PRESS INQUIRIES
Diane Shader Smith
310.386.6803
dianeshadersmith@gmail.com
Newfound brain structure explains why some birds are so smart—and maybe even self-aware
Never before has “bird brain” been such a compliment: In recent years, birds have been found to make tools, understand abstract concepts, and even recognize paintings by Monet and Picasso.
Newfound brain structure explains why some birds are so smart—and maybe even self-aware
In recent years, birds have been found to make tools, understand abstract concepts, and even recognize paintings by Monet and Picasso.
California’s Joshua tree could become first to win protections because of climate crisis
The 2.5m-year-old tree would be first plant species protected by law in state as current habitat increasingly becomes less viable
When COVID-19 silenced cities, birdsong recaptured its former glory
Growing noise pollution has forced white-crowned sparrow males to sing louder, less effective songs in order to be heard by rivals and mates. During the pandemic house arrest last spring, the background din quieted. A new study shows that, in just a matter of weeks, the sparrows’ songs recovered the acoustic quality of songs sung decades ago, when city life was less noisy.
Western Monarch Breeding Season Status
The western monarch breeding season is coming to a close for 2020 and we are in the midst of the fall migration—the time when monarch butterflies are making the long journey back to their overwintering grounds.
Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve and Back Bay
When you learn there’s a popular piece of property on the Southern California coast taking up more than 750 acres, you wouldn’t be faulted for imagining a marina, a golf course, a resort – or all three.
What the wildfires tell us about the shortcomings of California’s electrical grid
In an email interview, UCLA’s Eric Fournier explains why the architecture of California’s grid isn’t well suited for such extreme conditions and what it would take to improve it.
Condor Comeback’ tells the story of a native bird that had nearly disappeared
Fewer than 30 of the California birds existed in the 1980s. Now there are more than 450.
How Do California’s Megafires Impact Birds?
We are in uncharted territory. Birds are on the move to escape the smoke and stress. What will happen to them and the habitat they need to survive?
Standing Up for Native Thistles
Native thistles bring beauty to any landscape as well as a rich source of nectar that sustains many insects, including migrating monarchs and many native bees.