Membership Meeting
Sunday June 27, 2010
Annual Potluck Picnic
1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
May/June 2010The
Sandpiper
Bear Gulch Home & Forest of
Franz and Ann Schneider
For people who don’t “do web- and protect the critical habitats
sites,” contact me and I’ll send that will help vulnerable species
you printed information. to weather challenges of a chang-
Bring friends & family, and ing climate. We can demand the
join us at Wenas Memorial Day local and legislative changes that
Weekend for as many days and/ can shrink our contribution of
or nights as you want to stay - climate-altering emissions. The
May 28-31, 2010. See you there, birds are telling us we must act
Helen Engle, [email protected], now.
This groundbreaking report
photo by Burt Johnson must be a rallying cry for the mil-
lions of people who care about
44th Annual Memorial birds and nature. It took countless
Day Weekend Campout citizen and professional scientists
by Helen Engle to gather the data that made the
Officially named the Hazel Wolf report possible and it will take
Wenas Creek Bird Sanctuary, it even more committed people to
is located SW of Ellensburg, in address the peril it reveals. To-
an “Important Bird Area” and photo by Morgan Edwards gether we can alter the future just
has been assured of protective as Audubon has done for more
status. The free, “primitive” Audubon leaders than a century. We're grateful to
campground along the north fork comment on U.S. State of be among so many concerned or-
of Wenas Creek has exceptional the Birds Report ganizations united in compiling
opportunities for birding, bota- "groundbreaking report must be a this vital report and in charting a
nizing and enjoying spring in the rallying cry for people who care healthier course for birds and for
eastern foothills of the Cascades. about birds and nature"\ people too.
There are wonderful field trips by Dr. Frank Gill We commend Secretary Salazar
scheduled, and there will be an Audubon President and the Department of the Inte-
old-fashioned campfire in our rior for leading the way in iden-
“approved” fire-pit device each The 2010 U.S. State of the Birds tifying the climate threat to birds,
evening. We have a program Report is a powerful wake up wildlife and our environment, and
item or two, singing, story tell- call. It says we must all tackle the for leadership in helping wildlife
ing and recapping the sightings threats of a changing climate, not adapt to a changing climate. The
of the day. just for the birds but for our own report is available at http://www.
Please visit the Wenas Website, good as well. stateofthebirds.org/
beautifully done by Webmaster We must not tolerate the loss or
Michael Hobbs. You’ll see Hazel even the decline of birds that this Further remarks
Wolf’s familiar smiling face and report shows to be at risk from by Glenn Olson
get lots of downloadable informa- climate change. The vulnerability Chair for Bird Conservation
tion about our campout: www. of species from the Black-footed There is tremendous power in
wenasaudubon.org. Albatross to the common Night- the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser-
There are checklists of birds, hawk reminds us of how vulner- vice and so many dedicated con-
and wildflowers, outline of field able we are, too. servation groups coming together
trips and program, directions to Fortunately, people can still to gather and translate complex
the campground, and lots of pho- make a difference for these birds scientific data into an understand
tos. and for the future. We can restore continued on page 3
The President’s perch
We see side trails carved into The Electronic age comes
the young alders. I would be to Audubon Chapters
happy to see beaver teeth marks,
but it looks more like a bush This edition of The Sandpiper
clipper. These openings appear will be exclusively (almost) elec-
to be scouting venues. The area tronic only. For those Audubon
By Mary O’Neil is rich with cedar, salal, ferns members who don’t have access
and Cascara – all commodities to computers, we will print out
Memo to Self: Tomorrow you that bring a buck on the mar- and mail our pdf version of the
need to write the next article for ket place. A little farther along newsletter. But due to rising
the Perch. But first I need to we spot the remnants of a camp costs and declining revenues,
buy a new lock for our Audubon site: tarps and mattresses in a we need to conserve our funds
gate out along Hwy 109.”...oh heap under the trees. And dare for Chapter activities and con-
yes, did you know that your I mention in a polite newsletter servation. GHAS is not the only
Audubon Chapter owns some the piles of human excrement regional chapter to present elec-
3,000 acres of land in and that surpass the coyote pellets tronic newsletters.
around Grays Harbor County? scattered throughout the area. Willapa Hills Audubon Society
Most of it is marsh land or re- Oh, sorry about the rant, but I (WHAS) now offers delivery of
growing forest land. This land is can’t help but think what kind the “Whistler” newsletter elec-
dedicated to wildlife habitat and of person thinks he can trample tronically. On the publication
preservation of natural spaces - this earth grabbing and taking date, an email will arrive an-
a concept that makes no sense without thought to his footprint! nouncing the availability of the
to our Western European utili- (Oops, sounds like I’m talking “Whistler” on the WHAS web-
tarian notions. The marshlands about Wallstreet and the bank- site, with a link to the web page
feed the seashores and make ing industry.) No, I mean veri- which will open in your default
them rich with the worms, in- table footprints! In our woods! web browser. You can read the
sects and bivalves that make this Woods that are supposed to be “Whistler” online or save it to
area such an attractive refueling protected natural spaces! your computer for reading later.
station for countless migrating So are you feeling motivated Archived “Whistlers” are also
birds. If you would like to get yet? Perhaps by stepping aside available on the WHAS web-
more closely acquainted with and saying, “Let John do it” we site: http://www.willapahillsau-
this vast and wondrous treasure, are ourselves guilty of desecrat- dubon.org.
I invite you to join the habitat or ing our open spaces. Personal Please help GHAS reduce
conservation committees which responsibility is so integral to waste, mailbox clutter, and the
manage these lands. every phase of our lives that it expenses associated with print-
For the most part, the land- can be overwhelming to think ing and mailing The Sandpiper.
owners from whom we received about. In April we celebrated Send us your email address and
these properties entrusted them Earth Day and vowed that we we can forward the latest issue
to us with express limitations would stand up to protect our the moment it is ready to pub-
on human access. But there it mother the Earth. But come lish or visit http://ghas.org to
is – the gate on Hwy 109 with May, do we step aside and let view the newsletter as a color
its lock sawed off. In the ditch our footprint stamp out the good pdf file. Your email remains pri-
either side of the gate is a grow- works we started in April? vate with us.
ing pile of bagged lawn waste. Coming up in June, let us
(What is it with Harborites gather by the campfire of our
who refuse to accept responsi- organization’s annual picnic to
bility for their own yard waste hold hands and pledge renewed
but choose to dump it in any interest in cooperating with the
unguarded portion of some- wonderful plan of the natural.
body else’s property? Doesn’t (Notice how I sidestepped the
anybody understand the word popular and overused termi-
“compost”?) Walking down the nology: going green.) Join us
old road that used to cut through there and be ready to Jump! The
the property, we see fresh truck bandwagon is coming and it’s
tracks. So what kind of busi- coming for you.
ness is going on in here?
page 2
State of birds continued from 20,000 gigabits under the ence, including the Regional
page 1 sea Scale Nodes approach of using
ing of what is happening to the On Thursday, May 20th the hundreds of kilometers of fiber-
birds and to the world we share.Grays Harbor County Marine optic/power cable to connect ro-
The science says it all: someResources Committee, Washing- bot-sensor networks in the north-
ton Sea Grant, and the Univer-
of the most beautiful but vulner- eastern Pacific Ocean. These
sity of Washington’s College of
able creatures in the world are in networks will allow continuous
real trouble. And that's helpingthe Environment are sponsoring and real-time observations and
us see that we are too. a presentation by Dr. John Dela- interactions with the complexi-
The dangers to these birds ney, UW Professor of Oceanog- ties of the oceans including:
reflect risks to everything we raphy, Principal Investigator and weather-producing currents, in-
value: our health, our finances,Director of the Regional Scales habitants ranging from seafloor
our quality of life and the stabil-
Nodes Program, and holder of microbes to blue whales, and the
ity of our natural world. But ifthe Jerome M. Paros Endowed underlying tectonic plates which
we can help the birds weather a Chair in Sensor Networks. are responsible for generating
changing climate, we can help Dr. Delaney will present at two massive earthquakes and tsuna-
ourselves. More than a century separate sessions on May 20th, mis. By extending the Internet
of Audubon experience con- at the Ocean Shores Convention into the oceans, such networks
firms that we can do it. Center. A very lively question will allow anyone with access
Across America, nearly 500 and answer session is expected to the Web to better understand
Audubon Chapters are work- to follow each session. the complexities of this great
ing close to home to protect and Session #1 – 2:00 pm - “In- natural resource that is crucial to
restore the habitats essential to
vitation Only” for businesses, maintaining a habitable planet.
helping birds and other wild- industries and others whose fu- http://www.interactiveoceans.
life to endure the unprecedent- tures may be directly affected washington.edu/portal/Obser-
ed challenges that come with a by the information discovered vatories or http://www.oceanob-
changing climate. You can meet using the Regional Scales Nodes servatories.org/.
them, you can talk to them, ocean observatory.
and you can see the difference Session #2 – 7:00 pm - This
they're making. public session is open to all and
We've also got people of everywill appeal to a diverse audi-
background, political persua- ence from junior-high school Online Info
sion and walk of life calling for
students to college students, Don’t forget, you can access
tough action to shrink the emis-beachcombers to tourism busi- current and back copies of The
sions that make this crisis worse
ness owners, bankers to grocers, Sandpiper by going to http://
every day. And that's just Audu-and area residents to retirees. ghas.org, select newsletter at
bon—there are millions more The University of Washington is the top of the page and select
bird lovers and other groups like
leading the effort to build a re- the edition you are interested in
the Nature Conservancy work- gional ocean observatory off the reading.
ing with us to engage them. Oregon and Washington coasts. Other Audubon chapters are
This report is their call to ac-
This observatory, earlier known following this technology as
tion. It means: if you love nature
as NEPTUNE but now known well. See also
and care about the health of ouras the Regional Scale Nodes, is http://www.willapahillsaudu-
planet, there is no time to lose.
one component within the U.S. bon.org
This isn't just about birds; it's
National Science Foundation’s http://www.discoverycoas-
about our chance to shape our Ocean Observatories Initiative, taudubon.com/
future. a network of instruments, un- http://www.blackhills-audubon.
dersea cables, and instrumented com/
Olson was recently appointed moorings that, when completed, http://www.audubon.org/states/
by Interior Secretary Ken Sala- will span the Western Hemi- index.php?state=WA
zar to a 3-year ex-officio term sphere. Oregon State Univer- Or contact Mary O’Neil for
on the North American Wet- sity is among the partners in this more information or copies.
lands Conservation Council and Initiative.
the Neotropical Migratory Bird Dr. Delaney, is a passionate and
Conservation Advisory Group. tenacious advocate for launch-
ing next-generation ocean sci-
page 3
Annual Potluck Picnic
June 27th
Go out in the woods that day
Please come to the GHAS An-
nual Potluck Picnic beginning at
1:30 pm this year for the won-
derful opportunity to experience
the spectacular property owned
by Audubon members Ann and
Franz Schneider. Nestled in the
hills of Bear Gulch, this prop-
erty offers great bird watching
and wildlife viewing as well as
a chance to see Nature’s recov-
ery from the devastation of the
December 2007 storm.
Franz and Ann have worked
very hard to set the stage for
bringing their forestland back to
its original splendor.
See the map for directions. Take E. Market Street in Aberdeen and continue following that road NE as it
GHAS Board members are becomes Young Street, then Roosevelt Street and finally E. Wishkah Road.
asked to arrive by 1:00 PM for Turn right at Bear Gulch Road. The Schneider residence will be on the left
a brief meeting. about 2 minutes after you turn. 121 Bear Gulch Road, Aberdeen.
They’re here....
A trip to the City of Westport
is in order. Not just because the
beach is nice and the marina filled
with fishing boats is intriguing,
but because the Pelicans are
back, in full force. Don’t miss
this opportunity to see flocks of
these magnificent birds snaking
across the airwaves as they visit
Westhaven State Park beaches
and surrounds.
Photos courtesy of Michael Bruce,
Mayor of Westport and photographer
extraordinaire.
page 4
Birding binoculars get (used in cheap binoculars) is you look through them before
you up-close and low-grade glass that will deliver you purchase. If you wear eye-
personal with nature a low-grade image. glasses/sunglasses when using
How to Choose and Use Optics Higher vs. Lower Magnifica- binoculars, make sure the eye-
by Jim Ullrich tion cups around the ocular lenses
When and Where The “what” will determine the are down. If the eyecups are up
Choosing which binoculars to magnification, close focus and and you are wearing eyeglasses,
buy is based on a wide variety of field of view. If you are looking your eyes are too far away from
factors. The most important are at objects that are very far away, the ocular lens and your field of
when and where will you be us- higher magnification may be view will narrow. If you don’t
ing them and what you want to more important but realize that wear eyeglasses, twist or move
see. To answer these questions, higher magnification binoculars the eyecups up so that your eyes
you must do your homework. will be more difficult to hold have enough room to move and
“When” and “where” will de- steady and their light-gathering your eyelashes don’t get in the
termine if you need binoculars capability will be reduced com- way. When your eyes are too
that are good at light gathering. pared to a lower magnification. close to the lens, you will see ir-
If you will use binoculars early If you are studying birds and regular shadows. When the eye-
in the morning, late in the eve- bugs, binoculars that focus close cups are set correctly, you can
ning, during overcast or rainy are very important. The field of stabilize the binoculars by “rest-
situations, you will need some view is the distance from left to ing” them on your eyebrows or
that deliver a lot of light to your right that you can see when you eyeglasses.
eyes. If you are in the woods look through binoculars. A wider These are a few of the aspects
under a thick canopy or in the field of view eases your ability to keep in mind when looking
shadows, regardless of time of to find whatever you picked up for binoculars that are the cor-
day, you need binoculars that the binoculars to see. However, rect ones for you. Touch and test
gather and deliver as much light when all other things are equal, the binocular before you buy.
as possible. Conversely, if you your field of view narrows as Jim Ullrich is the owner of Wild
will only use them during bright, you increase in magnification. Birds Unlimited of Gig Har-
sunny days, light gathering is Lining Up With Your Eyes bor. For more information go
not as important. If you use Make sure that you are get- to www.wbu.com/gigharbor or
binoculars in the rain or snow, ting binoculars that work with call (800) 851-2575.
you must look for waterproof your eyes. You must ensure that
(not water-resistant or weather- your eyes line up with the ocu-
proof) and fog-proof binoculars lar lenses (the lenses closest to
that are filled with nitrogen. Wa- your eyes). Interpupillary dis-
ter-resistant or weather-proof tance (the distance between the
binoculars will fog internally in centers of your pupils) must be
the rain or snow and, therefore, within the interpupillary range
you’ll only see gray with them of the binoculars. If not, then do
until they are dried. not purchase those binoculars.
The Size of the Lens You can only determine this if
To determine binoculars’ abil-
ity to deliver light, take the ob-
jective lens size (the second of
the two numbers on a binocular)
and divide it by the magnifica-
tion (the first of the two num-
bers.) The higher the resulting
number, the wider the beam of
light that is delivered to your
eyes. To ensure the binocu-
lars are delivering the crispest,
clearest image, select ones that
have fully multicoated lenses
that are at least BAK4 lens type
or better. The type called BK7
page 5
GHAS Board of Directors
Arnie Martin 612-0437
[email protected] Dianna Moore 289-5048
[email protected] Mary O’Neil 533-9833
[email protected] Linda Orgel 648-2476
[email protected] Renee Prine 268-0485
[email protected] Diane Schwickerath 495-3101
[email protected] Janet Strong 495-3950
[email protected] Chapter Officers
President Mary O’Neil 533-9833
[email protected] Vice President Arnie Martin 612-0437
[email protected] Treasurer Diane Schwickerath 495-3101
[email protected] Secretary Vacant
Endangered Species Committee Chairs
Alert
Grays Harbor Audubon is an Newsletter R.D. Grunbaum, 648-2476
endangered species at this point,
[email protected]and we must cut back on our ex- Membership Dianna Moore 289-5048
penses.
[email protected] If you want to have a voice Conservation Janet Strong, 495-3950
in the issues facing the birds of
[email protected]Grays Harbor and those passing Education Renee Prine, 268-0485
through on their migration, you
[email protected]must join us, by updating your Field Trips Dianna Moore 289-5048
membership and making an ad-
[email protected]ditional tax-deductible gift to Program Chair Dianna Moore 289-5048
GHAS. Through your past gen-
[email protected]erosity, we were able to preserve Hospitality Linda Orgel 648-2476
almost 4,000 acres of critical bird
[email protected]and other wildlife habitat. We are Publicity Vacant
more powerful as an organiza-
tion than as individuals, and the Habitat Vacant
birds need our help. Update and
donate generously today. Other Audubon Contacts
GHAS voice mail (800) 303-8498
State Audubon (360) 786-8020
National Audubon (212) 979-3000
GHAS Website http://www.ghas.org
page 6
Please Fill Out and Mail Back
ANNUAL GRAYS HARBOR AUDUBON
CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
If you would like to join Grays Harbor Audubon Society (GHAS), please fill out the form below, make
check payable to Grays Harbor Audubon Society and return it with your check to:
Grays Harbor Audubon Society
P.O. Box 470
Montesano, WA 98563
Chapter Memberships include a subscription to The Sandpiper newsletter. All Chapter Memberships
above the Sandpiper category provide financial support to our Chapter. The Grays Harbor Audubon
Society is totally self-supporting.
Name _________________________________________________ Date ____________
Address _________________________________________________________________
City _____________________________________ State/Zip _______________
Phone Number _____________________ E-Mail ______________________________
£ Heron $25.00
£ Pelican $50.00
£ Falcon $75.00
£ Eagle $100.00
£ The Sandpiper subscription only $15
(Fixed or limited income membership or Sandpiper newsletter only)
£ I am renewing my membership
£ I am a new member
To join National Audubon or renew your National Audubon Membership, call 1-800-274-4201.
If your newsletter is stamped with Last Issue-Please Renew, be sure to fill out the Membership Form
above and send it in to keep your membership active and keep receiving the newsletter! Thanks!
A SPECIAL GIFT
We know that the economy is causing difficulties for everyone, but we know that GHAS
provides special effort to protect habitat for birds and other living things. Enclosed is a special
gift to GHAS to keep our organization off the endangered species list.
$_______________
page 7
How Do I Know When My Membership Meeting Inside this Issue
Membership Is Due? Annual Potluck Picnic
If we have mailed your copy, Wenas Campout 1
look in the upper right hand Sunday State of Birds 1
corner of your label and it will June 27, 2010 President’s Perch 2
give you your renewal date! Electronic age 2
For those of you on email, we Birds continued 3
will notify you via email of 20,000 gigabits 3
your upcoming renewal date. Online info 3
Annual Picnic 4
They’re here... 4
Choosing optics 5
Board & Officers 6
Member Application 7
GHAS Mission
News & Editorial The mission of the Grays
send materials to Harbor Audubon Society is
P.O. Box 1044 to seek a sustainable balance
Westport, 98595-1044 between human activity and
or email to the needs of the environment,
[email protected] and to promote enjoyment of
Copy deadline ongoing birds and the natural world
The Sandpiper
P.O. Box 470
Montesano,
WA 98563
