Now in its 115th year, Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is an international effort spanning 15 countries. Before the count was begun, sportsmen across the country participated in a holiday tradition called the Christmas “side hunt” – a competition to bring in the most birds and mammals in a single day of hunting.

The State Water Board announced today that statewide residential water use declined 28.9 percent in May compared with May 2013. This is up significantly from the 13.6 percent water savings in April compared with April 2013. All parts of the state showed improvements compared to April, with the Sacramento Valley region showing the largest improvement at 38.6 percent. Although these numbers are all very positive and show a commitment to meet the Governor’s requirements for urban conservation, the challenge will be forthcoming this summer as temperatures reach 100 degrees and the temptation increases to ramp up sprinklers for landscaping.

On June 24, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) released its 2015 waterfowl Breeding Population Survey Report, which indicates that the total number of breeding ducks has declined.  The most numerous duck species in California, mallards, declined 27 percent from 2014.  Overall, the total number of breeding ducks is estimated to be 315,580, … Continue reading “Drought Impacting Waterfowl Breeding Populations in California”

Every year in water is different. In this fourth consecutive dry and warm year, the spotlight is on the dynamics surrounding the Sacramento River Temperature Plan, which has emerged as a major challenge for water resources, fishery and refuge managers. The effects of implementing the plan are being felt directly along the Sacramento River, as well as indirectly in other parts of the Sacramento Valley and entire state.