Our thoughts are with the people whose lives and property are in jeopardy from the terrible Station Fire in Southern California today. Every time there is a big fire in California, we get questions about the impacts to birds. We’ll have more about that in a day or so, but we should note that the [...]
Entries from August 2009
Station Fire hitting Important Bird Area
August 31st, 2009 · by gfrost
Tags: Bird conservation · Bird Habitat · Important Bird Areas
Ducks Unlimited conservation chair profiled in Contra Costa Times
August 31st, 2009 · by gfrost
Paul Bonderson, conservation chair of Ducks Unlimited, is profiled in today’s edition of the Contra Costa Times. Share on Facebook
Tags: Bird conservation · Bird Habitat · Conservation research
Andean Condor recovery program
August 30th, 2009 · by gfrost
Interesting story in the Los Angeles Times about efforts to restore the Andean Condor to Columbia. In an effort that is similar to efforts to bring back the California Condor in the States, researchers have had great success. Share on Facebook
Tags: Bird conservation · Bird Habitat · California Condor · Endangered Species Act
CA renewable energy goals tough to pass through Legislature
August 29th, 2009 · by gfrost
The Los Angeles Times has an interesting article today on the discussion between power companies, environmental groups, labor unions and legislators about getting California’s renewable energy goals passed. Share on Facebook
Tags: Alternative energy · Bird conservation · Bird Habitat · Conservation research · Global Warming · Important Bird Areas · State Policy
San Bernardino Valley Audubon joins in lawsuit to save preserve
August 28th, 2009 · by gfrost
San Bernardino Valley Audubon has joined with the Center for Biological Diversity to sue the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service over its decision to eliminate a preserve for the Stephens kangaroo rat. The preserve also contains important habitat for the Burrowing Owl, Least Bell’s Vireo and the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Share on Facebook
Tags: Audubon Chapters · Bird conservation · Bird Habitat · Endangered Species Act · Federal Policy
Researchers worried about impact of Pacific Garbage Patch
August 28th, 2009 · by gfrost
University of California researchers visiting the Pacific Garbage Patch out in the open ocean are expressing fears that the giant pile of plastic debris may be more harmful than originally thought, given that much of the trash is of small enough size to get into the food chain of marine wildlife, including birds. Share on [...]
Tags: Bird conservation · Bird Habitat · Conservation research · seabirds
Judge strikes blow to Pacheco Pass high-speed rail plan
August 26th, 2009 · by gfrost
A Sacramento Superior Court judge today threw a wrench into plans to run high-speed rail through the Pacheco Pass as part of an ambitious plan to run a line from the Central Valley to the Bay Area. Environmental organizations, including Audubon California, had opposed the Pacheco Pass plan not only because it included significant risk [...]
Tags: Bird conservation · Bird Habitat · Conservation research · Important Bird Areas · Local Policy
Tomales Bay shorebird count hits 20th year
August 26th, 2009 · by gfrost
The Marin Independent-Journal reports today about the Audubon Canyon Ranch’s Tomales Bay shorebird survey, now entering its 20th year. This is a great count, as Tomales Bay is one of Audubon California’s Important Bird Areas. Share on Facebook
Tags: Bird Habitat · Birding · Conservation research
Pixley National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for birds
August 26th, 2009 · by gfrost
The Visalia Times-Delta has a nice feature on the Pixley National Wildlife Refuge, located in the Central Valley, and the article notes the incredible birds that frequent the place: For those interested in re-connecting with the natural world, the Pixley National Wildlife Refuge offers several opportunities to catch a glimpse of some of the most [...]
Tags: Bird conservation · Bird Habitat · Birding
Luke Cole memorial event set for Sept. 26 and 27
August 26th, 2009 · by gfrost
A while back we reported that several friends of the great Luke Cole were planning on holding a fundraiser bird count in his honor for September. Here are some details. The goal is to count 400 different species in California on those two days — quite a challenge. Anyway, pledges are encouraged for the event, [...]
Tags: Bird conservation · Bird Habitat · Birding
San Jose considering banning plastic bags
August 22nd, 2009 · by gfrost
San Jose is considering banning the use of plastic bags, which have contributed greatly to ocean pollution, and have been a particular danger to birds. Share on Facebook
Tags: Bird conservation · Bird Habitat · Clean Water Act · Conservation research · Local Policy
Black Oystercatcher in Santa Cruz
August 21st, 2009 · by gfrost
Nice video of a Black Oystercatcher in Santa Cruz County: Share on Facebook
Tags: Bird Habitat · Bird videos · Birding · seabirds · Video · Wildlife photos and video
Video of California Quail
August 21st, 2009 · by gfrost
Thought you might enjoy this nice YouTube clip of California Quail. After all, it is our state bird. Enjoy: Share on Facebook
Tags: Bird videos · Birding · Video · Wildlife photos and video
In ongoing battle between birds and planes, birds lose again
August 20th, 2009 · by gfrost
The State Senate today approved new legislation that will make it easier for airports to kill birds that officials deem might interfere with airplanes. Senate Bill 481 was approved in the State Assembly earlier this year, and now goes to the Governor’s desk for his signature. The bill was introduced following the incident in New York when [...]
Tags: Bird conservation · Bird Habitat · State Policy
Audubon California teams with private landowners to protect bird habitat in Surprise Valley Important Bird Area
August 20th, 2009 · by gfrost
As part of its work with private landowners in one of California’s most remote, but nonetheless ecologically important regions, Audubon California recently helped place a second conservation easement on a ranch in the Surprise Valley – located in the extreme northeastern corner of California, bordering Oregon and Nevada. The Winje Ranch rests along the shores [...]
Tags: Audubon California · Audubon Watchlist · Bird conservation · Bird Habitat · Important Bird Areas · Landowner Stewardship