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Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival 2012

Editor — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:43:57 +0000

This will be the 16th time the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival is taking place. The keynote speaker for the event will be Jon Dunn, a well known expert in North American bird identification. Each year the event sees more than 450 birding enthusiasts coming to Morro Bay to view its many birds. The festival includes a vast number of field trips of varying levels. There will also be talks and workshops suited to the whole family. Be sure to visit the Morrow Bay Winter Bird Festival website for schedule details.

Dates: 13 to 16 January 2012
Venue: Morro Bay
State: California
Country: United States of America

Rice Farmers Support Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative

Editor — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:11:42 +0000

Beginning this fall, and continuing through to 2014, rice farmers participating in the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative (MBHI) will work with the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) of the US Department of Agriculture on a pilot project aimed at benefiting waterfowl and shorebirds by adapting certain rice production practices. Seventy farmers in Colusa and Glenn County, California, have signed contracts to support the MBHI in a project which is the culmination of many years of research and cooperation between rice farmers and conservationists, represented by Audubon California, PRBO Conservation Science, the NRCS and the California Rice Commission.

Speaking on behalf of the California Rice Commission, Paul Buttner noted that they have worked together in testing practices that appear to make a difference to the birds, while at the same time being acceptable to rice farmers. Under the new agreement, rice farmers will extend the time period that their fields are flooded, either starting earlier or draining the fields later, thereby accommodating the birds’ breeding and migratory needs. Also the depth of the water will be adjusted, specifically at agreed upon times in the season. NRCS Assist State Conservationist, Alan Forkey, explained that generally shorebirds and waterfowl prefer a habitat of between 2 and 6 inches deep, but rice fields are usually flooded deeper than that. This will be adjusted, and instead of draining the fields in January, farmers have agreed to keep them flooded for longer and drop the water levels more gradually.

To accommodate the nesting requirements of the birds, levees between fields will be modified, with sloped levees being flattened to provide a better nesting surface and allow easier access to the water for chicks. Some farmers have also agreed to provide artificial nesting structures. A number of the proposed changes will not only benefit the birds, but will be to the farmers’ benefit as well. For the farmers who have agreed to use portions of their fields as wetlands, incoming water will have the opportunity to warm up a bit before running on to the young rice plants which will be beneficial for them, plus longer periods of flooding the fields will help to degrade the rice plants after harvesting, making it easier to clear the fields.

The cooperation of farmers in implementing the pilot project has been very encouraging, and the Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership will be measuring the results of the MBHI with a view to extending the project to other areas of importance to migratory birds.

Sandhill Crane Festival

Editor — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:11:18 +0000

For many years Sandhill Cranes have migrated to the delta wetlands where Lodi is now located. Every year thousands of birders visit Lodi’s wildlife refuges and farms to view this natural wonder, and the annual Sandhill Crane Festival is a wonderful time to do this. The festival schedule is made up of tours, workshops and the Sandhill Crane Festival Art show. Featured speakers for the event will be Dr. Richard Beilfuss (International Crane Foundation) and Hank Lentfer (author of “Faith of Cranes: Finding Hope and Family in Alaska”). This festival is a wonderful celebration of these elegant birds and a great opportunity to expand your birding horizons.

Date: 4 to 6 November 2011
Venue: Hutchins Street Square
City: Lodi
State: California
Country: United States of America

15th Annual Central Valley Birding Symposium

Editor — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:56:45 +0000

The 15th Annual Central Valley Birding Symposium will feature a full program of talks, discussions, field trips and workshops. Among the speakers will be Ed Harper, John Stirling, Jeffery A. Gordon, Jim Burcio, Scott B. Terrill and others. Worshops will look at bird sketching, swallow identification and warbler identification. There will also be a Birding Nature Fair and Art Show at Stockton Hilton Hotel, where there will be books, software, optics, art and collectibles available. Find out about registration costs and further details on the Central Valley Bird Symposium website.

Date: 17 to 20 November 2011
Time: Registration starts at 15h00
Venue: Stockton Hilton Hotel
State: California
Country: United States of America

Saving the California Condor

Editor — Tue, 03 May 2011 11:58:48 +0000

Back in 1987, the California condor was considered to be extinct in the wild, with only twenty-seven birds remaining in captivity. Now, thanks to conservation and breeding projects, America’s largest flying bird is making a comeback, and today there are a recorded number of 394 California condors in the US, with 181 of those being out in the wild.

Michael Mace of San Diego Zoo and Safari Park has noted that, all being well, a count of 400 should be reached by the end of the breeding season, a number that has not been recorded since the 1930s. It is also hoped that the wild population of California condor will reach 200 by the end of the year – with some human intervention to counteract a man-made problem. Condor’s feed on marine animal carcasses, but due to the run-off of DDT into the oceans, where it breaks down into a chemical known as DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) and is absorbed by marine life, the birds land up eating the harmful chemical, resulting in weakened egg shells. To overcome this, conservationists replace the thin-shelled eggs with eggs that have been laid by captive birds, and these eggs are hatched naturally by the wild birds. The weakened eggs are then placed in incubators to hatch under the watchful eye of researchers. Although DDT has been banned in the US, it is still used in neighboring countries, entering rivers that run off into the ocean, creating a problem beyond the control of US authorities.

The natural habitat of the California condor is wooded mountains and scrublands. The birds have been reintroduced into the wilderness areas of California and Arizona. As scavengers that feed on dead carcasses, these huge birds are not fussy about what they eat and will tuck into rodents, rabbits, deer, cattle, sheep or fish. However, when the birds feed on animals that have been killed with buckshot, it results in lead poisoning.

Despite the obstacles, conservationists are confident that their efforts are worthwhile. There are currently four breeding centers involved in the hatching of California condor eggs – the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park, the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, and the Oregon Zoo in Portland – with a satisfying degree of success.

Kern River Valley Hummingbird Celebration

Editor — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:56:43 +0000

The 13th Annual Kern River Valley Hummingbird Celebration is a delightful day for bird enthusiasts. The day will involve learning about hummingbird feeder maintenance, a bird walk and nature walk, hummingbird identification workshop, how to garden for hummingbirds and much more. The Hummingbird Celebration is hosted at the ideal time of year for those taking part to see about six species of hummingbird, including Black-chinned, Anna’s, Costa’s, Rufous, Allen’s and Calliope. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch!

Date: 6 August 2011
Time: 8am to 2pm
Location: 18747 Highway 178
City: Weldon
State: California
Country: United States of America

2011 Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua

Editor — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:49:06 +0000

The 10th Annual Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua will be an amazing combinations of birds, field trips science, art and music. The mission of this event is to increase understanding and appreication for the bird life of Mono Basin, educating the public with regards the the importance of the area for people and birds. A large number of presenters and leaders have already been confirmed for the event, as well as special guests Dayan Kai and Keith Greeninger.

Date: 17 to 19 June 2011
Location: Lee Vining
State: California
Country: United States of America

2011 San Diego Bird Festival/Audubon California Assembly

Editor — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:27:22 +0000

Taking place concurrently, the 2011 San Diego Bird Festival and the Audubon California Assembly will run from 2 to 6 March 2011. The entire festival will consist of 17 Assembly events, birding trips, workshops, mixers, and the Birding & Optics Expo. The Keynote Speaker for the event will be Peter Harrison.

Date: 3 to 6 March 2011
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
City: San Diego
State: California
Country: United States of America

SCVCEBC 48th Annual Cage Bird Show 2009

Editor — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:32:56 +0000

Bird lovers are advised not to miss the 48th Annual Cage Bird Show which is hosted by the Santa Clara Valley Canary and Exotic Bird Club on the 12th of December 2009. Hundreds of bird will be on display and well known judges will be walking through the cages, determining winners in the various categories. Some of the birds exhibited include finches, cockatiels, canaries and budgies. While some birds will be judged on the color others will be singing for first prize.

Bird enthusiasts who want to attend or have a prize bird at home to enter into the Annual Cage Bird Show are invited to email scvcebc@yahoo.com for more information regarding the show.

Date: 12 December 2009
Venue: Temple Emanu-El
City: San Jose, California
Country: United States of America

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:50:35 +0000

The Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) is a relatively common bird species found in habitats extending from Oregon, California and Western Mexico, right through to the highlands of Central America as well as the Colombian Andes. Described as having a clown-face, the Acorn Woodpecker is a very social creature, with groups living together in a complex social system. A fascinating bird, the Acorn Woodpecker is worth looking out for.

Acorn Woodpecker’s can be quickly identified by the following distinctive features: a white eye ringed by black; black around the classic woodpecker bill; white on the cheeks and forehead; a red crown and a soft yellow throat. Other physical characteristics to look out for are the white rump, white belly with thin dark streaks along the flanks, a black tail and a body length of 8 inches. An adult male Acorn Woodpecker’s red cap merges directly with its white forehead. The females differ in that there is a black section separating the white forehead from the red cap.

As implied by its name, the Acorn Woodpecker’s preferred diet consists of acorns. They will also dine on insects, fruit, sap and nectar. They have also been known to feed on grass seeds, bird eggs and lizards. Foraging typically takes place near the tree canopy and the woodpecker species will seldom be found on the ground. The bird will either remove single acorns from a tree or they may remove an entire twig with up to 3 acorns attached. Sap is eaten as a group with all family members gathering at the sapsucking holes. Acorn Woodpeckers are known for storing acorns for the winter months. The nuts are carefully stored in what is referred to as a granary. A granary tree may be a dead tree or a very old tree with thick bark. Holes are drilled into the tree, some trees have had as many as 50,000 holes counted on them. By living in groups, the Acorn Woodpeckers are able to gather large quantities of nuts as well as defend their stash.

Due to their diet and method of storage, Acorn Woodpeckers are usually found in pine-oak woodlands, riparian corridors, hardwood forests and suburban areas with many trees. They are permanent residents and therefore do not migrate at all. Reproduction rituals can be quite complicated amongst Acorn Woodpeckers. Whilst some are monogamous, other groups engage in cooperative polygyny. Groups may have up to 7 breeding males and 3 egg-laying females. Females will lay their eggs in a joint nest cavity. Nest cavities are located within trees and are gently lined with wood chips. Eggs are white and elliptical in shape numbering up to 6 in a clutch (that of the entire group). The incubation period of Acorn Woodpecker eggs is 11-12 days with both females and males involved in incubation. Nestlings are ready to leave the nest cavity after 30-32 days.