Volume 50, Number 5 February 2005 Can’t Happen Here?—Think Again • Jay Holcomb

In January 1971, two tankers collided beneath the Golden Gate Bridge spilling 900,000 gallons of crude oil into San Francisco Bay. Little was known about oiled bird care but volunteers from all over the Bay Area showed up to try. Out of 7,000 oiled birds, 300 birds survived. Within months, the International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) was formed. The primary goals of the IBRRC were to develop oiled wildlife cleaning and rehabilitation techniques, provide ongoing research, and provide oiled wildlife response management capabili- ties during oil spills. In 2001 the IBRRC moved from Aquatic Park in Berkeley to its new 12,000 square-foot rehabilitation facility in Fairfield shared with the Cali- fornia Department of Fish and Game. A pipeline that cuts through the bird rich Suisun Marsh ruptured on April 27, 2004, IBRRC has cared for more than 150 spe- spilling an estimated 60,000 gallons of diesel fuel, forming the sheen seen here. The break cies of wild birds, mammals, reptiles and was 20 miles due north of our meeting place at Heather Farms. U.S. Coast Guard Photo. amphibians, including endangered spe- cies, in over 150 oil spills in 11 states and tion program caring for over 1,600 birds. blooming) but two steps back with sud- nine different countries. With an oil spill Jay has served on the Board of Direc- den temperature drops in bone chilling response team of 30 wildlife experts and tors for the National Wildlife dark days. Diana Granados of Native Bird partnerships with other rescue and gov- Rehabilitators Association and the Inter- Connections will briefly discuss some of ernment organizations, IBRRC has played national Wildlife Rehabilitation Coun- the adaptations birds have when a lead role in the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil cil, an association of wildlife hunkering down by the fire or pulling out spill in Alaska, the 2000 Treasure oil spill rehabilitators and centers. In 1996 he an umbrella are not options. in Cape Town, South Africa and the 2002– was awarded the NWRA Lifetime 2003 Prestige oil spill in Spain. Achievement Award, the highest award Meeting Schedule given in the field of wildlife rehabilita- The next MDAS general meeting will be Jay Holcomb, Executive Director, joined tion, recognizing his pioneering efforts Thursday, February 3, in the Camellia the IBRRC in 1986 and will share with and dedication to wildlife conservation. Room of The Gardens at Heather Farm, us his nearly 30 years of experience in 1540 Marchbanks Dr., Walnut Creek (see animal rehabilitation. He began his ca- Flight Plans map on page 7). reer at the Marin Humane Society, help- We get snowed in, rained out, blown 6:30 PM Doors open ing to found the wildlife rehabilitation away, frozen stiff, and socked in. Frankly 7:00 PM Birding Information program at the Marin Wildlife Center. weather has the ability to put many a During the Exxon Valdez Spill, Jay pio- crimp in our plans. So how do the birds 7:25 PM Announcements and business neered the search and rescue program plan around and survive this transition 7:40 PM Social time, refreshments*, in Prince William Sound, the largest of time as winter plays tug of war with door prize its kind ever attempted. In addition, Jay spring? We are taking a step forward as 8:05 PM Program themanaged Quail the entire 6-month rehabilita- the days get longer—1— (my miniature rose is * Please remember to bringFebruary a cup. 2005 Can You Help Nora Bain Wins Welcome MDAS Raise Funds? Mott Award As a member of Mount Diablo Audu- This year’s recipient of the William Penn New Members bon Society, you share a commitment to Mott, Jr. Environmental Award is edu- Dyann Blaine Walnut Creek preserve wildlife habitat, to promote cator and bird enthusiast Nora Bain. A Dan Bylin Walnut Creek environmental knowledge especially long-time member of Mount Diablo Carol Cantor Oakland focusing on our youth, and to enhance Audubon Society, Bain is being recog- Louise Cracknell San Ramon public appreciation of the natural world nized for her outstanding use of our Steve Huckabone Livermore with an emphasis on birds. These are the community’s unique ecological assets. Greta Kemp Danville stated goals of our organization. The William Penn Mott, Jr. Awards pro- Ruth and Ed Kenney Alamo Are you someone who has experience gram of the National Society for Park Donna Kimura Concord in fund-raising? Would you be willing Resources officially recognizes out- Laura Look Pinole to volunteer your talents to assist with standing accomplishments in the field Margaret O’Connell Walnut Creek our current fund-raising campaigns and of recreation and parks. Marian Porter San Ramon Josephine Rankin Antioch to work on some new endeavors? To Nora Bain will receive the commenda- Gerry and Nancy Salsig Martinez continue to move forward with our pro- tion at an Awards Dinner hosted by the Kathleen Wacker Martinez grams of conservation and advocacy, Orinda Association on Sunday, January Janet Weil Concord MDAS will require funds that are not 30 at the Orinda Country Club. This Peter and Dolores White Martinez presently flowing in. event will also honor the Educational President Mike Williams would be ea- Foundation of Orinda, named Orinda ger to talk to you about specific needs. Volunteer of the Year for 2004, for their knowledge with others by conducting Please call him at 925-798-0303. service to the schools and students for bird watching classes through the 25 years. Please call (925) 254-0800 for Mount Diablo Audubon is also looking Orinda Community Center. She was also tickets to this event, which are $65. for individuals to join our cadre of enthu- a docent at Audubon Canyon Ranch in siastic volunteers who are the workers A native of England, Nora Bain taught Marin County, and did shorebird cen- behind the scenes, making our conserva- early childhood education there and also sus work at the Ranch. Nora has also tion programs work. There’s a place for in San Francisco before moving to been a frequent field trip leader for you, according to your interests. Are you Orinda in 1956. For many years, Nora Mount Diablo Audubon. She is cer- a field trip leader? Can you help with shared her extensive environmental tainly qualified for this accolade. placing Audubon Adventures in the schools? Please talk to Volunteer Coor- dinator Shirley Ellis at 925-938-3703. the State, but are of uncertain natural Bird Check List occurrence. MDAS has published a new check list Steve Glover, a member of the CBRC, Discover the Delta of Birds of Northern California to up- The Delta Science Center is sponsoring has generously donated his time to date the version last revised in 1998. present a selection of Northern Califor- a two-hour cruise on the Delta on Sat- There have been a number of changes urday, February 19, 10 AM to 12 noon. nia birds, omitting any species that has over the years, and this new list incor- fewer than 10 records in the area. There The cruise will give passengers a closer porates changes in taxonomy and no- view of this water wonderland, its his- are 461 listings, compared to 423 on the menclature as published by the Ameri- 1998 publication. tory, and wildlife. The cost of the cruise can Ornithological Union (AOU) in the on the 60-passenger research vessel July, 2004 issue of The Auk. Those familiar with finding Loons and Brownlee is $35 per person. Space is lim- Grebes at the top of the taxonomy hier- ited. To reserve your space, call Joel The A.O.U. Check-list of North American archy will be surprised to find that these Summerhill at (925) 753-0862 by Febru- Birds is the official source on the tax- two families have been demoted, and ary 14, 2005. onomy of birds found in North and Anseriformes—Geese, Swans, and Middle America, including adjacent is- Ducks—have come to the fore. The Brownlee will depart from the lands. It lists 2038 species. Western Field Antioch Marina at Humphrey’s Restau- Ornithologists’ California Bird Records Another notable change is the addition rant (One Marina Plaza). You may en- Committee (CBRC) has delimited these of Cackling Goose, as noted in the Sep- joy having lunch at Humphrey’s after species to generate a California Bird List tember issue of The Quail. Some famil- the cruise. of the 624 species found in the State, ten iar names have changed: Rock Dove is The Delta Science Center has been a of which are non-native species, and now Rock Pigeon; Common Snipe is project of the Mount Diablo Audubon two of which have been extirpated now Wilson’s Snipe. Society for many years. Phase 1 of con- within historical times (Sharp-tailed The new lists are designed for use in the struction is finally underway near Big Grouse, California Condor). An addi- field, and they will be available for sale at Break Marina in Oakley. tional six species have been recorded in MDAS meetings for twenty-five cents. the Quail —2— February 2005 NEWS FROM Observations By Steve Glover Two male and one female Redhead were A Tropical Kingbird in residential Wal- WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED at Clifton Court Forebay near Byron on nut Creek on 12/21 was just the second 12/10 (DW). At least 6 were there on for the county; the first was also in win- 12/11 (SG, FO). A female Red-breasted ter (CO). Merganser at Clifton Court Forebay on A Yellow-billed Magpie well west of 12/11 was at a site where they are regu- usual haunts near Bay Point on 12/18 lar in winter (SG). was the first ever found on the Christ- An adult Bald Eagle over Jewel Lake on mas Bird Count (KF, JS). 12/21 was a rare sighting for Tilden Park Two Barn Swallows near Bay Point on (BB), though they are regular in winter 12/18 were the first ever found on the BIRDSEED SALE at San Pablo Reservoir just to the east. Christmas Bird Count (KF, JS). Winter All 20 lb. to 25 lb. bags An Osprey was at Marsh Creek Reser- records of Barn Swallow have accumu- SUET SALE voir near Brentwood on 12/11 (SG, FO, lated rapidly in Northern California in JE, DL). A Peregrine Falcon was at Hol- Buy 4 — Get 1 FREE recent years. (Sale February 2–21, 2005) land Tract near Knightsen on 12/22 (SG, JC, JT), a rarity for east county. A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was at the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Dam on 12/22 (JA). Activities at Wild Birds Unlimited Clapper Rails continued at Meeker • February 5, 10:30–3:00. Native Bird Slough, north of Point Isabel, the only A Townsend’s Solitaire in residential Connections will present on-going publically accessible spot in the county Moraga 12/5–12 may have marked the programs with a Peregrine and a Prairie for that beleaguered species. Two were return of last year’s bird, but in any event Falcon. there on 12/10 (GP) and again on 12/11 was not seen again (NW). Solitaires are • The Great Backyard Bird Count is (LS). sporadic winter visitors in the county, Friday–Monday, Feb. 18-21. Wild Birds with most records emanating from Unlimited and National Audubon Society Mount Diablo. are major sponsors of this event. You Two male Black-throated Gray War- count birds in your backyard and report blers were in residential Brentwood on the results online or bring them to WBU. 12/11 (SG, FO, JE, DL). It’s a great web site to investigate at www.birdsource.org/gbbc. A female Western Tanager at Markham It’s fascinating to watch the maps Park in Concord on 12/18 was a first for explode with bird reportings. the Christmas Bird Count but the third Bird feeding tips: time in four years one has been present • This has been the fall and winter of the at this park (FO, SG). Pine Siskins. It has been 9–10 years since A Green-tailed Towhee in Orinda was Lutescent Warbler we have seen them in such large num- found during the Oakland Christmas Bird Vermivora celata lutescens bers. Flocks of 50–100 are being seen in Count on 12/19, providing a very rare Martinez, Lafayette, and Moraga. They Birds of Golden Gate Park winter record for the county (SO). A Chip- often travel with goldfinches. Both spe- Joseph Mailliard ping Sparrow, rare in winter, was in resi- cies love thistle (niger) seed and readily 1930 dential Brentwood on 12/11 (SG). come to bird feeders. A female Rose-breasted Grosbeak was • Suet feeding is a great way to attract birds to your backyard. Suet is rendered A notably large flock of 200 Long-billed reported from an Orinda feeder on (cleaned) beef fat to which various ingre- Curlews was along Lindeman Road near 12/11, but was not seen thereafter (JR). dients are added such as nuts, peanut Clifton Court Forebay on 12/13 (DC). There are very few winter records for the county. butter, insects, or fruit. These additions Caspian Terns are summer residents in make suet very attractive to birds, espe- Contra Costa County and have never A total of 20 Great-tailed Grackles at cially in cold and wet weather. It is then been recorded in winter, until this year. McNabney Marsh near Martinez on formed into easy-to-handle cakes. On 12/10 a single Caspian was at Hol- 12/12 was the largest number yet re- • Birds readily attracted to suet include land Tract east of Knightsen (DW) and corded in Contra Costa County (PK). woodpeckers, jays, chickadees, titmice, on 12/22 there were two birds present and nuthatches. Jeff Alvarez, Josiah Clark, David (JT, SG, JC). Except for a small winter- Coursey, Jimm Edgar, Kent Fickett, Steve Mike & Cecil Williams ing population around Humboldt Bay, Glover, Patrick King, Don Lewis, Sean Wild Birds Unlimited Caspians are very rare in winter in O’Brien, Chet Ogan, Frances Oliver, 692 Contra Costa Blvd. Northern California. Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Gary Palmer, Jim Roethe, Leonard 925-798-0303 A Lewis’s Woodpecker was at Los Va- Schwab, Joel Summerhill, Jim Tietz, Nat Visit us at www.wbupleasanthill.com queros Reservoir on 12/22 (DW). Weber, David Wimpfheimer the Quail —3— February 2005 Field Trip Schedule By Elizabeth Dickey Backyard Bird Count February March The 2005 Great Backyard Bird Count is 3 Thursday Grizzly Island 3 Thursday Walnut Creek City Parks to encourage you to go out into America’s 5 Saturday Bodega Bay 5 Saturday Bolinas-Five Brooks Great Backyard—our public lands—and 9 Wednesday Concord City Parks 10 Thursday Berkeley Shoreline count birds. During the weekend of Feb- 17 Thursday Sunol 16 Wednesday San Leandro Reservoir ruary 18–21, take your family to a Na- 19 Saturday Morgan Territory 19 Saturday tional Park, National Wildlife Refuge or 23 Wednesday Point Pinole Black Diamond Regional Park other public space with a bird checklist, 24 Thursday Huckleberry Preserve and count the birds you see. Then return 30 Wednesday Lagunitas-Bon Tempe to your computer and enter the birds For the full list of field trips through Summer 2005, see the October Quail. you’ve seen through the Internet. Your sightings will be added to those of others Field trips are open to members and non-members, beginners and masters. Weather to present a full picture of our bird life. or other contingencies may require changes. For updates, read the Quail, visit the MDAS website at www.diabloaudubon.com/index/php, or call the Audubon taped This is the eighth year of the popular recording at (925) 283-8266. Trip directions and meeting times will be published in event, developed and managed by the the Quail. Customary carpool expense is 37½ cents per mile, plus tolls and entry Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Na- fees, shared among driver and riders. Category 1: Easy, little or no walking, smooth tional Audubon Society, with sponsorship paths; Category 2: Moderate, one mile or more, possibly rough terrain; Category from Wild Birds Unlimited. People are 3: Difficult, extensive walking on rough terrain. encouraged to enjoy the birds around them by going out into the “Great Back- yard” during any or all of the count days February Field Trips and keeping track of the highest numbers Thursday, February 3, Grizzly Island. Bring lunch if desired. Leader: Lynn of each bird species they see. For infor- Carpool leaves at 7 AM from southwest Lakso. 932-6367, evenings. Category 1. mation, or to report sightings, go to www.birdsource.org/gbbc. Those who corner of Sun Valley parking lot. Meet Thursday, February 17. Sunol Regional would like to participate but who aren’t at 8:15 AM at Refuge headquarters. Take Park. Carpool leaves at 8 AM from online can try their local library. Wild I-680 north, then I-80 east to SR12. Fol- LaGonda Way in Danville. From I-680 Birds Unlimited will accept observations low SR12 through Fairfield; watch for southbound, exit on El Pintado, turn and relay them to Cornell Lab. There’s no sign to Grizzly Island Refuge on right right, and right again onto LaGonda. fee or registration. and follow road to headquarters. Entry From I-680 northbound, exit at El Cerro fee for refuge. Watch for raptors and Blvd., Danville, turn left, then right on During last February’s Great Backyard Short-eared Owls along road; this is an LaGonda, and drive about ¼ mile north Bird Count, bird enthusiasts across outstanding area for raptors. Leader: to El Pintado. Or meet at 8:15 AM in the North America submitted almost 50,000 Maury Stern, 284-5980. Category 1 parking lot, Sunol Park. Go south on checklists totaling 573 species, more Saturday, February 5, Bodega Bay. Car- I-680 to Calaveras Rd. Go left under than four million birds. Scientists can pool leaves at 7:30 AM from Acalanes I-680 and drive 4 miles south on learn a lot by knowing where the birds Ave. off Pleasant Hill Rd. north of High- Calaveras Rd.; turn left on Geary Rd. and are. Now that winter has gripped much way 24. Meet at 9:15 AM at the Tides go 2 miles to park. Watch and listen for of the continent, what are our birds do- Restaurant in Bodega Bay. Alternate Wild Turkey along Geary Rd. Golden ing? Everyone’s contribution is impor- route to San Rafael Bridge: take Camino Eagles and other raptors, Rufous- tant. It doesn’t matter whether you iden- Pablo to El Sobrante, go 1½ miles east crowned Sparrow, Dipper, and Canyon tify, count, and report the 5 species com- on I-80 to Richmond Parkway exit; turn and Rock Wrens possible. Leader: ing to your backyard feeder or the 75 left and go straight through stoplight. Hugh Harvey, 932-4715. Category 3. species you see during a day’s outing to a wildlife refuge. Cross the San Rafael Bridge. Go north Saturday, February 19. Morgan Terri- on US101 to Washington St. exit in tory. Check the website for details. Petaluma. Go west on Bodega Hwy. to This species comes in SR 1, turn right to Bodega Bay. The Tides Wednesday, February 23. Point Pinole two different color forms is on left, opposite a Union ‘76 station. Regional Park. Carpool leaves at determined by genetic Shorebirds, rails, waterbirds, migrants. 7:15 AM from Acalanes Ave., off Pleas- Q differences. Oddly, indi- Call Pat MacEachern, 934-3041, for in- ant Hill Rd., just north of Hwy. 24. Meet viduals almost always formation. at parking lot at the entrance from Rich- mate with a bird of the opposite morph. mond Parkway. Going south on I-80 Almost all these birds breed in south- Wednesday, February 9. City Parks. take Richmond Parkway exit. Going ern Canada, returning to the same nest Meet at Howe-Homestead Park on Wal- north on I-580/80, take Cutting Blvd. to area each year. Some birds regularly nut Blvd. in Walnut Creek. We will ex- Richmond Parkway. Bay shore and winter along the Pacific Coast, and are plore several Walnut Creek and Con- marsh areas. Check the website for de- a rare and welcome visitor to back yards cord parks for birding possibilities. tails. Category 1. here. Answer on Page 6 the Quail —4— February 2005 Moore Foundation Grant Helps Park District Double Size of Vasco Caves Regional Preserve By Nancy Wenninger chines in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area—which includes the Souza property—continue to have a significant unmitigated impact on raptors and other wildlife. The spe- cies most heavily impacted are rap- tors, primarily Golden Eagles, Red- tailed Hawks, Burrowing Owls and American Kestrels. Three separate wind companies cur- rently have leases for approximately 70 turbines on the Souza property. For the remainder of the leases, EBRPD will work proactively with the California Energy Commission, wind companies and environmental groups to seek solutions to mitigate wildlife impacts. EBRPD will have the opportunity to renegotiate the leases when they expire in 2014, and new terms could include removal or relocation of some or all of the tur- bines. In the interim, however, they Photo: Glenn Young will produce revenue which will be used by EBRPD for the restoration On December 14, 2004, the East Bay Re- Generations of the Souza family have and management of the property. gional Park District Board of Directors owned and ranched the property and The total purchase price for the Souza unanimously approved the purchase surrounding lands along Vasco Road property was $2,961,600. The acquisi- and permanent protection of 617 acres since 1940. The rolling grasslands and tion was made possible in part by a $1.5 of important wildlife habitat in south- localized wetlands support special sta- million grant from the Gordon and eastern Contra Costa County. tus species like California tiger sala- Betty Moore Foundation, established in This region has one of the fastest growth mander, California red-legged frog and September 2000 by Intel co-founder rates in California. During the past ten longhorn fairy shrimp. In the 1970s, the Gordon Moore and his wife Betty. The years, the nearby City of Brentwood has California Department of Fish and Moore Foundation funds projects it be- experienced a 260% increase in popula- Game designated the acquisition site an lieves will measurably improve the tion with a 40% increase in housing units. area of “statewide biological signifi- quality of life for future generations and The expansions of Vasco Road, Byron cance,” due to its unique combination support their principal areas of concern: Airport, and the Los Vaqueros Reservoir of rare plant and animal species, cultural environmental conservation, science, also threaten the wide variety of wildlife resources and geological features, in- higher education and the San Francisco and high-quality habitat which need to cluding rock outcrops and vernal pools. Bay Area. The property also contains a large popu- be protected from urban encroachment “By acquiring the Souza property, the lation of California ground squirrel, a and habitat fragmentation. East Bay Regional Parks District will be keystone species whose success sup- “This acquisition is a critical link in a 30- establishing permanent protection for a ports a number of other species, includ- mile-long regional wildlife corridor,” region that has been designated as a high ing the Golden Eagle, Burrowing Owl said EBRPD General Manager Pat priority in the East Contra Costa Habi- and San Joaquin kit fox. O’Brien. “Now, more than ever, it is im- tat Conservation Plan,” explained Mar- portant to preserve the remaining cul- Wind and open grasslands benefit the guerite Bachand, Senior Program tural and natural resources of the area. high concentration of raptors which for- Officer in the Bay Area program. “We The people who live here deserve the age on the Souza property. The abun- are pleased to support EBRPD in their quality of life provided by open space dance of wind, however, has also resulted work to protect and manage 617 acres of and recreation opportunities which in a conflict between these legally pro- critical wildlife habitat in a corridor that could quickly disappear with future tected birds and wind turbines, an impor- stretches from the Altamont Pass to development.” tant source of “clean” energy. The ma- Mount Diablo.” the Quail —5— February 2005 Field Trip Reports Casino at Arrowhead Marsh? December 1, Hidden Lakes Golden Gate Audubon Society is protest- The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs must Two members enjoyed a beautiful, clear, ing plans for a 35-acre casino on land di- approve the proposed casino. If you are frosty morning walk along the chain of rectly adjacent to Arrowhead Marsh near not a resident of Oakland but have an ponds at Hidden Lakes. The first sight- the Oakland airport. Arrowhead Marsh opinion about the impacts of the casino, ing was of a large flock of Cedar Wax- includes a successfully restored, 72-acre you can send letters to Senator Don wings in the parking lot. Most of our wetlands and is part of the Martin Luther Perata and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. common oak woodland birds were King, Jr. Regional Shoreline Park. Here are some points to make: present though waterfowl were repre- Many species of birds, including the en- • Increased traffic and potential noise sented only by several Mallards and a dangered Clapper Rail and the Brown Pied-billed Grebe. The most interesting will significantly impact your enjoy- Pelican, could be harmed if the Lower ment of the park. sightings were of a Lark Sparrow and a Lake Rancheria-Koi Nation gets ap- Red-breasted Sapsucker. A total of 31 proval to build the 24-hour casino at the • Increased lighting will negatively species were seen. Lynn Lakso corner of Swan Way and Doolittle Drive. impact nesting birds, particularly the December 4–5, Sacramento Refuges. Six The 54-member tribe from Sonoma endangered California Clapper Rail. birders enjoyed two beautiful but chilly County plans to have 2,000 slot ma- • The casino will generate waste that days of birding at the Central Valley wild- chines, a high-rise hotel, and a large will attract rats and other predators that life refuges. The group began with an paved parking lot. will threaten the Clapper Rail, Ameri- early morning walk at the Sacramento Although Mayor Jerry Brown supports can Avocets, Black-necked Stilts and River NWR and continued with driving the project because it will generate $11 other waterbird species at the wetlands. tours of the area. We shared a pleasant million in revenue and create 4,400 jobs, • Traffic impacts will harm the entire dinner that evening in Yuba City and com- on January 11 the Oakland City Coun- East Bay as I-880 comes to a standstill. pleted the weekend trip with a visit to cil voted 5-0 against it. The city of Send your letters to: Grey Lodge on Sunday. Alameda opposes the project, and the We saw 88 species, including blue Alameda County Board of Supervisors Senator Don Perata, State Capitol, Sac- morphs of both the Ross and Snow voted unanimously against the casino , ramento, CA 95814. Geese, 13 duck species, Tundra Swan, saying it would harm public health and Email: [email protected] an American Bittern, and White-faced safety. East Bay Regional Park District Clay Gregory, Regional Dirctor, Pacific Ibis. We had long looks at three Soras also opposes the casino because of con- Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Af- sunning themselves. The sight and cerns about the casino’s impact on the fairs, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA sounds of hundreds of thousands of shoreline park. 95825 ducks and geese created an unforget- table spectacle. Joel Summerhill White-throated Sparrow December 11, Palo Alto Baylands. Four Zonotrichia albicollis bird watchers enjoyed a beautiful day and a saw at least 50 species, Clark’s, Western, The handsome White-throated Eared and Pied-billed Grebes, Green- Sparrow stands out from the White- winged and Cinnamon Teal, Northern crowned and Golden-crowned Shovelers, Northern Pintails, Gadwall, Sparrows it flocks with, with its yel- Canvasback, American Wigeon, Com- low tufts in front of the eyes and its mon Goldeneye, plus many shorebirds. clean white throat. The crown and Highlights of the day were two Peregrine superciliary stripes may be white or Falcons that circled low over the parking tan; the breast plain gray or more lot just as we arrived; and later a Short- brownish and lightly streaked, re- eared Owl flew across the headlands, spectively, denoting the white or tan in New Brunswick when everybody trav- briefly skirmishing with a White-tailed morphs of this species. eled on little steamboats, old Captain Sam Kite. There were many Song Sparrows, In Northern California, this species is Peabody used to bring up passengers, and at least ten Common Yellowthroats rare, but a few are always reported on freight, and the news, stopping with a in the meadow grass. Pat MacEachern the Christmas Bird Counts from blast of his whistle at every farmer’s January 8, Putah Creek. In a break be- Monterey northward. Only one indi- wharf. White-throated Sparrows re- tween storms, 7 intrepid birders enjoyed vidual of this species was reported on turned north to their breeding grounds a mild, sunny day with only two short this year’s Christmas Bird Count in the about the same time as the ice broke and periods of rain. Birds were everywhere, Central Contra Costa circle. the Captain’s boat chuffed up the river for 73 species in all! Highlights included Once known as Canada Sparrow, in New the first trip of the season, and the people Brown Creepers, Hooded Mergansers, England they are familiarly called said the sparrow whistled: Old Sam Osprey (carying fish), and several Peabody Birds. There is a legend that in Peabody, Peabody, Peabody. That is how Phainopeplas. Fred Safier the early days along the Saint John River the Peabody Bird got its name. the Quail —6— February 2005 By Jimm Edgar the Quail Christmas Bird Count is published 10 times a year by the The 105th Audubon Christmas count is expected, but in the same year!? Steve Mount Diablo Audubon Society history and the two Contra Costa county Glover found a single Western Tanager • a nonprofit organization dedicated to habitat counts are as well. On Saturday, Decem- at Markham Park in Concord that was a conservation and environmental education • ber 18, 48 members and guests were out first for our count. P.O. Box 53 • Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053 from dawn to dusk counting the birds The east Contra Costa count was on (925) AUD-UBON • (925) 283-8266 in central Contra Costa. The weather Wednesday, December 22. On Monday, Mount Diablo Audubon Society general was quite cooperative, with fog in the the 20th, it poured rain all day and we meetings are on the first Thursday of every morning but fairly clear skis in the af- were expecting the worst, but the 22nd month except July and August in the Camel- ternoon. was clear and no fog. This, plus 36 par- lia Room of the Garden Center at Heather We once again surpassed the magic 150 ticipants, produced our highest species Farms, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Board of Directors meets at 7 PM on species threshold with 154 species. Only count in the five years we have done this the second Thursday of every month in the about 70 counts in count, 146 species. conference room of Wild Birds Unlimited, 692 the USA out of 1600 Central Contra Costa The boat on Los Va- Contra Costa Boulevard, Pleasant Hill. All see over 150 species. 154 species queros reservoir members are welcome and encouraged to at- Weather, good lead- found a Bald Eagle tend. ers, some great finds East Contra Costa again as well as two Questions about membership or mailing ad- and the fact that we 146 species Osprey and a Com- dresses? Call Ann McGregor, Membership Chair, were able to put a mon Loon. A single at (925) 968-1677. MDAS membership includes boat out into the delta where our circle Lewis’s Woodpecker was on the east 10 issues of the Quail. A 1-year family member- touches ever so briefly all helped to edge of Round Valley Regional Park, ship in MDAS is $25/year or $500 for lifetime reach this total. The boat group found a which we have only seen on one count. membership (payable in two $250 annual pay- small raft of Surf Scoters; a duck we have The large dike areas on the east edge of ments). National Audubon Society membership includes the Audubon magazine. Introductory 1- not seen in many years on the count. our circle produce large flocks of geese, year membership is $20 or $30 for 2 years; mem- They also saw a Common Loon, a bird swans, cranes and ducks, species we bership renewal is $35/year. To join MDAS or only seen on 3 of the last 23 bird counts. rarely see on the central county count NAS, send a check payable to MDAS to Ann Two Redheads at the Bollman water only 10–15 miles west. Also in the east McGregor, Membership Chair, 400 Oneida Ct., treatment plant in Concord were also county we get all of the buteo’s; Ferrugi- Danville, 94526. SEND ADDRESS CHANGES birds only seen on 3 of the last 23 counts. nous, Rough-legged, and Red-shoul- for both NAS and MDAS to P.O. Box 53, Wal- Two Blue-gray Gnatcatchers found at dered Hawks, as well as all falcons. We nut Creek, CA 94597-0053. Please send exhange separate locations on Mount Diablo added a new species, Caspian Tern, bulletins for MDAS to the editor, 215 Calle La were very good birds for our count. A which had been in the area of Clifton Mesa, Moraga, CA 94556. high of five Wood Ducks was encour- Court forebay for about a week. MDAS Board of Directors aging as was 27 Hooded Mergansers. From Maury Stern, co-compiler, and President: Mike Williams, 376-1631 Three new birds for the count added Vice President: Joe Frank, 674-1219 myself a big thank you to all counters, Treasurer: Patrick King, 510-642-6522 some excitement at the countdown din- feeder watchers and the hospitality folks ner. Two Barn Swallows and a single Board Secretary: Mike Tischler, 689-5552 who arranged the dinners. Sales Manager: Barbara Vaughn, 376-8732 Yellow-billed Magpie have long been Programs: Alice Holmes, 938-1581 Field Trips: Elizabeth Dickey, 254-0486 Membership: Ann McGregor, 968-1677 Volunteer Coordinator and Publicity: Shirley Ellis, 938-3703 Hospitality: Gerry Argenal Education: Cecil Williams, 376-1631 Access: Beverly Hawley, 947-0479 Driving directions: From Walnut Chapter Development: Creek, take Ygnacio Valley Road to Joel Summerhill, 753-0862 signal at Marchbanks Drive. Go left Hands-On Conservation: and follow Marchbanks to the Garden Nancy Wenninger, 938-7987 Center opposite the Greenery Christmas Count: Restaurant. Turn left into parking lot. Jimm Edgar, (510) 658-2330 From Highway 680 south, take Treat Member-at-Large: Jean Richmond Blvd. to Bancroft. Go right to Ygnacio Valley Road, turn right and go one block past signal at N. San Carlos Dr. Quail Editor: Ellis Myers, 284-4103 (Heather Farm entrance). At 215 Calle La Mesa Marchbanks Drive turn right. The Moraga, CA 94556-1603 Garden Center is located on the right [email protected] in the second block. Deadline for the March issue is February 8. the Quail —7— February 2005 Mount Diablo Audubon Society Non-Profit Org. P.O. Box 53 U.S. Postage Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053 PAID TIME VALUE MAIL Permit No. 66 Concord, CA

Common Loon, Moss Landing

Moonglow Dairy is off Dolan Road, a In Moss Landing itself, you can find an- little more than one mile from tique stores and popular restaurants. Quickies Highway 1 at the Moss Landing power And in the harbor or along the channel Weekend birding in California plant. See Don Roberson’s site at http:// by the south jetty, three species of loons montereybay.com/creagrus/ (plus an occasional Yellow-billed Loon) Moss Landing and Elkhorn Slough moonglow.html for a complete descrip- may be found, as well as sea ducks, Moss Landing and Elkhorn Slough are tion of this fine birding spot, including grebes and terns. Outside the jetties are well worth a weekend trip for beginning photos. Common Murres, and in late summer, birders. Avid birders certainly know this Elkhorn Slough Estuarine Research Re- Pigeon Guillemots. area well, and they also know that the serve is three miles north of Dolan Road The Elkhorn Slough surroundings are Moonglow Dairy is a absolute require- on Elkhorn Road. A visitor’s center is the listed as one of the Important Bird Ar- ment on your itinerary. There is a fore- start of many miles of hiking trails, eas of California. This is a critical site most caveat for those who visit this pri- which lead in various directions through for shorebirds along the Pacific Flyway, vately owned birding hotspot. And that a variety of habitats. It’s a great place for as it supports a number of species of is to remember that birders’ access de- spring wildflowers, including a special concern, such as Snowy Plover, Long- pends on common sense and birding coastal variety of the California Poppy. billed Curlew, and American Bittern. ethics. Park only along the edge of the Grasslands are patrolled by White-tailed Off Highway 1 just north of the channel eucalyptus grove, and do not interfere Kites and Red-shouldered Hawks; is Moss Landing Wildlife Area. From in any way with dairying operations. Ospreys, Peregrine Falcons and Merlins one of two parking lots a short trail leads Stay away from residences and from are also possible. Look for Barn Owls in to a viewing platform; from the other, a cattle pens and feed troughs. the barn (naturally!). There are oak longer trail goes along the edge of the Walk along the levee that goes below the woodlands for such as Oak Titmice, slough. feed lots and heads up along Elkhorn Nuttall’s Woodpeckers and Hutton’s Slough away from the ocean. More than Vireos. Farther down the trails you will Moss Landing State Beach and Salinas 240 species have been observed from the come to the tidal sloughs where waders River State Beach are nearby and are dairy, including such birds as White- and Cormorants will be seen. You may popular with birders. Kayak rentals and winged Tern, Little Stint, Bar-tailed God- also come across a Coast Starlight, or at naturalist-led boat trips are available in wit,the Ruff,Quail and Bobolink. least its tracks. —8— Moss Landing. February 2005