Birds and the Salton Sea An exploration of the importance of the Salton Sea and associated ecosystems to birds: a global and regional perspective Presented to: California Water Dialogue Sept. 16, 2003 Los Angeles Daniel S. Cooper, M.Sc. (University of California, Riverside) Director of Bird Conservation Audubon California Pasadena
Birds and the Salton Sea. An exploration of the importance of the Salton Sea and associated ecosystems to birds: a global and regional perspective Presented to: California Water Dialogue Sept. 16, 2003 Los Angeles Daniel S. Cooper, M.Sc. (University of California, Riverside) - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Birds and the Salton Sea
An exploration of the importance of the Salton Sea and associated ecosystems to birds: a
global and regional perspective
Presented to: California Water DialogueSept. 16, 2003Los Angeles
Daniel S. Cooper, M.Sc. (University of California, Riverside)
Director of Bird ConservationAudubon CaliforniaPasadena
Birds and the Salton Sea
Habitat diversity in the Lower Colorado River Valley (“LCR”) ecosystem
Rare vs. rare Defining the Salton Sea avifauna (=
birdlife) Outlook for Salton Sea avifauna, and
what Audubon is doing to help
Key bird habitats of the Salton Sea/LCR Valley (in no order)
Shallow, open water– Salton Sea, northern Gulf of California
Islands Freshwater/brackish marsh
– LCR and tribs.; seeps in large canals; unlined smaller canals Mudflat/Impoundment
– Mainly South End Salton Sea Mesquite Bosque
– Algodones Dunes, Lower Colorado River Valley Cottonwood/Willow Woodland
– Lower Colorado River Valley, Locally in Imperial Valley Agricultural fields
– Mainly Imperial and Mexicali Valleys; locally elsewhere
Rare vs. “rare”
Species formerly common in California, now declining or lost entirely– Generally due to habitat loss– e.g. Burrowing Owl, Mountain Plover
Species formerly absent or in low numbers; now present but still rare– Due to habitat alteration or climate/global change– e.g. Gull-billed Tern
Species never common in California, and only occurring as vagrants– Chased by bird-watchers; of low conservation concern
– Lower Colorado River continues to dry/degrade “Save” the Sea w/o retaining some agriculture
– No more Burrowing Owl, Sandhill Crane, curlews, etc. Audubon is pushing for maximum restoration of entire
LCR system, including the Salton Sea– Improvement to threatened ecosystems– Reflective of historic conditions– No “net loss” of birds– No increase of exotic vegetation
Thanks!
Audubon California is the state office of the National Audubon Society. Formally established in 1996, it has its own Board of Directors and staff; manages >10,000 acres of centers and lands throughout the state; and raises 100% of its operating funds.