This photo, taken on the Conservancy’s Betts tract, shows active use by the White-faced ibis. The darker of the two species seen in the photo here is the White-faced ibis, and it is one of the NBHCP’s “Covered Species.” Over the years, we have noticed that their use of the Conservancy’s preserves is highest when rice fields in the region have been de-watered in preparation for harvest. In keeping with the Conservancy’s mission of providing a sanctuary for displaced populations of Covered Species, this regime fits in nicely with the species’ needs and the Conservancy’s mission.
A very good sign
The photo that is shown with this post is of a Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), photographed in the Conservancy’s Central Basin Reserve Area. It has become a “friend” of Conservancy field crews since it is so gregarious. Conservancy crews always recognize it because, as you can barely see in the …