordinated patterns. While they are fun to watch, it is important to remember that this is a wild activity that they do for themselves, not for people. Visitors to Kalkar Quarry are requested to be sensitive to the environment while enjoying the murmurations.

Thank you for asking!

• Please watch quietly. Loud talking and barking dogs negatively impact bird behavior (e.g., shortened murmuration, distracted flight, limited utilization of roost area).
• Please - no off-leash dogs. Even leashed dogs are best left at home. Birds have good eyes and can spot potential predators. Even a calm dog appears threatening to birds and will alter their behavior, and potentially divert attention away from their natural predators (e.g., hawks and falcons).
• Best viewing is at the picnic area by Limestone Lane and the Cement Overlook across the bridge at the Quarry Ln public street cul-de-sac. Please stay on established marked trails.
• Kalkar Quarry is private property. Treat the neighborhood like you would want your neighborhood treated to encourage continued access. Do not drive on the private streets.

Birds are wild and don't follow a strict schedule. They tend to aggregate between 4:15 on darker days and 4:45PM on sunnier days. They are more dependably present in November and December but may fly in October and January.

When you arrive, settle in and take time to notice the environment. In addition to murmurations, Kalkar Quarry has frogs, aquatic birds, abundant plant life, and interesting geology.

Visit the blog to get a sense of what you might find and bring binoculars if you have them!

Ornithologists (scientists who study birds) hypothesize that birds murmurate for three primary reasons:

• Defense Against Predators: By forming a large swarm of birds, they create a "confusion effect" for predators like falcons and hawks. It is harder for a predator to "lock onto" a single target when it is surrounded by other birds moving unpredictably. The birds will also go after a predator as a group, pushing the predator out of the area as a giant mob.
• Roosting Gathering: The murmurations happen at dusk just before the birds settle down to sleep (roost). The display acts as a giant "billboard" inviting other birds to join the group. Gathering in large numbers may allow them to share body heat during cold winter nights.
• Social Networking: Large groups serve as "information centers." By gathering together, birds can observe which individuals are well-fed and follow them to the best feeding grounds the next morning. The birds have a significant "chatting" session after they land and before morning departure. We don't know what they are saying, but it likely has to do with food, survival, and other birds.

Each year the assemblage of birds that murmurate and roost in the tule of Kalkar Pond varies, but these are the main residents:

	European Starlings: These are the most consistent and numerous residents. While they are lovely to watch, they are not native and they reduce biodiversity by aggressively out-competing many native California birds.
	Tri-colored Blackbirds: A native, protected species, they are nomadic and only appear here in significant numbers some years (possibly limited by aggressive starling foraging). The adult males have striking red and white shoulders.
	Red-Winged Blackbirds: An abundant native blackbird, these are often in the quarry outside of the murmuration season. The adult males have striking red and yellow shoulders.
	Brewer's Blackbirds: A native blackbird common in Santa Cruz. They are solid black.
	Brown-Headed Cowbirds: In the same family as blackbirds, they are less common in the murmuration assemblage.