SFBBO August 2006 e-News!

WINGBEAT!

AUGUST 2006

    1 California Fall Challenge
    2 Bird Observatory Events
    3 Coyote Creek Field Station Update
    4 Birds of the Baylands Update
    5 News on the Fly: What's so special about 2006?

Are you ready for the California Fall Challenge?
September 16 - October 15, 2006

California Fall Challenge is the Bird Observatory's annual bird-a-thon fundraiser and Big Day birding competition. Support conservation science in the Bay Area by going birding! Go on a guided trip or organize your own trip! Top fundraisers will win exciting prizes. Go to the CFC website to learn more details and download registration materials.	photo by Ross Wilming

Fundraising Workshops, Aug. 16, Aug. 30, or Sept. 12, 7 - 8 p.m. Need some tips on how to fundraise for the California Fall Challenge bird-a-thon? Fundraiser pro Bonnie Bedford-White can help you figure out who to ask for pledges and what to include in your letters. RSVP to jchow@sfbbo.org or 408 946 6548. Workshops held at the Bird Observatory offices.

Venture Out into the Urban Wilds

"Birding the Bay Trail" at the Presidio with Noreen Weeden and Eddie Bartley, August 13, 8 - 10 a.m.
Join "Nature Trip" guides Noreen Weeden and Eddie Bartley on this "Birding the Bay Trail" walk at the Presidio in San Francisco. For more information and directions, visit our website. RSVP to jchow@sfbbo.org.

Fundraising Workshops, Aug. 16, Aug. 30, or Sept. 12, 7 - 8 p.m.
See description under "Are you ready for the California Fall Challenge?"

"Birding the Bay Trail" at Lake Merritt with Lisa Myers, Sept. 9, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join “Let’s Go Birding” guide and Bird Observatory Board member Lisa Myers on a bird walk at Lake Merritt as migrants return to the Bay Area. Beginners encouraged to attend! RSVP to jchow@sfbbo.org.

Don't forget to support the Bird Observatory by participating in our California Fall Challenge Guided Trips from Sept. 16 - Oct. 15! Complete list.

Coyote Creek Field Station Update
Notes from Biologist Gina Barton

Although the summer months often contribute the lowest capture rates during the year, we can learn important information about our local breeders during this sweltering time. Since we determine the age of the birds we band, we are able to look at the proportion of young to adult birds to give us an estimate of productivity for a particular species within a year. Read more about data for Song Sparrows and Common Yellowthroats from 2001-2005...

Black-headed Grosbeak (left)

Birds of the Baylands Update
Notes from Biologist Cheryl Strong

In September of 2005, the Bird Observatory began surveying salt evaporator ponds to help determine their “wildlife value.” Knowing the distribution of birds around the South Bay will help decide key issues in the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project, such as locations for managed ponds. Read more…	photo by Scott Norton
I also recently gave a talk on salt pond use by birds at the South Bay Science Symposium, and the presentation is available here.

News on the Fly
What's so special about 2006?

photo by Laurie Bechtler

This year marks the Bird Observatory's 25th Anniversary and we are celebrating this momentous occasion with a party at the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve on Sunday, October 29th. Save the date! For more information about the party and how to RSVP, click here.

If this e-newsletter has piqued your interest in the SFBBO, consider taking the next step. If you are not already a member, please join us! Be a part of our bird conservation science and outreach programs in the Bay Area as a member and volunteer. To our current members, we greatly appreciate your continued support. Looking for other ways to support SFBBO? Check out our Wish List.

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