Once thriving in the East Bay, the Burrowing Owl has been forced to move inland and the consequences for many have been fatal. Conducting long-term research on these colonies, Shawn Smallwood and Doug Bell have observed the rate of mortality for Burrowing Owls living within the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area, as wind turbines within the area continue to contribute to avian bird deaths. During this presentation they will speak on their findings and the management efforts being conducted on East Bay Regional Park District lands, including volunteer-based habitat restoration programs.

Shawn Smallwood earned his Ph.D. in Ecology at the U.C. Davis and has studied wildlife impact from wind turbines for 20 years. Doug Bell serves as the Wildlife Program Manager for the East Bay Regional Park District and has engaged in long-term studies of Golden Eagles, Prairie Falcons and other raptors with an emphasis on assessing and lessening impacts from renewable energy development.

Burrowing Owl nest by Shawn Smallwood