Poll: Caltrans doing enough bird protection

A majority of respondents in an online Argus-Courier poll said Caltrans is doing enough to protect cliff swallows, which nest under the Petaluma River Bridge, during construction. About 65 percent said that bird protections efforts were adequate while 35 percent said Caltrans should do more to protect the swallows.

Here are some comments:

--

“Last year it was reported that Caltrans paid a large sum of money to a group that was to monitor the issue. Would like to see what the bird count was. The count should be considered in the overall decision.”

--

“They are doing more than logic would dictate.”

--

“There are a zillion of the things. They’ll find a way around anything. No more expense to keep a few twitchers happy.”

--

“How would anyone know? As for Caltrans, they are just a massive bureaucratic agency who never does anything correct and never on budget. A complete waste of taxpayer dollars.”

--

“Who cares about a few dead birds? There are plenty more where they came from.”

--

“Don’t get me started about Caltrans. How they keep their jobs is beyond me. How’s the Bay Bridge? Still leaking?”

--

“I read that it is costing taxpayers $5 million to protect these birds. Imagine how many potholes that money could fill.”

--

“Birds or birdwatchers shouldn’t be blamed for Caltrans mess. If they would have done the job right the first time and not killed birds with their nets, they wouldn’t have had to take extra measures.”

--

“Cliff swallows are protected under international treaty as a migratory species. It’s Caltrans job to ensure that their construction work doesn’t end up killing birds, otherwise, they are in violation of international law.”

--

“I’m not too worried about the birds. I’m more concerned with when the bridge project is going to finally end.”

--

“How about spend money to complete the Narrows and widen the freeway?”

--

“These birds aren’t endangered. There are plenty of them, and they are a hearty species, so they will come back long after Caltrans is gone.”

--