Upcoming Events
Birding and Nature Journaling
Join author Sophie Wood Brinker and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History educator Jenny Rieke for an afternoon of birding and nature journaling at Neary Lagoon. We’ll explore the lagoon’s rich habitat together, then settle in to sketch and observe what we find. Art supplies are provided — no experience necessary. This event celebrates the launch of The Birds of Santa Cruz, published by Heyday Books. All skill levels welcome.
$35 – General
$5 Off – Museum Members
REGISTER
About the Speaker
Sophie Wood Brinker (she/her) is a science illustrator who works with paint and pencil to communicate the brilliance and intricacy of the ecosystems that surround us. Her art scales from drawing the texture of butterfly wings to painting fifteen-foot protest banners. Sophie also works in a small town library, helping spread library joy and community resources. As a Quaker, Sophie grew up sitting in intergenerational circles hearing messages spoken out of silence. She has a BA in peace and global studies from Earlham College and is a graduate of the Science Illustration Program at California State University, Monterey Bay. Sophie grew up in Santa Cruz, California, on unceded territory of the Awaswas-speaking Uypi Tribe, and lives in Bolinas, California, on unceded Coast Miwok territory. www.sophiewoodbrinker.com
Accessibility and Logistics
Bring binoculars and sketchbooks if you have them!
We will meet at the California St. entrance to Neary Lagoon Park (110 California St.). There is a small parking lot and free 2-hour parking along California St. Bike racks and restrooms are available at the entrance.
We will walk ~1 mile on a generally flat pathway and floating boardwalk. The trail is ADA accessible and the only restroom access is at the trailhead.
Come prepared with layers, sunscreen, water, and snacks.
Naturalist Night: Illustrating the Birds of Santa Cruz
Join local author-illustrator and Art of Nature artist Sophie Wood Brinker for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Birds of Santa Cruz. In this engaging talk, Wood Brinker will share her creative process for illustrating the 25 bird species featured in her book, from early field observations along the coast to the final hand-painted portraits.
Blending art, science, and storytelling, she’ll explore how careful attention to movement, behavior, and habitat informs her work, and how illustration can deepen our connection to the natural world. Attendees will gain insight into techniques for capturing birds in paint, as well as the inspiration drawn from watching everything from Brown Pelicans gliding over the waves to California Quail gathering in community. Whether you’re an artist, bird enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of creativity and conservation, this presentation offers an exploration of what it means to truly see—and translate—that vision onto the page.
$12 – General
$5 Off – Museum Members
REGISTER
About the book:
This charming, full-color guide to the birds of Santa Cruz is infused with California coastal soul and the quiet fierceness of love one can only derive from ardent attention. From the collective organizing of the Brown Pelican, to the community protection of the California Quail, to the Band-Tailed Pigeon flock that Wood Brinker likens to a mutual aid cooperative, these birds have stories to tell. Vivid hand-painted portraits accompanied by identification and song notes help everyone get to know their avian neighbors, with descriptions of each species that invoke reflections from Diane di Prima, Mary Oliver, and dreamers of all stripes. A joy to read and pore over, Birds of Santa Cruz shimmers with poetic sensibility and a conservationist ethos. Wood Brinker’s findings, gleaned from patient observation, will enchant readers far beyond the city limits. Books will be available in the Museum Store at the event or can be purchased Online.
About the Speaker
Sophie Wood Brinker (she/her) is a science illustrator who works with paint and pencil to communicate the brilliance and intricacy of the ecosystems that surround us. Her art scales from drawing the texture of butterfly wings to painting fifteen-foot protest banners. Sophie also works in a small town library, helping spread library joy and community resources. As a Quaker, Sophie grew up sitting in intergenerational circles hearing messages spoken out of silence. She has a BA in peace and global studies from Earlham College and is a graduate of the Science Illustration Program at California State University, Monterey Bay. Sophie grew up in Santa Cruz, California, on unceded territory of the Awaswas-speaking Uypi Tribe, and lives in Bolinas, California, on unceded Coast Miwok territory. www.sophiewoodbrinker.com
Accessibility and Logistics
This program will take place indoors at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Seating will be provided, and light refreshments will be available.
Feel free to bring a notebook or sketchbook and something to write with if you’d like to take notes during the talk. Come prepared with questions for the Q&A with the speaker.
Parking is available on Pilkington and street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. Parking permits will not be required for this nighttime event. Please allow a few extra minutes to find parking and get settled before the program begins.
Author Event: Sophie Wood Brinker and Keith Hansen
A joy to read and pore over, Birds of Santa Cruz shimmers with poetic sensibility and a conservationist ethos. Buteo Books welcomes author and illustrator Sophie Wood Brinker for a discussion and signing. She will be joined in conversation with fellow bird artist Keith Hansen. This is going to be a real treat!
All are welcome and this event is free to attend. We appreciate your RSVP to be sure we set up enough chairs.
You'll be able to purchase the book in-store at the event. Or, pre-order online now and select the "in store pick up" option to secure your copy. If you can't make it in-person, you can still get a signed copy! Place your order online and let us know in the comments section at checkout that you'd like it signed. We'll ship your book on May 15.
Natural Bridges Book Talk and Bird Walk
Join us for a book talk and bird walk with Sophie Wood Brinker, author of a new birding guide focused on Santa Cruz.
She will talk about her new guide, Birds of Santa Cruz, followed by a birding stroll through the park to look at birds. Brinker's book is a charming, full-color guide to the birds of Santa Cruz infused with California coastal soul and the quiet fierceness of love one can only derive from ardent attention.
The event will include:
Presentation
Q&A
Bird Walk
Book Signing
Light Refreshments
Members of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks can buy Brinker's new book ($25) at a $10 discount at the event. Members also receive 15% off ParkStore purchases. Become a member at the event!
This is a free event. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Parking at Natural Bridges State Beach is $10 and helps Friends support the park.
Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore In-Store Event And Book Signing
A Regional Bird Extravaganza To Celebrate The New Book BIRDS OF SANTA CRUZ - Including Other Authors Of Other Books In The Series
Join us at Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore on Friday, May 8 when Sophie Wood Bringer comes to the store to share her new book Birds of Santa Cruz. Sophie will be joined by Aaron N.K. Haiman (Birds of the California Delta) and Alex Harris (Birds of Lake Merritt). She will show slides of art from the book and will sign copies her book after the presentation.
Bookshop Santa Cruz Book Launch!
FREE IN-STORE EVENT: Bookshop welcomes science illustrator Sophie Wood Brinker for a discussion and signing of Birds of Santa Cruz, a colorfully realized guide to the birds of our region. "A meditation on beauty and survival." —Amy Tan, author of The Backyard Bird Chronicles
This event is cosponsored by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.
Your RSVP helps us plan for your arrival and keep in touch with any changes. Thank you for registering!
First Look & Behind the Pages of Birds of Santa Cruz
Join Sophie for a behind-the-scenes look at how she created this gorgeous book; hear her read from it; and get your questions answered about local birds, bird illustration, the intersection of birding and activism, and more.