Audublog http://www.audublog.org conservation news and notes from Audubon California Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:31:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Effort underway to suspend California’s global warming law http://www.audublog.org/?p=3341 http://www.audublog.org/?p=3341#comments Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:31:00 +0000 gfrost http://www.audublog.org/?p=3341 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.

]]> http://www.audublog.org/?feed=rss2&p=3341 0 Butterflies also losing habitat to climate change http://www.audublog.org/?p=3338 http://www.audublog.org/?p=3338#comments Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:56:46 +0000 gfrost http://www.audublog.org/?p=3338 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.

]]> http://www.audublog.org/?feed=rss2&p=3338 0 Audubon California calls for restricting use of lead shot in state wildlife areas http://www.audublog.org/?p=3335 http://www.audublog.org/?p=3335#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:38:02 +0000 gfrost http://www.audublog.org/?p=3335 calif_quail_usfws_300p

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.

“Allowing this situation to continue is inconsistent with the state’s mission to manage these wildlife areas to the highest standards,” said Dan Taylor, director of public policy for Audubon California. “These areas are islands of habitat that serve as magnets to wildlife and human visitors with excellent wildlife viewing, fishing and hunting opportunities.”

California is behind other states in recognizing and addressing this problem. Twenty-five states have lead shot prohibitions for hunting beyond those required by the federal government for waterfowl. Of the 40 states that allow dove hunting, 16 have some level of nontoxic shot requirements specific to dove hunting.

Assemblyman Pedro Nava, who recently helped pass a state law prohibiting the use of lead ammunition in areas inhabited by the California Condor because of the dangers that it posed for that endangered species, noted that it is vital that the state take these steps to protect the wildlife under its care.

“The science is increasingly clear that lead shot poses a real danger to bird populations on these lands,” said Nava, who is currently drafting legislation along these lines. “With viable alternatives to lead shot – this is just a no-brainer.”

In its communications with the Commission, Audubon California noted the crucial role hunters play in wildlife management and conservation, particularly in funding through licenses and excise taxes on sporting equipment sales. This policy change should appeal to hunters, given that inaction stands to erode both wetland and upland bird populations – and diminish hunting opportunities.

“We would expect hunters to embrace and quickly adapt to the new regulations, as they did with the ban on lead shot for waterfowl,” said Taylor. “There is no reason to choose between conservation and recreation on these lands.”

]]> http://www.audublog.org/?feed=rss2&p=3335 0 Pelicans facing real problems up and down the coast http://www.audublog.org/?p=3329 http://www.audublog.org/?p=3329#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:53:05 +0000 gfrost http://www.audublog.org/?p=3329 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.

]]> http://www.audublog.org/?feed=rss2&p=3329 0 Another nice bird photography website http://www.audublog.org/?p=3326 http://www.audublog.org/?p=3326#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:20:05 +0000 gfrost http://www.audublog.org/?p=3326 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.

]]> http://www.audublog.org/?feed=rss2&p=3326 0 Waterbird explosion at Richardson Bay http://www.audublog.org/?p=3324 http://www.audublog.org/?p=3324#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:17:16 +0000 gfrost http://www.audublog.org/?p=3324 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.

]]> http://www.audublog.org/?feed=rss2&p=3324 0 One owl hatched, more to come http://www.audublog.org/?p=3322 http://www.audublog.org/?p=3322#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:55:22 +0000 gfrost http://www.audublog.org/?p=3322 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.

]]> http://www.audublog.org/?feed=rss2&p=3322 0 Mysterious Brown Pelican woes sound familiar http://www.audublog.org/?p=3320 http://www.audublog.org/?p=3320#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:24:11 +0000 gfrost http://www.audublog.org/?p=3320 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.

]]> http://www.audublog.org/?feed=rss2&p=3320 0 Most California Important Bird Areas will protect sensitive bird species from climate change http://www.audublog.org/?p=3318 http://www.audublog.org/?p=3318#comments Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:24:58 +0000 gfrost http://www.audublog.org/?p=3318 tanager_blog_300

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.

Audubon California has identified 145 Important Bird Areas within the state that provide more than 10 million acres of essential habitat for breeding, wintering and migrating birds. Part of an international process, these sites were nominated by local experts and selected according to rigid criteria.

Monahan and his colleagues identified 25 sensitive bird species that are present at these sites and analyzed their prospects using future climate models. Their results show that 16 of 25 of these species will persist at these sites through the year 2100. Moreover, 89 of the 145 sites will enable 50 percent or more of their sensitive species to persist. Researchers found that California’s most resilient areas are located in coastal regions and the Central Valley.

This is good news for birds such as the Northern Harrier, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, California Clapper Rail and a many other noteworthy birds that among California’s most sensitive species.

“We already knew that these sites were important to protect because they provided critical habitat for some of California’s most sensitive bird species,” said Andrea Jones, Audubon California’s Important Bird Areas program director. “Learning that they will also provide refuge for birds during the next 90 years of climate change only increases their conservation value.”

]]> http://www.audublog.org/?feed=rss2&p=3318 0 Sewage still pouring into San Francisco Bay http://www.audublog.org/?p=3315 http://www.audublog.org/?p=3315#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:36:41 +0000 gfrost http://www.audublog.org/?p=3315 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?

]]> http://www.audublog.org/?feed=rss2&p=3315 0 Laysan Albatross faces major conservation threats http://www.audublog.org/?p=3312 http://www.audublog.org/?p=3312#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:08:15 +0000 gfrost http://www.audublog.org/?p=3312 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.

]]> http://www.audublog.org/?feed=rss2&p=3312 0 Medocino Audubon president named to North Coast MLPA stakeholder group http://www.audublog.org/?p=3310 http://www.audublog.org/?p=3310#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:31:10 +0000 gfrost http://www.audublog.org/?p=3310 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.

]]> http://www.audublog.org/?feed=rss2&p=3310 0 Center for Biological Diversity threatens lawsuit over Laysan Albatross issue http://www.audublog.org/?p=3308 http://www.audublog.org/?p=3308#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:33:43 +0000 gfrost http://www.audublog.org/?p=3308 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.

]]> http://www.audublog.org/?feed=rss2&p=3308 0 Action is needed to address devastating lead poisoning of Laysan Albatrosses on Midway Island http://www.audublog.org/?p=3302 http://www.audublog.org/?p=3302#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:07:21 +0000 gfrost http://www.audublog.org/?p=3302 laysan_albatross_tepke_300p

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)

“This is a tragedy in the making for this great seabird unless the government cleans up the lead that has been left behind on that island,” said Anna Weinstein, Audubon California’s seabird conservation program coordinator. “This situation is particularly troubling in light of the progress we’ve made in recent years protecting foraging and breeding habitat for the Laysan Albatross, which has given it a real chance to flourish.”

Audubon California, along with the National Audubon Society and the American Bird Conservancy, this week are asking the Administration to budget funds necessary to remediate lead on the Midway Atoll. Audubon California has made conservation of the Laysan Albatross a priority because it is an important visitor to California waters.

The Laysan Albatross typically ranges across the entire Northeast Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to Hawaii to Mexico. It can live to be 60 years old. With a wingspan of almost seven feet, the Laysan Albatross is one of only two species of albatrosses that breeds on U.S. soil. Midway Atoll is a vital breeding colony for the bird, supporting 71 percent of the global population.

The species is listed on the Audubon Watchlist as being of the most immediate conservation concern, and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature has labeled it “vulnerable to extinction” due to the impact of high seas longline fishing. Lead contamination on Midway Atoll has long been known to be a significant threat, but the extent of the problem hasn’t been known until the recent study.

On Sand Island, Midway Atoll, some Laysan albatrosses nest within 5 meters of the nearly 100 buildings contaminated with lead-based paint. The recent study, published by Myra Finkelstein, an environmental toxicologist at the University of California, Santa Cruz, shows that lead contamination is having significant, negative long-term effects on this special status seabird. Up to 7 percent of chicks fail to fledge each year, suffering from a condition of peripheral neuropathy called droopwing, which means they will never fly, and will die when their parents stop feeding them at the end of the breeding season.

“Lead poisoning could be killing up to 10,000 chicks per year, and it’s affecting the long-term survival of the Laysan Albatross,” said Finkelstein.

The study concluded that the death rates in Laysan Albatross chicks will have a population-level impact, predicting that by 2060 the lead on Midway Atoll would be responsible for a reduction in the global population of 16 percent, or 190,000 individuals. Conversely, removing lead-based paint now would result in up to 360,000 more birds by 2060, substantially bolstering the global population and buffering the species against the other threats it faces.

“This is more than just a threat that we have to deal with,” said Greg Butcher, director of bird conservation for the National Audubon Society. “This is an opportunity to give a significant boost to the Laysan Albatross, one of the world’s most impressive birds.”

]]> http://www.audublog.org/?feed=rss2&p=3302 0 Ten ways that birders and wildlife watchers will save the planet http://www.audublog.org/?p=3298 http://www.audublog.org/?p=3298#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:44:43 +0000 gfrost http://www.audublog.org/?p=3298 karen_at_owens

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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