Nesting endangered marbled murrelet shows recovery at Big Basin Redwoods State Park
As officials work to rebuild Big Basin Redwoods State Park following the CZU Complex fire that burned through 97% of the historical park in 2020, a bit of inspiration arrived in September on the wings of a bird. Researchers monitoring the area in the wake of the fires discovered an active marbled murrelet nest in the branches of a burned, but surviving, tree. We’ve documented the recovery of the coast redwood forests in the wake of the fires, but this amazing video of a young endangered chick taking its first flight is further evidence that the forest is healing. The marbled murrelet is listed as Threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act, and Endangered under the California Endangered Species Act.
This amazing video come courtesy of Frans Lanting Studio: © Frans Lanting / lanting.com
4 Responses to “Video: Hope at Big Basin arrives on the wings of a bird”
Cynthia Denny
About 15 years ago, I learned about this bird and know my work with the Santa Cruz Group of the Sierra Club is providing an opportunity to substantially increase my knowledge and understanding of special bird. Last week when I heard about this sighting and the video I was truly amazed.
Many thanks for putting this well done video production together and all the years of work on behalf of the species.
CAROL HEMINGWAY
Wonderful video; so inspiring, indeed. I had never even known about marbled murrelets! Thanks for posting.
Karen J Sjogren
Closed captioning would have been helpful. Amazing photos of the birds.
Sawyer Claudia
Absolutely fabulous. Thank you.