The State of The Birds Report and Other News

Have you been wondering where your Bird School Project updates have been? The answer is here!

From State of the Birds 2014

We have been working for the last 2 weeks in the high country wilderness of the Sierra Nevada mountains teaching new college students about the mountains and how to live in the woods and live with each other. It has been great! The teaching and the birding have both been phenomenal. We saw Clark's Nutcrackers (a distinct alpine bird in the summer), Northern Goshawks (COOL!), and a variety of other avian friends such as the Northern Flicker, the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, and the Pipit.

Unfortunately (or Fortunately), we have had no computer access for many days. However, we have a few days off before we head out and lead a second, and final, two-week session. So we have a bit of time to give you all an update!

From State of the Birds 2014

First of all, our fundraising efforts have continued at a steady pace and we are nearing our goal! We have raised $3,890! Thank you so much to everyone that contributed. We feel so supported by so many people and are excited to turn your generosity into positive and memorable experiences for the students we visit. If you can, please continue to spread the word to your friends. We'd appreciate it!

Next, some interesting (and at times grim) news just came out regarding birds and conservation in the US.  The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, along with pretty much every major stakeholding organization in bird conservation sponsored this 5th annual project entitled "The State of the Birds 2014." If you are interested in current statistics regarding birds, mortality, and conservation, please read it. It will give readers a greater understanding of the current status of birds and conservation efforts and will help to explain the importance of and reasoning behind our Bird School Project.

From State of the Birds 2014

As for our tour schedule, we have schools booked from Far North California (near the Lost Coast) down to the bay area. We have several schools that are interested all the way down to Carmel but still need to confirm dates with them. And we have a couple interested schools in southern California but are still in need of more schools in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. Please let us know if you have connections to schools or teachers in these areas!

That's all for now. We will be leaving again in a few days but will be back Sept. 25th with more words to share. Thanks for following us and for all your support. Keep spreading the word!

Love and Gratitude,
Kevin and Darrow

Thanks to The Bicycle Trip!

Several days ago, Kevin and I went down to "Bicycle Trip," an awesome bike shop down in Santa Cruz. After mentioning to the manager Aaron Jacobs about our project, he agreed to give us a HUGE discount on whatever we needed for the tour! As you can imagine, we were in dire need of cycling gear so we went for it and you can bet that we are extremely grateful for the Bicycle Trip's support! We got lights, helmets, shoes, pedals, tools, and other assorted bike parts. And now, for the most part, we are geared up for our ride!

The shop actually has quite the story and they are really involved with the Santa Cruz community. They are the oldest bike shop in Santa Cruz and have been around for over 40 years! Not only do they have the best selection of gear in town, but they also have an awesome staff. We have actually had a few friends work there (Matt Miller and Campbell Steers) and know the quality of the people that work there and their supreme bike knowledge. The "Trip" is connected with most if not all major environmental organizations in Santa Cruz and participate every year in the community-wide "Bike to Work Week." 

Checking out with all of our new gear!

On top of their shop-sponsored rides and bike clinics, they also have an incredibly inspiring program called Project Bike Trip. Through the project, young people get to learn about bike maintenance and repair and also learn about what cycling can do for their health, their community, and their environment. It is a popular program amongst schools and is something we certainly support!

If you are ever in need of biking gear, definitely check them out. You will definitely be happy with your experience!

Thanks a bunch Bicycle Trip!

Darrow