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    Be a Host at Audubon Canyon Ranch

    ByGGBA

    Every year, thousands of visitors come to Audubon Canyon Ranch’s Martin Griffin Preserve (formerly Bolinas Canyon Preserve) in western Marin County, which has one of the most studied Great Blue Heron and Great Egret nesting sites on the West Coast. Golden Gate Bird Alliance, which helped establish the ACR, is responsible for providing hosts during the public season. These volunteers greet and direct visitors and answer questions about the heronry. All information that hosts need is provided in advance. Golden Gate Bird Alliance is seeking hosts for the following dates: March 19 and 20; April 16 and 17; May 7, 8 (Mother’s Day), 28, and 29; June 11 and 12; and July 4. If you are interested or want more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Noreen Weeden, 510.843.9374, volunteer@goldengatebirdalliance.org.…

  • Support Needed for Bird Safe Buildings

    ByGGBA

    Donate Now to support our efforts. 

    Please submit comments in support of

    Bird Safe Buildings.

    Bird Safe Building Standards

    Golden Gate Bird Alliance, the American Bird Conservancy and the San Francisco Planning Department have proposed Standards for Bird Safe Buildings in San Francisco.  The standards would apply to future buildings or those undergoing major remodels or energy retrofits and there are voluntary guidelines for building owners, managers and others that want to implement changes. 

    Below is a message that you should feel free to personalize:

    I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed Standards for Bird Safe Buildings in San Francisco.  I am writing as a citizen and as a member of Golden Gate Bird Alliance, which is comprised of San Francisco Bay Area residents dedicated to protecting native birds, other wildlife, and their natural habitats.     

    Thank you for considering these innovative standards aimed at  protecting birds in our urban environment.  The standards document describes potential negative impacts on resident and migratory birds, comprising suggested remedies to lessen the urban hazards through treatments for glazing, lighting, and other building design and operation applications.

    The standards document proposes the creation of three tiers of review:

    1) guidelines to project sponsors about the potential bird hazards

    2) requirements for the most hazardous conditions

    3) voluntary “bird safe” certification for building owners who choose, on their own accord, to meet the guidelines

    Our city is an important part of the Pacific Flyway and birds deserve this practical approach to protection.  San Francisco is and can continue to be a great place to go bird watching.  

     

    Sincerely,

     

    NOTE:  Public comment is accepted via email to the Commissioners care of the Commission Secretary at linda.avery@sfgov.org and AnMarie.Rodgers@sfgov.org

    You can look up the phone, address and email contact information for the San Francisco Planning Commission at http://www.sf-planning.org/index.aspx?page=7

    Read the proposed standards  here and more information is available  here …

  • Lights Out for Birds

    ByGGBA

    Fall Migration: August 15 through October 31, 2010

    LightsOut_Karney

    The fall season is here.   We are seeing or reading bird blogs about the species that are migrating to or through the San Francisco Bay Area.   Many are nocturnal migrants and are confused by lights, especially during foggy or stormy nights.  Lights left on in tall buildings attract many birds into fatal collisions, resulting in millions of bird deaths in the United States each year.

    How to Help?

    You or your place of work can participate in Lights Out for Birds by turning off lighting after dusk each evening and leaving lights off until daylight.  Tenants are encouraged to turn out lights or draw blinds at dusk.  This is particularly important for tall buildings and buildings with glass exteriors or windows.

    Read more here.

    (Photo by Lee Karney)…

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