VOLUME 43

February 2010 Number 5

Challenges of Backyard Wildlife

By Gerald Moore
It started innocently enough on a awakened by a wild, determined assault Friday morning we found another vent
Wednesday afternoon in March. I was on the air vents around our house. In on the front of the house, hanging by
returning from the store and noticed that the darkness we could see nothing, but it one corner. She was determined to move
the vent screen next to the front porch sounded like a feral pig with a battering in. We named her Leona and called pest
was ripped out. Houses in California are ram. Thirty minutes later we heard the management services who referred us to
built on a foundation with the first floor sound of more hardware screen ripping, Greg, a specialist in mammal removal.
18 to 30 inches off ground. The crawl and then all became silent. Continued on page 3
space is kept dry with a series of 14-inch
vents below floor level, which are covered FEBRUARY GENERAL MEETING
with a 1/4-inch hardware screen to keep
“Birding in the Land of the Thunder Dragon – Bhutan”
out critters. Seeing the ripped screen,
I thought of a female opossum looking Monday, February 15, 7:30 PM
First United Methodist Church
for a den site, as spring was in the air. I
1551 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa
folded the screen back over the vent to
learn if she was still using the hole and Bhutan opened to foreign tourists in 1974; in July 2008 the current king ratified Bhutan’s
set a large live-trap with opossum’s favor- first constitution, formally ending more than a century of royal rule. This small Kingdom
of Bhutan has a population of less than 1 million and lies between Tibet and India, high in
ite food, very ripe fruit. “I’ll catch the the majestic, eastern Himalayas. Never having been conquered by outsiders, it is increasingly
little devil tonight, replace the screen, and renowned as one of the planet’s last unspoiled spots: a magical place with an intact Buddhist
be done with it.” Since the crawl space culture integrated into every aspect of daily life. Spectacular mountain scenery provides
contains lines for telephone, cable, and a backdrop to pristine forests and picturesque valleys. The breathtaking landscape is dot-
electricity, as well as our heating ducts, ted with fluttering prayer flags, colorful farmhouses amidst the terraced fields, and impres-
sive monasteries clinging to impossible cliffs. The inhabitants themselves call their country
it seemed prudent not to allow wild ani-
“Druk Yul”, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
mals to move into the crawl space.
The Kingdom’s low population and its wise and farsighted leadership have propelled Bhutan
Thursday the screen showed usage, but into the 21st Century with much of its natural heritage and unique culture undiluted. Un-
the trap was empty. Time to take this like other Himalayan countries, most of Bhutan’s original forest remains intact. The Bud-
more seriously. That evening, after repo- dhist philosophy of respect for all living things has resulted in a healthy environment where
wildlife flourishes. Ten species of birds that are in danger of extinction reside in Bhutan,
sitioning the screen (this works well when
including the rare Black-necked Crane and the Imperial Heron, which is one of the fifty
done morning and evening to monitor rarest birds in the world.
usage), I re-baited the trap with tuna and
Madrone Audubon Society members, Richard Kuehn and Dean Schuler, traveled to this
set a large square of 3/4-inch plywood relatively unknown country in 2006 and again one year ago. Hishey Tschering, owner of
and a 2x4-brace near the hole. I told my Bhutan Birding and Heritage Travels, http://www.bhutanheritage.com/, arranged both tours
wife, Mary, “After she comes out we will and guided them on their travels.
seal off the hole with the plywood, and Rich co-chairs The Sea Ranch California Coastal National Monument Stewardship Task
tomorrow I will install a new vent. The Force with Diane Hichwa, and Dean is an active volunteer for the organization. Rich has
tuna will work - no opossum can resist recently been appointed as an Alternate to The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanc-
it!” At dusk she left with a bang, and we tuary Advisory Council, where he represents Marin and Sonoma Counties.
covered the hole. Our smug satisfaction Coming March 15: “Birds of Cameroon”, presented by Matthew Matthiessen.
ended about 12:30 AM when we were
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c a l e n d a r
All walks and meetings are open to the public. Bird walks are recreational and educational in purpose, and all levels of expertise are welcome. Bring
field equipment and wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing for variable weather conditions. Please carpool whenever possible. Forecasted
heavy rain cancels.There is no charge for activities unless otherwise specified, but some parks have day-use fees.

February 1-28
Bird-A-Thon. Madrone’s major fundraiser. See page 4. Saturday February 20, 8:00 AM to Noon
SONOMA BAYLANDS. Enjoy a wealth of ducks, raptors, and shorebirds
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE exchanges information by phone and with good, closeup views. Meet in the parking lot of Port Sonoma Marina at
e-mail as soon as possible when an issue surfaces. Please contact Diane Hichwa the mouth of the Petaluma River. From Petaluma, take Lakeville Highway
at 785-1922 or [email protected]. south to Highway 37. Go west on Highway 37, approximately one mile;
then turn left into the Port Sonoma entrance. Follow the entrance road west
Wednesday February 3, 7:00 PM all the way to the lot on the river. Carpooling is encouraged. We will visit a
BOARD MEETING. Sonoma County Environmental Center, 55A Ridg- number of productive spots. Bring layered clothing and a scope, if available.
way Avenue, Santa Rosa. For agenda information, contact Janeann Erickson Rain at the meeting site cancels. Leaders: Tom Cashman, 433-2528; Bob
at 795-2498. Speckels, 569- 0563; and Bill Doyle, 483-8773.

Thursday February 4, 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM Saturday February 20, 10:00 AM

SEBASTOPOL AREA. Bird Walk. We will search for wintering birds in SHOLLENBERGER PARK. Petaluma Wetlands Alliance leads two chil-
northeast Laguna, Ragle Park, or other interesting local spots. Meet at the dren/family nature walks. One-to-two hours, dependent on age of children.
Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris Street. Bring lunch, liquids, and Meet at the first kiosk. Rain cancels. For the children/family walk in English,
layered clothing. For information, contact Tom McCuller at sisyphus@sonic. contact Gerald Moore at 763-3577; for the walk in Spanish, contact Connie
net or 546-1812. Peabody at 338-2237.

Saturday February 6, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Wednesday February 24, 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM

BODEGA BAY. Come explore with us one of Sonoma County’s richest bird GRIZZLY ISLAND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA. Bird Walk.
areas. From the center of the town of Bodega Bay, drive north on High- Meet at McDonalds in the Sunset Shopping Center in Suisun City, located
way 1 and turn left at East Shore Road (the Bodega Head turnoff.) Then at the intersection of Highway 12 and Grizzly Island Road. Bring lunch,
turn right at the stop sign and continue 0.3 mile to the large, dirt parking liquids, and layered clothing. Driving time to meeting point from Santa
lot on the right. Informal carpools leave Santa Rosa at 7:15 AM from the Rosa is approximately 1-1/4 hours. For information, contact Tom McCuller
Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District office, at [email protected] or 546-1812.
747 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa. To carpool, please arrive by 7:05 AM
to make arrangements. The parking lot is behind the office, accessed from Saturday February 27, 9:00 AM
Carrillo Street. Bring lunch, liquids, and layers of clothing. Rain cancels. ELLIS CREEK WATER RECYCLING FACILITY, PETALUMA. Peta-
Leaders: Tom Cashman, 433-2528; Bill Doyle, 483-8773; and Bob Speckels, luma Wetlands Alliance leads a walk at the Ellis Creek ponds. Go to the
569-0563. end of Cypress Drive and through the gates. Parking lot is on the left. Rain
cancels. Contact Bob Dyer at 763-2934.
Wednesday February 10, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
POINT ARENA AND GARCIA RIVER AREA IN MENDOCINO Thursday March 4, 8:30 AM to Noon
COUNTY. Bird Walk. Meet in the parking lot at Arena Cove pier. In Point SPRING LAKE REGIONAL PARK. Bird Walk. Parking fee ($5) for
Arena, take Port Road down to the pier. In addition to the other local spe- non-permit holders. From Summerfield Road in Santa Rosa, go east on
cialties, we will search for the resident Laysan Albatross–assuming it will fre- Hoen Avenue, turn left on Newanga Avenue, turn right inside the park
quent the Cove during our trip. Bring lunch, liquids, and layered clothing. entrance gate, and meet in the parking lot near the restrooms at the top
For information, contact Tom McCuller at [email protected] or 546-1812. of the hill. For information, contact Tom McCuller at sisyphus@sonic.
net or 546-1812.
Saturday February 13, 9:00 AM
SHOLLENBERGER PARK. Petaluma Wetlands Alliance leads a nature Saturday March 6, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
walk. Meet at the first kiosk. Rain cancels. Contact Gerald Moore at PUTAH CREEK/LAKE SOLANO. Sample the wealth of bird life in
763-3577. Solano County. Meet at Lake Solano Park, 8685 Pleasants Valley Road,
Winters CA. Take Calistoga Road (becomes Petrified Forest Road) to
Monday February 15, 7:30 PM Highway 128. Turn right onto Highway 128, left onto Deer Park Road,
GENERAL MEETING. “Birding in the Land of the Thunder Dragon – right onto Silverado Trail North, and then left on Sage Canyon Road/128.
Bhutan.” Join Richard Kuehn for a visual tour of this magical kingdom at Follow Highway 128 until you reach County Road 86/Pleasants Valley
the First United Methodist Church, 1551 Montgomery Drive in Santa Rosa. Road. Turn right. The park is immediately over the bridge to your left.
Please see the front page announcement. The public is always invited to There is a $5 day-use fee at Lake Solano Park. To carpool, please arrive by
attend these programs. 7:30 AM at our Santa Rosa meeting place, the Safeway parking lot at the
northeast corner of Highway 12 and Calistoga Road. We will park at the
Thursday February 18, 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM edge of the parking lot bordering on Calistoga Road. Bring lunch, liquids,
BODEGA BAY. Bird Walk. From the center of the town of Bodega Bay, and layers of clothing. Rain cancels. Leaders: Tom Cashman, 433-2528;
drive north on Highway 1 and turn left at East Shore Road (the Bodega Bill Doyle, 483-8773; and Bob Speckels, 569-0563.
Head turnoff.) Then turn right at the stop sign and continue 0.3 mile to the
unpaved parking lot on the right. Bring lunch, liquids, and layered clothing.
For information, contact Tom McCuller at [email protected] or 546-1812.

Page 2
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Backyard wildlife beyond me. The attack focused on the At 8:00 PM Leona makes two quick,
Continued from page 1
first two vents and ended at 5:00 AM feeble rounds of the house and then
Greg said, “It sounds like a raccoon, I’ll be when dawn caused her to hide. The new departs. Perhaps marking my territory
over Monday morning to help.” During the vent cover over her first entry was shredded, helped, perhaps she gave up for lack of
weekend, Leona left silently every night but the reinforced steel grid underneath success and the pressing need for some
and returned before dawn. On Sunday had held. Leona was mad; we were shaken, other birthing shelter. On Wednesday
we noticed several large piles of feces on but relieved and sleepless. I repeated my territorial marking and
the roof of our greenhouse. They were Leona returned for one, even briefer,
Tuesday night, and the siege contin-
easy to identify, fresh raccoon. A larger visit to the front yard. Then she left for
ued. We are numb from lack of sleep,
trap was borrowed and baited with fried good. Peace has returned, but we some-
but feel certain that Leona, the raccoon
chicken (a sure winner for raccoons, we how miss her and worry about her, while
from Hell, would be back tonight. We
were told.) In the morning the trap was at the same time being thankful that she
are concerned that she has babies under
sprung, but empty. and her offspring are not destroying the
the house, so we open the inside trap
insulation, wiring, and furnace pipes
Greg came Monday morning and ex- door and take a look. Nothing in that
under our house.
plained that we needed welded-steel, corner of the house! We listen, intently,
wire-reinforced vents that he would place for perhaps 45 minutes. No sounds, no This interaction with Leona has made
over the vent holes, along with one exit- movement, no babies, that’s good... but a deep emotional impression on us:
only vent which would allow the animal Leona is determined. A friend at the modern man versus creatures of the
to leave, but not return. When the ani- shopping center tells us his sure-cure wild, each trying to survive in his own
mal was gone, Greg said he would replace method of getting rid of pesky mammals way with incompatibilities and con-
the exit-only vent. The plan sounded around the house. “We do it all the time flicts rising. We feel guilt for the way
good, but since the back three sides of at the ranch. You have to mark your ter- our species has pushed others, and at
the house was stucco, it was a big job, ritory with urine, male urine, and they the same time have a new appreciation
and he could not do the stucco vents for will go away.” That afternoon I am for the anger of Wyoming ranchers to-
a week. However, he installed the exit- out, like Farley Mowat in wolf coun- ward reintroduction of the wolf to that
only vent on the hole she was using, rein- try, marking my territory all around the region. How is Leona doing tonight?
forced the other three wood-cut vents in house perimeter and particularly near Has she had her babies yet? Who
the front and said, “Let’s hope she cannot any susceptible vents. I think perhaps knows?
get through the stucco-cut vents because it will work--it is the universal language
The costs of uninvited guests can be
they also have a chicken-wire layer.” I among mammals.
significant. Greg’s fee for removal and
decided to temporarily close the other
This day Leona does not wait until dark vent fortification was $300, plus a day’s
vents by cutting 5x14-inch wood panels
to return. As I am sweeping the deck hard work which I did to partially re-
and driving them into the vent holes with
after lunch I see her on the roof watch- move and replace the back deck for
a hammer. When she came out tonight,
ing me. I shake my finger at her saying, Greg’s access to several vents. While
Leona would be out for good!
“Buzz off, you pest.” She runs across the replacing the front vents, Greg noticed
At 11:30 that night, Leona realized that street. At 4:00 PM she is back again, a warm breeze coming from under the
her return to the warm, dry cave under and I tell her to go away, which she does house and commented, “She’s prob-
our house was blocked by the spines on with her stubby tail between her legs. ably torn your furnace pipes loose for
the one-way trap. The siege was on, and She is otherwise fat, cute, and behaves her own comfort. You should get those
the attack continued all night. She re- much like a puppy or a bear cub. At 6:00 fixed.” The fix came several months
peatedly attacked the one-way exit box PM she is in the backyard watching us. later at the cost of $166, but we found
and the reinforced vent originally used to We watch her, and we are very tired and the real problem to be a rusted hanger
enter the space. She also checked around stressed. I think for a moment of getting that had allowed the pipes to touch
the house for other vents and attacked a gun and settling the issue for good. It is ground and, over time, rust out. So in
my wood panels to no avail. At times she rainy and too dark for photographs. Le- fact, Leona had done us a favor by de-
ran over the roof in her hurry to get from ona slowly climbs an oak tree and settles tecting our heating system failure and
front to rear, and at one point I saw her in in a crotch to watch us, and we watch calling our attention to it with her per-
the front yard. Leona was a large, preg- back. She is beautiful and also stressed. sistent behavior. As a friend is fond of
nant raccoon. How she could fit through The compassionate side of us is touched. saying, “Sometimes good things hap-
a 5-inch vent while pregnant, was What will darkness bring tonight? pen for all of the wrong reasons.”
Page 3
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BIRD-A-THON 2010- 2.1 software update) offer full-featured-

iPhone-sized field guides that, depending
seals hauled out to rest on a low rock
shelf, tall black Brandt’s or Pelagic Cor-
IT’S THIS MONTH! on the app selected, offer either regional morants standing together on top of
By Marcia Johnson, or local programs which can easily be a rock pinnacle, or a colorful array of
Bird-A-Thon Coordinator carried in a hip pocket. The programs flowers cascading down a sea stack.
Madrone Audubon’s major fundraiser, provide user-friendly “browser” inter-
The CCNM is one of the nation’s most
the Bird-A-Thon,  is held every Feb- faces that will allow you to search for
unique national monuments. It consists
ruary to raise money to support and birds based on their first, last, and family
of more than 20,000 rocks and small is-
promote educational and conservation names. You can also search for specific
lands, located off the 1,100 miles of the
programs.  These important programs features such as the bird’s bill and body
California coastline. Under the responsi-
would not exist without the funds shape, color, size, and the location where
bility of the United States Department of
raised each year by a few teams.  To- you saw the bird.
the Interior’s Bureau of Land Manage-
date, the proposed teams are the fan- When you select a bird to view, iBird ment (BLM), the CCNM is part of our
tastic “Gray-headed Seersuckers” with displays a drawing of the bird along with National Landscape Conservation Sys-
Betty Burridge, Ian Morrison,  Bill buttons that allow you to access facts tem. The CCNM is among the most
Payne, Ken Wilson, Becky Olsen, and about the bird, including range maps, viewed, but the least recognized of any
Ted Eliot; the always ready and willing links to similar birds, favorites, and a of the nation’s national monuments.
“Feather Questers” with Diane Hich- (very cool) button to play a recording of
wa, Karen Nagel, and Phyllis Schmitt; the bird’s call. The presidential proclamation made
and the dependable “Roadrunners” by Bill Clinton on January 11, 2000
The program’s drawings are excellent, al-
with Betty Groce, and Don McCarthy.  acknowledges the need to protect the
though occasionally limited when com-
We are still looking for more teams for CCNM’s overwhelming scenic quality
pared to a Sibley or National Geographic.
this fun day.....pick any day in Febru- and natural beauty, and it specifically di-
It’s a digital guide, so expect features like
ary 2010; ask family, co-workers, and rects the protection of the geologic for-
this to be updated regularly. One major
friends to sponsor your team for 25 mations and the habitat that these rocks
downside is you can’t keep notes on birds
cents to $1 a species, whatever they can and small islands (i.e., the portion above
you’ve seen. Expect this to change and also
give, and go count bird species....for mean high tide) provide for seabirds, sea
expect this program to be linked to other
fun and money!  If you have any ques- mammals, and other plant and animal
databases like eBird. Prices for the differ-
tions, please contact me at owlsnest@ life (both terrestrial and marine) on the
ent apps range from $5.00 to $30.00.
hughes.net or 829-3808.  If you are un- CCNM. In addition, the proclamation
This article was taken in part from Jeff Bat- recognizes the CCNM as containing
able to be a team leader, do sponsor one
tersby’s article in Macworld. “irreplaceable scientific values vital to
or more teams.
protecting the fragile ecosystems of the
••••••••• ••••••••• California coastline.”
Members of Madrone have participated
iBird Mobile App – The California Coastal in monitoring ten miles of the monu-
Database Puts a Top National Monument ment in northwest Sonoma County
with the CCNM Stewardship Task
Notch Field Guide (CCNM) Force of The Sea Ranch Association.
Inside Your Pocket By Diane Hichwa Active stewardship began by gathering
In January the CCNM celebrated its baseline information on what is there-
By Bob Speckels
tenth anniversary. We trust this is one -and when. The ten-mile stretch is
The first couple of years I birded I never national monument that you have all walked quarterly, and during breeding
went into the field without The Sibley been to see, at least the part of it that season there is a weekly watch at four
Field Guide to Birds in one hand. When is off the Sonoma County coast. While sites to follow nesting progress of the
that finally got old (I got a scope and ran driving from Bodega Bay to Jenner those seabirds using those islands.
out of hands), I wished I had a compa- sea stacks, arches, and rock islands--large
rable guide that I could carry easily. The To learn more about the monument and its
or small--that make our coastal views so history visit http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/
new iBird applications, (compatible with distinctive and enjoyable are all part of
any iPhone or iPod running the iPhone prog/blm_special_areas/nm/ccnm.html.
the CCNM. You may have seen harbor
Page 4 Continued on page 5
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The CCNM In-field sessions are Sundays and Mon- the Sebastopol Community Center, which
Continued from page 4 days (your choice of which day): was catered by Out to Lunch Catering and
If you want to know more about the enjoyed by all.  Finally, Len Nelson will do
Sundays
monitoring, or how you can participate, the data entry for the species count which
April 11, 7:30am-11:30am
contact Diane Hichwa at 785-1922 or will be reported in a subsequent Madrone
April 25, 7:30am-11:30am
[email protected]. And on your next Leaves and sent to National Audubon. 
May 9, 7:00am-11:00am
coastal drive, we hope you will look at the May 23, 7:00am-11:00am •••••••••
seascape with new appreciation. June 6, 7:00am-11:00am Winter Outings:
June 20, 7:00am-11:00am
The 14th Annual San Francisco Bay
Welcome New Friends Mondays Flyway Festival
of Madrone April 12, 7:30am-11:30am February 5-7, Mare Island, Expo Building
Audubon Society April 26, 7:30am-11:30am 897, Azuar Ave & I Street, Vallejo CA.
May 10, 7:00am-11:00am
Santa Rosa May 24, 7:00am-11:00am
The festival celebrates the annual wildlife
Steven Gelber and David Wayte migration through the San Francisco Bay
June 7, 7:00am-11:00am
Estuary. Activities include family wildlife
June 21, 7:00am-11:00am
exploration, birdwatching outings, guid-
Madrone Audubon To register for the course, contact Lisa ed nature walks, boat tours, and tours to
at [email protected], Bob Speckels at
Society Breeding [email protected], or call Bob
discover some of the best local wetlands,
wildlands, open spaces, and historic sites
Bird Survey Training at 569-0563. in the Bay Area. There will be exhibits,
Course, 2010 ••••••••• live bird visits, educational presentations,
By Bob Speckels Madrone Audubon’s art, photography, and optics. There will
be docent-led tours at the Ellis Creek
Madrone Audubon Society will update 43rd Western Sonoma Water Recycling Facility, 9:30 AM to
the Sonoma County Breeding Bird At- County Christmas Noon on Friday and Saturday morning.
For more information: call Myrna Hayes,
las, beginning in 2011 and finishing in
2016. (The first data-set was collected
Bird Count, Sunday Festival Coordinator, at 557-9816;
between 1986 and 1991.) In prepara- 3 January 2010 e-mail: [email protected]; or visit
tion for the upcoming data collection, By Janeann Erickson www.sfbayflywayfestival.com.
Madrone will offer nine training sessions
Approximately 150 individuals enjoyed a The 31st Anniversary of the Winter
to prospective project volunteers. This
beautiful day in western Sonoma County Wings Festival
training will cover topics such as iden-
while participating in the Christmas Bird February 12-14, Oregon Institute of
tification brush-up, song recognition,
Count (CBC.)  The species total is cur- Technology, 3201 Campus Drive,
behavior, nest-finding strategies, proto-
rently 180, but because some teams have Klamath Falls Oregon.
cols, and data management techniques.
There will be three classroom meetings not completed their reports that number This festival is considered to be the oldest
– two before the field sessions begin and may go higher.  Also, there were a couple bird festival in the nation and coincides
one wrap-up at the end of the field ses- of reports of rare bird sightings which with the presence of wintering water-
sions. Six sessions will be held in the need to be verified before the data count fowl and eagles, so that participants can
field, in various locations and habitats can be submitted to National Audubon. enjoy these magnificent birds on tours
throughout Sonoma County. Lisa Hug, The success of this count can be attribut- and learn more about them at work-
experienced birder, teacher, and natural- ed to the hard work of the chapter’s CBC shops. The purpose of the festival is to
ist will teach the course. There will be committee. Dennis Wheeler designed share information, increase awareness of
no charge to participants. Those partici- the count invitation for the mailer that community resources, and gain an un-
pating in the Atlasing are strongly urged went out in the fall.  Jeff Holtzman did derstanding of our wildlife resources, es-
to participate in the courses. a great job with the CBC Web site, mak- pecially the birds of the Klamath Basin.
The 2010 in-class meetings are 6:30 to ing it easy for people to signup online Join keynote speaker, Scott Weidensaul,
9:00 PM on the following Tuesdays: and having all the needed count forms on an exploration of how and why birds
March 30, April 6, and June 22. Loca- available online.  Doug and Audrey King migrate, based on his book, Living on the
had the big job of setting up the dinner at Continued on page 6
tion of the classes is to be announced.
Page 5
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WINTER OUTINGS visit www.wildcarebayarea.org or call Juan- na de Santa Rosa docent in 2010.  Volun-
Continued from page 5
Carlos Solis at 415-453-1000 x 17. teers learn about the natural and cultural
Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migra- history of the Laguna, and then share
Saturday February 27
tory Birds. Field trips, all-day workshops, that knowledge with second-through
Exploring Cascade Canyon in Fairfax
and mini-workshops are offered. For fourth-grade students in classrooms and
Embark on a family adventure to reach
details, visit www.winterwingsfest.org or field trips to the Laguna Preserves. Train-
Cascade Falls. During our expedition
contact Todd Christian at singingbear@ ing begins in March, and an information-
we’ll look for dragonfly nymphs, caterpil-
charter.net or 541-850-0084. al meeting will be held from 6:30-8:00
lars, woodpeckers, and trout. Meet at the
PM on Tuesday 23 February at the Se-
Thirteenth Annual Great Backyard park gate at the end of Cascade Drive in
bastopol Library. For information, visit
Bird Count (GBBC) Fairfax. (Because parking is extremely lim-
www.lagunafoundation.org or contact
February 12-15 ited, carpooling is recommended.)
Christine Fontaine at 527-9277 x 102 or
This count is a joint project of Cornell Saturday March 27 [email protected]. 
Lab of Ornithology and Audubon. Par- Nature Journaling at Las Gallinas Ponds
ticipants include all levels of birders. It’s Learn the basics of nature journaling Memorials and Honor Gifts
free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds. on the trail. We’ll learn to draw birds,
In memory of Martha Bentley:
Here’s what to do: plants, landscapes, and more. All ma-
Diane & Bryant Hichwa
1) Plan to count birds for at least 15 min- terials will be provided. Meet at the Las
In memory of Ronald R. Bur-
utes during the three days. Count birds Gallinas Ponds parking lot at the end of
nett, “My Beloved Husband”:
at as many places and on as many days Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael.
Carole Burnett
as you like—just keep a separate list of Saturday March 27 In memory of Vivan Derrington:
counts for each day and/or location. Birding Yolo County with John and Don Derrington
2) Count the greatest number of individu- Sarah Klobas In memory of George Ellman:
als of each species that you see together Join John and daughter Sarah to explore Betty Burridge, and Ted Eliot
at any one time, and write it down. and bird some of the rich, varied habitats In memory of Pedro Galban:
3. Enter your results at www.birdsource. in Yolo County. The day starts at Lake Anthony Mountain & Cheryl Maynard
org/gbbc Solano, west of Winters, and finishes in In memory of Frank Meyskens:
the afternoon at Yolo Bypass, east of Da- Mary Luttrell
Migration Festival at Natural Bridges vis. Between Lake Solano and the Yolo In memory of Corinne Orr:
State Beach Bypass, birds will be sought in the hot- Bob Orr
February 13, Santa Cruz CA spots throughout the county. In memory of Vesta Power:
From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Santa John Klobas has led birding and natu- Lisa Peters
Cruz State Parks celebrate the wildlife ral history trips for more than 30 years In memory of Kimberly D.
that migrates to, through, and beyond Sharke:
in Sonoma and Marin counties. He was
Richard & Lucille Sharke
the Santa Cruz area with hands-on ac- honored in 2004 by the California Legis-
In memory of Skye:
tivities, educational booths, speakers, lature and State Senate, the Sierra Club, Pat Gilmore
and crafts for kids of all ages.  The theme and the Sonoma County  Conservation In memory of Jack Troutfetter:
for the event is “State Parks are Making Council as an outstanding environmental
Betty Burridge, June England, Betty &
Way for Wildlife”, featuring how parks educator. Sarah has a BS in Wildlife Bi- Jack Groce, Gary & Terry Haag, Jack
provide a safe path and essential habitat ology and has studied birds in California, & Deyea Harper, Joy Mander, Frank &
for animals in migration.  More infor- Mexico, and Washington. Call the Point Marilyn Rathman, and Jack & Joy Ryan
mation is available at 831-423-4609. Reyes Field Seminars, 415-663-1200, for In memory of Wayne G. Waters:
details and registration. Eva H. Waters
••••••••• In honor of Betty Burridge:
••••••••• Linda H. Hanes
Walks and Talks In honor of the Kopriva Family:
Wildcare’s Family Adventures Docents Wanted at Helen & Joseph Kopriva
The following Wildcare programs are free, Laguna de Santa Rosa In honor of Ernie Smith:
Diane & Bryant Hichwa
begin at 10:00 AM, and offered in both
English and Spanish in collaboration with Expand and share your  knowledge and In honor of “My Mother”:
love of nature—train to become a Lagu- Diana Thomas
the Canal Alliance. For more information,
Page 6
 M A D R O N E L E AVE S

Observations
November 2009, December 2009, January 2010 • Dan Nelson • 479-2918 • [email protected]

Northern Fulmar (1) 1/3 Offshore of Sonoma County LH, RM

Pink-footed Shearwater (1) 1/3 Off Bodega Head DN
Rhinoceros Auklet (1) 1/3 Off Bodega Head AW, BDP
Red-necked Grebe (1) 1/3 Off Bodega Head M.Ob.
White-winged Scoter (2) 1/3 Bodega Harbor BDP, DN, et al.
Harlequin Duck (1) 1/3 Sonoma Coast near Goat Rock RK, et al.
Eurasian Wigeon (1) 1/4 Shollenberger Park BDP, et al. Tufted
Duck (1) Dec Lake Merritt, Alameda County M.Ob.
Tufted Duck (1) 12/23 Abbott’s Lagoon, Marin County SH
Barrow’s Goldeneye (3) 1/4 Porto Sonoma, on the Petaluma River DN
Blue-winged Teal (4) 12/23 Ellis Creek water treatment pond BDP, JP
Cinnamon Teal (20) 12/23 Ellis Creek water treatment pond BDP, JP
Redhead (2) 1/4 “Old” Lakeville treatment ponds BD
Snow Goose (2) 12/22 Bolinas pumpkin patch fields KH
Greater White-fronted Goose (3) 12/22 Bolinas pumpkin patch fields KH
Greater White-fronted Goose (55) 1/3 Northbound flyovers, Bodega Head BDP, BL
Tundra Swan (1) 12/23 Ellis Creek treatment pond BDP, JP
Pacific Golden-Plover (3) Dec Shollenberger Park DN, et al.
Lesser Yellowlegs (5) 12/23 Ellis Creek treatment pond RL
Rock Sandpiper (1) 1/3 Bodega Head (north) BL
Bonaparte’s Gull (100+) 1/4 Southbound flyovers at Porto Sonoma, Petaluma River DN
Clapper Rail (1) 1/1 Old “Gilardi’s,” now “Papa’s,” on Petaluma River RR
Merlin 12/22 Ellis Creek treatment pond RL
Peregrine Falcon (2) 1/3 Spud Point; one bird feasting on unfortunate Whimbrel BB
Common Black-Hawk (female) 12/20 West of Delta Pond, Laguna de Santa Rosa SM
Bald Eagle (1 adult, 1 immature) Dec Lake Hennessy, Angwin CBC BDP
Bald Eagle (1 adult) 12/20 West of Delta Pond, Laguna de Santa Rosa SM
Short-eared Owl (1) 1/3 Bodega Head BL
White-throated Swift (3) 12/31 Ellis Creek treatment pond PC, RR, ALaC
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1/3 SSU campus BO
Red-naped Sapsucker 1/3-5 Salmon Creek Road, on private property JB, BB
Lewis’s Woodpecker 12/27 North end of Lake Berryessa JP
Gray Flycatcher Dec-Jan Alameda CBC at Noland Parkfide JR
Tree Swallow (12) 12/23 Ellis Creek treatment pond BDP, JP
Violet-green Swallow (7-8) 12/23 Ellis Creek treatment pond BDP, JP
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2) 1/3 Bodega Head BL, et al.
Mountain Bluebird (2) 12/27 North end of Lake Berryessa JP
Phainopepla 12/27 Lake Solano JP
Rock Wren 1/1 Tolay Creek Ranch RR
Yellow Warbler Nov-Jan DN, et al.
Swamp Sparrow (2) Nov-Jan Ellis Creek treatment pond BDP, RR, JP et al.
Clay-colored Sparrow 12/23 Milton Road, Napa County BDP, JP
American Tree Sparrow 11/19 Ellis Creek pond RR
Great-tailed Grackle 12/2 Ellis Creek pond AW
Yellow-headed Blackbird (adult male) 11/26-Dec Sonoma Mountain Road, Petaluma CT, BDP

CONTRIBUTORS: Janet Bosshard, Betty Burridge, Peter Colasanti, Bill Doyle, Keith Hansen, David Hofmann, Steve Howell, Lisa Hug, Rich
Kuehn, Rick Lebadour, Andy LaCasse, Bill Lenarz, Richard Merriss, Stan Moore, Dan Nelson, Becky Olsen, Benjamin D. Parmeter, John Parmeter,
Jean Richmond, Ruth Rudesill, Chris Traub, and Alan Wight.
Page 7
 Madrone Audubon Society
Post Office Box 1911
Santa Rosa, California 95402

February 2010

RECYCLED
PAPER
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Madrone Audubon Society meets on the third Monday of each month, except in June, July, August, and December. Meetings start at 7:30 PM at First United
Methodist Church, 1551 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa. All meetings and walks are open to the public. Information: telephone answering service - 546-7492,
e-mail - [email protected].
President: Janeann Erickson - erickson@ap.net.................................................................795-2498 Bird-A-Thon Coordinator: Marcia Johnson - owlsnest @hughes.net...........................829-3808
Vice President: Bob Speckels - robertspeckels@yahoo.com.............................................569-0563 Leaves Co-Editor: Mary Edith Moore - [email protected]
Recording Secretary: Andrea Bond - acbond@sonic.net................................................537-8069 Leaves Co-Editor: Daphne Smith - dwarsm@comcast.net..............................................546-7808
Corresponding Secretary: Cindy Miller - [email protected] Leaves Production Editor: Kris Hutchins - [email protected]
Treasurer: Mary Wheeler - mrywheeler@sbcglobal.net......................................................494-6415 Circulation & Hospitality: Joannie Dranginis - [email protected]
Membership: Susan Kirks - susankirks@sbcglobal.net.....................................................773-3215 Observations: Dan Nelson - birdsurf64@sbcglobal.net.....................................................479-2918
Conservation Chair: Diane Hichwa - dhichwa@earthlink.net........................................785-1922 ACR Rep & MMAS Steering Committee: Bryant Hichwa............................................579-1182
ACR Rep: Patrick Woodworth................................................................................................829-8915
Education Kits: Barbara Novak - enovak3697@aol.com.................................................795-3996
Petaluma Wetlands Alliance: Gerald Moore - [email protected]
Audubon Adventures: Phyllis Schmitt - [email protected]
Sonoma County Water Coalition Rep: Paula Zerzan - [email protected]
Program Chair: Research and Breeding Bird Atlas: Betty Burridge......................................................527-0225
Outreach Chair: Sabrina Hearst – sabrinahearst@earthlink.net.....................................575-7548 Christmas Count and IMBD Chair: Veronica Bowers - [email protected]
Junior Audubon Chair: Veronica Bowers - [email protected] Honorary Board Member: Ernestine Smith...................................................................545-4255
Publicity: Pat Macias - macpat@saber.net...........................................................................894-0503 Bird Rescue Center...........................................................................................................523-BIRD
Webpage Editor: Jeff Holtzman - Madrone707@hotmail.com........................................823-8290 Northern California Rare Bird Alert................................................................... 415-681-7422
Bird Walks and Field Trips: Tom McCuller - sisyphus @sonic.net..............................546-1812 Audubon-California: Graham Chisholm - [email protected]................... 916-649-7600
Saturday Bird Walks: Bob Speckels - robertspeckels@yahoo.com.................................569-0563 National Audubon Society: 225 Varick Street, NY, NY 10014.................................. 212-979-3000

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