[cobirds] Invitation to "Tropical Rain Forest and Protected Areas in Ecuador" meeting via Zoom, December 14, 6 pm

['Irene Fortune]

Foothills Audubon Club invites you to join us on Tuesday, December 14 at 6 pm, 
to hear professional bird and nature Guide Edwin Perez talk about conservation 
successes and remaining challenges in his country of Ecuador.   We'll learn 
about the national parks and protected areas and enjoy pictures of seldom-seen 
and newly discovered birds.  Even if you've already traveled extensively in 
Ecuador, there is certain to be new material here.

Edwin Perez grew up on a farm in the temperate forest that used to cover much 
of the western slope of the Andes but is steadily disappearing.  He began 
guiding professionally over 15 years ago.  He has taken the time to study 
extensively to understand the birds, plants, animals and regional people to 
explain this to his clients and also because he cares deeply about his country.

Here is the link:  
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87388375620?pwd=Sis1dTJkcFRGSEVsdDA4eXVPOG1iZz09
with Passcode, if needed: 471336

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Re: [cobirds] Extensive power expansion, anybody watching for impacts on birds

[Charles Hundertmark]

In SeEtta’s email that triggered this thread, she asked if any other birding 
group is monitoring Xcel’s Colorado Power Pathway. This to my mind is a very 
important question.It also raises two other pressing issues. First, while 
transition to renewal energy sources is an important step toward slowing global 
warming, the transition will not be without environmental costs. That is why Al 
Gore was so insightful when he called climate change “An Inconvenient Truth.” 

Second, while SeEtta plans to monitor impacts of portions of the pathway that 
fall in the territory of Aiken Audubon, this project covers an extensive 
territory, some of which may be in the territory of other bird clubs and some 
of which may be outside the reach of any Colorado bird club. There is currently 
no statewide Colorado bird conservation advocacy group comparable to 
Massachusetts Audubon that looks at statewide bird conservation issues.

This touches on a question that the Conservation Committee of Colorado Field 
Ornithologist (CFO) is looking at under its just formulated Conservation Plan. 
Is there a need for and interest in a statewide birding organization to 
coordinate the conservation efforts of local bird clubs or to offer advocacy on 
statewide issues affecting survival of bird populations? 

CFO is in the early stages of exploring what its role should be in bird 
conservation. Among other things, we are exploring whether there is an interest 
in such a statewide bird conservation coordinating forum. 

If you have responsibility for one of the Colorado Audubon chapters or other 
bird clubs and believe there is a need for statewide coordination on bird 
conservation issues, please send me a private email.

If you would like to help the CFO Conservation Committee as we define our niche 
in the Colorado bird conservation ecosystem, please send me a private email.

Chuck Hundertmark, Chair
Conservation Committee
Colorado Field Ornithologists
chundertma...@gmail.com

> On Dec 10, 2021, at 6:43 AM, Van Rudd  wrote:
> 
> Well said Rick. 
> If we want to get off fossil fuels this is exactly the kind of project we 
> need. We should make sure Xcel does this with as little impact as possible to 
> sensitive prairie lands, but we definitely should not try and have it 
> stopped. The impact of not doing this project will have a much worse impact 
> on the birds we all love. 
> Van Rudd
> Louisville, CO
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Dec 9, 2021, at 16:40, SeEttaM  wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Wow, I had to reread what I wrote but I cannot fathom how it was 
>> misconstrued to include recommended that "...we harass the process of 
>> bringing in a greater supply of electricity" and effectively costing 
>> taxpayers more money!  Really, this is I what I asked, "..I hope many will 
>> take a look and intervene as needed to try to protect the birds we still 
>> have. "
>> 
>> 
>> While I don't know what to think about that I do disagree with Mr. Reeser's 
>> statement, "Birds are more adaptable than some people give them credit for." 
>>  I'm not sure how many Colorado birders are aware of the very real of 
>> extinction of Lesser Prairie Chickens from southeast Colorado which has been 
>> identified as in part due to gas and oil activity: "The lesser 
>> prairie-chicken population, which once numbered in the hundreds of 
>> thousands, has dwindled across its historical range by an estimated 90%, 
>> “due largely to habitat loss and fragmentation,” USFWS said, with oil and 
>> gas activity contributing to the decline".  
>> Some of the issues with gas and oil activity that have caused the decline of 
>> these Lesser Prairie Chickens are similar to what expansion of electric 
>> utility lines would bring.  I don't consider the risk of expiration of this 
>> species to be a "small price to pay." 
>> 
>> I certainly hope that more level headed consideration be given to this 
>> issue.  I am a strong supporter of accountability and that I believe that 
>> utilizing companies need to be held accountable for their actions that might 
>> cause serious damage to vital bird habitat. And that will only happen when 
>> those of us who are serious about bird conservation intervene (fyi, before I 
>> get misconstrued again that does not imply that this project has to be 
>> stopped or that the company should be harassed.)
>> 
>> Just an addition piece of info, other interests such as the cultural 
>> advocates are intervening to avoid this project being harmful to their 
>> interests in Eastern Colorado.  
>> 
>> SeEtta Moss
>> Canon City 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Thu, Dec 9, 2021, 9:09 AM Rick Reeser > > wrote:
>> Cobirders: In response to the post about Xcel expanding their power network, 
>> I have several responses:
>> 
>> 1.   You can’t have your cake and eat it, too. You can’t be a consumer 
>> of significantly more electricity (in contrast to using fossil fuels for 
>> cars, furnace, etc.) without supporting the 

Re: [cobirds] Extensive power expansion, anybody watching for impacts on birds

[Cinnamon Bergeron]

Good morning to everyone,

I have read through all the emails in this chain and would like to point
out a few things that many of you may not want to hear.  Please know that I
am only wanting the best for the birds.

The XCEL electricity is still created by fossil fuels
,
or some type of energy that is bad for the birds.  Where do you think the
electricity comes from?  It comes from a grid that is supplied by burning
fossil fuels. Electricity is clean, but it is produced by burning coal, gas
and oil mostly.

Wind turbines are killing hundreds of thousands of birds every year
,
especially raptors because the wind turbines are placed in areas where the
wind currents are the strongest.  Well, those same wind patterns are where
the birds fly.  Plus, the wind turbines all come from China and only last
about 20-30 years and then create huge graveyards full of this material
that does not decompose.  It is terrible for the environment.

Electric cars are not necessarily good for the environment.

The electric batteries for electric vehicles are still hooking up to the
grid that is supplied by burning fossil fuels.  The batteries for the
electric cars are sometimes catching on fire.  One of my best friends is an
engineer and has been working for many years for a company that is
developing these electric batteries.  The batteries have to be stored and
shipped in refrigerated trucks because if not they will catch fire. He says
there is no way he would drive one of these vehicles. Not now, for sure.
There is also no way to destroy these batteries and they also become an
environmental hazard.

There are more things I can list, but I don't want to be too much of a
downer.

I know we all want to do what is best for the environment, and especially
for the birds.

I have watched many documentaries on both sides of the argument.  One that
was especially informative was created by Michael Moore, who has been an
environmentalist for 30+ years.  He went out to prove solar and wind energy
was the way to go and was rudely awakened at the science and research.  His
documentary is called "Planet of the Humans." 
You can watch it on Youtube and other places online.

It is important to be informed and know the pro's and con's of the
different types of energy.

I hope I did not ruffle too many feathers,

Cinnamon Bergeron
Colorado Springs


On Wed, Dec 8, 2021 at 11:00 AM SeEttaM  wrote:

> I just found mapping by Excel of their 'Colorado Power Pathway' of new
> substations and  giant transmission lines that are proposed to cut through
> eastern Colorado including in or near some very important bird habitat
> including Chico Basin. Are any conservation groups or birding groups that
> concern themselves with protecting vital bird habitat monitoring this?  As
> the conservation chair for Arkansas  Valley Audubon Society I am now going
> to try to send comments on their incursions into areas that we service buy
> there is a lot of Eastern Colorado that will is north of our area that will
> be impacted by that this major expansion by Excel. Given all the negative
> impacts on the birds we all love to watch I hope many will take a look and
> intervene as needed to try to protect the birds we still have.   Here is
> the maps and basic info I have found:
> https://www.coloradospowerpathway.com/project-description/
>
> SeEtta Moss
> Canon City
>
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Re: [cobirds] Re: Extensive power expansion, anybody watching for impacts on birds

[Van Rudd]

Well said Rick. 
If we want to get off fossil fuels this is exactly the kind of project we need. 
We should make sure Xcel does this with as little impact as possible to 
sensitive prairie lands, but we definitely should not try and have it stopped. 
The impact of not doing this project will have a much worse impact on the birds 
we all love. 
Van Rudd
Louisville, CO

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 9, 2021, at 16:40, SeEttaM  wrote:
> 
> 
> Wow, I had to reread what I wrote but I cannot fathom how it was misconstrued 
> to include recommended that "...we harass the process of bringing in a 
> greater supply of electricity" and effectively costing taxpayers more 
> money!  Really, this is I what I asked, "..I hope many will take a look and 
> intervene as needed to try to protect the birds we still have. "
> 
> 
> While I don't know what to think about that I do disagree with Mr. Reeser's 
> statement, "Birds are more adaptable than some people give them credit for."  
> I'm not sure how many Colorado birders are aware of the very real of 
> extinction of Lesser Prairie Chickens from southeast Colorado which has been 
> identified as in part due to gas and oil activity: "The lesser 
> prairie-chicken population, which once numbered in the hundreds of thousands, 
> has dwindled across its historical range by an estimated 90%, “due largely to 
> habitat loss and fragmentation,” USFWS said, with oil and gas activity 
> contributing to the decline".  
> Some of the issues with gas and oil activity that have caused the decline of 
> these Lesser Prairie Chickens are similar to what expansion of electric 
> utility lines would bring.  I don't consider the risk of expiration of this 
> species to be a "small price to pay." 
> 
> I certainly hope that more level headed consideration be given to this issue. 
>  I am a strong supporter of accountability and that I believe that utilizing 
> companies need to be held accountable for their actions that might cause 
> serious damage to vital bird habitat. And that will only happen when those of 
> us who are serious about bird conservation intervene (fyi, before I get 
> misconstrued again that does not imply that this project has to be stopped or 
> that the company should be harassed.)
> 
> Just an addition piece of info, other interests such as the cultural 
> advocates are intervening to avoid this project being harmful to their 
> interests in Eastern Colorado.  
> 
> SeEtta Moss
> Canon City 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Thu, Dec 9, 2021, 9:09 AM Rick Reeser  wrote:
>> Cobirders: In response to the post about Xcel expanding their power network, 
>> I have several responses:
>> 
>> 1.   You can’t have your cake and eat it, too. You can’t be a consumer 
>> of significantly more electricity (in contrast to using fossil fuels for 
>> cars, furnace, etc.) without supporting the electrical supply chain. The 
>> electrical supply chain comes with some sacrifices, just like oil drilling 
>> comes with some negatives.
>> 
>> 2.If we harass the process of bringing in a greater supply of 
>> electricity, it comes with adding a significant cost to the end product.  
>> Remember, Xcel has to pass onto us the economic costs of this $2 billion 
>> project. Do we want it more than that?
>> 
>> 3.   Birds are far more adaptable than some people give them credit for. 
>>  It’s like when I fill my feeders. The birds leave for a short time, but 
>> they will be back where food can be found. Yes, construction is a short-term 
>> annoyance, but the long-term benefit makes it worth it. And, the actual loss 
>> of habitat is likely to be quite small.
>> 
>> 4.   The addition of more power lines in remote areas that are not known 
>> for their tourism potential seems like a small sacrifice to pay for getting 
>> the electricity we need.  California has had numerous fires and power 
>> outages due to demanding too high of electrical consumption before having 
>> the infrastructure to support it. Some of their fires were started by aging 
>> electrical systems and their power outages- that were almost daily when I 
>> was there this past year- were quite disruptive. We need the electrical 
>> infrastructure to move forward to prevent these types of things from 
>> happening.
>> 
>> 5.   Will these power stations and lines actually kill lots of birds or 
>> make them move permanently far away.  I doubt it. Our cars kill lots of 
>> birds, but we don’t propose eliminating cars because of that- we drive with 
>> greater caution instead.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> We need to work with Xcel on this project to minimize the harm to the 
>> habitat, not work against them. Offering to work with someone is far more 
>> effective than working against them.
>> 
>> Rick Reeser
>> 
>> Milliken
>> 
>> 
>>> On Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 11:00:55 AM UTC-7 SeEtta wrote:
>>> I just found mapping by Excel of their 'Colorado Power Pathway' of new 
>>> substations and  giant transmission lines that 

Re: [cobirds] Re: Extensive power expansion, anybody watching for impacts on birds

[Michael T]

I think that the best way to serve the wildlife in our state is to not turn 
on each other and develop a respectful dialogue in order to better 
communicate with the utility about your concerns. 

I have spent many  years drafting conservation correspondence in regards to 
many such undertakings in our region and have found articulation of facts 
to be far more powerful than commentary fueled by raw emotion. Passion 
needs to be harnessed in a productive manner. Take the science and use it 
to your advantage.

Birds need our stewardship and sometimes added protections. Birds are very 
adaptive, but sometimes this requires time. We also need quality energy 
infrastructure to supply our burgeoning population in CO. The best way to 
achieve this through extensive monitoring of populations, effective 
regulations, wise development and a cooperative mindset.

Generally, the utilities are required to perform Environmental Impact 
Statements for new projects and that is where concerned entities and 
citizens have their opportunity to give their input.

That's my two cents.

Michael Tincher
Rehabilitation and Research Coordinator
Rocky Mountain Raptor Program
Fort Collins, CO

On Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 5:22:09 PM UTC-7 u5b2...@gmail.com wrote:

> As a member of The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, plus a volunteer for 
> them at their Barr Lake State Park banding station, I have just one thing 
> to say:
>
> BIRDS ARE *NOT* MORE ADAPTABLE THAN SOME PEOPLE GIVE THEM CREDIT FOR. 
>
> Billions of birds have been lost because they are NOT adapting.
>
> Susan Rosine
> Brighton, Adams County
>
> On Thu, Dec 9, 2021, 4:40 PM SeEttaM  wrote:
>
>> Wow, I had to reread what I wrote but I cannot fathom how it was 
>> misconstrued to include recommended that "...we harass the process of 
>> bringing in a greater supply of electricity" and effectively costing 
>> taxpayers more money!  Really, this is I what I asked, "..I hope many 
>> will take a look and intervene as needed to try to protect the birds we 
>> still have. "
>>
>>
>> While I don't know what to think about that I do disagree with Mr. 
>> Reeser's statement, "Birds are more adaptable than some people give them 
>> credit for."  I'm not sure how many Colorado birders are aware of the very 
>> real of extinction of Lesser Prairie Chickens from southeast Colorado which 
>> has been identified as in part due to gas and oil activity: "The lesser 
>> prairie-chicken population, which once numbered in the hundreds of 
>> thousands, has dwindled across its historical range by an estimated 90%, 
>> “due largely to habitat loss and fragmentation,” USFWS said, with oil and 
>> gas activity contributing to the decline".  
>> Some of the issues with gas and oil activity that have caused the decline 
>> of these Lesser Prairie Chickens are similar to what expansion of electric 
>> utility lines would bring.  I don't consider the risk of expiration of this 
>> species to be a "small price to pay." 
>>
>> I certainly hope that more level headed consideration be given to this 
>> issue.  I am a strong supporter of accountability and that I believe that 
>> utilizing companies need to be held accountable for their actions that 
>> might cause serious damage to vital bird habitat. And that will only happen 
>> when those of us who are serious about bird conservation intervene (fyi, 
>> before I get misconstrued again that does not imply that this project has 
>> to be stopped or that the company should be harassed.)
>>
>> Just an addition piece of info, other interests such as the cultural 
>> advocates are intervening to avoid this project being harmful to their 
>> interests in Eastern Colorado.  
>>
>> SeEtta Moss
>> Canon City 
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Dec 9, 2021, 9:09 AM Rick Reeser  wrote:
>>
>>> Cobirders: In response to the post about Xcel expanding their power 
>>> network, I have several responses:
>>>
>>> 1.   You can’t have your cake and eat it, too. You can’t be a 
>>> consumer of significantly more electricity (in contrast to using fossil 
>>> fuels for cars, furnace, etc.) without supporting the electrical supply 
>>> chain. The electrical supply chain comes with some sacrifices, just like 
>>> oil drilling comes with some negatives.
>>>
>>> 2.If we harass the process of bringing in a greater supply of 
>>> electricity, it comes with adding a significant cost to the end product.  
>>> Remember, Xcel has to pass onto us the economic costs of this $2 billion 
>>> project. Do we want it more than that?
>>>
>>> 3.   Birds are far more adaptable than some people give them credit 
>>> for.  It’s like when I fill my feeders. The birds leave for a short time, 
>>> but they will be back where food can be found. Yes, construction is a 
>>> short-term annoyance, but the long-term benefit makes it worth it. And, the 
>>> actual loss of habitat is likely to be quite small.
>>>
>>> 4.   The addition of more power lines in remote areas that are not 

Re: [cobirds] Re: Extensive power expansion, anybody watching for impacts on birds

['The Nunn Guy' via Colorado Birds]

Hi all

I'll just add most of what we have lost in terms of bird populations are 
anthropogenic (human) in nature primarily habitat loss and degradation. 
Refresher stories about 3 billion birds lost:

   - https://abcbirds.org/3-billion-birds/
   - 
   
https://abcbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Bird-Decline-paper_Science-formatted_final.pdf
   - https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/bring-birds-back/
   - 
   
https://www.audubon.org/news/north-america-has-lost-more-1-4-birds-last-50-years-new-study-says
   
Thanks, Gary Lefko, Nunn
http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/birds-and-more-of-the-pawnee-national-grassland

On Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 5:22:09 PM UTC-7 u5b2...@gmail.com wrote:

> As a member of The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, plus a volunteer for 
> them at their Barr Lake State Park banding station, I have just one thing 
> to say:
>
> BIRDS ARE *NOT* MORE ADAPTABLE THAN SOME PEOPLE GIVE THEM CREDIT FOR. 
>
> Billions of birds have been lost because they are NOT adapting.
>
> Susan Rosine
> Brighton, Adams County
>
> On Thu, Dec 9, 2021, 4:40 PM SeEttaM  wrote:
>
>> Wow, I had to reread what I wrote but I cannot fathom how it was 
>> misconstrued to include recommended that "...we harass the process of 
>> bringing in a greater supply of electricity" and effectively costing 
>> taxpayers more money!  Really, this is I what I asked, "..I hope many 
>> will take a look and intervene as needed to try to protect the birds we 
>> still have. "
>>
>>
>> While I don't know what to think about that I do disagree with Mr. 
>> Reeser's statement, "Birds are more adaptable than some people give them 
>> credit for."  I'm not sure how many Colorado birders are aware of the very 
>> real of extinction of Lesser Prairie Chickens from southeast Colorado which 
>> has been identified as in part due to gas and oil activity: "The lesser 
>> prairie-chicken population, which once numbered in the hundreds of 
>> thousands, has dwindled across its historical range by an estimated 90%, 
>> “due largely to habitat loss and fragmentation,” USFWS said, with oil and 
>> gas activity contributing to the decline".  
>> Some of the issues with gas and oil activity that have caused the decline 
>> of these Lesser Prairie Chickens are similar to what expansion of electric 
>> utility lines would bring.  I don't consider the risk of expiration of this 
>> species to be a "small price to pay." 
>>
>> I certainly hope that more level headed consideration be given to this 
>> issue.  I am a strong supporter of accountability and that I believe that 
>> utilizing companies need to be held accountable for their actions that 
>> might cause serious damage to vital bird habitat. And that will only happen 
>> when those of us who are serious about bird conservation intervene (fyi, 
>> before I get misconstrued again that does not imply that this project has 
>> to be stopped or that the company should be harassed.)
>>
>> Just an addition piece of info, other interests such as the cultural 
>> advocates are intervening to avoid this project being harmful to their 
>> interests in Eastern Colorado.  
>>
>> SeEtta Moss
>> Canon City 
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Dec 9, 2021, 9:09 AM Rick Reeser  wrote:
>>
>>> Cobirders: In response to the post about Xcel expanding their power 
>>> network, I have several responses:
>>>
>>> 1.   You can’t have your cake and eat it, too. You can’t be a 
>>> consumer of significantly more electricity (in contrast to using fossil 
>>> fuels for cars, furnace, etc.) without supporting the electrical supply 
>>> chain. The electrical supply chain comes with some sacrifices, just like 
>>> oil drilling comes with some negatives.
>>>
>>> 2.If we harass the process of bringing in a greater supply of 
>>> electricity, it comes with adding a significant cost to the end product.  
>>> Remember, Xcel has to pass onto us the economic costs of this $2 billion 
>>> project. Do we want it more than that?
>>>
>>> 3.   Birds are far more adaptable than some people give them credit 
>>> for.  It’s like when I fill my feeders. The birds leave for a short time, 
>>> but they will be back where food can be found. Yes, construction is a 
>>> short-term annoyance, but the long-term benefit makes it worth it. And, the 
>>> actual loss of habitat is likely to be quite small.
>>>
>>> 4.   The addition of more power lines in remote areas that are not 
>>> known for their tourism potential seems like a small sacrifice to pay for 
>>> getting the electricity we need.  California has had numerous fires and 
>>> power outages due to demanding too high of electrical consumption before 
>>> having the infrastructure to support it. Some of their fires were started 
>>> by aging electrical systems and their power outages- that were almost daily 
>>> when I was there this past year- were quite disruptive. We need the 
>>> electrical infrastructure to move forward