For Immediate UseContact: Garrison Frost, (323) 951-9620

April 22, 2008Graham Chisholm, (510) 601-1866

Emeryville, CA – In an important initiative to save one of California’s signature birds, a statewide survey of Tricolored Blackbirds sponsored by Audubon California and the Fish and Wildlife Service will take place from April 25 to 27. This critical effort, conducted mainly by enthusiastic civilian birders will provide information about the Tricolored Blackbird population and will inform future conservation strategies to protect the species.

“Tricolored Blackbirds are a distinctly Californian bird, and part of the state’s heritage,” said Audubon California’s Rodd Kelsey, who is coordinating volunteers for the effort. “The upcoming survey will also help us gauge the effectiveness of conservation efforts over the past few years.”

More than 95 percent of the world’s Tricolored Blackbird population can be found in California. A hundred years ago, the birds were so numerous that flocks flying overhead were said to darken the sky. They usually breed in large colonies of upwards of 10,000. However, continued loss of habitat has threatened the species, making conditions for survival increasingly difficult to ensure.

Audubon California has long been active in efforts to protect the species. Because much of the Tricolored Blackbirds traditional marsh and grassland habitat has been lost, the birds now tend to breed in agricultural fields. Often, nests containing eggs and baby birds are destroyed when these crops are harvested.

Audubon California has partnered with farmers to prevent this devastation by offsetting costs that would have been taken in from a particular crop. Through its Landowner Stewardship Program, Audubon California also works with farmers and the agricultural industry to restore the birds’ habitat.

State and federal wildlife agencies, conservation groups such as Audubon California, and farmers have joined together to form the Tricolored Blackbird Working Group, which is working to improve the future for these birds through collaborative, non-regulatory action.

About Audubon California

Audubon California is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of Audubon. This relationship links Audubon California to a national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engaging millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation.

More information is available at www.ca.audubon.org.