Read Article
January 27, 2021

Guide to Preventing Window Strikes

It's common -- and depressing -- knowledge among birders that residential windows account for a significant portion of the many millions of avian deaths caused by glass every year. Until fairly recently, there wasn't much a homeowner could do about it; the outside of a glass pane reflects landscape and sky, with interior blinds, curtains,… read more
December 15, 2020

A New Year’s (Bird) Resolution

(Illustration by Wuchun Davis) As we look forward to this New Year that promises so much good news, I can’t help but think about the wildlife around us who are part of our world.  They don’t make resolutions, they don’t celebrate holidays, but they work hard 24/7 to stay alive and follow instincts that have… read more
Read Article
Read Article
November 4, 2020

2020 Christmas Bird Count

Saturday, December 19, 2020 -- Birders Needed! Once again this year, the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society will join chapters across the country and in North and South America, Hawaii, and the Caribbean to take part in the National Audubon Society’s 121st annual Christmas Bird Count. The initial San Fernando Valley CBC was held in… read more
October 30, 2020

The Cavalry Has Arrived!

Shortly after the recent, devastating fire, oxygen-depleting water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) was discovered on the surface of the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve's lake. San Fernando Valley Audubon reacted swiftly: our volunteers went to work scooping out as much of the fast-spreading plant as they could, working from the shore with nets and rakes. We were… read more
Read Article
Read Article
October 26, 2020

A Step in the Right Direction

On Tuesday October 20th at O’Melveny Park I led the first bird walk for SFVAS since our Coronavirus pause. It it was so nice to go out with a group of people to spot and talk about birds again.   With a full limit of ten participants, all of whom had made a reservation, agreed to… read more
October 22, 2020

SFVAS Announces Scholarship Results

The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society (SFVAS), affiliated with the National Audubon Society, is pleased to announce three new scholarships awarded this year to promising college students who are involved in the study of conservation or ornithology.  Originally the scholarships were to support their participation in our national conferences, but since the pandemic hit SFVAS… read more
Read Article
Read Article
September 21, 2020

More “After the Fire”

Several masked and socially distancing leaders from the San Fernando Valley Audubon and California Native Plant Societies visited the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve three days after the disastrous September 6 wildfire. The goal was to survey damage, get an idea of what natural recovery to expect, and begin developing an action plan.  A second walkthrough… read more
September 7, 2020

After the Fire

The day I have anticipated and dreaded has occurred. A fire broke out in the basin on September 6 at about 1:00. I could see the smoke from Sherman Oaks and I knew its location before I confirmed with Marianne and Richard Davis. They had driven to the basin and watched as the fire grew… read more
Read Article
Read Article
August 26, 2020

College Scholarship for SFVAS

The Audubon Society State programs, nature centers, 463 chapters and national/international partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people.  The mission is to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action.  Since 1905, Audubon’s vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. To promote the interest and career aspirations… read more
August 16, 2020

Non-Group Haskell Creek Cleanups – Cancelled

Sept. 16-Oct.15 Due to the devastating fire in the Reserve, the call for cleanup volunteers has been retracted -- the damage is too extensive and safety is uncertain. We will keep all parties informed as we assess the situation and determine the best way forward. Thank you for your concern and generosity. Due to the… read more
Read Article