David Froba: Tri-color blackbirds need real protection, not just good intentions

Re “Dairy group touts plan for blackbirds” (Page, A1, June 16): The Bee reported the United Dairymen were successful in opposing the listing of the Tricolored Blackbird on the endangered species list. I agree with president Frank Mendonsa that, “Most dairy farmers, if given the right information, they want to do the right thing to protect these birds.” However, United Dairymen only represent 60 percent of dairies. It only takes one rouge farmer to harvest a field with nesting birds and potentially kill up to a quarter of the world’s population in one fell swoop.

That is precisely what has repeatedly happened in the recent past. This bird has one of the most restricted ranges of any in our nation, pretty much limited to the Central Valley. It is a bird of very local concern. Fortunately, it can be saved, partly because the birds nest in concentrated colonies and so only a few farmers each year are affected. But the Dairymen’s desire to do it “voluntarily” does not, and will not, work. Affected farmers are being paid to delay their harvest, as they should be. But sometimes a carrot is not enough and a stick is needed; in this case, the Endangered Species List.

This story was originally published June 22, 2015 at 12:07 PM with the headline "David Froba: Tri-color blackbirds need real protection, not just good intentions."