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! < < <

Dave and I had a very busy, but enjoyable day! We arrived at 7:30 am to set up our tables. Being early, we had our choice of spot in the Oak Grove, so set up at the beginning of the grove, under a very old and large Valley Oak. It was a wonderful setting and great spot, as we were the first set of tables [we had 3 tables] as you entered the grove. There really were no lulls as there was pretty much a steady stream of visitors all day.  The official attendance was 409, but Dave didn’t register, so there were 410 visitors to the Preserve.

There was a lot of excitement among the visitors, because they were so thrilled that the Preserve was open fors drew a lot of interest to adults and particularly school children.  A number of teachers also came to our table. 

In this photo I’m showing a young boy an owl pellet and skeletons of rodents.

—Sharon Ford with Dave Weeshoff

It is Birdathon Season Again! The months of April and May bring our annual Birdathon. You have probably already received your pledge letter for this annual fundraiser, a sponsored birding event. The money raised covers most of our expenses and helps support our educational program for school children, based at the Sepulveda Wildlife Bird Sanctuary. Please join us in pledging a set amount of money on the number of species to be spotted during a designated bird event and then do come on the walk itself! Many members choose this event to honor the leader whose walks she or he has been able to enjoy.The list of the walks in April indicates which is being included in the Birdathon this year. There will be more in May. If you did not receive a pledge form, please e-mail me at Rosemary.Leibowitz@sfvaudubon.org and I will be happy to send you a form.

BIRDATHON EVENTS

Kris Ohlenkamp, Sepulveda Basin, April 5

Caroline Oppenheimer, O’Melveny Park, April 21

Jim Moore, Butterbredt Springs, Galileo Hills, Piute Ponds, April 22

Dick Barth, Morongo Basin, April 25

Art Langton, Chatsworth Nature Preserve, May 10

Nancy Herron Knode, Descanso Gardens, May 10

By Rose Leibowitz

This Audubon California study, linking declining bird populations and greenhouse gas emissions, was released today simultaneously with a complementary National Audubon report on the same topic that also includes public policy recommendations.

We urge all our members and readers here to read these documents and become conversant on the subject. We also encourage you to click on our Take Action button on the right and communicate your concerns to your policymakers.