Audubon California -- and particularly our colleagues at the Audubon Kern River Preserve -- have been spreading the word about the danger to birds from open-topped pipes for some time. We were particularly pleased recently when the Conejo Valley Audubon Society found success informing its community about the problem.

Exposed vertical pipes with open tops pose a tremendous hazard to birds and other wildlife. They are particularly hazardous for birds that either fall into these openings, or enter looking for nesting space. Once inside, birds are unable to open their wings to fly out, and the smooth sides make it impossible to climb out. Inevitably, the birds suffer a miserable, unnecessary death from starvation and exposure. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of these pipes scattered around California's open country. These death traps can take the form of vents for irrigation systems, old fence posts, chimneys, you name it. Plugging them at the top does a world of good for birds.