Type in your search and hit Enter on desktop or hit Go on mobile device
Latest News and Updates from Audubon in California
California Condor. Photo: Scott Frier/USFWS
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Our colleague Dash Weidhofer, who manages the Audubon Bobcat Ranch outside Winters, recently found this Burrowing Owl on the property. It may be the first recorded sighting of that species on the property. He also captured some cool images of the wildflowers blooming.
California is a global biodiversity hotspots, with one of the greatest concentrations of living species on Earth.
Our newsletter is fun way to get our latest stories and important conservation updates from across the state.
Help secure the future for birds at risk from climate change, habitat loss and other threats. Your support will power our science, education, advocacy and on-the-ground conservation efforts.
Join the thousands of Californians that support the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument.
