WINGBEAT!

Bird Observatory Remembers Howard Cogswell

Howard Cogswell (right) speaking to Mark Sutherland and Mr. Richey at the 1990 annual meeting.

On June 8, the Bird Observatory lost a hero—Howard L. Cogswell  passed away at the age of 91. Dr. Cogswell was a trusted friend, valued mentor, science advisor, board member, and a dedicated member of the Bird Observatory for more than 20 years. Please keep an eye on our future publications for more on Dr. Cogswell’s invaluable contributions to bird science and conservation.

Building, Bay, and Beyond
Lots of Hope at 1290 Hope St.

Help us find a new home! The Bird Observatory may need to leave the cannery property soon and is looking for office space in the South Bay.  Please contact Executive Director Janet Hanson, jthanson@sfbbo.org, with any information.

Check out the Wish List for more needed donation items such as a computer monitor!

Venture Out into the Urban Wilds

"Science of Birds" Walk: Salt Ponds, Terns, and the Bay, July 9, 8 - 10 a.m. 
Join Biologist Ann Murphy and Field Assistant Eli French on a "Science of Birds" walk along the sloughs of the Alviso ponds. Learn how the Bird Observatory’s work contributes to the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project and to the study of how contaminants in the Bay affect terns. RSVP to jchow@sfbbo.org.

Bird Banding at Coyote Creek Field Station, August 5, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Visit the Bird Observatory's field station and experience conservation science in action. Tour mist nets, watch a bird banding demonstration, and explore restored riparian habitat. RSVP to Education Specialist Laura Weiss, lweiss@sfbbo.org.

"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.

Volunteer: Avian Disease and Prevention, July 7 - 29, various times
Come walking or boating in and along the sloughs of the South Bay to rescue sick birds with the Bird Observatory! The majority of birds suffer from avian botulism, which is not transmissible to humans. Retrieved birds are taken to wildlife rehabilitation clinics, saving the lives of individual birds and also preventing outbreaks of avian botulism that have killed hundreds of birds in the past. More info...

Coyote Creek Field Station Update
Notes from Biologist Gina Barton

News on the Fly

Birds Observatory in the News
Check out "Ear to Ground" in the July issue of Bay Nature magazine which discusses in brief the Coyote Creek flood and the impact of this year's rainy season on the birds.

"Bird Flu Commentary: Good Press or Real Pandemic?" by Karen Ritchie
As a bird bander that has handled more than 6000 birds over the last 15 years, I’m concerned about bird-borne diseases—not so much for my own safety, but for their impact on wild bird health and the public’s perception of the need to protect wild bird populations. The virus that transmits Bird Flu, the H5N1 subtype of avian influenza A, is one of many mutagenic forms and virulence levels of avian influenza A. Read the rest of the article...