A NOTE FROM OUR TEAM

I'm not the “bird nerd” kind of nature nerd, but I am so excited about Project Phoenix. Wildfires are as fascinating as they are terrifying, and I’m eager to contribute to a project to learn more about how wildfires shape local landscapes and the animals that call these places home.

Wildfires transform wildlife habitat. I've witnessed the land on the south side of the Bobcat Wildfire recover in the months after flames subsided. I've seen chaparral burned to ashes, reborn years later to support new life – Anna's Hummingbirds fighting for territory over fields of buckwheat, White-tailed Kites soaring above on the hunt. I’ve watched Common Nighthawks swoop overhead at twilight, crisscrossing land eerily marked by ash in the shape of the Joshua trees that fell and burned there. 

This is what draws me to the sites of wildfires year after year: the dramatic, dynamic change of life in and from destruction. It's vibrancy, with the oranges and purples and greens of fire-followers, the fluorescence of scorpions, and Pallid bats soaring overhead.

However vibrant and resilient life is, climate change-fueled megafires present an immediate and urgent threat that impacts us all. Knowing where birds find refuge during wildfire smoke events can help us advocate for resources and protect habitat so they can continue to be a part of post-fire recovery.

Thank you for everything you do for Project Phoenix and Nature in L.A.!

Sam Tayag | Advisor & Strategist, Project Phoenix

FROM THE FIELD: After the Fire

Check out these beautiful photos taken by our very own Sam Tayag, Project Phoenix advisor and volunteer extraordinaire. Sam took these photos while exploring local lands impacted by wildfires.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: What is This?

Our Volunteer Spotlight is dedicated to celebrating all the wonderful volunteers who make Project Phoenix possible!

We’d love to share your story. Consider telling us more about your journey to Project Phoenix by filling out the form at the bottom of our volunteers page.

We encourage our volunteers to let us know why they’re excited about Project Phoenix, but we’re keen on learning more about you, too! Here are some questions to think about:

• When did you first become interested in birding?

• What is your favorite place to explore, or just be outside?

• Do you have a favorite bird (or more than one)?

• Tell us about a memorable birding experience.

• What are you hoping to learn from participating in Project Phoenix?

We’d also love to celebrate your nature photography, artwork, writing, and other creative endeavors. Feel free to send us examples of your art and photos of your birding adventures to projectphoenix.socal@gmail.com.

We hope to hear from you soon!

We love to hear from our volunteers! What motivated you to join Project Phoenix? Click here to share your story.

BIRD OF THE WEEK: Bewick’s Wren

by Caitlin O’Neil | Communications Lead, Project Phoenix

This small bird makes a big impression! With its long tail and striking white “eyebrows”, the Bewick’s Wren is a treat for any birder to spot. These little songbirds have a diverse repertoire of songs that are used to defend their territory and attract mates – raspy notes are used to “scold” intruders on their territory! Male Bewick’s Wrens build their unique song vocabulary in the first and second months of their life, adapting notes and syllables from their father’s signature song.

Bewick’s Wrens make their homes in brushes and scrubs in open woodlands, chaparral, and suburban plantings across the western United States. A monogamous breeding pair will build their nest on a ledge or in a cavity. The nest is usually constructed over a week or two. Plant fibers are used to construct the base, and spider egg casings, feathers, wool, and snakeskin are used to create a soft interior lining.

Bewick’s Wrens enjoy snacking on all life stages of insects, feasting on eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. They can be found hanging upside down on trees to grab their prey. Their diet in the winter expands to include fruits, seeds, and other plant matter, and adult wrens will sometimes consume mud or small pebbles, either for nutrients or to help digest their food.

FEATURED STORY: Help Protect Migratory Birds This Fall

by Caitlin O’Neil | Communications Lead, Project Phoenix

Fall migration has begun across the United States! Millions of birds are making the long journey south for the winter. This is an exciting time for birders – you might observe some unusual birds during your weekly surveys! (Check out our FAQs for more information on what to do if you observe a rare bird.) Here in California, we can observe migration along the Pacific Flyway. Fall migration is expected to peak here in September to early October. What will that look like?

Well, you won’t see the majority of migratory birds out during the day – about 80% of birds will take to the skies at night to complete their journey. Nocturnal migratory birds rely on the stars to help them find their way, but light pollution from cities can interfere with their navigational abilities. To help counter this, consider turning off unnecessary outdoor lights, replacing cool-toned lights with warmer ones, and installing shielded outdoor lighting.

Windows also present a major obstacle for both migratory and local birds. Hundreds of millions of birds die each year in window strikes. During the day, windows often reflect the sky or plants, making windows seem like inviting spaces to fly through. At night, lighted windows pose a hazard by disorienting birds. By taking small steps, such as moving indoor houseplants away from windows, applying decals or drawing patterns on the glass, turning off indoor lights when they are not needed, and drawing blinds or curtains after dark, we can all do our part to help prevent window collisions.

Interested in learning more about how to help birds during migration? Check out this op-ed in The Los Angeles Times, co-authored by Project Phoenix director Dr. Olivia Sanderfoot.

MEET OUR PARTNERS: UCLA Stunt Ranch Reserve & North East Trees

Bird Walk at the UCLA Stunt Ranch Reserve: Project Phoenix volunteers are invited behind the scenes to the UC Reserve in the Santa Monica Mountains! Come visit the Stunt Ranch Reserve and join Project Phoenix researchers for a bird walk or bird sit on Saturday, September 30th at 10 a.m. RSVP by emailing projectphoenix.socal@gmail.com.

Volunteer Action with North East Trees: In the L.A. area? Come out to Ascot Hills Park and join Project Phoenix partner North East Trees for their nursery’s monthly Volunteer Action on Saturday, October 7, 2023, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. No RSVP needed.

Would you like to plan an event with Project Phoenix? Are you interested in meeting with members of our team?

We’d love to get together. Connect with our team to share your idea!

Thank you to all our partners and supporting organizations!

Project Phoenix is grateful to our partners and all the supporting organizations who help our program soar. Visit our partners page to learn more about the incredible work of these non-profit organizations – from science to conservation to outdoor recreation, these orgs are dedicated to protecting our environment for people and the birds we love.