Bird on a Wire: Latest news from Audubon California

Advocacy Day | Draw Birds | Juneteenth | Pattie Gonia | Panorama | Sushi | Yo-Yo Ma

 

Advocacy Day | Draw Birds | Juneteenth | Pattie Gonia | Panorama | Sushi | Yo-Yo Ma

Dear KAREN, Summer is my favorite season and a time to reflect on the liberty and freedom that birds often symbolize. Too often, freedom is unjustly denied. This is one of the bittersweet lessons of Juneteenth, highlighted by our colleague Robert Harris' reflection, "From Independence to Emancipation Day." If you haven't read it yet, take a look. You'll be glad you did.   We often say at Audubon, "birds tell us," to highlight birds' role as messengers of climate change. We celebrate the gorgeous call to action from Pattie Gonia in the video "Song of the Meadowlark", who echoes Emily Dickinson in saying, "hope, too, is a feathered thing perched upon the soul."   May your true colors shine, Gaylon Parsons Interim Executive Director Audubon California

Western Bluebird. Photo: Kathleen Elam/Audubon Photography Awards

Bird of the Month: California Gull This gull nests along Pacific Coast from Washington to Baja and is common in all seasons. Identifying gulls is an exciting challenge for birders. Here are some pro tips on how to ID your first gull.  Western Gull. Photo: Peter Monteforte Native Plant: Eelgrass This beautiful seagrass provides dozens of ecosystem services and provides essential habitat for coastal birds. Healthy eelgrass beds also clean water, absorb carbon, and protect our coastline during storms. Learn All about Eelgrass Eelgrass. Photo: iNaturalist/Wikimedia Commons

Join Us for Audubon Virtual Advocacy Day 2022 Birds of a feather will flock together for Audubon California's Virtual Advocacy Day on August 3, 2022. Our elected officials need to hear from YOU! Speak up for California's birds and our communities via ZOOM meetings with your legislators. It's fun, easy, and makes a BIG difference!  Register

American Kestrel. Photo: Kristen Mauzy/Audubon Photography Awards

Watch: How to Draw Painted Bunting The Painted Bunting has breathtaking rainbow-colored plumage. Watch queer birder and artist Fiona Gillogly demonstrate how to draw and paint a Painted Bunting. In this one-hour class, learn how to sketch the Painted Bunting, use shade to enhance a drawing, and play with color. Beginners welcome! Watch

How to Draw the Painted Bunting with Fiona Gillogly. Video: Audubon California

From Independence to Emancipation Day On Juneteenth, Robert Harris, Audubon's program manager for equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, celebrates the strength and resilience of Black people who fought for their freedom—and still strive for equity. Read more

A band poses at an Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900, held in "East Woods" on East 24th Street in Austin, Texas. Photo: Mrs. Charles Stephenson (Grace Murray) /The Portal to Texas History, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library

Song of the Meadowlark For Pride Month, Audubon partnered with drag queen and intersectional environmentalist Pattie Gonia, to bring you Birds Tell Us: The Song of the Meadowlark, a message of hope for the future of our planet. Watch

Pattie Gonia. Photo: Mike Fernandez

700K Acres Becomes Audubon Bird-Friendly Habitat Audubon and Panorama Organic ranchers have a shared goal that starts from the ground up – abundant and healthy grasslands – and runs as deep as any prairie root. The future of grassland birds rests on this common ground. Read more

California Quail. Photo: Carl Reese/Audubon Photography Awards

Sushi and Shorebirds Did you know that the rice you eat in sushi comes from rice fields that support shorebirds in California? In the last year, we worked with partners to enroll 55,000 acres of rice fields as flooded habitat to keep waterbirds healthy amidst drought. It was a win-win scenario for birds and rice growers. Ongoing flooded habitat is needed as the drought worsens.  Watch Now

Secret Connection Between Sushi and Shorebirds. Video: California Rice Commission

Yo-Yo Ma Releases New Song about Birds Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma just released a serene song, "In the Gale" as part of Audubon's Birdsong Project.  Listen Now     In the Gale. Video: National Audubon Society

Donate to Protect California's Birds

CONNECT WITH US

Audubon California 1901 Harrison Street, Suite 1450, Oakland, CA 94612 USA (415) 644-4600 | ca.audubon.org © 2022 National Audubon Society, Inc. Update your email address or unsubscribe