I am worried. As you read this, California’s beloved Tricolored Blackbird is under threat. The California Fish and Game Commission in June denied an attempt to place this rare bird on the state Endangered Species List, and discontinued emergency protections. The bird has been without protection since. We know the Tricolored’s future depends on these types of protections – the emergency listing was critical in saving several colonies of nesting birds this past summer. Fortunately, we have two more chances to secure protection for our bird. Not only has the Commission agreed to reconsider the state listing petition, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has started the process to list the bird under the federal Endangered Species Act. Please send emails to the California Fish and Game Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today, demanding the Tricolored Blackbird receive California’s endangered species status and that it also be considered a candidate for federal protections. We’ve set it up to make sending these emails very easy – it will just take a moment. A statewide survey completed last year showed a 44 percent decline in Tricolored Blackbirds since 2011. The Tricolored Blackbird, which once numbered in the millions, lives almost entirely in California, and has long been of concern to Audubon California. The loss of 90 percent of its historic habitat is likely the main cause of its decline and it needs endangered species protection to ensure that this species is here for future Californian’s to enjoy. Send your emails today, expressing your support of a listing. Directions: 1) Click here to send the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service a letter 2) Once you submit your letter to the USFWS, you will be directed to our action alert for the California Endangered Species listing. Sincerely,
Michael Lynes P.S. Every voice counts, send your email today! (Photo by Larry Jordan) |
