Spring is underway and I thought you might enjoy seeing how Bobcat Ranch currently looks. The fire was devastating, but you can’t but feel hopeful when you see a sight like the one above. The phenology volunteers reported a great survey on March 20th that included Lawrence’s Goldfinc, Band-tailed Pigeon, Peregrine Falcon and Mountain Quail. Board member Joe Zinkl reports that avian diversity does not appear to have suffered as a result of the fire.
Be sure to read Michael Perrone’s Conservation Corner article on the status of Tricolored Blackbirds and Audubon CA’s very successful program to protect the birds. With a big chunk of funding for the program now in peril, Audubon has reached out to its chapters to help make up the difference. Yolo Audubon has pledged $2,000 to help cover the shortfall. This week Audubon CA Executive Director Sarah Ross reports that, thanks to the CA chapters, they are almost half way to their goal of raising $50,000. We’ll keep you posted.
Finally, our last newsletter for the season is coming up in May, and we will post our slate of candidates for the Board of Directors starting in the fall. We currently have 14 members but will be losing two, so we’d like to have a few new members. If you’d like to learn more, please contact me at yoloaudu@yas2.local.
Ann Brice, YAS President