Plans to install artificial turf on four soccer fields in Golden Gate Park are drawing criticism from birding groups. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the local Audubon Society and other concerned groups are protesting the plan that would turn seven acres of natural habitat into artificial space. The groups are requesting an analysis of the proposed artificial turf on bird species, citing the fact that Golden Gate Park is an important area for thousands of migrating and resident birds in a city with few large green spaces.

At the same time, however, local soccer organizations are urging the field conversion so more fields will be available for the popular sport. Artificial fields are safer for players and can be used more extensively, particularly since this plan also includes the light installation. Those lights, however, could be another problem for birds, which can be disoriented by lights in fog or poor weather conditions.

The city's Planning Department is currently considering the appeal for an environmental analysis and is expected to respond within a month. What do you think of the plan to install artificial turf? Share your opinions in the comments!

Artificial Turf
Photo © Karl Jonsson

At the Greencastle Golf Club in Donegal, Ireland, the game is truly for the birds. According to CNN, four months ago golfers began to report their balls being stolen by a bird, but the reports have become more frequent in recent weeks and the culprit has been identified as a northern raven. The bird has become bolder and will steal balls even with golfers approaching, and the bird's antics have affected competitive play.

Northern ravens, also known as common ravens, are intelligent birds with a habit of collecting different objects, including rocks or shiny trinkets. It is believed that in the case of golf balls, the bird may believe they are eggs and be hoping for an easy meal.

Golfers and course officials have been warned not to harass or try to catch the bird, as ravens are a protected species. For now, many of the golfers are considering the raven to be one of the more unusual challenges of this 18-hole course.

Northern Raven
Photo © Jim Bowen

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are planning several events to celebrate the state's annual Tundra Swan Day on Saturday, March 13. Viewing of the swans will be available at three bird and wildlife refuges in northern Utah, including the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, one of the most renowned birding areas in the country. Birding workshops, family activities and guided walks are also available at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.

During their annual migration, there may be as many as 35,000 tundra swans in Utah. True to their name, these birds nest on the Arctic tundra and winter in the Pacific Northwest and along the mid-Atlantic coast, but are rarely seen elsewhere.

For more information about these events, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

Tundra Swan
Photo © Greg Dahlman

The 2010 State of the Birds report has been released. This year's study of more than 800 bird species in the United States focused on the effects of climate change on bird populations, with alarming results. While it is acknowledged that climate change affected by human activities will impact every environment and bird habitat, birds in coastal and island areas will be the most vulnerable. Already endangered species, such as the golden-cheeked warbler, may prove too delicate to recover as the environment continues to change. The report also highlights species that may become of greater concern if conservation measures aren't initiated.

The report is a collaboration of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and multiple conservation organizations. It is hoped that these detailed annual reports can raise awareness of the critical issues facing wild birds and lead to stronger protection and conservation measures. The report even recommends certain approaches, such as land management and restoration techniques.

To read the entire report, visit StateoftheBirds.org.

Golden-Cheeked Warbler
Photo © Steve Maslowski/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service