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COMPLETION OF THE BURROWING OWL INSTALL AT TUSCAN PRESERVE

By on January 11, 2017 in

Burrowing Owl at Tuscan Preserve

This is a workday to complete the artificial burrow install at Tuscan Preserve in Chico, located on Nord-Cana Highway and Broyles Road (see map). We will be digging trenches for artificial burrows in heavy, wet soil. Bring shovels. Heavy duty or rubber boots suggested.

This is a chance to see Burrowing Owls in their natural habitat as at least one breeding pair are located at this preserve. Bring water and snacks. Lunch will be provided.

We will meet at the gate on Broyles Road marked on this map by a blue star. Please contact Larry Jordan at 530-949-5266 if you plan to attend. Redding area residents can carpool by meeting at the Venture Properties parking lot at 777 Auditorium Drive by the Redding Civic Auditorium.

Tuscan Preserve Map – https://goo.gl/hJtFyk

 

Burrowing Owl Named Audubon California’s 2013 Bird of the Year!

By on December 10, 2013 in Conservation, In the News

Burrowing Owl

It’s official! From the California Audubon’s Press Release:

San Francisco – One of California’s most beloved owls today was named the 2013 Audubon California Bird of the Year. The Burrowing Owl – which nests underground in burrows rather than trees – received the designation after receiving more than 48 percent of votes cast during an online poll this fall.

The Burrowing Owl finds its home in dry open areas with low vegetation, sometimes in vacant properties along the urban and surburban edges where bird enthusiasts delight in watching them. However, it is exactly this type of habitat is often targeted for development, putting the Burrowing Owl in a precarious position.

More than 22,000 votes were cast in this year’s Bird of the Year poll. The Burrowing Owl finished with 48.3 percent of the votes cast. Thanks to all of you who voted for my favorite bird, the Burrowing Owl! We hope this adorable little bird will get much more attention in the coming year because of this designation.

Vote for the 2013 Audubon California Bird of the Year

By on November 1, 2013 in Conservation

This will be the fifth year for the California Audubon Bird of the Year contest which began in 2009, with the Yellow-billed Magpie (Pica nuttalli) taking the spotlight (click on photos for full sized images).

Yellow-billed Magpie

This year there are six finalists to choose from or you can write in the bird of your choice. Since the purpose of this process is to recognize a California species of conservation interest, I am personally recommending that everyone vote for the Western Burrowing Owl (Athena cunicularia)!

Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owl is listed as a “Species of Special Concern” in California and their numbers have been dropping continuously for decades now. Any spotlight that we can focus on this adorable bird could be a step in the right direction for getting it some badly needed attention.

I urge you to head on over to the California Audubon Bird of the Year website and vote now and vote often for the Burrowing Owl until Friday December 6th when the voting ends. Thank you for your support!