Magpie Monitor ( http://www.magpiemonitor.org/ ) is currently trying to locate roosting sites for the Yellow-billed Magpie throughout its range. The effect of the West Nile Virus on the Yellow-bill populations is a concern for scientists. They need good data to help them assess the status of this endemic California bird. Please be their eyes and ears as you are out and about at dusk. They are focusing on roosts now and later will be asking for information on active nest sites.

February 17-20 - 9th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count - Join with thousand of others to find out how many birds are being seen in your area and across the continent this winter.  By participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, you help document where birds are, and track changes in their numbers compared to previous years, helping scientists paint a picture of the state of birds this winter.  For more information, or to get started, go to http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ .

Chico Cat Coalition - In the past, cats that have apparently been dumped in Bidwell Park have had serious negative effects on the Park’s birds.  California Quail, for example, were hit particularly hard.  The Chico Cat Coalition struggles to find homes for the ones that are adoptable (recently, 12 kittens and 20 cats), care for the unadoptables in their barn, and is constantly trying to raise funds for the vet bills and care.  The number of cats being dumped in the park hasn't diminished over the last 8 years (104 this year, 804 to date).  The city of Chico pays part of their expenses, but, while their costs continue to rise every year, the city's donation hasn't kept up with the increase.  There are a variety of ways people can help their efforts:  financial contributions, volunteering (cat care at the barn or foster-parenting), cat adoptions, or donations to PawPrints Thrift store (http://www.chicocatcoalition.org/PawPrints.pdf).

Audubon Collection For Sale - Kate Hajdu of Carlisle, MA is selling her Audubon collection from her library. There are 62 books, one unique; The Audubon Calendar from 1904, and 65 booklets of the National Audubon Society Nature Program.  Most of the books are in very good condition.  Some of them are brand new, some are used, but none of them is in poor condition.  If you are interested in any or all of them you may contact her by email ( hakanna@gmail.com ).