More than fifty Auduboners took to to California State Capital on March 11 to talk with state legislators about birds. These advocates were a diverse group of Audubon California staff members, Audubon chapter members, and other bird lovers. Here are some highlights from the day:

Former Assembly Member Pedro Nava spoke to the group before the office visits. He noted that Audubon California carried a great deal of weight at the Capitol. "When I had visits from Audubon, I paid attention," he said.

Before heading over to meetings with lawmakers, participants in Birds Matter Day got a few tips from Nava, Audubon California Policy Director Mike Lynes, and a few others. Lynes went over some of the legislative priorities for Audubon California, and gave participants some basic tips on how to interact with lawmakers. He encouraged them to talk about their local issues. He emphasized that one of the main goals of this event was to build connections between Audubon activists and their representatives, to create relationships that Audubon could leverage on local issues.

Audubon California Executive Director Brigid McCormack (yes, we know, this is a terrible photo) told participants not to get too caught up in the legislation and details. "Just be yourselves," she said. "Show these lawmakers that you care about birds and nature in your communities, and that alone will make a tremendous impression."

From left, Allison, Diane Ross-Leach, Marcos Trinidad, Desiree Loggins, Mike Lynes, Ilana DeBare and Juan Altamirano.

Audubon California was particularly interested in communicating its support for a package of climate bills recently introduced by the State Senate leadership. Members spoke about the Audubon research that shows 170 California species at risk from global warming, but also highlighted the toll that air pollution was taking on communities throughout the state. The group also expressed its opposition to a new legislative attempt to roll back legislation passed in 2013 requiring non-lead ammunition for all hunting, and support for water allocations to the Central Valley refuges.

Evelyn Cormier, President of Ohlone Audubon Society

Garrison Frost, Travis Abeyta, Andrea Jones, Daniela Ogden, Mike Lynes and Katie Krieger

Andrea Jones, director of bird conservation for Audubon California, talks about her day in the Building.

During the Advocacy Day, Audubon California had a booth on the West Steps. While we were there, some staff members from the Assembly Speaker's Office brought out a Bald Eagle statue that is something of a mascot for them. Check out that cowboy hat! Audubon California's Meghan Hertel just had to have her picture taken with it.

Audubon chapter members

Educational Burrowing Owl at our booth outside.

Sharon South of Central Sierra Audubon takes a moment to visit with Leslie Silver of Golden Gate Audubon.

Travis Abeyta, Southern California chapter network nanager, talks a bit about his experience in the Building.

Great Horned Owl and American Kestrel at our booth on the West Steps.

Desiree Loggins, an Audubon California chapter network manager, poses with a few chapter representatives outside.

Katie Krieger, GIS analyst Important Bird Areas, talks about her experiences.

Even though we had important business in the Building, we still found time to make a list of all the birds we saw on the grounds. What do you expect? We're bird geeks.

Allison and Marcos made the trip from Southern California to talk about birds.

A large Audubon contingent poses with State Sen. Mark Leno in his office.

Assembly Member Marc Levine dropped by the Audubon California booth and visited with staff and volunteers. He welcomed us to the Capitol and thanked us for sharing our knowledge and passion for birds. He even let us put a hat on his head and posed for a picture. Oh, and that Bald Eagle statue again.

Mike Lynes speaking with Lowell Young.

Big thanks to everyone who joined us for this years Birds Matter Advocacy Day. We did a great job spreading the word about the importance of birds in California. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.