Quarterly Journal of PRBO Conservation Science. Number 131, Winter 2003. $3.50 131

ObserverMinimizing impacts on wildlife Human Disturbance

Melissa Pitkin

Contents When you go out for a day at the beach non-native shrub in a yard results in or a hike in the woods, what do you take broader consequences on a large scale. with you? Probably a daypack, water bot- Whether direct or indirect, disturbance Human Disturbance ...... 1 tle, perhaps binoculars and a camera, often results from situations where indi- Executive Director’s Column ...... 2 some food, and a few other essentials, viduals are unaware of the impact of their right? I would like to add to your list of actions. With awareness, beachgoers may Vulnerable Coastal ...... 3 essentials one more item, a big one, per- decide to walk on the wet sand away from Invasive Plants ...... 5 haps the most important: awareness. By nesting , and a backyard land- Responsible Science ...... 6 this I mean awareness of the surrounding scaper may choose to plant a native shrub and the effects your actions that will provide bird habitat while help- Birding Ethics ...... 9 may be having on it. ing to keep neighboring parks and open Focus on Feeders ...... 10 This Observer is devoted to the topic spaces as functioning wildlife habitat. of human-caused disturbance in ecosys- At PRBO, we develop recommenda- Planned Gifts to PRBO: IRAs ...... 12 tems. Through our daily routines, recre- tions to minimize the negative effects of Spain Oil Spill ...... 13 ational and occupational activities we human-caused disturbance on birds and Calendar ...... 16 humans impact wildlife and their habitats other wildlife populations. And our in a variety of ways. Let’s face it, we are research protocols are designed to limit part of the ecosystem: our actions result our effects on the wildlife we are attempt- in reactions, from negligible to severe. So ing to protect. For our land management what defines human-caused disturbance? partners we provide recommendations on Human-caused disturbance occurs when how they can alter their operational activ- our actions result in behavioral or physi- ities to avoid disturbance to birds. For cal changes to wildlife or their habitats. homeowners we develop recommenda- Human-caused disturbance can be tions on appropriate landscaping prac- direct or indirect. Imagine two people tices. For scientists we develop protocols walking on the beach in mid-June, for emphasizing nonintrusive study methods. example, enjoying the waves, the sand, For wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts we and the fresh air. They’re talking and produce informational handouts with tips don’t notice a small, sand-colored shore- on limiting recreational disturbance. bird flush from its hidden nest, or the soft There are simple things we all can do to sound of its three tiny Snowy Plover eggs minimize our negative impacts on wild- crushed underneath a shoe. Their actions life—and awareness is the first step. directly caused the nest to fail. Or, imag- In this Observer, the stories you will ine that your neighbor plants Scotch read demonstrate both that humans are Broom (Cytisus scoparius) in her back- part of the ecosystem and that greater yard. The next spring its seeds are spread human awareness can help us be respon- to nearby parks and open spaces. When sible members of healthy . these invasive plants grow, they displace native plants, reducing available native Melissa Pitkin is PRBO’s Education habitat for many songbird . In this Director. case, disturbance is indirect: planting the Some forms ofhuman-causeddisturbancecan bebalancedwiththoughtfulalternatives. Some forms 2 made thisprojectareality. that their essentiallypro-bonoeffort peopleatInterbrandfor wonderful generous grantandtothe Francisco Foundationfora We aremostgratefultotheSan science! conservation role ascatalystsforeffective is vibrantandvivid,conveyingour package. PRBO’s new“signature” and consistentcommunications PRBO’s transitiontoanupdated our new introduce I amproudtoformally PRBO’s NewLook Observer , anotherstepin – Ellie M. Cohen M. Ellie – li .Cohen Ellie M. Applying PRBO’s BirdStudies To biodiversity conserve ♦ ♦ ♦ habitat managementprotocols. recommended changestowildlifeand Following isasamplingofrecentPRBO- wildlife managementagency inthe West! now inusebyeverymajorhabitatand is providingrecommendationsthatare the urgentneedtoconservebiodiversity? how dowebalancehumanactionswith begin toanswerafundamentalquestion: This enablesusto habitat restoration. Nile virusandglobalwarmingtoplanned on wildlifeofchangesrangingfrom West able toevaluateandevenpredicteffects asking PRBOforhelp. more publicandprivateinterestsare moreand The NatureConservancy, From theNationalParkServiceto ing. applied birdconservationscienceissoar- interestin tinue almostunabated, indicators ofecosystemhealth. on Rushand Lee Vining Creeks breeding season. Francisco Bay)duringthe seabird popular Alcatraz Island(inSan areas topublicaccessonthe highly construction andhasclosedcertain breeding habitat(seepage5). restoration plantingtoenhancebird andhaschanged general maintenance, conducting habitatrestorationand birds duringthebreedingseasonwhen Area nowavoidsdisturbanceofsong- The NationalParkService prohibits Plant ecologistsconducting restoration Golden GateNationalRecreation The wordisout—birds ae norln-emsuis PRBO Based onourlong-termstudies, PRBOis By studyingbirdpopulations, As threatstoourenvironmentcon- are PRBO Conservation Science.Winter2003.Number131. PRBO Conservation excellent Director. Ellie M.CohenisPRBO’s Executive servation solutions. win-win con- needed toguidesuccessful, viding thesoundscientificfoundation on eachofus—PRBO’s research ispro- ultimately, wildlife—with likelyimpacts, to threatenbirdpopulationsandother With humanactivitiescontinuing above. alternatives suchasthoseoutlined bance canbebalancedwiththoughtful ♦ ♦ ♦ Channel Islands(offSantaBarbara). nia’s squidfisherywithin one mileofthe bans nighttimeuseoflightsbyCalifor- theagency alsoseasonally predators, protect nestingbirdsfromnocturnal To status. date for “threatened species” declining Xantus’Murreletasacandi- Game (MarineRegion)haslistedthe The CaliforniaDepartmentofFish and sites eachsummer(seenextpage). protect SnowyPlovers’beachnesting Parks andRecreation(MontereyBay) Reyes) andCaliforniaDepartmentof increased birddiversityandabundance. plant growthiscontributingto The resultingdiverse riparian habitat. allowingforregularfloodingof levees, removed California) Central Valley, and Wildlife Service(CosumnesRiver, species thatsupportnestingsongbirds. choosingtreeandshrub e.g., designs, our recommendationstoplantheir easternSierra)areusing (Mono Basin, h aueCnevnyadUS FishThe NatureConservancy andU.S. The NationalParkService(Point Some formsofhuman-causeddistur- Ellie M. Cohen

PRBO huad fbahor,dg,andoff- dogs, thousands of beachgoers, Sharingthebeachwith ing predation. reduc- less chicksmatchthebeach sand, their crypticallycoloredeggs andflight- shifting sandsofbeachesand dunes: Snowy Ploverarehighlyadapted tothe Least TernCalifornia and Western The endangered orthreatened. nesting habitatareeitherfederally dependent on West Coastbeachesfor recreation booms. coincides withourspringandsummer MarchthroughSeptember, time window, this Onthe West Coast, and raiseyoung. incubateeggs, buildanest, find amate, short windowoftimewhenbirdsmust particularly duringthe cycles of birds, can upsetdelicatebalancesinthelife We nowarelearning howouractions for recreationinformerlyremoteplaces. andourincreasingdesire tion growth, humanpopula- ited habitatavailability, suchaslim- human-induced pressures, and sandybeachesmustalsocopewith harsh naturalconditions. birds cansurviveandeventhrivein Water- real estateforthismollusclover. the poundingPacific—primeintertidal nestswithinfeetof ness oftidalcycles, employingkeenaware- Oystercatcher, 3 The Black on thenarrowestrockledge. lays anoblongeggdesignedtostayput forexample, The CommonMurre, ments. and exposedcoastalmarineenviron- enablingthemtosurviveinrugged tions, the waterbirds—possessamazingadapta- Sue Abbott Finding aBalance Where landandseameet Today, birdsofrockyshoresandsandybeachesmustcopewithhuman-inducedpressures. Science.Winter2003.Number131. PRBO Conservation It isnocoincidencethattwobirds birdsofrockyshores though, Today, andwaterfowl— shorebirds, Seabirds, PRBO recommendedusingeducational Basedonthesefindings, chick survival. human recreationreducesSnowyPlover suggestingthat holidays inbothyears, more chickswerelostonweekendsand Significantly tothatonweekdays. est, whenhumanrecreationishigh- holidays, pared chicksurvivalonweekendsand We com- California. Seashore (PRNS), beaches inPoint ReyesNational Western Snowy Ploverchicksurvivalon they are road vehiclesisachallengeforwhich beaches canreduce disturbance. Choosing wheretowalkonsome sand n19 n 00 PRBOstudied In 1999and2000, not well equipped. Beach-nesting SnowyPloversarevulnerabletodisturbance.

RICHARD BLAIR approaches too nearaseabirdcolony Asinglekayak that motorboat. them moreeasilythancan aloud they cansneakuptobirds andstartle disturbance becauseoftheir silence: particularly potentvectors ofhuman are kayaks Surprisingly, disturbances. traffic causedone-thirdofallrecorded nearbyboat In2002, levels onrecord. around Alcatraz atsomeofthehighest mented disturbancetobirdsonand interact insuchclosequarters. ing thathumansandbirdssometimes people toured Alcatraz! It’s notsurpris- 116,000 bating eggsandrearingchicks, black seabirdswereattheirbusiestincu- iridescent, whilethesesleek, May 2002, During highest numberseverrecorded. reachingthe between 2001and2002, ber ofnestingpairsincreasedby19% thenum- infact, ous breederon Alcatraz; Brandt’s Cormorantisthemostnumer- The work onandaroundtheisland. and themanyhumansthatrecreate an assemblageofbreedingwaterbirds toobserve gists haveauniquechallenge: PRBObiolo- California, Alcatraz Island, those highprioritysites. reach effortstominimizedisturbanceon PRNScanfocusout- chick-rearing areas, mation frombiologistsaboutsensitive Usingup-to-dateinfor- PRBO biologists. in whichrangersworkcloselywith implemented auniqueoutreachprogram PRNShas weekends andholidays. particularlyduring presence onbeaches, outreach andincreasedPRNSranger nteps he er,wedocu- In thepastthreeyears, On theinfamousrockyshoresof continued onpage 4

DAVE DIXON 4 PRBO Conservation Science. Winter 2003. Number 131.

It is more important than ever for each of us to uphold mindful behavior when enjoying the outdoors.

can cause catastrophic breeding failure, populations. In many cases, however, we Simple steps to reduce flushing adult birds from nests and leav- do not understand the causes and effects ing eggs or chicks exposed to oppor- involved. Researchers, managers, and human disturbance in tunistic predators and inclement individuals must work hard to meet this coastal habitats: weather. History has shown us that fre- conservation challenge. quent or extreme disturbances on or PRBO recognizes the value of educa- ■ Be aware that, in North America, around seabird colonies can cause com- tional outreach to heighten public aware- birds may be breeding from March plete abandonment of the breeding site. ness. As automobile drivers, we abide by On Alcatraz in 2002, PRBO biologists rules of the road every day to prevent through September. noted a rise in the percentage of distur- injury to others. As bird populations bances that caused birds to flush from decline and human recreation increases, ■ Walk on the wet sand to avoid their nests. In response, Golden Gate it is more important than ever for each of disturbing nesting birds on beaches. National Recreation Area, which man- us to uphold similarly mindful behavior ages Alcatraz, is conducting educational when we enjoy the outdoors. ■ When birding, stay out of outreach that targets groups using the restricted areas and leave the area peripheral waters. PRBO also promotes Sue Abbott is on the staff of PRBO’s rigorous enforcement as well as clear Education Program. Information for this if you see any signs of distress signs and buoys around Alcatraz, mark- article was also provided by Golden among the birds you are watching. ing a 100-meter buffer zone to help Gate National Recreation Area and Ben guide and inform kayakers, canoeists, Saenz, a PRBO Biologist who heads the ■ Walk around flocks of birds, not and other boaters. Alcatraz Island study in our Marine through them. Thanks to cooperative efforts like these, human disturbance is gaining Science Division. ■ Keep your pet on a leash. recognition as a major threat to bird

■ Leave driftwood flat on the beach, and dismantle driftwood shelters, to limit perches for predators.

Controlling invasive plants: what you can do: ▼ ■ Ask your favorite coastal refuge or park to maintain garbage recep- ■ Do not plant non-native invasive plants, especially if you live adjacent to wildlands. tacles with tightly fitted lids, to pre- ■ garden . Never dump even seemingly “dead” plant material vent scavenging by predators (and beyond your property line. therefore artificially supporting their populations). ■ To help map or control invasive plants in Point Reyes National Seashore, contact Kim Cooper: 415-663-5196 or [email protected]. humans—both unintentionally (asseeds invasive speciesaretransported by dense standsofonetojustafewspecies. displace existingvegetationandform allows invasiveplantstooverwhelmand Phenomenalgrowth producing stage. andrapidmaturationtoaseed- seeds, long-lived high seedgerminationrate, abundantseedproduction, tative growth, Invasiveness isenhancedbystrongvege- theseplantsmayexpandrapidly. eases, anddis- parasites, such asherbivores, restrictions presentintheirnativelands, Free fromtheecological dune grass. andEuropean iceplant, pampas grass, cape-ivy, French and Scotchbroom, tles, Prominent examplesarenon-nativethis- its establishmentoverlargeareas. favoring plays rapidgrowthandspread, major causeofnativeplantextinction. second onlytohabitatdestructionasthe Floristic Province Throughout theCalifornia species. directly affectedbyinvasivenon-native manyofwhichare (rare) plantspecies, PRNS alsosupports46specialstatus 5 the diversityofnativeplantcommunities. least 30areinvasiveenoughtothreaten at ofthose, 321arenon-native; PRNS, Of themorethan900speciesofplantsin at Point ReyesNationalSeashore(PRNS). lenge tonativeplantconservationefforts Kim Cooper Invasive PlantDisturbance A caseinpointatPointReyesNationalSeashore Invasive plantsarethesecondgreatestcauseofnativeplantextinction . . . Science.Winter2003.Number131. PRBO Conservation 1 Conservation Internationalhasdesignated theCalifornia eann sjs 5,with only9.7%protected. remaining isjust25%, theextent oforiginalflora Within theCFP, most severe. diversity ismostconcentrated andthethreatofloss of 25terrestrialregionstheworldwhere biological one Floristic Province(CFP)asa “biodiversity hotspot,” norhgl oie globalsociety, In ourhighlymobile, An invasivespeciesisonethatdis- Invasive plantspresentamajorchal- 1 invasiveplantsare , subject ofaPRBOstudyinRedwood tion andnestingsongbirdshasbeenthe Bolinas Road. garden wastedumpingalongFairfax- and pampasgrasshavedevelopedfrom populationsofcape-ivy the Seashore, Recreation Area (GGNRA)landsnear OnGoldenGate landscaping projects. arestillusedinhome difficult invasives, twoofourmost grass andFrench broom, Pampas ornamental (garden)plants. 13areescaped invasive speciesatPRNS, Ofthe25highestpriority gardening. make itdesirableforlandscapingand ties thatmakeaspeciesinvasivealso Manyofthequali- ornamental plants). example) andintentionally(asfood for or plantfragmentsinfeedgravel, Cape-ivy’s impactonriparianvegeta- Pampas grassremoval atPointReyes.

POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE Moritsch, now atYosemite National Park. also provided byPlantEcologistBarbara was inthisarticle Seashore. Information Specialist atPointReyesNational Kim CooperistheInvasive Plant non-native plants(seebox on page4). native floraandfaunacausedbyinvasive gardeners tohelpreducedisturbance outreach programsencouraginghome We alsocooperateinpublic foothold. dune plantsstillmaintainafragile threatened SnowyPloversnestandrare where ity isthe Abbotts Lagoonarea, Onesuchtopprior- ties oftheSeashore. most intactand/orrareplantcommuni- andaffectthe mostdisruptive, growing, existing infestationsthatarethefastest We assignhighestpriorityto infestations. established populationsandpreventnew Weagement strategy. thenacttocontain tions isthecriticalfirststepinourman- somapping theextentofinfesta- feasible, too widespreadfortotalcontroltobe Severalinvasivespeciesare itize efforts. vegetation managersareobligedtoprior- problem issolargeandcomplexthat Redwood Creekvalley. species toenhancewildlifehabitatinthe for replantingnativetreeandshrub PRBO hasalsorecommendedapproaches increased indiversityandabundance. process—nesting songbirdshave removed—an extremelylabor-intensive Ascape-ivyhasbeen mendations. bird monitoringdataandhabitatrecom- tion projectthereincorporatesPRBO ongoing jointGGNRA/PRNSrestora- An California. Creek nearMuirBeach, tPitRysNtoa esoe the At Point ReyesNationalSeashore, Cape-ivy

PRBO Responsible Science Reducing research’s impacts To gatherdata,wemustintrudeintotheisolatedworldofbreedingseabirds. passing boats and aircraftensure PRBO biologists monitordisturbanceby Farallon National Wildlife Refuge, Asstewardsofthe Farallon Islands. This isdefinitelythecaseon to them. because theyhaverarelybeen exposed defenses againstnon-avian predators, these isolatedlocationshavefew species thathaveevolvedtobreedin Many sensitive tohumandisturbance. nearly readytofledgetheopensea. see thesmallchickfullyfeatheredand Iwasthrilledto reconstructed burrow, weeks laterwhenIpeekedintothe Afew and returnedtheuninjuredchick. and arocktoformsecurenewroof, usingapieceofwood the bestIcould, Irebuilttheburrow ovations toitshome. veryannoyedwiththerecentren- inside, vated theburrowtofindastartledchick Icarefullyexca- Cursingmyself, seabirds. one oftheseamazingplanktivorous tally demolishedthewell-dugnestsiteof needed todothatdaywhenIacciden- mind wasfilledwithallthefieldworkI My Auklet burrowontheFarallons. crushed theentrancetoaCassin’s Russ Bradley Farallon Seabirds discussed inthesefourexamples.— as reducing impactsonourstudyspecies, PRBOplacesahighpriorityon mals. cost—interference inthelivesofwildani- mustsometimesbeobtainedata tion, wildlife protectionandhabitatconserva- necessaryfor Scientific knowledge, PRBO Biologists 6 Most seabirdcoloniesareextremely I vividlyrememberthefirsttime

PRBO A Cassin’s AukletchicknearitsnestboxonSoutheastFarallonIsland. Editor with seabirds. to beevervigilant intheirinteractions and emphasizedtheneedfor biologists lighted lessintrusiveresearch methods journal colonial waterbirdsinthepeer-reviewed human disturbanceeffects on nesting published acomprehensivereviewof Marine ProgramDirectorBillSydeman ♦ ♦ ♦ do notnegativelyaffectwildlife? ensure thatourownresearchactivities Buthowdowe mitted ontheisland. that unauthorizedpersonnelarenotper- Although someofourstudiesinvolve Boardwalks preventdamagetoauklet Much ofSoutheastFarallon Island, n19,PRBO’s KarenCarney and In 1999, ered inthenestbytheirparents. brooding whentheyoungarecov- during sensitiveperiodslikechick We limithandlingofanimals period. alone throughouttheincubation theyareleft confirmed asbreeders, Oncebirdsare absolute minimum. handling timesandkeepstresstoan westrivetoreduce and measuring, direct handlingofbirdsformarking prevent disturbancetonaturalsites. ing behaviorofburrowingbirdsto (boxes) areusedinstudiesofbreed- andartificialnestburrows burrows, off limits. visit duringthefallandwinterare manyareasthatresearchers bance, protect nestingseabirdsfromdistur- to season (March15–August 15), ing researchers! And duringseabird closed toallhumanactivity—includ- is where ourresearchisconducted, Waterbirds. The articlehigh- PRBO Conservation Science.Winter2003.Number131. PRBO Conservation populations forthelonghaul. tive environmentandprotectsustain that minimizedisturbancetothissensi- we strivetocollectvaluabledatainways Despiteouroccasional accidents, belong. lated worldwherehumansreallydon’t the worldofbreedingseabirds—aniso- wemustintrudeinto gather thesedata, To Fall 2002). and130, Winter 2002; marine environment(see tions aboutlong-termchangesinthe enabled ustoexamineimportantques- the NorthernHemisphereandhas longest datasetonbreedingseabirdsin This isthe brated its33rdanniversary. seabirds oftheFarallons hasjustcele- id oal cl h bevr.Inthis birds vocallyscold theobserver). searches thevegetation (whilethesong- turbance asthebiologistcarefully pointing itslocationcancause somedis- monitoring nests. impacts associatedwithlocating and measures toreduceanypotential PRBOtakesseveralprecautionary ent, nesting successareminimalornonexist- cating thatobserverimpactsonbirds’ literature containsseveralstudiesindi- While thescientific vital toourresearch. Unbiased estimatesofnestsuccessare rainfallandnestlocation). encing it(e.g., success andinvestigatethefactorsinflu- enablingustoestimatenesting spring, monitor over2,000songbirdnestseach Tom Gardali Nesting Songbirds PRBO’s researchonthebreeding idn eti ifcl,andpin- Finding anestisdifficult, PRBO’s fieldbiologistslocateand Observers 127, PRBO songbird nestcauses minimaldisturbance. a Using a“neststick” tolocateandobserve ♦ ♦ disturbance: 7 techniques andguidelinestoreduce PRBO fieldbiologistsusethefollowing andweareobligedtodothesame. nests, minimize drawingattentiontotheir tor! Songbirdsgotogreatlengths the biologistisperceivedasanestpreda- situation andinsubsequentnestchecks, Songbirds gotogreatlengthsminimizedrawingattentiontheirnests,andwedothesame. Science.Winter2003.Number131. PRBO Conservation odc as ns hcs”Evenif Conduct false “nest checks.” Never approachanestwhenavian checking therealnest. peering intobushesbeforeandafter by to checkseveralfalse “nests” assume oneiswatchingandpretend she/heshould predator inthevicinity, the biologistcannotseeanavian use tolocatenestsrob. whichthey gist andthesongbirds, fromthebiolo- get behavioralcues, other corvidsaresmartandlikely Jays and nest predatorsarenearby. Preparing toreleaseanewlyradio-taggedWestern Sandpiper. nesting attempt. negatively influencetheoutcome ofa thelastthingtheywantis to endeavor: reduce researchimpactsasimple ing fieldbiologiststobeaware ofand Realization ofthisprivilege makestrain- they areoldenoughtodepartthenest. feednestlingsuntil everything goeswell, if and, incubateeggs, to constructnests, watch apairofsongbirdsworktirelessly drama unfoldsbeforethemasthey The observe thehomelifeofsongbirds. humbled bytheprivilegetointimately ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Be quickandaccuratewhencheck- topartvegetation, Use a “nest stick” Never createadead-endtrailthat Minimize physicaldisturbancetothe ahya,newfieldbiologistsare Each year, drawn tothearea. increases theamountofattention Moretimespentatanest ing nests. scent. contents withoutleavingahuman near thenestinordertocheck many usesistomoveanyvegetation Oneoftheneststick’s searcher. an indispensabletoolforthenest directly tothenest. lead predatorssuchasraccoons make surethatanytraildoesnot butifthatisimpossible, create trails, The ideaistonot different direction. always trytoapproachanestfrom andforeachvisit leads tothenest, the locationofnest. and drawunnecessaryattentionto of vegetationmayreducenestcover Anytrampling area aroundthenest.

hrbrs wehave gainedsomeinfor- shorebirds, or permanent?Usingradiomarked effect seemstobe. thesmallercapture let themgo, that thequickerwehandle thebirdsand wefound trying tominimizethiseffect, In days beforebeginningtoregainmass. they tendtolosebodymassforafew pattern weseeafterbandingbirdsisthat Acommon with thestressfulsituation. activities (likeeating)andinsteaddeal birds tostopworryingaboutcertain These hormonessend messagestothe stress-related hormonesintheirbodies. includingelevated logical responses, that experiencestressundergophysio- thissuggestsacaptureeffect. 7 days; Grays Harborstayedformorethan Westerns captured andradiomarkedat Francisco birdsweremigratingthrough, during thesameperiodwhenSan average of1.9daysatGraysHarbor; stayedan Washington, Grays Harbor, Francisco andsubsequentlyseenat Westerns radiomarkedatSan instance, For that afterwarditbehavesnormally. but tion atitssiteofcaptureisdelayed, Observer radio-transmitter gluedtoit(see Sandpiper hasbeencapturedandhada know thatwhenamigrating Western we affectingthebirdsstudy? We Are aquestionwehavetoaskis: birds, PhD Nils Warnock, Shorebird Telemetry DAVID WEINTRAUB Are theseeffectsofbanding temporary Why doweseetheseeffects?Birds As researcherswhostudyandhandle 2,Atm 01,itsmigra- Autumn 2001), 126, continued onpage 8 Does what we learn abouttheseanimalsjustify ourdisturbancetothem? Does whatwelearn species thatwearetryingtoprotect. not unintentionallyharmingthevery as theabovehelpassureusthatweare resultssuch However, any sucheffects. ever creativeinevaluatingandnegating do impactourstudyspecies—andbe term effectonthesebirds. suggestingthattherewasnolong- return, onlyonebirdfailedto 20 birdsmarked, Ofthe sites inHawaiithefollowingfall. individuals camebacktotheirwintering see howmanypreviouslyradiotagged wecould plovers werealsocolor-banded, Sincethese Montana StateUniversity). Wally Johnson of with leadresearcherDr. Alaska (astudyinwhichIparticipated and trackedtobreedinggroundsin Golden-Plovers radiomarkedinHawaii welooktodataforPacific effects? Here, is apparentlyhighduringthisperiod. survivorshipofbirds radios fallofforfail, andthatsomehavetheir some birds, Giventhatwemiss (2,400 miles)away. over3,000km River Deltain Alaska, radiomark inCaliforniaattheCopper detect over80%ofthe Westerns thatwe We typically breeding groundsin Alaska. from winteringgroundsinCaliforniato survivorship duringnorthwardpassage show thatradiomarkedbirdshavehigh Our Western Sandpiperstudies mation. 8 We needtobeawarethatwecanand Does handlingcauselonger-term

PRBO Studying theFarallonwhitesharkpopulation:videotapinganindividual. quito biteintheturbulentlife ofawhite lite transmitters(theequivalent ofamos- orthroughdeployment of satel- cations; to feedingeventsobtain video identifi- byourproximity to identifyindividuals; use ofdecoystolurethemthesurface, restricted (lessthanonehourperday) throughthe have affectedthem—e.g., When we as possiblebyourpresence. attempting toaltertheirbehavioraslittle white sharks—refusingtousebaitand (literally andotherwise!)approachwith and beyondourwildestdreamsatthat. a signthatourcampaignhassucceeded, ior andwell-beingofthesharks—surely effects ofourownresearchonthebehav- wewereaskedtoreviewthe recently, We werethusdelightedwhen, waters. protect thewhitesharkinCalifornia instigated asuccessfulefforttolegally andthrough petitioningwe the public, mentaries weconveyedourmessageto Through docu- the marineecosystem. thisimportantkeystonepredatorin gate, ratherthanfearandcasti- and respect, as aplatformtohelppeopleunderstand PRBO’s sharkresearchprojectatSEFI using white sharkinthehumaneye, campaign tochangetheimageof Following thiseventwebeganalong glorified asaherobythelocalmedia. Island (SEFI)inasingledayandwas four largesharksatSoutheastFarallon Peter Pyle White Sharks We havealwaystakena “hands-off” Just 20yearsagoafishermankilled PRBO Conservation Science.Winter2003.Number131. PRBO Conservation Program. Co-Director ofPRBO’s Wetlands Research staff.NilsWarnock, PhD, is is amemberofPRBO’s Terrestrial TomFish andWildlife Service). Gardali Field Station(incooperationwithU.S. seasonally atPRBO’s FarallonIsland Sciences StaffBiologists,work Russ BradleyandPeterPyle,Marine sacrifice tobenefitthesharks. we aremorethanwillingtomakethe reduce ourabilitytocollectcertaindata, Althoughthismay and researchalike. commercial tions toapplyallvessels, wewanttheseregula- to feedingsharks; 50-meter limitfortheapproachofboats anda the useofchum(bait)anddecoys, ommendations foracompletebanon wehaverecentlysubmittedrec- Indeed, ior andwantwhatisbestforthesharks. side reviewofourownresearchbehav- strongly thattheansweris “yes.” wefeel this previouslymalignedanimal, that haveresultedfromourresearchon public compassionandlegalprotection observational approachandtheincreased bance tothem?Dueourverycautious about theseanimalsjustifyourdistur- Doeswhatwelearnfromand question: shark)—we haveconstantlyaskedthe oehls,wealwayswelcomeout- Nonetheless, activities: ble toparticipateinanyofthefollowing This meansthatitisirresponsi- species. threatened orendangeredstatusofthe tion topeoplemayperpetuatethe species andtorememberthathabitua- crucial torespectthewelfareofthese Itis andthoseraretoanarea. concern, speciesofspecial threatened species, section addressingendangeredand environments.” “Promote thewelfare ofbirdsandtheir ethics code: few pointsthataremadeinthebirding printout. 307fora ext. tact meat415-868-1221, con- If youdonothaveInternetaccess, www.americanbirding.org/abaethics.htm. loaded fromthe ABA websiteat bedown- and should, Itcan, carefully. please takethetimetoreadthiscode enjoy thesemagnificentcreatures. not doingmoreharmthangoodwhilewe toensurethatweare wildlife watchers, 9 forbirdersand oped a “code ofethics” American Birding Association hasdevel- The andevenbirdwatchers. daily lives, eachofusinour landmanagers, entists, This canbetrueofsci- and otherwildlife. activities oftenresultinimpactsonbirds Melissa Pitkin Birders’ CodeofEthics Ensuring thatouractivitiesdonoharm It iscrucialtorespectthewelfareofrareandendangeredspecies. Science.Winter2003.Number131. PRBO Conservation viewing byother birders endangered speciesforbirding tripsor Owls orotherthreatenedbird species Staking outthenestorlocation ofan Calling orhootingtoattract Spotted ee Iwouldliketoexpandupona Here, If youwatchbirdsandotherwildlife, As showninthis Under thisheadingisa Observer, human Education Program. Melissa PitkinisDirectorofPRBO’s cause thecreatureswelovenoharm. a difference—ensuringthatouractivities wecanmake watching birdsandwildlife, onpage10). “Focus” (See boxatrightandalsoRichStallcup’s favored canbe on open-cupnestingsongbirds, as anestparasitewithnegativeimpacts wellknown the Brown-headedCowbird, For example, birds wearetryingtohelp. actually haveanegativeaffectonthe may ifnotdonecorrectly, our actions, that though, We mustrealize, enjoyment. or toattractthemouryardsforfurther ers andnestboxeseithertohelpthebirds drawn totheideaofputtingupbirdfeed- safe.” other artificialbirdenvironments are neststructures and “Ensure thatfeeders, abandon itsnest. asthismaycausethebirdto viewing, bird throughphotographyorintense sure youarenotcompromisinganesting be While birding, sitive todisturbance. whichareespeciallysen- to nestingbirds, by wildlifemanagersoragencies or restrictionsonrecreationalactivities Violating postedlandorareaclosures By observingacodeofethicsfor This partoftheethicscodealsorefers eas elv id,weareoften Because welovebirds, by certainkindsofbirdfeeding. Spotted Owl:acallforethicalbirding. ground. the seedfromspillinglooseonto the tokeep them andtraysunderneath hanging feederswithcagesaround and mammalianpredators,e.g., feeders thatexcludecowbirds,jays, ground. scatter seedindiscriminatelyonthe vide openaccesstoseed. feed jaysandcowbirds. birds, becarefulnottoattractand What youcando: bird feeders. foragingat were mostlyobserved Even moredisturbing,thecowbirds ing from1to60cowbirdspervisit! per weeklycensuswithnumbersrang- they foundonaverage6cowbirds 2002, inahousingdevelopment, ban areasnearripariancreeks.In conducting cowbirdcountsinsubur- Sierrahavebeen ogists intheEastern Brown-headed Cowbirds.PRBObiol- can contributetothepresenceof Did youknow? Cowbirds andFeeders Avoid trayfeedersthatpro-

Human actions POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE If youfeed Never Choose 10 PRBO Conservation Science. Winter 2003. Number 131.

FOCUS 62

The best backyard bird-attracting regime may be to landscape with native plants. How to—and how not to Feeder Responsibility

Rich Stallcup

Attracting birds to your garden can be have cats in your yard), and do all you a nurturing, delightful, and educational can to minimize window kills (closing experience. To some people, bird feeding the curtains and shades when you are is life’s greatest joy. To others it is their not at home may save many birds). only close contact to and connection Occasionally, transmittable diseases with nature, perhaps leading them to become established and are passed support habitat conservation. For many around feeders, especially by small kids, backyard birds form the basis of a finches at hanging tube feeders. If you lifetime devotion to wildlife and wilder- see groggy-looking goldfinches or ness. Feeding birds, though, must be siskins, immediately clean the feeder(s) done with utmost consideration and with a 1 to 4 solution of bleach in water, responsibility. rinse thoroughly, and dry them before Think before starting. 1) Are there hanging them out again. If the condition cats I can’t control in the area? 2) Can I persists, take down your feeders until the go the distance and be there for the sick birds move on. birds I feed? 3) Will feeding attract Regular and thorough cleaning of all European Starlings, House Sparrows, feeders and providing clean (unfrozen) rats, or other creatures that negatively water are other necessary chores. Moldy M. STUBBLEFIELD / VIREO impact native species? 4) Is there ade- as well as sprouting seed should be dis- White-crowned Sparrow on poison hemlock. quate shelter where the birds I feed can carded. Plants that provide habitat attract birds to your flee from hawks? The wrong answers are Types of Feeders. There are innumer- backyard—a good alternative to feeders. 1) yes, 2) no, 3) yes, and 4) no: if you had able types of feeders, ranging from seeds any of those, forget luring birds to you scattered on a railing, stump, or log to with feeders, and go where they are commercial, many-tiered contraptions Feeding hummingbirds (or not) is a instead. with automatic loaders. The best choice is more complex topic than feeding song- Timing. At Point Reyes Station, a hanging feeder designed to deny access birds. For basic thoughts on that, see California, I feed songbirds only in win- to jays, cowbirds, and other predators, “Hummingbirds—an American Dream” ter, beginning in late September when avian and mammalian. These prevent (www.prbo.org/Hummers.html). migratory finches and sparrows begin to indiscriminate feeding, minimizing the Important: If a feeder is empty, or arrive, and I wean them in late April. effect bird feeding may have on the bal- unused because of old sugar water, Some feel that it is not a good idea to ance between predators and their prey. remove it. Hummingbirds are on such feed during the local breeding season: it More important than the kind of frugal energy budgets that they cannot may distract nesting birds from domestic feeder is its location. Feeders can be afford to revisit feeders unrewarded. duties and increase breeding densities of away from shelter, but be sure that Keep feeders clean and fresh and full— potential nest predators, like jays and spilled seeds do not get to the ground. or take them down. squirrels. Feeders near the ground should be just Many naturalists and biologists would Commitment. If you feed birds, the a quick flight to cover but not close agree that the best backyard bird- birds in your charge become your enough to allow a coiled feline to spring attracting regime is to provide fresh responsibility. Protect birds at your successfully. water and to landscape with native plants feeder from cats (don’t feed birds if you that are appropriate to your region and PRBO Conservation Science. Winter 2003. Number 131. 11

The Grand List Donors used by local native birds (and other The Grand List highlights current PRBO is grateful for the following donations wildlife) for habitat. Local Audubon PRBO priority projects in need of funds. of $250 or more (October–December, 2002): and Native Plant Society chapters may If you can help in any way to support Louise Abbott and David Earp Ms. Janet W.Allen list recommended species; native plant these projects, please contact Sarah Ms. Gayle A. Anderson Anonymous gardeners and nurseries are also excel- Huard (415-868-1221, ext. 324). We are, Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Peter Avenali lent resources; and you can visit of course, always appreciative of general Mr. Richard Bachenheimer www.prbo.org/backyard.htm for informa- operational support that allows us to Mr. Peter Barnes Robert and Jeanne Bradford tion and resources on landscaping for fund priorities as needed. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Breisch birds and to obtain a copy of the PRBO Sheana Butler ✦ Palomarin Field Station: To expand Ms. Heather Cameron handout “Feeding Birds Safely.” Clean Bay, Inc. our pioneering, multi-decadal breed- Ms. Mary Ann Cobb and Mr. Peter Wilson There are those who would simply say, Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson ing songbird research to include habi- Christina Desser “Never ever feed wild birds—it is bad tat succession and climate change Lokelani Devone and Annette Brands for them and for the stability of their Mr. Amos Eno studies. Cost: $3,000 per intern (5); Mr. and Mrs. Russell B. Faucett populations and balance with their Bill and Karen Foss $12,000 Project Manager (1 part-time) Melissa and Lang Gerhard adversaries.” However, since 20 to 50 Mr. Fred Grafton ✦ Marcia, Richard and Cindy Grand million American homes do maintain Farallon Islands—Intern Training: To Mr. & Mrs. Richard M. Griffith, Jr. feeders, it is important that “feeder Mr. and Mrs. Dean Hanson assist in data collection in our world- Ms. Charlene Harvey responsibility” be taught and practiced. renowned research on seabirds and Mr. and Mrs. Totton Heffelfinger Mrs. Doris B. Hughes marine mammals in this largest breed- Mrs. Dorothy B. Hunt Mr. Robert E. Hunter, Jr. Rich Stallcup is PRBO’s Naturalist in the ing colony in the continental U.S. Mr. Harry Jacobs, Jr. Education Program. Cost: $3,000 each (5) Mrs. Shirley Jacobs Stuart Jacobson and Andrea Sandvig Mrs. Frances Johnson ✦ Backup generator and other emer- Mr. and Mrs. John Kalivoda Arthur and Susan Kern gency preparedness: To minimize dis- Florence and Ann Mara Kositsky ruption to our work when outages Mr. Robin L. C. Leong Mr. Ewan Macdonald occur at our headquarters in western Ruth and John Moore Ms. Judith B. Nadai Marin County. Cost: $5,000 Dr. Harold Nathan and Ms. Gail Seneca Bird-A-Thon 2002 Page Foundation ✦ Website Enhancement: To modernize Ms. Frances B. Pope Ms. Helen Pratt the PRBO website to reach new audi- William and Carol Price Many thanks to all who partici- Mr. and Mrs. Willis J. Price ences and to provide real-time data Dr. & Mrs. Benson Roe Prentice Sack pated in our big annual fund-raiser exchange between staff, partners, and John and Julia Serences volunteers. Cost: $10,000 Ms. Peggy H. Shafer in 2002. Bird-A-Thon support for Mr. and Mrs. Austin Sisson Allan David Stone Mrs. Ann Stone PRBO’s conservation through Matthew and Polly Stone Dr. Robert W. Storer science totals more than $92,500 Ms. Marilyn M. Strand Mrs. Mary Stroh-Twichell and Mr. Charles Twichell, Jr. to date! A complete report will Mr. Richard Thalheimer Tides Foundation Leslie and Roland Tognazzini accompany our spring Observer. Mike and Cathy Ullman Ms. Anne Walton West Marine Marshall and Jennifer White Our apologies for ommissions or mistakes in the list at right. Mr. James Wiggett Please call Sarah Huard at 415-868-1221, ext. 324. Ms. Mary P.Wright 12 PRBO Conservation Science. Winter 2003. Number 131.

“The future of PRBO is dependent on planned giving.” Leveraging your conservation dollar Leaving Your IRA to PRBO

Sarah Huard

Recently I corresponded with Planned Observer: Rig, how did you designate Giving attorney Carolyn Farren and PRBO as a beneficiary of your retire- PRBO Board member Rigdon Currie, to ment accounts? discuss the tax benefits of designating Rig: The correct designation for nam- charitable organizations as beneficiaries ing PRBO as a beneficiary is: PRBO of Individual Retirement Accounts Conservation Science, Stinson Beach, (IRAs). California.1 Carolyn Farren is a certified specialist Carolyn: There are a few other things in probate, estate planning, and trust law to keep in mind regarding gifting IRAs. with offices in Marin County and San First, be sure to consult with your finan- Francisco. She has served on the boards cial advisor, attorney, or accountant of several nonprofit organizations in the when you name a beneficiary for your Bay Area, including Audubon Canyon retirement accounts. You should also Ranch, and has graciously agreed to lend note that you can always amend your her expertise to PRBO and our members. designations with a name and new or dif- Rig Currie has served as a member of ferent beneficiaries, should your circum- PRBO’s Board of Directors since 1998. stances change. It’s also worthwhile to Observer: Rig, you’ve been a member mention that you can choose to desig- of PRBO’s Tern Society for 5 years. Why nate all or simply a portion of your IRA did you decide to include PRBO in your to charitable organizations. estate planning? Rig: One final thought about the Rig: PRBO does unique conservation importance of planned gifts is that the COURTESY CAROLYN FARREN CAROLYN COURTESY work. As a pragmatic conservationist, I future of any dynamic nonprofit like Carolyn Farren in Bhutan, at Tiger’s Nest in the believe that productive conservation PRBO will be dependent on planned Himalayas, November 2002. must be based on solid, efficient giving. If enough of us who love the research. And that is precisely PRBO’s work PRBO does make it a vital part of residual going to a nonprofit. That way, mission. I also like PRBO’s focus on our estate planning, PRBO’s future will everyone wins. using bird activity as an indicator of the be assured. I can’t think of a better way Carolyn: Rig’s correct: all Individual health of a habitat. I guess this approach to leverage one’s conservation dollar. Retirement Accounts are subject to appeals to my passion for birds. So my income taxation when they are with- wife Trish and I decided to leave PRBO drawn by an individual. However, chari- Sarah Huard is PRBO’s Manager of a significant portion of our estate. ties such as PRBO do not pay income Individual Giving. For more information Observer: Why IRAs? tax. By designating PRBO as the benefi- on leaving your IRA to PRBO, or other Rig: IRAs left to heirs are taxed most ciary of his IRA upon his death, Rig planned gifts, please call Sarah at heavily, not just with estate taxes but ensures that PRBO receives 100 percent 415-868-1221, ext. 324. particularly with income taxes. These of the value of the IRA and that all of taxes can be avoided by leaving IRAs to those tax-deferred assets are used to nonprofits like PRBO and other assets carry out PRBO’s important work. to heirs. In fact, you can enable heirs to 1 Designating Point Reyes Bird Observatory will also draw on IRA assets for a time, with the suffice. PRBO Conservation Science. Winter 2003. Number 131. 13

... a wake-up call for the world to take preventative action PRBO sends two biologists to the coast of Spain Catastrophic Oil Spill

Diana Humple Farallon Patrol Log

On November 13, 2002, the tanker species identification, documentation, Thanks as always to the expert skip- Prestige, containing twice the quantity of and dissections of dead oiled birds; with- pers of PRBO’s volunteer Farallon oil as Exxon Valdez, began leaking off out such efforts, effects of spills on Patrol for providing the nautical connec- the coast of Spain. In a week the ship seabird populations are unknown. In tion with our field station on Southeast split in two and sank to the ocean floor, many cases, documentation is also cru- Farallon Island. where it continues to leak its contents. cial to holding the responsible parties Oct 5 Mick Meningoz Superfish The catastrophic scale of this spill was legally accountable and to ultimately likely due to the decision to tow the make it in their interest to practice safer Oct 12 Tom Charkins Kumbaya cracked and vulnerable ship into rough shipping methods. Nov 2 Terry Berkeimeier Pax seas instead of granting it safe harbor, To date, over 13,000 dead birds have where the oil could have been con- been collected, and the true mortality Nov 16 Sam Lavanaway La Adriana tained. Hundreds of kilometers of coast- likely is closer to 130,000 birds. Primary Dec 7 Burt McChesney La Storia line were oiled, some by a 35 x 65 km bird species affected include Razorbill, (20 x 40 mile) slick. The fishing industry, Atlantic Puffin, Shag, Northern Gannet, Dec 21 Jim & Petra Reed Melange crucial to the Galician economy (the Common Murre, and Yellow-legged Jan 4 Tom Camp Just Imagine coastal state hit hardest), has been shut Gull. While long-term effects are down and its future jeopardized. unknown, the consequences may be Jan 18 Sam Lavanaway La Adriana Because of PRBO’s expertise in oil severe, especially for species (e.g., the spill response, we offered assistance and puffin) where mostly adults, already of were immediately asked to participate. breeding age, were affected. Notable Christine Abraham and I joined a The lack of coordinated response by British biologist and a team from the the Spanish government highlights the University of La Coruña (Spain) in dire need for established oil spill con- “Fingerprints of global warming on tingency plans—state, national, and wild animals and plants” in the journal continent-wide in scale—to be developed Nature (www.nature.com) recently won before such events occur. This event will national media attention. Lead author hopefully serve as a wake-up call for the Terry Root, PhD, of Stanford University world to take further preventative actions contributed to PRBO’s fall 2002 against the disastrous effects of oil spills. Observer and spoke at our 2002 Osher Symposium. An award-winnning scien- Diana Humple is a Staff Biologist in tist, Terry is also PRBO’s newest science Terrestrial Research and Marine Science. Board member. Christine Abraham, PRBO Marine Science We are also pleased to announce the Biologist, helped prepare this article. addition of Vicki Ruff to the Board of Directors. A former school teacher and PRBO’s response to the Prestige oil spill was American Express executive, Vicki made possible by generous donations from brings exceptional organizational skills

PRBO the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the as well as a passion for the environment Flora Family Foundation, and PRBO member PRBO biologist Christine Abraham examines to PRBO. John Wagnitz. an oiled Gannet in La Coruña, Spain. Welcome Terry and Vicki! 14 PRBO Conservation Science. Winter 2003. Number 131.

As always, PRBO is deeply grateful to Audubon Canyon Ranch, Point Reyes National Seashore, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for providing facilities and field stations where we work.

Gifts Honoring Institutional Giving

PRBO is grateful for the following gifts PRBO is extremely grateful for the generosity of its foundation and corporate supporters. (October–December, 2002): The DMARLOU Foundation generously supported our Tidal Marsh Conservation Project

In honor of Helen and Gil Cohen’s to develop restoration guidelines for San Francisco Bay. They also provided support for our 50th Wedding Anniversary Education and Outreach Program. Ellie M. Cohen and Michal Goralsky The Moore Family Foundation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation provided In honor of Julie Phillips Stephanie Sherman funds for our work on marine protected areas planning in the California Current, based upon In honor of Judith Ciani Smith long-term data from the Farallones and other research sites along the coast. Suzanne Harmon-Speh The Giles W. and Elise G. Mead Foundation, the Elinor Patterson Baker Trust, and the In honor of Jennifer Taylor and Lewis Payne Frank A. Campini Foundation continued their support of our Farallones marine research and Marcy Englund Laura Feuerstein conservation program. Jane Heirich Judith Anne Diedrich Jenkins The Oiled Wildlife Care Network is funding a study of shorebirds along Monterey Bay to Ellen Levitt and Damian Pickering improve preparation in the event of a spill. Robert Nolan Jennifer Shawn and John Botz Along the shores of San Francisco Bay, The Mary A. Crocker Trust and The Dorothy and Andrew Taylor and Audrey Singer Jonathan Rintels Charitable Trust have renewed their support for our research on tidal marsh Janet A. Walker and salt ponds in San Francisco Bay and the development of a Habitat Conversion Model to assess the impacts of converting salt pond to tidal marsh on the birds using those habitats. Memorial Gifts Community Foundation Sonoma County and The J.M. Long Foundation also granted sup- port for the development of evaluation and planning guidelines for tidal marsh restoration. PRBO is grateful for the following memorial With generous support from the Wendy P. McCaw Foundation, we will educate the “shark- dive” industry on how they can reduce disturbance of white sharks and assist in developing gifts (October–December, 2002): appropriate regulations at the Farallones. In memory of Mrs. Batten We are also thankful for recent support from the Vanguard Public Foundation and the Christine Miller High In memory of Ben Black Constellation Fund of the Tides Foundation. Robin L. C. Leong In memory of Clayton R. Coler Carole L. Feasel New Members In memory of George Finney Helen Bristowe Elidia and Arthur Hecht PRBO welcomes the following new members (October–December, 2002): Jackie and Jim Madden Richard and Anita Peacemaker Robert C. Alexander, Ralph Margaret Farley, Margaret Remmy Kingsley, Brooks & Prutzman, Elisssa Rabellino, In memory of Jacob Greenwald & Regina Anavy, Susan Florence, Cheri Joy Stephanie Kirkwood, Diane Reinbolt Judd, Jillian Rich Stallcup Barkan, Mr. Tim Behr, Forrester, Jon & Sandra Patricia Kline, Christopher Robinson, Caroline Norton W. Bell, Mr. James Francis, Mr. & Mrs. H. E. Kraebel, Mark Lamoureaux, Rodgers, Michael Rood, In memory of Kathy Kirkpatrick Herbert Bemis, Leah Frey, Hong Gao, Ian James C. Lansing, Diane Gail P. Roper, Jeremy & Kenneth and Betty Fehring Bernstein, Patricia Blau, Goodman, Great Basin Bird Ross Leech, Karl & Maria Roschelle, William & In memory of Katy Wilson Allan Lee Boyd, Neil Observatory, Marianne Vivianne Lichtenstein, Kathleen Schovajsa, Judith Frances C. Bidstrup Brandt, Donald Buckley, Grebeck, June E. Grimm, Joellen Lippett, Dean Lloyd, M. Schultz, Trudie Behr & Dorothy Tobkin Dudley B. & Curtis Carlson, Paul Grunland, Jill Martin Leonard Lloyd, Dr. William Bruce Scott, Mr. & Mrs. Mr. James P. Citta, Stewart Hanna, David Hartley, E. Lofthouse, MD, Walter G. James A. Seay, Billie Severy, Clark, Dr. James Clegg, Forrest A. Hartman, & Madelene Lyon, Jonh A. Gary B. Stacey, Susan Jeanne Cohn, Glenda Cook, Charlene Harvey, Robert L. & Enid Macken, John W. Stoddard, Loretta Szebert, Renate Coombs, Lawrence Hass, Diane Henry, Amber Majeski, Jr., Marian Christopher A. Tellis, J. & Marianne Coonradt, Hensley, John Hoye, John Mankos, Julie E. Donald Toms, Takenori Jennifer Craven, Marianne Huls, Janet Hurley, Mascheroni, William MC Tsuchiya, Mr. & Mrs. Von Crocker, Bena L. Currin, Charlotte Irvine, Joan B. Coy, Pete McFarland, Julie Tolksdorf, Edward A. Doris & Peter Daniels, Jackson, PhD, James T Menack, Nona Mikkelsen- Walker, Valerie Warburton, Stuart Davidson, France Jennings, Robbie Johnson, Pengilly, Timothy Molter, Eva Westberg, Mr Carleton Davis, Carole E. Deitrich, Bobby Jones, Richard Lee & Jean Myers, Carolyn Oller, White, Lois A. Whitney, William Dietrich, Mr. David Nancy Kenyon, Janet M. Martha Perry, Regina Christine Wood, Mr. & Mrs. Donnenfield, Kristi K. Epke, Kessler, Rodney J. & Phelps, Richard Poley, Donald I. Zimmerman, Henry & Emily Evers, Charlotte Vanzant King, Christopher Pratt, Anne Matthew & Joan Zlatunich. Joanne Gilchrist Tom Gardali Katie Fehring Roy Churchwell Ryan Burnett Dan Barton Grant Ballard Geupel, Geoffrey R. Terrestrial Research Diana Stralberg Spautz Hildie Lars Pomara PhD, Nadav Nur, Population Ecology Peggy Yen Peter Warzybok Julie Thayer Ben Saenz Jennifer Roth Dan Robinette Peter Pyle Kaya Pederson Cornelia Oedecoven Jerry Nusbaum Kyra Mills Derek Lee Meredith Elliott Natalia Collier Russel Bradley Brown Adam Christine Abraham PhD, Sydeman, William J. Marine Sciences Cohen Ellie M. Executive Director Thal Stephen A. Stone Matthew D. Vicki Rupp PhD Root, Terry L. PhD Reynolds, Mark D. PhD Quinn, James F. PhD Nathan, Harold C. EwanMacdonald A. Leong Robin L.C. Stuart Jacobson Lokelani Devone Christina Desser Preston Cook 15 Arden Bucklin-Sporer Browne Leslie M. Ladd, Jack W. RigdonCurrie, F. Stevenson, Langdon R. Foss, William S. Board ofDirectors Science.Winter2003.Number131. PRBO Conservation PRBO BoardandStaff Director Past Chair Secretary Immediate Chair Director Treasurer Director Rich Stallcup, Sue Abbott Melissa Pitkin, Education Ann Chrisney RHJV Coordinator Gregg Elliott Policy Conservation Julie Lambert RobbieKohley, Hisaoka, Carrie Neil Chartier, HeatherCarlisle, Blackford, San ClementeIsland: Kerry Wilcox Sarah Warnock Stenzel Lynne E. DavidShuford W. Eric (Zed)Ruhlen Miko Ruhlen Kate Peterlein Kriss Neumann Cheyenne Laczek-Johnson Catherine Hickey Doug George Carleton Eyster Sarah Connors PhD, Nils Warnock, Page, Gary W. Wetlands Research Julian Wood Missy Wipf Sandy Scoggin Chris McCreedy Cody Martz PhD Steve Latta, Diana Humple Aaron Holmes Sacha Heath Jill Harley Jeanne Hammond Sarah Huard, John Baker, Communications Development & Gareth Penn Dan Coyne Angela Calpestri Judi Black Bob Hunter, Finance &Administration Allison White Claire Peaslee Co-Director Corporate Relations Naturalist Giving Foundation/ Director Individual PRBO Co-Director Director Ashley Dionne Wrights Jill Weader Viola Toniolo Todd Thompson Mike Polito Rio Patton Kristie Nelson Aileen Miller Frasier Metcham Kim Maute Kirsten Lindquist Alison King Dennis Jongsomjit Sanja Hinic Joshua Haiman Aaron Haiman Santiago Guallar River Gates David Gardner Corrie Folsom Jen Erbes Rebecca Eisen Lars Eisen Ryan DiGuadio Leah Culp Renee Cormier Phil Capitolo Andy Campomizi Christopher Berner Gerick Bergsma Sue Adams Field Biologists PhD Steve Zack, Jon Winter PhD Winkler, David W. Sophie Webb WarrinerJohn S. WarrinerJane C. Mark Rauzon Pratt Helen M. DVM Scott Newman, Borja Mila PhD PeterKlimley, A. Jon King PhD David Hyrenbach, Howell G. Steve N. Evens Jules G. PhD Coulter, Malcolm C. PhD Mary Chase, PhD Anne Black, Frances Bidstrup PhD Sarah Allen, Research Associates Membership andEventsCoordinator, AlisonWhite the PRBOfamily. graduate degreebutplanstoremainpartof Matt Leffert After threesuccessfulyearsinthissamepost, new MembershipandEventsCoordinator. Allison looksforwardtoherroleasPRBO’s White. Oklahoma. departed toworkonhisPhDatUniversityof has Staff BiologistinourShrubsteppeProject, experience. network specialistwithextensiveconsulting Technology Specialistis systems. where heassistswithgeographicinformation Terrestrial ResearchtoPopulation Ecology, Staff Biologist and isnowattendingchef’s schoolinParis! Eiger Migrations For Wood Duck work: For Palomarin &Farallon IslandField Wish List For fieldstudies: 310. ext. pleasecall415-868-1221, more information, For PRBO seeksdonationsofthefollowing. e 9 eeiin DVD player New 19"television, pillows, blankets, New sheets(twinsize), blender/foodprocessor, Kitchen knifesets, Camping equipmentingoodcondition Stations: Dissecting microscopes Tree Swallowbirdboxes Digital cameraswithclose-focus camera&telephotolens A 35mm. New toouradministrativestaffis & mattresses BBQ cookbooks, ricecooker, toaster, has abandonedcomputersforcuisine An experiencedprojectmanager, And A colorcopier has departedtopursuea We wishthemallwell! Outgoing technologist Lars Pomara Roy Churchwell, Frequent-flier miles Our newInformation 12' to20'ladders Dan Coyne,

has migratedfrom PRBO recently a Alison Noah a PRBO Conservation Science Non-Profit Organization 4990 Shoreline Highway U.S. Postage Stinson Beach, CA 94970-9701 PAID North Bay, CA tel 415 868–1221 PERMIT NO: 1 fax 415 868–1946 email [email protected] www.prbo.org

PRBO — working to conserve birds, other wildlife, and their ecosystems through objective, innovative scientific research and outreach.

PRBO Members’ Events 2003 Annual Meeting Monthly Bird Walks Start at 9:00 AM and last 2–3 hours. Date: Saturday, May 17 Free to PRBO members, $10/person nonmembers. Details at www.prbo.org/BrdNw.html Time: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM For more information or a calendar of our year’s outings, call Melissa Pitkin at 415-868-1221, ext. 307. Place: To be announced. Seabirds and Seals On outer Point Reyes, we look at some of the study Morning activities: 9:00 AM – Saturday, February 1, 2OO3 species in PRBO’s Marine Program—elephant seals guided bird walks, mist netting and seabirds—as well as gray whales. demonstration. China Camp Tidal Marsh PRBO biologists discuss results of ongoing studies of Members, volunteers, and friends Sunday, March 9, 2OO3 tidal marsh birds in San Francisco Bay, as we explore the habitat at our China Camp State Park study site. of PRBO welcome!

Please join us! Watch for your Birding Five Brooks Join us for spring birding at Five Brooks, a great spot Saturday, April 5, 2OO3 for migrants, woodpeckers, and wood ducks! invitation, with complete information, in the mail. Return to the Burn Hike the 1995 Mt. Vision Fire zone, where PRBO has Sunday, May 11, 2OO3 helped monitor the extensive natural system recovery.

Day Trips with Rich Stallcup May 4—Mount Burdell ❚ July 12—Año Nuevo 9 AM to 3 PM • $40 • enrollment limited • August 17—Bodega Bay ❚ September 28—Abbotts advance registration required. Contact Melissa Pitkin, 415-868-1221, ext. 307 Lagoon ❚ Weekend trip: August 1–3, Mono Basin Please Mark Your Calendar!

C Printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks. PRBO Conservation Science (founded as Point Reyes Bird Observatory) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization The PRBO Observer is published quarterly by the PRBO with headquarters at Stinson Beach, California. All mem- berships and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent Board of Directors. Edited by Claire Peaslee, assisted by allowed by law. Annual memberships are: members of PRBO’s staff. Copyright © 2003 PRBO Conservation Science. Benefactor: $1,000 & more Family: $50 Sponsor: $500 Regular: $35 Sustaining: $250 Student & Senior: $20 Contributing: $100