Created in the 1930's as a requirement to hunt waterfowl, Federal Duck Stamps purchased by birders, hunters and conservationists for more than seven decades have contributed to the acquisition and restoration of over five million acres of wetland habitat. By law, the "receipts from the sale of stamps must be deposited in the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund." This equals almost ninety-eight cents out of every dollar going directly to the fund. The annual Federal Duck Stamp and Jr. Duck Stamp Contests are open to every citizen with an interest in contributing to the artwork of the stamp, and collectors consider these miniature pieces of art. And, possession of the most recent Federal Duck Stamp provides free admission into all National Wildlife Refuges. Learn more at the following links:

Recently published in Birding magazine by the American Birding Association was a thought provoking point/counterpoint article on birding and the internet. How we use listserves to report bird sightings and the positive and negative effects of instantaneous information on the birding community. Read this article by Paul Lehman to understand how we can make more positive contributions.

: : LINK  (PDF)

Fall Pelagic Trips

Pelagic birding off the California coast can be very rewarding for a number of west coast specialties including shearwaters, jaegers, albatross, murrelets and auklets. Los Angeles Audubon Society offers fall pelagic trips that depart from Santa Barbara Harbor and Ventura Harbor for birding around the Channel Islands and beyond. Check their 2008 Pelagic Birding schedule for upcoming dates and to reserve a spot.

: : LINK

eBird and Science

eBird is not just a warehouse of observational data, it's an online tool that allows you to record, retrieve and archive your data, all while making your efforts available to scientists. New features include a more comprehensive listing capability found on the "My eBird" page, which includes automated listing capabilities down to the county level. It's simple; you enter your observations into the database and eBird keeps all your lists for you. To learn more visit California eBird at the link below.

: : LINK

County Statistics:

Coordinates: 34.54, -120.03

Mainland: 2738 square miles

Water: 1,052 square miles

Highest peak: Big Pine Mountain (6828')

Vandenberg AFB: 98,000 acres

Channel Islands (4): 195 square miles

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary: 1,252 square miles

Los Padres National Forest: Includes San Rafael Wilderness (197,380 acres); Dick Smith Wilderness (64,700 acres)

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Tides

(map) Pt. Arguello

(map) Gaviota

(map) Santa Barbara

(map) Santa Cruz Is.

(map) San Miguel Is.