"The Effects of Climate Change on Birds" Presented by Dave Weeshoff

Attend in person at Hermosa Kiwanis Club 2515 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA. There will be no Zoom this month.

Dave Weeshoff’s passion for birds began in late 2004 shortly after his retirement from a 35-year long career with IBM. He read an article in the Los Angeles Times about an oil spill, and the team of responders who were rehabilitating oiled birds. “I knew nothing about birds,” Dave says with a laugh. But the article piqued his interest, and he took that first step of contacting International Bird Rescue.

Dave began volunteering for four hours a week at the International Bird Rescue, which is located in San Pedro. There, he assisted the veterinary staff in the care of sick and injured aquatic birds, as well as rehabilitation of birds involved in oil spills. Dave’s volunteer commitment and passion for wild birds grew. Before long, he was leading the new volunteer orientations and representing Bird Rescue at public events. Dave has served on the Board of Directors, and as Chair of the Board, Dave has helped shape International Bird Rescue into the organization it is today!

“After you’ve held a pelican, and felt its heartbeat, you can’t help but care about wild birds. And when you care about wild birds, you care about where and how they live.” This mindset has led Dave to a broader community engagement on climate change effecting birds, their habitat preservation, clean water, land use issues, ocean pollution, and other matters related to birds.

In addition to Dave’s work with the International Bird Rescue, Dave has been involved with other environmental and avian organizations. He joined the speaker’s bureau of Heal the Bay which focuses on improving the water quality off of the California Coast. Dave has represented avian issues, for the Marine Life Protection Act and helped design the marine protected areas off of the Southern California coast. Dave is Past-President of the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society and has served as their Conservation Chair, where he continues to address contemporary issues involving wild birds. He has also served on the Board for the Pasadena Audubon Society.

Dave’s retirement travels have taken him around the globe photographing birds, to such locations as the Arctic, Antarctica, Alaska, Greenland, New Zealand, the Galapagos, Patagonia and Madagascar, as well as other USA destinations. He uses his photography to inspire care and concern for wild creatures. “I want my photographs to answer the question, Why should I care? I want people to be inspired to take what actions they can to keep our world safer for these amazing animals.”

Dave is keenly aware of the National Audubon Society’s Climate Change Initiatives. The Audubon Society claims that 389 bird species are on the brink of extinction due to climate change. There are 45 birds in our area at high risk! They believe, if we take action now, we can help improve their chances of survival.

You won’t want to miss this important presentation on how we can help support birds in this crisis!

In person:
Hermosa Kiwanis Club
2515 Valley Dr · Hermosa Beach

There will be no Zoom this month.

For your information:

• there will be a raffle
• you can bring your birds (see below)
• there is no pot luck. Packaged snacks and beverages will be available

***

Birds welcome! Please come prepared to clean up after your pet. Be aware that there is an active outbreak of transmissible avian illness and make wise choices accordingly.
This would be a good opportunity to get any companion pet questions answered by leading experts including The Parrot Lady (TM) (note: unforeseen circumstances may prevent her attendance; others attending are quite knowledgable and we'll refer any challenging questions).

***

The first concern of SBBS is the health and safety of our flock, human and otherwise. In person meetings will continue when conditions are appropriate. We anticipate more online meetings as we can hosts presenters from anywhere in the world.

Please be aware that video and photographs may be taken at this event, posted online, and used in the promotion of future activities. Opinions expressed are not necessarily representative of SBBS or its board or members.