Greetings Alviso Adobe friends,

Your monthly dose of nature and history is here for you! Although our indoor facilities remain closed, our outdoor open space known for its breathtaking views, luscious vegetation, and historical markers is awaiting your discovery.

S T A Y C O N N E C T E D

F O L L O W us on F A C E B O O K

F O L L O W us on I N S T A G R A M

V I S I T our W E B S I T E

- NATURALIST FEATURE -

Counting is Caring
By Naturalist Martha Cerda

Toyons are red,
Blue-eyed grass is a beautiful blue,
This bountiful February
The Great Backyard Bird Count awaits you!

People from all nooks of the world are gearing up to participate in this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count, are you? The event is a global collaboration that spans across four days, this year (February 12-15). People come together to watch, count, and celebrate birds. All you need to participate is watch birds for as few as 15 minutes (more is okay too), at least once over the four days.

It is easy to overlook the importance of counting birds. Can 15 minutes of counting and sharing data really matter? YES! No counts or observations are small as ordinary as they might seem, every 15 minutes of recorded data helps guide conservation efforts. The data collected helps track patterns across bird species. These patterns help understand bird populations from habitat locations, migration patterns, diseases, to overall diversity across landscapes. And these findings wouldn’t be possible without the support of bird enthusiasts or citizen scientists.

In the spirit of observing and sharing data, I am bringing back observations on bird life at the Alviso Adobe Community Park I made back in March 2018. From a quick glance I have definitely seen more White-Breasted Nuthatches, Cedar Waxwings, and Yellow-Rumped Warblers in the past month than I did during back in March 2018. What catches your eye? I am conscious of the gaps across the month. I attempted to birdwatch at the same time every day for the whole month of February. You’ll notice I started off strong and then found it difficult to keep up with the tracking as the month progressed. Nevertheless, what I can remember from this particular counting project is how much fun I had identifying, counting, and just watching birds.

Whether it’s in your favorite place or a new location you’ve been wanting to explore, connect with local birds and nature. The Great Backyard Bird Count event is free, some might say thrilling, and helps advanced avian research. Submit your bird list to be a part of this February tradition and be a part of helping understand how we can continue to protect birds! Learn more how you can participate here: https://www.birdcount.org/participate/).

Click here to explore the March 2018 bird data further!

- STAY IN TUNE WITH LIVING HISTORY -

Music is a HUGE part of culture. Music can transport you to different times and places. It can help us communicate and bring people together. What role does music play in your life? Take a look at these resources and explore more about music in the natural world and today!

NPR - A New Album Turns The Sound of Endangered Birds Into Electronic Music
Smithsonian Music - The Beat Goes On? How 2020 Changed Music

- DISCOVER -

They say the way to the heart is through the stomach. Let's see what didn't make it into this bird's heart. Check it out here!

To access a complete list of all of our content videos check out https://flipgrid.com/alvisoadobe

- CONNECT -

If you participate in the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count we know you'll have plenty to share. Share you stories through Pigeon Post!

We want to hear from you! What's got you wondering? Send a postcard with your questions about local natural history - anything from wildlife to historic objects. One to two questions and responses will be posted here.

Follow these 3 easy steps:

1. Write a message!
2. Personalize your postcard.
3. Include your address to
receive a response.

Send your postcard to:

Pigeon Post - Alviso Adobe
200 Old Bernal Avenue
Pleasanton, CA. 94566

- EXPLORE -

Catch our newest outdoor adventure! Explore history and the natural world as you discover 7 unique gems throughout the park.

Download the Adventure Lab App to get started!

The adventure can be completed under an hour, with some extra time to explore outside. A low to moderate amount of walking is required to complete the course.

- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES-

Visit the Virtual Library & Recreation Center for other Adobe resources and more. Here you'll find a great selection of free applications, online services and quality content that you can access from home.

Alviso Adobe Community Park
3465 Old Foothill Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588
925-931-3479

Contact our Staff:
alvisoadobe@cityofpleasantonca.gov

Martha Cerda
Library and Recreation Coordinator/Naturalist

Closure of Non-Essential Facilities and City Government Meetings

Alameda County Public Health Department's current Health Order—issued on May 18, 2020—does not provide a sunset date for sheltering in place as previous Orders provided. Non-essential City services and facilities will be closed until further notice. For more information, and for live updates impacting our community, visit the City of Pleasanton COVID-19 Update Page .

Essential services that will remain available include Paratransit service to medical appointments and grocery stores only; Open Heart Kitchen's senior lunch program brown bag pick-up only; and Spectrum Community Services' Meals on Wheels.