CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Redbud Audubon Society presented the City of Clearlake with a gift Thursday before the Clearlake City Council.
Redbud Audubon President Marilyn Waits delivered an illustrated sign meant to remind the public of the importance of protecting wildlife on Clear Lake.
The “For Their Sake, Share the Lake” sign will be displayed at Redbud Park in the area of Thompson Harbor boat launching facility.
It describes the mating and nesting habits of the grebe and the potential dangers posed by boaters.
“The Redbud Audubon Society is happy to donate this sign to Redbud Park. We have a special connection with that park,” Waits said, adding that the park was home of the organization's annual Heron Festival during its first nine years. The festival is nearing its 20th year.
Waits said the signs will help residents and tourists understand the importance of “sharing the lake” and being mindful of its wildlife.
She said researchers from the University of California, Davis identified a need for public education in its potential for endangering the grebe without intention.
She said four additional signs, to be placed at locations around the lake, will assist in raising public awareness.
The grebe nesting season coincides with the boating season, which increases the risks for grebe survival. Waits said grebes build floating nests that can be flooded or broken apart by boat wakes.
She said wakes also can cause the eggs to roll out of the nest. In addition, grebes carry their young on their backs, which make them vulnerable to boat strikes.
The signs cite a comeback in grebe populations following bans of market hunting, egg collecting and toxic pesticides.
According to the signs, grebes in California are suffering heavy losses because of oil spills, exposure to which causes them to lose the ability to regulate body temperature.
The signs state the public's help is essential in making Clear Lake a safe place for recovery of the grebe population. “You can enjoy boating while taking care that grebes survive to re-populate this wildlife area,” the sign says.
The signs describe the grebe as a “dynamic diver” that can appear and disappear quickly. They also tell of the grebes' mating rituals. In the “rushing ceremony” two or more grebes will rise up together, rhythmically bobbing their heads and skimming rapidly across the service of the water.
Next comes the “weed ceremony,” which is accented by shrill calls, diving and the co-presentation of freshly picked plants. Following this courtship, colonial nest building commences.
Aquatic plants in Clear Lake create ideal conditions for floating nest construction. The signs remind lake users that the damage or loss of habitat has the potential of reducing the survival chances of the grebe.
Waits said the signs carry a 10-year warranty. The additional signs will be placed at Library Park in Lakeport; Alpine Park in Lucerne; and Lakeside Community Park and Clear Lake State Park in Kelseyville.
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