The Drought and Birds by Mike Stiles

As I write this at the end of February, California is in the midst of a major drought. I have had just 2.7 inches of rain so far this season. Compounded on the fact that I had only 8 inches last year, and less than 10 inches the year before puts us in serious water debt. In contrast, the 2011 rainy season, October through April, produced almost 26 inches in my backyard.

It could be worse. Tree ring data shows that several times in the past millennium, California has had drought conditions that lasted decades. The “Great Drought” of 1862-65, essentially changed the entire landscape of California. Less than 10 inches of rain over three years killed most of the state’s cattle, and broke up the enormous ranchos, which were sold for pennies on the dollar and later developed into small farms and housing.

Interestingly, December of 1861 produced 35 inches of rain in a 4 week period, and caused the “Great Flood” of 1862. This caused a large influx of cattle into the state, flush with grass and feed, but then the faucets were turned off.

We are much more prepared now for drought. We have dammed rivers, built reservoirs and water transport systems, and, even in these sparse times, are able to grow crops to feed the masses, and supply our sprawling cities with green lawns and swimming pool water. But, it has come at some cost to our birdlife.

We have drained the vast wetlands that once covered the San Joaquin Valley that harbored uncountable numbers of waterfowl. These low rainfall years exacerbate the problem of waterfowl congregating in smaller marshes, promoting disease, with a diminishing food supply.

On a bright note, some central valley rice farmers, sometimes criticized for using too much water, have partnered with the Nature Conservancy to let water stand in their rice paddies several months longer than is usual, to create so-called “pop-up” wetlands for the waterfowl.

But, has this drought affected our local birding? The area’s birders have talked about the effects of this drought, and I have been asked many times if I thought our county’s birds are effected. With no empirical data to lean on, I would say…yes, I think it has. At least I can say with certainty that there are fewer birds in my yard.

Our normally lush, flowering chaparral looks burnt and sad, and our winter verdant green hills are dull and brown. This lack of food supplies, both nectar and the insects associated with the flowers, and the lack of grassland nesting grounds will most certainly effect our resident bird populations in subsequent years. The flies and mosquitos that many of our birds rely on for food need water for breeding and this could also affect future breeding success.

I also wonder if this low rainfall and higher than average temperatures have caused a “false Spring,” and will interfere with the migration patterns of our winter visitors. It will be interesting to read future studies and see if this theory holds water.

Only time will tell how this drought will affect our resident and migrant bird populations. All I can say is, do your rain dances.