We have been trying to keep you appraised of the Acorn Woodpecker situation at Rossmoor. Many of our readers have been inquiring. We really can make a difference. We already have "gotten the attention" of Fish and Wildlife, Ellen Tauscher and others.
PLEASE HELP.
After many meetings and discussions one of the Rossmoor Mutuals has decided to kill up to 50 of these birds. The other Mutual has agreed to wait 60 days but refuses to implement all the solutions to deter the woodpeckers.
Wild birds Unlimited is part of a task force that has been trying to work with 2 Rossmoor Homeowner Associations (called Mutuals) to stop them from killing 50 Acorn Woodpeckers.
Background
Acorn Woodpeckers have been drilling holes in the buildings to store acorns. The construction of parts of the building is of poor quality (basically Styrofoam-like with a thin veneer of stucco). Rossmoor has been fighting this problem for a number of years. If they had contacted any of the below, they would have learned that almost all of the deterrents tried would not work. They did try netting which worked. However, they then cut hole in the netting for windows and stapled it to the buildings which defeated the entire process.
To our knowledge they never contacted WBU (the largest bird feeding/watching store in the US), Mt. Diablo Audubon Society, California Audubon Society, Gary Bogue, Native Bird Connections (local avian experts), Cornell Institute of Ornithology, or Erik Walters (one of the 2 foremost Acorn Woodpecker experts in the US - he is in the Carmel area).
Permits to Kill
They applied for a permit to kill 50 woodpeckers to stop the woodpeckers from pecking holes. This is the second permit they have obtained. Previously, they obtained a permit to kill 15 woodpeckers which they did kill.
Scientific Proof
This current permit is based on "false science", according to Eric Walters. As part of the justification for the permit to kill, they estimate there are 500 Acorn Woodpeckers in a 5 acre area. Walter says this 500 number "is over 30 times higher than the highest density ever recorded". "This is not biologically feasible. Lethally removing woodpeckers from the areas in question has no biological merit." Some of his other comments include: "in our experimental work, some breeders were replaced within 20 minutes"; "They spend a majority of their time searching for reproductive vacancies. Some birds will fly over 3 miles in search of vacancies." All shooting does is encourage other woodpeckers to fill the vacancy and possibly breed.
Scientific Recommendations
Walters: "My recommendation is that the shooting be stopped, that the structures be retrofitted with new materials that do not attract woodpeckers (or do not facilitate granary hole construction), that netting be used in the interim to keep woodpeckers off of the structures...". He also recommends further study of the woodpeckers to determine territories, the feasibility of erecting artificial granaries to store acorns, and most importantly thane of these recommendations be implemented in isolation. All of these must be done at the same time to be effective.
What can we do? It is vital that we act quickly to stop this totally unnecessary and ineffective killing.
If it is the Acorn Woodpeckers this year, what will it be next year?
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE - PLEASE HELP
PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING AND ASK THAT THE PERMIT M 164975-1 (KILLING ACORN WOODPECKERS) BE REVOKED:
*Representative Ellen Tauscher 2121 North California, Suite 555, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.(925) 932-8899. Fax is (925) 932-8159. Congresswoman Tauscher's office called and requested that you input your comments to http://www.tauscher.house.gov/ click on "Contact Me" in the upper right portion of the page(Mr. Ridley is her field representative). Her office has already been very helpful.
*Marie Strassberger at Fish and Wildlife. Email her at Marie_strassburger@fws.gov
*Vanessa Loverti Fish and Wildlife email Vanessa at vanessa_loverti@fws.gov
Sign the petition on the Audubon California website by clicking on this link.
Call Dan Krum, US Fish and Wildlife (916) 414-6660
Call Walnut Creek Police Dept. at (925) 943-5844. Ask how shooting can occur within city limits. (We are told they use a rifle with a silencer)
Contact Senator Diane Feinstein at (415) 393-0707 or email here
Bill Friesen, Building Maintenance Manager, Mutual Operations Division, 800 Rockview Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94595; BFriesen@rossmoor.com.
Paul Donner, Director of Mutual Operations, 800 Rockview Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94595.
The Acorn Woodpeckers thank you for your help.
Mike's Ramblings
I find this situation with the Acorn Woodpeckers absolutely disgusting. Some people only seem to enjoy nature when it doesn't get in their way or cost them some money. We don't truly own the land and nature. We are only the custodians of them for our children and theirs. We are supposed to responsible for happens in our world and to protect it. Some people seem to think we are only to be responsible when it is convenient and cheap. Cecil and I really appreciate any help you can provide in our efforts to revoke this permit.
Thanks,
Mike
Wild Birds Unlimited of Pleasant Hill
692 Contra Costa Blvd. Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Phone: (925) 798-0303 • Outside Area: (877) 700-1891 • Fax: (925) 798-9835
mailto:798-9835info@wbupleasanthill.com
This email was sent to: bloubird@gmail.com
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