COMMUNITY COMMENTARY:

Gazing at the local landscape one can see that spring has definitely arrived. Wide swathes of yellow now blanket the hillsides. This is black mustard — a plant brought over by the early Spanish settlers. The story is that they planted it as a marker along the trail joining their missions.

Here at the Back Bay more subtle changes can be seen, too. Birds are now in breeding plumage. Walk Back Bay Drive and keep your eye out for avocets along the shore. These tall, graceful black and white birds now have beautiful hoods of creamy brown. Other nesting species are arriving from the south to replace the winter residents that have returned to Alaska and Canada.

The nesting habits of the birds that breed here are fascinating. The California least tern, for instance, makes its nest by simply sculpting a hollow in the sand with its body. This bird became endangered as humans encroached on its historical nesting sites along the coast of Southern California. Beach areas are now set aside for nesting at Upper Newport Bay and elsewhere along the coast, and populations are increasing.

Another of our endangered birds is the light-footed clapper rail. This timid bird builds its nest in the tall cordgrass found in the tidal saltmarsh areas of the bay. It does so by weaving a basket of loose grass strands around the stems of growing cordgrass. This basket then floats up and down as the tide rises and falls. The clapper rail is easily frightened. If you are a rower or paddler, please stay out of all of the side channels of the Back Bay to avoid disturbing the clapper rail.

The bluffs around the bay are home to birds such as the burrowing owl. As one might guess, this bird makes a burrow for its nest. Unfortunately many of these burrows are found along the dirt hiking trails, and so trails need to be closed to protect the nests. Remind yourself that walks and jogs around the bay should be more about the journey than the destination. Is it really too much of a hardship to have to enjoy an extra five minutes of beautiful scenery because your usual trail is closed and a detour is required?

If you are a dog owner, keep your pet on a short leash. Dogs are naturally inquisitive and will be off searching in the undergrowth 40 feet from the trail if allowed the freedom. Some humans panic when confronted by a playful but large dog. Just think how a nesting bird feels!

On Sunday, 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., the Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends and their partners at Upper Newport Bay will be holding their 18th annual Earth Day celebration at the spectacular Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center overlooking Back Bay. Admission and parking are free. Stop by and learn more about the fascinating wildlife found here. There will be exhibits, environmental films, scavenger hunts and other fun activities for the entire family.

For more information, visit newportbay.org.

ROGER MALLETT is a member of Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends