November 2009: Wingbeat

California Fall Challenge

The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory's 13th Annual California Fall Challenge wrapped up with our Annual Membership Meeting on October 25th, 2009. Thank you to our fundraisers and volunteers for another great CFC. We are still tallying up the totals, but we expect that the CFC raised nearly $25,000!

The Dubai Star Oil Spill

On Friday, October 30, 2009, 400-800 gallons of crude oil spilled into the San Francisco Bay near Point Alameda. Nearly a week later, the clean up operations are soon coming to an end. However, the search for oiled wildlife continues. You can keep track of the impacts of this spill on wildlife by visiting the Oiled Wildlife Care Network, which the Bird Observatory recently joined as a participating organization. Please note, neither organization is requesting volunteers at this time.

Please remember that oil is toxic and you should avoid beaches near the spill. Please do not handle or capture oiled wildlife.  If you find oiled wildlife, please call the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-823-6926.

2008 Shorebird Survey Results

From November 13-15, 2008, more than 150 staff and volunteers from San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, PRBO Conservation Science, Audubon California, U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service counted shorebirds in the San Francisco Bay. We recently completed the report, which we are pleased to share with our membership and volunteers.

During the census, volunteers counted more than over 343,000 shorebirds of 22 species in the Bay. The most abundant species in the Bay in 2008 was the Western Sandpiper (30% of total birds), followed by Dunlin (29%), Least Sandpiper (12%), American Avocet (8%), and Willet (6%). We also compared the 2008 numbers to those collected during censuses in 1990-92 and 2006-07. For many species, the number of individuals counted was remarkably similar over the last three years (2006-08). However, an initial comparison of the data from the 1990-92 and 2006-08 periods suggest some species, including American Avocet, appear to have increased while others such, as Dunlin may have decreased. Read the full report for more information, and thank you to all of the volunteers that helped collect this important data.

Request for Volunteers

Photo Library Organizer
The Bird Observatory needs help organizing our electronic photo library. We receive hundreds of images from photographers each year, which, to be effectively used, needs organization into a searchable database. We are looking for a volunteer that can make a weekly commitment of 2-4 hours a week and can identify birds from photographs. Experience using a photo management program a plus! If interested, please email outreach@sfbbo.org.  

Leading Bird Walks
If you enjoy leading bird walks and sharing your knowledge about avian conservation, please consider leading a bird walk for our membership and the public. These walks help the Bird Observatory achieve its mission to conserve birds, as well as to connect local citizens to avian conservation issues. We are looking for enthusiastic, outgoing individuals able to make a one-time commitment. Email outreach@sfbbo.org if you are interested or want more information.

The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the conservation of birds through science and outreach, and to contributing to informed resource management decisions in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Please click here to donate to the Bird Observatory!