Volume 57, Number 1 September 2011 New Parks for Everybody  Nancy Wenninger Since July 2010, the East Bay Regional Park District has acquired nearly 6,500 acres, with another 500+ acres in conservation easements, for a total value of more than $30 million. These new parklands will provide recreational opportunities for park visitors while preserving important viewsheds, wildlife corridors and natural and cultural resources. The District’s recent success is largely due to its ability to tap into multiple funding sources to take advantages of opportuni- ties. In 2008 the District’s voters approved Measure WW, a $500 million bond measure to provide funding for land acquisition and park development for the next 20 years. Thanks to Measure WW and other funding partners, EBRPD has been able to continue to conserve high-priority habitat and create new opportunities for public access to recre- ational trails and wildlife viewing. Primary goals for EBRPD land acquisi- tion projects include increasing wildlife Mount Diablo viewed from Donlon Point at Dublin Hills, EBRPD’s newest Regional Park. corridors for mountain lion, mule deer, EBRPD photo. gray fox and other migratory animals and preserving habitat for threatened species goal is to protect the ridgelines overlooking of Way Agent designation. Nancy has served such as the Alameda whipsnake and the San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, on the MDAS Board of Directors for 15 California red-legged frog. A long-range Lafayette, Orinda and Moraga. years. Her area of expertise has been con- Nancy Wenninger, recently appointed servation and she is grateful to have known EBRPD Assistant General Manager/ Land and worked with Al McNabney. Meeting Schedule Division, will share with our members some The next general meeting of of the highlights and challenges of the land BIRDING INFORMATION Mount Diablo Audubon Society acquisition program since the passage of What is new for Mount Diablo Audubon will be Thursday, September 1, in the Camellia Room of The Gardens Measure WW. During Nancy’s tenure at as we enter a new year? at Heather Farm, Walnut Creek. EBRPD—11 years as Land Acquisition Man- We will hear from Mike and Annie 7:00 pm Birding Information ager—land holdings have increased by 20% Eliot, new owners of Wild Birds Unlimited, 7:25 pm Announcements to more than 110,000 acres. Prior to coming as they plan to continue the WBU connec- 7:40 pm Refreshments,* raffle to EBRPD, Nancy worked for twelve years tion with MDAS. Jimm Edgar will provide 8:05 pm Speaker: for the Contra Costa County Public Works updates on the habitat conservation com- Nancy Wenninger Department where she acquired land for mittee and coming events for MDAS. Diana * Please remember to bring a cup. public projects. She has a BA in English, Granados, Hugh Harvey and other Board Thursday, October 6: Speaker TBA received her MBA in 1983 from Armstrong members will discuss special events for University and has earned her Senior Right the upcoming year. Come on September 1. DEDICATED TO HABITAT CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION the Quail —1— September 2011 President’s Corner By Jimm Edgar Welcome to the fall of 2011 and the re- on these lands. The lawsuit was not quick Welcome turn of the Quail after our summer recess. enough to stop the auction from leasing I hope you are looking forward to this year lands that were in the Utah National Parks, New Members and that Audubon will be a part of that year. so Tim went to the auction and became Albert & Renata Linkowski Concord We have some great programs lined up and “Bidder 70.” As bidder 70 he drove up the Hugh Harvey, our field trip chair, has about prices on the lands (some of which had 45 field trips this year with leaders that will sold for $2 an acre.) Tim won 14 of the help you see the birds. We are trying some bids totaling $1.8 million. BLM halted the Coastal Cleanup new places on our field trips as well as tried auction after Tim got to the $1.8 million California Coastal Cleanup Day—on and true former areas. I hope to see you at mark of which he never intended to pay September 17 this year—is the state’s larg- a meeting or field trip. for. Tim was arrested and charged with est volunteer event. In 2010, over 82,500 I don’t know how many of you saw any the two counts. Interior Sec. Salazar later volunteers removed more than 1.2 million of the news in the papers or radio about a revoked the selling of the parcels keeping pounds of trash and recyclables from our young man named Tim DeChristopher. 29 them safe from drilling for now, but Tim beaches, lakes, and waterways. California’s year old Tim was sentenced to 2 years in is headed for prison. Some asked why this coast and waterways have historically been prison and a $10,000 fine on July 26, 2011. trial dragged out for so long. The defense collecting spots for accumulations of trash The charges were brought against him for legal team is not sure, but think the govern- and debris. This debris, if not removed, can violating the Federal oil and gas reform act ment was embarrassed about the trial and be harmful and even fatal to all manners and a second charge of false statement. hoped if they strung it out people would of wildlife, and can even become a human These charges were a result of his act of forget about it. The opposite has happened. health hazard. Show your community sup- civil disobedience by him in December, Tim has become somewhat of a celebrity in port for our shared natural resources by 2008. It is a very interesting story. Audubon, environmental circles and vows to continue volunteering three hours at one of several as an organization, takes a lot of stands on the fight when he gets out of prison. As I locations in Contra Costa County. Join the environmental issues, but rarely would we read about the case, the real fight seems to East Bay Park District staff and volunteers probably do an act of civil disobedience. be the whole issue on climate change and to pick up litter and recyclables from shoreline parks at Martinez, Point Isabel, Here is what Tim did. In the last days the continuing focus on fossil fuels and Carquinez Strait, Point Pinole, Bay Point, of the Bush administration a large number what the increased burning of these fuels or Lone Tree Point Regional Shorelines. of BLM land parcels (116 parcels) in Utah means to the climate. Children under 16 are to be accompanied were going to be put up for bid to oil and I am not sure what you think about by an adult. Bring your own refillable gas companies. The Southern Utah Wil- climate change, but this does seem to be water bottle and snacks. All volunteers derness Alliance filed a lawsuit against the overkill on someone who is trying to do should wear closed-toed shoes, appropri- BLM saying BLM had not done an adequate what he thinks is right. You can follow this ate layered clothing and bring suncreen. job, according to federal law, in evaluating more closely at this site: peacefuluprising. Please bring your own plastic buckets the effects of the drilling that would result org/climate-trial and used plastic bags to pick up trash. ( For more information, call 510-544-2515. The Quail is published monthly except Art Exhibit for MDAS Artists January and August by Mount Diablo The Art Exhibit for Mount Diablo station, on Friday, September 2, or Satur- Audubon Society, P.O. Box 53, Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053. The Quail is Audubon Society members at the Lynn day, September 3, from 4‒5 pm both days. printed on 30% post-consumer waste Pick-up dates will be Saturday, September House Gallery in downtown Antioch will recycled paper. The deadline for the open on September 10 and will continue 24, and Monday, September 26, from 4‒5 October issue is September 13. on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons pm both days. from 1‒4 pm through September 24. You The limit has been raised to 4 pieces are invited to submit your work within the per artist. Artists should read the informa- This bird is the state bird broad theme of Nature, in any media. There tion at http://art4antioch.org/Mt.Diablo- of Vermont. It eats ber- is no cost to enter the show. Audubon-Exhibit-Artist-Info2011.asp Q ries, fruits and seeds The exhibit will be free and open to the before submitting their work. which it may pick while public. The event will also be publicized in Awards: $100 Best of Show, $75 1st it hovers, or it will forage under leaf the local newspapers, ACFA newsletter and Place, $50 2nd Place, $25 3rd Place and two litter for insects, worms and spiders. website and cable billboard. Honorable Mention ribbons Unscramble these letters, or turn to Enter by notifying Diane Gibson-Gray The Arts and Cultural Foundation will Page 8 to learn more. at [email protected], then bring provide light refreshments and wine at EHHHIMRRSTTU your art to the Lynn House Gallery at 809 a free artists reception on September 10 West First Street, across from the amtrak from 2‒4 pm. the Quail —2— September 2011 Observations By Maury Stern NEWS FROM Submit Contra Costa County sightings to The Inspiration Point MacGillivray’s WILD BIRDS [email protected] or (925) 284-5980 or Warbler continued 6/26, 7/1 and 7/2. DH, UNLIMITED send to EBB [email protected]. MP, RC, PR. Q BF and crew saw a singing, breeding Relief for Birds on Hot Days in Tilden Nature Area  The local breeding birds have been Western Tanager Now that summer is here, we have to 6/25. be extra vigilant about keeping our birds busy producing young. By late July, the hydrated and cool. Bird baths are very ef- returning shorebirds began to arrive or A Rufous-crowned Sparrow family fective in attracting birds and can be the pass through while some of the breeding was at Kennedy Grove on 7/17. LL. most important thing we can provide in migrants were preparing to leave. Many Grasshopper Sparrows were hot weather. HH and FS reported a second nesting nesting along the Mezue Trail in Wildcat  Bird baths should be very shallow, usually Canyon RP on 7/3. JD. 2‒3 inches in depth at most. We keep small for the Heather Pond Green Herons 6/30. boulders in our baths that are just a bit DHu had a second nesting of Black- higher than the water surface. Some birds headed Grosbeaks in his Walnut Creek will completely immerse in water while oth- yard 8/7. ers just preen from the edges of these rocks. Hooded Orioles and their young  Change the water at least every other day, were widespread during the summer. JC in even daily on hot days. Watch for build-up of Moraga, P&NS in Antioch, LMH in Wal- algae or leaves and clean with a brush. Avoid bleach or strong household cleaners that do nut Creek, MLM in Hercules. not completely wash away. Three Red Crossbills were in the In-  Baths should be placed in open areas, spiration Point pines in Tilden RP, 7/1. RC. away from shrubs and trees where cats can RB Richard Broadwell, PC Phil Capi- hide and pounce. They should also be high tolo, RC Richard Cimino, JC Judi Cooper, enough to help deter rats and squirrels. SD Sheila Dickie, JD Judith Dunham, FD Frances Dupont, BF Brian Fitch, HH Hugh Harvey, DH Derek Heins, LMH Leide- Marie Haitsma, DHu David Hutton, MK Melani King, SL Stephen Long, LL Laura Look, MLM MaryLou Mull, MP Michael Park, PR Phila Rogers, JR Joyce Rybant, FS Fred Safier, P&NS Paul and Nancy Schorr,  Birds are not easily attracted to still wa- ES Emilie Strauss, ter. Drippers and pumped water devices that bubble water make the water source easier to spot both by sound and sight. They also No More Moorhens refresh your birdbaths, keeping the water fresher. Water wigglers cause wave motion Emma Fournier, age 8, photographed this Green The July/August issue of The Quail in the water helping birds find baths. Heron at Heather Farm.. stated that no English names were changed  Ponds with vegetation around the edges with the American Ornithologists’ Union’s will attract large birds, such as ducks, egrets, There were 3 fledglingSharp-shinned revisions to the taxonomy of North Ameri- and herons. Waterfalls and fountains also Hawks in Tilden RP on 7/29. PC. can birds. However, one species will revert provide flowing water that helps attract On 8/5 a Clapper Rail and young to a previous English name with the split birds and keeps parasites from building up. were at Meeker Slough in Richmond. SD. of Gallinula chloropus, Common Moor-  Supply water misters on hot days for were at hummingbirds, who love to wet their wings Red-necked Phalaropes hen, returning the American populations in mid-air. You can also stand in your yard Meeker Slough on 7/24,RB, and 8/5. SD. to Common Gallinule, Gallinula galeata. with a hose that has a fine spray and hold Elegant and Caspian Terns were Another change missed in the previ- it skyward. Hummers in our yard have nesting on Brooks Island 6/29, ES, and ous Quail is the scientific name change swooped down very close and enjoyed the cool wet spray while we enjoyed the show. 8/3. SL. of Snowy Plover to Charadrius nivosus; Two Black Skimmers were skimming this results from its split from Old World the channel near the Bay Trail in Rich- Kentish Plover, Charadrius alexandrinus. m mond or resting on Brooks Island 8/2 and The Mexican Jay of southeast Arizona Mike and Anne Eliot 8/3. JR, FD, SL. also receives a new scientific name, Aph- Wild Birds Unlimited 692 Contra Costa Blvd. On 6/26 and 6/29 a elocoma wollweberi, while its old scientific White-winged Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, 925-798-0303 was in MK’s backyard in Point Rich- name, A. ultramarina, is given to the Trans- Dove Visit us at www.wbupleasanthill.com mond. volcanic Jay. the Quail —3— September 2011 ➋ Wednesday, September 14 Come Birding with us Hayward Regional Shoreline/Winton Avenue Hugh Harvey, 935-2979 and David Hutton, 938-4485 in September! Carpool leaves Sycamore Valley Road Park and Ride lot in Danville at 8:00 am. Meet at 8:45 am at Winton Avenue entrance. From I-880, exit Winton Avenue, drive west 4.5 miles to parking lot. Because traffic is so unpredictable, if no one is there, wait a while. Shorebirds and possible early ducks. ➋ Thursday, September 1 Time permitting, we will finish at the San Leandro Marina. Jewel Lake, Tilden Park Bring drinks and lunch. Leader: Maury Stern, 284-5980. Meet 7:30 am in Nature Center parking lot at north ➊ end of park. From Hwy 24 in Orinda, go north on Camino Saturday, September 17 Pablo. Turn left on Road. Stay right at Vaux’s Swifts at Rio Lindo Academy, Healdsburg the Brazil Building. At the next main intersection, turn Leaders: Hugh and Rosita Harvey, 935-2979. right and pass Lake Anza and the Carousel. Or take Fish We hope to see thousands of swifts enter a chimney on Ranch Road from the Caldecott Tunnel. Turn right at the the grounds of the Rio Lindo Academy. This has been an top onto Grizzly Peak Road. Turn right and downhill onto annual occurrence since 1989, when use of the chimney South Park Drive and turn left at the bottom onto Wildcat was ceased. Be advised that we will be returning home after Canyon Road. Short morning walk to look for migrants. dark. Carpool leaves Sun Valley at 4:30 pm. Take I-680 across the Benicia Bridge (toll). Go west on I-780 to I-80 towards Sacramento, exit to SR 37. Follow SR 37 to Lakeville Road, turn right. In Petaluma take US 101 north to Healdsburg, exit ➊ Saturday, September 10 at Old Redwood Highway/Healdsburg Avenue. Go north to Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge Bailhache Avenue, turn right on Bailhache, which becomes Leader: Hugh Harvey, 935-2979 Rio Lindo Avenue. Follow it about 3 miles into the Academy’s main entrance. Turn left at the first stop sign and another left 10:00-11:00 am. Carpool from Sun Valley at 9:15 am. This just before the dormitory. In half a block turn right toward is your chance to visit the only unit of the National Wildlife the rear of the campus, park on the right past the chimney. Refuge system in Contra Costa County. This 1-hour docent- Bring folding chairs, a picnic supper and join many others guided tour will introduce us to the history of the only place as we enjoy the evening show. Watch for a hunting Merlin on earth where we can see Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly. amongst the many swifts. Though the butterfly requires naked-stem buckwheat, star thistle is the predominate plant. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t see this butterfly. Don’t expect to see flowing sand dunes. After hearing the history, you will understand. May ➊ Saturday, December 3‒4 be hot, there is no shade, may be dusty walking along graded Wildlife Refuges of the Sacramento Valley fire trails. Bring sun protection and water. From Hwy 4 in Leader: Terry Colborn, 916-705-8991 Antioch, exit north on A Street. After about 1 mile, bend This weekend field trip will include visits to several wildlife right onto Wilbur Avenue. Turn left onto Fulton Shipyard refuges in the Sacramento Valley. Collectively these sanctuar- Road and cross the railroad tracks. The entry gate is on the ies are home to tens of thousands of wintering ducks, geese right. We will be guided by a refuge volunteer. Bring lunch, and swans. For centuries the vast wetlands of the greater liquids and sunscreen. Sacramento Valley have hosted millions of wintering water- fowl. On Saturday we’ll tour Sacramento NWR, a 10,800 acre complex with over 7,600 acres of seasonally managed ponds and wetlands. Sacramento NWR is one of the premier water- Trip Reports fowl refuges in California. From late October to early March San Mateo Coast, July 31. Seventeen members and guests spent there are typically over 600,000 ducks and 200,000 geese on an overcast, but pleasant day from Pescadero to Phipps Ranch and the seasonal ponds and adjoining open fields; numbers peak Pigeon Point. We saw 65 species overall with a male Harlequin Duck in December and January. Twenty-five percent of the world’s off the Pescadero beach bluffs and a full male breeding plumaged Aleutian Canada Goose population winters at Sacramento Golden-crowned Sparrow at Phipps Ranch being the highlights of NWR. Other species of significant importance include Bald the day. Other notable birds included Wood Ducks in Pescadero Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. We’ll also visit other nearby units Marsh, Common Mergansers in Pescadero Creek, Red-throated of the Sacramento NWR complex in search of Sandhill Cranes, Loon off shore, Wandering Tattler, Whimbrel, Black Turnstone, Tri-colored Blackbirds, raptors, herons, egrets and shorebirds. Surfbird, Black Oystercatcher in large numbers, Common Murre, At day’s end, we’ll enjoy a group dinner; overnight in Williams. Pigeon Guillemot, and Cassin’s Auklet. Maury Stern Continued on Page 9 » the Quail —4— September 2011 2011‒2012 Field Trip Schedule By Hugh Harvey September June 1 Thursday...... Jewel Lake MS 2 Saturday...... Outer Point Reyes DH 10 Saturday...... Antioch Dunes HH 23‒24 Sat./Sun...... Yuba Pasa/Sierra Valley HH/RH 14 Wednesday...... Hayward Regional Shoreline DH/HH July 17 Saturday...... Rio Lindo Academy, Healdsburg HH 21 Saturday...... San Mateo Coast MS October August 1‒2 Sat./Sun. (Waiting list only)...... Monterey TC 18 Saturday...... Bodega Bay FS 1 Saturday...... Outer Point Reyes DH Field Trip Leaders 8 Saturday...... Hawk Hill FS Hugh B. Harvey, Chair 935-2979 29 Saturday...... Abbott’s Lagoon DH Ethan (Chick) Chickering 686-9231 November Terry Colborn 916-705-8991 12 Saturday...... Charleston Slough/South Bay EL Jimm Edgar 510-658-2330 15 Tuesday. . Mt. View Sanitary/McNabney Marsh ST Bingham Gibbs 838-9257 19 Saturday...... Limantour MS David Hutton 938-4485 December Don Lewis 284-5480 3‒4 Sat./Sun...... Sacramento Refuges TC Eugenia Larson 806-0644 Jean Richmond 837-2843 8 Thursday...... Niles Area JE Sandy Ritchie 685-8048 17 Saturday. . . . . Christmas Count/Central County JE/MS Fred Safier 937-2906 20 Tuesday...... Christmas Count/East County JE/MS Paul Schorr 757-5107 January Maury Stern 284-5980 8 Sunday...... Christmas Count/Rarity Chase BG/DW Steve Taylor [email protected] 14 Saturday...... Putah Creek FS Nancy Wenninger 938-7987 20 Friday...... Lake Merritt/Arrowhead Marsh SR Denise Wight 330-3893 28 Saturday.Las Gallinas/Rush Creek/Shollenberger EL Field trips are open to members and non-members, beginners February and advanced birders. Weather or other contingencies may require 4 Saturday. . . . Thornton Area/Cosumnes Preserve CC changes. For updates, visit the MDAS website at www.diabloaudubon. 9 Thursday...... Grizzly Island MS com/index/php. Because most trips do not return until late afternoon, 15 Wednesday...... Sunol Regional Park EL bring a lunch and drink and join us during our midday break. 25‒26 Sat./Sun...... Los Banos/Panoche Valley DH Category ➊: Easy, little or no walking, smooth paths March Category ➋: Moderate, one mile or more, possibly rough terrain 3 Saturday...... Tomales Bay State Park MS Category ➌: Difficult, extensive walking on rough terrain.

7 Wednesday...... Walnut Creek Parks HH Carpools ú Help make carpools work! 13 Tuesday. . Mt. View Sanitary/McNabney Marsh ST Our Mount Diablo Audubon Chapter is a conservation orga- 22 Thursday...... Valle Vista DL nization. As such, we encourage members to consider meeting at the carpool point to pick up or ride with others. When you 28 Wednesday...... Lagunitas HH do, remember that gasoline costs nearly $4 per gallon today. April It is important that those who ride with others help pay some 4 Wednesday...... Orinda Connector Trail DL of this cost. Don’t forget about any bridge tolls or park entry 7 Saturday...... FS fees on some of our longer trips. 14 Saturday...... Pine Canyon NW Carpool locations: Sun Valley—Southwest corner of the 17 Tuesday...... North Briones MS Sun Valley Mall parking lot at Willow Pass Road and Contra 21 Saturday...... Mines Road HH Costa Boulevard in Concord. Sycamore Valley Road Park —Just south of Danville, exit I-680 at Sycamore 25 Wednesday...... Del Puerto Canyon DH and Ride Lot Valley Road to the east; the Park and Ride lot is on the left. May El Nido Ranch Road—Exit SR 24 at St. Stephens Drive east 1 Tuesday...... Black Diamond PS of Orinda. El Nido Ranch Road is parallel to and north of the 10 Thursday...... Mount Diablo State Park JE freeway. Park just east of the intersection with St. Stephens 15 Tuesday...... Mitchell Canyon MS Drive. La Gonda—From I-680 southbound, exit at El Pintado, 17 Thursday...... West MS turn right and right again; park along open space on left. From I-680 northbound, exit El Cerro, turn left, then right at second 19 Saturday...... East Contra Costa County PS light onto La Gonda; carpool point is about one-half mile north. the Quail —5— September 2011 This page is intentionally blank.

the Quail —6— September 2011 Migratory Bird Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Continued from Page 10 Conservation Stamps Yellow Warblers, Wilson’s Warblers, Bull- ock’s Orioles, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Yellow-breasted Chats, Sage Sparrows, Western Meadowlarks, and Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Shorebirds on the refuge are most numerous in fall, when mudflats cre- ated by receding water levels attract thou- sands of Black-necked Stilts and American Avocets, as well as Long-billed Curlews, Long-billed Dowitchers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, and the occasional Baird’s or Solitary Sandpiper. Did you know that one of every five You will find that many species flock Americans watches birds? There are more to the grove of cottonwood trees at ref- than 48 million people in the United States uge headquarters. These include Yellow who identify themselves as birdwatchers. Warblers, Western Tanagers, orioles, From Pelican Island in Florida— woodpeckers, thrushes, sparrows, owls, A trio of Great Horned Owlets on their crater- established in 1903 by President Theodore and finches. This is also a hot spot for rare side ledge at Malheur NWR. Roosevelt—to Tulare Basin Wildlife Man- birds during migration. Rose-breasted agement Area in the Central Valley— Grosbeaks, Black-throated Blue Warblers, About ten miles south of refuge head- established in 2007—and to nearby Antioch Summer Tanagers, and other unusual birds quarters in the Blitzen Valley is Diamond Dunes, 551 National Wildlife Refuges offer have been spotted here. Craters, an area of much geologic relevance. opportunities to view hundreds of species Also at headquarters, check out the dai- Here are a number of lava craters, cinder of birds. Refuges were created to protect, ly sightings board to see what other birders cones, lava flows and lava tubes. Within manage and restore habitat for migratory have discovered. The headquarters staff can the craters orange and chartreuse lichens birds—often waterfowl or shorebirds. Many direct you towards the best birding spots. decorate the walls, while owls and raptors are actively managed to provide food or Franklin’ Gull is a summer resident at find nesting domains. shelter for birds at specific times of the year. Malheur Lake, where it nests as do White- Our National Wildlife Refuges, and The depression years of the early 1930s faced Ibis, Black-crowned Night-Herons, Malheur in particular, are great places saw a drastic loss of waterfowl owing, Snowy Egrets and Great Egrets, Great Blue where you can indulge in your passion for among other causes, to a degradation of Herons, and Double-crested Cormorants. birding. Come often. prairie grasslands and overdraining of wetlands as mono-crop agriculture dis- Thank You, Volunteers placed small farms. In 1934, the Federal Mount Diablo Audubon Duck Stamp Program was instituted to Society is grateful for the address this crisis. A rebound in waterfowl work and support of its vol- populations followed as the Refuge System unteers. It is the volunteers was able to expand and to improve wildlife who bring refreshments to management techniques. the meetings; it is the volun- Each year Federal Migratory Hunting teers who help with the No and Conservation Stamp dollars go directly Child Left Inside program; to secure important wetland and grassland it is the volunteers who habitat to the Refuge System, safe places for attend environmental fairs waterfowl, shorebirds, rails, egrets, herons, and represent the Society; songbirds, and other wildlife. it is the volunteers who do Again, Mount Diablo Audubon has a tremendous amount of purchased 2011‒2012 “Duck Stamps” for behind-the-scenes work. the convenience of members, who can buy We owe them all our thanks. them at the September meeting. The price The volunteers who this year remains at $15. The stamps are were at Walnut Creek’s A strolling bagpiper entertains the fairgoers at the Beaver Festival. Borges Ranch Heritage also available on line from the US Postal Beverly Walker and Jane Sedley talk to youngsters at the Mount Service. Go to USPS.com, then click on Days in June were Chick Diablo Audubon table. Shop > Buy Stamps > For Collecting > Duck Chickering, Michelle de los Stamps. The stamp is also your free entry to Reyes, Moses de los Reyes, Sandra Ritchie, Audubon was represented by volunteers any National Wildlife Refuge that charges and Cevina Targum. In August at the Bea- Michelle, Moses, Cevina, Jimm Edgar, Jane admission, and is good through June 2012. ver Festival in Martinez, Mount Diablo Sedley, and Beverly Walker. the Quail —7— September 2011 advocates for the protection and restora- Burrowing Owl Habitat Enhanced tion of the Western Burrowing Owl and Burrowing Owl Conservation Network promotes the preservation and careful has been awarded a $3,300 grant from the management of habitat to prevent loss, Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife foster healthy populations, and maintain Propagation Fund for the manufacture of intact natural communities for an ecologi- four interpretive signs to be installed at cally sound future. the 24-acre Prewett Family Park Burrow- Mount Diablo Audubon Society has ing Owl Habitat Preserve in Antioch. This contributed to this project. If you would like newly created wildlife and habitat preserve to learn more about other activities dedi- has a number of designated pedestrian ac- cated to the survival of Burrowing Owls in cess trails that allow and encourage visitors Contra Costa County please visit http:// to observe from a distance Burrowing Owls, burrowingowlconservation.org. other raptors and wildlife that inhabit this Burrowing Owl. Photo by Scott Artis. suburban grassland ecosystem year-round. “As Burrowing Owls are a California museum-quality Burrowing Owl diorama Species of Special Concern and have wit- and educational program that we are cur- nessed steep declines in the San Francisco rently raising much needed funds for.” Bay Area and California, we believe commu- The interpretive signs will serve as a nity education and outreach is a vital part of means by which the value of protecting, O l i v e - s i d e d their survival and protection of their habitat. conserving, and preserving wildlife and Flycatcher, We have found many people are unaware of habitat can be passed on to county residents the existence of Burrowing Owls, have never and visitors. Because Burrowing Owls rely seen them in the wild, or are simply unaware on fossorial mammals (e.g. ground squir- that Contra Costa County is fortunate to rels) for the construction of their burrows, have them as year-round residents,” said the four interpretive signs will also highlight Scott Artis, Executive Director of Burrowing the interdependency between species and Owl Conservation Network. demonstrate the value of protecting func- This original scratchboard drawing by Dana “As such, these signs will provide spe- tioning ecosystems. Gardner for the Breeding Bird Atlas of Contra cies and habitat information and will be Burrowing Owl Conservation Network Costa County, is available for $40 at the meet- used to inform visitors and complement a is a non-profit charitable organization that ing. Others to $75. Hermit Thrush ◆ Catharus guttatus The breeding song of the complete white eye ring and Hermit Thrush, vibrant and reddish rump and tail. Its flute-like, is distinctive and behavior makes it easy to iden- enchanting. Yet it is seldom heard in our tify. When it lands, it slightly locale, for there are few records of nesting lowers and raises its tail and birds here. Only a single nest-in Redwood gives a soft chuck note. It also Regional Park-is reported in the Breeding habitually flips or flutters its Bird Atlas of Contra Costa County. Hermit wings. Swainson’s Thrush is Thrushes generally begin appearing in Oc- here in summer, not in winter. tober and are seen throughout the winter Another bird sometimes con- and into April. They do not visit backyard fused with Hermit Thrush is feeders, but you are more likely to have Fox Sparrow. The thrush’s bill them visit if you have plants with fruits or is slender, and its legs are tall berries, such as toyon or holly leaf cherry, and slender, while the sparrow and if you have a source of water for them. has a thick bill and the bird They forage for bugs, beetles, ants and seems low to the ground. Also, caterpillars, either on the ground or gleaned the thrush does not scratch for from plants. They also eat elderberry, food as does the sparrow, but mistletoe, raspberries, and the occasional forages in leaf litter with its bill. salamander. This Hermit Thrush was photo- Only one other thrush in our area is graphed at the famous “Drip” at similar in appearance, Swainson’s Thrush. Cabrillo National Monument in The Hermit Thrush is identified by its San Diego. the Quail —8— September 2011 Sacramento Refuges Ornithology . . . John Muir cared little for birds Continued from Page 4 Opportunities On Sunday we’ll explore the rural farm or bird songs, and knew little about Monterey Bay Birding Festival. Sep- roads looking for wintering raptors. On past them. The Hermit Thrushes meant tember 22‒25, Watsonville. The Monterey trips we’ve found Ferruginous and Rough- nothing to him, the trees and the flow- Bay Birding Festival is designed for birders legged Hawks, Prairie Falcon and Golden of all levels and offers a unique opportunity Eagle. We’ll visit Colusa NWR, a 4,600 acre ers and the cliffs everything. to explore, learn and appreciate world-class refuge, and another important haven to Theodore Roosevelt, 1920 habitats such as the Monterey Bay National wildlife. Here we’ll search for Barn and Great Marine Sanctuary and Elkhorn Slough Na- Horned Owls, Wood Duck and Hooded Mount Diablo Audubon Society tional Estuarine Research Reserve. Learn Merganser, as well as Eurasian Wigeon. meets on the first Thursday of each month, more at www.montereybaybirding.org We’ll also bird the Sutter Buttes area, except July and August, in the Camellia Kern River Valley Autumn Nature remnants of an ancient volcano and the Room of The Gardens at Heather Farms, and Vulture Festival. Kern River Preserve, world’s smallest mountain range. Target 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Weldon, September 24. Visit the Southern species include Mountain Bluebird, Prairie Everyone is invited. Sierra’s Kern River Valley to experience Falcon, Loggerhead Shrike and Golden Turkey Vulture migrations and the height of Eagle. Late afternoon will find us at Gray fall landbird migration at desert oases. You Lodge WMA, where we expect to see large will enjoy birds, vultures, geology, botany, flocks of Snow and Ross’s Geese. We’ll look natural history, Native American studies, and listen for Sora, Virginia Rail and Ameri- moths, reptiles, and children’s activities. can Bittern, and check out the hides named http://kern.audubon.org/tvfest.htm. for Harry and Betty Adamson, founding Join the Olympic Peninsula Audubon members of MDAS. We’ll stay at the refuge Society October 3‒5 for a three-day Wild- until dusk when thousands of White-faced life Cruise through the spectacular San Ibis, ducks and geese take to wing and fly off Juan Archipelago. Cruise to Roche Harbor to nearby fields to feed during the night— Resort and San Juan Island, whale-watching truly a spectacle to behold. along the way. Picnic on Sucia Island State This is a very popular trip, and space Park, and cruise home via dramatic Decep- is limited; carpooling is essential. This is a tion Pass. Contact 360-681-4076, or email great trip for beginners and seasoned bird- ers alike. There are several motels in Wil- rcoffice@olympus,net. Details at: www. MDAS Board of Directors olympicpeninsulaaudubon.org liams; early reservations are recommended. President: Jimm Edgar, 510-658-2330 The Central Valley Bird Club will host Participants may opt to arrive on Friday Vice President: Paul Schorr, 757-5107 the Fifteenth Annual night for the 7:00 am start time on Satur- [email protected] Central Valley Treasurer: Steve Buffi, 938-0929 Birding Symposium November 17‒20 day. For further details and/or to sign-up, contact Terry Colborn, field trip leader at: Board Secretary: Diana Granados in Stockton. The schedule, brochure, and [email protected] registration form are on the website at 916‒705‒8991, or at www.tlcbirding.com. Corresponding Secretary Barbara Vaughn http://cvbs.org. Q 376-8732 Sales Manager: Diane Malucelli, 674-0920 Programs: Alice Holmes, 938-1581 MDAS MEMBERSHIP/RENEWAL APPLICATION [email protected] Field Trips: Hugh Harvey, 935-2979 c Please enroll my family and me as a member of Mount Diablo Audubon Society Membership: Beverley Walker, 952-9925 for $25 for one year. Your membership dues are tax deductible. Volunteer Coordinator: c I’m enclosing an additional tax-deductible donation of $______. Moses de los Reyes, 755-3734 c For an additional $20 (new NAS members only), please enroll me in the National Hospitality: Gerry Argenal, 768-6325 Audubon Society. Education: Cecil Williams, 796-0303 [email protected] Please send The Quail by: c US mail c E-mail______Webmaster: Betts Sanderson [email protected] Name______Christmas Count: Jimm Edgar, 510-658-2330 Address______Breeding Bird Atlas Marketing: Ann McGregor, 968-1677 City, State______Zip______Member-at-Large: Brian Murphy, 937-8835 Phone ( ____ )______E-mail______Jean Richmond, 837-2843 Mike Williams, 798-0303 Please make your check payable to: [email protected] MT. DIABLO AUDUBON SOCIETY and mail with this application to: Quail Editor: Ellis Myers, 284-4103 Membership Chair 1932 Golden Rain Road #4 Walnut Creek, CA 94595 [email protected] 215 Calle La Mesa Moraga, CA 94556-1603 the Quail —9— September 2011 Mount Diablo Audubon Society, Non-Profit Org. P.O. Box 53 U.S. Postage Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053 PAID Return Service Requested Permit No. 66 Concord, CA

Great Horned Owl, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

It has been said that a single visit to in October, Rough-legged Hawks arrive to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is like stay through the winter, feeding on meadow watching the first five minutes of a movie— voles. Winter is the time to watch Bald you just can’t get the whole picture without Eagles and Trumpeter Swans. Although sticking around for a while. As spring enters Malheur is especially known for its cranes in March, so comes the peak concentra- and their graceful mating rituals, Malheur tion of Lesser Sandhill Cranes. Whistling has something for every nature enthusiast Swans, Cinnamon Teal and other waterfowl at any time of the year. are there, too. Great Horned Owls and The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Golden Eagles are nesting. By mid-May was designated in 1908 by order of Presi- Western Tanager at Malheur NWR. the spring migration of songbirds is at a dent Theodore Roosevelt to protect egrets peak, but soon birding becomes more dif- and other water birds from slaughter by Steens Mountain, famous for its incredible ficult as the trees leaf out. By summer, the plume hunters. Since then, birders have displays of colorful wildflowers broods of ducks and geese are ever pres- flocked to the 185,000-acre refuge to catch The most productive time to visit Mal- ent on the refuge ponds, and by August glimpses of the 300-plus species that have heur is during migration, in the spring or and September shorebirds concentrate on been recorded here. One of the largest fall, when as many as 100 species can be the exposed mud flats. The fall songbird wetland complexes in North America, the seen in a day. Spring waterfowl migration migration usually prevails in August, and refuge comprises an intricate network of begins in February and peaks in March, Northern Pintails and Northern Shovelers lakes, ponds, sloughs, wetlands and marshy bringing Lesser Sandhill Cranes, Snow return on their way back to California and meadows, surrounded by sagebrush- and and Ross’s Geese, Northern Shovelers, Mexico for the winter. September is the juniper-covered hills. Into these wetlands Cinnamon Teal, Northern Pintails, and best month for finding vagrant warblers. the Donner und Blitzen River flows through Buffleheads. Songbird migration peaks in As the trees begin to adopt their fall colors the Blitzen Valley, bringing water from mid-May, filling the air with the songs of the Quail —10— ContinuedSeptember on Page 2011 7 »