GGAS Blog
Our Successful Bird Art Auction!
By Ilana DeBare Golden Gate Audubon Society held its first Online Bird Art Auction last month—and it was a smashing success. The auction generated sales of just over $20,000, about half of which went to the 22 participating artists. Generous fans of birds and art bought 176 items, ranging from notecards to paintings. Some
Photographing on the Median and at Home
By Gerry Traucht Editor’s Note: Gerry offers us glimpses of what he sees at home. This unique collection embodies the qualities of the beloved Japanese poetic form, Zuihitsu. Zuihitsu is genre of Japanese literature (since adapted by many Western writers) consisting of loosely connected personal essays and fragmented ideas that typically respond to the
A World Exposed: How a Pandemic Refocused my Birding
By Tara McIntire People often ask me how I’m able to spot birds to which I reply, “I don’t know. I just do.” That answer is the truth, but I’ve learned, as kindred birders can relate, that birding is a skill we develop. Once you know what to look for, your senses become ‘bird-tuned’
Virtual Advocacy Day: Behind the Scenes
By Marjorie Powell Two weeks ago, four Alameda residents participated in what was, for them, a first-time experience — talking to state legislators through a computer link. Members of Golden Gate Audubon Society joined more than 360 Audubon members statewide who logged into their computers to talk with their legislators. The calls happened either
From Film to Digital: The Learning Continues
By Carree M. In a previous blog, I discussed lessons I learned from a tree while backyard birding to hone my audio and visual bird identification skills. In that article was a selection of bird photos that drummed up interest and inquiries. As a follow up to that article I’m taking a moment to
Osprey Banding: Explained
By Teresa Ely My name is Teresa and I am the Banding Manager at Golden Gate Raptor Observatory (GGRO), a program of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. I started working with raptors 25 years ago by presenting raptors for public outreach programs, and I began banding raptors in 2008 as an intern for
Audubon California Advocacy Day Goes Virtual
By Maureen Lahiff Traditionally, California Advocacy Day has been an in-person event that takes place in Sacramento, California. In a good year, you’ll find a dozen or so GGAS members participating. The day’s activities vary and include briefings with Audubon California staff. Mike Lynes, who is the policy director for Audubon California, had previously
Reflecting on #BlackBirdersWeek
By Melissa Ramos Have you heard of #BlackBirdersWeek? This social media event took place last week and was a response to the racist treatment Black birder Christian Cooper encountered while birding in New York City. #BlackBirdersWeek inspired an avalanche of support for birders for color across the country. This online event highlighted, and made
Tex Buss: Bird Artist
Editor’s Note: Tex Buss is one of many talented artists whose work is featured in Golden Gate Audubon Society’s first-ever online bird art auction, which runs from May 17 through June 1, 2020. We hope you will support Tex, all of our artists, and GGAS by purchasing their beautiful work. By Ilana DeBare For
Clay Anderson: Bird Artist
Editor’s Note: Clay Anderson is one of many talented artists whose work is featured in Golden Gate Audubon Society’s first-ever online bird art auction, which runs from May 17 through June 1, 2020. We hope you will support Clay, all our artists, and GGAS by purchasing their beautiful work! By Ilana DeBare Golden
Daryl Goldman: Bird Artist
Editor’s Note: Daryl Goldman is one of many talented artists whose work is featured in Golden Gate Audubon Society’s first-ever online bird art auction, which runs from May 17 through June 1, 2020. We hope you will support Daryl, all of our artists, and GGAS by purchasing their beautiful work. By Ilana DeBare Daryl Goldman’s creation
Nancy Overton: Bird Artist
Editor’s Note: Nancy Overton is one of many talented artists whose work is featured in Golden Gate Audubon Society’s first-ever online bird art auction, which runs from May 17 through June 1, 2020. We hope you will support Nancy, all of our artists, and GGAS by purchasing their beautiful work. By Nancy Overton Though I