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8/9/2019 06-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969. Vol. 39 No.5 June 2008
Birdathon is moving along. Thanks so much tobirders, sponsors, trip leaders, phoners, letter writers,and the crew that put together our successfulBirdathon Kick-Off Event.
Jim Ullrich of Wild Birds Unlimited will once again bemaking gift certificates available for the Birder identifying
the most birds, the Birder bringing in the most money,and the Rookie of the Year.
Look for the final report in the July/August or theSeptember Towhee. Donations to Birdathon 2008 arecontinuing to be gratefully accepted.
Thank-you all so much.
Update on Birdathon 2008
Board Member
Story and photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn
And theyre off!! Five teams vying for the Big Prizes!!
Yes, it was April 26th, and it was the Big Birdathon Kickoff
Event at Point Defiance!!
Fast forward 4 hours, and Ill invite you into the Winners
Circle! Yes, our team, The Cars (signal the music here!) had
beat out everyone with 49 species! However, due to clever
handicapping, all participants were rewarded, and all bets
were paid. The TAS volunteers laid out a spread fit for an all-win-ners event, which this was! (See Julie Ks column on page 10.)
What a way to be introduced to the concept of Birdathon!
Yes, we do try to see as many species as possible during our
allotted time, and yes, you all get to pay according to
those numbers, but like all good sports handicapping,
the payouts are adjusted per bird so as to give the
greatest return. We had a fabulous turnout thanks to
arranging for the one good weather day in April to
By Jane Brosius
My mother was a person who valued scrap
books and collections of family stories, so I
was thrilled to find that she had kept a scrap
book I had from Fourth Grade. I attended
grade school in 1950 at Sherman Elementary
in Tacomas North End. Our teacher brought in
a representative from the Audubon Society, which
then had to be someone from a state organization, or perhaps Seattle. This
person handed out bird pamphlets and we were to create a scrap book
with those descriptions and also to draw picture of the birds. I dont think
I can render them as well today as I did in that year!
Included in the scrap book are such items as a Junior Audubon pledge
and a little red pin. I found I had pledged to protect all birds always, and
take good care of the living things of our country. Illustrations drawn
by me include a robin, a Red-winged Blackbird, a blue bird, a blue jay
Birdathon Kickoff Event onlineSee a slideshow of photos by Diane
Yorgason-Quinn in a Youtube video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xOCz9ofL67o
See "Reflections" on page 6
See "Birdathon Kickoff" on page 7
The journey began in grade-school
View from the winners circle
Below left: Bike leader Rob calls his team together;Above: The Biker birders are off.
Below right: The winning team - The Cars! Faye, Peggy, Tamika, Acacia, Jane, Helen.
White-crowned SparrowBy Paul Webster
Bold black and white head stripes and a contrasting yellow-to-orange bill make the
White-crowned Sparrow look crisp, and for the naturalist William Dawson it even called
to mind a military gentleman in a gray coat with black-and-white trimmings. This is a
large but slender sparrow with a clear gray breast. Its flanks, rump and tail are dull
brown, the back and wings are brown-streaked, and the wings show contrasting whitebars. Males and females have similar plumage year-round, and first-winter birds even
with their warm chestnut and creamy-white head stripes resemble the adults. In
backyards, open fields with brushy spots, clearcuts, or alpine parklands, this striking
bird is a familiar sight in Washington.
Three of the five White-crowned Sparrow subspecies occur in our state, differing
slightly in plumage, bill color, and song. The resident subspecies in Western Washington
is pugetensis, and its numbers increase about the beginning of April as migrants arrive.
Its short song see-me-pretty-pretty-me repeated several times a minute during the day
and even on moonlit nights is a familiar voice in the local chorus of breeding birds.
In mid-April the migrants of the gambelii subspecies pour into Washington, and for
See "White-crowned Sparrow" on page 8
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xOCz9ofL67ohttp://youtube.com/watch?v=xOCz9ofL67o8/9/2019 06-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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executive Directors Corner
Tahoma Audubon Staff
Flint, Bryan Executive [email protected] 253-565-9129
Kyer, Krystal Conservation [email protected] 253-232-9978
Swaim, Stephanie Education [email protected] 253-565-5479
Kerrigan, Julie Volunteer [email protected] 253-565-1884
Tahoma Audubon Board Officers
John Garner President
Marjorie Shea Vice President
Wayne Larsen Past President
Jane Brosius Secretary
Kathleen Nelson Treasurer
Tahoma Audubon Board Members 2008
Rob McNair-Huff Field Trip Chair
Thelma Gilmur Membership Co-chairKathleen LeGreid Towhee Editor
Dick Carkner
Sally Larson
Marcus Roening
Peggy L. Kopf
Darby Veeck
Ione Clagett
Melissa Paulson
Elizabeth Beer
The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon SocietyLocated in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466
Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278e-mail: [email protected]
The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society.
The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TASadvocates for the protectionof 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: Kathleen Ann LeGreid: phone 360-458-1483
E-mail:kaleditor@ mindspring.com
Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings
Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: E-mail: robert_kelton@ mac.com
Printing: Consolidated PressPrinted on recycled newsprint
Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org June 2008
The ght for open space: Growing up?There is a say-
ing that there are
two things peo-
ple hate about
growth manage-
ment: sprawland density.
The fight to
protect habitat in
Pierce County
over the last
decade or more
has largely been a fight to stop sprawl. Before the
State passed the Growth Management Act, Pierce
County had used general zoning to allow develop-
ment to take place pretty much anywhere.
The promise of growth management was the
limiting of sprawl, with development taking place
in urban centers. The fact is that, to a large extent,
development is happening in urban centers.Development is taking place inside the Urban
Growth Boundary set up under the current growth
plan.
We could be doing even better. The County
recently passed an ordinance that allows develop-
ers to buy into an open space fund in exchange for
building more densely in the urban centers.
Going by the sexy title of Transfer of Development
Rights, this tool ties the prevention of sprawl with
the creation of density. Once in full swing it could
result in thousands of acres of open space andfarmland protection.
It will also result in taller buildings, mixed-use
centers and transit-oriented development.
Then what about density?
Who could be against density: those who live
next to a proposed project and do not want to see
a change in their neighborhood? Density is
change, and many people dont like change. Will
the work to bring about density in our urban cen-
ters be stymied by the powerful force of Not in
My Back Yard?
It is important that we succeed in concentrating
growth because we are in the midst of a population
growth spurt that will add 250,000 people to thecounty in the first 20 years of this century. That is
how many people live in Tacoma now.
If we are going to absorb another city of Tacoma,
and protect the open space and farmland we cher-
ish, then we have to grow up instead of out. If we
are going to address climate change at the local
level, we have to get people out of their cars,
closer to work and shopping. Public transporta-
tion needs density in order to flourish. Density fits
a market such as ours where two-thirds of house-
hold have two or fewer people in them.
In order to protect open space, farmland, and
critical wildlife habitat; we are going to have to be
part of creating positive change to bring aboutmore density in urban areas. That will involve
thinking in new ways, taking on new alliances,
and accepting the change that is inevitable. By
doing so we can grow as a community and protect
the quality of life we hold so dearly.
We are in the midst of apopulation growth spurt thatwill add 250,000 people tothe county in the first 20
years of this century. That ishow many people live in
Tacoma now.
From the Seattle Times - By Warren Cornwall,Environment reporter
Washington is on the verge of getting its first new wilderness area in more than two
decades, 106,000 acres of forest in the Cascade Mountains, just a short drive from
Seattle. With a House vote Tuesday evening, Congress sent the long-awaited and long-
debated Wild Sky Wilderness plan to President Bush, who is expected to sign it. But
when hikers return this summer to the mountains above Skykomish and Index, theyprobably wont notice much change. And thats exactly the point for Tom Uniack, who
has spent the past five years lobbying to create Wild Sky. Change will happen, said
Uniack, conservation director of the Washington Wilderness Coalition. So if you want
to keep something the same, you have to do something about it.
The new wilderness designation would shield the vast area inside the Mount Baker-
Snoqualmie National Forest from the kind of changes that environmentalists fear most:
logging, mining, and even cars and off-road vehicles. The federal Wilderness Act bars
virtually all motors. You cant even fire up a chain saw. The land that would wind up
inside the Wild Sky boundaries isnt a top hiking destination. Still, some advocates hope
the new designation will mean more visitors and federal money to improve trails. It
West Cady Ridgeis part of what
will be the WildSky Wilderness inthe Mount Baker-
SnoqualmieNational Forest.
Congress finally OKs Wild Sky Wilderness
Photo/Steven
Fey
See "Wild Sky" on page 6
mailto:[email protected]:%[email protected]:[email protected]:kaleditor@%20mindspring.commailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:kaleditor@%20mindspring.commailto:[email protected]:%[email protected]:[email protected]8/9/2019 06-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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eNviroNMeNtMatters
In late April, I had the pleasure of visiting our capitol
for the first time. I was part of a team of citizen advo-
cates from across the country, and four from Washington
State, on behalf of the National Environmental Coalition
on Invasive Species, which National Audubon Society is
a member of, to encourage our elected representatives to
support federal legislation to protect our marine andfreshwater systems from exotic aquatic invasive spe-
cies.
In the Great Lakes area, since the opening of the St.
Lawrence Seaway invasive species, like Zebra mussels,
have devastated those ecosystems and native fish popu-
lations. Over 180 nonnative species now live in the
Great Lakes. Invasive species-related botulism out-
breaks have killed thousands of Lake Michigan shore-
birds alone.
While the Great Lakes may seem far away, ships
travel the world. Zebra mussels are now in California
waters, and soon to be here. Ships circumnavigate the
world, taking in ballast water to stabilize them, and then
releasing that same water when they come to port. Since
the 1970s, the overwhelming majority of invasiveaquatic species have been transported by oceangoing
ballast tanks. Zebra and Quagga mussels are especially
good at clogging water intake pipes, costing industry and
taxpayers billions of dollars.
Here in the Puget Sound region, we are fighting inva-
sions from species such as Spartina, New Zealand mud-
snails, invasive tunicates (sea squirts), Japanese eelgrass,
Asian clam, and European Green crab, among others.
With major shipping ports in Seattle, Tacoma, and
Olympia, and multiple Naval facilities in the PugetSound, there is significant transport and discharge of
ballast water into the marine waters of the Puget Sound.
The state of Washington is working on ballast water
treatment requirements and discharge standards, while
the state of California leads the way with the toughest
standards in the nation.
The proposed federal legislation falls under the Coast
Guard Reauthorization Act (HB 2830), which passed the
House only days before we arrived in DC by a vote of
395 to 7. All of Washington States Congressmen voted
in favor of this bill!
There is widespread support for a national ballast
water bill. Significantly, the shipping industry itself
prefers to have one federal standard, rather than many
different state standards to try to comply with. Severaldifferent technologies already exist to treat ballast
water.
The goal of the ballast water bill is to have zero ballast
discharges of any-
thing alive by
2015. Before that
can happen, the
Senate must pass
its bill, and then
the two bills need
to go to confer-
ence to be recon-
ciled. When thathappens, probably
later this summer,
well alert you to
the opportunity to
support the bill by
contacting your
representatives in Washington, DC. Or, you can contact
them now and thank them for voting yes for HB 2830!
In the meantime, you can learn more about this issue
by visiting the National Environmental Coalition on
Invasive Species website: www.necis.net or learn to
learn more about National Audubon Societys Stop
Invasives Campaign go to: http://www.stopinvasives.
org/threats.shtm
By Claire-Marie Krug & Candi Ziegert
On May 10, 2008 the grounds of Pacific Lutheran University was abuzz with bird enthusiastsof all ages as the school celebrated International Migratory Bird Day. International Migratory
Bird Day (IMBD), sponsored by the nonprofit organization Environment for the Americas, wascreated to involve people in bird conservation through educational opportunities in the WesternHemisphere. Tahoma Audubon interns Claire-Marie Krug and Candi Ziegert organized a groupof 19 students, faculty, and faculty family members for a bird-watching adventure, led by vet-eran birders Fred Tobiason and Richard Mugs McGinnis. The afternoon began with a crash-course in bird identification and binocular use. Once the company was assembled and ade-quately supplied with trail mix and water, they braved theovercast, damp weather to visit birding hotspots aroundcampus. Altogether, the group of citizen scientists identified55 birds and 18 species. This data was entered into theeBird national database to aid in avian research.
Some noteworthy birds spotted included a Golden-crowned Kinglet, a Red-breasted Sapsucker, and two Red-tailed Hawks. Two Oliver-sided Flycatchers, currently listedas a Washington State species of concern, were also identi-fied. A Northern Flicker managed to elude the birders;however another specimen posed for the group later in thewalk. At the conclusion of the 90 minute trek, participantsnibbled on chocolate bird nests and competed for fantasticraffle prizes purchased from the Tahoma Audubon store inUniversity Place. A generous monetary donation from thePacific Lutheran University Natural SciencesDepartment contributed to the successof this event.
The IMBD bird count was reminis-cent of the Great Backyard Bird Counthosted on the campus in February,and the presence of returningbirders and new faces demon-strated the growing interest inbirds in the Pacific LutheranUniversity community. If youwould like to know more
about these terrific birdingopportunities, check out theGreat Backyard Bird Count athttp://www.audubon.org/gbbc/index.shtml and learnmore about InternationalMigratory Bird Day at http://www.birdday.org
Fighting invasive aquatic species
The Conservation Committee meets on a regular basis.Contact Krystal for details: 253-232-9978 or e-mail [email protected]
Giving our community an avian educationSpring bird count at PLU not just for the birds
Top: Claire-Marie andCandi whip up some deli-cious chocolate bird neststo help sweeten a damp,overcast day.
Left: Mugs imparts wis-dom to young students.
Below: The group, ledby veteran birders Fred To-biason and Richard MugsMcGinnis, spots some note-worthy birds.
Put on your listening ears:Richard Mugs McGinnis showshow to see with your ears.
June 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3
http://www.necis.net/http://www.necis.net/http://www.stopinvasives.org/threats.shtmhttp://www.stopinvasives.org/threats.shtmhttp://www.stopinvasives.org/threats.shtmhttp://www.stopinvasives.org/threats.shtmhttp://www.audubon.org/gbbc/index.shtmlhttp://www.audubon.org/gbbc/index.shtmlhttp://www.birdday.org/http://www.birdday.org/http://www.birdday.org/http://www.birdday.org/http://www.audubon.org/gbbc/index.shtmlhttp://www.audubon.org/gbbc/index.shtmlhttp://www.stopinvasives.org/threats.shtmhttp://www.stopinvasives.org/threats.shtmhttp://www.necis.net/8/9/2019 06-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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Page 4 www.tahomaaudubon.org June 2008
eDucatioNMatters
Summer Hot Spot in
the Shade:Have you been to
Kobayashi Preserve in
University Place? Its
a quiet little Preserve
at the confluence ofLeech and Chambers
creeks and it sits like
an emerald jewel
above Chambers
Creek County Park.
When the birdwatching gets too hot to handle at
Chambers Creek, Kobayashi Preserve is a cool place to
sit in the shade and listen to the tumbling of the cool
water from the creeks.
Recently, the staff and a couple board members at
Tahoma Audubon took a tour of Chambers Creek Park.
As the county ramps-up their environmental education
components, they realize that Kobayashi is an integral
part of their Chambers Creek ecosystem. Tahoma
Audubon has held summer camps and field trips at thePreserve and we are looking forward to working with
the City of University Place again to offer education
programs at the preserve.
This summer we have already scheduled two oppor-
tunities for families to learn a little about the habitats,
plants and animals that visit Kobayashi. On June 28th
from 10:00am to noon, we invite you to join us atthe Preserve for a naturalist-led hike and talk about the
native plants we find there. And on August 16thwe will
have a Discovery Walk from 10:00 to 11:30am to
explore the preserve with a naturalist-educator. Both
walks are perfect for nature-lovers of all ages.
You will find the entrance to Kobayashi Preserve at the
easternmost end of Chambers Creek Drive at the inter-
section of Bridgeport and 67th. The driveway to the
Preserve is located immediately to the southwest of the
intersection, and runs parallel to Bridgeport beforedescending to the right. Formerly a private home, the
driveway is very secluded. There are only four parking
spaces, so if you are able please choose to park along
the top of the driveway near Bridgeport and walk to the
bottom and the park.
To reserve a spot on our June 28 th Native plant
hike at Kobayashi, please call Tahoma Audubon
Society, 235-565-9278. FREE to everyone.To reserve a spot on our Discovery Walk on
August 16th, please call the Tacoma Nature
Center, 253-591-6439. FREE to Audubon mem-bers, $5.00 for nonmembers.
Speaking of Discovery Walks
Our June Discovery Walk will be featuring the
West Hylebos Creek Park in Federal Way. Recentlythe boardwalk in the park had been repaired and now
winds for a mile or so through the wetlands that are
hidden between 348th Street and 356th Street. Please
join a Naturalist to take a peek at this hidden gem. To
reserve a spot on this hike, please call the Tacoma
Nature Center, 253-591-6439. FREE to members,$5.00 for nonmembers. (Sat, Jun 21, 10:00am
11:30am)
Tiptoe through the Tidepools! At Titlow Beach on
Saturday July 5th, Noon to 3pm,FREE to all. Bring
your family and join naturalists from the Tacoma
Nature Center and Tahoma Audubon for one of the
lowest tides of the year! Explore the beach, learn about
tidepool life and have lots of fun!
Low tide of -3.o will be at 1:32 pm
Self-guided tide pool exploration
Take a guided bird walk in Titlow Park.
Rate a craft and take part in other activities.
June 13th is a Special Membership Meeting for the
winners of the 2008 Bird Drawing ContestWe will be holding the Awards Ceremony for the
winners of the 2008 Bird Drawing Contest at the
Membership Meeting on June 13th. Please plan to
attend and see the wonderful artists and naturalists
display their work at the Tacoma Nature Center. A
short presentation about Citizen Science and the spe-
cies on which the Drawing Contest was focused will
also be part of the event. The students and families
appreciate your support and we hope to see you there!
Summer Camps are Filling Fast!
Helllloooo campers! School may still be in session,
but Nature Camps are filling fast as we approach the
hot days of summer. Believe it or not our first Little
Explorer camp 2008, The Perfect Place begins on the
last day of this month! Nature camps make great giftsfor kids and parents alike! You may register online at
www.metroparkstacoma.org or by calling the Tacoma
Nature Center, 253-591-6439.
Osprey Club celebrated its last day with thestudents from Mcilvaigh, Giaudrone and TrumanMiddle Schools in Tacoma. Twelve studentscame to the Tacoma Nature Center for an end-of-year celebration. Students were awardedcertificates from Meagan and Jess, the OspreyClub interns, for completing the program. Theythen explored the trails around Snake Lake toput their naturalist skills into action.
Education highlights
Stephanie Swaim, Education Coordinator
253-565-5479 StephSwaim@TahomaAudu bon.org
Osprey Club
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.
Camps for ages 4-6 are held at AdrianaHess Audubon Center, University Place.Each camp is Monday through Wednesday, 9am 1 pm. Fee: $90
Little Explorers: The Perfect Place June 30, July 1 & 2Little Explorers: The Perfect Place July28, 29 & 30
Little Explorers: Striders & Gliders Aug 4, 5 & 6Little Explorers: Striders & Gliders Aug25, 26 & 27
Camps for ages 5-7 are held at TacomaNature Center. Each camp is Mondaythrough Friday, 8:30 am 4:30 pm. Fee:$150
Kaleidoscope of Nature July 14-18Oceans of Fun July 21-25Its Art, Naturally Aug 11-15
Camps for ages 8-11 are held at TacomaNature Center. Each camp is Mondaythrough Friday, 8:30 am 4:30 pm. Fee:$150
Kaleidoscope of Nature July 7-11Oceans of Fun July 28-Aug 1Its Art, Naturally Aug 18-22
Finding Your Future in the Wild:Teen Career CampTeens ages 12-15 can explore careers in naturalresources such as marine science, zookeeping, jour-nalism and wildlife biology. Daily field trips, hands-on activities and an overnight are all included in thiscamp. Fee is $245. Scholarship assistance is avail-able. Camp runs August 4-8, 8:30 am-4:30 pm.For more information and registration visitwww.metroparkstacoma.org or call Tacoma NatureCenter at 253-591-6439.
Summer Camp ScholarshipsWild Birds Unlimited and the National Fish & WildlifeFoundation have joined with National Audubon to
support nature summer camps acrossthe country with scholarship assis-tance for campers. Tahoma
Audubon members and friends inour local community have alsogenerously donated funds to pro-vide children and teens with the
experience of discovering the won-ders of our natural world and learning to be goodstewards of the land. If youd like to apply or have
questions, please contact Margie Shea, the chair ofthe education committee, at [email protected] or call 253-591-6439. Donations to sup-port the John Slipp Scholarship Fund are alwayswelcome at any time!
Summer Day Camps for KidsTahoma Audubon and Tacoma Nature Center summer day camps for ages 4-11 are the perfect wayfor kids to play in and enjoy a natural setting while learning about their environment and making newfriends. Descriptions of each camp and registration information are available at www.TahomaAudubon.org and at www.metroparkstacoma.org on the link to Tacoma Nature Center. You can also pick upa flyer from Adriana Hess Audubon Center or the Tacoma Nature Center, or call 253- 591-6439.
http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.metroparkstacoma.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.metroparkstacoma.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.metroparkstacoma.org/8/9/2019 06-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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fielD trips and Events
June 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 5
Trogon Tours TripsEastern Ecuador November 10-22, 2008Wildlife photographer and TAS member Nate Chappell and his Ecuadorian wife, Angie will lead this tour that willcover the eastern slope of the Andes mountains and the Western edge of the Amazon lowland forests.Spectacular species that we have a good chance of seeing and/or photographing include Harpy Eagle,3 species of Antpittas, Andean Condor, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Crested Owl, Torrent Duck Great,
Andean and Rufous Potoos and dozens of species of beautiful tanagers and dazzling hummingbirds.Additionally, there is a large owl at that feeds most nights on the moths at San Isidro lodge. This largeblack and white owl is quite possibly a new species. This trip will take in a wide vari-ety of habitats from high Andean grassland, to foothill cloud forest to rain forest.Extensions to the Galapagos or another Amazonian lodge are available. Cost $2,900.
Western Ecuador December 6-14, 2008Nate and Angie Chappell will lead this tour that will cover the Western slope of the
Andes and some of the Western lowlands. Spectacular species that we have a good
chance of seeing and/or photographing include Andean Cock of the Rock, Giant andYellow-breasted Antpittas, Andean Condor, Sword-billed Hummingbird and many species ofdazzling tanagers and beautiful hummingbirds. This trip will take in a variety of habitats from high
Andean grassland, to foothill cloud forest to lowland tropical forest. Extensions to the Galapagos orAmazonian lodges are available. Cost $1,800.
Thailand, January 4-18, 2009TAS members Nate and Angie Chappell will lead a wonderful trip to Central and Northern Thailand next January. We willsee and photograph a wide variety of both birds and mammals and experience Thai culture as well by visiting ruins andtemples. A variety of hornbills, sunbirds, trogons and barbets are among the many species of birds that we will see.Cost is $3,600 per person, single supplement $500.
See our website, www.trogontours.netfor more information or call Nate Chappell at 253-512-1060
Cle Elum/Teanaway Riverbird trip with Ed Pullen
When: Sat, Jun 7, 6am 5pm
Where: Cle Elum and Teanaway River valley
Description: Join Ed and Kay Pullen for a day trip
to the Cle Elum and Teanaway areas to look for
the breeding birds of the nearby parts of Eastern
Washington. We hope to scout this a week or so in
advance, so the exact route will depend on what
we find, but plan to stop at Gold Creek neat
Snoqualmie pass early, then on down the east side
to Salmon le Sac for dipper and surprises, on
through Cle Elum and the Teanaway creek areas.
We should find both bluebirds, house wrens, pos-
sibly Calliope Hummingbird, and a variety of the
usual E WA breeding birds. Bring everything you
will need for a long day, including food for snacks
and lunch, drinks, and layered clothing. Bring
enough cash for a moderately priced meal, as we
will stop for dinner somewhere before the ride
home. Meet at the park-and-ride at I-5 and Hwy
512 at 6 AM to carpool up and leave. We will be
back in the late evening.
Morse Bird WalkWhen: Sun, Jun 8, 10am 12pm
Where: Morse Wildlife Preserve. Graham WA
Description: Field Trip leader Betty Jones will
lead a walk at Morse Wildlife Preserve. Call
253-565-9278 to register and for directions.
Morse Preserve Open TrailsWhen: Sun, Jun 8, 12pm 4pm
Where: Morse Wildlife Preserve, Graham
Description: Explore this natural treasure located
in Graham during Open Trail days. Walk the trails
and discover the beauty of the five habitat zones in
the preserve. All ages. Free
Bird Walk @ Adriana HessWhen: Mon, Jun 9, 12pm 1pm
Bird the Hundred Acre Woods(Old Flett Creek Dairy) with Rolan Nelson
When: Sat, Jun 14, 7:30am 2:00pm
Where: Meet at Hwy. 512 and I-5 Park and ride
behind McDonalds
Description: We will return to the 110-acre site in
NE Lakewood that is completely surrounded by
development yet is still home to over 100 species
of birds. Its mid June, so well be looking for all
of our flycatchers and swallows along with the
ever-present Scrub Jays and the resident Red-
tailed Hawks. Over the years, weve had visits
from eight different raptors, so anything it possi-
ble. Come see what an urban savannah / wetlandcan reveal. Meet at the 512 / I-5 Park and Ride
near the McDonalds at 7:30am. Bring a lunch.
Bird the 176th Street Marshwith Betty Jones (Military activities have canceled
the July 18 Marsh walk.)
Sat, Jun 14, 9:30am 12:00pm
Nature Walkat Point Defiance Park in Tacoma
When: Sun, Jun 15, 8:00am 11:30am
Where: Point Defiance Park in Tacoma
Description: Join author Rob McNair-Huff for a
5-mile walk through the forests at Point Defiance
Park. The trip starts at the back of the parking lot
for the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Come
prepared for a healthy walk through the park in
changeable weather conditions. Summer bird
highlights can include Bald Eagles and breeding
forest birds. For more information, e-mail rob@
whiterabbits.com.
Plant Walk @ Adriana HessWhen: Mon, Jun 16, 12pm 1pm
Discovery WalkWhen: Sat, Jun 21, 10:00am 11:30am
Where: West Hylebos Park, Federal Way
Description: Our June Discovery Walk will be fea-
turing the West Hylebos Creek Park in Federal Way.Recently, the boardwalk in the park was repaired
and now winds for a mile or so through hidden
wetlands between 348th Street and 356th Street.
Please join a Naturalist to take a peek at this hidden
gem. To reserve a spot on this hike, please call the
Tacoma Nature Center, 253-591-6439. FREE to
members, $5.00 for nonmembers.
Walk in the Park - KobayashiWhen: Sat, Jun 28, 10am 12pm
Where: the Park - Kobayashi
Description: This summer we have already sched-
uled two opportunities for families to learn about the
habitats, plants and animals that visit Kobayashi. OnJune 28th from 10:00am to noon, we invite you to
join us at the Preserve for a naturalist-led hike and
talk about the native plants we find there. And on
August 16th we will have a Discovery Walk from
10:00 to 11:30am to explore the preserve with a nat-
uralist-educator. Both walks are perfect for nature-
lovers of all ages. See Education page for details.
rules
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 a
year 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.
Note: A donation is madeto Tahoma Audubon forTAS members who go onthese trips.
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Why should I eBird?Every time that you see and identify a bird, you
are holding a piece of a puzzle. Whether you arecasually watching birds in your backyard, or chasingrare species across the country, you are helping toput this puzzle together.
It might be a personal puzzle. For example, youmight wonder when Red-winged Blackbirds appearin your backyard each spring or what time of day theMourning Doves take a bath in your neighborhoodfountain. Each time that you see and identify one ofthese birdsso long as you note the time anddateone piece of the puzzle falls into place.
Or it might be a regional puzzle. For instance,scientists might be wondering how quickly HouseFinches are spreading throughout your state or howrapidly Henslows Sparrows are declining. Each timethat you identify and count the numbers of one ofthese species, you are piecing together a part of that
puzzle.Or it might be an international puzzle. Each year
during migration, hundreds of species fly fromsouthern wintering grounds to northern breedinggrounds, following the flush of summer insects.When do they leave? Where do they breed? Andwhen do they return home? Whether recordingcommon birds in your backyard or searching forrarities along the Mexican border, your sightings ofthese birds with time, date, and location included
are pieces that can help ornithologists put togeth-er the parts of that huge puzzle, day by day, weekby week, and year by year.
Unfortunately, just like puzzle piec-
es, these observations lose their valueif they remain separate from oneanother. The sightings tucked away inyour memory, or in your desk drawer,or in an old shoebox in your closetleave gaps in a partially completedpicture. In truth, the only way that allthese bird sightings make a contribu-tion to our understanding of nature iswhen they are collected and orga-nized into a central database wherethey can help complete a picture ofthe life of birds. You can access your own bird
records anytime you want, allowing you an easy wayto look at your observations in new ways and toanswer your personal questions about what birds
you saw and when and where you saw them.eBird is this database. With thousands of bird-
watchers across the continent helping to construct itby contributing their sightings, eBird will soonbecome a vast source of bird and environmentalinformation useful not only to bird watchers but toscientists and conservationists the world over. Wantto find out what birds youll see on your vacation?Want to know the closest spot to find a Least Bittern,or a reliable spot for Townsends Warbler? Want tolearn whether the crow population is growing inyour state? Want to see if endangered Least Ternsare continuing their decline?
By keeping track of your bird observations andentering them into the eBird database, youll benefit,too. You can access your own bird records anytime
you want, allowing you an easy way to look at yourobservations in new ways and to answer your per-sonal questions about what birds you saw and whenand where you saw them.
If you use the eBird web site to enter all your bird-ing informationand get your friends, family mem-bers, students, and colleagues to use it as wellbefore long the answers to the never ending ques-tions about birds will be found in the eBird database,for use now and for generations that will follow. Article reproduced with permission from Cornell
Lab of Ornithology. This article and more informa-tion can be found at: www.ebird.org
(Stellers) and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird.I am relatively new to TAS, but my mother, Ethel Plomasen,
was interested in birds all her life and did go on some Christmasbird counts in the early 1970s and always had feeders in theyard and a bird book in hand. I certainly did not know whatpath I had started down with that scrap book so many yearsago, but I have not lost sight of my mission. I am still protect-ing the birds and other living things and will continue to do
so. As it said in the Pledge: Soil, water, plants and wildlifeare every countrys most valuable natural resources, becausepeople cannot live without them. The Audubon JuniorMembership Leaflet included suggestions to help conservewater and land and I am so proud to be part of TAS thatis doing so much to promote these ideas, continuing theMission that I was introduced to so long ago.
Please encourage your children, grandchildren andneighbors children to observe nature and preserve it-andmake them Junior Audubon members too! Have themdevelop a scrap book and begin a bird list. I wish I hadbeen more diligent in recording what we saw onour trips through the Western states andNational Parks- but I sure pay attention now. Iam very grateful to the Birdathon Kick-off whenour group counted 48 species in about 90 min-utes in Point Defiance. Thanks Audubon, for
pointing my eyesto the skies and
the birdsnearly 60years ago.
really opens doors, said Jonathan Guzzo, advocacy
director for the Washington Trails Association, a hiking
advocacy group. When were talking to our [congres-
sional] delegation, when were talking to members from
other states, we can talk about the level of commitment
to this area.
The legislation will direct the Forest Service to come
up with a trail plan for the wilderness and surrounding
land. Whats outside the proposed wilderness, mean-
while, is in some ways as important as what was kept in.With an eye toward winning over potential opponents,
the boundary was drawn to leave out 4,000 acres in an
area popular with snowmobilers, and the trail to Barclay
Lake, a route heavily used by Boy Scouts and others.
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, who championed Wild Sky,
said it was an example of wilderness done the right
way, with support from local groups and elected offi-
cials. The Senate OKd the designation April 10. Rep.
Rick Larsen, D-Lake Stevens, who represents the area,
called the Houses 291-117 passage of Wild Sky, which
was part of a large package of proposals concerning
public lands nationwide, the end of a long hike. There
have been many twists and turns along the way, and let
me tell you its a beautiful view from here, Larsen said.
A few roads will be cut short by the new designation.Roughly the last mile of the Rapid River road, a place
where some people drive for picnics, would be closed.
Creation of the wilderness had been blocked in the
House for years by Congressman Richard Pombo, a
powerful California Republican who said some of the
land wasnt pristine enough to warrant wilderness protec-
tion. But Pombo was unseated in 2006 as Democrats
regained a majority in the House, and Wild Sky was
revived. But with the political hurdles almost cleared,
Wild Sky faces another, more pragmatic barrier: Several
roads remain damaged by winter storms. In fact, the
main road to the wilderness, along the North Fork
Skykomish River north of Index, is closed before it
reaches the popular Troublesome Creek campground.
Itll be years before that road is fully repaired, Busse said.In addition, the hike to a lookout on Evergreen Mountain
has grown miles longer because part of a road washed
out. The Forest Service hasnt decided what to do with
that road.
Warren Cornwall: 206-464-2311 or wcornwall@
seattletimes.com mailto:[email protected] .
Information from The Associated Press was included
in this report.
... Reflections ... Wild Skyfrom page 1 from page 2
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June 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7
coincide with this event, too!
Other teams included in second place -- the Bikers -- led by Point Defiance Birder
extraordinaire Rob McNair-Huff who will also claim the trophy for recruiting the
most Birders on Bikers this side of the World Series (thats the World Series of
Birding in Cape May , NJ, in case you were wondering). Considering how hard it is
to use binoculars on a bicycle, their impressive number of species becomes down-
right fantastic, including a Nashville Warbler passing through! An extraordinary bird
for this park and probably only possible during a 3-day period each spring, which
happened to coincide with the Kickoff!
The Short-Legged Birders (shown on the scoreboard as the Kids) impressed
everyone by tying with the Long-Legged Walkers, thus ensuring replacement bird-
ers for those of us who will eventually disappear into the sunset. All teams returned
to brag about their great sightings and best-loved birds and collect our prizes. All that
is except The Lost Brigade, another walking team led by Art Wang, which was an
hour late and had to take the dregs, but they could crow about their numbers, hav-
ing trumped the other on-foot teams pretty handily. We hear they had a personal
experience with a Pileated Woodpecker and couldnt pull themselves away.
Fellow winning team leader Faye McAdams Hands (the one in the lucky pink
shoes) and I were lucky enough to have wheels to take us to the far corners of the
park, not to mention having two carloads of avid birders (at least they were avid by
the time we were through with them). Thanks, Peggy, Helen, Jane, Tamika, and
Acacia! What a great team we made!
Faye and I came prepared, though. We had previously called upon our fellow
birding pals, the Willettes, and five of us had scoped out our route earlier in the month
and made a double event of it that way. Dorothy, Melissa, and Carol joined us that
time, and we laid out our route, finding all the good winter birds the park is famous
for. By the time of the actual event, though, it was the passage birds that grabbed our
attention. So much change in three weeks! What an interesting assortment of birds
Huttons Vireo, Hermit Thrush, Townsends Solitaire (Robs team got the
Townsends Warbler Must thank Mr. Townsend!). One of our highlights was a pair
(yes, TWO!) of Coopers Hawks circling overhead and calling to each other over
Camp 6. And when our time was up, we had a hard time pulling ourselves away
from an eye-level flock of Yellow-Rumped Warblers near the Pagoda, happy little
Butterbutts playing tag among the new spring leaves.
There were still a few birds out in the water, too, that most of the teams picked up
on, such as a Common Loon and Pigeon Guillemots, and scopes were
set up at Owen Beach, which was our headquarters. Interestingly,
some large critters popped up at our feet there and turned out not to
be Sea Lions as we had feared, but scuba divers. The Mallards
swimming by seemed very familiar with them and showed less
alarm than some of the humans.
This is a wonderful park, the biggest and best city park west of theMississippi. If you want to see more of what it has to offer, join
Robs monthly bird walk the 3rd Sunday of every month through the
woodsy parts of Point Defiance, see the birds and hear the lore. See
the TAS Calendar page in the Towhee and on the TAS website for
more details (www.tahomaaudubon.org). Its June 15th this month.
Total species seen by all teams was pushing 60 by the time we
broke up (still without the Lost Brigade!). These people are READY
to Birdathon!! Get your checkbooks out! And be sure to pay by
the species! Paying a lump sum doesnt get the Birdathon blood
rushing like having to spot another species does! By-the-Bird
makes us all care more. Plus, you can make em sweat for it!
from page 1
From top left: The final scoreboard for the Birdathon Kickoff Race;Mallards and other critters at Owen Beach Kickoff headquarters, Pt.Defiance; Tamika and Acacia measured up and helped make ourteam the winners;A Redtail Hawksoars overhead; Diane Yorgason-Quinn and Faye McAdams Hands, leaders of the winning team, TheCars; Last glance at The Lost Brigade, led by Art Wang.
All photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn except photoof Diane and Faye - photographer unknown.
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Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org June 2008
Just the other day...Heres what TAS was doing in June, 1983
Twenty-five years ago the JuneTOWHEE covered July and Augustas well. Below is the list of ourdedicated volunteer trip leadersand where they took us in the sum-mer of 83.
June 5: Betty Heitman. Carnation, Tolt River,MacDonald County Park.June 11: Thelma Gilmur. Point DefianceBeach walk on a minus 3 tide.June 12: Norris Cone. Nisqually NWR, aroundthe 5-mile dikeJune 15: Margaret Stolarik. A walk to thewoods, meadows, small lake in Spanaway.June 18: Ken Brown. Walk the trails of FarrellMarsh, recently protected by town of Steilacoomas an environmentally sensitive area.June 25: Elmer Price. Deception Pass areatrails and view from 1300 Mt. Erie. Bus trip.June 26: John Piper. Rural ranch on LacamasCreek, fields, woods, bluebirds.
June 29: Charles Plummer. Flett CreekBasin, resident Mute Swans.July 6: Thelma Gilmur. Fern Hill gulch,Metropolitan Parks proposed natural area intheir Comprehensive Plan.July l9: Cathy Jerbic. Fort Lewis hike toFiander and Cat Lakes, 5 to 8 miles.July 13: Sue Wardlow. Carbon River Walkfollowing the river for miles.
July 14: Thelma Gilmur: Joint Fieldtrip with Seattle Audubon, 5 miles ofwilderness along swan Creek.July 17: Ken Brown. NisquallyNWR completion of two-year birdcensus around the dike.
July 20: Beulah Kelpman. TitlowBeach & Park, Picnic and walk, guaran-
teed Purple Martins on the pilings.July 23: Elmer Price & Alice Bond: HurricaneRidge to see wildflowers, mountain goats,Olympic Marmots etc. Bus trip with TacomaMountaineers.July 24: Dick Freshley. Dumas Bay toPalisades, minus tide, but expect to get yourfeet wet.July 27: Walt Adams. TAS Presidents Walkon Point Defiance Parks ancient forest trails.July 30: Thelma Gilmur. Cranberry Lake, theonly lake in Pierce County with natural desig-nation in the Shoreline Management Plan. Easywalk in muskeg, sundews in flower, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and a stop at Rapjohn
Lake.July 31: Jan Verduin. Spray Park, MountRainier National Park, 8-mile roundtrip, spec-tacular alpine flowers.
August 6: Ken Brown. Sheep Lake, SourdoughGap, where the original Heidi movie was shot.Trailhead is at Chinook Pass, 4-mile hike to lake,another mile to the Gap. Alpine flowers.
August 10: Helen Engle. Chambers Creek,
Game Farm, and FishHatchery in the midst ofhigh-density suburbia.
August 13: E l m e rPrice. Sunrise, the eastside of Mount Rainier,with choice of variety ofhikes. Bus Trip.
August 17: Jock Beall.Walk the trails aroundJohnson Marsh, FortLewis, near the Roy Y.
August 20: John Slipp. Tacoma CommunityCollege Nature Trails. See ponds, aspen bog,rare wildflowers.
August 21: Leader TBA. Nisqually NWR.Watch for beginning of fall migration and firstinflux of shorebirds, hike around the 5-miledike.
August 24: Marshall Mayer. Take your bikeon the ferry and go for a leisurely ride around
Vashon Island from Tahlequah and back.August 31: Bruce Anderson. Hike the trails
at 362-acre, 40-year old Lincoln Tree Farm andsee Christmas Tree production, VocationalForestry Program.
(How many of these could we re-trace in2008?)
By Helen Engle
about ten days on the east side of the Cascades
white-crowns seem to outnumber all other sparrow
species there combined. A few of the gambelii
remain in our state to breed around Harts Pass and
in the Okanogan highlands, but most move north-
ward to the boreal forest and willow thickets beyond
the tree-line. Oriantha, the third subspecies, breeds at
high elevations in the far eastern part of the state.
The White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leu-
cophrys) breeds across North America from Alaska
to Newfoundland, and southward west of the
Rockies to California and New Mexico. The birds
winter throughout the western states and in the eastroughly from Massachusetts and the Ohio Valley
west to Kansas and south into northern Mexico.
This species thrives wherever dense shrubs offer
cover and sites for nest-building with open groundfor foraging and access to water the sort of space
that population growth in the Pacific Northwest
provides. Their diet consists of seeds, grass, buds,
berries, and some arthropods in winter; during the
breeding season it eats mostly seeds and insects.
Breeders in the far north or high mountains
choose nesting sites on the ground, but many
pugetensis nests are constructed in shrub-
bery three to
four feet up.
The male
stakes out the
territory; the female
selects the site and builds the nest of small sticks and
coarse grass stems lined with fine grass, feathers,
and animal hair. She lays four or five eggs and incu-bates them for about two weeks. Both parents feedthe nestlings that fledge after two weeks and can flyin around another week. Northern breeders nestonly once per season, but birds on the Californiacoast often nest three times. Mortality rates are high:
about 70% of nestlings dontsurvive bad weather and pre-
dation by jays, crows,owls, hawks, squirrels,snakes, and cats.
Science hasnt yet unraveledthe complexities and migration
routes of the various subspeciesof the White-crowned Sparrow;
regardless, we can observe their sea-sonal movements and enjoy their pres-ence as these elegant little birds nest inour gardens and other nearby spacesweve unwittingly created for them.
... White-crowned Sparrowfrom page 1
BIRDSONGS by Phil Buly
Feedback, comments and reminiscences
welcome, 253-564-3112, [email protected].
Helen Engle from daysof yore.
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aNNouNceMeNts
On June 7, 2008, the Museum of Glass will introduceMirrored Murrelets, a new outdoor art installation cre-ated by Arlington, WA, artist Joseph Rossano for theMuseums Mezzanine Plaza. Rossano created the glassbirds for the installation in the Museums Hot Shop dur-ing his Visiting Artist residency in January. MirroredMurrelets will be on display through 2009 before ittravels to additional venues around the country.
Rossanos work focuses on the natural world and theanimals who live in ecosystems threatened by human
impact. Mirrored Murrelets highlights the effect offorestry on the Marbled Murrelet, a small sea bird thatnests primarily in the old-growth forests of the PacificNorthwest. The installation will comprise more than250 mirrored glass birds that will float just above thesurface of the Museums mid-level pool. The mirroredsurfaces of the birds will reflect the viewers image,symbolically suggesting the impact of humans on thenatural world. Fiberglass benches, designed to repre-sent charred stumps that can be found in once abun-dant old-growth forests, will surround the pool. Asvisitors experience the installation, Rossano hopes theywill ponder the plight of the bird as well as the beauty
of its existence. Throughout my career, I have
focused on the interdependence of thenatural world to create haunting imag-es of animals who, like us, rely on ourprimeval forests for their existence,comments Rossano. I choose to useglass as a medium because, like ourenvironment, glass is transparent, frag-ile and reflectivetransparent in that it hides nothing,
fragile in that once damaged it may never berepaired.
Joseph Rossano earned a BFA in studio arts atLouisiana State University in 1987. He has worked asboth the artistic director for Waterford Crystal in Irelandand the studio manager and lead gaffer for ChihulyStudio in Seattle. He currently lives in Arlington, WA.
Artist website: www.josephrossano.comThe Museum of Glass is sponsored in part by the City
of Tacoma Arts Commission, the Washington StateArts Commission, ArtsFund and Comcast. The VisitingArtist Program at the Museum of Glass is sponsored byCourtyard by Marriott / Tacoma.
Hours and AdmissionOpen Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5
p.m., Third Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 12p.m. to 5 p.m. Store is also open Tuesdays 10 a.m. 5p.m. Summer hours (Memorial Day through LaborDay): also open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to5 p.m. Closed Independence Day, September 15,Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Admissionis free for members, $10 general, $8 seniors, militaryand students (13+ with ID), $8 groups of 10 or more,$4 children (6-12) years old. Children under 6 areadmitted free. Admission is free every third Thursdayof the month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Museum of Glass, 1801 Dock Street Tacoma, WAInfo Line 253-284-4750/ 1-866-4MUSEUM
Big Backyard Potluck PicnicJune 26, Thu., 6-9 p.m. Summer Solstice Time, 6-9 p.m.Demonstrations and displays by Pierce County outdoor and environmental
allies: Audubon, Mountaineers, Foothills Trail, Native Plant Society, Cascade Land
Conservancy, Sierra Club, Citizens for A Healthy Bay, Carbon River Corridor, Chambers-
Clover Watershed Council, Puget Creek Restoration Society, Student Conservation
Association and there are about eight more.
At the Engle Garden,4011 Alameda Avenue, University Place south of Fircrest.Featuring: The Displays by our friendly groups plus, Licensed Falconers with their LiveBirds, Native Plants for sale, Entertaining program, music and Earth-friendly ideas for
kids of all ages. Children and grandchildren are MOST welcome. And dont forget how
great the food is at these events!
We Furnish: Coffee & punch. Beer and wine is BYO.
You Bring:A hot or coldentree, PLUS a salad or dessert; PLUS your own Tableserviceand a situpon.
No signup necessary. Rain does not cancel.
Directions: 4011 Alameda Ave. is mile south of Fircrest Golf Course.Volunteers: Could use some strong outdoors types to help set up tables, etc.
Contact me: Helen Engle, 253-564-3112, [email protected] (e-mail preferred).
National Trails Day is the only nationwide celebration that was created to:Promote public awareness and appreciation for trails and the people who buildand maintain them.Promote the health benefits of trails.Build partnerships among trail groups,businesses and public land managers.
Encourage cooperative efforts among
the various trail users.
Americas 200,000 miles of trails provideaccess to the natural world for recreation,inspiration, education, camping, or soli-tude. Trails take us to good physical andmental health by providing us opportunitiesto breathe fresh air, get our hearts pumping,and to escape from our daily challenges andstresses. Without the support of volunteers, landmanaging agencies and outdoor-minded businesses, ourtrails would disappear.We chose to celebrate by hosting our 2nd annual Point Defiance Park Trails Day!!
The 702-acre Point Defiance Park is a popular destination for about two millionpeople each year. Natural forest, saltwater beaches and spectacular views offernumerous possibilities for recreation, education and communing with nature. In
2008, Point Defiance Park was voted the Best Park in Tacoma and the BestPlace to Take Kids in Tacoma by readers of the Tacoma Weekly.To learn more about the trails at Point Defiance, visit our website at:http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=239 .
Volunteers will be working on the following projects throughout the loop andspine trails at Point Defiance Park on Saturday, June 21st 2008 from 9am-Noon performing:
Litter and garbage removal throughout the trail system.Vegetation pruning in an effort to eliminate overgrown brush that may hinderjoggers and walkers.Path repair by adding chips/mulch/gravel to problem areas.In support of fire prevention, removing downed limbs and branches fromdesignated areas along the road corridors and trails.
For you early birds, a nature walk through the Point Defiance Trails is scheduledat 8am, you will meet in the zoo parking lot. All other volunteers for trail renova-
tion will meet down at Owens Beach at 9am! All volunteers will be provided theappropriate tools and materials, refreshments and a Trails Day t-shirt for theirparticipation!!If youd like to participate or have any questions on the event, please email me
or call me at the information listed below!
Julie ParascondolaPark Manager, Business & OperationsDepartment of Parks and Building ServicesMETRO PARKS TACOMA4702 S 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98405-1175253-305-1060 Fax 253-759-0397
Visit our website: www.metroparkstacoma.orgTo volunteer please visit: www.chipinforparks.comCreating healthy opportunities to learn, play and grow.
We need your help! Volunteer at Point Defiance Parks
Trails Day event on Saturday, June 21, 2008 from 9am-Noon!
At the Burke Museum: The Last Polar Bear
On June 28, the Burke Museum opens The Last Polar Bear: Facing theTruth of a Warming World, a powerful photography exhibit documenting
the polar bear in its disappearing Arctic habitat. See more than 40 heart-
warming photographs by environmental photographer Steven Kazlowski,
who spent nearly a decade in this remote and delicate region. The exhibitwill also include Northwest lmmaker Arthur C. Smiths Ice Bears of the
Beaufort, a short documentary that provides a portrait of polar bear behavior.
The Last Polar Bear runs through December 31, 2008.
Exhibit created in partnership with Braided River Books, the conserva-
tion imprint of the Mountaineers Books. For more information, visit www.
burkemuseum.org.
Mirrored Murrelets at museum
Why we celebrate National Trails Day
http://www.josephrossano.com/http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=239http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/http://www.chipinforparks.com/http://www.chipinforparks.com/http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=239http://www.josephrossano.com/8/9/2019 06-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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2917 Morrison Rd. W., University Place, 253-565-9278
We will have our usual Friday weeding opportunities with a light breakfastat 9:00 a.m. and weeding until 11:00 a.m. Hope to see you!
Volunteer at Adriana Hess Wetland Park
voluNteerRecognition
Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org June 2008
The first ever Birdathon Kick-Off event happened at
Owens Beach in Point Defiance Saturday, April 26th.
We had over 40 participants come to the event. Trip lead-
ers took guests on various trips to see bird species around
the area. People were split into various teams (car, bike,
walking and kids) and given about an hour and a half to
see as many bird species as they could. Overall, we saw
about 60 different bird species. The team with the most
birds seen was the car team lead by Diane-Yorgason-
Quinn and Faye Mc Adams Hands.
A special thank you goes out to all the volunteers that
helped make the first 2008 Birdathon Kick-Off event a
big success. Volunteers helped with set-up, registration, serving refreshments and welcom-ing guests. Birdathon Kick-Off co-chair, Amy Bettesworth did an excellent job procuring
donations and planning for the event. I would also like to thank all the trip leaders for
donating their time and expertise.
Birdathon Kick-Off Volunteers: Brian Compton, Vaughn Hilliard, Michael Thomas,
Acacia Johnston, Tamika Greenwell, Sarah Lloyd, Jenny Jelliff, Jeff Zittel, Janet Bent,
Bob Myrick, Amy Bettesworth
Birdathon Kick-Off Trip Leaders: Diane Yorgason-Quinn, Faye Mc Adams Hands, Art
Wang, Rob McNair-Huff, Corina Going, Steph Swaim
Birdathon Kick-Off Sponsors: Fred Meyer, Trader Joes, Honest Tea, Tullys, Great
Harvest Bread Co., Willow Tree Farm, Panera Bread Co., Dels Farm and Feed, Starbucks,
Antique Sandwich Company.
Birdathon Kick-Off Event recognitions
Team Species CountKids team
(Stephanie Swaim) =16 species
Walking team1
(Corina Going)=16 species
Walking team 2
(Art Wang)=24 species
Biking Team
(Rob McNair-Huff)=36 species
Car Team (Diane Yorgason-Quinn/
Faye Mc Adams Hands)= 49 species
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June 2008 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:TahomaAudubon29
17Morrison
Rd.
W.
UniversityPlace,
98466Tahom
aAudubon
Society,establishedin1969,
isa501(c)(3)nonprofit
organization.
Donationsaretaxdeductib
le.
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)
Membership
welcoMe to New and Returning Members
April 16, 2008 to May 15, 2008Chapter New and Renewing:John Bergvall, Trusilla Bussinger, David Olson, Gisela
M Taranovski, Edna Vandenheuvel.
Chapter Joint with National:Sharon Aukland, Jerry Broadus, Marcielle Kobel, Jim
Nelson, Judy Rucker, Brian Simpson, Audrey G Stacy,
Lewis Wallon.
Introductory: Recruited through TAS:Tabitha Brokaw, Bill Knowles, Amanda Reeck, Nils
Sortland, Morry and Mary Stafford, Renee and Leif
Wanager, Elmira White.
Introductory: Recruited through NAS:
Katherine Bennett, Nancy Bryer,
Elizabeth Burrows, Laura Clapper,
Patricia Damron, Dave Desertspring,
Carol Engels, Shirley Johnson,
Alfred Kamajian, Jacqueline
Kovacsics, S Marks, Novella
Matteson, Howard Munger, Shery
Nelson, Debra Pinson, Pam Smith, Jeanette M Smith,Ulla F Smith, Cynthia Stone, Trudy Stowe, Jim and
Laurela Thorp, Catherine C Tyrrell, A Vivit, Jeremy
Yielding, Christopher Young.
The following is the same message that was written
here last month, but repetition is supposed to be
important. With much less National financial help
available, TAS is now sending Towhees only to those
persons who renew as a chapter or joint member
through us. On January 2008, we gave members credit
for whichever expiration date was the farthest along.
You will be receiving a renewal request when that date
comes around. If, in the meantime, you respond to a
National renewal request, it will not include the
Towhee. Thanks for understanding.
By Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Our TAS leaders came back from the ACOW thisspring talking about the Save Our Swifts project.Many of you have been on the field trips Ive ledto the wonderful chimney at the school in Monroewhich is used by thousands of Vauxs Swifts as amigration staging area every spring and fall, aswell as a nesting site for a lucky smaller number.This is the second largest known group of theseswifts in the world (with the famous Portlandchimney being the only known larger roost). Thischimney has been targeted by the earthquake hitsquad, which would be very bad for these amaz-ing birds that are on the State Audubon WatchList, thus the concern. To get the right kind ofattention, we really need to know more aboutthese mysterious birds everywhere in the state.
So thats were you come in. If you see anyswifts (tiny swallow-like birds always on the wingeating insects, but not as colorful as swallows andnot as graceful, flying with a stiffer wing beat oncigar-shaped bodies), report to ME or to the other
contacts below. Achimney or dead treeroost/nest site wouldbe a real find, butreport all birds justso we can get anidea of how many
are around andwhere. And if theres
enough interest, wemay take a group upto Monroe thisSeptember for thebig event if the chim-ney still stands.Diane Yorgason-Quinn [email protected] (forTahoma Audubon)
Or to:Susie Schaefer at [email protected] Schwitters at [email protected]
Save our Swifts!
You can help
by filling out a
downloadable
reporting form
By Susie Schaefer,Pilchuck Audubon
We are trying to get a handle on the population of Vauxs
Swifts in Washington and have been asking all Audubon
Chapters to work with us and collect initial data about the
numbers and locations of the Swifts.
The Steering Committee led by Swift expert Larry
Schwitters is heading up this data collection effort.
We are also asking everyone to go to the Pilchuck website
at www.pilchuckaudubon.org and click on Programs on
the left side. Scroll down to the section on the Vaux Swift
Project; there you can get the reporting forms. When you see
any Vaux Swifts (or if you have seen them in April) please
fill out a form and send it to Larry by email or regular mail.
We are looking for 2008 information from the time the
Swifts arrive or pass by in April or May until they leave in
late September. Larry is also interested in following up on
any historical roosting sites anyone knows about.
We would really appreciate help from all chapters and
Audubon members in Washington. Thank you.
Above: The famousPortland chimney. Photoby Ariel Holman.
Right: The school chim-ney in Monroe. Photo byDiane Yorgason-Quinn.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.pilchuckaudubon.org/http://www.pilchuckaudubon.org/http://www.pilchuckaudubon.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]8/9/2019 06-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
12/12
Tahoma Audubon Society YO2
2917 Morrison Road West
University Place, WA 98466
Address service requested
Nonprofit Org
U.S. Postage
Tacoma, WA
Permit No. 177
PAID 25 years ago page 8 Announcements page 9
Birdathon page 1
BirdSongs page 8
Bryan Flint column page 2
Education page 4
Environment matters page 3
Field trips page 5
New members page 10
Paul Webster page 1
Volunteer recognition page 10
In this issue:
owhee
The June 2008
T
For additional information on education programs contact Tahoma Audubon at 253-565-9278; on the web at www.tahomaaudubon.org
Or The Tacoma Nature Center at 253-591-6439 or on the web at www.metroparkstacoma.org
Calendar
Sat, Jun 7 6am 5pm Cle Elum/Teanaway River
bird trip with Ed Pullen.
Join Ed and Kay Pullen for a day trip to the Cle
Elum and Teanaway areas to look for the breed-
ing birds of the nearby parts of Eastern Washington.F
Sun, Jun 8,10am 12pm Morse Bird Walk,
Graham WA. Betty Jones will lead a walk at
Morse Wildlife Preserve. Call 253-565-9278 to
register and for directions. F
Sun, Jun 8, 1pm 4pm Morse Preserve Open
Trails Graham. Explore this natural treasure
located in Graham during Open Trail days. All
ages. Free. F
Mon, Jun 9, 12pm 1pm Bird Walk @ Adriana
Hess F
Tue, Jun 10, 2pm 4pm Conservation Committee,
Adriana Hess Wetland Park, 2917 Morrison Road
W, University Place, WA 98466 M
Tue, Jun 10, 7pm 9pm, Intermediate Birding
Class, Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Register by
Calling the Tacoma Nature Center at 253-
591-6439.
Thu, Jun 12, 6:30pm 8:30pm TAS Board
Meeting, Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Monthly
Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon Board. Guest
Welcome; please call ahead at 253- 565-9278.
Fri, Jun 13, 7pm 9pm Membership Meeting,
Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street.
Monthly membership meeting of Tahoma
Audubon. All welcome.
Sat, Jun 14, 7:30am 2:00pm Bird the Hundred
Acre Woods (Old Flett Creek Dairy) with Rolan
Nelson. Meet at Hwy. 512 and I-5 Park and Ride
behind McDonalds. We will return to the 110-acre
site in NE Lakewood that is surrounded by devel-
opment yet is still home to over 100 species of
birds. F
Sat, Jun 14, 9:30am 12:00pm Bird the 176th
Street marsh with Betty Jones. F
Sun, Jun 15, 8:00am 11:30am Nature Walk at
Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. Join author Rob
McNair-Huff for a 5-mile walk through the for-
ests at Point Defiance Park. F
Mon, Jun 16, 12pm 1pm Plant Walk @ Adriana
Hess. F
Tue, Jun 17, 5pm 6pm Morse Force Meeting atAdriana Hess.
Tue, Jun 17, 7pm 9pm Intermediate Birding
Class at Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Register
by calling the Tacoma Nature Center at 253-
591-6439.
Sat, Jun 21, 10:00am 11:30am Discovery Walk
at West Hylebos Park, Federal Way E
Thu, Jun 26, 6pm 9pm Annual Big Backyard
Picnic, at the Engle Garden, 4011 Alameda
Avenue, University Place south of Fircrest. No
signup necessary. A
Fri, Jun 27, 10:30am 11:30am Nature Storytime
Crafty Crabs at Tahoma Audubon
Sat, Jun 28, 10am 12pm Walk in the Park
Kobayashi. E
Sat, Jun 28, 5:00pm 8:30pm Discovery Paddle
at Nisqually Delta at Luhr Beach. Register by
calling the Tacoma
Nature Center at
253- 591-6439.
Mon, Jun 30,
through Jul 2, all
day. Little
Explorers Camp
The Perfect
Place
Thu, Jul 5 12:00pm-3:00pm Tiptoe through the
Tidepools! At Titlow Beach on Saturday July
5th, Noon to 3pm,FREE to all. Bring your fam-ily and join naturalists from the Tacoma Nature
Center and Tahoma Audubon for one of the low-
est tides of the year!E
Tue, Jul 8, 2pm 4pm Conservation Committeemeets at Adriana Hess Wetland Park.M
Thu, Jul 10, 6:30pm 8:30pm TAS Board
Meeting at Adriana Hess Audubon Center
Fri, July 11 NO GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
MEETING. No meetings are held in the summer,
regular schedule begins again Sep. 12.
juNe 2008
july 2008
F Field Trip Page
V Volunteer page
M Environment Matters Page
ARelated article in Towhee
E Education Page
Key to symbols
tas juNe prograM Presentation
Bring the family to the JuneMembership Meeting!
The Education Committee will host theJune 13 TAS membership meeting atTacoma Nature Center and is planning anengaging evening for kids and adults. Bethere to also meet and congratulate thewinners of the annual Bird DrawingContest. All are welcome.Date: Friday, June 13Time: 7 pm - View winning pictures ofBird Drawing Contest, meetthe young artists, andenjoy refreshments7:30 pm Awardsceremony followed bya program on ProjectFeeder Watch Do
you know who is visiting your backyard?Lets find out together!
All are welcome to attend our monthlymembership meetings! After June 13, wewill be on summer break until September12. If you have recommendations orwould like to be considered for a presen-tation, please contact Katrina at [email protected] or 253-304-6422.
The winning entriesfrom 2007.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]