Date: 1/5/21 6:45 pm From: pumpkinn8 <pumpkinn8...> Subject: [pen-bird] Urgently Seeking Advice: Caltrans plans to remove trees supporting established roost of birds in Burlingame
As confirmed by a regular Penbird member, Penbird allows for posting conservation issues pertaining specifically to the birds of the Peninsula. Therefore, I am posting this message with the hope that someone in the birding community might have some advice.
Caltrans is trying to push through a project that could effectively remove a great majority of the Eucalyptus trees located along El Camino, throughout the entire city of Burlingame.
I live in Burlingame, along the west side of El Camino. There is a huge roost of Turkey Vultures that roost in the Eucalyptus trees on the corner of the property on which I live. This roost is well established and has been active for well over a decade, and the number of Turkey Vultures have recently numbered as high as ~90. And now, for at least the past six weeks, an Osprey also roosts in the same Eucalyptus trees every night.
The project proposes to widen the El Camino corridor, which means not only would they remove this stand of Eucalyptus, but in the process could damage and/or irreparably destroy a great number of the other trees that stand adjacent to the Eucalyptus. These include but are not limited to Birch, Liquidambar, Privet, and many other fruit and seed producing trees that support an incredible diversity of birds, especially during the winter months when food supply is critical. I have witnessed the large number of birds that these trees attract and support. While not avian, the Eucalyptus on my corner has also hosted a large wild honey bee hive for many years, that I also feel deserves protection.
Caltrans was ineffective in providing communication regarding this project, including the fact that the Public Comment period ends midnight, January 8th. I understand this means that time is short.
Does anyone know if it is possible to advocate for the protection of the stand of Eucalyptus on my corner of El Camino, based on the fact that they support an established (and very large) roost of Turkey Vultures, and now an Osprey? If so, does anyone have any advice on how to proceed in this direction?
