For Immediate UseContact: Garrison Frost, (510) 601-1866, Ext. 225
May11, 2009

In an on-going effort to protect one of California’s most unique bird species, Audubon California recently signed an agreement with property owners in Kern County to preserve a breeding colony of 5,000 to 10,000 rare Tricolored Blackbirds in a 30-acre wetland on private lands.

“More than 95 percent of the world’s Tricolored Blackbirds live in California, so we have a special responsibility to protect them,” said Graham Chisholm, executive director of Audubon California. “This shows what private landowners can do to help a declining species and make a big conservation impact.”

At the request of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Audubon California was able to enter into the agreement with two waterfowl hunting clubs, El Cinco and Los Alamos Farms, and facilitate funding to pump water to maintain flooded cattail habitat.

The property was originally restored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Wildlife Program and during the last four years the California Department of Fish and Game’s Landowner Incentive Program has provided funding for the flooding. Because state bond funds were recently frozen, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service stepped forward to provide funding for the project, and sought the help of Audubon California to make sure an agreement could be completed in time for the Tricolored Blackbird nesting period.

“Habitat loss often forces Tricolored Blackbirds to breed on agricultural lands which unfortunately puts them at risk” said Scott Frazer, Partners for Fish & Wildlife program biologist with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. “We are committed to working with private and public wetland managers to restore Tricolored Blackbirds.”

California is home to 95 percent of the world’s population of Tricolored Blackbirds, and they are listed as a state species of special concern. The birds commonly nest in silage fields, ditches and other areas around dairy farms in the San Joaquin Valley and in limited areas in southern California, which presents a risk when fields are ready for harvest and young birds cannot yet fly.

The private wetlands at El Cinco and Los Alamos farms are a significant regional location that has successfully produced young Tricolored Blackbirds for four consecutive years. This is unusual for Tricolored Blackbirds, a species known as a nomadic breeder, whose behavior is difficult to predict. 

“The El Cinco and Los Alamos Farms are pleased to help maintain wetlands during the nesting season to benefit Tricolored Blackbirds and other wetland species that are seeking cover and food in wetlands,” said Jack S. Thomson, President of Los Alamos Farms.

About Audubon California 
Audubon California is building a better future for California by bringing people together to appreciate, enjoy and protect our spectacular outdoor treasures. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 49 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of the National Audubon Society.