Madrone Takes on West County

VOLUME 48 February/March 2016 Number 4 Madrone Takes on West County Remarkable Documentary 49th Christmas Bird Count Tentative Results about Songbirds by Jeff Holtzman The Messenger I T W A S A C R I S P T W E N T Y – N I N E increasing numbers for Eurasian Col- One Night Only! D E G R E ES when the first coun- lared Doves continued with 248 count- ters arrived at the appropriately named ed versus Mourning Doves at 117 and Madrone Audubon and friends will Freezeout Canyon territory for Madrone Band-tailed Pigeon at 601. Warblers be hosting a screening of the critically Audubon’s 49th Annual Christmas Bird spotted include 266 Yellow-rumped acclaimed film The Messenger: Imagine Count. This year the chilling cold was Warbler (combined), 30 Townsend’s a World without Birdsong on Thursday a factor in all the count areas reducing Warbler, 3 Yellowthroat, 2 Hermit War- February 18th at the Summerfield the tentative species total to 175 down bler and a single Palm Warbler. Pygmy Cinemas in Santa Rosa at 6:30 pm. from last year’s 184, according to CBC Nuthatch at 67 topped the Nuthatches Continued on page 2 co-chair Stacy Li. “The birds were really Continued on page 2 hunkered down,” he said. It was the first time in the past 10 years the count num- GENERAL MEETING ber was less than 180. Also down this First United Methodist Church • 1551 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa year was the tentative individual bird count at 36,928, a few thousand less Monday, February 15, 2016 • 7:00 PM Monday, March 21, 2016 • 7:00 PM than last year. “Owl Battlegrounds: “Birds of Cuba” Barred v. Spotted Owls” Alvaro Jaramillo will A quick review of the tentative tally Over the last 50 to introduce us to the showed the largest individual numbers birds and other wildlife 100 years, the eastern of Cuba. He co-led a for American Robin at 3,987 followed Barred Owl has made by Surf Scoters at 3,015 and Marbled trip in 2015 organized its way to the western Northern Spotted Owl by the Caribbean Cuban Tody Godwits at 2,265. Notable no shows for United States. Presum- Conservation Trust to this nearby, but previ- this year’s count include Green Heron, ably helped by human landscape alteration, ously difficult-to-access country. Some of the Pygmy Owl, Loggerhead Shrike and the species now inhabits all of the range of highlighted species from the trip were the Bee the endangered Northern Spotted Owl. In Lark Sparrow. Hummingbird, Zapata Wren, Blue-headed recent years, evidence is mounting to sug- Quail-Dove, Cuban Tody, Giant Kingbird, Other observations of interest include gest that Barred Owls have become a prima- Zapata Sparrow, Fernandina’s Flicker, Cu- two Bald Eagle, 7 Evening Grosbeak, ry threat to Spotted Owls—they are fierce ban Green Woodpecker, and Cuban Trogon, competitors, aggressive territory holders, among many others. He hopes that “we are 150 Black Oystercatcher, 961 Brandt the vanguard of an eco-friendly tourism to and faster reproducers, and have even been and 818 Bufflehead. The trend of Cuba that would not only help in increasing anecdotally reported to kill Spotted Owls. the amount of foreign funds to their country, And they are spreading faster than ever. Jack but which is easier and less costly to develop, Dear Members – if you prefer to Dumbacher will discuss the natural history helps to support and maintain parks, local receive Leaves in PDF format, and conservation concerns for both species guides, local scientists and also helps to retain and the potential actions proposed by dif- just email your request to: the current beauty and simplicity of this gor- ferent management agencies. geous country”. [email protected] www.madroneaudubon.org/activities- guest-speakers.php MADRONE LEAVES

49TH CHRISTMAS COUNT THE MESSENGER ment. At last year’s required pre-season Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 meeting, Caltrans representatives advised the third and final construction season followed by Red-breasted at 30 and The Messenger chronicles the struggle would involve primarily ground-based White-breasted at 19. of songbirds worldwide to survive in activity and the new bridge construction turbulent conditions brought about by Although many participants comment- for the most part would be complete. ed on the particularly cold weather this humans and argues that their demise is year, CBC co-chair and Freezeout Can- akin to the disappearance of honeybees We learned in our December meeting, yon count chief Peter Leveque said it and the melting of the glaciers. This however, that Caltrans is now construct- was no big deal for his squad. “We’re beautiful movie aims at both the head ing a platform, using metal brackets and adaptive. With a name like our count and the heart, celebrating the amazing wood to be placed on those brackets territory, you’ve gotta be.” beauty and strength of our avian friends for a walking length – along the entire while also exploring the reasons behind length of the west side of the bridge – Look to future editions of the Leaves their dramatic disappearance worldwide. for additional construction activity re- for more information on the 49th An- lated to the new southbound lane and nual West Sonoma County Christ- a barrier rail on the bridge’s west side. mas Bird Count. For statistics on past This construction will include an area counts visit the Madrone Audubon over the Petaluma River that is a prime webpage at MadroneAudubon.org and nesting area for the Cliff Swallows each navigate to the National Audubon’s year. Gordon Beebe of Madrone Audu- CBC search feature. The code for our bon expressed concern about the brack- count is CAWS. ets supporting this platform as appealing Congratulations to all on this year’s Tree swallow photo courtesy of the film for swallow nest construction. count and for supporting the Audubon You won’t want to miss it! Go to www. Society’s most productive exercise in While Caltrans plans to scrape off nest tugg.com/events/81902 and reserve citizen science. starts and pressure wash to discourage your tickets now before they all sell out! nesting, we know, based on observations We hope to see you there. in 2015, that nest scraping practices of Madrone Audubon fields For more information about this the Caltrans contractor were brought over 137 Volunteers amazing documentary please visit into question both for frequency as for the 2016 CBC www.songbirdsos.com/. well as method, with an incongruence between biological reports and recom- Thanks go out to all the ••••• mendations and observed practices at volunteer count leaders and the bridge. Veronica Bowers of Native participants as well as to the Third Year of Settlement Songbird Care & Conservation recom- post-count dinner volunteers - Agreement/Cliff Swallows mended using flexible plastic sheeting Susan Kirks, Marguerite Li, or a green mesh flexible material to Claudia Norby, Linda Hammer & Petaluma River entirely cover this new platform, in- and Liz King and thanks to this Bridge 2016 cluding the brackets, thereby excluding nesting activity from the new construc- year’s dinner caterer, Barbara by Susan Kirks Hom of Night Owl Catering. tion. Those concerns are being carried Our special thanks, again, go to In December 2015, Plaintiff representa- forward into the 2016 construction Lee and Elaine Tucker for use of tives met with Caltrans representatives and nesting season. their boat and to all the prop- in Petaluma. The pre-construction and Caltrans’ reported plan for the now new- erty owners whose cooperation nesting season meeting is required in the ly-constructed platform is to remove the in gaining access to their lands Cliff Swallows Settlement Agreement. platform and supporting brackets which greatly enhances our ability to 2016 is the final year of construction on will have served its purpose sometime in provide an accurate count. the new Petaluma River Bridge. It is also late April. Plaintiffs the final year of our Settlement Agree- Continued on page 3 Page 2 MADRONE LEAVES

CLIFF SWALLOWS NOTE: Mid-April through August cies on up, or even a set amount. After Continued from page 2 is a good time to visit the Petaluma your team’s Big Day, your team leader River Bridge to observe the amaz- will contact you to accept your dona- provided input at the December meeting phenomenon of the migratory tion with thanks, along with a note ing that the scheduled removal would Cliff Swallow traveler, nesting after telling you about their day. likely coincide with the exact time large a 6000 mile journey from Argentina. numbers of cliff swallows will have ar- We highly recommend a visit. Let us Participating teams last year included rived and be constructing nests. Based know about your viewing experience, the Feather Questers (Diane Hich- on our past observations, there is a high including any concerns arising from wa); Roadrunners (Betty Groce and likelihood nests will be completed and your viewing experience. Vehicle park- Don McCarthy); Zonotripias (Bill occupied before the Caltrans contrac- ing is available on the east side of the Doyle, Helen Kochenderfer and Don tor can effectively scrape or pressure bridge on the shoulder-side of Petaluma Kirker); Grey-headed Seersuckers wash to remove nest starts. The abil- Boulevard; and on the west side of the (Ken Wilson, Becky Olsen, Ian Mor- ity to actually visualize nests in vari- bridge in the residential area just across rison, Ted Eliot); Burrowing Owlers ous stages underneath this platform the boulevard. Cross crosswalk and walk (Susan Kirks, Nathaniel Roberts, Lin- by Caltrans-contracted biologists and short distance on sidewalk up to west side da Hammer); March Madness (Gene the contractor was also met with serious of bridge; or other discovered safe park- Hunn and Ron Storey). doubt by Plaintiff representatives. Le- ing areas of your choice. Let us know gal counsel for Plaintiffs has submitted If you would like to form your own what you see, including any concerns. team with friends, it is not too late... correspondence to Caltrans which push Contact: [email protected] forward several requests and expressions please see the box below. This year the of concern. At this printing, we await sky is the limit! Caltrans’ response. •••••

BIRD-A-THON 2016 How to be 24 Hours for Fun part of and Profit Bird-A-Thon February & March 2016 Madrone’s Bird-A-Thon, better Cliff Swallow nests on Bridge known as B A T, is our biggest fun- For New Birding Teams: Christopher Chung, Press Democrat 5/18/15 draiser of the year with all money go- Contact BAT coordinator, Marcia ing strictly towards our educational Johnson at [email protected] We appreciate all members’ support and conservation projects – projects or 707-829-3808, and she will in this continuing challenging situ- like Junior Audubon, Audubon Ad- send you a sign-up sheet with ation as Madrone Audubon and our ventures, Lincoln School Bird Festival instructions. Start signing up your Co-Plaintiffs, Native Songbird Care & and the Christmas Bird Count. Last Sponsors. Conservation, Golden Gate Audubon, year, almost $10,000 was collected by Marin Audubon and Center for Biologi- YOU, the SPONSORS….the highest To be a Sponsor: cal Diversity, endeavor to ensure terms amount ever!!!! We’d like to beat that of the Settlement Agreement are met. in 2016. Please join us! If no one asks, you can sign up Completion of construction of the new to support or join a Team at the bridge is important. Equally important B A T is a team event where each team General Meeting on January 18th, is ensuring the Migratory Bird Treaty member contacts their friends, family, or contact Marcia. Act is upheld and nesting Cliff Swallows fellow workers, asking them to sup- at the Petaluma River Bridge are ad- port a day of counting bird species for equately protected with intelligent deci- money. Pledges can be whatever you sions implemented where needed. can give….from 5 cents per bird spe- Page 3 MADRONE LEAVES

Owl Battlegrounds: the final outcome? Will the owls interbreed As this drama unfolds over the next to become a new hybrid species? Will couple of decades, I encourage you to Barred v. Spotted Owls Barred Owls outcompete Spotted Owls get out and bird our forests at night. By Jack Dumbacher in the western states? Or will they achieve We are witnessing an epic battle be- equilibrium and continue to co-exist side tween these species, with a totally un- The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is the by side? No one knows the answer, but certain outcome. The very existence of eastern cousin to our western Spot- one goal of conservation biology is to cre- the Spotted Owl may be hanging in the ted Owl (Strix occidentalis). Like the ate a natural environment where species balance. Spotted Owl, the Barred Owl lives in can continue to evolve and do naturally forests, hunts at night, and feeds largely what species will do. Jack Dumbacher is the Curator of Orni- on small mammals. They differ in that thology and Mammology at Cal Academy the Barred Owl is more of a general- On the other hand, it is not clear that of Sciences will be our guest speaker at the ist opportunistic predator (feeding also this experiment is completely natural. February general meeting on crayfish, snakes, even small birds There is some hint that human-caused http://www.madroneaudubon.org/ and insects), has a broader habitat tol- habitat and climate change aided the erance, and is slightly larger and more Barred Owls in their westward disper- aggressive than the Spotted Owl. sal. Human changes to western forests may have tipped the hand of evolution In the last 100 years, Barred Owls have Are you a to favor Barred Owls in these now- gradually extended their range westward, National Audubon disturbed forests. And another goal of and around 1959, they began to formal- conservation is to preserve “biodiver- member? ly “invade” the Spotted Owl’s range in sity” that is often measured in numbers Please consider joining British Columbia. By the 1970s, Barred of species present. We would hate to Owls were documented in Washington our local chapter, lose a species like the Spotted Owl to and Oregon, by 1976 they were docu- Madrone Audubon. a common species that has become mented in northern California, and the “weedy.” And federal law mandates first Barred Owls were documented in (see membership form, that wildlife managers come up with Marin County in 2003. back page) a plan to preserve endangered species On the one hand, this is now one more – and the Northern Spotted Owl is good bird that you can reliably “tick” on federally listed under the Endangered your Bay Area bird list. On the other hand, Species Act. evidence is mounting that Barred Owls are having a significant detrimental effect on So biologists, wildlife managers, local Spotted Owls – they compete for food and conservation organizations, and oth- nesting sites, they are aggressive to Spotted ers are putting their heads together to Owls, they breed faster and disperse farther, figure out what is to be done – and they even interbreed with Spotted Owls even what CAN be done at this point. The discussion is a fascinating one, and have an unknown effect on each other’s ••••• genomes. and solutions range from doing nothing to launching an all-out campaign Board of Directors In 2011, the Revised Recovery Plan for the to eliminate Barred Owls from Spotted Northern Spotted Owl identified competi- Owl habitat. And let me remind you Position: Program Chair tion with the invading Barred Owl as one that it is impossible not to pick sides – We currently still have a few open of the most pressing threats to the Northern what humans have been doing for the board positions. One of them is the Spotted Owl. The easier it is to see a Barred last 100 years has already unwittingly Program Chair Owl, the harder it is to see a Spotted Owl. made certain choices or favored certain The Program Chair is in charge of find- outcomes. To “do nothing” is really to Again, on the one hand, this is a fascinating new speakers on a variety of top- consciously endorse the unconscious ing biological experiment. What will be ics for our general meetings. The chair decisions we have already made. Continued on page 7 Page 4 MADRONE LEAVES

All walks and membership meetings are open to the public. Bird walks are recreational and educational in purpose, and all levels of expertise are welcome. Bring field equipment and wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing for variable weather conditions. Please carpool whenever possible. Forecasted heavy rain cancels. There is no charge for activities unless otherwise specified, but some parks have day-use fees.

February 2016 calendar

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE exchanges information by Saturday, February 20 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM phone and email as soon as possible when an issue surfaces. Please LAKE SOLANO/PUTAH CREEK, Solano County. contact Diane Hichwa at 785-1922 or [email protected]. Bird Walk. On previous trips, we have seen Phaniopepla, both Goldeneye, Lewis’s Woodpecker, and many others here. Meet at Wednesday, February 3, 7:00 PM Lake Solano Park, 8685 Pleasants Valley Road, Winters, CA at BOARD MEETING. 9.30 AM. Take Calistoga Road (becomes Petrified Forest Road) Sonoma County Environmental Center, 55A Ridgway Avenue, to Highway 128. Turn right on Highway 128. Turn left on Deer Santa Rosa. For agenda information, contact Gordon Beebe at Park Road. Turn right on Silverado Trail N. Turn left on Sage [email protected]. Canyon Road/128. Follow Highway 128 until you reach County Road 86/Pleasants Valley road. Turn right. The park is immediately over the bridge to your left. There is a $5 day use fee at Lake Saturday, February 6 8:30 AM to Noon HUDEMAN SLOUGH BIRD WALK Solano Park. Bring lunch. Leader: Gordon Beebe, 583-3115. We will walk out on the levees surrounding the ponds to view waterbirds, hawks, and more. Meet at the Sonoma County Wa- West Coast Road Trips This Winter ter Agency property on the northern edge of the Napa-Sonoma Marshes. From the town of Sonoma, drive south on Highway WATERBIRD FESTIVAL 12/121. Turn south on Ramal Road and drive approximately 2.4 Richardson Bay Audubon Center, Tiburon; February 6 miles until you reach the entrance to Hudeman Slough. There is Celebrate scaups, scoters, cormorants at the sanctuary. a large hay barn on the right. Cross the train tracks and park in Naturalist-led bird walks, exclusive field trips and fun the lot in front of the barn. Leader: Gordon Beebe, 583-3115. bird-themed activities. www.richardsonbay.audubon.org/waterbird- Monday, February 15, 7:00 PM festival-2016 GENERAL MEETING. WINTER WINGS FESTIVAL First United Methodist Church, 1551 Montgomery Drive, Klamath, Oregon; February 11-14 Santa Rosa. Guest Speaker Jack Dumbacher, “Barred Owls When it comes to West Coast birding, the Klamath Basin vs. Spotted Owls.” is near legendary. Migrating waterfowl, raptors, a falconry display and casual hawk watch. A big emphasis on wildlife Wednesday, February 17 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM photography with keynote speakers including artist Ste- BODEGA BAY FIELD TRIP. phen Johnson and South African native and conservation- Bird Walk. Bodega Bay and Environs. To meet the group, ist, James Currie. winterwingsfest.org drive north on Highway 1 in the town of Bodega Bay. On the edge of town, turn left at East Shore Road (the Bodega Head SAN DIEGO BIRD FESTIVAL turnoff), then turn right at the stop sign, and continue 0.3 miles San Diego, California; March 3-6 to the unpaved parking lot on the right. The group will search “Sea, sage, and sand” is the motto for this 20-year-old fes- the harbor and adjacent seas and woodlands for birds, including tival. Explore various landscapes with the help of well-sea- Doran County Park. Weather permitting, the group will eat a soned guides—ranging from Hawk Alley, the Cuyamaca picnic lunch at the Westside County Park on the west side of Mountains, and even the U.S.-Mexico border. The adven- the harbor. A Sonoma County park permit or $7 entrance fee tures start at sunrise with a parrot-watching brunch and is required for both Westside and Doran County Parks. Leader: continue till dusk with trips to the San Diego Zoo and Tom McCuller, [email protected] or 707-546-1812. natural history museum. sandiegoaudubon.org

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March 2016 calendar

Wednesday, March 2, 7:00 PM Monday, March 21, 7:00 PM BOARD MEETING. Sonoma County Environmental Cen- GENERAL MEETING. First United Methodist Church, ter, 55A Ridgway Avenue, Santa Rosa. For agenda informa- 1551 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa. Guest Speaker Alvaro tion, contact Gordon Beebe at [email protected]. Jaramillo “Birds of Cuba.”

Saturday, March 5 8:30 AM to Noon Saturday, April 2 8:00 AM to Noon ELLIS CREEK WATER RECYCLING FACILITY. Bird CRANE CREEK REGIONAL PARK. Sonoma County. Walk. Ellis Creek always has an assortment of waterbirds and Bird Walk. Take Rohnert Park Expy east from 101, then turn marshland species, with frequent flyovers over hawks and fal- south onto Petaluma Hill Rd. Turn left (east) onto Roberts Rd. cons. From Highway 101 in Petaluma, go East on 116 (Lakev- At Lichau Rd, Roberts Rd turns into Pressley Rd. Continue on ille Highway), and right on Pine View Way, then left on Cy- Pressley Rd to the park entrance. We will meet in the parking press Drive. Go to the end of the road and through the gate. lot. There is a $7 entry fee if you do not have a park pass. More We will meet in the parking lot, near the bathroom. Leader: information about the park can be found via the parks link on Gordon Beebe, 583-3115. our website. Leader: Bill Doyle, 483-8773.

Wednesday, March 16 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM BODEGA BAY FIELD TRIP. Bird Walk. Bodega Bay and Environs. To meet the group, drive north on Highway 1 in the town of Bodega Bay. On the edge of town, turn left at East Shore Road (the Bodega Head turnoff), then turn right at the stop sign, and continue 0.3 miles to the unpaved parking lot on the right. The group will search the harbor and adjacent seas and woodlands for birds, including Doran County Park. Weather permitting, the group will eat a picnic lunch at the Westside County Park on the west side of the harbor. A So- noma County park permit or $7 entrance fee is required for both Westside and Doran County Parks. Leader: Tom Mc- Culler, [email protected] or 707-546-1812.

Saturday, March 19 8:30 AM to Noon LAS GALLINAS PONDS, Marin County. Bird Walk. The ponds and surrounding wetlands contain a great variety of birds, from ducks to hawks to rails, and even grackles. Meet at the Las Gallinas Storage Ponds parking lot. From Hwy 101 in Find us on Facebook for conservation northern San Rafael, take the Smith Ranch Road exit, go east alerts, birdwalk reminders, special to the McInnis Park entrance, turn left immediately after cross- announcements and more. ing the railroad tracks, and go to the lot at the end of the road. Leader: Gordon Beebe, 583-3115.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS will be seen in the oaks, as well as out in In October, the Santa Rosa City Coun- Continued from page 4 the nearby fields. Red-shouldered and cil took a big step forward to realize Red-tailed Hawks live along the lagoon the vision of a Greenway to Spring arranges for each speaker on our also. All levels of birding experiences Lake by unanimously voting to begin calendar, notifies the Leaves are welcome. The paths are easy and a General Plan amendment process editors in advance for publica- level for walking. for the Caltrans right-of-way property. tion in the newsletter, and intro- At this free and open event, Keynote duces the speaker at our monthly We will meet at the Sebastopol Com- munity Center, 390 Morris Street, at 9 Speaker, Dave Koehler, Sonoma Land meetings. The entire process takes from Trust’s new Executive Director, will two to three hours each month. AM, in the parking lot. We will bird until 11 AM. Heavy rain cancels. Wear be joined by others to map out the Though not required, the Program appropriate warm, water proof clothes, process and discuss public concerns. Chair is welcome to attend each month- sturdy water proof shoes, and sun pro- www.southeastgreenway.org/ ly board meeting. The board meetings tection. Bring binoculars, if you have Continued on page 8 are on the first Wednesday night, from them. Be prepared to have some fun Sep-Jun. By attending board meetings, and see some great birds. the Program Chair will meet the other dedicated board members, and will get If you have any questions, please, call Dear Friends a chance to share ideas about future walk coordinator, Janet Bosshard, programs. (707) 526-5883. and Use your skills at finding speakers who Members ••••• will enlighten our Audubon chapter on current issues regarding birds, travel A heartfelt thanks to all of you destinations, and the science behind OUT AND ABOUT who made end-of-year 2015 what we see when we watch birds. February 12 – 15 donations to Madrone Audu- Maybe you have some new ideas for 19th Annual Great Backyard bon. We look forward to pub- topics that we haven’t covered yet! Bird Count. lishing our annual Donors List If you are interested in helping out, let Everyone interested in birds is encour- soon in the Leaves. As we are me know. I’m happy to share the du- aged to take part in the national birding aligning our recordkeeping to ties until you are ready to take it on full event. Count birds from the comfort coincide with our July-June fis- time. Gordon Beebe, gdbeebe@earth- of your home and share results online. cal year, please begin to look link.net Participants from more than 100 coun- for the Donors List in the Sep- tries submitted a record 147,265 bird tember Leaves issue going for- ••••• checklists for GBBC in 2015 helping ward. And, again, thank you for researchers track the health of bird pop- your generous support! JUNIOR AUDUBON ulations world wide. Junior Audubon Bird Walk For information, go to www.audubon. Sebastopol Community Center org/content/about-great-backyard- Saturday, March 12, 2016 bird-count 9 AM to 11 AM ______

Where there are trees, grassy fields, a Saturday, February 20 waterway, and a trail system, there are 10:00 am to Noon birds. Junior Audubon kids plan to “Southeast Greenway 2016 – walk the trails around the Sebastopol The Time is Now!” Great Egret photo courtesy of J. Eyrich Community Center and along the La- guna de Santa Rosa. We are hoping to Montgomery High School Cafeteria see ducks, egrets and herons. Passerines 1250 Hahman Drive, Santa Rosa Page 7 MADRONE LEAVES

OUT AND ABOUT The end of a chapter Recently, during discussion of adopt- Continued from page 7 ing a new fiscal sponsorship agreement in our relationship between Madrone and PWA, which Thursday, March 3 7:00-8:30pm with PWA would clarify our duties and respon- “The True Nature of sibilities, and ensure compliance with Madrone Audubon began a formal American Badger” Presentation the IRS, the advisory board members relationship with Petaluma Wetlands with Susan Kirks of PWA voted instead to end their Alliance in 2003, providing our non- Heron Hall, Laguna Environmental relationship with Madrone. profit status in order for them to re- Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA ceive grants and to further conserva- The board of Madrone Audubon wish- 95401 tion and environmental education in es PWA the best in their new venture, Badgers are a little understood spe- South Sonoma County. Through the continuing the impressive work they cies, often described as “elusive,” yet years since then, PWA has received have become known for in their edu- are native mammals to California and grants from various organizations cation program, Petaluma CBC4Kids, other parts of the U.S. and Canada. for their successful wetlands educa- and restoration work at Alman Marsh Did you know that American badger tion school program in Petaluma. and Shollenberger Park. (Taxidea taxus) is making its home in Sonoma County and has recently been documented moving through the Laguna de Santa Rosa corridor? Join the Laguna Foundation for a fascinating talk about the “true na- Memorial & Honor Gifts ture” of the American badger. Badger ecologist and naturalist Susan Kirks will share her 16 years of field study In Memory of Sharon Audiss In Memory of Ernestine Smith experience, observing and develop- Don McCarthy Diane & Bryant Hichwa ing an understanding of the badger in its native habitat, its needs and In Memory of Gary Haag In Memory of Jean Tonaschia behaviors, and her work to con- Pam Conley & Dennis Beall June England serve habitat and the species. Learn to recognize signs of badger activ- In Memory of Gary Haag In Honor of Gail Johnson ity, learn about seasonal behav- Larisa & George Batchelder Jackie Parker iors from autumn to summer, and discover the many ecosystem benefits In Memory of Gary Haag In Honor of Madrone Board of American badger. $10 at the door. Sandra Martensen Members www.lagunafoundation.org/ Mary Abbott ______In Memory of Matilda E. Peterson Ervand Peterson In Honor of Lisa Peters Carolyn Metz 2016 is starting off with a great range of bird walks and events around the In Memory of Catherine Seversen North Bay. Margaret Beale Please visit our events page for a complete listing. In Memory of Ernestine Smith Michael Nelligan www.madroneaudubon.org/ activities-field-trips.php

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Observations Winter 2015-2016 • Dan Nelson • 479-2918 • [email protected]

Snow Goose (2) 11/9 Stony Point Rd. AW Snow Goose (1) 12/22 E. of Carmody Rd. GH Eurasian Wigeon (1) 12/9 Doran Park DF Redhead (male) 12/26 Hudemann Slough marsh JP White-winged Scoter (2) 12/27 Flying S. off Bodega Head DN Barrow’s Goldeneye (3-4) Dec. Lower Petaluma R., N. of Hwy 37 near equestrian park GH, DN Hooded Merganser (4) Dec. Russian River near Duncan’s Mills DN Common Loon 12/21-22 Fountaingrove Lake, Nagasawa Park DN Clark’s Grebe (2) Dec. Sonoma Creek, S. of Hwy 37 bridge DN Black-v. Shearwater (many) 12/27 W. of Bodega Head LH, DN, BDP Elegant Tern (few remaining) 11/5 S. of Doran Park SC, DN Parasitic Jaeger 11/5 S. of Doran Park SC White-faced Ibis (17) 12/24 Ellis Creek fly-overs AW Ferruginous Hawk (3 ad., 2 j) 11/10 Jenner Headlands LB, BG Northern Goshawk (juv.) 11/4 Jenner Headlands LB Northern Goshawk (juv.) 11/25 Marin Headlands M.Ob Prairie Falcon (2) Dec. Tolay Creek Regional Park RR, et al Prairie Falcon (1) 12/26 Lakeville Hwy at Ellis Creek ponds DN Prairie Falcon (1) 12/27 Salmon Creek/ Chanslor Ranch SC Pacific Golden-Plover (4) 11/13 Reclamation Rd. area SC American Golden-Plover (1) 11/2 Reclamation Rd. area LH Spotted Sandpiper (2) 12/20 Asti ponds DN Black-legged Kittiwake 12/22 Bodega jetties TE Forster’s Tern (11) 12/22 Bodega jetties TE, DN Barred Owl 12/29 Stewart’s Pt./ Skaggs’ Sprs. Rd. DN Short-eared Owl 12/7 W.of Lakeville Hwy near Cannon Rd. DN Burrowing Owl 12/4 E. of Reclamation Rd. lot DN Burrowing Owl 12/29 Coleman Valley Rd. DN Common Poorwill 12/29 Coleman Valley Rd., 0.7 mi. E. of Hwy 1 DN White-winged Dove 11/14 Salmon Creek residence, visiting feeder PC, et al Red-naped Sapsucker (male) 12/26 Spring Lake; S. end of swimming lagoon RW, DN, M.Ob Clark’s Nutcracker 12/15 Shady Acres Rd. near Pythian Rd RS Phainopepla (male) 12/20 Oak Trail Circle, off Pythian MK, DK Palm Warbler 12/27 Doran Park RuR, et al Vesper Sparrow (4) 12/26 Tolay Creek Regional Park, 2-3 present all month DN Grasshopper Sparrow 11/2 Crane Creek Regional Park LH, et al Grasshopper Sparrow 12/28 Crane Creek Regional Park DN Fox Sparrow (Red E. race) Dec. Kenwood residence, at feeder RuR Swamp Sparrow Nov. Salmon Creek, Bean Ave. BO’C Chipping Sparrow 11/28 Cypress Hill Cemetary, Petaluma DN Snow Bunting 12/2-3 Virgin Creek, Mendocino Co. RuR, GH, et al Summer Tanager (fem.) 12/16 Lucchesi Park, Lynch Creek (nice photo) MB Bullock’s Oriole (ad. male) Dec. Diekmann’s Store, Bodega Bay (same bird as last yr.?) DN Great-tailed Grackle (4-5) Dec. Lake Ralphine M.Ob Evening Grosbeak (several) 11/28 Austin Way/ St. Helena Rd. area Santa Ros R Reigh Evening Grosbeak (8-9) 12/12 Austin Way/ St. Helena Rd. DN, SC Red Crossbill (30) 11/4 Scotland/ Caber Dr. off Los Alamos Rd. KW Red Crossbill (15-20) 11/14-16 Spring Lake KW, LH Red Crossbill (3-4) 11/13 Occidental Rd., Sebastopol JS Red Crossbill (20) 11/15 Timber Ridge Rd., The Sea Ranch D Hichwa Red Crossbill (2-3) 12/11 Paula Ln. residence, Petaluma DN

CONTRIBUTORS: Mario Ballitbit, Larry Broderick, Scott Carey, Peter Connors, Todd Easterla, Dea Freid, Bill Grummer, Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, Diane Hichwa, Lisa Hug, Gene Hunn, Dale Kuhn, Marjorie Kuhn, Dan Nelson, Brook O’Connor, Benjamin D. Parmeter, John Parmeter, Rhio Reigh, Ruth Rudesill, Roger Sanborn, Jackie Sones, Alan Wight, Robin Winning, and Ken Wilson. Page 9 Madrone Audubon Society Post Office Box 1911 Santa Rosa, California 95402

February/March 2016 Madrone Leaves is published bimonthly from October through May, plus one issue each in June and September. RECYCLED PAPER

TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY CALENDAR ENCLOSED

MADRONE LEAVES

Madrone Audubon Society meets on the third Monday of each month, except in June, July, August, and December. Meetings start at 7:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, 1551 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa. All membership meetings and walks are open to the public. Information: e-mail - [email protected]. President: Gordon Beebe - [email protected] ...... 829-9017 Leaves Co-editors: Asenath LaRue - [email protected]...... 528-3648 Vice President: Tiffany Erickson - [email protected]...... 479-0108 Jann Eyrich - [email protected]...... 235-4160 Recording Secretary: Position open Leaves Production: Kris Hutchins - [email protected]...... 477-8156 Corresponding Secretary: Stacy Li - [email protected]...... 566-7937 Hospitality: Linda Hammer - [email protected]...... 823-4389 Treasurer: Kathleen Barker - [email protected]...... 762-0715 Observations: Dan Nelson - [email protected]...... 479-2918 Membership: Elizabeth Gould - [email protected]...... 539-2875 Past President: Susan Kirks - [email protected]...... 241-5548 Conservation: Diane Hichwa - [email protected]...... 785-1922 ACR Rep: Bryant Hichwa...... 579-1182 Education Kits: Barbara Novak - [email protected]...... 795-3996 Sonoma County Water Coalition Rep: Paula Zerzan - [email protected]...... 935-1523 Program: Position open BBA: Gordon Beebe, [email protected]; Tiffany Erickson, [email protected] Circulation: Joannie Dranginis - [email protected] ...... 523-4373 IMBD: Veronica Bowers - [email protected]...... 829-2955 Junior Audubon: Janeann Erickson - [email protected]; Janet Bosshard - [email protected] Christmas Bird Count: Peter Leveque and Stacy Li - [email protected]...... 566-7937 Outreach: Position open Bird Rescue Center...... 523-BIRD Publicity: Nancy Hair - [email protected]...... 823-1073 Website Editor: Gordon Beebe - [email protected]...... 583-3115 Native Songbird Care & Conservation...... 484-6502 Bird Walks and Field Trips: Tom McCuller - [email protected]...... 546-1812 Northern California Rare Bird Alert...... 415-681-7422 Saturday Bird Walks: Gordon Beebe - [email protected]...... 583-3115 Audubon-California: Brigit McCormack - [email protected]...... 415-644-4603 Bird-A-Thon Coordinator & Audubon Adventures: National Audubon Society: 225 Varick Street, NY, NY 10014...... 212-979-3000 Marcia Johnson - [email protected]...... 829-3808