Nesting Snowy Plover Chicks were only one of areas where volunteers and professional biologists were helping with stewardship projects that revolve around birds. One day during a spring migration count over 3,000 Pacific loons were sited flying up the coast.

Dave Kisner, along with many other bird enthusiasts helped tally the spring migration information for Santa Barbara County. Information like this helps people who make management and conservation decisions.

As the science chair for Audubon Dave is currently helping with their project regarding nesting Brant cormorants. The Brant cormorants are located at an abandoned oil platform between Coal Oil Point and Ellwood pier. The platform is one of the dwindling Brant Cormorant nesting spot along the California Coast between San Francisco and San Diego.  The exception is the Channel Islands National Park, which provides nesting grounds for many birds including the Brant Cormorants.

Another happening of note this year was the Soras rail that bred at the Goleta Sanitation Plant. This is a rare occurrence in Santa Barbara County. Baby Black-necked stilts and Canada Geese have also found it to be a haven this spring.

Near the sanitation plant is the Goleta Slough. Great Blue Herons raise their young every spring in an inaccessible Eucalyptus Grove isolated by the Goleta Slough and private lands.

Nesting Great Blue Herons at Goleta Slough, May 13, 2005

Stories of Beatrix Potter’s Peter rabbit inside Mr. McGregor’s garden have been replaced by true stories of skunks raiding the snowy plover nests. Instead of make believe play I am growing in my awareness of the important role people play in helping to manage and conserve nature. Along with the renewal of life each spring comes our own renewal and each new springs revelations.