Audubon California today issued the following statement from Policy Director Dan Taylor regarding the ongoing deaths of Cliff Swallows at the Caltrans construction site in Petaluma:

“Audubon California has been greatly saddened to hear that poorly considered measures by Caltrans to keep migratory Cliff Swallows away from its construction in Petaluma has resulted in many bird deaths.

“We support the efforts of local groups, including Audubon chapters, to raise awareness about this important issue, and join them in calling on Caltrans to develop sensible measures to protect migratory birds from construction-related injury.

“The Migratory Bird Treaty Act – one of this country’s bedrock environmental laws – grants full protection to migratory birds from these types of injuries, be they intentional or accidental.”