LIVE NOW: Congratulate Dory and Skiff on their eggs!

With explore.org wildlife cams, you can catch rare wildlife moments.

Trouble viewing this e-mail? Try our web version.

Egg Watch 2024: Dory and Skiff's New Nest

Marking her fourth year nesting at Hog Island's Boathouse Nest, Osprey Dory successfully laid her third egg last week! Can you spot all three eggs in this Osprey pair's nest? Explore.org wildlife cameras give us an intimate glimpse into the lives of birds. Thanks to our partnership, you can tune into a live camera atop the boathouse and catch up with this Osprey family on Hog Island, an idyllic habitat where more than 200 species of birds visit annually. Help these parents-to-be watch over their nest by tuning into Hog Island's Boathouse Nest camera on explore.org.

Watch Now

Curious about fish hawks? Submit your Osprey-related questions to the Hog Island team here. Researchers and experts may answer your question in a live chat, in the nature cam's chat comments, or in an online post!

Osprey and chicks. Photo: Howard Arndt/Audubon Photography Awards

CONNECT WITH US

DONATE ADVOCATE GET TEXT UPDATES

National Audubon Society 225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 USA (844) 428-3826 | audubon.org © 2024 National Audubon Society, Inc. Update your email preferences or unsubscribe

Birds can’t escape the impacts of the climate crisis. But until midnight, you can do even more to help them survive →

Until midnight tonight, your first annual gift will be matched, up to $50,000.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird.

Midnight deadline: Only hours left to double your impact for birds

Dear KAREN, When climate shifts disrupt the timing of the seasons, the consequences for migratory birds can be dire. Consider the Broad-tailed Hummingbird, which relies on specific seasonal resources for breeding and feeding. If the spring arrives too early, these resources may not be available, leading to food scarcity as they migrate. This situation is exacerbated if birds who couldn't quickly adapt arrive past the peak time of their food resources or if a cold snap causes ecosystem collapse. Birds can't escape the impacts of the climate crisis. But today, you can do twice as much to help them survive. Until midnight tonight, your first annual gift will be matched, up to $50,000, to provide a brighter future for the birds we love. Will you donate right now?

We do this work because we know that by joining together, we can reverse this alarming trend for birds and mitigate the effects of climate change on people and the planet. With bird lovers like you by our side, we defend laws that protect birds and promote strong new legislation to keep important habitats resilient. We fight for the bold action birds need now. Our comprehensive program of research, advocacy, education, and hands-on conservation is a powerful force in preventing future extinctions and helping declining populations recover. But it is only possible with your continued partnership.

The birds you love are in crisis

Altered seasons threaten migratory birds.

This challenge is compounded by habitat loss, extreme weather, and fatal building collisions.

We can change course for the birds we love if we act now.

We're counting on your steadfast support to protect birds and the places they need—not just today, but tomorrow, too. So please, start your annual donation before midnight and get your first gift matched to safeguard birds and the places they need. Sincerely, National Audubon Society

Donate

Photo: Mick Thompson. Illustrations: Broad-Tailed Hummingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Common Loon.

National Audubon Society 225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 USA (844) 428-3826 audubon.org © 2024 National Audubon Society, Inc. Pause fundraising emails for two weeks Update your email preferences or unsubscribe

Spring Migration & Audubon CA news

SHOREBIRD LOVER'S PARADISE | CHUCKWALLA NATIONAL MONUMENT | CONSERVATION + FOOD FESTIVAL | WOMEN OF CONSERVATION | FLY-IN TO DC | POLICY UPDATE

 

Trouble viewing this e-mail? Try our web version.

SHOREBIRD LOVER'S PARADISE | CHUCKWALLA NATIONAL MONUMENT | CONSERVATION + FOOD FESTIVAL | WOMEN OF CONSERVATION | FLY-IN TO DC | POLICY UPDATE

Journeys Through Spring Dear KAREN, How has your spring migration been? Here in the Bay Area, I felt very lucky to catch glimpses of the Black-headed Grosbeak, Yellow Warbler, and the family of Red-tailed Hawks in my neighborhood. I love this time of year when we get to see some of the millions of travelers come from all over and we truly understand the importance of California in the greater global dance of bird migration.  It's inspiring to think about their remarkable voyages, some stretching thousands of miles from the Boreal forests of Canada all the way through South America. Along the way, they take full advantage of our state's rich and diverse landscape: resting in the waving eelgrass beds of the sanctuary at Richardson Bay, breeding in flooded farm fields dotting the Central Valley, and feeding along the briny shores of the Salton Sea.  As the season starts to shift, I am also reflecting on the very human journeys we have the privilege of witnessing and guiding here at Audubon California. Our Audubon Youth Leaders (AYL) have just finished their year and we are so proud of everything they accomplished. These innovative programs are building the next generation of conservation heroes through hands-on restoration experience, exciting field trips, and environmental education. (I am frequently a bit jealous of the very cool efforts they lead and participate in.)  At the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary, our 18 Audubon Youth Leaders (our biggest cohort yet!) celebrated their graduation with a well-deserved camping trip in the Presidio, after a productive semester planting native pollinator gardens, learning about climate action, and of course, identifying birds through Bird Bingo. Check out the wealth of projects from our AYL at the Audubon Center at Debs Park, from a Birds and Plants zine that pairs native plants with local birds, to a beginner's guide to advocacy for youth. We are also thrilled to announce that we are launching TWO new leadership programs this year. This summer, we kick off our first Coastal Leadership Program in Los Angeles County, tailored for a diverse cohort of college students and early career professionals to become coastal stewards. Later this year, we will start a third Audubon Youth Leaders program, focused on paving conservation pathways for young changemakers around the Salton Sea. Our work is all about creating a better future for the birds, for our communities, and for our beautiful state. We know that these brilliant young leaders, with their enthusiasm and passion, are an integral part of building that future. Madhavi Colton, Ph.D. (she/her) Vice President & Executive Director, Audubon California

Least Bell's Vireo at Rio de Los Angeles State Park. Photo: Alecia Smith/Audubon CA.

A Shorebird Lover's Paradise at the Salton Sea In the dawn light of spring, the mountains surrounding the Salton Sea are gorgeous shades of purple, while the Belt of Venus paints the sky with brilliant layers of blue and pink. But we're not at the largest lake in California for the scenery, we're here for teeming, skittering shores of Snowy Plovers, Western Sandpipers, and Red-necked Phalaropes, as they stop over to feed and nap during their annual spring migration.  Read about how our team helped count thousands of shorebirds for a historic community science effort that spans 11 states.

A Snowy Plover stands at the shoreline of the Salton Sea. Photo: Alecia Smith/Audubon CA.

Momentum is building for the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument Have you ever had the chance to experience the desert night sky? Or to see Phainopeplas, with their dark mohawks and bright red eyes, flitting through the surprisingly verdant desert willows hidden within an arid canyon? At the intersection of the Mojave, Colorado, and Sonoran deserts in southern California lies one of the largest intact desert ecosystems, replete with incredible dark skies and unique biodiversity. Audubon CA has been co-leading the campaign to designate over 627,000 acres of this land as the Chuckwalla National Monument. Near the Coachella Valley, the proposed area encompasses palm oases, rocky mountain ranges, and vital desert woodlands between Joshua Tree National Park and the Chocolate Mountains.  On May 18, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland came to visit the proposed monument area and to meet with our coalition of tribal, environmental, and community leaders. We thank the Secretary for taking the time to hear our stories and look forward to continuing our efforts to protect this vital land. Learn more about our campaign, and join over 150,000 Californians in calling on the President to conserve this natural treasure by signing the petition!

A designated Chuckwalla National Monument would mean protected habitat for birds like the Phainopepla. Photo: Mick Thompson/Audubon Photography Awards.

A Culinary Connoisseur and a Conservation Lover Walk into a Festival… As the golden sun shines on the rugged cliffs of Pebble Beach, a symphony of culinary masterpieces unfolds against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Welcome to a bird's-eye view of the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival…  Chef Dennis Sydnor. Photo: Shana Risby. A First Fly-In to DC for the Birds Celebrities around every corner. Crowds and chaos and cameras. Our Senior Water Policy Manager Taylor was thrilled to visit, not Los Angeles but, our nation's capital! Read more about Taylor's epiphany while advocating for California's water and birds in Washington D.C. Taylor Broadhead on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Women of Conservation at ACA "A career path in conservation doesn't need to be a direct path, there can be lots of twists and turns as you find what best aligns with your interests—but no experience is wasted…" "Don't let people tell you that you don't belong in a space, field, or career path. Even just existing where some people think you shouldn't be is a powerful act of resistance." Read more gems of wisdom from our incredible staff (and about their favorite birds) here.

The American Robin is Shana Risby's favorite bird. Photo: Mick Thompson/Audubon Photography Awards.

Policy & Advocacy Updates Thank you for raising your voice for CA's wetlands! Over 2700 of Audubon CA's members wrote to their Assemblymembers calling for support of AB 2875, which aims to stop the loss of our few remaining wetlands. Last Wednesday, it passed unanimously and now moves to the Senate.  Join thousands of Californians and 170 environmental organizations in calling for a Climate Bond this November.   The latest California budget shows steep cuts in critical programs across the board. Check out Audubon CA's breakdown of what this could mean for conservation and climate efforts.  Coming up: Our co-sponsored bill to protect water supplies for small communities and our state's wetlands is coming up in June! AB 828 will soon be up for a vote on the Assembly Floor, so keep your eyes peeled for our next action alert.

Central Valley Wetlands. Photo: Anders Ericsson.

Monthly Queer Birding event @ Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary  Every first Friday of the month, Let's Go Birding Together (LGBTQ) nature tours are centered around sharing the joy of birdwatching with an emphasis on community building. Sign up here!

llustration: Liz Clayton Fuller

Audubon CA in the News A rare songbird's epic journey from the edge of extinction back to the L.A. River, Los Angeles Times How Scientists Are Protecting Plovers' Beachfront Lifestyle, Smithsonian Magazine Chuckwalla National Monument would protect swath of California desert and preserve a sacred land, Los Angeles Times

Chuckwalla National Monument would protect swath of California desert and preserve a sacred land. Photo and story: Tyrone Beason.

Love cool facts about CA's birds? Follow our Facebook page!

Costa's Hummingbird. Photo: Max Breshears.

CONNECT WITH US

Audubon California 1901 Harrison Street, Suite 1450, Oakland, CA 94612 USA (415) 644-4600 | ca.audubon.org © 2024 National Audubon Society, Inc. Unsubscribe