Thursday, September 16 — 7 p.m. via Zoom

Purple Martins have been in long-term decline in California due to factors such as habitat loss, competition with the European Starling, disturbance from construction projects,  and declines in their insect food supply due to  neonicotinoid insecticide use. Dan Airola has been studying and working for over two decades to conserve the last Central Valley population of Purple Martins, which nest in elevated freeways and overpasses in Sacramento.  This program will present his study results and describe conservation measures that have been implemented and are needed to protect this species and help it recover.

About the Speaker

Dan Airola is a wildlife biologist and ornithologist who has worked for over 40 years on bird conservation issues in Northern California.  His recent research addresses status, ecology, migration, and conservation of at-risk species including the Tricolored Blackbird, Swainson’s Hawk, Yellow-billed Magpie, fire-adapted forest species, and migrant songbirds.  Dan also serves the Central Valley Bird Club as a Director, Conservation Chair, and editor of the journal Central Valley Birds.