California Partnerships

California: A Biodiversity Hotspot

California is home to more species of plants and animals than any other state in the U.S.—and also one of the highest numbers of threatened and endangered species. This interactive StoryMap offers a “flyover” of California’s birds and biodiversity, showing how coasts, deserts, rivers, and working lands are all connected.

Use this StoryMap to explore why California is recognized globally as a biodiversity hotspot, learn what makes each region unique, and discover how birds can guide smarter conservation for people and wildlife alike. Whether you’re an educator, advocate, land manager, or curious birder, this is a tool to help you see the state through birds’ eyes and imagine what a more resilient future could look like.

Explore the StoryMap | Scroll down to launch the interactive StoryMap. For the best experience, view it in full-screen and navigate through each chapter to:

  • Follow a flyover tour of key bird habitats across California.
  • Learn how biodiversity, climate resilience, and community well-being are intertwined.
  • See where Audubon California and partners are focusing our efforts.
  • Find ideas for how you can take action in your community.
     
Audubon California Stories
Making Waves at California Ocean Day
June 02, 2026 — Audubon California joins ocean leaders in Sacramento, charting a hopeful course for the future of our coast.
Jodi Pinder, biologist and Working Lands Project Association with Audubon California, releases Tricolored Blackbird as part of Audubon California's movement study.
Tiny Tags, One Million Tricolored Blackbird Detections, and New Clues for Conservation
May 30, 2026 — New tracking technology is showing us where Tricolored Blackbirds go beyond the breeding season—and how we can better protect them.
Birds “Falling Out of the Sky,” Red Vinyl Seats, and 30 Years of Audubon California: A Conversation with Andrea Jones
May 21, 2026 — From MacGillivray’s Warblers at Tejon Ranch to a high-stakes Owens Lake meeting in Burbank, Andrea Jones reflects on Audubon California’s past—and what comes next