A EBRPD Wildlife Program Manager has confirmed that the burrowing owl found dying at Point Isabel in early January did test positive at the CA Dept of Fish & Wildlife’s Wildlife Health Lab for Highly Pathenogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

It’s also very likely the other birds that recently died at Point Isabel — a Great Blue Heron, several Black-crowned Night Herons, a crow, and others — also had bird flu, although EBRPD did not report on the other birds.

The guidance for people and dogs at Point Isabel remains the same:

Avoid contact with any birds at Point Isabel. Don't touch dead or dying birds, don't let your dogs touch them, and phone EBRPD Dispatch at 510-881-1833 if you find any. Give Dispatch the exact location so park district staff can deal with it appropriately.

(updated Jan. 21) East Bay Regional Park District has asked people (and their dogs) not to touch, pick up, bag, or toss any dead birds. Instread, please call EBRPD Dispatch at 510-881-1833 and give them the precise location of the bird.

(Jan. 8) EBRPD has let PIDO know that two dead Black-crowned Night Herons were found at Point Isabel in the field behind Mudpuppy's on Tuesday, January 7. Several more dead birds, including an owl, were spotted by dog walkers and reported to the Park District today (Wednesday).

The birds are being tested for bird flu. Results won’t be available for several days.

As always, avoid contact with any birds at Point Isabel. Report any sick or dead ones to EBRPD Dispatch at 510-881-1833. Don’t handle them or let your dogs touch them.

The Columbia Sportswear Company is again inviting PIDO members to shop at its employee stores (Richmond and Union City) from December 6 through 29.

Brands are being offered at steep discounts include Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Hardwear, prAna, and Sorel.

In early December PIDO will email the invitation and proof of PIDO membership to PIDO members only.

Contact us at info@pido.org if you are a member and we don’t have your email address.