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Latest News and Updates from Audubon in California

California Condor. Photo: Scott Frier/USFWS

A landmark win for little fish that are a big deal for marine birds
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A landmark win for little fish that are a big deal for marine birds

Dozens of forage fish species critical for seabirds and other marine wildlife on the west coast gained landmark federal protection today under a new rule from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Thousands of Tricolored Blackbird nests at risk on dairy farms right now

Samantha Arthur shot this photo of a Tricolored Blackbird nesting colony in Fresno County yesterday. If we're going to save this species, we need to make sure that every colony is protected. Photo: Samantha Arthur

We just received word from the field from Samantha Arthur that our staff has identified about 35,000 to 45,000 Tricolored Blackbird nesting on dairy farms in Kern, Tulare, and Merced counties. Those numbers are likely to change a little as the nesting season continues, but it's important to understand that each and every one of these nests is in danger of being destroyed unless we're able to strike agreements with farmers to delay harvest until the chicks have fledged. Thankfully, we're better prepared for this possibility than ever before. We're working closely with the dairy industry and government agencies to identify nesting colonies and get them protected.

This work is difficult and is more important now than ever. Tricolored Blackbirds are in a steep decline, so every colony is vital to the survival of the species. The California Fish & Game Commission recently made it a candidate for listing under the state Endangered Species Act. Learn more about the species here.

Please consider making a donation to our Tricolored Blackbird campaign. Every dollar of your contribution goes into preserving a future for this important California bird.

Audubon Magazine highlights climate activism of Mount Diablo Audubon's Rosalie Howarth

Mount Diablo Audubon member Rosalie Howarth poses with Assembly Member Marc Levine and Audubon California staffers during last March's Lobby Day at the State Capitol. Howarth was there advocating on behalf of legislation addressing climate change. Photo: Garrison Frost

Audubon Magazine has a great profile of Rosalie Howarth, a member of Mount Diablo Audubon, who has been active advocating for legislation addressing the impact of climate change on birds. Howarth is also a popular radio DJ in the Bay Area for KFOG-FM. It's a great piece about the power of persistence -- and Howarth also shares her tips for making the types of connections with lawmakers that make a difference.

More than 35,000 Tricolored Blackbirds found nesting in dairy fields, so far

Photo: Teddy Llovet/Flickr

Just got a message from Samantha Arthurs, who runs Audubon California's Tricolored Blackbird conservation efforts, that she and others have identified "35,000 to 45,000 Tricolors nesting on dairies right now in Kern, Tulare, and Merced counties." These nests are at risk of destruction if we're not able to work with our partners in the dairy industry and federal agencies to protect them. Learn more about our program and, if you can, make a donation to our Tricolored Blackbird campaign. This is a file photo -- we hope to have photos from the field today.

Meet the man uncovering the mystery of Tricolored Blackbird migration
Audublog

Meet the man uncovering the mystery of Tricolored Blackbird migration

Audubon California staffers work tirelessly to save the Tricolored Blackbird, but we are not alone in our fight. Many others care deeply about this California bird. We collaborate with partners on the Tricolored Blackbird Working Group. Several members of this group come from the University of California, Davis, members like Marcel Holyoak.

Birding Audubon's Bobcat Ranch
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Birding Audubon's Bobcat Ranch

Lorna Cunkle of Altacal Audubon Society wrote about her experience birding Bobcat Ranch and was kind enough to share it with us

Starr Ranch Sanctuary Barn Owls

The Starr Ranch Sanctuary Barn Owl Cam has been a favorite of viewers around the world for the past several years. Conceived by sanctuary manager Pete DeSimone, who has worked at Audubon for more than 37 years, the cam live streams the daily comings and goings of the Barn Owls that take up residence in the cavity of a eucalyptus located at the ranch.

After a couple years with no nesting success, there are three owlets, with two more eggs that may hatch. Drought may have played a part in previous failure. But whatever the reason, viewers are happy to have a reason to tune in and watch the drama unfold.

Water is vital to the survival of California birds
Audublog

Water is vital to the survival of California birds

On World Water Day, we recognize that water is fundamental to our lives, our communities, and our economy -- but it is also the key to safeguarding our birds.

Swainson's Hawks arriving en masse at Anza-Borrego

Great article in the Los Angeles Times over the weekend celebrating the arrival of thousands of Swainson's Hawks to the Anza-Borrego State Park.

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