As state considers protecting blackbird, so will Audubon

Re “Valley dairy farmers can help tricolored blackbirds once again” (Page 3A, May 7): Stanislaus Audubon appreciates John Holland’s information about the payment program available for dairy farmers regarding this rapidly disappearing endemic species. We hope they will take s rapidly disappearing endemic species. We hope they will take advantage of these financial incentives. It is important to add that California Fish and Wildlife Department has proposed the tricolored blackbird as a candidate for listing as a state endangered species. The public can comment on this proposed listing to the CFWD until June 1.

Because of this blackbird’s status as a candidate, all existing nesting sites are currently protected by state law as if it were already listed as endangered. This means it is illegal to destroy fledglings and nests anywhere where breeding and feeding of these birds is active. Members of our Audubon chapter have identified several such sites in Stanislaus County during a recent survey. We will be closely monitoring the ongoing status of these breeding colonies during the summer.

This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 12:34 PM with the headline "As state considers protecting blackbird, so will Audubon."