It's hard to overestimate the importance of the Salton Sea to migratory birds

The Salton Sea is one of the most important migratory stops along the Pacific Flyway. But it’s hard to understand what this means without seeing it visually. So we took a sample of birds and tracked their migratory pathways through California – note the one thing they all have in common. And this is just a handful of the 400 species that make regular use of the Salton Sea.

A few more things to consider:

• The Salton Sea hosts the largest interior wintering population of Western Grebes and 90% of the overwintering population of Eared Grebes.
• 50% of the Pacific Flyway population of Ruddy Duck, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler use the Sea.
• It is home to 40% of the global population of the Federally Endangered Yuma Ridgway’s Rail.
• It is the primary wintering area in the interior U.S. for California Brown Pelican and the American White Pelican.
• And this is just the beginning. We'll be talking more about the Salton Sea in the coming weeks and months.

More on the mysterious Phainopepla

We at Audubon California have always had a thing for the mysterious Phainopepla, that silky flycatcher of the southwest. Little did we know that the bird's nickname is the Black Cardinal. Seriously, what could be cooler than that? Anyway, read more about this cool species in this terrific article just posted by the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Tracking nesting Black Oystercatchers in the field

In an effort to support one of California's great marine birds, Audubon California for the last several years has been partnering with Audubon chapters and volunteers to track Black Oystercatcher nesting up and down the coast. Golden Gate Audubon member Jane Turner Hart has been one of the project's most dedicated volunteers and recently shared her observations and photos on the chapter's website. It's an amazing overview of one season in the life of these amazing birds. Check it out. The images are beautiful, and you'll learn a lot.

A very useful bird guide

A very helpful bird guide from Daniel Knowleden and the Central Ohio Birders Facebook page.

The Los Angeles Times keeps an eye on California Condors

The Los Angeles Times has a long history of being invested in California Condor recovery efforts. Yesterday's editorial celebtrates Ventana Wildlife Society's milestones in saving this special vulture and Audubon California's own success in getting lead shot banned in California. Read the article here.

Galt Winter Bird Festival coming Jan. 23

The Ninth Annual Galt Winter Bird Festival will be held Jan. 23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Festival guests will enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Cosumnes River Preserve and take advantage of the incredible opportunity to catch sightings of waterfowl, shorebirds and wildlife in their winter habitat. Festival headquarters at McCaffrey Middle School -- located at 997 Park Terrace Drive in Galt -- will provide a starting point for exclusive preserve tours, educational presentations, wildlife shows, art displays, wine walk, hometown history and hands-on activities. Check out the website for more information.