Status of the Tricolored Blackbird and Yellow-billed Magpie

By Larry Jordan on November 5, 2023 in

Tricolored Blackbird by David Bogener

This month Dan Airola will provide recent status information on the Tricolored Blackbird and Yellow-billed Magpie, two Central Valley species that have declined substantially in recent years. Blackbird population loss has resulted from habitat loss, nest destruction during agricultural harvest, and loss of insect prey due to insecticide use. The successful proposal to list the species under the state Endangered Species Act sparked research and conservation programs. Dan recounts this recent history and the successful efforts that have resulted in modest but important population increase. The population of the state-endemic Yellow-billed Magpie declined by over 80% in California since the arrival of West Nile virus in the early 2000’s, and did not develop resistance, unlike some other species. Dan’s recent studies reveal key habitat relationships and an apparent incipient recovery in the sizable urban Sacramento population.

Dan Airola is a Wildlife Biologist and Ornithologist who has worked for over 40 years in research and conservation of at-risk species birds in Northern California. In addition to long-term research on the tricolor and magpie, Dan maintains a 30-year study of Sacramento’s Purple Martins and has also studied Swainson’s Hawks, Turkey Vultures, Osprey, fire-adapted forest species, migrant songbirds, and diving ducks. Dan also serves the Central Valley Bird Club as a Director, Conservation Chair, and editor of the journal Central Valley Birds.

Wintu Audubon Society is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Status of the Tricolored Blackbird and Yellow-billed Magpie
Time: Nov 8, 2023 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84935959479

Meeting ID: 849 3595 9479
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Meeting ID: 849 3595 9479

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Purple Martins in the Central Valley: Going, Going, Gone

By Larry Jordan on February 3, 2022 in

Take a tour of the birding hotspots in Pt. Reyes: there are such diverse habitats, from grasslands, estuaries and sandy beaches, lagoons to coastal chaparral and hardwood/conifer forests, and this leads to a great diversity of bird species. This program will highlight many of the past Altacal trips and all the rare migrants and other cool birds that have been seen at Pt. Reyes National Seashore. Altacal has been leading camping trips to Pt. Reyes for decades, and we have seen some really interesting birds (as well as other wildlife) there over the years. During fall migration, some eastern warblers and other birds somehow get off track and end up migrating south along the west coast, and Pt. Reyes is the perfect stopping point. Mary will introduce you to the main birding spots with maps and photos and share stories about them all. If you have never joined Altacal on one of these trips, you will want to after watching this presentation! Black-throated Blue Warbler by JT Lewis Purple Martins have been in long-term decline in California due to factors such as habitat loss, competition with the European Starling, disturbance from construction projects, and declines in their insect food supply due to neonicotinoid insecticide use. Dan Airola has been studying and working for over two decades to conserve the last Central Valley population of Purple Martins, which nest in elevated freeways and overpasses in Sacramento. This program will present his study results and describe conservation measures that have been implemented and are needed to protect this species and help it recover. Dan Airola is a wildlife biologist and ornithologist who has worked for over 40 years on bird conservation issues in Northern California. His recent research addresses status, ecology, migration, and conservation of at-risk species including the Tricolored Blackbird, Swainson’s Hawk, Yellowbilled Magpie, fire-adapted forest species, and migrant songbirds. Dan also serves the Central Valley Bird Club as a Director and Conservation Chair.