http://www.sfvaudubon.org/">San Fernando Valley Audubon Society

Wilson's Warbler by David Tan

Every year, in the spring and early summer, there is a desire on the part of many persons and agencies to clear out brush, trim all the trees and bushes in sight, and to “tidy things up!” But, as we all know and often overlook, all that “messy” vegetation provides food and safety for many a wild denizen of our neighborhoods, including many of our breeding birds.

If you encounter such clearance underway, we urge you to approach the worker or supervisor and ask, “What are you doing?”  Sharing with them that it is breeding season and that some birds and other critters may be endangered by their undertaking may get them to postpone their task to late summer or fall.

In many instances, such destruction of habitat may be a direct infringement of protections afforded to threatened and endangered species, not to mention all the birds protected under the Migratory Bird Act and International Migratory Bird Treaty. If the work does not stop, you can call the California Department of Fish and Game Hotline, 888-DFG-CALTip (888-334-2258), to report the alleged violation.

Be Vigilant! Help us preserve what remaining habitat we have.

This statement was released by California State Parks on May 29, 2009.

Proposal to Close 220 State Parks

The State of California is faced with a dire fiscal situation. To help meet the state’s budget deficit, there is a budget proposal to eliminate the General Fund support of California State Parks.

California State Parks has identified 220 parks that would need to close and a list of 59 parks that would remain open, based on the information we know right now (May 29, 2009). This list is a DRAFT, a proposal.  If we find that mid-course corrections suddenly apply, we will apply new information and adjust as necessary.

There are 220 state parks that rely on the $143 million in General Fund revenue. There are 59 which could be self-sustaining, obtaining revenue by other means. The lists of parks proposed to close and proposed to remain open are offered here.

Proposed GF Reduction Open Units
Proposed GF Reduction Closed Units

Californians rejected the last proposal to close the state parks. The $143 million ‘savings’ is a minuscule portion (less than 0.6%) of the projected $24 billion deficit. Contact your legislators to oppose this regressive and ill-advised action.

> > > Take action here! < < <

The June/July 2009 Phainopepla newsletter is now online.

The Black-crowned Night Herons nesting in the Sepulveda Basin have begun to fledge and the young are right on a popular walking, running, and dog walking path. This morning there were two fledglings on the path. One of them was picked up by a concerned walker yesterday and brought to a rehab facility ¾ it was fed and returned this morning.

In order to prevent further disturbances and potential interactions with dogs, I would like to set up a table in the area to warn and inform area users of this temporary delightful situation. In addition to protecting the birds this is a tremendous opportunity for public outreach to a group of active Sepulveda Basin users.

I will set up a table and be there today (Tuesday, 19 May) from 2:00 PM until dark. If anyone can join me, I would appreciate it. Also, this situation is likely to continue for a week or two. So, if anyone out there has time to be there in the next few days, email me as to when, and I will coordinate. Mornings and evenings have the busiest foot traffic.

The roosting/nesting area is the east corner of the golf course on Burbank Blvd. immediately southwest of the LA River. Parking is at the east end of the golf course parking lot on Burbank Blvd. Follow the walking path about 3/4 mile to the east. You will hear the ruckus when you get there. Also, there were dozens of orioles, goldfinches, phoebes, bluebirds, etc. in the immediate area.

Kris Ohlenkamp, Conservation Chair

Birds, Beasts and Bergs—
a Southern Ocean Experience.

Dave Weeshoff, SFVAS Board Member, will present photos and quips of his recent travels to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. Included will be penguins, albatrosses, petrels, whales, cute seal pups, sea lions, and other rascally creatures, as well as amazing icebergs and landscapes of phenomenal beauty. Come help him identify some of the mystery birds in his photos.

Everyone is welcome to attend our May General Membership Meeting on Thursday, May 28th.

Encino Community Center, 4935 Balboa Blvd., Encino.
Located between Moorpark and Ventura Blvd., on the west side of Balboa, just south of the Presbyterian Church.

Social hour, 7:00 PM; Meeting and Program, 7:30 PM.