California’s at-risk birds will benefit from a new interactive Web site that allows the public, birders and biologists to exchange avian information.

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and PRBO Conservation Science – previously known as the Point Reyes Bird Observatory – recently launched the Bird Species of Special Concern Web site to allow the public to quickly access current information on at-risk birds and learn about the projected effects of climate change on these species.

Registered users are encouraged to share their scientific information on these species, nominate new birds for consideration and upload pertinent materials.

“In times of rapid environmental change, keeping track of bird species at risk is more important than ever,” said DFG Staff Environmental Scientist Lyann Comrack. “By allowing public access and input, this website will broaden our knowledge base and help us better serve the conservation needs of California's at-risk birds.”

The Web site is a result of a major collaborative project between DFG, PRBO and the Western Field Ornithologists.

In 2008 this group completed a comprehensive report entitled California Bird Species of Special

Concern: A Ranked Assessment of Species, Subspecies, and Distinct Populations of Birds of Immediate Conservation Concern in California.

The book provides a detailed analysis of the status of California’s at-risk birds using the latest data to describe current populations, ranges and threats with recommendations to reverse negative trends.

The Web site provides detailed information on 63 at-risk bird species, a list of which is available for download.

Other important features found on the Web site include access to other bird data sets and a map-based

tool allowing users to view species presence by month, boundaries and other criteria.

To access the Bird Species of Special Concern Web site, visit http://data.prbo.org/apps/bssc/.