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8/9/2019 05-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969. Vol. 40 No. 4 May 2009
25 years ago page 8
Announcements page
BirdSongs page 8
Calendar page 12
Citizen Science page 3
Education page 4
Executive Directors column page 2
Field trips page 5
New members page 2
Volunteer recognition page 10
In this issue:
Kids! EnterTahoma Audubons
10th Annual BirdDrawing Contest!Details on page 4.
By Cami Kesinger
May is Bird-
athon, our grand
fundraiser to help
us gather dollars
for Tahoma Aud-
ubons mission of
protecting habitat and environment.
Tahoma Audubon humbly asks that all ofyou, our dedicated members and friends,
consider helping again this year. You can
help by pledging another Birdathon birder,
by gathering pledges as a Birdathon birder/
counter, or you can come out on a Birdathon
trip just for fun and give a donation.
Please call for more information and to
sign up and get a packet which has every-
thing you need to know about Birdathon. If
you are considering taking a Birdathon trip,
look them over in this issue (listed on page 9)
and call Tahoma Audubon at (253)565-9129
to sign up.
Remember, if you are an expert birder, or abeginner like me, Birdathon has something
for everyone. We want to thank all of you
who have so cheerfully accepted telephone
calls about this campaign. We appreciate
your support so much!
Last year Birdathon raised $47,000 and all
proceeds were used to support our work. We
hope everyone will get behind this and make
this the biggest and best Birdathon ever!
ew birds fired the imagination of the
poets of the Romantic era like the
Sky Lark. It inspired Shelleys poem
To a Skylark, (1820), and for the
German poet Eichendorff the bird
symbolized nothing less than the human soul that
sang as it soared above lifes troubles. An Old World
species, the Sky Lark
( Alauda arvensis) hasbeen introduced to
North America
numerous
times, but survives
only on the Saanich Peninsula of southeastern
Vancouver Island.
At about 7 inches the Sky Lark is the size of the
familiar Golden-crowned Sparrow. It shows heavy
brown streaking above, and buffy-white underparts
marked on the breast with a band of short streaks.
The tail has white outer feathers. A
crest is often raised, and a rela-tively thin bill separates the
Sky Lark from the spar-
rows. Larks walk
and scurry about
rather than hop, and outside breeding season they
form flocks that forage in fields for seeds, leaves and
insects.
Above all, the flight song identifies the Sky Lark:
Last chance for ... If its May ...its Birdathon!
By Diane Yorgason-Quinn
A beautiful day for birding and a pilgrimage of sorts
was Tahoma Audubons April 4th field trip. Of course
Rolan Nelsons field trips always have good weather, and
only he knows that secret to that. This trip to his old
stomping grounds on the peninsula promised birds and
quintessential northwest maritime scenery.
When the sun shines in early April, it is the best of
times in these parts. The winter birds are still around,
but changing into more colorful plumage, early neotro-
pic migrants are starting to arrive, and songbirds are
tuning up their pipes. We had it all! We started out at
Glen Cove, where fog obliterated the waterfowl, but a
half dozen Killdeer were practically at our feet, and
White-Crowned Sparrows picked this weekend to try out
their songs for the first time.
As we reached the utopian town of Home, the fog
was lifting, and a single Violet-Green Swallow landed on
the wire over our head and thrilled us all, being the
seasons first for each of us! Although Aristotle famous-
ly pronounced that, One swallow does not make a
summer, this was the scout swallow, and his followers
soon poured in as the day grew warmer, until their
cheerful chatter became our happy Muzak.
Soon-to-be-departing waterfowl filled the waters.
Buffleheads and both Goldeneyes were everywhere, and
no one in this group will ever be confused by those two
Goldeneye species again after such close study. Many
Common Loons in every increment of plumage from
See "Key Peninsula" on page 6
See "Sky Lark" on page 4
Adventureson the
Peninsula
Key
Mew
GullatLakeBay
Photo/DianeYorgason-Quinn
By Paul Webster
!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=26604003716http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=266040037168/9/2019 05-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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Tahoma Audubon Staff
Flint, Bryan Executive [email protected] 253-565-9129
Kyer, Krystal Conservation [email protected] 253-232-9978
Swaim, Stephanie Education [email protected] 253-327-9480
Kessinger, Cami New Development [email protected] 253-565-9129
Taylor, Graham Volunteer 253-565-1884Kerrigan, Julie Coordinator [email protected] [email protected]
Tahoma Audubon Board Officers
John Garner President
Marjorie Shea Vice President
Jane Brosius SecretaryKathleen Nelson Treasurer
Tahoma Audubon Board Members 2009
Thelma Gilmur
Dick Carkner
Marcus Roening
Peggy L. Kopf
Darby Veeck
Loren Webster Calendar Editor [email protected]
The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon SocietyLocated in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park
2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278
Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2009
executive directorsCorner
The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society.
The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TASadvocates for the protection
of wildlife and promotes conservation through education and activities that enrich its mem-
bers experiences in and with the natural world.
The Towhee is published monthly, ten times a year, with a combined Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan
issue. Submissions of articles and photographs of birds, bird lore, natural history, conserva-
tion, and environmental education are reviewed and considered for inclusion by the editor.
Copy is due by the 15th of the month and may be sent by e-mail, disk, or typed.
Editor: [email protected]
Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings
Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: E-mail: robert_kelton@ mac.com
Printing: Consolidated PressPrinted on recycled newsprint
I would like to
add a third point
to the old saying
there are only
two things certain
in life: death and
taxes. The third
certainty is land
use disputes.
For some rea-
son they arent
making any more
land. We however, keep multiplying our numbers
and finding new and inventive ways to use land.
This means that the pressure to convert wildlife
habitat to more productive uses is constant and
ever present.
That is why Tahoma Audubon and the many
members and volunteers must stay ever vigilant.
Even when we have won a battle to protect habitat,
we must stay vigilant for generations. We cannot
assume that having progressive growth manage-
ment plans, signed conservation agreements, sup-
portive votes from elected leaders, or even a green-
leaning President means that we can rest on our
laurels.
Here are some examples of what I mean:
The Fire Chief in Graham calls for less density
and more sprawl as a solution to recent house
fires. Density apparently causes dangerous fire
hazard, not the home owner who sets a fire in a
garbage can and walks away.
Politicians in the City of Puyallup and Orting
call for the dredging of the Puyallup River to
prevent flooding. By allowing building permits
in flood zones, jurisdictions have destroyed
habitat and put people in harms way. The
dredging solution is like taking aspirin to cure
alcoholism.
Glacier NW purposes to expand its mining
operation in DuPont, potentially in violation of
a 1994 Settlement Agreement with Tahoma
Audubon and other stakeholders. The proposal
would take out 190 acres of forested habitat and
significantly affect the flow of Sequalitchew
Creek.
Legislators hail the addition of $1.5 million for
the Cross-Base Highway in the States
Transportation Budget. Fortunately this money
is a drop in the bucket, and is intended for the
Spanaway Loop Rd. Interchange. As of this
writing it is unlikely to make it past the budget
writers ax.
The Washington State Senate proposes closing
McNeil Island. The need for security on the
Island means that two thirds of it is wildlife
habitat mostly undisturbed by visitors. Closure
of the prison could leave the Island vulnerable
to development in the future.
None of these issues will be resolved by the time
I put the last period on this article. Nor are they
likely by the time you read it. Or by the time this
issue gets filed in the archives and starts to turn
yellow.
That is why we must be ever vigilant. It is the
long history of Tahoma involvement in these
issues, the clear memories and dogged tenacity of
our members has protected so much critical habi-
tat.
Even our victories do not guarantee that we will
not be fighting to protect habitat in the future.
Successes at the Nisqually estuary, Snake Lake,
Cross-Base highway, and others could face new
threats now and into the future.
It is because of the tremendous support of mem-
bers, volunteers and donors that we are able to
respond to threats now and in into the future. Your
support is important in continuing our tradition of
being the watchdog for habitat protection in Pierce
County.
Chapter New and Renewing:
Doreen Aiken, Rick & Jeanne Apffel, Mr
& Mrs Robert Arnold, Sharon Bell, Care
deLeeuw, Len & Linda Johnson, Franky
J Marsh, Cindy McDonald, Georgiana
Miller, Richard A. Perkins, Selma Sloth,
Carol Rae Smith, Bill & Karen Smitherman,
Carolyn Sullivan, Berta Thompson, Sheri
& Jeff Tonn, Maggie Ulrich, Mel & Judy
Urschel, Maude Valentine.
Chapter Joint with National
joining here at Tahoma Audubon:
Mary Backous, Wynne Brown & Peter
Wimberger, Colin & Annie Conant, CraigGeyer, Judith Krill, Bruce D. MacDonald,
Paula Meyer, Nora Miller, Catherine C.
Monty, Karen Nyo, Joann Sims, Gisela
Taranovski.
Introductory, Recruited
through Tahoma Audubon:
Bente Hansen, Barbara Petersen, Cindy
Thompson.
Introductory, Recruited
through National Audubon:
Shirley Elliott, Terry Anne V. Gustko,
Linnaea Mittelstadt, Mary Berry, Vicki
Biltz, Yvonne Boscovich, Donald Butler,
Patricia Chellin, Marion Craig, Lynn
Fitch, Carol A. Gould-Harris, Helen
Gregerson, Virginia M. Guptill, Sharon L.
Hanson, Michael Hervieux, Linda Hiser,
John Hopkins, A. R. Horner, DorothyW. Hudson, M. Krumpos, Thomas A.
Langham, Fred Long, Marion Lucas,
Juli Marshall, Trenton McConkey, Ellen
McKinney, Gayle McNeill, John Ogden,
Jean Rettke, Sharon Richter, Arlene
Sampson, Andrej M Savol, Dale Schultz,
Meg Smith, Audrey Thomas, John Wilkie,
Elaine Harding, Orietta Hegtvedt, Ms.
Mina M. Hempel, Carol Hinde, Ms. Lisa
Kinoshita, Verner Pouslen, Karen Power,
Ms. Eldora Sloan.
Vigilance ever necessary We cannot assume thathaving progressive growth
management plans, signedconservation agreements,
supportive votes from electedleaders, or even a green-leaning
President means that we canrest on our laurels.
welcometo New and Returning Members
March 16, 2009 to April 15, 2009
Ione Clagett
Melissa Paulson
Bill Smith
Tanja Scott
Charles Griffin
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May 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3
citizen scienceIn Action!
While April gener-
ally marks the begin-
ning of the spring, for
the Tahoma Audubon
Society it also signals
a close to our first year
of participation inProject FeederWatch.
Inspired by Cornell
Universitys Orni-
thology lab, Project
FeederWatch calls
citizen scientists to action, encouraging them to pay
close attention to their feeders by keeping track of the
birds they see during the five winter months from
November to March.
All of the information collected at our site, Adriana
Hess Wetland Park, is sent to Cornells Ornithology lab
to be entered into national database, allowing other sci-
entists to track general trends in bird activity. National
volunteer power assists scientists, giving them massive
amounts of data they would not be able to obtain on theirown. Perhaps more importantly, citizen science projects
like Project FeederWatch help Tahoma Audubon reach
its goal to connect people to nature.
Our sightings were impressive, offering both staff and
volunteers great opportunities to observe nature and bond
with each other. Altogether, birdwatchers saw 31 different
species! While Adriana Hess hosts much more biodiver-
sity, not all of the birds are regulars at
the feeder.
We did have some rare sightings
that will forever live in our memories.
Tahoma Audubon President John
Garner had the first exciting sighting
of the season, observing a CoopersHawk chowing down on a Pine
Siskin on a branch directly above our
feeders. Needless to say, the other
birds had understandably evacuated
the site. Tahoma Audubon Executive
Director Bryan Flint quickly grabbed
our camera to video the hawk and
you can now watch the sighting on
Youtube! Surf to www.youtube.com/
watch?v=V6PQnUHaDrw to see
this awesome video!
Another rare sighting for Adriana Hess Wetland Park
included a Band-Tailed Pigeon, a slightly round and
awkward looking bird, who decided to bathe in the
stream directly by our feeders, pecking at the ground forfood.
Some of our more common bird sightings were
equally impressive, as they illustrated the biological
variation between members of the same species. For
example, a peculiar Dark-Eyed Junco surprised volun-
teers and staff, having white cheeks instead of the almost
trademark black head that helps birders identify the
Junco. Luckily we have captured
this little oddball on film, and have
his picture on site at Adriana
Hess.
Mid-March brought our largest
sightings of biodiviersity at the
feeder. While we only saw about
ten different species at the end ofDecember, we saw 21 different
species during mid-March. These
numbers reflected the new species
coming into the area for the spring
time. This included the Rufous
Hummingbird, as well as the
American Robins many of us start-
ed to see in our neighborhoods
during February. Our winter sight-
ings of the Annas Hummingbird
illustrated their continued presence
in the area, even during the espe-
cially cold months of November,
December and January.
Feeder regulars illustrated their established winter
presence at our feeders, including the Black-Capped
Chickadee, Chestnut-Backed Chickadee, Red-Breasted
Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Towhee, along with many differ-ent finches and sparrows.
Their eating habits forced volunteers to restock our
bird feeders almost daily to keep up with the voracious
appetites of these birds. Along with the birds, our local
mammals, including a family of squirrels, and what we
think may be native Wood Rats helped, were always
trying to penetrate the birdfeeders defensive cage, lav-
ishing in the nutritious spoils that would fall to the
ground.
Altogether Project FeederWatch brought the Tahoma
Audubon community together around our birdfeeders,
offering us a terrific opportunity to experience the wild-
life around our own offices. The activity reminded us
why we choose to work for improving our already bio-
logically diverse environment.Without the consistent dedication of our volunteers
and staff we would not have been able to participate in
this excellent citizen science project. Tahoma Audubon
would like to offer a special thanks to those volunteers
who helped with the project, recording their weekly
sightings, and helping novice birdwatchers identify the
splendid display of wildlife at our feeders. Hopefully this
year will be the first of many years of participation with
the Cornell lab of Ornithologys Project FeederWatch!
If you would like to participate in our future Project
FeederWatch exploits, please email Graham Taylor at
[email protected], or give him a call at
(253)565-1884
American Crow Mallard
American Goldnch Northern Flicker
American Robin Pine Siskin
Anna's Hummingbird Purple Finch
Band-tailed Pigeon Red-breasted Nuthatch
Black-capped Chickadee Red-winged Blackbird
Brown Creeper Rufous Hummingbird
Chestnut-backed Chickadee Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper's Hawk Song Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco Spotted Towhee
Downy Woodpecker Steller's Jay
European Starling Varied Thrush
Golden-crowned Sparrow White-breasted Nuthatch
House Finch White-crowned Sparrow
House Sparrow Winter Wren
Species seen at Adriana Hess Wetland Park Nov 2008 April 2009
Project FeederWatch
You are invited to participate in an exciting citizen
science opportunity happening in the Roy/McKenna
area a 24-hour intensive biological survey called
a BioBlitz.
This BioBlitz is a joint project of the Pierce County
Biodiversity Alliance, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park,
Tahoma Audubon Society, UW Nature Mapping,
Nisqually River Watershed Council, and the Washing-
ton Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.
Help us discover who is living in your neck of the
woods!
Contact Krystal Kyer for more information, or to
sign up: Email: [email protected] Or call:
253-232-9978
Learn more at: www.tahomaaudubon.org/cs
Nisqually BioBlitz
Bryans video on Youtube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6PQnUHaDrw
Citizen Science
In Action!
Birds, Butterfies,Amphibians, Reptiles,Fish, Insects, Mammalswhats your fancy?
May 15-16, 2009
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Page 4 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2009
educationMatters
2917 Morrison Road W.,
University Pl. WA 98466
253-565-9278
www.TahomaAudubon.org
Open Mon Sat. 10a.m.-1p.m.
1919 South Tyler Street,
Tacoma WA 98338
253-591-6439 www.metroparkstacoma.org
Open Tues. Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
& Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
When I was job-searching last fall and winter
and came across the job announcement for the
Development Coordinator position at Tahoma
Audubon, my eyes lit up and my heart skipped a
beat! Sounds clich but it is true! I am an out-
doorsy, nature-loving girl with a passion for non-
profit organizations, so the job description posted
in December fit me perfectly!
I sent my qualifications to the ExecutiveDirector, Bryan Flint, immediately. Shortly after,
Bryan responded and
indicated he wouldnt
even be interviewing
until the first of the year.
I am a patient person,
and in the meantime, I
pursued other options. It
was a tough economy
with fierce competition,
but I was hopeful.
Happy New Year!
January came and I
made a call to Bryan. Hetold me he was still reviewing applications.
Patience, Cami, patience.
Then, one day in late January Bryan called. We
set up a telephone interview for the following
week. The call must have gone okay, because the
next week I was asked in for a group interview at
Tahoma Audubon. The panel consisted of long-
time board members, Audubon members, Bryan
and consultant Jean McCord. No pressure there!
Luckily, I made it through the interview in one
piece, and again, patiently waited.
Bryan contacted me a couple times that week
requesting more information, and eventuallyasked me in for a one-on-one interview with him.
I was excited and nervous, but I had a plan: Bring
cookies! So, I showed up bearing the gift of
chocolate chip, molasses and sugar! Oops! Plan
foiled! Bryan cant eat wheat! Still, he graciously
gave me a tour of the Adriana Hess property
(home of Tahoma Audubon), while Volunteer
Coordinator Graham Taylor ate the cookies!
I guess my cookie fiasco was overlooked,
because a couple days later, Bryan called to offer
me the job!
I happily accepted and started on February 9th!
I was immediately thrown into the fire at the 40th
Anniversary Banquet where I gave a speechabout Birdathon. I thought I would be really ner-
vous, but just like my time so far at Tahoma
Audubon I was made to feel welcome and com-
fortable. Everyone is so nice and supportive.
I am new to birding, but I am quickly learning
how cool it is, and how cool my job is!
And I get paid for this!
Cami Kesinger
Development Coordinator
Tahoma Audubon Society
253-565-9129
And I getpaidfor this?
a long series of high rolling tones that includes
mimicry of other birds songs. The bird may sing
four minutes or more as it soars high overhead,
though the average is somewhat less. The songs
quality is also remarkable: the naturalist FrancisJourdain among others found the effect of the
clear, sweet notes exhilarating.
The Sky Lark prefers open areas pastures, short-
grass fields, and airfields where vegetation is
sparse and trees are few. The breeding season lasts
from April through June. The female deepens a
natural depression in the ground and lines it with
grasses. She usually lays four eggs and incubates
them herself. The young hatch in eleven or twelve
days, and leave the nest about nine days later,
roughly when they can feed themselves. They can
fly well at twenty days.
The Sky Lark was introduced to British Columbia
in 1903. By the 1940s the birds were established on
the Saanich Peninsula, aided by the clearing of forest
for farmland. In 1960 the Sky Lark was first reported
on nearby San Juan Island, and a few pairs were
breeding there by 1970. The Canadian census count-
ed 1,000 Sky Larks in 1965, but urbanization soon
led to habitat loss. By 1997 there were only about
100-200 birds left in British Columbia. Today asmall, population of Sky Larks continues, principally
near the Victoria airport. The webpage at http://www.
birding.bc.ca/articles/skylarks.php has detailed infor-
mation on where to find the birds.
In his poem Shelley wondered that the Sky Lark
sang with such passion. If only he knew half the
gladness that brought forth the birds song, he
wrote, then he could utter such harmoni-
ous madness that the entire world
would listen to him. It is Spring and
the Sky Larks are singing now on the
Saanich Peninsula to gladden the hearts
of all who come to listen.
... Sky Lark continued from page 1
Check our websites for latest class listings and times.
Cami KesingerNew Development Coordinator
Who Can Enter?Pierce County students in 2nd- 7th Grades (7-14 years old).Three age categories: grades 2-3, grades 4-5, grades 6-7
How to Enter?Submissions must be delivered by May 23, 2009 to:
Tahoma Audubon 10th AnnualYoung Student Bird Drawing ContestDraw, paint, or sketch one of the following birds in its native habitat:
Golden-crowned Sparrow Western Scrub Jay Gadwall
Winners will be notified by May 30, 2009
Awards and prizes will be presented to the winners at the June 13 th membership meeting
of the Tahoma Audubon at Tacoma Nature Center. Everyone is welcome!
Winners will be recognized in the June issue of Tahoma Audubons newsletter, The Towhee
Tahoma Audubon2917 Morrison Rd. W.
University Place, WA 98466
Rules: Available with entry form atwww.TahomaAudubon.org/drawingcontest.For more information feel free to [email protected] or call (253)327-9480
All images from last years contest
http://www.birding.bc.ca/articles/skylarks.phphttp://www.birding.bc.ca/articles/skylarks.phphttp://www.birding.bc.ca/articles/skylarks.phphttp://www.birding.bc.ca/articles/skylarks.phphttp://www.tahomaaudubon.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.birding.bc.ca/articles/skylarks.phphttp://www.birding.bc.ca/articles/skylarks.php8/9/2019 05-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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field trips and Events
May 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 5
Morse Preserve Open TrailsWhen: Sun. May 10, Mothers Day, noon to 4:00 p.m.
Once again Patty Brabley, neighbor to the Preserve,
will help you enjoy the outdoors on a holiday. Call
253-565-9278 for directions.
Bird WalkAdriana Hess Wetland Park/Tahoma Audubon
When: Mon. May 11, noon to 2:00 p.m.Join Ruth Sullivan at 2917 Morrison Rd W in
University Place for a longer trip this month because it
can be used for a Birdathon trip as well as our regular
monthly trip.
Plant WalkAdriana Hess Wetland Park/Tahoma Audubon
When: Mon. May 18, noon to 1:00 p.m.
Join George Schonhard to learn what is in bloom at the
Center. The 30 some red-flowering currants have been
beautiful in April. The native iris should be getting
ready to bloom.
Bird WalkAdriana Hess Wetland Park/Tahoma Audubon
When: Mon. June 8, noon to 1:00 p.m.
Ruth Sullivan will guide you through the park
identifying birds.
Morse Preserve Bird WalkWhen: Saturday, June 13, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Betty Jones will again be helping you identify birds at
this preserve donated by Lloyd and Maxine Morse.
Call Tahoma Audubon office, 253-565-9278 to sign up
and get directions.And you can do something creative with this event to
set it apart.
Weekly Bird Walks at NisquallyWednesdays, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Join Phil
on his weekly bird walks as he counts the birds
at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Meet: At
the Visitors Center. The group may walk out to
McAllister Creek if that trail is open. Then it takes
the boardwalk/trail loop out to the Twin Barns,
the Nisqually overlook area, and the riparian area,totaling about three miles. Bring good walking
shoes or boots, raingear, water, snacks, and $3
for entry fee unless you have a pass. Scopes are
welcome. Sign-up: Call or email Phil Kelley
to conrm details (especially during the trail
construction period). Phil Kelley, Lacey, (360)
459-1499, [email protected].
Beginning Birdwatching -
Backyard BasicsCurious about birds, but dont know your crown
from your tail feather? All are welcome to this
introduction to the joy of identifying the birds that
are all around us. You will learn how to identify
common birds, use eld guides and use binoculars.
Learn, too, about some of the best places to see
birds and practice your new found stills. $45.00
for Tahoma Audubon Members, $55.00 for Non-
Members. Ages 18+. Call the Tacoma Nature
Center to register, 253-591-6439.
Intermediate BirdingTuesdays, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Adriana Hess
Audubon Center. This class is for those who
have completed an introductory birders class or
have a good background in bird identication.
In addition to the scheduled class days, there are
three eld study sessions. For more information
and registration, call 591-6439. Class meets at the
Adriana Hess Audubon Canter in University Place.
Field Trips: 2-day trip to Washington coast on May
2-3; 2-day trip to Wenas on June 6-7; 3-day trip to
Eastern Washington June 20-22. Participants are
responsible for trip transportation and expenses.
$55.00 for Tahoma Audubon Members. $75.00
for Non-Members. Ages 18+
TGIF Breakfast & Work PartyFridays, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Location:
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Help out with habitat
restoration, such as planting, invasive species
removal, pruning.
Nature alphabetTuesdays, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM or 1:30 PM
to 2:30 PM. Location: Tacoma Nature Center.Preschoolers explore different nature topics
through stories, hands-on activities, nature walks,
and crafts at the Tacoma Nature Center. Adult
participation is recommended, children under four
require and adult present. Please mote alternating
times. Register by the Saturday before the program
by calling 591-6439.
Homeschool Science ProgramsHomeschool students explore science through
hands-on experiments, activities and inquiry-based
learning. Register early, these classes ll quickly!
Call 591-6439.
Beginning.Thursdays, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AMor 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Tacoma Nature Center.
Ages 8-10, $10. To participate in this class, students
should be able to add and subtract numbers.
Intermediate. Thursdays, 1:00 PM to 3:00PM. Tacoma Nature Center. Ages 8-10, $10. To
participate in this class, students should be able to
add and subtract numbers.
Advanced. Thursdays, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.Labs, Fridays, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Tacoma
Nature Center. Ages 12-15, $12. Older homeschool
students will continue their science studies
with challenging and engaging experiments
and activities. This expanded science class for
Advanced Homeschool Science students includesan integrated laboratory session as an extension
of the two hour classroom session. Students get
greater in-depth investigation of the monthly topic,
practice in problem-solving and research skills and
hands-on experimentation. Attendance in the class
session is required for participation in a lab session.
Lab sessions are not required for participation in
class sessions. To participate in this class, students
should be able to calculate averages, percentages
and solve simple equations.
regular programs and classes
Call TAS to register (253-565-9278). Some trips are
people limited out of necessity.
Notify TAS 24 hours in advance if you cannot come.
Field trip leaders put in a lot of time and planning and
no-shows disrupt field trips. More than 3 no-shows ayear can result in revoking opportunity to participate.
Arrive at the meeting place early.
No pets are allowed.
Be prepared for seasonal weather.
Bring lunch, drinks and snacks if the field trip is
scheduled past mid-day.
All passengers divide total carpooling expenses.
Current guidelines are 20 cents a mile per car, not
including driver.
Beginners are always welcome.
Have fun.
rules May 22-25, 2009 www.wenasaudubon.orgFor over three decades Audubon families have
been camping over Memorial Day weekend at the
Wenas Creek Campground.
Officially named the Hazel Wolf Wenas Creek Bird
Sanctuary, its located SW of Ellensburg, in an
Important Bird Area and has been assured of
protective status. The free, primitive campgroundalong the north fork of Wenas Creek has exceptional
opportunities for birding, botanizing and enjoying
spring in the eastern foothills of the Cascades.
There are wonderful field trips scheduled, and there
will be an old-fashioned campfire in our new
approved firepit device each evening. We do
singing, story telling and recapping the sightings of
the day.
Please visit Webmaster Michael Hobbs beautiful
Wenas Website to see Hazel Wolfs familiar smiling
face and get lots of downloadable information about
our campout. www.wenasaudubon.org.
Theres a bird checklist, wildflower checklist,
outline of field trips and program, directions to the
campground, and lots of photos.
For people who dont do websites, contact me and
Ill send you printed information.
Bring friends, family, and join us at Wenas Memorial
Day Weekend for as many days as you want to stay
- May 22-25, 2009!
See you there!
Helen Engle
[email protected] 253-564-3112
mailto:[email protected]://www.wenasaudubon.org/http://www.wenasaudubon.org/http://www.wenasaudubon.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.wenasaudubon.org/http://www.wenasaudubon.org/mailto:[email protected]8/9/2019 05-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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Page 6 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7
winter to breeding were seen. A Horned Grebe
stood out among his peers in nuptial headgear.
Scoters and Wigeons still patrolled the lagoons,
not letting on that they were planning to escape
northward as soon as our backs were turned.
We continued on to Lake Bay and Bay Lake.
If youre confused by that, taste the water salt
for the first, fresh for the last. Or if you knowwhich ducks like fresh water, no problem! Its
the Ring-Necks!
Penrose Point State Park was to be our lunch spot, and
the day had turned so balmy we picnicked out-of-doors!
After a walk produced lots of water birds and the by now
almost ho-hum Varied Thrushes, we were able to enjoy
Stellers Jays doing their whisper songs, meant only to be
heard by a mate, not to mention Brown Creepers tuning
up, and trilliums blooming at our feet to the sound of much
trilling. Then at lunch, an announcement was made!
Beverly Webber had just seen her 300 th lifer! That White-
Winged Scoter that had remained elusive all day had
appeared off the point just for Beverly! Celebrations were
held! The only pall on the celebration was that we had
missed our target bird, Harlequin Ducks. Carol Smith
offered to trot out to the point one last time to check as we
were all finishing our lunches. A thrill ran through the stay-
behinds when she radioed back and said she had them!
We practically ran out there, and a beautiful pair swam
directly toward us, looking more like specimens of Haida
art than living beings. Wow! Thanks, Carol!
Finally, a solemn pilgrimage to pay homage to Joemma
Beach State Park, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled
developed parks in the State Park System. Our visit was
bittersweet because this masterpiece of nature is sched-
uled to be axed in September, as part of the States cost-
cutting measures. We had it practically to ourselves this
sunny day, which illustrated the problem. It is just a little
too undiscovered and remote to pay its way. We walked
way out on one of the longest docks in the state park sys-
tem until we were standing in the middle of the bay, and
the snow-covered Olympics stood watch over endless
deserted beaches. Named for Joe and Emma Smith who
lived on the property from 1917 to 1932, its been a park
since 1968 and a state park since 1995.
It was time to say
goodbye, keeping a
tiny hope alive that
some benefactor
would come forth and
save this place for us.
If you want to visit this
park, do it now!
Thanks for an unfor-
gettable day, Rolan.
And as Bill noted, if
you need good weath-
er for any reason,
have Rolan arrange it.
. . . Key Peninsulafrom page 1
Stellers Jay singing its whisper song -- Yes, really! White Crown Sparrow on stage at Glen Cove.
Varied Thrush -- Junk bird of the day!
Walking out to sea at Joemma Beach.
A pair of Ring-Neck Ducks takes off at Bay Lake.
Bufeheads (Rolans favorite duck) glowing as the fog burns off.
Target birds, Harlequin Ducks at Penrose Point.
With Joemma Beach as the backdrop: Diane, Bill, Janice, leader Rolan Nelson, Carol, Beverly, and Faye.
Photos/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
8/9/2019 05-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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1. The word accipter translates to _____________.
2. Name North Americas smallest goose.
3. Of the three loon species wintering in Puget Sound which one is the smallest?
4. What warbler is retricted to the Edwards Plateau in Texas?
5. What North American owl occurs from northern treeline south to Patagonia?wlquizzical
the
By Thais Bock
Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2009
BIRDSONG
S
byPhil
Buly
Just the other day... Heres what TAS was doing in April 1984
(Answers below cartoon.)
Usually noreaster storms are associated with blizzards, damaging winds,
and beach eroding waves and tides. But for the land based bird watcher
they provide a golden opportunity. Shearwaters, fulmars, storm-petrels, jae-
gers, and alcids are some of the pelagic birds which are often seen during
and shortly after these powerful storms when the onshore winds push them
close enough to land to view.
From Noreasters and Seabirds by Chris Gentes
Go to http://massbird.org/noho/ne.htm (the site on the web for Massachusetts
birding, sponsored by Bird Observer, the New England Birding Journal.
The April 13 meeting at Ingram
Hall, Pacific Lutheran University was
Tahoma Audubons First Annual
Great Slide Show Extravaganza.
Pictorial adventures from their own
backyards to East Africa and Borneo wereshown by Fred Tobiason, Wally Wilkins, Dave
Batker, Bob Ramsey, Greg Sylvester, and
Ken Batker. The monthly meeting also featured
Kris Quinn talking up the Birdathon scheduled for
April 28-29, 1984. Our members would be vying
with other chapters to find the most species of
birds as well as the most sponsors.
We were involved in the Western Washington
Fairground Flower Show for the Daffodil Festival
with bird boxes and how to attract birds to the
garden. Our members were invited to
participate in a wonderful course with
Joseph Cornell, author of Sharing
Nature With Children and KenBrowns Spring Birding Class at the
Snake Lake Nature Center, now
Tacoma Nature Center.
Field trips included an early morn-
ing trek in Klickitat County with the
Washington Wild Turkey Federation
to observe native turkeys in their
mating cycle. Leaders included
Helen Engle and WA Game Dept.
Commissioner Dennis Barci. All we
saw of the turkeys was some turkey
droppings. Paul Webster led the
Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Census;
Roxy Giddings took us through
Spanaway Park. Chambers Creek Estuary
and the Tacoma Community College CampusNature Trail were Thelma Gilmurs trips of the
month, and Doreen and Howard Johnson led
the Enumclaw Woodland Hike.
Tahoma Audubons president Bob Ramsey
noted the first sightings of Western Bluebirds on
February 17 near Yelm. He reported that when our
chapter began Operation Bluebird in the fall of
1982 we knew of a few nesting boxes on Fort
Lewis and we added 71 new boxes in what looked
like promising bluebird habitat. By the end
of the 1983 summer 22 boxes had been
used for 26 successful nest-
ings with a total of 87 fledg-
lings. Many interested partiesparticipated and special credit
goes to George Walter for
his dedicated monitoring of
that first season. Credit also
went to Fort Lewis Fish & Wildlife
biologists, Jim Stephenson, Jonathan
Beall and DavidClouse, and to super
bluebird-box-builder Walt Lachnit.
Fifty new boxes had been
added for the 1984 nesting
season.
Thais Bocks Word on
Birds page included the
following sightings in
February: 13 Trumpeter
Swans at Nisqually NationalWildlife Refuge, Violet-
green swallows at American
Lake, 50 Long-billed Curlews at Tokeland. In
March there was a Snowy Owl on the Skagit flats,
a Says Phoebe in Seattles Discovery Park and the
states first Dickcissel at a feeder in Forks. Thais
also reported that a Bald Eagle picked up a house
cat on Shaw Island, but unceremoniously dropped
him. The cat was none the worse for losing one of
its nine lives.
Tahoma Audubon rejoiced over the
inclusion of the Clearwater area north of
Mount Rainier in the WA Wilderness Act
of 1984. Congressman Norm Dickswrote an article for the Towhee thanking
Audubon campaigners for the quality of
information provided to Members of
Congress during deliberations over
boundaries.
ANSWERS:1.Short-wingedHawk2.RosssGoose3.PacifcLoon4.Golden-cheekedWarbler5.GreatHornedOwl
Feedback, comments and reminiscences
welcome, 253-564-3112, [email protected].
By Helen Engle
Helen Englefrom days of yore.
Norm Dicks
8/9/2019 05-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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Birdathon field trips
May 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9
announcements
Tahoma Audubon Member Nate Chappell and
Ecuadorian birding guide William Perez will lead
this exciting birdwatching and nature photography
tour. We will start in Quito, drive up over Papallacta
Pass and stay at three lodges on the eastern slopeof the Andes Mountains, Guango Lodge, San
Isidro and Wild Sumaco Lodge. After that we
will board a motorized canoe in Coca for the four
hour trip down the Napo River to the superb Sani
Lodge, which is located on an oxbow lake in the
heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. After spending
four nights there we will return by plane to Quito.
Cost of the trip is $3,100, $400 single supplement.
For more information and the complete itinerary
please see our website, www.trogontours.net or
call Nate Chappell at 253-512-1060.
Ecuador: Andes to Amazon
August 1-12, 2009
Trogon Tours
Titlow ParkWhen: Tuesday, May 5, 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Leaders: Rosanne Becker and Joann Sims
Families welcome! Enjoy both water and songbirds at
this beautiful Tacoma Park. A variety of habitats
include salt water, pond, and forest. Meet at the lodge
at Titlow Park which is at the west end of 6th Avenue
in Tacoma.
Pierce County Big DayPurdy to Paradise,
on International Migratory Bird Day
When: Saturday, May 9, 5:15 a.m. till dusk.
Leaders: Bruce LaBar and Charlie Wright
Starting at Purdy Spit, this trip visits Point Defiance,
McChord, and other points of interest on the way to the
Mountain. We aim each year to show that you can find
100 species by birding just in Pierce County. One year
we identified 124. Meet at the far end of Purdy Spit at
5:15 a.m.
Green River Watershedon International Migratory Bird Day
When: Saturday, May 9, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Leaders: Greg Volkhardt and Rolan Nelson
Join us for a day of birding in the Green River
Watershed and possibly Nolte State Park and Auburn
Narrows Wetlands. This is a rare opportunity to see the
protected watershed managed by Tacoma Water. Well
leave the Tacoma Public Utilities Administration
Building at 8:00 a.m. in one or two vans, and arrive at
the watershed gate at about 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. Well
bird the forests and fields around Howard Hanson
Reservoir (elevation 1200 feet), then visit Eagle Lake
(elevation 2200 feet) before possibly heading to
Auburn Narrows. Well plan on returning to Tacoma
by 4:30 p.m. Space is limited; this trip is open to thefirst 12 people to sign up. Meet at the Tacoma Public
Utilities lot A1 on the west end of the administration
building. The building is located at 3628 South 35th
Street. Limit 12 participants.
Adriana Hess Wetland ParkAudubon Center
When: Monday, May 11, noon to 2:00 p.m.
Leader: Ruth Sullivan
Ruth Sullivan will lead this regular bird identification
visit at this small, unique park at 2917 Morrison Rd W.
in University Place. Come if you are counting for
Birdathon or just to enjoy the days count. Year before
last we identified 40 birds on this count. Since this is
being used as a Birdathon trip, we hope all participants
are willing to give a Birdathon donation, but we are not
requiring one.
Fort Lewis
When: Wednesday, May 13, 8:00 a.m. to noon.Leader: Fort Lewiss Jim Lynch
Jim Lynch from the Forts Wildlife Department will
meet the group at the Roy Y Park & Ride at 8:00 a.m.
We will carpool to visit the open oak woodlands and
riparian habitats found among the prairies of the Fort
Lewis Training Grounds. Expect to identify 55-60
species.
Morse Wildlife PreserveWhen: Friday, May 15, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Leader: Betty Jones
Walk the trails and check out the marsh, dry Douglas-
fir forest, moist lowland forest, prairie and meadow.
Take a look at the pond in the marsh and the forested
wetland from the bird tower. Be sure to ask fordirections when you sign up.
Tacoma to Potholes(Overnight in Moses Lake)
When: Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, 5:30
a.m. Saturday to Sunday afternoon.
Leaders: Marcus Roening and Heather Ballash
Marcus and Heather lead an exciting, full-day trip from
Tacoma to the Potholes in Moses Lake. The trip will
cover 15 habitat zones, with special emphasis on
migratory birds in the Columbia Basin sage, pinelands,
and wetlands. Expect to see at least 120 species in one
fast-paced day. Meet at 5:30 a.m. and arrive in Moses
Lake at 8:30 p.m., where we will stay overnight. Enjoy
a leisurely return through favorite bird areas on Sunday.
Please provide e-mail address when you sign up in
order to coordinate lodging details and meeting place.
E-mail [email protected] for further details.
Point Defiance ParkWhen: Sunday, May 17, 8:00 a.m. to noon.
Leaders: Rob and Natalie McNair-Huff
Join Rob and Natalie for the Birdathon version of their
monthly nature walk at Point Defiance Park on May
17. They will set out at 8:00 a.m. in the zoo parking lot
and walk through the forest trails along Five Mile
Drive, walking a little more than four miles. This
Birdathon trip will end with birding along the ponds
near the park entrance and with a drive down to Owen
Beach. The trip should wrap up around noon.
Lakebay AreaNear Town of Home
When: Friday, May 22, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Leader: Home-owners Dee and Wayne Knight andMelissa Sherwood
Visit acres of woods with songbirds, fields with ravens,
and shores with eagles, osprey, sandpipers and herons,
plus two eagle nests, too. Bring your own lunch.
Coffee and desert will be served by the fireplace.
Address is: 3715 165th KPN. Go across the Narrows,
take Purdy exit, through the Purdy stop light, go
through the Key Center blinking red light and 3.8 miles
past. Youll see a huge billboard on the right saying
Dudley Top Apples, pass the small green 38th St sign
on the right and across from this there will be signs and
balloons on left at a tiny road. Go right past the Knight
signs and balloons to right and wind down a long
wooded road with a steep hill. Youll see an old barn
and turn to the left to their house. There is a very lowtide near noon. Bring beach shoes; we can walk quite
a distance.
Waughop Lake and
Fort Steilacoom ParkWhen: Saturday, May 23, 8:30 a.m.to 11:00 a.m.
Leader: Betty Jones
Meeting spot is the parking lot by the barns at Fort
Steilacoom Park. Well identify birds in the oak
woodlands, grasslands, and Waughop Lake, and some
evergreen areas. We hope to see 50 species.
Foulweather Bluff
When: Saturday, May 30, 7:00 a.m. to mid-afternoon.Leader: Rolan Nelson
Well visit Foulweather Bluff, Point-No-Point, and the
Hansville Greenway. Join us for this Birdathon event
to check out the west sound migrants that should be
passing through. Well see wetlands, saltwater, forest
glades, and meadows. We hope to identify over 65
species. Bring rain gear and layered clothes and a
scope if you have one. Pack a lunch or you can buy
supplies at the Hansville Store. Meet at Purdy Park &
Ride off Highway 16. Take Highway 16 across the
Narrows Bridge from Tacoma. Exit at the SR302/
Purdy off-ramp and drive straight through Purdy (three
stoplights) to 144th. The Park & Ride is just beyond
the Chevron Station.
Come join us for our largest member-driven fundraiser! You can come on any of these trips as a birder or just for fun,
we just ask that you make a donation. Call Tahoma Audubon (253)565-9278 to sign-up and we encourage carpooling!
Contact David Renstrom [email protected] or 253-798-4680
or the Cascade Land Conservancy [email protected]
Join us at the Naches Trail Preserve while the prairie plants are in bloom
and the birds are singing to celebrate Washingtons Native Plant Appreciation Week.
The Naches Trail Preserve is located in Frederickson, WA at 38th Ave E and Military Rd E.
Prairie Appreciation EventNaches Trail Preserve May 9th, 2009 from 9 a.m. - Noon
http://www.trogontours.net/http://www.trogontours.net/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.trogontours.net/8/9/2019 05-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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volunteerRecognition
Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2009
By Beth Graves
What better way to wel-
come the beginning of spring
than with a little spring clean-
ing? Thats exactly what the
First Creek Neighbors and ateam of volunteers did at the
First Creek Clean-Up on April
4. Beginning bright and early,
the group worked to restore
the neglected green belt by
picking up litter, removing
invasive species, and clearing
overgrown vegetation from
sidewalks and fence posts.
The First Creek watershed is located in the Eastside
neighborhood of Tacoma. It extends from Portland
Avenue to Roosevelt Heights and passes through the
Salishan neighborhood. Years of neglect and misuse
have turned the creek and its shaded banks into a
dumping ground. When volunteers arrived on thescene, they were met with garbage heaps which includ-
ed shopping carts, televisions, and couches.
Volunteers worked in three locations along the water-
shed. One group focused on the area around East 29th
street near the Emerald Queen Casino. They tackled an
infestation of English Ivy, shearing through vines that
had grown as thick as tree branches. By the end of the
day, dozens of trees had been saved from these creep-
ing foes.
Around the Fairbanks area, volunteers removed
invasive species and picked up litter as well. In addi-
tion, the team uncov-
ered a mostly forgot-
ten sidewalk running
between the creek
and the street. The
restoration of the
sidewalk providedan instant facelift to
the area and a visible
measure of the hard
work and determina-
tion of the volun-
teers.
First Creek Neigh-
bors intends to con-
tinue restoration ef-
forts in the First Creek area. They hope to preserve the
green belt so that it remains a community asset for cur-
rent and future generations. They envision a healthy
natural space with recreational trails that are accessible
and safe for communal use. The First Creek Neighbors
see the creek as a valuable asset which could add valueto lives of residents as well as the surrounding ecosystem.
The event was held in association with the Green
Tacoma Partnership, City of Tacoma, and the Puyallup
tribe. For information on more restoration projects and
volunteer opportunities contact Green Tacomas
Volunteer Coordinator Julie Kerrigan JKerrigan@
TahomaAudubon.org, (253) 565-1884.
Beth Graves is a student at the University of Puget
Sound and a Green Tacoma Partnership intern this
semester.
Volunteers team up to clean up
NatureMapping provides an opportunity for every-
one to observe, monitor, and inventory their local
habitats and use the information gathered to affect
real change. Data collected can be used by scientists
on state and local levels to help make decisions that
determine a healthy future for sh and wildlife.
This workshop will involve both classroom
and eld work and will include the use of
maps, wildlife identication tips, habitat
coding, building a search image, and data
collection procedures.
Top left: Mother Daughter team removing English Ivy off
of trees, plants and the ground.
Above: Volunteers clearing the sidewalk of weeds, moss,
garbage and dirt. The sidewalk is now visible and usable.
Below: First Creek Steward Dan Fear is conducting volun-
teer orientation and explaining invasive species removal.
Lower left: Volunteers at First Creek getting ready to go
out and remove invasive species.
Photos/Julie Kerrigan
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park presents: NatureMapping: Data Collection and Monitoring
To Register, contact reservations at 360-832-7166or [email protected]
*Registration closes April 22nd, 2009
For more information contact Jessica Moore at 360-832-7160
Data Collection & Monitoring Workshop
May 30 & 31, 2009$40 per participant (discounted - regularly $70)
Friday: 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9 am -5 pmThis workshop is for citizens interested in using the Na-tureMapping process to keep track of wildlife in their back-
yard, local parks and forests, or any other natural area.This hands-on environmental learning workshop
helps people take the next step after learningto enjoy wildlife.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]8/9/2019 05-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
10/11
May 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 11
Tahoma Audubon is the Pierce County chapter of National Audubon. As
an Introductory member of Tahoma Audubon you also receive a National
Audubon membership and Audubon Magazine for one year. Renewing
your Chapter Membership ensures that we can continue to do our work in
Pierce County. Chapter membership includes: Towhee newsletter sub-
scription, free family events, birding trip invitations, class & book dis-
counts, conservation activities, annual celebrations and more. Joint TAS/
National Audubon membership includes: Chapter membership, National
membership, annual Audubon Magazine subscription, and support of
Important Bird Areas (IBA) and state and national conservation agendas. Checkspayableto:TahomaAudubon2
917Morrison
Rd.
W.
UniversityPlace,
98466Taho
maAudubon
Society,establishedin1969,
isa501(c
)(3)nonprofit
organization.
Donationsaretaxdeductible.
Membership Fee:
___ Introductory (first year) $20
___ Joint National/Tahoma Audubon $50
___ Chapter member renewal $30
___ Other Contributions _____________
Member(s) Name: _______________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
City______________________________ Zip__________________
Phone: home ___________________business _________________
e-mail: ________________________________________________
Member #: _______________________________ (office use only)
mebership
An original John James
Audubon print is being offered
for sale by John Barbieri, and
a percentage of the sale will be
donated to Tahoma Audubon.
The Scaup Duck is an original
hand colored lithograph from
the royal octavo edition, done
by the Philadelphia rm of J.T.
Bowen in 1840-1844. The
outlines where hand printed from
a lithographic stone and each
print was hand colored under the
direct supervision of John James
Audubon. The print is on display
at the Audubon ofce at 2917
Morrison Rd. West, University
Place. Please call the ofce at
(253) 565-9278.
Original Audubon
Print for Sale
The April pro-
gram, Gone to the
Goonies: Midway
Atoll by Valerie
Elliot, made the
best birding day in
Washington look
like birding desert,
but also showed the
incredible pressures
humans put on
ecosystems of even
an isolated island.
The Midway Atoll lies at the end of the Hawaiian
chain of islands, 1250 miles NNW of Hawaii. The
group of islands hosts the worlds largest population
of Laysan Albatross, or gooney birds and a large
population of Black-Footed Albatross, as well as
several other bird, wildlife, and plant species. Midway
is also known for its role in WWII and later wars.
Im going to start my music up again Valerie said
at the beginning of her presentation, putting on a CD
of The Midway Symphony Chorus directed by Al
B. Tross, available on the Friends of Midway Atoll
website. The chorus of bird calls issuing from the
stereo was the nightly music Valerie heard when she
volunteered with the Fish and Wildlife Service on the
islands as a nest surveyor in 2006.
Valerie moved on to wow the audience with the rst
few pictures: albatrosses absolutely covered the ground,
whether on the wilder Easter Island or surrounding the
dilapidated military buildings on Sand Island. Ive
never seen birds everywhere like that, she said, and it
was hard not to believe her.
As a nest counter, Valerie spent the days biking and
walking on one of the two islands with a team of other
volunteer counters, looking for active nests. At night,
she stayed in the old barracks, ate meals prepared by
an on-site support staff, and enjoyed touring around
on the bike she was issued. Sound like the kind of
volunteering youd enjoy? The Fish and Wildlife Service
asks for a 12-week commitment from volunteers, more
information is available on their website.
Valerie showed the audience the many other species
of birds she saw, including White Tern, Brown Noddy,
Black Noddy, Red-Tailed Tropicbird, Laysan Duck,
Common Canary, Common Myna, Pacic
Golden Plover, and the Bristle-Thighed
Curlew, which she said were lousy over
here, unlike during her travels in Alaska.
She also showed green sea turtles, Monk
Seals, and Spinner Dolphins.
At what she called the heart of my
talkthe peril part, Valerie talked about
the dangers facing albatross and other bird
species. The effects of longline shing,
a threat to many birds, can be mitigated
by several measures, but while these
measures are implemented by the
US, other countries dont require
them. Lead poisoning from the
old buildings on site threatens
juveniles, but FWS has been periodically working on
the buildings.Plastic, in the form of milk cartons, tubs, ip-ops,
and Bic lighters, washes ashore and threatens the birds.
All chicks have plastic in their stomachs, in some cases
16 ounces or more. Friends of Midway Atoll was
recently awarded a $200,000 grant to study marine
debris and develop educational programs.
Invasive species form another major threat260 of
280 species on the island are non-native. The biggest
threats to birds include Verbesina and Ironwood
(Casurina equesetifolia from Australia).
Perhaps the biggest long-term threat to all the species
on the island is climate change, especially rising sea
levels, as most of Midway is just 1 foot above sea level.
Coral bleaching also occurs on the island.
Valerie ended the peril part of the
talk with a picture of an albatross asking
Please help us. She listed several ways
to help, including donating to Friends of
Midway Atoll, eating sustainable seafood,
reducing plastic use (especially those
pesky Bic lighters), and doing something to
reduce climate change.
For more information, visit FWS
at http://www.fws.gov/midway and
Friends of Midway Atoll at http://www.
friendsofmidway.org. Valerie also
recommends the book Eye of the
Albatross: Visions of Hope and
Survivalby Carl Sana.
Celebrating and advocating for the Albatrosses of Midway Atoll
april program Wrap-up
C9ZY020Z
jillEIKENHORSTIntern Editor
8/9/2019 05-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
11/11
May 1, Fri, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Breakfast
& Work Party. F
May 2, Sat, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Native Plant Sale
at TNCMay 5, Tue, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Intermediate
Birding. F
May 6, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird
Walks at Nisqually F
May 8, Fri, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF at
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. F
May 8, Fri, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Membership
Meeting. Location: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919
S. Tylor Street. Monthly membership meeting of
Tahoma Audubon. See box on right for details.
May 9, Sat. International Migratory Bird Day -
count
May 10, Sun, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Morse
Preserve Open Trails. F
May 11, Mon, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Bird Walk at
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Enjoy a guided bird
walk through the park! F
May 12, Tue, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Nature
alphabet: I is for Inch by Inch.
May 12, Tue, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Conservation
Committee. Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
May 12, Tue, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Nature
Snapshots: Tidepools. Location: Tacoma Nature
Center. Ages 12 and up, $15 per person or $30 perfamily (4 people max). Join us for a snapshot of
nature as we explore the basics of identication and
help families learn a few of the local native wildlife.
Call 591-6439 to register.
May 12, Tue, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Intermediate
Birding Class continuation. F
May 13, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird
Walks at Nisqually F
May 13, Wed, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Budding
Scientists The Living Web.
May 13, Wed, 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM. Budding
Scientists The Living Web.
May 14, Thu, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Beginning
Homeschool Science: The Web of Life.
May 14, Thu, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Beginning
Homeschool Science: The Web of Life.
May 14, Thu, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Tahoma
Audubon Board Meeting. Adriana Hess Audubon
Center. Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon
Board. Guests Welcome, please call ahead at (253)
565-9278.
May 15 to May 16, 2009. Nisqually BioBlitz.
Location: Roy/McKenna area. Attention Nature
Mappers, animal and plant lovers! Learn to be a
citizen scientists by being part of a team of citizens
and experts and help identify the ora and fauna ofa biologically diverse area. Camp overnight and
look for nocturnal animals! Find bugs, amphibians,
butteres, birds, and mammals! Contact Krystal
for details and upcoming training opportunities at
253-232-9978 or visit: http://depts.washington.edu/
natmap/about/howto.html. M
May 15, Fri, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF at
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. F
May 18, Mon, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Plant Walk
at Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Location: Adriana
Hess Wetland Park. Enjoy a guided plant walk
through the park! F
May 19, Tue, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Intermediate
Birding. Adriana Hess Audubon Center.
Continuation. F
May 20, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird
Walks at Nisqually F
May 21, Thu, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Intermediate
Science: Its all Connected.
May 21, Thu, 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Education
Committee Meeting. Adriana Hess Conference
Room.
May 22, Fri, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF at
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. F
May 26, Tue, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Nature
Storytime: J is for Jellysh. Tacoma nature Center.
Preschoolers explore different nature topics through
stories, hands-on activities, nature walks, and crafts
at the Tacoma Nature Center. Adult participation
is recommended, children under four require and
adult present. Please note alternating times. Register
by the Saturday before the program by calling 591-
6439.
May 26, Tue, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Intermediate
Birding. Adriana Hess Audubon Center.
Continuation. F
May 27, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird
Walks at Nisqually F
May 27, Wed, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Budding
Scientists Eat, or Be Eaten.
May 27, Wed, 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM. Budding
Scientists Eat, or Be Eaten.
May 28, Thu, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Advanced
Science: Bio-Science: Ecology.
May 29, Fri, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF at
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. F
May 29, Fri, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Advanced
Science Lab: Ecology.
May 30, Sat, Nature Mapping training at NW
Trek. Location: NW Trek. Contact Jessica Moore
at 360-832-7160. V
May 31, Sun, Nature Mapping training at NW
Trek. Location: NW Trek. Contact Jessica Moore
at 360-832-7160. V
June 2, Tue, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Intermediate
Birding Class Continuation. F
June 3, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird
Walks at Nisqually F
June 6, Sat, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Board & Staff
Retreat at Pack Forest
June 8, Mon, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Bird Walk at
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Enjoy a guided bird
walk through the park! F
June 9, Tue, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Conservation
Committee. Adriana Hess Wetland Park
June 9, Tue, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Intermediate
Birding. Adriana Hess Audubon Center.
Continuation. F
June 10, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird
Walks at Nisqually F
June 11, Thu, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Tahoma
Audubon Board Meeting. Adriana Hess Audubon
Center. Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon
Board. Guests Welcome, please call ahead at (253)
565-9278.
June 12, Fri, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Membership
Meeting at Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tylor
Street
Monthly membership meeting of Tahoma Audubon.
All welcome. Check web site for program - www.
TahomaAudubon.org. Call (253) 565-9278
June 13, Sat. Ohop Widlife Survey & eld trip.
Location: Ohop Valley, near Eatonville. Call
565-9278 to register and for directions. Help
scientists collect data on birds, mammals, reptiles,
amphibians, and insects! No experience necessary,
only willingness to explore. Wear sturdy shoes.
Directions and information are also available on our
website at: www.tahomaaudubon.org/cs under the
ohop wildlife monitoring tab.
June 15, Mon, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Plant Walk
at Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Enjoy a guided
plant walk through the park! F
June 17, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird
Walks at Nisqually F
June 24, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird
Walks at Nisqually F
For additional information:Tahoma Audubon - 253-565-9278; or www.tahomaaudubon.org Or The Tacoma Nature Center:253-591-6439 or www.metroparkstacoma.org
Calendarmay programmay 2009
june 2009
F Field Trip PageV Volunteer page
M Environment Matters Page
A Related article in Towhee
E Education Page
Tahoma Audubon Programs
FREE to members and non-members!
When: Friday,May 8, 2009Where: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 South Tyler.
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 pm.
Who: Miriam Easley, Sustainability Outreach Co-
ordinator, Versar, Inc. Fort Lewis, Public Works-ED
Fort Lewis is committed to the support of a strong
national defense, securing the integrity of our natu-
ral and cultural heritage, and conserving our natural
resources for tomorrows generations. In 2002 Fort
Lewis emerged as a leading force for sustainability.
Fort Lewis Installation Sustainability Program (ISP)
is guided by eight long-term goals that are divided
into six subject areas: Air Quality, Products & Ma-
terials Management, Water Resources, Sustainable
Training Lands, Energy and Sustainable Communi-
ties. A multidisciplinary team oversees implemen-tation of the ISP within each subject area. Sustain-
ability has applications to every organization and
Fort Lewis sends this message through its outreach
programs, participation in technical conferences,
willingness to serve as an R&D demonstration site
for technology innovations, and leadership as an
early adopter of sustainable practices. Ms. Easley
is a civilian contractor for the Public Works depart-
ment at Ft Lewis. She has extensive knowledge
about the sustainability efforts within the Army and
on military bases nationwide.
Loren Webster - Calendar Editor [email protected]
http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/about/howto.htmlhttp://depts.washington.edu/natmap/about/howto.htmlhttp://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/cshttp://www.tahomaaudubon.org/cshttp://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/about/howto.htmlhttp://depts.washington.edu/natmap/about/howto.html