8/9/2019 July-August 2009 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society
1/12
Audubon SocietyoPortland5151 NW Cornell RoadPortland, Oregon 97210
Page 2 ......................From the Director
...................................... Free TripsPage 3 ......................Calendar of Events
Page 4 & 5 ...............................Conservation
.................................Care Center
Page 6 & 7 ....... ............ ........... .. Trips & Tours
Page 8 ................................Nature Store
....................................Sanctuaries
Page 9 ...................................Field Notes
.....................................Volunteers
Page 10 ........... ........... ..Birding Weekends
Page 11 ........................IBA of the Month
Page 12 ................. Map/Hours/Sponsors
Inside this issue
WarblerAUDUBON SOCIETYof PORTLAND
JULY/AUGUST 2009Volume 73 Number 7&8
In this issue...Volunteering
is Fun!
See page 9
School ofBirdingSee page 7
BridgePortBenet
See page 12
Plan your summer with our Calendar on page 3
Sallinger places fledgling back into the nest af terrescue. Portland Audubon
Hundreds of thousands of people from all over theglobe tuned in this spring to watch a pair of Red-tailed Hawks raise their young on a downtown
Portland re escape. The Audubon-KGW Raptor Camat times received as many as 10,000 hits per day andgenerated a virtual ood of questions and appreciative
comments.
The Raptor Cam project had humble beginnings. In springof 2007, former KGW reporter Vince Patton called meto ask about what he described as perhaps a crazy ideaof putting a web cam on an urban raptor site. The callfrom Vince happened to come only about an hour after adowntown Portland company, ViaLanguage, had called ourWildlife Care Center to repor t a hawk nesting on their 10th-oor re escape. We put one and one together and installeda cheap web cam in the window 24 hours later.
This camera was low quality and we were shooting througha glass window with a metal bar bisecting the frame.Nonetheless the response was amazing nearly 40,000hits in a matter of weeks. I knew every time an ofce worker
bumped the camera and knocked it out of focus, becausemy phone and email systems would ll within minutes withcomplaints from dedicated viewers.
Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymousdonor, we were able to upgrade the camera in 2008with a model that is weatherproof and can be moved,zoomed, and focused remotely from the KGW studios.We installed it outside on the nest ledge before the 2008nesting season. During 2008, hits on the site surpassed400,000.
Close-up ViewsFinal numbers are not yet in for 2009, but we will probablysurpass one million hits. Viewers have been able to geta close-up view of the hawks courtship behaviors,nest building, egg laying, incubation, feeding, rearing,
and fledging. Folks were intrigued by the unnaturalobjects that the hawks added to theirnest, including a bicycle inner tubeand a small mirror encased in plastic.Throughout the season, many viewersnoticed hummingbirds buzzing thenest.
A debate ensued when the male beganbringing in greenery after the rstegg hatched as to whether this was a
Audubon-KGW Raptor Cama Huge Success!by Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director
form of natural insectrepellent or a romanticgesture. (I would argueboth; it is romantic tobring your mate naturalinsect repellent after she
has delivered young. It isalso very Northwest ofhim: rst a bicycle innertube, then natural insectrepellent next year hewill probably bring herwool socks.)
In late April, two of the three eggs in the nest hatched,a female and a male. A third egg was not viable anddid not hatch. However, it did provide a great discussiontopic on the blog as people speculated about its fate asit continually disappeared and reappeared in variouslocations in the nest. Did they eat it did it hatch did theyremove it from the nest? None of the above! I collected itintact in June for analysis pretty amazing how tough
those eggs are, given all the activity that occurred in the nestafter the young hatched.
Fledgings RescuedThe season did have its drama. InJune both fledglings were broughtto Audubons Wildlife Care Centerafter being injured. One edglingew into a slow-moving car and woundup standing stunned in the revolvingdoor of the Benson Hotel. The secondedging was observed getting blowninto a window during a powerful stormin early June. We were able to treatboth birds for minor head trauma and to release themback together onto the fire escape a few days later.Mom coasted back and forth as they were set free.
In addition, writing theRaptor Cam blog was a totalblast. It gave us a forum toanswer some great questionsregarding all types ofwildlife and to hear all kindsstories and insights fromviewers. We heard from all
walks of people who described themselves as addictedto Raptor Cam, ranging from executives at Fortune 500companies to people who were homebound.
At least a dozen school classrooms wrote to say that theywere incorporating Raptor Cam into their lesson plans.KGW-TVs Matt Zafno built footage and b log info into hi s
nightly weather reports. One of my favorite blog commentscame from Fran in South Carolina who wrote that sheregularly copied the reports,comments, and pictures onRaptor Cam and sent them to her93-year-old mother in Texas, wholooks forward to the big brownenvelopes.
Raptor Cam has quickly becomeone of our most powerfulcommunication tools. We hopeto extend the partnership yearround and feature a variety
of urban wildlife-viewing opportunities. Next yearwe hope to add sound capability at the red-tail site, andperhaps a second camera that will be able to better capture
the comings and goings of the birds.
Heartfelt ThanksWe would like to express our appreciation to FrankMungeum, to Matt Zaffino and the folks at KGW, toour anonymous camera donor, and to Page BeardsleyProperties. Thanks mostly to the birds, for allowing us abirds-eye view into their world.
To check out Raptor Cam, go to www.kgw.com.
Adult Red-tailed Hawk in flight nearRaptor Cam nest site. Bob Sallinger
Raptor Cam fledgling perches on thefire escape where the nest is located.
Bob Sallinger
Fledgling in nest Bob Sallinger
DoubleSummer
Issue!
8/9/2019 July-August 2009 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society
2/12
From the Executive Director
Wild in the Cityeld trips will introduce you to some of the regions most scenic and wildlife-rich natural areasand parks and the ever-growing regional trails network. Trips are free unless indicated; registration is limited,so sign up soon at www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/wic. If you dont have internet access, call503-292-6855 ext.122 to register. For all bicycle and paddle trips, bring your own equipment helmets and
life jackets are required. Arrange canoe and kayak rentals at Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe (www.aldercreek.com,503-285-0464) or Portland Kayak Co. (www.portlandrivercompany.com, 503-459-4050). Directions and otherdetails will be sent to registrants. Participants will be limited in number, so sign up early!
Coincidentally, just as the 2009legislative session closedwith some new measures
for protecting Oregons marineecosystems, the Board of Forestryopted to change course and allowmore logging in the Tillamook and
Clatsop State Forests.
Not surprisingly, Oregons economy was at the crux of eachissue and inuenced the conservation outcome.
House Bill 3013 outlines a detailed plan and timeline tocomplete evaluation of six potential marine reserve sitesrecommended by the Governors Ocean Policy AdvisoryCouncil. In addition, the bill establishes two pilot marinereserve projects at Otter Rock near Depoe Bay and RedshRocks near Port Orford, and prescribes a process toevaluate the potential for reserves in four other areas of thecoast. It outlines a procedure for the planning of Oregonsnew marine reserves, including the development ofregional community groups that will assist with the shapingof potential marine reserve sites: Cape Falcon north ofManzanita, Cascade Head north of Lincoln City, Cape
Perpetua south of Yachats, and Cape AragoSeven Devilssouth of Coos Bay.
The bill includes provisions requiring science-basedresearch, socioeconomic analysis, and broad stakeholderengagement. Funding for this rst phase is secured in partwith New Carissa oil spill monies. Additional funding isstill required. Portland Audubon considers these provisionspositive and recognizes them as good rst steps towardadvancing marine habitat and bird conservation in Oregon.
As an ecosystem-based management tool, marine reserves areas completely off limits to extractive activities have resulted in an abundance of sh because they allowfemale shes to get older, grow larger, and producethousands more viable eggs. Global research indicates thatareas adjacent to reserves wind up having many of the samebenets and become highly productive places to sh. Thisis a good outcome for both the environment and economy.
Meryl Redisch
July 11 (Sat.), 8am11amSandy River DeltaJoin leader Patty Newland on a walk around this richriparian area near the Columbia River looking and listeningfor chats, buntings, and others. From Portland on I-84 east,take Exit 18. At the stop sign, turn right and l oop under
the freeway. Meet Patty at 8am at the parking lot by therestroom. Bring water, binoculars. Beginners welcome!
July 18 (Sat.), 8am11amVancouver Lake ParkJoin leader Ron Escano at Vancouver Lake Park. Scope thelake for water birds then explore the riparian woodlandfor post-nesting songbirds. Directions from I-5 north: takeExit 1-D (4th Plain Blvd), go west on 4th Plain throughVancouver onto SR-501 (Lower River Rd). After 3.5 mileson SR-501, continue straight for 0.6 miles to VancouverLake Park (possible $2 entrance fee). Dress for the weather.Beginners welcome!
August 15 (Sat.), 7:30am4pmTillamook CountyJoin leaders David Smith and Tim Shelmerdine toexplore a variety of habitats in coastal Tillamook County.Stops will be dependent on recent sightings but will includeNehalem and Tillamook. Bring a lunch, bi noculars, andscope if you have one. Well depart at 7:30am from theChevron station 1 block north of the North Plains exit (Exit57) off Hwy 26. Well spend most of the day at the coastand be back by 4pm. Beginners welcome!
August 29 (Sat.), 8am11amMt. Talbert Nature ParkJoin Ron Escano at Mt. Talbert Nature Park for earlyfall migrants. Well walk on established trails, but theterrain is hilly. Dire ctions: From I-205 Exit 14 (Sunnyside/Sunnybrook) offramp, turn east on SE Sunnybrook Blvd.Turn south on SE 97th Ave, which will turn into SE Mather
Rd. Entrance to Mt. Talbert Nature Park is on the northside of the road, about 1/4 mile after SE 97th changes toMather Rd. Dress for the weather, and beginners welcome.
Field TripsNo registration required show up at time
and place given. Call rst if indicated.Our Ocean, a coalition of conservation, recreation, shing,and business interests, advocated for full and partialprotection of nine distinct sites along our shoreline. Theprofessed economic uncertainties expressed by shingand coastal groups prevented the full suite of protectivemeasures that would have created an ecologicallysignicant network of reserves. Notwithstanding the
limitations, this is a historic piece of legislation and hadcoastal and bipartisan support.
Unfortunately, Oregons state forests lost ground. Inthe past 18 months, staff at the Oregon Department ofForestry (ODF) had been working on a ne w forest planto show what kinds of impacts more logging would haveon habitat characteristics and species of concern in theTillamook and Clatsop forests. After hearing presentationsby ODF staff last month, the Board of Forestry voted toaccept this new plan, which is designated to produce morerevenue for these two counties.
Despite the aws that exist in the current ForestManagement Plan a compromise that was developedby conservationists, counties, and industry after yearsof work and adopted by the board in 2003 it provides
considerably better protections than the new plan forhabitat and species of concern, such as spotted owls,red tree voles, and American martens. A fundamentalcomponent of the current plan is the goal of achieving50% complex structure in 70 years, keeping the harvestat about 150 million board feet, retaining the federalhabitat conservation plan for spotted owls, and protectingthousands of acres from clearcutting.
In contrast, the newly adopted plan will reduce forestcomplexity, open up more than 100,000 acres toclearcutting, and implement a different wildlife speciesmanagement plan that is currently not scientically peerreviewed. Under this new plan, logging will reach nearly200 million board feet a year.
We cant harvest our way out of this economic recessionor subsequent ones by catching more sh or cuttingmore trees. We cant cut or catch our way out of this orsubsequent economic downturns. And we cant regress tothe old argument that pits environmental values againsthuman and public services: that argument is certainly alosing one for all of us.
Oregons Future: Harvesting Fewer Fish and More Logs
Planning MeetingJuly 1 (Wed.), 10amNoon
The Magpies will hold our annual planning session
in the Jay Conference Room at the Audubon Society.Everyone is encouraged to come. We will be planningthe walks and trips and assigning leaders for the20092010 birding season that begins in October.For information, contact Dudley Thomas [email protected] (Subject: Planning)or 503-244-6496.
Timberline Lodge AreaJuly 20 (Mon.), 8am3pm
Interested in exploring the timberline habitats on theslopes of Mt. Hood? Possible Cassins Finch, CalliopeHummingbird, and Black Rosy-Finch. We will hike thetrails above and around Timberline Lodge. Well leaveClackamas Town Center parking lot off SunnysideRoad at 8am and will return by 3pm. Call Ron Escano
at 503-771-3454 for details and to reser ve a spot.
Fort Rock, Summer Lake,PrinevilleAugust 1820 (Tues.Thurs.),7:30am6pmJoin Sue Carr and Ed Hausafus on this trip to the FortRock, Summer Lake, and Prineville areas. We will meetsouth of Wilsonville at the Aurora/Charbonneau I-5southboundRest Areaat 7:30am on Tuesday. Wellbird on the way over, overnighting at La Pine andPrineville. Contact Ed Hausafus at [email protected] or503-637-3485.
...love to go birding during the weekdays.We start a little later, go a little slower, andtry to keep a restroom in sight.
Magpies
The Audubon Society of Portland is a member of Earth Shareof Oregon. For more information, contact Earth Shareof Oregon at 503-223-9015 or on the web atwww.earthshare-oregon.org .
Sat., July 11th, 8am11amOaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Join Mike Houck for a stroll around the 160-acre OaksBottom Wildlife Refuge. Mike has led tours at theBottoms for over 30 years and is intimately familiarwith the history of Oaks Bottom being designated asPortlands rst ofcial urban wildlife refuge, as wellas current efforts to restore sh and wildlife habitatthroughout the refuge. The walk isa two-mile loop on both paved anduneven dirt paths, with two moderatehills, and is appropriate for families.
Sun., July 12th,7:30am10:30amRoss Island Paddle
Get out on the Willamette River early,before the jet skis and water skiers,for a relaxing paddle down the quietHolgate Channel and around the four-island archipelagowith leader Mike Houck. This quiet paddle, suitablefor families, will demonstrate why Audubon Society ofPortland, Urban Greenspaces Institute, and WillametteRiverkeeper have petitioned the Oregon Marine Boardto establish a no-wake zone for the Holgate Channel andRoss Island lagoon.
Wed., July 15th, 8am11amOaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
See July 11th description.
Sun., July 26th, 10am3pmCycle the Willamette River Greenway toSmith & Bybee Lakes
Join Mike Houck on one of our most popular Ride onthe Wild Side natural history bicycle tours. This ride
follows the Willamette River Greenwayfrom the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanadenorth along Willamette Blvd. and acrossthe North Portland Peninsula on the
Peninsula Crossing Trail. After crossingon the Columbia Slough bridge at theColumbia Blvd. Water Treatment Facility,well cycle along the Columbia Slough andnorth to 3,000-acre Smith & Bybee LakesNatural Area. There are three moderatehills on this 25-mile ride.
Wed., July 29th, 8am11:30amVera Katz Eastbank Esplanade to OaksBottom
Join Mike Houck for a 4-mile walk from the EastbankEsplanade to the north meadow and wetlands at 160-acreOaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. The walk will be along
Wild in the City
Paddling Holgate Channel Mike Houck
Explore the Regions Urban Natural Areas
2 JULY/AUGUST 2009 www.audubonportland.org
8/9/2019 July-August 2009 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society
3/12
JULY/AUGUST Calendar of EventsMON TUE WEDSUN FRI SATTHUR
Note: An lcrnic vrsin f his issu and pas Warblers is availabl n ur wbsi, www.audubnprland.rg/abu/nwslr
23
9
2
16
30
7
26
12
5
19
10
17
24
31
13
20
27
3
3
3127
20
13
6
11
18
25
1
14
21
28
4
15
22
29
5
4
25
11
4
18
2
9
16
23
30
12
19
26
2
1
22
8
15
29
6
21
7
14
28
28 29 30
5
24
10
3
17
8
1
Birdrs Nigh7:30pm Hrn Hall
Summer Camp: Animal Hospital Bird Art Nature Photography Ropes, Rocks n Rapids
Summer Camp: Raptor Rama Jr. Wildlife Vet 101 #1 Nature Detectives Birdzilla Tracking Coastal Dunes Redwoods
Summer Camp: Skulls, Fangs, and Claws Forest Animals Art Waterfallers Birding 101 Yellowstone
Summer Camp: Things with Wings Jr. Wildlife Vet 101 #2 Cartooning Berry Berry Fun 1 San Juan 1
Summer Camp: Gnome Homes All About Bugs Berry Berry Fun 2 Jr. Wildlife Vet 102 Herpetology 103
Summer Camp: Furry Friends Jr. Wildlife Vet 101 #3 Forest to Farm Opal Creek 1 San Juan 2
Summer Camp: Tracks and Snacks Herpetology 101 Opal Creek 2 Fire and Ice Olympic Backpacker
Summer Camp: Animalology Hit the Trail Hidden Hikes Jr. Wildlife Vet 103 San Juan 3
Summer Camp: Wet and Wild Creature from the Balch Lagoon Herpetology 102 Fire, Sticks & Stones
Dragonflies ofWillamette ValleyField Trip #2, 10am(June Warbler)
Admin fficsclsd
Naur Srclsd
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Oaks Bottom Walk,8am (p.2)
Sandy River DeltaField Trip, 9am (p.2)
Ross IslandRestoration Day(June Warbler)
The Willamette:Respect, Reconnect, RenewAugust 2123, 2009
Join in the fun as Portland caps off the summer withan event to celebrate the Willamette River.
Riverfest offers a family-friendly chance to come down by theriverside, get out on the water, take river tours, enjoy live music,learn rsthand about the river s history and environment, clean upthe riverbank, and view river spectacles.
Celebrate the River On the River!Riverfest event listings at www.portlandriverfest.org.
the Springwater on the Willamette Trail fromdowntown, past Ross Island and the HolgateChannel of the Willamette to Oaks Bottom.Well stroll on both the paved Springwater onthe Willamette bicycle-pedestrian trail and anunpaved path through the riparian forest alongthe Holgate Channel. The walk will end at SEMilwaukie Blvd. at the north end of Oaks Bottom,where we will catch a TriMet bus back downtown.
Sat., August 1st, 8am11amRoss Island Paddle
See July 12th description.
Magpies PlanningMeeting, 10am (p.2)
Cooper MountainEarly Bird Walk withMr, 7am (p.5)
Ross Island Paddle,7:30am (p.2)
Murrl training aYachats, 6:30pm (p.11)
Shorebirds Class, 7pm(p.7)
Murrelet Surveys atYachats (p.11)
Oaks Bottom WildlifeRefuge Walk, 8am (p.2)
Bard Ming, 7pmHrn Hall
Bard Ming, 7pmHrn Hall
Vancouver Lake ParkField Trip, 8am (p.2)
Magpis visi
Timberline LodgeArea, 8am (p.2)
Cooper Mountain
Early Bird Walk withMr, 7am (p.5)
our ocan rip
the coast (p.12)
Birding Weekend(p.10)
Cycle the WillametteGreenway to Smith &Bybee, 10am (p.2)
Birding Weekend(p.10)
Vera Katz EastbankEsplanade to OaksBottom Walk, 8am (p.2)
The Galapagos:
Exploring Darwins
Tapestrybookprsnain, 7pm (p.8)
Ross Island Paddle,8am (p.2)
Audubns educainBirds at Oxbow Park,8pm
Birdrs Nigh7:30pm Hrn Hall
Summr Burflisin the Cascades Class,6pm (p.7)
Summr Burflisin the Cascades FieldTrip, 10am (p.7)
Audubnseducain Birds aCooper Mountain,10am11am (p.5)
(N Naur Nigh) New VolunteerOrientation, 6pm(p.9)
Tillamook CountyField Trip, 7:30am (p.2)
New Volunteer Orientation,1pm (p.9)
BridgePort celebration &benefit, 4pm9pm (p.12)
Magpis rip bgins:Fort Rock, SummerLake, Prineville, 7:30am(p.2)
Birding B.C. tripbegins (p.6)
Riverfest (p.3) Riverfest (p.3)
Riverfest (p.3) Backyard Birds Class,7pm (p.7)
Mt. Talbert ParkField Trip, 8am (p.2)
General VolunteerTraining, 9am (p.9)
Birdrs Nigh,7:30pm Hrn Hall
Schl f BirdingsFall Quarter begins(p.7)
Audubns educainBirds a Sub SwarState Park, 7pm
Sat., August 22nd, 6pm8pmRiverfest: Sternwheeler RoseCruise
Join Mike Houck and staff fromPortland Audubon on a family-oriented2-hour cruise around Ross Island. Wellcruise up the Holgate Channel andcircumnavigate Ross, Hardtack, and EastIslands to see Great Blue Heron, Osprey,and Bald Eagle nests. Cost is $25 perperson (children 5 and under are free)and space is limited.
Bike & Bird at Smith &Bybee Mike Houck
3JULY/AUGUST 2009www.audubonportland.org
8/9/2019 July-August 2009 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society
4/12
Conservation News
Backyard Wildlifeand Habitatby Karen Munday,Urban Wildlife Specialist
Wondering what to do in your backyard thesesummer months? Thinking about turningyour yard into a Certied Backyard Habitat?
Now is a great time to start planning your yard and getready for the fall planting season.
Make a quick drawing of your yard and where youwant to start. Take note of what areas of your yard getsummer sun or shade, and what areas stay moist ordry. Also, take an inventory of what you already havein your yard. Summer is the best time to identify plantssince most plants are leafed out or owering.
Then make a wish list. Start looking around at nativeplants and gure out what you want in your yard soyoull be ready for the fall and winter planting season.Fall and early winter is a great time to get native plantsinto the ground. It gives the roots time to becomeestablished in damp soil before next years dry summermonths.
Want additional help? If you live in Portland, check
out our Backyard Habitat Certication Programat www.audubonportland.org/backyardwildlife/backyardhabitat or call Karen Munday at 503-292-6855ext.122. Apply now to get on the waiting list for yoursite visit. Remember to check back, as we will expandthe program to other areas of the Metro region inupcoming years.
Urban ConservationistJim Labbe Goes onLeave, to Europe andSouth America
A
s of June 30th Jim Labbe, Portland AudubonsUrban Conservationist, will be on unpaid leavefor 9 months. After 7 years at work for Portland
Audubon, Jim is taking a break to travel, do someprofessional development, and practice his newfoundpassion for Argentine Tango!
In August and September Jim will join Mike Houck inGermany to meet with Landscape Architect HerbertDreiseitl (designer of Tanner Springs Park in Portland)and tour urban green infrastructure sites. MikeHouck, Bob Sallinger, and Jim Labbe are planning anAudubon trip next spring to explore urban naturalresource conservation in Europe. Additionally, Jimplans to develop his Spanish-speaking skills and exploreArgentina. He will be back on staff April 1, 2010.
A
quiet little wildlife saga has played itself out over thepast three years along the banks of the Willametteat the new South Waterfront Development. In 2007,
a pair of Osprey took up residence at the top of a largeutility pole owned by PaciCorp. The Osprey raised a singlenestling, under the watchful eyes of the newly populatedSouth Waterfront towers many residents could lookdirectly into the nest from their balconies and theyquickly attracted a large fan base.
However, Osprey nests, which can grow to 1,000 poundsas the birds return and add to the nest year after year, cancreate hazards on utility poles. Following the 2007 nestingseason, PaciCorp capped the pole to block further nesting.They also readily agreed to work with Audubon to put ina replacement pole to allow the Osprey to nest when theyreturned in the spring of 2008.
Installing the replacement pole proved more difcult
than anyone could have anticipated. A combination ofcontaminated soil and construction activities along theSouth Waterfront Greenway thwarted our efforts to installa nest pole throughout the 2008 season. The Ospreydid indeed return and repeatedlyattempted to nest on a crane locatedon an active barge, forcing the bargeowner to repeatedly remove thenesting materials before the Ospreylaid eggs in this untenable location.
Nest displacement of Ospreyoccurs for a variety of reasons, bothnatural and unnatural. Just acrossthe river, a pair of Osprey weresimultaneously returning to theirnest at Oaks Bottom only to nd their
site occupied by a pair of Red-tailedHawks (see spectacular pictures oftheir territorial battles provided byTom Nelson). However, they also havegreat delity to their sites. Watchingthem repeatedly build their nest onlyto have it pitched into the river thenext morning evoked the sympathyof many South Waterfront residents,many of whom had moved to this sitebecause of its green aspirations.
In the early spring of 2009,Zidell Marine steppedin with a solution. Sincepermitting associated withthis contaminated Greenwaymade digging prohibitivelydifcult, they insteadwelded a new metal poleand platform on top of agiant 13,000-pound hunkof metal that was lyingabout their barge-buildingfacility. Just in the nick oftime, too within a coupleof weeks South WaterfrontOsprey superfan Carol Otiswrote to say that the Ospreyhad returned from theirmigration, and a few weeks
after that she emailed toreport that they had laidtheir rst egg.
Today the nesting Osprey overhead (or underbalcony) serve as a reminder of the opportunitythat presents itself at South Waterfront. Eventuallythe South Waterfront Greenway is scheduled to berestored to provide both recreational opportunitiesand much-needed wildlife habitat along thisdegraded stretch of river. Today, though threeyears behind schedule it sits mostly barren, andonce-ambitious plans are in jeopardy.
Ultimately, to provide for these nesting Osprey aswell as many other species of sh and wildlife alongthe Willamette, we will need to see real habitat
restoration. Hopefully the return of the Ospreyto South Waterfront, and the generous efforts ofZidell and others, will inspire the realization of afully restored greenway in the near future.
Thanks to Bill Gobel and Zidell Marine, PaulFishman, Sheila Holden and PaciCorp, and CarolOtis and other South Waterfront residents for theirefforts to provide for their resident Osprey.
Zidell Marine Provides South WaterfrontOsprey with New Homeby Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director
Peregrine Falcons typically lay 14 eggs, with theaverage number of edglings per nest being just overone per nest site. A peregrine nest with 5 young has
only been documented once in the western United States, atBeacon Rock in Washington in the 1990s.
This season a Portland-area nest site located on one ofour local bridges matched that record. We were excitedto learn that the nest had 5 eggs, but even more thrilledwhen we went in to band and discovered that all 5 eggs hadsuccessfully hatched!
This past spring Audubon has been participatingin nationwide peregrine monitoring efforts toaccess nationwide population trends. PortlandAudubon and a team of nearly 30 volunteerswere responsible for monitoring all of theMetro-area nest sites. Over the years our localbridges have played a signicant role in statewidePeregrine Falcon recovery, and our own FremontBridge is ranked as the single most productivenest site in Oregon over the past 15 years. Nowour urban nest sites have another claim to fame the most young produced at an Oregon nestsite in a single season!
Five peregrine fledglingson Portland-area bridge. Bob Sallinger
Adult peregrine hitsSallinger in the head ashe enters nest. Mary Coolidge
Portland Peregrine Nest
Site Sets State Recordfor Number of Fledglingsby Bob Sallinger
New Osprey Pole at SouthWaterfront with nest on top. Bob Sallinger
Osprey and Red-tailed Hawk interritorial fight at Oaks Bottom.Photos Tom Nelson
Swift Roost Sites
Help Portland Audubon in its effort to identifyand monitor Vauxs Swift roost sites around thePortland metropolitan area during fall migration.The spectacle of chimney-bound swifts can befound at various locations, both discovered andundiscovered. If you know of a roost site, you canhelp us by reporting and/or monitoring them.Call Mary Coolidge at 503-292-6855 ext.111 toreport a chimney!
Sallinger and Coolidge bandingperegrines. Portland Audubon
Adult peregrine standing guard whileSallinger bands young. Mary Coolidge
4 JULY/AUGUST 2009 www.audubonportland.org
8/9/2019 July-August 2009 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society
5/12
Wildlie Care Center
One of many tranquil panoramas at the newCooper Mountain Nature Park. Metro
Metro naturalist DebScrivens laying tracks inthe cement pathway atthe park for trackingpractice! Metro
Overlooking the Tualatin River Valley, the newCooper Mountain Nature Park sits on the southernedge of Beaverton at 18892 SW Kemmer Road,
shouldered by dense urban development to the north andopen agricultural lands to the south. The 230-acre parkoffers visitors 3miles of trails traversing the parks rarehabitats and natural features. A demonstration garden andNature House provide additional opportunities to enjoy
the park through self-guided tours and environmentaleducation programs scheduledthroughout the year. Cooper MountainNature Park will be operated througha partnership between Metro and theTualatin Hills Park & Recreation District(THPRD).
Passage of a $135 million GreenspaceBond Measure in 1995 allowed Metro topurchase this amazing park. Metro hasbeen gradually acquiring and restoringthe acreage that now comprises theNature Park. Cooper Mountain ishome to several important habitat
types including mixed conifer forests, perched wetlands,
and rare oak woodlands. The site also supports breedingpopulations of wildlife species whose numbers arethreatened regionally, including the Northern red-leggedfrog and Western gray squirrel.
Volunteers have participated in nearly every aspect ofCooper Mountains transformation removing invasivespecies, restoring native grasses and wildowers, plantingmore than 110,000 trees and shrubs, enhancing the oakwoodlands, and improving the small quarry pond.
This summer, Audubon will participate in a variety ofevents to celebrate the opening of Cooper Mountain.The Audubon-sponsored events listed below are free, butyou must pre-register for most walks through THPRD at503-629-6350. See complete listings on Metros website:www.oregonmetro.gov/coopermountain.
Cooper Mountain Dedication Field TourConnecting Green: Wild in the Citywith Mike HouckJune 27 (Sat.), 8am10am
Join Mike Houck for the Nature Parks rst ofcial openingevent! The morning walk will be lled with birding,botanizing, and discussing what it takes to create pl aceslike the Cooper Mountain Nature Park. This walk i ncludesa moderate loop walk of about 2 miles and a short climbback up to the park entry. Suitable for families; binocularsrecommended. Advance registration required; call 503-629-6350.
Friday Early Bird Walks withMetro Naturalist James DavisJuly 10 and 24 (Fridays), 7am9am
Join Metro naturalist James Davis for a pair of morningbird walks. In the summer, bird activity is best early in themorning, so walks start at the Nature House at 7am. Bringyour binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. Suitable for adultsand children 10 and olde r. Advance registration required;call 503-629-6350.
Education Birds from Portland AudubonsWildlife Care CenterAugust 9 (Sun.), 10am11am
Meet some of Audubons education birds including aPeregrine Falcon, Northern Spotted Owl, and AmericanRaven in person in an up-close and personal program for allages. Learn about their stories and natural history and talkwith their handlers. All ages; pre-registration not required.
Cooper MountainNature Park to Openthis Summer Your Greenspace BondMeasure Dollars at Work!
In the middle of dinner out with friends on April 30,I received an urgent call from 9-1-1. Nervouslypondering why 9-1-1 would be calling me, I was
somewhat relieved to hear there was an injured Bald Eagle
on the ground in nearby Lake Oswego. It was gettingdark and I knew if I went to Audubon to get appropriateequipment and a transport carrier Id waste valuabletime. I did have a pair of leather gardening gloves, an oldblanket, and a husband willing to help, so we headed to theresidence on the banks of the Willamette River.
The eagle was discoveredby Mike Erickson, whohad been keeping trackof eagles that nest nearhis home along theWillamette. He becamealarmed on the evening ofApril 30 when he noticedan Osprey and later aock of 30 Canada Geeseattacking a groundedadult male Bald Eagle. Itwas the evening of the lastBlazer playoff game andMike had 25 friends overto watch the game, but thefocus quickly shifted to theinjured eagle. Eventuallythe eagle hobbled to aneighbors yard and hid in a protected area of bushesand ivy. Mike wasnt sure who to call for help so dialed9-1-1 and let them know there wasnt an emergency,but he needed help.
By the time we arrived, we needed ashlights to nd theeagle hunkered down in the ivy. The bird was visibly weak
and put up little ght; all he could offer were a couple ofwing bats. I was able to restrain him in my lap while myhusband drove to Audubon. Veterinarian Molly McAllistermet us at the Wildlife Care Center, where we did a thoroughexam and took x-rays. The bird was extremely thin; heweighed only 6 pounds, while an average male Bald Eagle
Peregrines & Pinot Wildlife Care CenterBenefit a Huge Success
Peregrines & Pinot, a benet for the Wildlife Care Center heldMay 30 aboard the SternwheelerRose, was a tremendous successin every way. Under blue skies weenjoyed delicious food and drinkswhile cruising on the Willamette Riverto view abundant local wildlife. Allproceeds made on the cruise will godirectly to help the wild animals thatget assistance from Audubons WildlifeCare Center. The sternwheeler prepares
to embark on AudubonsPeregrines & Pinotfundraiser. Bob Sallinger
Some guests celebrate the warmevening and local wildlife aboardthe Sternwheeler Rose. Karen Munday
An Eagles Sagaby Deb Sheaffer, Wildlife Care CenterOperations Manager
weighs about 9 pounds.He had several scabs onhis head and his righteyeball was collapsed in
the socket. The x-raysrevealed a broken wing.The fractures were at leasta few weeks old because acallus had already formed,leaving the wing tip inan abnormal position.The wing and eye injuriesexplained why this birdwas found in such acompromised situation.
We initially treated the eagle with supportive care uidtherapy, anti-inammatories, and antibiotics and lefthim in a quiet dark incubator. It was with relief that wefound him alive and stronger in the morning. The nextfew days we continued supportive care and started theeagle on food. He eagerly ate whatever we placed in frontof him. In the rst two weeks of hospitalization, the eaglebecame stronger dayby day and gained50% of his admittingweight! VeterinaryOphthalmologist SusanKirschner examined theeagle and conrmedthat the eye couldntbe saved. We have seencontinued improvementin the Bald Eaglescondition and recently moved him into a l arge ight cage.Sadly, this magnicent bird would not be abl e to survivein the wild due to its injuries so we hope to nd a licensed
facility, such as a zoo or nature center, for him to live outthe remainder of his life.
Please see our website at www.audubonportland.org forupdates on this case and others in the Wildlife Care Center.
Marbled Murrelet Trainingand SurveyJuly 1415 at Yachats, Oregon
Also see Important Bird Area of the Montharticle on page 11.
July 14 training: 6:30pm at the Yachats Commons withOSU researcher Kim Nelson.July 15 surveys: Upland sites survey starts at4:53am6:53am, and nearshore surveys (6 coastal sites)start at 10am11am.
Contact Paul at [email protected], for detailsand to register.
Avian Mortality StudyPortland Audubon is developing an Avian Mortality Studyrelated to tall glass buildings in downtown Portland andthe South Waterfront area as part of a worldwide Lights
Out campaign. If you nd a dead bird on a downtownstreet or sidewalk that may be the result of a windowstrike, please report location information to MaryCoolidge at [email protected] or503-292-6855 ext.111.
Rescued Bald Eagle on perchin WCC. Ann Takamoto
Volunteer veterinarian Rachel Millsexamines the injured eagle. Ann Takamoto
Bald Eagle and one of his rescuers,Deb Sheaffer. Ann Takamoto
Help Us Learn More...
5JULY/AUGUST 2009www.audubonportland.org
8/9/2019 July-August 2009 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society
6/12
Educational Trips & Tours These trips are popular. We recommendthat you book early.
Birding B.C.August 1923, 2009
W
ithin sight of Vancouver, B.C., are the spectacularmountains of the Northern Cascades and the richwaters of the Strait of
Georgia. We begin our trip in themountains of Manning ProvincialPark. Among the conifers here, wellsearch for high-elevation speciessuch as the American Three-toedWoodpecker, Gray Jay, BorealChickadee, and Pine Grosbeak. Wewill spend one day in the Okanoganarea, east of the mountains, wherewe will visit Lake Vaseux. The lakeand wetlands are a designatedImportant Bird Area where we willlook for many species of waterfowl aswell as American Bittern, LewissWoodpecker, and Yellow-headed Blackbird. From Manningwe drive to Vancouver where south of the city there are the great
estuaries and tidal ats of Boundary Bay, George C. Reifel BirdSanctuary, and Iona Island. Numerous species of waterfowl andthousands of shorebirds stop over to feed here every year.
What is included: Ground transportation in British Columbia, 4 nightsdouble-occupancy lodging, all meals except dinners, and the services of yourleaders. A portion of your fee is a tax-deductible contribution to the AudubonSociety of Portland.
Fee: $895 members / $995 non-membersGroup size: 10 maximumLeader: Dan van den Broek, Master Birder CoordinatorContact Dan van den Broek [email protected] or 971-222-6105.
Autumn onSteens MountainSeptember 30October 4, 2009
Steens Mountain is one of Oregons most spectacular natural areasand is especially beautiful in the fall. Rising to almost 10,000 feetin the southeast corner of the state, it presides over alkali desert,
oceans of sagebrush, and the wildlife-rich marshlands of the Malheurbasin. From our base in Frenchglen, well spend 3 full days exploring thisdiverse landscape by van and on foot as we venture around all sides andon top of the mountain itself.
Fee: $595 members / $635 non-members(double occupancy)
Group size: 14 maximumContact Steve Engel at [email protected] 971-222-6119.
Pronghorn Antelope. Photo:James C. Leupold/USFWS
Lewiss Woodpecker Steve Berliner
Oaxaca straddles the biological borderseparating the ranges of northern
temperate and tropical birds. As aresult it is home to well over 600 species more than any other Mexican state manyof which are found nowhere else in the world.And if ever there was a destination perfectfor both the birder and non-birder, Oaxacamay be it. In addition to its colorful bird life,it is renowned as a place with the tangiblefeel of the Old Mexico: colorful markets,vibrant native cultures, graceful cathedralsand monuments, excellent museums, and arelaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Our trip begins in Oaxaca City, the beautiful and colorful state capital. Located in a large i nter-mountain valley at 5,000 feet, it basks in a balmy spring-like climate year round. With our local birdand cultural expert to guide us, well search for specialty birds of the valley as well as enjoy and learnabout the rich cultural and artistic traditions of the area. We may seek out the likes of Berylline and
Dusky Hummingbirds, Boucards Wren, Red Warbler, and Chestnut-sided Shrike Vireo in themorning, and visit artisan villages famous for their weavings in the afternoon. Or perhaps well see ourrst Oaxaca Sparrow on the slopes of Monte Alban, one of the most spectacular archeological sites inMesoamerica.
Our day trips will lead us through different elevations from pine/oakforest to humid cloud forest, where we may encounter local species suchas Dwarf Jay, Aztec Thrush, and Collared Towhee. Each afternoonwell return to our quiet hotel next to a shaded city park a short walkfrom the famous central plaza, or zocalo, the cultural heart of the city.
Then we travel by van to the tropical evergreen forests of the Atlanticslope, passing through the bird-rich Valle Nacionalregion on the way.In Tuxtepec, along the shores of theRio Papaloapan, well be on thelookout for endemic species like the Long-tailed Wood Partridge,Rufous-breasted Spinetail, Azure Hooded Jay, and SumichrastsWren, as well as Keel-billed Toucan, Blue-gray Tanager, and
Emerald Toucanet.Beautiful Oaxaca City calls us back for our nal two days. Youll have time to explore this proud WorldHeritage Site, which has recei ved much effort into making its many attractions accessible to the visitor.On your own or with the group, feel free to relax, visit museums, seek out more birds, or si t at a sidewalkcaf and watch the world go by.
What is included: All lodging, land transportation, park fees, guide fees, all meals except dinners, and the services of yourleaders. A portion of your fee is a tax-deductible gift to the Audubon Society of Portland. Airfare is not included.
Fee: $1,585 members / $1,785 non-membersDeposit: $800Group size: 1214 participantsLeaders: Steve Engel, Adult Education Coordinator, with our experienced local birding guideContact Steve Engel at [email protected] or 971-222-6119.
December 210, 2009
Birds and Culture of Oaxaca, Mexico
Monte Alban Wink Gross
Oaxaca Sparrow Wink Gross
January 23 February 13, 2010
India a land and culture unique untoitself, a place like none other on Earth.Join experienced naturalists from PortlandAudubon on this 16-day adventure throughthe nest National Parks in all of NorthernIndia. This trip is sure to be an unforgettableand exotic experience. Group size will belimited to no more than 10 participants, and
it is likely that this trip will ll quickly.
Please call Steve Robertson at 503-292-6855 ext.118 (or Steve Engel at ext.119) if you wouldlike to register for this tour. All trips ll on a rst-come, rst-served basis. A deposit of $1,500 is requiredto secure your place. Fee includes all lodging, all meals except some dinners, internal air and all groundtransportation, all park and Guide fees. Fee does NOT include airfare to and from India.
Fee:* $3,985 members / $4,385 non-membersLeaders: Steve Robertson, Education Director and Naturalist, andDan van den Broek, Field Ornithologist
*Fee and tour dates may change slightlyas some trip details are still being finalized.
INDIA
Taj Mahal Portland Audubon
WAIT LISTONLY
6 JULY/AUGUST 2009 www.audubonportland.org
8/9/2019 July-August 2009 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society
7/12
Trips & ClassesHOW TO REGISTER
Contact: Steve Engel, AdultEducation Coordinator
Email: [email protected]: 971-222-6119
Credit Card Payment: We accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. A 3%processing fee is added to each transaction. Include card number, expirationdate, and billing address, or call Steve Engel and pay over the phone.
Adult Classes1. Phone or email with your contactinformation and the classes in which you wishto reserve one or more spaces.2.Mail in your payment right away. Makechecks payable to Audubon Society of Portland.3. Well contact you with confirmation ofpayment and class details.
Educational Trips & Tours1. Phone or email to request a registrationpacket for the trips of interest.2. Complete and sign the Registration / WaiverForm and return it with the required deposit.3. Well contact you with confirmation ofpayment and further details.
Mail: Audubon Society of Portland5151 NW Cornell Rd.Portland, OR 97210
ShorebirdsJuly 14 (Tues.), 7pm9pm in Heron Hall
Twice a year our shorelines are graced by globe-trotting shorebirds. These graceful birds area joy to watch as they y swiftly over oodedelds and mudats. Just in time for southboundmigration (yes! they do migrate south in July!),local expert Harry Nehls will discuss both thecommon and more elusive shorebirds that occurin the Northwest each year. Through slidesand discussion Harry will explain some of thechallenges in shorebird identication. Learn howto tell a plover from a sandpiper at a glance. Thisenjoyable class is perfect for both casual nature
lovers and birdwatchers of all skill levels.Fee: $10 members / $15 non-membersPre-registration is required; FREE forvolunteers.
Summer Butterflies inthe Cascade MountainsAugust 7 (Fri.), 6pm7pm: Class inHeron HallAugust 8 (Sat.), 10am3pm: Field Trip
Butteries living in the Cascade Mountainsemerge in mid-summer and hang out in the sunlitforest openings. Well see fritillaries, sulphurs,anglewings, other species, and maybe caterpillarstoo. Well be in owery meadows and perhaps
walk some easy trails. The Friday evening classwill introduce the species likely to be seen anddiscuss their habits, and will also cover logisticsof the Saturday eld experience. Bill Neill,author ofButterflies of the Pacific Northwest, willlead both the class and eld trip.
Fee (Class only): $10 members /$15 non-membersFee (Class and Field Trip): $30 members /$40 non-membersField Trip is limited to 12 participants.Pre-registration is required.
Introducing the NEW Portland Audubons
School of Birding!Beginning and intermediate birders welcome!
The Audubon Society of Portlands School of Birding will focus on thebest birding that each season has to offer to help you learn and improveyour birding skills. FALL, WINTER, SPRING, and SUMMER quarters
are offered, and each quarter will have six classroom sessions and six eld trips(one overnight). Well explore the coast, Willamette Valley, mountains, and highdesert in search of seabirds, shorebirds, birds of prey, waterfowl, and songbirds.
Discover the birds of every season and build your birding skills as Dan van denBroek helps you learn the best-kept secrets to the art of birding: How to identify birds using eld marks, size and shape, plumage
characteristics, bill types, and styles of ight; Birding by ear learn how experts identify birds by sound alone; The natural history of Oregon birds learn when and where to nd birds in
Oregon and understand their behaviors.Complete all four sessions and receive your dip loma from Portland AudubonsSchool of Birding (may be taken over multiple years).
Seasonal topics include:
FALL (Sept. 2 Nov. 14): .................Shorebirds, raptors, seabirds, fall songbirds.
WINTER (Jan. 6 Mar. 13): ...........................Birds of the coast, gulls, waterfowl,winter songbirds.
SPRING (Apr. 14 Jun. 9): .......................................Spring migration, bird songs,
Neotropical migrants (warblers, ycatchers, etc.).SUMMER (Jun. 16 Aug. 18): ...............Summer breeding bird identication and
vocalizations, birds of the mountains and high desert.
What is included for each quarter: Teaching and guiding by Dan van den Broek,transportation in 15-passenger vans and carpools, 6 field trips to local Important BirdAreas and area hotspots, one overnight trip with hotel stay, and 6 classroom sessions atPortland Audubon.
Fee: $360 for each quarter (a 10% discount is offered to individuals that takesuccessive sessions)Class size is limited to 14 participants.Contact Dan van den Broek at [email protected] or971-222-6105.
STARTS FALL 2009Backyard BirdsAugust 25 (Tues.), 7pm9pm inHeron Hall
Using a multi-media presentation of images,video, and sound, Doug Robberson willintroduce the birds found visiting localyards. Doug will share tips on what speciesfavor what foods and discuss the varietyof feeders now available. Learn how toattract and identify your feathered friends.This program will feature the work of localOregon photographers Marilyn Miller, EdBustya, Michael Wilhelm, Steve Berliner,and Suzanne Carpenter.
Fee: $10 members / $15 non-membersPre-registration is required.
Hawks in FlightSeptember 24 (Thurs.), 7pm9pm: Class
in Heron HallSeptember 26 (Sat.), 9am5pm: FieldTrip to Bonney Butte
Each fall large numbers of birds of prey hawks, eagles, falcons, and osprey ysouth across the continent as they migrate totheir winter homes. Individual birds seek outlandscape features that help them stay aloftand avoid landscapes that dont. The result isconcentrations of migrating birds at predictabletimes and places during the migration season.Helping beginning birdwatchers recognize andidentify hawks in ight is the focus of this class.A Saturday eld trip to Bonney Butte, a h awkmigration study site near Mt. Hood, will providean opportunity to see many migrating birds and
to practice newly learned identication skills.Instructor Steve Engel has spent four seasons atthe Goshute Mountains in Nevada as an observer,counting migrating raptors for HawkWatchInternational.
Fee: $60 members / $70 non-members.Transportation is provided.Field trip limited to 12 participants asecond van may be added if needed.Pre-registration is required.Members also have the option of registering forthe class only for a fee of $10.Volunteers may attend the class only for FREE.
A fewspaces stillremain for
Fall
Sparrows of OregonSeptember 15 (Tues.), 7pm9pmin Heron Hall
Birdwatchers are often blown away by thesimilarity of these little brown jobbers.An amazing 18 species of sparrows occurin our area, plus related species like thetowhee and junco. With a little practiceand advice from a seasoned expert, we canlearn how to identify these birds. Tonight,a local bird expert and author of numerous
eld guides, Harry Nehls, will share histips on when and where to nd the elusivesparrows and how to recognize each littlebrown job.
Fee: $10 members / $15 non-membersPre-registration is required.This class is FREE for volunteers.
Week 10: August 24 - 28
Fire, Sticks and stones(overnight Mon - Fri)
What if you were lost in the forest and had only
yourself to depend on? Could you make a re and staywarm? Could you protect yourself from the elements?Learn the art of wilderness survival at Marmot Cabinnear Mount Hood by building shelters, gathering safefood from the forest and preparing it on a re you buildyourself without matches!
Fee: $375 members/$395 non-members
Discover the enchantment of Opal Creek with Audubon Naturalists as youexperience the majesty of trees that are more than 300 years old. Spend anentire week at Opal Creeks education center, the historic mining camp onJawbone Flats, in the heart of this ancient forest wilderness. Contemplatethe history and ecology of the area while dipping your toes in the cool,clear waters of Opal Creek. Learn about ancient-forest-dependent speciessuch as the Northern Spotted Owl, Red-backed Vole, Marbled Murreletand Flying Squirrel. Our base is a rustic lodge that has three oors, a largestone replace and a resource library, all for our exclusive use. Bring yoursense of adventure and discover with us the mysteries of Opal Creek.
Fee: $415 members/$435 non-membersNote: Will return at 3:30pm on Friday
For Grades
Entering:
th th
6 8
For Grades Entering:
For Grades Entering:
th th
6 8
th th
4 5
Exciting camps for kids entering 1st12th grades!
To reserve your spot, please call 971-222-6120.Summer Camp2009
For a complete listing of campsand availability, please visit us at
www.audubonportland.org.
Here are just a Couple of this summers great camps!
Week 7: August 3 - 7
Mysteries of Opal Creek 1(overnight Mon - Fri)
Week 8: August 10 - 14
Mysteries of Opal Creek 2(overnight Mon - Fri)
Beginning Birding Iwith Laura WhittemoreSeptember 28: ClassOctober 4 & 11: Field Trips
See www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/classes for details.
7JULY/AUGUST 2009www.audubonportland.org
8/9/2019 July-August 2009 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society
8/12
by Sally Loomis, Nature Store Book Buyer
Nature Store Highlights
Summer Fun for KidsWant some fun ideas for ways to keep your children busyduring their summer vacation? Tired of hearing Im
bored!? Here are some nature-themed activity books thatwe recommend for kids plus theyre fun for adults, too!
Dover Publications is a great source of activity books forchildren, and theirFun Kitscan provide lots of nature-based things to do. They consist of a variety of coloring,stencil, sticker, and drawing books, plus ever-populartemporary tattoos, based around themes of birds, bugs, orbutteries. These are recommended for ages 6 and up.
The World of Small: Nature Explorations with a HandLensby Michael Elsohn Ross comes with a 5x h and lens andencourages children to look more closely at the tiny thingsin their world. Suggested for children 7 and up.
The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science:64 Daring Experiments for Young Scientists
by Sean Connolly is geared around theidea that most irresponsible experimentstrigger satisfying bangs, smells, oozes,and explosions. They are also fun andinexpensive demonstrations of some basicscience with items common around thehouse. Recommended for kids 9 and up.
Camp Out! The Ultimate Kids Guidefrom the Backyard to the Backwoodsby Lynn Brunelle gives middle-school-age kids lots of information aboutcamping, including equipment, kid-
friendly recipes, stargazing, and camp songs. This would bea ne way to encourage your child to get ready for the bigfamily vacation this summer, or just to set up camp in the
backyard.
The Great Outdoors Games & PuzzlesbyHovanec & Merrell orBird BrainteasersbyPatrick Merrell are full of word puzzles thatwould be fun to do either individually or asa family, and would be great to take alongon a road trip.
Due out in mid-July, Jennifer Ward followsup last yearsI Love Dirt!with Lets Go Outside!Thepublisher describes it as a menu of activities specicallyfor preteens that encourages them to go outside andexperience adventure in the great outdoors to provideinteresting alternatives that can compete with the allure ofFacebook and High School Musical. Well be stocking it assoon as it is released.
Backcountry Betty: Crafting withStyleby Jennifer Worick andHow toKnit in the Woods: 20 Projects for theGreat Outdoorsby Shannon Okey arenature books with attitude, perfect forolder teens or adults interested in DIYcraftiness.
However, for those times when couch-potatohood is theorder of the day, please note that we have many nature-related selected DVDs on sale this summer at 20% off!
Sanctuaries Newsby Tom Costello, Sanctuaries Director
Last month the Audubon Society of Portland hostedthe Balch Creek Watershed Summit, a free half-dayworkshop series designed to inspire and inform our
neighbors on what they can do to improve the habitat valueand ecological health of their property and the watershed
as a whole. Organized by the West Multnomah Soil &Water Conservation District (WMSWCD), the summitis a logical extension of our restoration efforts in oursanctuaries on Cornell Road. It also provides more technicalinformation for landowners with substantial acreagewho have expressed interest in our Backyard HabitatCertication Program.
After some morning refreshments the summit began withan informal presentation by one of our neighbors, whorecently completed her partnershi p with SOLVs TeamUp for Watersheds program. Team Up for Watersheds isa multi-year restoration initiative that provides an avenuefor landowners to complete restoration and conservationwork on acreage that is too much for them to handle ontheir own. John Gillilan, an engineer with the USDAsNatural Resource Conservation Service, followed with a
presentation on Stream Erosion Mechanics and Control,an appropriate topic given the tricky soils and hydrologythat we deal with in our watershed.
WMSWCD Conservation Planner and Technician MaryLogalbo then presented a crash course on i nvasive plantidentication, reporting, and eradication, which was anabbreviated version of the Multnomah Weed WatchersTraining. Virginia Bowers of the Three Rivers LandConservancy also talked about thebasics of setting up a conservationeasement, a valuable but trickymechanism for conserving privateland into the future. The nalpresentation of the day focusedon septic system maintenance and
repair, a particularly importanttopic in our neighborhood, wheremost residents do not have theoption to connect to the Citys sewerinfrastructure. Erin Mick, sanitarian
with the City of Portland, gave an informative and light-hearted presentation with an eye toward preventingproblems with septic systems before they deteriorate andlead to widespread ecological and human health issues.
We concluded the summit with a tour of our sanctuariesand some of the targeted restoration areas that wevebeen working on for the past 2 years. The tour gave the20 workshop participants a chance to see restorationwork rst hand and put the information gleaned fromthe presentations into perspective. For many participantsit was also a chance to ask questions on the variety ofmanagement practices and techniques available.
TogetherGreen VolunteerDay #6: Signs, Trails, andIvy
June 6th marked the nal TogetherGreenVolunteer Day of the current grant cycle
(but dont despair 6 more TogetherGreenDays will begin in the fall). Fourteen intrepidvolunteers joined us for a massive tree-ivyremoval party along Cornell Road and NW53rd Drive. Volunteers also helped clear some
Balch Creek Watershed Summitwindfall fromthe trails andbrushed backsome of thespring growthencroaching onto the trails.
And to cap off a great year of volunteer work in thesanctuaries, we installed 2 new interpretive signs. The rstsign explains the importance of native plants in creatinghabitat and maintaining water quality; the second signexplains our rain barrel systemand stormwater planter. Both ofthese signs, and the restorationwork they describe, werefunded through partnershipswith the City of PortlandsBureau of EnvironmentalServices and Metros Nature inNeighborhoods program.
T
he Nature Store invites you to join us in HeronHall on Friday, July 31st, at 7:00pm to welcomeJohn Hess to Portland. Hess is the author
and photographer for the recently published TheGalpagos: Exploring Darwins Tapestry, a gorgeousand highly readable collection of essays and photosabout those remarkable islands and their wildlife.
This is a beautifully illustrated and informativeintroduction to the life of Galpagos. Its just the book toget the overall picture, and to use as a guide if the reader isfortunate enough to visit this amazing archipelago.
Edward O. Wilson, author andUniversity Research Professor Emeritus,Harvard University
John Hess has taught e volutionary biology, ornithology,and other courses including ph otography formore than 30 years and is now Emeritus Professor of
Biology at the University ofCentral Missouri. This broadbackground in science lies atthe core of his approach toart. While emeritus, he hashad time to pursue his artisticpassions more extensively,with stints as Artist-in-Residence at Rocky MountainNational Park in 2006 and in2007 at Mesa Verde.
Hess skillfully weaves together thecomplex forces of geology, currents, andclimate that have shaped the islands andcreated the unique species that live there.The endemic species of the Galpagos
are both extraordinarily tough tohave evolved and thrived in a harsh environment,and extraordinarily sensitive to the changes humanshave recently wrought there. He features some ofthese species as Galpagos royalty: charismatic andspectacular animals such as boobies, marine iguanas,frigatebirds, and more.
Please join us for what should be a fascinating evening.Hess will give a presentation from his book, and ofcourse will be available to sign copies. Give the NatureStore a call at 503-292-9453 if youd like us to reserve acopy for you. Light refreshments will be served.
John Hess PresentsHis New BookThe Galpagos: ExploringDarwins Tapestry
Friday, July 31st, 7pmin Heron Hall
Eager volunteers prepare for work on TogetherGreen projects. Deanna Sawtelle
One of the two new interpretivesigns installed in the sanctuaries. Deanna Sawtelle
Jean Baecher Brown and SusanVanvoorhis prepare the groundfor one of the new interpretive
signs. Deanna Sawtelle
Thom McCloskey and EliseSkora take a break from their
hard labors. Deanna Sawtelle
8 JULY/AUGUST 2009 www.audubonportland.org
8/9/2019 July-August 2009 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society
9/12
by Harry NehlsField Notes
SightingsThe newly developed and maturing Vanport Wetlandsin Delta Park is now attracting several interesting birds.Several pairs of Wilsons Phalaropes and Yellow-headedBlackbirds are now nesting in the wetlands. Blue-wingedTeal and Virginia Rails have been spotted. Ducks and geeseactively utilize the wetlands during the winter months, withsome remaining and apparently nesting.
Large ocks of Evening Grosbeaks move into theWillamette Valley each spring, attracted to elm and mapleseeds and other foods. They love sunower seeds and swarmto backyard feeders providing them. The main incursion thisspring occurred about mid-May. During most of the yearthese bright colorful birds move into the mountains where
conifer and deciduous tree seeds are found.
On April 17 Blake Matheson noted two SwainsonsThrushes in Forest Park. Bob Flores saw one in RidgeeldApril 25, and Tom McNamara reported a couple on Mt.Tabor May 6. The main movement arrived in the Portlandarea about May 15. Damian Ebert reported an earlyCommon Nighthawk in southeast Portland May 29.
On May 10 Kevin Duff reported two Western Kingbirdsat Powell Butte Park in Gresham. Brick Street spotted one ona railing outside a classroom window at Grant High SchoolMay 8. Both Western and Eastern Kingbirds are backat the Sandy River Delta again this summer, as are Yellow-breasted Chats.
On May 14 a Lazuli Bunting briey visited Judy Koliasfeeders in southeast Portland. On May 26 a nice maleMacGillivrays Warbler visited Chris Bennetts feeder insoutheast Portland. Erik Knight observed a White Pelicanat Oaks Bottom May 19. Pamela Johnston spotted a BlackSwift near McMinnville May 22, and Andy Kerr was amongthe many who reported small groups of Red Crossbillsvisiting their feeders during May.
On May 16 Andy Frank reported a ock of 11 White-facedIbis ying over the bike path between the new jail and Smith& Bybee Lakes. Scott Carpenter saw two at Ridgeeld NWRMay 14, and Jay Withgott saw 3540 on Sauvie Island May22.
Overall the spring migration was not as conspicuous as inother years, but as usual, birders checking the movementsfound many interesting and unexpected birds.
Bird populations change all the time. One year its apoor nesting season, the next a se vere winter, theyear after that everything comes out well and the
population jumps back up to high levels.
The area best suited to obtaining food and providingprotection for a species is called its habitat. Each birdspecies is restricted to a specic type of habitat during
the nesting season. The type of habitat that a bird uses inmigration and in winter might be much different from theone in which it nests. All are very important for the welfareof the species.
If a habitat develops that is best suited for a specic speciesand is found by a nesting pair or two, a slow but steadyincrease in numbers will ensue until problems develop. Astheir numbers increase they wi ll attract a greater number ofpredators, and food will become harder to come by. Therewill then be a population decline to where the habitat cansustain a maximum population level. This also happens inthe winter habitat.
Home Is Where the Best Habitat IsIn some years the population will exceed the carryingcapacity of the habitat. At that time more birds willattempt to use less suitable habitats where success is oftenmarginal. In years of low populations, birds concentrate atprime areas within the habitat. Thus all habitats are used tothe maximum carrying capacity by all species with healthypopulations.
If the prime habitat area is destroyed but the less suitablehabitat is still available, the population will attempt tocarry on. Because these marginal habitats are subject toproblems, the population numbers will uctuate wildlyfrom year to year and more often then not wil l begin a slowdecline until the species disappears from the area.
Changes in habitat might provide the needs for a wholenew population of birds of different species. So while one
species might suffer a severe loss, another species will beginthe cycle of increasing to the maximum carrying capacityof the new habitat.
In the local area, Sauvie Island and much of Ridgeeld NWRis managed for winter habitat for waterfowl. Ridgeeld alsoprovides extensive breeding habitat for water birds. Bothareas have open wooded areas and grasslands for wintering
and nesting songbirds, as does the Sandy River Delta. ForestPark is prime habitat for forest birds.
When I look back at our most recent Native PlantSale, a number of different successes jumpout at me: increased sales, decreased costs,
the outreach tables staffed by our own Backyard HabitatCertication Program, and the Four-County CooperativeWeed Management Area; the list goes on. But what Ihear most from fellow staff, and what I h eard most fromthose who were at the sale, was the impressiveness of ourvolunteer cadre. We had volunteers helping customersselect plants, carry and load plants, restock plants, and ofcourse take money for the plants. Our volunteers really
helped us take customer service to a new level.
Behind the scenes and at the heart of this volunteer cadrewas Carol Gross, who for two full days served as ourvolunteer maestro. Directing and redirecting volunteers towhere they were most needed, and making sure volunteerswere fed, had bathroom breaks, and were happy Carolquietly conducted this symphony of volunteer activityperfectly.
As those of you who have shopped at our sale could attest,when the doors open, it can get hectic quite fast. Thediehard customers rush around looking to snag all of the
Night Flight Bat Volunteer Mandy Sims offers a close-upview of a real bat. Deanna Sawtelle
Store Volunteer Jackie Sparks gets toplay with the toys. Deanna Sawtelle
Volunteering atAudubon is Funand Rewarding!by Deanna Sawtelle,
Volunteer Coordinator
Inspiring people to love and protect nature. ThatsAudubons mission and its what our volunteers doevery day! The Audubon Society of Portland is one
of the Northwests leading conservation organizations,offering a wide range of natural history and
environmental activities to members, the community,and especially volunteers. Whatever your interestsor talents, there is a volunteer position for you .These include many regularly scheduled volunteeropportunities, as well as special projects and eventpositions: Help restore habitat in our w ildlife sanctuary. Be a conservation activist! Care for and feed injured wildlife at the Wildlife Care
Center. (There is currently a wait list for this volunteeropportunity.)
Help answer the communitys appetite for naturalhistory information by being an assistant at theNature Store.
Lead school groups through a fascinating explorationof our nature sanctuary.
Be a voice for Audubon by volunteering as areceptionist or an Audubon Docent.
Help make Audubons special events successful, likethe Wild Arts Festival, the Native Plant Sale, andSwift Watch.
Volunteer of the Month: Carol Grossby Tom Costello, Sanctuaries Director
trillium, fawn lily,and azalea, whilethose new tonative plants andgardening seekadvice from our volunteer plant talkers. Our volunteerpool and staff quickly get absorbed in the tasks at hand,and many are already exhausted from the setup work thatbegins hours and even days before the sale itself.
It was about 10 minutes after opening on Saturday
morning that I looked up, saw Carol helping directsome volunteers as I struggled to get the cash registersgoing, and I realized what a relief it was to have Carolscalm, friendly oversight during the sale. With all of herexperience volunteering for the Red Crosss disaster reliefefforts, Im sure Carol probably looks at our sale as apretty mellow affair but I nd it a fairly stress-lled,hectic event, and often dont know which way is up by theend of the day. I am thoroughly grateful for Carol and herefforts to help out not only our plant sale, but also to helpand support the other volunteers and make sure everyone,volunteer and customer, has a great experience.Thank you, Carol!
Maestro Carol helps orchestrate a nativeplant sale symphony. Rick Meyers
White-faced Ibis Mike Liskay, http://geneguy.smugmug.com
New Volunteer Orientation isWednesday, August 12, 6pm8pm OR Saturday, August 15, 1pm3pm.
Volunteers who wish to serve in a capacit y beyondspecial events must also attend General VolunteerTraining on Saturday, August 29, 9am4:30pm.
If you would like to donate some of your time andenergy to the Audubon Society of Portland, pleasecontact Deanna Sawtelle at [email protected] or 503-292-6855 ext.108.
9JULY/AUGUST 2009www.audubonportland.org
8/9/2019 July-August 2009 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society
10/12
These popular trips ll early andthere is often a waiting list. About 10days before the trip, I send a letter
giving details like lodging options, meetingplace, schedule, possible birds, etc. Youare responsible for your transportation,food, and lodging, and I try to help arrangecarpooling. We stay in the same lodging
two nights. We meet for breakfast on Saturday, carpooland bird all day, and bird half of Sunday.
Registration is $35 per person for each we ekend. Pleasemake your separate checks payable to theAudubonSociety of Portland. Register by Tuesday before theweekend you plan to attend.
Include the following registration information for eachweekend you wish to attend:Your name(s), address, phone, email, number ofattendees, trip you wish to join, and amount enclosed.
Send the registration to Paul Sullivan,4470 SW Murray Blvd #26, Beaverton, OR 97005.
Paul Sullivan
Audubon Birding Weekends 2009 A Portal to Birding Oregon
Welcome, New Members!
Portland Audubon is a force in conservation thanks to its strength i n membership, standing together since 1902.We appreciate each and every one of our members and celebrate our membership by welcoming our newmembers monthly. Thank you for joining our vibrant and growing community!
Allison Abell and
Patrick Moore
Sandra Ackley and
Howard Coleman
Elizabeth Adcock
Marcy and
Neil Alexander
Neil and Janet Almond
Pamela Asbaghi
Kim Aycrigg
F. Cheryl Barlow
Julia A. Barnes
Sheila Barnhart
F. Blair Batson
Peter Bessas
Sara Bina
Nancy Birch
Mike Blankenship and
Steve Bloom
Leann Bleakney
Meeky BlizzardAnne Bookless
Traci Borquist
Carrell F. Bradley
April Brinkman
Marc Brodehl
Frances Brodsky
Chris Brown
Susan F. Brown
Jennifer Brusewitz
Katie Buckles
Gar and Julie Carothers
Connie J. Cedergreen
Nancy Chan
Amy Colville
Dr. Christine Cook
Nancy Coyote
Angela Cretsinger
Judi Davis
Austin DCosta
Eileen Derry
Steven Doyle
Philip E. Draper
Anne Driscoll
Carolyn and
David Emrick
Aron Faegre
Betty Friedman
Margaret Gardner
Susan L. Gerritz
Lola P. Goldberg
Louise Gordon
Nora Harrison
Sonja andMichael Harvey
Eric Himelfarb
Clyde Hockett
Amanda Houston and
Benjamin Fisco
Carol Hull
Lee Hunt
Steve Huskins
Terry Hyland
Marisa Izzard
Jeff and Mari Johansen
Laurance Johnson
Anders and
Karen Jorgenson
Kathrin Koenig
Rebecca L. Kole
Kathy A. Krug
Geraldine and
Bert Kruse
Pam Lang
Gayla Leibenguth
Mary T. Logalbo
James and
Susan Manzella
Scotty Martin
Margaret Martin
Mariah Martin
Patricia Matsukado
Judith L. McGlothlan
Lori D. McGovern
Anne Meneakis
Debra Metz
Susan and Bill MeyerElisabeth Miles
Peter Miller
Julie A. Miller
Kristin Mitchell
Greg Mockford
Deborah L. Morgan
Susan and Tom Morris
Elise Morris
Virginia L. Mouw
Karen and Gary Muma
Kristine A. Munholland
Sarah Naidoo
Mary L. Namut
Andy Neal
George Neavoll
Steven Jay Neeley
Jeffrey Niiya
Vailey Oehlke
Jennifer S. Ofstie
J Scott Oliver
Mary Omereife
Brian OSullivan
Jill Otermat
Alister Pham
Michael Philips
David Pierce
Rebecca Propst
Becky Railey
Gena Renaud
David A. Renton DMD
Valerie Reuther and
Linda Bartlett
Dayton RodegerdtsCatherine Rogers
Jeremy and Dana Sacks
Dan Saddler
Carlos Salazar
Carole Scholl
Philip Schwyhart
Carole Sellar
Gail Sieckman and
Linda Marovseh
Kim Silva
Lauranne Smith
John Smits
Luke Solares
Arianne Sperry
Stephanie Spoerl
Linda Stadler
Mirnie S. Stapleton
Eric Stern
Bethany Stewart
John P. Sullivan
Deborah and
Robert Takamoto
Brian Torres
Cheryl Trempala
Marilynn and
William Turner
Marilyn Webber
Dolores Weisbaum
Jason Wells
Elizabeth and
Thomas Westarp
Marla Westley
Rachael WisemanTeresa and Jef f Wold
Don and Susan Wrenn
Victoria and
Michael Wriglesworth
Kyoko Wyse
Melissa M. Yost
Greg Zarelli
Nancy Zelick
Patricia Zullo and
Raelun Casper
If you would like to join us or have any questions about membership, please contact Catherine [email protected] or 503-292-6855.
Two digital cameras for theBackyard Habitat Certication Program
For Education:Laptop computer Powerpoint Projector
For Sanctuary:Loppers Hand saws Work gloves
Watering wand hose attachment
For Wildlife Care Center:Science Diet Kitten Growth Aquariums Kiddie Pools
Dawn Dishwashing Detergent Welding GlovesCamper/Trailer Untreated Wood: 2x4, 4x4, 4x8
If you can donate these items, please firstcontact Audubon Society of Portland at
503-292-6855 ext.102, MonFri, to arrangea time for delivery/pick-up.
Thank youto:
Wish List & Thank yous
Our Wish List:
Mary Bourgault for 3 bags of thistle seed for WCC Columbia Sportswear Company for assorted pieces of
Columbia clothing Lorraine Heller for 3 Oregon birding books Robert Jarrett for birdfeeders Deanna M. Sawtelle for gift certicates for repair of
Kestrel enclosure Ron Spencer for a 30-cup coffee percolator David Stewart for a pair of binoculars for the
Education Dept.
Audubon SocietyoPortland gratefully
acknowledges these thoughtful gifts:
You can honor a special person with a gift to AudubonSociety of Portland. Your gift will help fund a future
of inspiring people to love and protect nature.You can make an Honor or Memorial gift online
at www.audubonportland.org or by calling971-222-6129. A songbird card acknowledging yourthoughtful gift will be sent to the honoree or family.
in Mmory
Bonn BrynMary Hiatt
Jo KozrRandy Kozar
Volt MrrccnnMona Riggs
al MllrMarc Liverman
Cthy Olnfrom the many friends
and participants of the
Cathy Olsen Memorial
Bridge Tournament
Bll pronMolly Marks
Wllm C. pckMary Anne Joyce
in Honor
Jul ChrSara Newman
Bob sllnrEdward VandeBiesen
Questions? Email Paul at [email protected] or call503-646-7889. Detailed registration i nformation can befound in the Dec.08Jan.09 Warbler, and see a complete2009 schedule at www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/weekends.
UPCOMING BIRDING WEEKENDS
July 2526 Lane County
Well visit Fern Ridge reservoir to see the diverse arrayof migrant shorebirds, as well as waterfowl and uplandsongbirds. We will also visit the coast at Florence.Base: Eugene.
August no trip
Join us in Charleston at the Oregon Shorebird Festival andOregon Field Ornithologists annual meeting.
September 2627 Malheur NWR
We will enjoy the crisp air at Malhe ur NWR and look forfall migrants. This is a prime time of year for unusualvagrants. The fall colors on Steens Mountain arespectacular at this time. Base: Burns.
Seventeen years after the Great Blue Heron muralwas applied to the Portland Memorial Mausoleumoverlooking Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, the Urban
Greenspaces Institute is working with ArtFX Murals tocreate a 50,000-square-foot wetland motif, the designof which was created by ArtFX artist Dan Cohen withAudubons Mike Houck and Bob Sallinger.
When nished, the mural consisting of six west-facing
walls and two south-facing walls will depict migratoryand resident species of wildlife that call OaksBottom their home. It will draw attention tothe 160-acre refuge, Portlands rst ofcialurban wildlife refuge.
First to go on the building were more Great Blue Herons,Egrets, Red-tailed Hawk, and Osprey, some of whichyou can see from as far away as the I-5 freeway across theWillamette River. Following a three-month hiatus overWinter 200809, scaffolding was erected for the last phaseof painting, which should be nished by late summer.ArtFX muralists will add Belted Kingshers, Red-wingedBlackbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and several otherwetland species.
Mural on Mausoleum Overlooks Oaks Bottomby Mike Houck, Urban Naturalist & Director of Urban Greenspaces Institute
Mural photo Mike Houck
The best views of themural are from theSpringwater on theWillamette Trail and SESellwood Blvd., thoughthe Osprey and Heronare easily visible fromI-5. See more informationabout the mural project atwww.urbangreenspaces.org/healthy_river.htm, and watchvideo created by MatthewBurke at www.youtube.com/watch?v=82NOWHzznCc&feature=channel_page.
10 JULY/AUGUST 2009 www.audubonportland.org
8/9/2019 July-August 2009 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society
11/12
Important Bird Areaof the Month
Marbled Murrelet IBA
by Mary Coolidge, Assistant Conservation Director
Every entity is only to be understood in terms of the way inwhich it is interwoven with the rest of the universe.
Alfred North Whitehead, mathematician andphilosopher, from Part II of the 1997 USFWSRecovery Plan for the Marbled Murrelet
Standing at the 1934 Civilian Conservation Corpsshelter on the Cape Perpetua promontory, the view tothe south is a showcase of forested ridgelines within
the Siuslaw National Forest. Eight miles south and out ofsight, the Heceta Head Lighthouse marks the southwesternedge of the roughly 80,000-acre central coast MarbledMurrelet Important Bird Area (MAMU IBA). The IBAcaptures the largest intact stand of coastal temperaterainforest in the lower 48 states, a habitat of Douglas Fir,Western Hemlock, and the massive Sitka Spruce whosemoss-blanketed branches provide nesting platforms for theMarbled Murrelet.
Portland Audubon owns Ten Mile Creek and Pine TreeSanctuaries, two forested parcels totaling 216 acres withinthe MAMU IBA. The Ten Mile Creek property was a 2008
gift from National Audubon, which originally purchasedit in 1990 to prevent logging plans and to get a tangiblefoothold in protection of old-growth forest, home to boththe Marbled Murrelet and Northern Spotted Owl. PaulEngelmeyer, Coastal IBA Coordinator, manages the land forPortland Audubon with a litany of land management goals:improve forest canopy, encourage wildlife habitat diversity,encourage succession to old-growth forest characteristics,create a model for community-based protection and
land management programs to shift toward a protectionand restoration strategy for the surrounding forest.
The Ten Mile education program strives to instill aconservation ethic in citizens of the region. Hands-onparticipation is the secret to thi s alchemy; Audubonmembers, Angel Job Corps Forestry students, local highschool students, and local forest activists all volunteer on
site. They plant, they create snags, they conduct annualMarbled Murrelet surveys, and they connect with place.Their work creating snags provides essential nesting,roosting, and foraging habitat for woodpeckers,chickadees, nuthatches, wrens, owls, bluebirds,
Western Red Cedar, Sitka Spruce, Big-leafMaple, and Red Alder increases forest diversityand canopy cover.
Species of OrnithologicalSignificanceThe highest concentration of at-sea Murreletsoccurs between Florence and Newport (Strong,2008) and the land included in the MAMUIBA contains more than 50 detected nest sites, located byintensive predawn land surveys conducted over the last 20
years. Kim Nelson, Oregon State University researcher andMurrelet expert, helped draw the boundaries of this IBA tocapture some of the best area for Murrelets with respect toboth breeding concentration and contiguity of habitat.
Northern Spotted Owls also nest within the IBA, and bothof these Endangered Species Actlisted species continue to
forest habitat. The Murrelet encounters additional thre atsin its seagoing ventures: oil spills, gill-net entrapment,
species have fallen precipitously due to a combination
of development and forest management practices thatcontinue to fragment already decimated old-growthforest. Though the Siuslaw Forest Service only practicesplantation thinning of forest within the IBA, U.S. Fishand Wildlife Service protection of both species statewideis inadequate.
A piece of good news for the Murrelet: one of four MarineReserve proposals slated for further study is situated justoffshore of Cape Perpetua, and a proposed extension ofthe MAMU IBA boundary to include nearshore waterscould offer an additional tool for advocating for protectionof these already-listed birds. This is the result of efforts tounderstand species and their habitats as whole, integrated,
invaluable systems.
The forests of the MAMU IBA additionallyhost Winter Wren, Ruby-crowned andGolden-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Warbler,Black-throated Gray Warbler, Varied andHermit Thrush, Huttons Vireo, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Common Yellowthroat,Black-headed Grosbeak, Wilsons Warbler,Cedar Waxwing, MacGillivrays Warbler,Coopers Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk,Northern Flicker, Ruffed Grouse, andHairy and Pileated Woodpecker.
ProjectsIf youd like to participate in the annual July 14th
and 15th Marbled Murrelet training and surveyin the Yachats area, contact either Paul Engelmeyer [email protected] or 541-547-4097, or Mary Coolidgeat [email protected] or 503-292-6855ext.111 (see page 5 for more de tails about the trainingand survey).
Portland Audubon has always enjoyed a wonderfulrelationship with local optics manufacturerLeupold & Stevens. So, we are very excited to add
a new Leupold line to our great selection of birding optics.
The Leupold Acadia is a high-quality affordableaddition to our collection. With a slim comfortable designreminiscent of our favorite Leupold Pinnacles, theAcadia has a great feel in the hand. A nice bonus is the
extra-wide field of view: 7.5 in the8x42, and 6 in the 10x42. With
multi-coated lenses andphase-coated prisms, theAcadia is a terrific buy at
$199 ($179.10 for members)in the 8x42, and $219 ($197.10
for members) in the 10x42 model.Naturally its also fully waterproof
and fog-proof. Stop in and check outthis great new line.
In theNothing-but-the-Bestcategory, the Nature Storedecided to match Swarovskis anniversary sale prices byoffering the Leica Ultravid 8x32
sale price of $1599. Leica is now sweetening the dealwith a $350 consumer cash rebate . Hurry in, as our saleis limited to stock on hand.
Summer Fun (and savings)for Gen-X, Gen-Y, Boomersand Beyond
Frustrated with your old tripod? Ready to jointhe X-Generation? Nows the time, asManfrotto is offering great
manufacturer rebates on thepurchase of their X-series of tripods(visit x.manfrotto.com). Choose ahead and aluminum leg combinationfor a $25 rebate or upgrade to
$50rebate. This sweet deal is offered onpurchases through the end of August.For an extra bit of scoping fun, stop into try Manfrottos 222 Joystick tripodhead with pistol grip styling. It offerslightning-fast positioning with no extraweight!
Members Receive a Discount at the Nature Store!
5151 NW Cornell Road Portland, OR 97210503-292-9453 [email protected]
Open 10am6pm Monday through Saturday10am5pm Sunday
PORTLAND AUDUBONS NATURE STORE
Join Our Ocean for the day onJuly 25th andvisit the Cape PerpetuaHeceta Head area, whichis currently under consideration as a marinereserve (see trip details on page 12).
Leupold Acadia
Manfrottos 222Joystick
Marbled Murrelet nestling Thomas Hamer
View
fromC
apePerpetuaT
am
miMiller
Swift Watch 2009is coming!
Please visit our website forimportant information aboutattending this year.
11JULY/AUGUST 2009www.audubonportland.org
8/9/2019 July-August 2009 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society
12/12
Inspiring people to love and protect nature since 1902
Audubon Society of Portland promotes the enjoyment, understanding,and protection of native birds and other wildlife and their habitats.
We focus on our local community and the Pacific Northwest.
Audubon Societyo Portland
AUDUBON
ADMINISTRATION OFFICES5151 NW Cornell Rd Portland, OR 97210
503-292-6855 Fax: 503-292-10219am to 5pm, Mon. - Fri.
SANCTUARIESDawn to dusk every day
NATURE STORE503-292-9453