Winning art chosen for 2011 California duck stamp

The winning design for California’s 2011 duck stamp was selected at a judging event May 19 on the steps of the State Capitol building in Sacramento.

Shari Erickson of Beaver Creek, Ore., won for her painting of a pair of Barrow’s Goldeneye, the species for this year's competition and stamp. This was Erickson's first duck stamp contest win.

"I absolutely love Barrow’s Goldeneye. They’re my favorite bird to paint, which is really what provoked me to enter this duck stamp contest," Erickson said. A nature and wildlife artist since 1985, Erickson has been entering duck stamp contests since 2009.

The image beat out 15 other entries submitted by artists nationwide and will adorn the 2011-12 stamp. In past years, waterfowl hunters were required to affix stamps to their hunting license but this year, with California moving to an automated licensing system, hunters are no longer required to carry the physical stamps in the field -- proof of purchase prints directly onto the license. The stamps will now be mailed, upon request, to license-holders at the end of the hunting season.

The Department of Fish and Game sells about 70,000 duck stamps annually, including sales to collectors. In addition to the stamps, the department typically issues signed, limited-edition prints also valued by art collectors. Since its inception in 1971, the California duck stamp program has raised more than $22 million, and the money can only be spent on waterfowl-related conservation projects. It is the first, and oldest, state duck stamp program in the country.

The original art will be on display, along with the second, third and two honorable mention pieces, at the Pacific Flyway Decoy Assn. art show, July 15-17 in Sacramento.

The entire library of California duck stamps can be viewed on the DFG website.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: The winning artwork for the 2011 California waterfowl hunting stamp. Credit: Department of Fish and Game

 

Volunteer beach cleanup Saturday at Dockweiler State Beach

The May Nothin' But Sand beach cleanup will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Dockweiler State Beach, Playa del Rey.

Hosted by Heal the Bay, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of each month at different locales and are an opportunity to help keep our local shores tidy.

Volunteers should plan to meet at 11999 Vista Del Mar, at the end of Imperial Highway. All cleaning supplies will be provided, so volunteers are welcome to just show up (those younger than 12 need to be accompanied by a parent).

Attendees should plan on wearing closed-toe shoes and bringing their own drinking water and snacks as well as a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a jacket. More information on what to wear and bring is available on the Heal the Bay website.

Liability waivers can be printed in advance and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Groups of 10 or more are asked to email Eveline Bravo or call (800) 432-5229, Ext. 148, to let organizers know they plan to join.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Sunset at Dockweiler State Beach. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Illinois teen wins Federal Junior Duck Stamp contest

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that Abraham Hunter, of Vienna, Ill., has won the 2011-12 Federal Junior Duck Stamp competition. The 17-year-old's painting of a pair of ringneck ducks will grace the next Junior Duck stamp, which will be available for purchase beginning June 24.

"I’d like to congratulate our winning artist as well as the participants in the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program," said Rowan Gould, acting director of the Fish and Wildlife Service. "These young people not only possess amazing artistic talent, but are also future conservation stewards who will care for our birds, fish and other wild creatures."

Chosen by a panel of judges at the national Junior Duck Stamp design contest held Friday at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia, the acrylic entry, which previously won the Illinois Junior Duck Stamp contest, was judged the winner among best-of-show entries from all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Proceeds from the $5 stamp, prized by stamp collectors, conservationists and the general public, support environmental and conservation education programs in the United States.

Hunter will receive a $5,000 award as well as a trip to the First Day of Sale ceremony for the federal and junior duck stamps, to be held June 24 at the Bass Pro Shops store in Katy, Texas.

Foth the federal and junior duck stamp artists will sign stamps and first day covers at the ceremony, which is free and open to the public.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: The winning image that will appear on the 2011-12 Federal Junior Duck stamp. Credit: Abraham Hunter / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

 

Volunteer beach cleanup Saturday at Will Rogers State Beach

The April Nothin' But Sand beach cleanup  will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades.

Hosted by Heal the Bay, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of each month at different locales and are an opportunity to help keep our local shores tidy.

Volunteers should plan to meet at the Heal the Bay tent that will be on-site. All cleaning supplies will be provided, so volunteers are welcome to just show up (those younger than 12 need to be accompanied by a parent).

Attendees should plan on wearing closed-toe shoes and bringing their own drinking water and snacks as well as a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. More information on what to wear and bring is available on the Heal the Bay website.

Liability waivers can be printed in advance and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Groups of 10 or more are asked to email Eveline Bravo or call (800) 432-5229, Ext. 148, to let organizers know they plan to join in.

-- Kelly Burgess
Twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Children play with their dog at Will Rogers State Beach. Credit: Los Angeles Times

'Shark Men' premieres Sunday on National Geographic Channel

Expedition leader Chris Fischer, marine biologist Michael Domeier and crew are back for another season of "Shark Men," premiering Sunday at 9 p.m. on National Geographic Channel with two hourlong episodes. Additional episodes will follow, airing at 10 p.m. on Sunday nights through June 12.

Though the name of the series has changed (it was “Expedition Great White” last year) the focus is still the same -- attempting to learn more about the mysterious great white shark and its life cycle -- where the sharks are born, where they migrate, how they mate, and where they congregate.

Using a specially designed, 126-foot-long mothership that includes a 37-ton hydraulic platform for hoisting a living shark out of the ocean, the crew returns to Mexico's Guadalupe Island, 160 miles west of Baja California, in the hopes of landing, tagging and releasing sharks -- specifically females -- alive. This season, they also secure a permit to hook a white shark at Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, off the coast of San Francisco, and also travel to just off the shores of Malibu, hoping to catch juvenile great white sharks in an effort to learn more about the younger years of the apex predator's life cycle. 

"Shark Men" episode descriptions through April are after the jump (the rest of the descriptions are still pending):

Volunteer beach cleanup Saturday in Playa del Rey

The March Nothin' But Sand beach cleanup will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Toes Beach in Playa del Rey.

Hosted by Heal the Bay, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of each month at different beaches and are an opportunity to help keep local shores tidy.

Volunteers should plan to meet at the Heal the Bay tent that will be onsite. All cleaning supplies will be provided, so volunteers are welcome to just show up (those younger than 12 need to be accompanied by a parent).

If it is raining steadily at the start time, the cleanup will be canceled. However, if the rain has stopped or it is just raining lightly, the cleanup will continue as scheduled.

Attendees should plan on wearing closed-toe shoes and bringing their own drinking water and snacks as well as a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a jacket. More information on what to wear and bring is available on the Heal the Bay website.

Liability waivers can be printed in advance and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Groups of 10 or more are asked to e-mail Eveline Bravo or call (800) 432-5229, Ext. 148, to let organizers know they plan to join in.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: A beachfront location that the locals call Toes Beach. Credit: Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times

Submission deadline nearing for third annual California Waterfowl photo contest

The deadline is fast approaching for submitting entries to the third annual California Waterfowl Assn. "Take Your Best Shot" photo contest.

Open to all California Waterfowl members, the contest will highlight photos of wetland wildlife, dogs in action, waterfowl hunting and wetland landscape.

Prizes will be awarded to a winner in each category, as well as one best in show and one youth photographer. Photos of particular interest are those that highlight the drama of the moment, the beauty from the blind, and the relationship of the hunter with their dog and/or the environment.

The entry fee is $15 per photo, with proceeds going toward prizes as well as to the development of future California Waterfowl programs.

Entries can be submitted either online or by mail but must be received by March 15. Complete contest rules and information on entering can be found on the California Waterfowl Assn. website.

For questions or more information, e-mail or call Courtney Ashe at (916) 648-1406, ext. 127.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: "You Missed Again," last year's Best of Show winner. Credit: Philip Robertson with Rodger Benadom

Adopt-A-Beach volunteer cleanup Thursday at Venice

Tadpole Marketing is proud to announce their first sponsored beach cleanup, taking place Thursday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Venice Beach.

In partnership with Heal the Bay's Adopt-A-Beach program, the cleanup is open to everyone who wants to take part in helping. RSVP's are requested but not mandatory.

Attendees should plan on meeting at Venice Beach's Washington Tower. If it is raining steadily at the start time, the cleanup will be canceled. However, if the rain has stopped or it is just raining lightly, the event will continue as scheduled.

All cleaning supplies will be provided. Liability waiver forms will be available on-site and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

To RSVP or for more information, e-mail or call Chris Ching at (310) 574-3730.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: A bicyclist takes a ride at the beach in Venice. Credit: Los Angeles Times

 

Volunteer beach cleanup Saturday at Dockweiler State Beach

The February Nothin' But Sand beach cleanup will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Dockweiler State Beach, Playa del Rey.

Hosted by Heal the Bay, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of each month at different locales and are an opportunity to help keep our local shores tidy.

Volunteers should plan to meet at 11999 Vista Del Mar, at the end of Imperial Highway. All cleaning supplies will be provided, so volunteers are welcome to just show up (those younger than 12 need to be accompanied by a parent).

If it is raining steadily at the start time, the cleanup will be canceled. However, if the rain has stopped or it is just raining lightly, the cleanup will continue as scheduled.

Attendees should plan on wearing closed-toe shoes and bringing their own drinking water and snacks as well as a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a jacket. More information on what to wear and bring is available on the Heal the Bay website.

Liability waivers can be printed in advance and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Groups of 10 or more are asked to e-mail Eveline Bravo or call (800) 432-5229, Ext. 148, to let organizers know they plan to join in.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Sunset at Dockweiler State Beach. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Great Backyard Bird Count begins Friday

It's time to break out the binoculars, birding books and notepads and get outside in the name of science.

Birding enthusiasts both novice and expert are encouraged to participate in the 14th annual Great Backyard Bird Count Friday through Monday across the U.S. and Canada.

"Whether people notice birds in backyards, parks or wilderness areas, we ask that they share their counts," said Judy Braus, Audubon’s senior vice president of Education and Centers. "It’s fun and rewarding for people of all ages and skill levels."

A joint project of the National Audubon Society, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada, it's an opportunity for people to monitor the bird activity in their neighborhoods. Participants count birds for as little as 15 minutes, or for as long as they wish, on one or more days of the event and report their sightings online.

"When thousands of people all tell us what they’re seeing, we can detect changes in birds' numbers and locations from year to year," said Janis Dickinson, director of Citizen Science at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Last year, birders turned in 97,200 checklists -- a nearly 4% increase over the prior year -- identified 602 species and counted 11.2 million individual birds.

The GBBC website is chock-full of useful information, including printable regional tally sheets, frequently asked questions and information on entering the annual photo contest.

The survey is conducted in February to provide a snapshot of how birds are surviving the winter and where they are located just before spring migrations begin in March.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Flowers attract a hummingbird. Credit: Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times

Dodgers will join Heal the Bay for Santa Monica Beach cleanup on Feb. 15

The Dodgers Community Caravan is teaming up with Heal the Bay for a special beach cleanup event on Tuesday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon at Santa Monica Beach.

The cleanup will provide fans with an up-close-and-personal opportunity to help clean up Santa Monica Beach with current and former Dodgers players and personalities. Scheduled to attend (subject to change): Matt Kemp, Rafael Furcal, Fernando Valenzuela, Pepe Yñiguez, broadcaster Charley Steiner, Jay Gibbons, Gabe Kapler, Ron Cey, Lou Johnson and Shawn Green.

Space is limited and available on a first-come basis and participants must register in advance. Attendees should plan on meeting on the sand at lifeguard tower 1550, just north of the Santa Monica Pier.

All cleanup supplies will be provided, but attendees need to bring their own water and sun protection. Participants can enter to win Dodger tickets and other raffle items while at the event.

-- Kelly Burgess

twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp, right, celebrates hitting a two-run homer with shortstop Rafael Furcal during a regular season game last year. Credit: Nick Doan / European Pressphoto Agency

Fly-fishing clubs hosting 'FlyBuy 2011' fundraiser Saturday at Long Beach Casting Club

In the market for fly-fishing gear or instruction on casting or fly-tying? If so, you definitely want to check out FlyBuy 2011, being held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Long Beach Casting Club.

This second annual event, a fundraising project of the Southwest Council Federation of Fly Fishers, will offer an abundance of hand-tied flies, used tackle and clothing for sale as well as casting lessons, fly-tying demos and auctions. 

Members of the 24 fly-fishing clubs that comprise the Southwest Council have donated rods, reels, clothing and accessories to the veritable buyers’ carnival and demonstration of the art at the 86-year-old casting club, located at 4901 E. 7th St. in Long Beach.

Funds from the event are earmarked for Southwest Council FFF conservation-related projects, including the California Department of Fish and Game's "Trout in the Classroom" program, monofilament recovery tubes (placed throughout the Sierra for discarded fishing line), work with disabled veterans, and other educational activities. 

"About a dozen fly-tiers -- some of them international award winners -- will demonstrate their skills," said Council president Michael Schweit. "Fly-tiers include Maria Rivas, Peter Koga, Lee Baerman, Bill Blackstone, John Van Derhoof, Mark Kirchner, Dean Endress, Naomi Okamoto and Steven Fernandez."

Certified casting instructors also will be on hand giving lessons for fly-fishermen of all skill levels at the club’s casting pond. 

Silent and live auctions will be conducted throughout the day for books, artwork, fly plates, fly rods, reels, vests and other accessories. "This is a great opportunity to pick up lightly used tackle and tools at a great price while helping a great conservation cause," said Schweit.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Fly-tiers Maria Rivas, front left, and Mark Kirchner (in orange) demonstrate their skills at FlyBuy 2010. Credit: Michael Schweit