Glenn Olson, Executive Director of Audubon California will present an inspiring video on 100 Years of Audubon commemorating Audubon’s centennial anniversary last year.  Glenn also will share his vision of strengthening relationships with Audubon chapters, setting our strategic course, and the programs across the state that accomplish our triple mission of direct conservation, policy and advocacy, and education and outreach.  Glenn’s involvement with Audubon began in the Los Angeles Audubon chapter when he was a graduate student.  Since then he has shared his talents with Audubon in many different roles.   

Glenn is joined by Chapter Coordinator, Claudia Eyzaguirre who coordinates statewide grassroots campaigns and programs and helps maintain inter-chapter communication for the Audubon Chapters. She will talk about our exciting current statewide campaigns include Saving the Endangered Species Act, passing a Conservation Bond Initiative in November and restoring the Salton Sea.

April General Meeting, April 17, 2006, 6:30 p.m., Chico Creek Nature Center

Spring was celebrated and baby birds were the focus, at the April membership program featuring wildlife photographer Jeffrey Rich.  The meeting began with a little business, some announcements, and the ever-popular recent sightings of new and rare birds in the area.  Spring migration was apparent, as members reported on new birds in their yards that haven’t been seen for months - Western Kingbird, Bullock’s Oriole, Rufous Hummingbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher and Black-headed Grosbeak to name but a few.  Rare birds reported included a Grasshopper Sparrow at the CSUC farm, and a possible Vermilion Flycatcher made a quick visit to someone’s backyard.  Then it was time for our featured guest, wildlife photographer Jeffrey Rich.  From the first shot of hatching American Avocet eggs through the numerous slides of downy nestlings and of parent birds feeding and caring for their young, the evening was a true delight.  Over 40 members oohed and aahed, smiled and laughed out loud, enjoying the miracle of Mother Nature as we witnessed all types of birds going through the yearly ritual of regeneration.  Along with his great photos, Jeff, who is a school teacher as well, explained some of the differences in the development of baby birds.  Some baby birds, like the American Robin, are born helpless and naked in the nest and are considered “altricial”, relying on their parents for everything.   Other birds, like the American Avocet are “precocal” and can walk and even feed themselves within minutes of hatching.  Jeff is a passionate naturalist and he ended the evening with a multimedia presentation of some of his best wildlife photos from over twenty years in the field.  Clearly, everyone had a great time and even though the meeting went long, not a single person left early.