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Imperial County and Salton Sea important to bird species

Posted by: Maven on February 12, 2010 at 7:16 am

imperial birdsFrom the Imperial Valley Press:

“The Imperial Valley fills an important need for many bird species. And beginning Thursday, the 13th annual Salton Sea International Bird Festival began celebrating and embracing the role the Valley plays for many birds. The bird festival will go on until Sunday with tours, hands-on activities for children and seminars.

Farming activity, the Salton Sea and the water distribution and drainage system in the county create habitats for a variety of bird species.

In fact, the Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge has the greatest number of documented bird species in all of North America, Chris Schoneman, refuge manager at the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, said. There are 400 reported species that visit the Valley throughout the year. … “

Read more from the Imperial Valley Press by clicking here.

Burrowing owls were featured in the festival, according to this related Imperial Valley Press story:

“Since the Imperial Valley is home to about 70 percent of California’s burrowing owl population, it was one of the stars at the Salton Sea International Bird Festival on Thursday.

The burrowing owl, as its name suggests, lives in burrows it digs in the ground. Marie Barrett, of Barrett’s Biological Surveys in El Centro, said burrowing owls help the Valley’s ecosystem. She also said the owl’s looks make it an attractive creature to study.

“He’s the cutest critter,” she said. “He’s an integral part of the Imperial Valley environment. They eat insects and rodents, so they help clean up our environment for us.” … “

Read more from the Imperial Valley Press by clicking here.

February 12, 2010 · Filed Under Salton Sea

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