Editor’s note: ‘Condor’ John on Coffee has the highest praise and thanks to Elisa Taylor-Godwin for sharing her copyrighted photos. She not only knows her birds but the plants besides! See photography below.
Ventura Audubon is launching a fall campaign, aiming to raise awareness about how everyone can directly contribute to bird conservation.
Nearly 3 billion birds have vanished from North America’s skies in the past 50 years. Ever-expanding cities and suburbs have played a significant role in this loss. However, people who live in cities can give birds back some of what they’ve lost by trimming trees, bushes, and ground cover in the fall instead of spring, when they are nesting and raising their young.
This campaign highlights the critical role that urban and suburban environments play in the survival of birds, which are an integral part of our ecosystem. At least 175 bird species procreate in Ventura County, many of which build nests in trees, bushes and even on the ground.
Birds that nest in shrubs and trees in cities include a diverse mix from the very small, such as hummingbirds, to the very large like the great horned owl and other birds of prey. Numerous songbirds also nest at various heights in shrubs and trees, including the yellow warbler, lesser goldfinch, American goldfinch, house finch, lazuli bunting, and many others, enriching neighborhoods with their color and song.
The campaign comprises the following components:
~ Annual October Bird-a-thon Fundraiser. Donations may be made through the PayPal link on the website or mailed to P.O. Box 24198 Ventura, California 93002. While any donation is welcome, Audubon also encourages people to participate actively by birding and donating based on the number of species seen during the month. The top winners will be selected and will receive prizes. Details of the Birdathon competition are available on our website: https://www.venturaaudubon.org
~ On Oct. 10 at 7pm, Ventura Audubon is hosting Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz (owner Birds by BIJS), to enlighten attendees about a selection of backyard birds, exploring the life history and nesting behaviors, fostering a deeper appreciation and how to protect them during nesting season. It will be at the Poinsettia Pavilion.
~ Urban/Suburban Bird-friendly Landscaping Awareness. Many species breed between March 1 and August 31, but some, including hummingbirds, owls, and hawks, could nest at any time of the year. “By simply scheduling truly needed vegetation trimming in the fall and early winter (between Sept. 1 to Jan. 1) ...can help protect and create important nesting bird habitat,” said David Wappler, a wildlife biologist. Audubon recommends removing only as much as necessary and no more than 25% of the tree crown, providing more places for birds to nest, rest, hide from predators, and forage for insects, flowers, and seeds. “It also advances our commitment to biodiversity,” emphasized Ventura Audubon President, Rachel Ameche. Because not all birds nest in trees, groundcover should be managed carefully as well. In our region that includes the dark-eyed junco, song sparrow, California towhee, orange-crowned warbler, and others. Their nests are often in hidden, hard-to-spot locations. To protect ground-nesting birds, trim ground cover, such as ivy, in the same months as above. To provide greater nesting habitat, consider not trimming and letting the ground cover grow to offer more nesting and foraging opportunities. “Routine thinning does not necessarily improve the health of a tree or shrub and destroys their natural form and grace,” said Wappler. “Letting them grow also provides more cooling shade and privacy for people.”
~ Fall and winter are ideal seasons for establishing California native plants, favored by many bird species for food, shelter, and nesting. For more information on bird-friendly landscaping tips visit: https://www.audubon.org/native-plants
Allen’s hummingbird on Lemonade Berry
Anna’s hummingbird on Hummingbird Sage
Black-headed grosbeak on Western Redbud
White crowned sparrow on Ceanothus