SANTA CRUZ — Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will host a free book talk and guided bird walk next month at Natural Bridges State Beach, featuring author-illustrator Sophie Wood Brinker and her newly released field guide, Birds of Santa Cruz.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the park’s Visitor Center and ParkStore. Doors will open at 4 p.m., with the book talk beginning at 4:30 p.m. Organizers said the program will include a presentation by Wood Brinker, followed by a question-and-answer session, a guided birding stroll through the park and a book signing.
Admission to the event is free, though organizers encourage attendees to RSVP in advance through Eventbrite. Donations will be accepted, and parking at the park will cost $10, with proceeds supporting park programs and operations.
Wood Brinker’s Birds of Santa Cruz is a full-color guide featuring 25 bird species commonly found in the Santa Cruz area. The book combines hand-painted illustrations with identification information and notes on bird calls, aiming to help readers better recognize and understand the birds they encounter locally.
According to event organizers, the guide also emphasizes what can be learned from bird behavior, highlighting themes such as cooperation, communication and community. Examples include the coordinated feeding behavior of brown pelicans and the protective group dynamics of California quail.
The May 9 event will give attendees an opportunity to hear directly from Wood Brinker about her work and creative process, as well as the observations that informed the book. Following the indoor presentation, participants will join the author for a bird walk through Natural Bridges, where they can apply what they have learned in a real-world setting.
The event will also include light refreshments and a chance for attendees to meet the author and have books signed.
Copies of Birds of Santa Cruz will be available for purchase at the event for $25. Members of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will receive a $10 discount on the book and are eligible for 15% off purchases at the ParkStore. Those interested in membership will be able to sign up during the event.
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is a nonprofit organization that supports educational programs, visitor services and preservation efforts across several state parks in the region. Proceeds from parking fees, donations and store purchases help fund those initiatives, including events like the May 9 program.
Wood Brinker is a science illustrator who uses paint and pencil to depict natural systems and ecological subjects. Her work ranges from detailed illustrations of small organisms to large-scale projects such as banners. In addition to her art, she works in a small-town library, helping connect community members with resources and information.
She grew up in Santa Cruz and now lives in Bolinas, California. Organizers said her local roots and focus on regional species help make the guide accessible to both new and experienced birders.
Natural Bridges State Beach, known for its coastal habitat and seasonal wildlife, provides an ideal setting for the event, offering opportunities to observe a variety of bird species in their natural environment.
Organizers said the combination of a book talk and guided walk is intended to help participants connect written and visual information with direct observation, encouraging a deeper understanding of local ecosystems.
The event is open to the public and designed for a wide range of participants, from those new to birdwatching to more experienced observers interested in learning more about the species found along the Santa Cruz coast.