We haven’t talked much about this here, but over the weekend, Margot Roosevelt at the L.A. Times wrote a good overview of the effort to suspect A.B. 32, California’s landmark legislation to address the rise of global greenhouse gases. Since its passage in 2006, the law has been hailed as an example for other state — even nations — to follow. Even thought the state has already begun implementing the law, some feel that it consitutes such a burden on the economy that it should be suspended until unemployment falls to a certain point. Audubon California strongly supports A.B. 32 because we feel that global greenhouse gases present a major threat to birds and other wildlife. We were particularly pleased that the state incorporated natural ecosystems in its plans to reduce greenhouse gases.

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We’ve discussed here at length the impacts that we expect on California birds from climate change. This article isn’t about birds, however, it’s about butterflies. Gary Langham, Audubon California’s director of bird conservation, is quoted, noting how if we’re seeing this impact on butterflies, other insects and animals must also be feeling it as well.

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In an effort to remove a loophole in the law that creates a dangerous environment for birds and other wildlife, Audubon California has asked the California Fish and Game Commission to consider a ban on the use of lead shot in state wildlife areas. Due to widespread consensus that the use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting poses a significant danger in wetland environments, federal law bans such use. However, the use of lead shot for upland game is currently allowed on most state wildlife areas, and often results in lead being introduced into wetland environments anyway. Research now shows that both wetland and upland birds will ingest spent lead shot, and that this creates the potential for devastating effects on these bird populations.

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This blog and our Facebook page have been discussing a lot of anecdotal information about Brown Pelicans turning up sick or dead all up and down the coast. The Los Angeles Times today takes a good look at the problem, and apparently this is more widespread than we might have thought. Sure, the problem might have something to do with global warming, but more likely it’s the result of bad timing between food availability and bad storms.

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We just found out about a great photography website by Doug Herr, a member of the Sierra Foothills Audubon Society. Great shot of birds — as well as other wildlife and natural landscapes. Good stuff.

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Apparently, the waterbirds are booming at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary. A winter survey of birds completed this week counted more birds than we’ve had since starting these surveys back in 2006. The folks at Richardson Bay conduct these surveys twice monthly between October and March. The unofficial count for the Sanctuary was 9,310, crushing the previous high of 6,872 back in 2007. We’re not totally surprised by this, as we’ve been seeing a lot of birds in the Bay this week, probably correlating with the herring run that began last week.  A few count highlights: 15 Brant; 2 American Widgeon; 126 Surf Scoters; 3,794 Scaup; 1,808 Bufflehead; 1,253 Ruddy Duck; 118 Horned/Eared Grebes; 1,087 Gulls. Not too many cormorants (270) or Western/Clark’s Grebes (238), for some reason.

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Folks who have been watching the Starr Ranch Live Barn Own Webcam tell us that one owl chick has hatched. That means there are seven more eggs to go. Keep an eye on this webcam, as it’s going to get really cool in the coming days and weeks.

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We’re hearing more and more reports of Brown Pelicans dying on California shorelines, and many others disoriented or sick. Seems like the same kind of thing happened last year.

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As questions remain as to how we can best help California birds prosper in a time of climate change, important new research from Audubon California may provide part of the answer. A new analysis of future climate models shows that most California Important Bird Areas – a network of sites identified by Audubon California as providing essential habitat – will protect sensitive bird species against climate change. “Although climate change will inevitably result in some loss of bird populations, knowing ahead of time where birds will persist gives us a good idea of where to focus our conservation efforts,” said William Monahan, senior GIS scientist with Audubon California.

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Remember last year when we made quite a fuss about the multiple sewage spills threatening the San Francisco Bay egosystem? Well, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, the problem continues. This pollution is a creeping threat to the birds and other wildlife in the Bay, needless to say the humans that use the area regularly. We’ll ask the question again: why is it a given that everytime it rains, hundreds of thousands of raw sewage must enter the Bay? Can’t something be done about it?

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Yesterday, Audubon California called upon the federal government to do its part to clean up lead contamination on Midway Atoll to protect the Laysan Albatross. We mentioned that the bird is facing major conservation threats, and is listed as a Watchlist species. Here’s a link to the Audubon website detailing that status.

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We were greatly pleased to hear that Dave Jensen, president of Mendocino Audubon, has been named to the North Coast Regional Stakeholder Group for the Marine Life Protection Act. Jensen and his colleagues will be the ones tasked with designing the first draft of marine protected areas from the Oregon border to Point Arena. Having Jensen on the group ensures that the interests of birds will be heard in these critical negotiations among a wide range of interests, including recreation, fishing, tribes, port, conservation groups, educational and research interests, and government agencies. Audubon California will continue to be very much involved in the MLPA process for the North Coast, and is looking forward to working with Jensen and the rest of the group on this important project.

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The Center for Biological Diversity today announced its intention to sue the federal government over the ongoing lead poisoning of Laysan Albatross on Midway Atoll. Audubon California has called upon the government to clean up lead at the site, which is a major breeding site for this Watchlist species.

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Audubon California today is urging the federal government to address lead poisoning on government property on a remote island in the Pacific that is having devastating effects on the global population of the Laysan Albatross, a magnificent bird that ranges over the entire Northeast Pacific Ocean. According to a newly-published study, lead-based paint from buildings and soils on Sand Island, Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is poisoning up to 7 percent of Laysan Albatross chicks to the extent that, if unaddressed, the bird’s entire population could be reduced by as much as 16 percent. (photo by Glen Tepke)

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A friend of ours on Twitter shared with us this great post from her blog about how birders and wildlife watchers are helping to save the planet. All good stuff.

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