Jordan Wellwood, Audubon California’s conservation coordinator for the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada, will present a slide program, “Birds in Peril: Threats to California Birds,” at the January meeting of the Yosemite Area Audubon Society. Originally scheduled to give this program this past October when a medical procedure sidelined her, Wellwood will present the talk Thursday, Jan. 14, at the Mariposa Methodist Church parish hall on Sixth Street. The program will begin at 7 p.m.

Birdwatching, at least casually if not seriously, is among the most popular pastimes in the United States (more than 40 percent of the population), and many foothill residents participate in birdwatching at some level.

Birds have been on Earth longer than humans and play critical ecological roles that help make the planet livable. Birds are important indicators of the overall health of the environment. Like the proverbial canary in the coalmine, they send an urgent warning about threats to water, air, natural resources, climate and more.

Yet, many people take common species of birds for granted, unaware of threats to their populations—habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, pollution and invasive plants, among many.

While success stories of species rescued from the brink of extinction, such as the California condor, bald eagle, peregrine falcon and brown pelican, are heartening, most people are oblivious to the recent, and significant, population declines of commonly seen (and often heard) species such as the western meadowlark, oak titmouse, house finch, mountain chickadee, Bullock’s oriole and Brewer’s blackbird— species usually taken for granted. What threats are putting those populations at risk?

Wellwood will discuss the major threats that birds face in California and what Audubon is doing to protect the habitats that birds must have to thrive. She will also share opportunities and ideas for local citizens to get involved and to make a real difference in protecting bird populations in their communities.

Having previously worked on conservation policy in Sacramento, Wellwood joined Audubon California one year ago. She holds an Honors Bachelors of Environmental Studies degree from the University of Waterloo in Canada. Jordan works with local chapters on a variety of conservation projects, as well as at the state level on Audubon’s priority projects for the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada. Her passions are cycling, yoga, cooking and conservation.

Wellwood’s presentation is open and free to the public, although donations to defray program costs and to support Audubon’s local activities are welcome. Refreshments will be available.

The Yosemite Area Audubon Society will also offer a birding trip to UC Merced and Lake Yosemite east of Merced on Saturday, Jan. 16, beginning at 8 a.m. at the Mariposa rest area on Highway 140 adjacent to the history center. The trip is free and the public is welcome. Wear warm clothing and bring binoculars, field guides, wet-weather gear, lunch and water.

Call 742-5579 for additional information about either the program or the birding trip.

The Yosemite Area Audubon Society is affiliated with the National Audubon Society. Both the national organization and the local chapter are dedicated to the preservation of natural habitats and native species, and to educating and inspiring others to help protect those resource values.