The Newsletter of the Santa Clara Audubon Society February 2002 San Jose CBC Draws 120 Counters
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Goose . A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was reported from the Coyote tops list of rarities Creek Field Station by Vicki Silvas-Young. The Lesser Black-backed Gull obliged us by showing up at by Ann Verdi and Grant Hoyt Lake Cunningham on Count day for its fifth winter. This rare The San Jose Christmas Bird Count was held on December gull had not been seen prior to Dec . 16 despite concerted efforts 16, 2001 under near-perfect birding conditions: light overcast to find it, so its return on the 16th was a welcome surprise. skies, mild temperatures, and minimal wind. In spite of these Another returning rare bird was the "Harlan's" subspecies of optimum conditions our species total of 163 was down a bit; Red-tailed Hawk, back at its familiar perch along the Guadalupe however, we had 120 counters out in the field recording good, River at Trimble Rd. This individual, with its distinctive dark solid numbers of our regularly occurring wintering birds plus a body plumage and unusual tail pattern, is spending its sixth few vagrant rarities, totalling 80,696 individuals . winter here. Also seen in the same spot was a Western Tanager . Many of our more unusual bird sightings are recorded Tree and Violet-green Swallows were observed both at Lake around the baylands of the Alviso sector, and this year was no Cunningham and Alviso, while a single Barn Swallow was exception . A decided highlight was a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper noted in Alviso. Rounding out our rarities was a White-throated found by Mike Mammoser in the New Chicago Marsh at the Sparrow seen at Ed Levin County Park. Alviso Environmental Education Center. Mike had been search ing for a Ruff which had been reported previously, but was not Burrowing Owl numbers up to be found on the Count day. The Ruff was re-found on Dec. We had some unexpected good news with the Burrowing 18 by Mike Rogers as a "Count week" bird. Owl total - 34 individuals were seen, including 17 at the San A male Eurasian Wigeon was also seen on the CBC in New Jose Airport by Mike Azevedo. The others were recorded in Chicago Marsh. Other notable birds recorded from the Alviso scattered locations, mainly in Milpitas and northern Santa area included a Lesser Yellowlegs and a Greater White-fronted Clara. This is a significantly higher number ofB urrowing Owls than have been recorded over the past several years, although it likely reflects the diligent General Membership Meeting effort by Mike at the airport rather than an "Marbled Murrelets in the overall increase in owls. Santa Cruz Mountains" continued on Page JO with David Suddjian Wednesday, February 20, 7:30 PM Palo Alto Arts Center Creek mapping------Page 4 Newell & Embarcadero Rds. Local biologist and Santa Cruz County bird expert David Suddjian will Open space vote------Page 5 offer an in-depth look at the Marbled Murrelets of the Santa Cruz Mountains, an imperiled species at the edge of its range. Suddjian has conducted Field Notes------Page 6 intensive field research on this old-growth forest species since 1990. The Complete CBC totals---Pgs 8 - 9 Marbled Murrelet is one of the most difficult species to study, and even some of its basic biology remains poorly understood in spite of years of study in the "Yes" on Prop. 40!------Page 11 forest and at sea. This pre gram will describe the mysterious murrelet' s local distribution, habitat needs, natural history and population trends, and delve into some of the management challenges we face to protect it.
TheAvocet 1 February Field Trips
Please carpool if possible; bring binocu bridge over Pescadero Creek on Hwy 1 just before reaching "T" intersection. lars, field guides, layered clothing . approx. 5 miles south of Hwy 84. Loons, Moderately strenuous 3 to 4 mile walk. LO = Lunch optional grebes, gulls, shorebirds, ducks . Bring Resident breeding birds, early migrants, RC= Heavy rain cancels spotting scope if you have one. LO, RC lingering winter birds. Be prepared for some mud. Possible entrance fee. LO, Saturday Feb. 2, 9:00 AM Wednesday Feb.13, 8:30 AM RC San Francisco's Southern Parks Coyote Reservoir Half day . Leader: Alan Hopkins Half day. Leaders: Emelie Curtis Wednesday Feb. 27, 8:30 AM (415)664-0983. MeetatCandlestickPoint (408)779-2637 and Jane Glass. Group Alviso State Recreation Area, a good place to will bird parking area for first 1/2 hour. Half day. Leader: DickCarlson(650)949- see shorebirds, bay ducks, loons and rap Directions: see Feb. 9 listing. Waterbirds, 9590. From Hwy 237 take Lafayette/ tors. We will then visit San Francisco's raptors. LO, RC Gold St. exit north, turn left on Elizabeth McLaren Park for land birds and dab St., then right on Hope St. to Marina bling ducks . Other lesser known but Saturday Feb. 16, 8:00 AM Parking Area. Gulls, shorebirds, pos birdy parks may be visited, time permit sible Burrowing Owl. LO, RC ting. From Hwy 10 l exit just past Brisbane Santa Cruz coastal hotspots Half day. Leader: ToddNewberry(ques Lagoon at Candlestick/3Com Park off Saturday Mar. 2, 8:30 AM ramp. Continue east along Harney Way tions - call Bob R. at (408)253-7527). Ogier Ponds and turn right onto Jamestown/Hunters Meet at Santa Cruz lighthouse on W. Half day. Leader: Grant Hoyt (650)969- Point Expressway . While driving along CliffDr. From Hwy 17takeHwy 1 north, Expressway watch for entrance to Candle turn left on Bay St., then right on CliffDr. 7892. From Hwy 101 in Morgan Hill stick State Recreation Area on right and to lighthouse on left. A rare opportunity take Cochrane Rd. west to Monterey Hwy, turn right, go north 2.6 miles, turn right enter (no fee). Meet at end of paved road to see local hotspots. Dress in layers. that runs through park. toward Model Airplane park where power Sunday Feb. 17, 8:00 AM towers cross road. Follow road for 1/2 mile, park in gravel lot at bend in road. Sunday Feb."3, 9:00 AM Fremont Lagoons ---- Raptors, freshwater marsh & local breed Charleston Slough Half day. leader: Bob Reiling (408)253- ing birds. RC Half day. Leader: AllenRoyer(408)288- 7527 . From I-880 north of San Jose take 7768. Meet at Terminal Way at end of Gateway Blvd. exit west, turn left on San Antonio Rd. north off Hwy 101 in Fremont Blvd . Park in lot on right at end Sunday Mar. 3, 8:30 AM Mtn. View. Shorebirds , ducks, assorted of street. Come prepared to identify Coyote Hills Regional Park waterfowl. As always, all are welcome gulls, which may include Thayer's and Half day . Leader : Frank Vanslager but birding and discussions will be geared Glaucous. Bring a spotting scope if you (408)257-3647. Take Hwy 84/ toward beginning birders. Bring a scope have one. RC Dumbarton Bridge east toward Newark. if you have one. Exit right on Thornton, then left over Saturday Feb. 23, 8:00 AM freeway as Thornton becomes Paseo Pa Saturday Feb. 9, 8:30 AM Oka Ponds/Los Gatos Creek Park dre. Turn left at Patterson Ranch/Com merce Rd. into park. Meet at far end of Coyote Reservoir Half day. Leader: Ann Verdi (408)266- Quarry Parking lot, 1/4 mile past park Half day. Leader: BobReiling(408)253- 5108. From Hwy 17 in Los Gatos take entrance. Entrance fee. LO, RC 7527. From Hwy 101 in Gilroy take Lark Ave. exit west. Turn right on Oka Leavesley Rd. exit east for 1.5 miles, turn Rd., left on Mozart Ave., then immedi left on New Ave., then right on Roop Rd . ately right on Oka Lane. Meet at gate. Go left at "T" intersection, then left again RC on Coyote Reservoir Rd . to Lakeview Picnic area. Group will bird from park Sunday Feb. 24, 8:30 AM ing area for first 1/2 hour. Waterbirds, Alum Rock Park raptors. LO, RC Half day. Leader: Dave Cook (408)275- 1492. From Hwy 101 or I-680 take Sunday Feb. 10, 9:00 AM McKee Rd. northeast toward hills. Turn Pescadero Marsh and vicinity left on Toyon Ave., right on Penitencia Half day. Leader: Sue James (650)348- Creek Rd., and continue into park. Meet 0315. Meet at first parking lot south of in "Rustic Lands" parking area on right
TheAvocet 2 Calendar Volunteer Ventures by Jennifer Peritz Tuesday Feb. 5, 4:00 PM SCVAS Programs Coordinator Santa Clara Valley Education Committee meeting Many thanks to those who joined us at Audubon Society McClell an Ranch Park . Voluntee r Breakfast last month . I hope Nature Shop is you all enjoyed the breakfast and the op OPEN Tuesday Feb. 5, 7:30 PM portunity to mingle with other volunteers ..... Board of Directors meeting as much as I did! (AND NEEDS McClellan Ranch Park . All members This New Year is packed with projects VOLUNTEERS!) welcome to attend. for SCV AS and our volunteers. In order to keep track of all the current and long 4~08;J2~-374~ Wednesday Feb. 6, 7:30 PM term volunteer opportunities, I have cre Bay Area Bird Photographers pre ated the Volunteer Ventures Announce I· , sents Howard and Lynn Jameson with ment Board. The next time you stop by ,~ / 'h -. , .. , the Nature Shop , take a look for the board ·/ ' ~ .. their slide presentation on the birds and -,., .' ~ :.:... :_. . . ' • -===- ✓ ,. • (\ f ..:.c'f scenery of Malheur NWR and Hart Mtn . just to the left of the front door . If you 're in eastern Oregon, and northern a current volunteer and are interested in ~ '/ ~ California's Klamath NWR , Eagle Lake changing to a new position, or if you are and Goose Lake . Lucy Evans Bay lands simply stopping by the Shop to pick up the Oak Titmouse, Ash-throated Fly Interpretive Center , E. Embarcadero Rd ., some birdseed, take a moment to check catcher, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, and Palo Alto. out our most recent postings . You just other cavity-nesting species. In response might find something that's perfect for to the declining population of these spe Tuesday Feb. 12, 9:30 AM YOU! cies, SCV AS and otherorganizations like After many years of dedicated volun Eve Case Bird Discussion Group the North American Bluebird Society teer work for SCV AS, Chapter Librarian will meet at the home of Pat and Jean have developed programs to provide a Marti Oetzel and her husband George are Dubois, 17150 Buena Vista Ave, Los network of nestboxes and trails , which moving eastward . In addition to being a Gatos (408) 395-4264. Topic : Rose actas altemativecavitiesandsites . Great skilled and conscientious caretaker of our breasted Grosbeak . effort goes into the set-up , maintenance , books , Marti is also a great friend to those and monitoring of these boxes and trails , of us in the office . We thank you, Marti, Wednesday Feb. 20, 7:30 PM but the payoff is certainly worthwhile! for your hard work and wish you the best! This year alone, our volunteer monitors General meeting, Palo Alto Although it will be hard to fill her reported 862 successful fledglings from "Marbled Murrelets of the Santa Cruz shoes, we are currently seeking a volun 9 different species. Mountains " with David Suddjian (see teerto become the new Librarian. Library Coordinated by SCV AS' Volunteer notice on Page 1). experience is helpful, but not required, as Dave "Tex" Houston, the Santa Clara training will be provided . Tasks associ County di vision of the California Blue Wednesday Feb. 27, 7:30 PM ated with this volunteer opportunity in bird Recovery Program is currently Environmental Action Committee clude maintaining a current catalogue of seeking volunteers for the upcoming nest meeting at McClellan Ranch Park. books, shelving books and periodicals , ing season. To help prepare for this vital and reviewing donated books to assess time of the year , at least two Maintenance PLAN AHEAD: which should be added to the library. This Days are being scheduled . Spend the day Wednesday Mar. 20 in Palo Alto: position requires approximately 2-3 hours walking the trail, learning about the pro "National Audubon - Local and Na every 2 weeks. Serving as Chapter Librar gram, and working on any boxes that tional Accomplishments " with Judd ian is also a great way to become directly need cleaning or fixing . If you 'd like to Klement, NAS Grassroots Coordinator, involved with the office and chapter. get even more involved, consider becom Mike Sellors of California Audubon , If being outdoors is closer to your idea ing a trail monitor. There are currently a and SCVAS' Craig Breon. of a good time , the next two volunteer number of trails that have already been ventures might be just what you're look established , but require a monitor. Moni Wednesday Apr.17 in Palo Alto: ing for. You may be aware of the plight of toring nestboxes is a great way to enjoy the Western Bluebird and other cavity 'The Beloved Burrowing Owl's Biol the outdoors, become more actively in nesting species whose population num ogy" with Lynn Trulio. volved in birding , and increase the sur bers are diminishing as their habitat is vival rate of these special creatures . To Note: General meetings in Campbell taken away . The removal of old, seem find out more about this program please will resume late this year or early next ingly-unused trees for aesthetic or fire contact me at the number below : safety reasons and the clearing of wood year when Campbell Community Center (408) 252-3740 or
Thanks to a grant from the Santa Clara nity Grant-in-Aid Program , our potential important, as they will have the best local Valley Water District, SCVAS is about program grew one step closer to reality . knowledge and most incentive to see this to launch a new project to map non With funding from the Water District and project to completion and on to the next native, invasive plant species in four lo help from four creek-oriented organiza stage : plant removal and revegetation cal creeks. The mapping project should tions, SCVAS plans to locate, identify , with natives. Although SCV AS will lead be a fun opportunity for volunteers to and map four non-native, invasive plant the coordination effort, this project would become familiar with local creeks and species in four county watersheds . The not be possible without the support of GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) tech main goal of this project is to collect Friends of Stevens Creek, San nology, and the end result should help the baseline information regarding the preva Francisquito Creek Watershed Council , Water District, SCVAS, and other com lence and location of invasive plant spe Santa Clara County Streams for Tomor munity and governmental organizations cies . By collecting data and creating row, and other organizations that already improve local creek habitats by remov maps , we hope to facilitate future eradi have a strong knowledge of these four ing these invasives . cation efforts , and also raise awareness creeks. among SCV AS members and the general The problem of invasives public about the harm posed by invasives, How you can be involved Invasive, non-native plants exist in vir and the potential to remedy those harms . One of the most important compo tually every watershed in Santa Clara Given the large number of different nents of this project is volunteer labor. County. After habitat loss from develop invasive species, this project could be Although team leaders have already been ment and other forms of land conversion , daunting . In order to set a reasonable identified for each watershed, we are invasive species are often considered to goal for a one-year project, we limited currently seeking volunteers who can help have the most negative impacts on native our scope to four plant species . We us carry out this significant and exciting species diversity. Examples include: nest wanted to be sure that once we mapped a project. SCV AS Programs Coordinator site competition between native songbirds species, it had a high likelihood of being Jennifer Peritz will be coordinating teams and invasiveEuropean house sparrow; and removed by an agency or organization of 4-6 volunteers for each creek. Each star thistle's encroachment on ranches and conducting mitigation or restoration ef team will walk the creek banks, identify open space preserves in our region. forts . This meant that the species chosen and locate the four targeted plant species, Non-native invaders often hit creeks must be a relatively manageable . We and map the data with GPS equipment. If and their inhabitants hard. First, many also needed species that occur in the this sounds tricky, don't worry! Each invasive plants out-compete native spe riparian areas of our county. Our last volunteer will be trained in both plant cies for the limited space in remaining criterion was that the plant be considered identification and GPS technology . This local creek habitat, reducing the value of a high priority on the California Exotic is an excellent opportunity not only to get those creeks to local birds and wildlife . Pest Plant Council's "A- 1" list of most out and enjoy your local creek, but also to In addition, because local wildlife has not invasive wildland pest plants . Accord help restore it. Training should start in adapted to using the invaders , few of the ingly, we chose Giant Reed (which is late February or March, and we hope to invasive species provide the wildlife val commonly referred to by its scientific complete the mapping by late 2002. To ues associated with our native plants . name, Arundo donax), Salt Cedar, Cape join one of SCV AS' Mapping Teams, FinaJly, some non-natives such asArundo Ivy, and Pampas Grass. Each of these please see Jennifer's Volunteer Ventures donax can grow dense enough to impede species has aJready been targeted for eradi column on page 4. creek flows and trap debris, leading to cation by other local organizations, so we increased potential for flooding and wild should find our efforts synergistic. Thanks to the Water District fires. Considering that nearly 80% of Another challenge was choosing A big "Thank you" to the Santa Clara local bird species rely on creeks during which watersheds, or rather portions Valley Water District and its Board of part or all of the year , concern over thereof, to map. Because of their geo Directors for establishing the Commu invasives is justifiably growing . graphic distribution throughout the nity Grants-In-Aid Program . Our grant County, relatively high resource value, was just over $20,000, but the program Introducing our project and connection to local creek groups, we awarded nearly $250,000 in grants last Stemming from an idea brought for chose the following reaches to be in year . If ours and other projects go well, ward at SCVAS' Creek Groups Work cluded in the project: San Francisquito this could be another strong example of shop 2000 , we developed the idea for this from Sears ville Dam to the Bay; Stevens the increasingly cooperative nature of the program to combat invasive plant species Creek from Stevens Creek Dam to the Water District with our local conserva and their many negative impacts . Last Bay ; Coyote Creek from Anderson Dam tion community . summer , when the Water District released to the Bay , and Uvas Creek from Uvas -Jennifer Peritz and Craig Breon a request for proposals under its Com mu- Dam to the Pajaro River. Cooperation with local creeks groups is particularly TheAvocet 4 Local Open Space Funding Victory
SCVAS lends a hand in close decision; This ballot was a weird one . Only property owners got to new tax $ will buy and preserve land vote, and those votes were weighted based on the size of by Craig Breon their parcels. As a result, the vote was close, despite the fact You can be excused for not even knowing that there was that nearly two-thirds of the ballots returned with a "yes" a crucial vote last fall on the future of Santa Clara County's vote . The local Taxpayers Association may still challenge open lands. The mail-in ballot , sent only to property owners the results, but we're hoping they don't. within the boundaries of the Santa Clara County Open Space The small campaign, which spent approximately Authority , was hardly noticed by the press or local politi $150,000 to help pass the measure, was run by the Silicon cians . .. or even by many of the people who received Valley Conservation Council, started a year and a half ago ballots. Nevertheless, a narrow victory for this property with partners including Cisco Systems and the developers of assessment measure means that tens of thousands of acres of Coyote Valley . It is odd, then, that SCVAS would contrib hillsides, streams, and agricultural lands will be purchased ute, while suing those same players over proposed Coyote and preserved for habitat and recreation . Valley development (we recently appealed our CEQA case , What's more, you helped it happen, even if you never which was defeated at the local Superior Court level, to an received a ballot . SCV AS contributed $5000 and our good Appellate Court). As the saying goes, politics makes for name to the modest campaign mounted to support the strange bedfellows, and in this case our $5,000 was certainly measure . Your membership and donations give us the money well spent. resources to help make this kind of difference. Whatweget- Background lots of beautiful land The Santa Clara County Open Space Authority was Lloyd Wagstaff, General Manager for the Authority, says established in 1993, but has received little notice over the that the "yes" vote will mean the preservation of tens of years. For the first three or four years of its existence, the thousands of acres of land over the next decade. Lands like Authority became mired in a legal conflict over its very Coyote Ridge, where rare wildflowers bloom and butterflies validity. This kept it from acquiring land, as prices escalated hover just to the east ofHig~way 101 (and an area that for even remote parcels in our region . When the Authority SCV AS is actively working to preserve) . There will also be emerged victorious from its legal issues, it found that its enough money to begin acquiring some of the remaining share of local property taxes, amounting to approximately farmlands of Santa Clara County , which so far have been too $4 million a year, didn't stretch very far in our inflated land pricey for the Authority . While funding won't officially start market. until 2003, the Authority can begin negotiations with willing Despite these factors , the Authority has acquired and landowners now, in anticipation of the new revenue stream . preserved almost 8000 acres to date, in addition to helping The Open Space Authority relies heavily on volunteers to The Nature Conservancy acquire another 1100 acres in a help manage its lands . If this sounds appealing to you, conservation easement. The Authority will soon open its contact the Authority through its website: first trail , on the former Kirk property above Alum Rock www.openspaceauthority.org or call (408) 224-7476 and ask Park . The trail - to be named the Baccardo Trail - will for Laurie Kaymaker, the Volunteer Coordinator. connect to an existing trail system in Alum Rock and will allow hikers to reach the crest of the eastern hills overlook Dave Cook checks ing the Valley of the Heart's Delight. one of his Western Bluebird boxes. For information A very close vote about volunteering On December 31, 2001, the Open Space Authority with The California reported that its property assessment ballot measure had Bluebird Recovery passed with 50 .9% of the vote. As a result, the average Progam, see the "Volunteer property owner within the Authority's boundary will see Ventures " article their assessment raised from $12 to $32 per year. When that on page 3. funding starts to flow in 2003, 1he Authority will then have just over $12 million annually for open space acquisition, management, and recreation. TheAvocet 5 Field Notes by Bill Bousman Dec (RK, FV et al.) followed the Novem Raptors through Skimmers Loons through Waterfowl ber records there. A male was found in Osprey were found regularly in De An immature Common Loon found theNewChicagoMarshon 16Dec(MJM, cember in their favored places (v.ob.). on Calero Reservoir on 9 Dec (MJM, DMcI) and was seen there through the Nine birds were counted on the Calero AV) was the only loon found locally in end of the month (v.ob.). Two males and Morgan Hill CBC on 29 Dec along Coy December . It remained through 12 Dec a female were there on 31 Dec (MMR et ote Creek from the Ogier A venue ponds (JMa). The Red-necked Grebe at Shore al.). Blue-winged Teal continued to be to Silver Creek Valley Road (RWR et al., line Lake, first found in November, was seen at their favored haunts in the Palo MJM,MMR). In each of the three cover seen there regularly in December(m.ob.). Alto FCB in December with a peak count age areas the birds (2:3:4) were individu Brown Pelicans have lingered in the of 12 on 16 Dec (MDd). A single male ally identified by plumage and molt. It is South Bay again this winter. The high was at the Sunnyvale WPCP ponds on 4 possible, however , that there was some count included 26 in Salt Pond A3W on Dec (MMR). Redhead were found in overlap between the sections. Nonethe- 17 Dec (MJM)and three more off the less, these are remarkably high Palo Alto estuary the same day counts and suggest that the fishing (MMR) . Three American Bitterns December rarities included is good along the percolation ponds at the Ogier A venue ponds on 29 Dec and reservoirs this winter. A Bald (R WR et al.) were the only ones found Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Eagle was on Calaveras Reservoir this month. A few Greater White on 16 Dec (RbC, RCofide MJM), fronted Geese were found in late Lesser Black-backed Gull, an adult was at Calero Reservoir December. One was on the San Jose from 22 Dec through the end of the Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and month (AV, v.ob.), and an adult Plant (WPCP) drying ponds on 16 was over Pacheco Crossing in Dec (RC, GO, VS-Y fide AV), one Green-tailed Towhee Henry Coe SP on 22 Dec (JY, AL). was over the Alviso Marina on 26 An adult 'Harlan's' Red-tailed Dec (ViT, JS), and one was found at Hawk, returning for its sixth win- Cottonwood Lake on 29 Dec (AME). A scattered locations in December. Single ter along the Guadalupe River at Trimble, Snow Goose was seen at well-birded birds were in the Palo Alto FCB on 3 Dec was seen on 16Dec(GHt,ADeM). Three Calero Reservoir on 2 Dec (AV) and then (RWR, FV) and at the Sunnyvale WPCP light-morph adult Ferruginous Hawks regularly from 24 Dec through the end of ponds on 8 Dec (RK,FVetal.). Salt Pond were found in the Isabel Valley on the Mt. themonth(AV). ATundraSwanfamily Al0 in Alviso took the major honors with Hamilton CBC on 19 Dec (MMR, MJM). of two adults and an immature stopped 213 birds found there on 16 Dec (MMR, Two birds were seen in Morgan Hill on over briefly at the New Chicago Marsh ViT, et al.). This is the largest concentra 29 Dec (ECu, NC, JeMfide JMa) as well. on 3 Dec (RWR, FV, MJM). An adult tion of Redhead we've encountered in the Wintering Prairie Falcons away from was seen in flight along Hwy 101 in county. The flock wintering in the Palo the Diablo Range included one near the Morgan Hill on 6 Dec (BB-W). Almaden Alto FCB in past years twice reached Stanford dish on 9 Dec (CS), and one that Reservoir remained a favorite location high counts of 132. Thirty-four Redhead was found at the Palo Alto Bay lands from for Wood Ducks with a high count of 60 were counted on Charleston Slough on 11 Dec through the end of December (AJ, on 1 Dec (AV). Parties along Coyote 17 Dec (JMe, MMe, MN) and three were KC, v.ob.). Unusual numbers of Lesser Creek on the Calero-Morgan Hill CBC on the Ogier Avenue ponds 29-31 Dec Yellowlegs were found this month. Single on 29 Dec found an impressive 64 birds (RWR,DWetal.). Alwaysrare,a female birds were seen in the Palo Alto FCB on from the Ogier A venue ponds down Tufted Duck was seen on the Sunnyvale 8 Dec (PMB) and 17 Dec (JMe, MMe, stream to Parkway Lakes (RWR, MJM, WPCP ponds on 4 Dec (MMR), but was MN). One to four birds were on Salt Pond MMR). Good numbers of Eurasian not reported later in the month. A hybrid A8 in Alviso 10-15 Dec (MMR, MJM et Wigeon were found in December. Single Common x Barrow's Goldeneye, origi al.) and one to two birds were nearby in drakes were found regularly at the Palo nally found in early November, was seen the vicinity of Salt Pond Al2 on 12-15 Alto Flood Control Basin (FCB) during regularly at Shoreline Lake in December Dec (MJM). A single bird was found the month (m.ob .) with a-high count of (v.ob.). This bird seems closer to along Salt Pond Al8 on 16 Dec (CJC, JC five males on 23 Dec (MJM). Two males Barrow's, based on the scapular pattern. fide AV) . Finally, a single bird was also seen at the Sunnyvale WPCP ponds on 8 No unequivocal Barrow's were reported. in the New Chicago Marsh 24-31 Dec
TheAvocet 6 Field Notes cont'd
(MMR, MJM) . Not quite in the county, (MMR ,MJM). A wintering Lewis's was five Red Knots were on the San found along Bailey Road, south of the Francisquito Creek delta on 17 Dec Coyote Narrows on 29 Dec (TK, EG , (MMR). The best place for Sanderlings ChW fide JMa) , for a rare record on the in the South Bay is on some of the aban valley floor. This bird has remained into doned salt ponds in Alviso . Between 10 January (v.ob.). An immature Yellow and 16 Dec 4-12 birds were counted on bellied Sapsucker was found at the these ponds (MMR et al.) with a single Alamitos Ground Water Recharge Ponds bird in the impoundment north of the next to Almaden Expressway on 2 Dec Alviso Marina on 15 Dec (MJM). An (AV) and has been seen there into January other single bird was just north of the (v.ob.). The similar immature plumage of county line on the San Francisquito Creek the Red-naped Sapsucker is generally not delta on 17 Dec (MMR ). A juvenile held past October. An immature sap Sharp-tailed Sandpiper was found in sucker found on Alamitos Creek along the New Chicago Marsh on the San Jose Royalwood Way on 29 Dec (BBrr , TO fide JMa) may be a different bird . A CBC on 16 Dec (MJM). For the next two A Lewis' s weeks this Asian vagrant played 'hide in Pileated Woodpecker was seen at Monte Woodpecker the pickleweed ' with a multitude of- Bello OSP on 7 Dec (MMR) . Another near IBM on birders and, often as not, won (v.ob.) . bird was found in Wunderlich Park on the Bailey Road December is exceptionally late for this Palo Alto CBC on 17 Dec (MDd et al.). was a great surprise on the They are becoming more common in San vagrant calidrid but there is a precedent Calero-Morgan a bird seen on the San Jose CBC in 1985 Mateo County on the eastern side of the Hill CBC. that remained until 5 Jan 1986. Sharp crest (GGH) . Tree Swallows were found Sketch by BB-W tailed mania did result in the finding of a in a number of spots this month . Three to female Ruff at the New Chicago Marsh 13 birds were at Lake Cunningham 1-16 previous December records for the county. on 18 Dec (MMR, MJM) through the end Dec (MJM) with the high count on the A Red-breasted Nuthatch found in Los of the month (v.ob.). This vagrant was a latter date. A single bird was over Salt Altos on 17 Dec (KHt) is the only report consolation prize for some. It may be Pond AS in Alviso on 10 Dec (MMR) and this winter . The winter crop of Golden that this is the same bird that was found three were over the San Jose-Santa Clara crowned Kinglets has not been much nearby into early October . The now WPCP drying ponds on 16 Dec (RC, GO, better with nine birds found at Monte adult Lesser Black-backed Gull returned VS- Y). Violet-green Swallows were Bello on 7 Dec (MMR) and a single bird to Lake Cunningham on 16 Dec (MJM, slightly more widespread, with up to 50 in Edenvale Park on 29 Dec (JMa et al.). MM), just in time for the San Jose CBC . birds at Lake Cunningham on 15 Dec A Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher seen along This is the fifth consecutive winter it has (MJM), 17 at the San Jose-Santa Clara Coyote Creek below Hwy. 23 7 on 16 Dec spent at Lake Cunningham. The Black WPCP drying ponds on 16 Dec (RC, GO, (VS-Y , MS , TG) was an excellent find as Skimmer flock at Charleston Slough has VS-Y), as many as 21 birds along Coyote this summer resident is generally found held constant at 20 to 22 birds during Creek between Riverside GC and Metcalf overwintering only one year in four. December (m.ob.). · Road on 29 Dec (MMR, MJM), and one Phainopeplas have been scarce this year bird over the New Chicago Marsh on 31 so a total of nine in the eastern Isabel Roadrunners through Orioles Dec (MMR et al.). Much less expected, a Valley on 19 Dec (MMR, MJM) was a A Greater Roadrunner was Barn Swallow was seen over the San remarkable concentration. Wintering found in San Antonio Valley on 19 Dec Jose-Santa Clara WPCP drying ponds on Orange-crowned Warblers were dug (WGB) . A male Rufous Hummingbird 16Dec(RC,GO, VS-Y), two to five birds out in quantity on the Palo Alto CBC on at the Silver Creek Country Club on 29 were found in the vicinity of the Palo Alto 17 Dec. Four birds were found in the Dec (CJC, DO fide JMa) is unusual for FCB and the Mountain View Forebay 23- Sunnyvale WPCP fennel patch (MJM) , December and is probably trying to over 26 Dec (MJM, v.ob.) with the high count and singles were found on Embarcadero winter, rather than being an early spring of five on 26 Dec (MDd et al.), and two Way in Palo Alto, Stevens Creek below arrival. Only four Lewis's Woodpeck birds were over the New Chicago Marsh Hwy 101, and on the Moffett Field GC ers were reported from the Isabel Valley on 31 Dec (MMR). These are remarkable (MMR). An inland bird along Coyote on the Mt. Hamilton CBC on 19 Dec numbers, considering that I have only two cont'd on Page 10
TheAvocet 7 2001 SANTA CLARA COUNTY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS Species SJ PA MtH CaJ-MH Species SJ PA MtH Cal-MH 12/16/01 12/17/01 12/19/01 12/29/01 12/16/01 12/17/01 12/19/01 12/29/01 Pied-billedGrebe 69 .., 23 82 PeregrineFalcon s .., 2 HomedGrebe 7 .., 2 PrairieFalcon 4 cw EaredGrebe 2407 .., 20 Falcon,sp I Red-neckedGrebe .., Ring-neckedPheasant 13 .., WesternGrebe 85 .., 3 WildTurkey 31 .., 23 164 Clark's Grebe 14 .., CaliforniaQuail IOI .., 458 309 Aechmophorus,sp 16 ClapperRail I .., AmericanWhite Pelican 24 .., 7 VirginiaRail 25 .., BrownPelican 16 .., Sora 4 .., I Double-crestedCormorant 102 .., 293 CommonMoorhen 12 .., 6 AmericanBittern .., 3 AmericanCoot 4013 .., 629 1042 GreatBlue Heron 31 .., s 24 SandhillCrane GreatEgret 64 .., I 31 Black-belliedPlover 145 .., SnowyEgret 50 .., 35 SnowyPlover GreenHeron I .., 3 SemipalmatedPlover .., Black-crownedNight-Heron 406 .., 17 Killdeer Ill .., 20 53 GreaterWhite-fronted Goose I I Black-neckedStilt 652 .., SnowGoose I AmericanAvocet 1626 .., CanadaGoose 459 .., 9 252 GreaterYellow legs 23 .., 10 WoodDuck 3 .., 23 127 LesserYellowlegs I .., Green-wingedTeal 217 .., 21 yellowlegs,sp 6 Mallard 2211 .., 58 759 Willet 25 .., NorthernPintail 131 .., I SpottedSandpiper 3 10 Blue-wingedTeal .., Whimbrel .., CinnamonTeal 116 .., 5 Long-billedCurlew 175 .., NorthernShoveler 4688 .., s 9 MarbledGodwit 100 .., Gadwall 323 .., 56 102 Ruddy Turnstone EurasianWigeon I .., RedKnot .., AmericanWigeon IOI .., 90 32 Sanderling 17 .., Canvasback 257 .., 28 WesternSandpiper 97 .., Redhead 2 .., 3 LeastSandpiper 426 .., 14 Ring-neckedDuck 36 .., 35 142 Sharp-tailedSandpiper I GreaterScaup 26 .., 22 Dunlin 50 .., LesserScaup 7 .., 113 Ruff cw Aythya, sp 37 Calidrid("peep"), sp 600 SurfScoter .., 2 Short-billedDowitcher 60 .., CommonGoldeneye 13 .., 63 Long-billed Dowitcher 363 .., Barrow'sGoldeneye .., dowitcher,sp 753 Bufflehead 428 .., 99 138 CommonSnipe 42 .., 2 HoodedMerganser 4 .., I Bonaparte'sGull 1498 .., 9 CommonMerganser 43 .., 81 MewGull 1119 29 Red-breastedMerganser 37 .., Ring-billedGull 1351 .., 382 RuddyDuck 1813 .., 39 135 CaliforniaGull 2928 .., 3338 duck,sp 12 HerringGull 11,295 .., 411 TurkeyVulture 150 .., 2 60 Thayer's Gull 52 .., 37 Osprey 7 IcelandGull * White-tailedKite 32 .., 29 LesserBlack-backed Gull I BaldEagle I I WesternGull 238 .., NorthernHarrier 43 .., 9 Glaucous-wingedGull 175 .., 13 Sharp-shinnedHawk 4 .., 4 4 GlaucousGull Cooper'sHawk 14 .., 3 5 gull,sp 8540 3631 Accipiter,sp 2 I Forster'sTern 4 .., Red-shoulderedHawk 31 .., 2 40 BlackSkimmer .., Red-tailedHawk 125 .., 29 102 RockDove 2829 .., 1665 Red-tailed(Harlan's) Hawk I Band-tailedPigeon .., 71 IS FerruginousHawk 2 2 MourningDove 804 .., 83 551 GoldenEagle 6 .., 6 5 GreaterRoadrunner I AmericanKestrel 90 .., 10 95 BarnOwl I .., 4 Merlin 4 .., I 4 WesternScreech-Owl 14 .., 4 9
TheAvocet 8 Species SJ PA MtH Cal-MH Species SJ PA MtH Cal-MH 12/16/01 12/17/01 12/19/01 12/29/01 12/16/01 12/17/01 1219/01 12129/01
GreatHomed Owl 9 v' 5 5 Phainopepla 10 NorthernPygmy-Owl 2 cw LoggerheadShrike 40 v' 10 BurrowingOwl 34 v' I EuropeanStarling 4391 v' 251 2857 NorthernSaw-whet Owl I Hutton'sVireo 9 v' I 10 White-throatedSwift 75 cw Orange-crownedWarbler IO v' I Anna'sHummingbird 590 v' 2 377 YellowWarbler RufusHummingbird I Yellow-rumpedWarbler (form?) 1194 v' 3 351 BeltedKingfisher 20 v' 5 19 (Myrtle) 8 5 Lewis's Woodpecker 13 I (Audubon's) 305 419 AcomWoodpecker 72 v' 129 132 Black-throatedGray Warbler Yellow-belliedSapsucker I Townsend'sWarbler 22 v' IO Red-breastedSapsucker 25 v' IO 3 CommonYellowthroat 60 v' 8 Nuttall's Woodpecker 80 v' 28 99 WesternTanager I DownyWoodpecker 20 v' 2 16 SpottedTowhee 76 II' 102 Ill HairyWoodpecker I v' 18 4 CaliforniaTowhee 306 v' 157 318 Northern(Yel-sh) Flicker Rufous-crownedSparrow 10 15 Northern(Red-sh x Yel-sh)Flicker VesperSparrow I Northern(Red-sh) Flicker 190 v' 82 202 LarkSparrow 118 48 30 PileatedWoodpecker II' SageSparrow 5 BlackPhoebe 244 v' 32 187 SavannahSparrow 124 II' 17 54 Say'sPhoebe 31 II' 2 22 GrasshopperSparrow 1 HomedLark 112 75 FoxSparrow 70 v' 43 17 TreeSwallow 16 FoxSparrow, Eastern form 1 Violet-greenSwallow 30 v' 21 SongSparrow 235 v' 2 105 BarnSwallow 1 Lincoln'sSparrow 65 v' 4 10 swallow,sp 4 SwampSparrow cw Steller'sJay 149 i,I 23 187 White-throatedSparrow 1 v' 2 Western ScrubJay 489 v' 308 591 Golden-crownedSparrow 1222 i,I 359 812 Yellow-billedMagpie 241 204 102 White-crownedSparrow 2077 i,I 433 1132 AmericanCrow 375 v' 65 559 LarkSparrow cw CommonRaven 88 v' 28 21 sparrow,sp 286 144 53 Chestnut-backedChickadee 200 i,I 317 Dark-eyedJunco (form?) v' 790 OakTitmouse 61 i,I 160 193 Dark-eyed(Oregon) Junco 764 1024 Bushtit 1102 v' 89 785 NutmegMannikin 7 Red-breastedNu thatch v' Red-wingedB lackbird 2109 i,I 116 1444 White-breastedNuthatch 42 i,I 75 58 TricoloredBl ackbird 13 i,I 37 38 PygmyNuthatch i,I WesternMeadowlark 526 v' 183 373 BrownCreeper 8 i,I 2 7 Brewer'sBlackbird 596 i,I 254 1052 RockWren 8 I 8 Brown-headedCowbird 18 v' 39 CanyonWren I blackbird, sp 941 180 451 Bewick'sWren 41 i,I 49 70 Bullock'sOriole I HouseWren I PurpleFinch 9 i,I 37 7** WinterWren i,I 2 HouseFinch 1466 i,I 10 1062 MarshWren 95 v' 6 PineSiskin 5 i,I AmericanDipper LesserGoldfinch 268 v' 99 279 Golden-crownedKinglet 2 i,I I Lawrence's Goldfinch 2 Ruby-crownedKinglet 321 i,I 51 224 AmericanGoldfinch 261 i,I 49 Blue-grayGnatcatcher I Goldfinchsp I 15 WesternBluebird 113 i,I 258 96 HouseSearrow 259 i,I 105 56 Townsend's Solitaire I TotalSpecies 163 163 94 143 HermitThrush 141 i,I 15 76 Total 80,730 unknown 7,389 35,270 AmericanRobin 1438 i,I 202 3323 VariedThrush 22 i,I 4 39 Key: sp = speciesundetennined Wrentit 25 i,I 48 27 CW = CountWeek NorthernMockingbird 170 v' I 83 • = Reponsubmitted for review = unestablishedexotic, cannot be counted CaliforniaThrasher 3 i,I 41 20 •• SJ = SanJose: compiled by Ann Verdi Black-backedWagtail PA = PaloAlto :onlythe species list was available per Matthew Dodder AmericanPipit 249 i,I 35 MtH = MountHamilton : compiledby DonSchmoldt CedarWaxwing 835 i,I 655 Cal-MH = Calero-MorganHill : compiledby JohnMariani
TheAvocet 9 Field Notes cont'd San Jose CBC cont'dfrom Page I Other good owl numbers were 14 Palo Alto CBC Creek near Hwys 101 and 85 on 29 Dec Western Screech -owls and four Great Mon. Dec.17 (MMR) was less expected. A Yellow Horned Owls in the early morning hours The forces of nature were less friendly to Warbler found at the Alamitos Ground at Alum Rock Park by Grant's owling those who chose to count birds for the Palo Water Recharge Ponds 3-4 Dec (JMa, party. Barn Owl and Northern Pygmy Alto CBC the day after San Jose 's, but MMR) was the first found this winter. A owl were also recorded for the Count. counters managed to find 158 species of birds MacGillivray's Warbler was seen along A couple of late day observations near on a blustery day. Highlights included Red Matadero Creek below Hwy 101 on 8 the Bay were noteworthy: 144 Black necked Grebe, Barrow's Goldeneye, Red Knot, Pileated Woodpecker, and Violet-green Swal Dec (DSt) for only our fourth winter bellied Plovers coming in to roost in the mudflats at low tide near Triangle Marsh, low. (Lark Sparrow and Swamp Sparrow record . A female or immature male were recorded during the Count week, and a and over 40 Turkey Vultures gathering Western Tanager along the Guadalupe tantalizing report of Iceland Gull on the Count for a nightly roost along Coyote Creek River near Trimble on 16 Dec (GHt, day remains under review.) below Highway 237. ADeM) was the only one found on our Thanks to Matthew Dodderfor organizingthe We'd like to thank the sector leaders Countsoefficiently,andRuthandGeneTroetschler local Christmas counts. A Green-tailed for organizing such a large and efficient of Los Altos for their warm hospitalityas they Towhee was seen along Coyote Creek group of volunteer counters; the Rare hosted yet anothercountdown dinner . below Tasman on 21 Dec (SH, GB) and Bird Committee for scrutinizing the re was positively identified on 22 Dec ports of unusual sightings for veracity; Mt. Hamilton CBC (MJM). It has been seen into January Debbie and Steve Thompson for putting Wed. Dec.19 (v.ob.). A bird wintered at this location on the countdown dinner; and all the For the first time in the 25 year history of two years ago. Always a good winter counters who made this day a big suc this back-country Count, Bald Eagle was missed, as the reliable bird(s) from the Isabel find, a Vesper Sparrow was seen in San cess. See you next year! Valley lake were absent. Compiler Don Antonio Valley on 19Dec(WGB). Nearly Schmoldt and his loyal cadre of 28 intrepid as rare as a wintering bird, a Grasshop counters nevertheless recorded 98 other spe per Sparrow was seen at the south end of cies in cool, but tolerable, conditions in the Coyote Ridge on 29 Dec (RH, KF, JD, Observers: Bruce Barrett (BBrr), Gina eastern hinterlands of Santa Clara County. A White-tailed Kite flying over Lick Observa MS fide JMa) . An adult Swamp Spar Barton (GB), Bonnie Bedford-White (BB W), Bill Bousman (WGB), Phyllis Brown tory may be the "highest" record for that row was seen at the Palo Alto Baylands ing ( PMB), Norma Cabot (NC), Richard species in the county; other notables were 23 on 14 Dec (MMR) and is the first bird Carlson(RC), Keith Chamberlin( KC), Jack Wild Turkeys, a Gr. Roadrunner, a Townsend's found this winter. White-throated Spar Cole (JAC), Rita Colwell (RCo), Rob Solitaire and a Vesper Sparrow. Lotus and rows were found at Ed Levin CP on 16 Colwell (RbC), Chuck Coston (CJC), Joan Keith Baker again welcomed the counters for a cozy dinner atop Mt. Hamilton at day's end. Dec (ER fide AV), the Palo Alto FCB on Coston (JC) , Emelie Curtis (ECu) Al 24 Dec (MJM), New Almaden on 29 Dec DeMartini (ADeM), Matthew Dodd er (MDd), John Drum (JD) , Jean Dubois Calero-Morgan Hill CBC (AV), and Uvas Creek on 29 Dec (GHt). (JDu), Al Eisner(AME), KarlFowler(KF) , Sat. Dec. 29 Feeder birds, either new or continuing, Tom Goodier (TC), Elaine Gould ( EC), Thanks to everyone who braved dismal include two in Los Gatos (JDu), one in Gloria G. Heller(GGH), RickHerder(RH), weather to make the third annual Calero San Jose (JAC), one in Santa Clara (CL), Grant Hoyt (GHt), Karen Hoyt ( KHt), Morgan Hill Christmas Bird Count such a and one in Los Altos (PLN). A grosbeak Sherry Hudson (SH), Alvaro Jaramillo success! We faced heavy rain and gusty winds (Ala), Roland Kenner (RK), Toni Koenen in the early morning, but the afternoon was (Pheucticus spp.) was found in Almaden (TK), Amy Lauterbach (AL), Cindy Lee reasonably nice. Despite the rain we did really Quicksilver CP on 29 Dec (GMfide JMa), (CL), Mike Mammoser (MJM), John well, tallying 35,270 birds of 143 species, 11 but has not been identified to species. Mariani (]Ma), David McIntyre (DMcl), of which were new to the count! Rose-breasted and Black-headed are Greg Meissner (GM), John Meyer (]Me), As always, some birds were missed on count about equally common in winter. A fe MariaMeyer(MMe), MaryMurphy(MM), day. But our misses were made up for with a host of rarities! Highlights included such unexpected male Bullock's Oriole in Eden vale Park Jean Myers (JeM), Mich Ninokata (MN) , Paul Noble (PLN), George Oetzel (GO), treats as Rufous Hummingbird,Lewis's Wood on 29 Dec (JMa et al.) was a good find for Doug Ohlberg (DO), Tad Ottman (TO), pecker, Yellow-belliedSapsucker, White-throated this winter. Bob Reiling (RWR), Mike Rogers (MMR), Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Bullock's Ed Rooks (ER), Cagan Sekercioglu (CS), Oriole. A BurrowingOwl in Morgan Hill was a MartySidor(MS) , Vicki Silvas-Young (VS first for the count and an especiallywelcome find, RARITIES: Please drop me a note: Y), Mary Simpson (MS), James Smith (JS), since the populationthere has been all but wiped Bill Bousman, 321 Arlington Way, DickStovel(DSt), VivekTiwari(ViT), Frank out in recent years. Menlo Park, CA 94025, or: Vans/ager (FV), Ann Verdi (AV), Chris Thanks for hostingdinner , John. [email protected] Wolfe (ChW), Debbi e Wong (DW), and James Yurchenco (JY). For CBC results from all over the U.S.: http://birdsource.cornell.edu/ The A vocet 10 Advocate's Corner Prop 40 - reason to VOTE this March by Kelly Crowley million to State Parks for improvement vey and found broad support, across re SCVAS Environmental Advocate of existing parks, including land acquisi gions and demographic groups, for Prop As a political science tion. The key aspect of this bond mea 40. Despite the recent decline in con ~ major, I spent a lot of time sure, in sharp contrast to the one passed sumer confidence, 74 percent of Califor . · y discussing with my class two years ago, is that few of the funds are nians surveyed said they would vote "yes" mates why voter turnout in dedicated to specific parks, projects or on the bond measure. It seems that Cali _, the United States is so low. One pieces of land yet. fornians do see the connection between i:~ of the reasons we routinely came up This is not to say that no one knows this Proposition and their quality of life. , with was that the average, working- what to do with the money, because ideas I encourage you all to exercise your right class American often sees little connec abound . If Prop 40 passes, most funds to vote and head to the ballot box in tion between the ballot box and their qual would be distributed on a competitive March . Mark it on your calendar, and ity oflife. This March, Californians have basis, and Santa Clara County has many VOTE to improve your quality of life the opportunity to cast a vote that clearly, sites worthy of the competition. For (and the lifestyles of the furred and feath directly does so. · example, one vital acquisition opportu ered around you). Proposition 40, called the California nity got some media attention in the San Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighbor Francisco Chronicle. An article in early hood Parks and Coastal Protection Act of December argued that the success or 2002, would authorize the state to sell failure of Proposition 40 could deter $2.6 billion in bonds for habitat acquisi mine the fate of the Cargill salt pond Audubon'sBay Restoration tion and protection of the state 's natural, restoration deal. With the economic cultural and historic resources. Last No downturn and the energy crisis, state ProgramLaunches vember, voters in 20 states approved bonds coffers are running low and "surpluses" RegionalActivist Network have disappeared. This will likely limit or taxes that would preserve and promote Do you want to see the largest and state funding of any purchase deal. Fed open space - promising news for back most ecologically important estuary on ers of California 's bond, which is, by far, eral funding is also unlikely, for many of the U.S. Pacific Coast restored? Are you the same reasons. Senator Diane the largest in the nation . tired of feeling like a small voice when it Feinstein, a strong proponent of some Critics of Prop 40 complain that voters comes to bringing attention to an impor approved a large bond measure just two sort of deal with Cargill, refused to com tant piece of local land in the Bay Area? years ago. Similarly, some in Santa Clara ment on the possibility of using the park Then join the Bay Area Activist Net bond to fund purchase ofCargill's land . County point out that voters in the Open work, and keep in touch with what is hap But, as the state Resources Agency's Space Authority approved , in a very close pening locally and regionally concerning election, an increase in their property taxes communications director said, using the Bay. This bi-monthly e-mail of special some of the Prop 40 funds, "is a distinct from $12 to $32 a year to buy hillsides, alerts is focused and utilized for the resto possibility." it passes. protect farmland and improve trails (see If ration of San Francisco Bay. The con SCV AS is working with both govern Page 5 for details). cerned citizens that sign up for this free e Nearly all of the funds from the 2000 mental and community organizations to mail service will have up-to-date informa Park Bond, however , were dedicated be help hone a priority list of acquisitions in tion on what is happening to a local or our region . Some of these, like the ser fore the bond even passed, due to a severe regional location around the Bay. pentine soils of Coyote Ridge, are well backlog of maintenance and acquisition Each alert will ask you to take just a known. Other lesser-known sites con projects in parks throughout the state. couple minutes out of your day to take tain key pieces of regional biodiversity, This backlog occurred after the state went action on a pressing situation . .. and it such as the sycamore woodlands near through the 90's without ever passing a could be right in your back yard! Casa de Fruta along Highway 152. parks and open space bond. Further , this If you have questions or would like SCV AS member Bill Bousman has com bond measure will do more than just pur to sign up for a stronger voice, please e chase land. Funds include, specifically, pi led a compelling list of local mail: contact@audubonstbay .org and biodiversity ; we will be drawing on his $375 million allocated for protection of provide your name , address , phone num work in our efforts. With these priorities water resources (both wetland and ripar ber, and e-mail address to become a part in hand, we can try to unite various ian areas); $300 million to the Wildlife ner in a team that is restoring your neigh conser vation organizations to better com Conservation Board for the improvement borhood and the entire Bay! and protection of rare and endangered fish pete for Prop 40 funding . Again , if it -Judd Klement and wildlife habitats; $445 million to the passes . Regional Coordinator eight State Conservancies, including the The nonprofit Public Policy Institute National Audubon Society San Francisco Bay Conservancy; and $225 of California conducted a statewide sur- The A vocet 11 Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society 22221 McClellan Road Non-Profit Organization Cupertino, CA 95014 U.S. Postage Paid San Jose, CA Phone : 408-252-3747 Permit No. 5869 Fax: 408-252-2850 E-mail : scvas@scvas .org
1 F s,£'1EI-ISCR SCVAS11 ~ Mca..EU.ANRANC !" ~~~-=-t ; ENTRANCE
OFFICERS CHAIRPERSONS GENERAL MEETINGS are held on the Avocet President third Wednesday of each month except July, David Drake 831/336-1127 Editor : Grant Hoyt 650/969-7892 August and December and are open to the Past President Graphics and Print Preparation public. David McIntyre 650/561-9356 Bonnie Bedford-White 408/261-8210 BOARD OF DIRECTORS meetings are 1st VP Bay Area Audubon Council Charles Preuss 650/320-9930 open to all members. Call the office at (408) 2nd VP Delegate 252-3747 for times and directions . Leda Beth Gray 831/336-1127 Freddy Howell 408/358-9453 RARE BIRD ALERT: (415) 681-7422 Treasurer Christmas Bird Count Barbara Dalderis 408/399-6965 Ann Verdi 408/266-5108 KEEPING CONNECTED: E-mail us at Secretary Education
Membership or Subscription $ ______+ Donation$ = Total Enclosed$ ______Name ______Address ______City State & Zip ______Phone.______~Email ______9MCH CC14
D Check here if you don 't want your name and address shared with other organizations. Make all checks payable to SCVAS. The A vocet 12