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Latest News and Updates from Audubon in California

California Condor. Photo: Scott Frier/USFWS

Plastic bags are a life-and-death matter for birds

Single-use plastic bags are a life-and-death matter for birds. This video from International Bird Rescue shows just how dangerous bags can be.

Urban Californians' water conservation dropped below 18% in August

From the State Water Resources Control Board:

The State Water Resources Control Board today announced that urban Californians’ monthly water conservation declined to 17.7 percent in August, down from 27 percent savings in August 2015, raising concerns that some water suppliers are abandoning their focus on conservation as California heads into a possible sixth drought year.

“The statewide August conservation results raise questions, and we are examining the data to understand why some areas slipped more than others,” said State Water Board Chair Felicia Marcus. “Are we seeing relaxation of conservation messaging and programs, or are we seeing abandonment of programs?  One may be appropriate, the other is not.  It’s a mixed picture.  Many communities who certified that they didn’t ‘need’ to conserve are still conserving up a storm, while others have slipped more than seems prudent.”

​Marcus added: “While last year’s rain and snow brought a respite for urban California, we are still in drought, and we can’t know what this winter will bring. What we do know is that climate change will continue to make our water years even more unpredictable, so we need to retain our conservation habits for the long term, rain or shine, drought or no drought.”

Audubon California endorses Proposition 67
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Audubon California endorses Proposition 67

— Affirming California’s legislative ban on plastic bags will help both birds and people.
Checking in on the birds at the Salton Sea
Audublog

Checking in on the birds at the Salton Sea

A chance visit to California's largest inland lake prompts the question of where the birds will go if there is no Salton Sea.

Governor signs bill to mitigate impacts of global warming and restore vital eelgrass bird habitat
Press Center

Governor signs bill to mitigate impacts of global warming and restore vital eelgrass bird habitat

— Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 1363, authored by Senator Bill Monning (D-Carmel) and sponsored by Audubon California.
Drought’s impact at Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary
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Drought’s impact at Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary

The beautiful Lazuli Bunting is a one of the more striking birds typically seen during the Southern Californian summer.

Always dinosaurs

#stupidbirdhumor

Brown Pelican coastwide survey on October 15
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Brown Pelican coastwide survey on October 15

Join us for the next Brown Pelican Survey on Saturday, October 15. Not only will this be a great time to get out and see one of our favorite birds, but you can also help make a difference for the conservation of this species.

Vaux's Swifts at McNear's Brickyard

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SITE IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, ENJOY THE VIDEO HERE BUT DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRESPASS. WE DO NOT ENDORSE UNLAWFUL ACTIVITY. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR BIRD LOVERS TO RESPECT PRIVATE PROPERTY.

Fall migration is in full effect at McNear’s Brickyard in San Rafael. Vaux’s Swifts are small, cigar-shaped birds that migrate down the Pacific Flyway. These colonial birds historically roosted in tree stags and caves but in current day use man-made structures like the out-of-commission chimney at McNear’s. The McNear family has graciously preserved the chimney for the swifts and is working with Audubon chapters to protect the birds. Watch the video for five minutes of gorgeous swift activity.

How you can help, right now