• A World Exposed: How a Pandemic Refocused my Birding

    By Tara McIntire

    People often ask me how I’m able to spot birds to which I reply, “I don’t know. I just do.” That answer is the truth, but I’ve learned, as kindred birders can relate, that birding is a skill we develop. Once you know what to look for, your senses become ‘bird-tuned’ to your surroundings. It’s hard to overlook a sparrow skittering by or a distant speck darting across the sky or the inevitable ‘third’ (or fifth) insulator on a power pole. Our sense switch is always in the ‘on’ position and in endless ‘search’ mode, because you know there’s a bird out there somewhere.  

    Birding can be exhausting at times, frustrating for the non-birders in our midst, but really it’s a wonderful skill and gift, especially while sheltered in place. I have taken the shelter order to heart. Much of my nature explorations have been relegated to my 20’ x 20’ backyard. Though birds occasionally pass by, there have not been enough to satisfy my senses or my photography. I have sincerely missed birds. Instead of allowing frustration and sadness to overwhelm me, I have adjusted my focus to fill the void.

    In the process, I’ve been exposed a new world (and possibly a new love).

    Though I’ve seen and photographed these little jumping wonders on a few occasions, my recent observations have noted several similarities between these tiny spiders and birds! Now, instead of spotting irregular feathered ‘lumps’ five football fields away, I take note of odd fuzzy ‘specks’ tucked between frilly lettuce leaves. I’ve discovered favorite ‘hang-outs’ and specific plants that they prefer (chard has been quite popular). 

    I notice how they position themselves in morning sunspots and I believe there are at least three species, all of which are different physically and characteristically. 

     

     

    I’ve watched birds hunt insects, sometimes using a ‘perch and pounce’ technique reminiscent of Red-tails, or actively perusing all the nooks and crannies like a Bewick’s Wren. 

    Also, like birds, though I have found birds to be very curious and bold, they can be quite shy and disappear in the blink of an eye, especially the second I reach for my camera (sound familiar?). Capturing these moments through a lens has allowed me to fully appreciate the fine details and beauty of these fantastic little creatures. The world of macro photography is always revealing and full of surprises.

    I’m a bird swooner.…

  • Virtual Advocacy Day: Behind the Scenes

    By Marjorie Powell

     

    Two weeks ago, four Alameda residents participated in what was, for them, a first-time experience — talking to state legislators through a computer link. Members of Golden Gate Bird Alliance joined more than 360 Audubon members statewide who logged into their computers to talk with their legislators. The calls happened either on Tuesday, the actual Advocacy Day, or the day before or after, depending on legislative office schedules; the offices remain very busy as they adjust to changing circumstances.

    The Alamedans were joined by people from Oakland and Berkeley to talk with staff for local legislators, Assembly member Rob Bonta and Senator Nancy Skinner.

    Normally, some 70 to 80 Audubon members from throughout the state gather in Sacramento for in-person meetings with legislators or staff members on Audubon California’s annual Advocacy Day. This year, all the meetings were held virtually in accordance with the state’s shelter-in-place rules. Organizers suspect there were several reasons for the increase in participation this year, including that people are searching for ways to contribute as we spend more time at home, and that it was easier to join calls from home than travel to and from Sacramento.

    This year’s National Advocacy Day has inspired countless bird and nature lovers to connect virtually to help protect the birds and environment we all love. Photo provided by the National Audubon Society.

    Zoom sessions in the weeks before Advocacy Day enabled participants to learn about the policy issues and the two bills that were the major focus of our discussions, as well as the importance of conveying to legislators that the bills were of interest to their constituents.

    While the discussions varied with each local Audubon chapter, and sometimes with each legislative member, three themes were woven through all the discussions. Perhaps the most important was the need for the state to continue to support conservation efforts, even in the face of severe budget cuts. Living in a low-lying island city where the potential effects of climate change can be seen every day, Alameda residents are well situated to highlight the importance of supporting efforts to address climate change. In addition, as we witness changes to the birds and mammals that enjoy the Alameda environment with us, we can argue persuasively that protection for natural habitats is important to Californians.

    AB 3030, introduced by Bay Area Assembly Member Kalra (San Jose) would establish a goal for the state to have 30% of the lands and waters in the state under some form of permanent protection by the year 2030. …

  • From Film to Digital: The Learning Continues

    By Carree M.

     

    In a previous blog, I discussed lessons I learned from a tree while backyard birding to hone my audio and visual bird identification skills. In that article was a selection of bird photos that drummed up interest and inquiries. As a follow up to that article I’m taking a moment to discuss my development as a photographer and offer pointers to help guide your photo journey.

     

    Snow Goose mid flight.

     

    National Geographic Wasn’t Interested…

    My first foray into photography began with a plastic 110 film camera. I photographed the “active” lives of my stuffed animals and was frustrated that the subjects, while “in focus” in the viewfinder, ended up blurry in the prints. Clearly that setback would be remedied when I was given an “adult” 35mm, or so I thought. What I didn’t know at the time was that I was being presented with a crash course in depth of field and camera limitations. It wasn’t until I purchased a manual 35mm Pentax for a college photography course that everything started to make sense. Weekly assignments required students to take a minimum number of photos and process the film and prints in the school’s lab. Film and paper weren’t cheap so it was in my best interest to master the art of framing and knowledge of settings or find myself going through said pricey materials faster than I could replenish funds.

     

    A Burrowing Owl looks right at the camera.

    I attribute my current approach to photography and the skills I picked up along the way to this experience of being thrown in the deep end with a compelling reason (my wallet) to figure things out quickly.

     

    Do Your Homework

    I can assure you that wildlife doesn’t care how much you spent on equipment or that you need a moment to figure out settings. This is why it’s important to not only know your camera and why your photos look the way they do, but also get acquainted with routines and behaviors of your subject(s). Pick a local spot you can visit on a regular basis (while adhering to current mandates and park closures) and take notes on observations: what is hanging around at certain times of day, the lighting situation throughout the day, etc.

     

    Red-tailed Hawk and Snow Goose sandwich.

    Why does this matter? Let’s say you miss the perfect shot, and yes it happens to the best of us, if you’ve done your homework you have info on whether or not that bird/mammal/insect makes a habit of repeatedly returning to a spot or just making a pit stop at a certain time of day.…

  • Osprey Banding: Explained

    By Teresa Ely

     

    My name is Teresa and I am the Banding Manager at Golden Gate Raptor Observatory (GGRO), a program of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. I started working with raptors 25 years ago by presenting raptors for public outreach programs, and I began banding raptors in 2008 as an intern for Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. I continued to band and count migrating raptors at different migrations stations throughout the west and in Veracruz, Mexico. In 2016, I received my Master’s degree studying America Kestrel body size change as it relates to population decline, and then returned to GGRO as the Banding Manager. I have been involved with banding the osprey nestlings at SF Bay Osprey’s Whirley Crane site since banding began in 2017. I know there have been a few questions out there about banding, and thought I would share a little bit about the why we band raptors and the banding process.

    Each year, millions of birds are banded throughout North America and the world. The information from banding birds is used to monitor the status and trends of resident and migratory bird populations. To band birds, you must have the appropriate state and federal permits, and years of banding and handling experience.

     

    Teresa holding ZK while GGRO intern Kirsti Carr takes a culmen (beak) measurement. Teresa is gently holding the bird’s head steady to take a quick and accurate measurement. Other measurements like tail, hallux claw (the largest talon), and wing length are also taken.

    You might be wondering – why do we use both a color band and a metal band on the osprey nestlings? Why not just a color band?

    Color bands, also known as auxiliary markers, are usually made from plastic or metal and placed on the leg opposite to the one that receives a metal band. Researchers must coordinate with California Department of Fish and Wildlife, as well as other raptor researchers in California to determine a researcher specific color and alphanumeric code. The goal is to avoid duplicating work by colleagues and to reduce the disturbance to the raptor. However, sometimes some colors for the bands are used in two different regions in the United States, and that is why it is important to get the banding code on the color band.

    Trained raptor biologists who are permitted, will enter the nest and retrieve the nestlings. It is unsafe to band the nestlings at the nest on the crane, so a system of ropes and people are used to lower the osprey safely to the ground.…

  • Audubon California Advocacy Day Goes Virtual

    By Maureen Lahiff 

     

    Traditionally, California Advocacy Day has been an in-person event that takes place in Sacramento, California. In a good year, you’ll find a dozen or so GGBA members participating. The day’s activities vary and include briefings with Audubon California staff. Mike Lynes, who is the policy director for Audubon California, had previously served GGBA as Conservation Director, General Counsel and Executive Director.  Participants also met with their assembly members and Senators, as well as with other California Audubon staff members. Conversations over lunch with members of other Audubon chapters were a highlight of the day.

    In 2019, about 75 Audubon supporters participated in Advocacy Day. This year’s advocacy day took place on June 2nd. One of the highlights was the virtual interactions with with California legislators. Online preparation sessions and advocacy meetings were by Zoom meetings hosted by Audubon California staff members. Most participants reported this online adventure as a good experience. This year, over 350 people registered! That’s quite a jump from 75 attendees. Although I haven’t seen metrics, I strongly suspect that Audubon members from a much wider geographic range were able to participate because of the accessibility of this online format.

    So now that you have a little background on Advocacy Day, here’s more information on specific events, followed by some action items you can take with you to expand and promote your own outreach on behalf on the birds we love.

    Advocacy Day went online this year! Advocacy Day 2020 bird photo by Harry Collins.

    The Prep Webinar Series

    Pedro Hernández, Audubon California’s Outreach and Engagement Manager for Climate Policies, coordinated a series of four prep webinars in May. Two of the webinars focused on issues related to talking with elected legislators or their staff members, as well as specific issues to be addressed during the actual Advocacy Day. The other two webinars focused on environmental issues in the Central Valley and along California’s coast.

    I attended all four of these webinars.  Although there was some repetition, I really enjoyed the series and felt I learned a lot. I’d recommend tuning into prep webinars.

    2020 Advocacy Day Priorities

    Every year, Audubon Californias’ policy team selects a few key themes and bills. The focus shifted a bit this May, as the magnitude of the state budget situation became clearer.

    AB 3030 by Assembly member Ash Kalra of San José makes a commitment to protect 30% of California’s lands and water by 2030.…