Volume 54, Number 3 November 2008

Marbled Murrelet • Amy Fesnock USF&WS In 1974, a chance discovery solved the tions of Alaska, Murrelets can nest mystery of the nesting habits of the Mar- on the ground or in rock cavities. bled Murrelet. A tree climber in Big Basin In Washington state, nests have Redwoods State Park found a nest high in been found inland from the coast an old growth Redwood, well inland from up to a distance of 50 miles. their known marine habitat. The Endangered Species Act Amy Fesnock, Senior Fish and Wildlife lists the Marbled Murrelet as a Biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, threatened species in Washington, will share the fascinating story of the biol- Oregon, and California. California ogy and ecology of the Marbled Murrelet. lists it as endangered. This small Puffin-like seabird spends most Audubon Important Bird Areas of its long life in the marine environment. in California and sites throughout They are fast fliers with rapid wing beats and their range help protect critical short wings. Courtship of Marbled Murre- habitat for Marbled Murrelets. Even lets, foraging, loafing, molting and preening so, it has been estimated the species occur in near-shore marine waters whereas is experiencing an annual popula- they come further inland to nest. tion decline throughout their range The nesting location of this breed as great as 4–7% per year. was discovered to be old-growth forests, Our speaker, Amy Fesnock, is liv- characterized by large trees and multiple ing her childhood dream of working canopy layers. Their nest, a cup built of to minimize the impact of humans on other Owl, Bald Eagle, and Marbled Murrelet. moss, lichens, and needles, is built on large species. As a Girl Scout, she was bewildered For the last four years she has enjoyed limbs and may be up to 150 feet above the to find that the summer camp lake had been teaching general ecology and wildlife ground. Their breeding range extends from allowed to go dry and that no one had at- management courses at Sacramento State Alaska south to Monterey Bay. In Califor- tempted to save it. She earned a BS in Wildlife University. She also enjoys time with her nia, nests are found in coastal redwood and Biology from UC Davis and an MS in Natural husband, two-year-old son and eight-year- Douglas fir forests. In non-forested por- Resources from Humboldt State University. old daughter. Fourteen years with the National Park service allowed her to work with woodrats, mice, BIRDING INFORMATION Meeting Schedule Prairie Falcons, California red-legged frogs, The Peyton watershed wet- The next general meeting of Mount Condors, migrating hawks, tule elk, bats, lands, which include McNabney Marsh, Diablo Audubon Society will be bighorn sheep, California tree frogs, and the , in the have been called the Crown Jewel of Thursday, November 6 desert tortoise. Camellia Room of The Gardens at Contra Costa County. Learn about the Heather Farm, Walnut Creek. In 2005, Amy moved to Sacramento long and colorful history of the wetland 7:00 pm Birding Information and joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser- region and about the amazing restora- 7:25 pm Announcements vice endangered species program where tion success story of the past 20 years. 7:40 pm Refreshments,* door prize she works specifically with species found The environmental improvements now 8:05 pm Speaker: in the forest and foothills ecosystems. She in place at Peyton Slough are the result Amy Fesnock * Please remember to bring a cup. is pleased that she has been able to influ- of cooperation and shared priorities December 4: Mike Marchiano ence projects involving species such as the among industrial interests, government Stingers, Fangs, and Venom Shasta crayfish, valley elderberry, longhorn agencies, environmental groups, and of Contra Costa County beetle, Carson wandering skipper, Kern interested private citizens. It has been a primrose sphinx moth, Northern Spotted model ecological restoration success story. DEDICATED TO HABITAT CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION the Quail —— November 2008 California records this is just the seventh President’s Corner to be found away from the coast with the Mark your calendar for Mount Dia- Welcome other six coming from the deserts of Kern blo Audubon’s two 2008 Christmas Bird and Inyo counties. The bird was released on counts. The Eastern Contra Costa County New Members Mount Diablo on 10/9 (BG) count will be Wednesday, December 17 Linda Carpenter Pleasant Hill A male Summer Tanager made a rare and the Central count will be Saturday, appearance in the county on 8/8 at Upper December 20. There will be more infor- Wally Olson Martinez San Leandro Reservoir near Moraga (TH). mation in next month’s Quail. These are It was reported through at least 9/9 (MS). really fun events. Contact our co-compiler Maury Stern or me to sign up. We are go- Observations The first White-throated Sparrow -re ing to try to get some corporate sponsors By Steve Glover port for the winter was from a Richmond this year to cover the costs. If you know a Submit Contra Costa County sightings to yard on 10/12 (AK). company in the county we could contact, Steve Glover at [email protected] Bingham Gibbs, Jeff Hoppes, Tim let me know. or (925) 997-1112. Howe, Alan Krakauer, Bob Lewis, Don One of our board members, Brian Photos obtained at Point Isabel, Rich- Lewis, Laura Look, Bob Richmond, Maury Murphy, sent me a note recently about mond on 10/11 are sufficient for docu- Stern, Emilie Strauss a US House of Representative bill (H.R. mentation of the first Contra Costa County 3036) called the “No child left inside” record of Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (AK). If You Like Birds bill that passed the house. It has a lot of A Red Phalarope, found in the company If you like to watch birds, purchasing features, but it basically is saying there is of 10 Red-necked Phalaropes, was a nice the Federal and State Duck Stamps each a serious issue in our country about chil- find at near Point Isabel, year is an easy and smart way to ensure dren not being exposed to environmental Richmond on 9/15 (JH). there will be habitat for them to thrive. A Short-eared Owl was a rare find for Here are some reasons: Did you know? the Richmond Shoreline 10/12 at Point 10. The Duck Stamp Program is one of Mount Diablo Audubon Society is Isabel near Richmond (LL). the most successful conservation programs primarily supported by your annual ever. Since 1934, more than half a billion twenty-five dollar membership dues A young Lewis’s Woodpecker was a spectacular yard bird in Lafayette on 9/23 dollars has been raised by the stamps to and generous donations. Member- purchase 5 million acres of habitat! ship in National Audubon does not (DL). automatically include membership A Tropical Kingbird at Point Isabel on 9. Habitat purchased is providing wild- life with homes nationwide. Duck Stamp in our local MDAS chapter. 10/11 was small consolation for birders in search of the “mega-rarity” reported two funds have been used to purchase habitat literacy. It will provide funds to integrate days earlier but it nonetheless represents at hundreds of refuges located in nearly environmental education into K-12 cur- just the second or third record for the every state in the nation. riculums. This is really exciting in that it county (JH). 8. Wetlands play an important role in is exactly what our chapter began last year One of the most spectacular finds in the our environment. The protected wetlands and plans to do again in at least two more annals of Contra Costa County birding came help purify water supplies, store flood wa- classrooms in the county. We are ahead of in the form of a phylloscopus warbler at Point ter, reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, the curve! Isabel, Richmond on 10/9 (ES). The bird is and provide spawning areas for fish. We had a couple of great opportunities thought to have been a Dusky Warbler, an 7. Duck stamps benefit more than just last month to put Mount Diablo Audubon Asian species which has been recorded in ducks. Wetland-dependent species also in front of the public. Walnut Creek Li- California on but a handful of occasions. The include shorebirds, marsh birds, songbirds, brary Association sponsored a big event bird was seen by several observers that day, raptors, and hundreds of other species of at Civic Park and we had a booth right and also photographed (BL), but a throng of wildlife. next to Native Bird Connections which birders was unable to relocate the bird over 6. People, too, benefit greatly from the always gets tons of attention because of the following few days. Federal Duck Stamp Program. Birders and the live birds of prey they have on display. A Blackpoll Warbler was at Point Isa- other outdoor enthusiasts have places to They estimated 2000–4000 people came bel, Richmond on 10/11 (BR). Although hike, watch birds, and visit. through the park that Sunday afternoon. one of the most common of the eastern 5. The stamps are highly prized as col- I was invited to speak to the Orinda Ro- “vagrants” along the coast, there are few lectible. Duck Stamps and the products tary club last month about Audubon. The records for the county. that bear duck stamp images have become luncheon was held at the Wagner Ranch popular collector items. Nature Center which they sponsor. It was Absolutely stunning was an injured 4. The stamp serves as your entrance a fun time and I got lots of questions and young Connecticut Warbler brought to the pass for wildlife areas nationwide. Besides we hope a new member or two. Lindsay Museum after crashing into the window of a Peet’s Coffee in Brentwood serving as a hunting license and a conser- I hope to see you at an upcoming meet- on 10/3! Not only does this represent a first vation tool, a current year’s Federal Duck ing or maybe on a field trip soon. Contra Costa County record, it is a first Stamp also serves as an entrance pass for Jimm Edgar for the entire Central Valley. Of nearly 100 Continued on Page 7 » the Quail —— November 2008 Trip Reports MHLT to Preserve Franklin Canyon Hayward Regional Shoreline, Septem- By Nancy Wenninger ber 18. Sixteen birders had wonderful After a long and contentious battle Fernandez Ranch, purchased by the Land weather—too good probably—to search by local activists, 423 acres of open space Trust in 2005, the land preserved will total for all our migrating shorebirds. The main will be permanently preserved, thanks 1,125 acres of open space and contiguous draw of the trip, the Red Knot, was not! to an agreement negotiated by the Muir wildlife habitat. The properties will also But we did have Semi-palmated Plover, Heritage Land Trust (MHLT). provide significant linkages for the Bay Wimbrel, Ruddy Turnstones, and all the For more than 20 years, developers have Area Ridge Trail. expected species. We enjoyed watching tried to gain approval to build on the site, The Franklin Canyon property is an adult White-tailed Kite probably try- which is located adjacent to the Franklin home to several special-status species, ing to drive away a young one who wanted Canyon Golf Course. Various proposals including the Mount Diablo sunflower, to stay too long in his parents’ territory. have been made, from 1,300 housing units California red-legged frog, western pond Most of us continued on to try to find the with a 300-room resort and golf course in turtle and the whipsnake. The Solitary Sandpiper who had been found at 1986, to a more recent development pack- grassland provides foraging for Golden Cull Canyon. He was with the Knots! We age including more than 500 housing units Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk, White-tailed Kite did see some inland species and a very co- and a 100-room hotel and commercial space and Northern Harrier. The property also operative Spotted Sandpiper that we kept which would have required massive grading, includes dense stands of coast live oak hoping would change his spots, but it never the removal of more than 3,000 oak trees and and California bay in the ravines, along did. Bingham Gibbs the destruction of 271 acres of habitat. with valley oak, buckeye, black oak and Outer Point Reyes, September 27. Fif- Over the years, concerned residents of elderberry. Other plant communities on teen members and guests had a good day Hercules have advocated protection of the site include northern coyote bush scrub, on a clear, cool day with light wind but cold, site’s ecologically sensitive areas. In 2004, central coast riparian scrub and freshwater foggy and windy at the lighthouse. Among Measure M, the “Protect Franklin Canyon marsh. The acquisition will also help to the 75 species seen or heard were many Area Initiative,” was passed with 63% voter protect two watersheds: and gulls and two Elegant Terns on Drake’s approval. It established a 40-acre minimum . Beach, and a Virginia Rail and a Sora at parcel size with one single-family residence MHLT is now embarking on a five-year the pond. Very few birds were at Mendoza per parcel, and placed restrictions on “Keep It Wild” campaign with a goal of or Nunes Ranch. The water off the Fish wetland and riparian corridors, critical raising $8.5 million to purchase key open Docks had few birds, but the row of pines wildlife habitat, steep slopes, ridgelines space in central Contra Costa County, beyond the garage provided several war- and hilltops. restore and maintain the acquired lands blers, including a Black-throated Gray, and Even with these constraints, the prop- and provide environmental education. long good views of a Clay-colored Sparrow erty remained vulnerable to development. Donations to support the Franklin Canyon moving slowly, 20 feet up in a tree; a Per- The persistent efforts of Linus Eukel, purchase and the “Keep It Wild” campaign egrin Falcon flew low over our heads near MHLT’s executive director, have resulted can be made online at www.muirheritage- the parking lot. At the lighthouse were a in a two-year option to buy and perma- landtrust.org, or can be sent to Muir Heri- Red-breasted Nuthatch, Hermit Thrushes, nently protect this important parcel for tage Land Trust, P.O. Box 2452, Martinez, Hutton’s and Warbling Vireos, and a few $1,780,000. Together with the adjacent CA 94553. “western” warblers. On the way back, four of us saw a Ferruginous Hawk flying near after the sun appeared. That was not the and guest enjoyed a beautiful, sunny and the RCA communication towers. case, though an American Redstart was in warm day birding the shoreline. Fall birds Jean Richmond the willows south of the lagoon. Four out of are showing up and most ducks look like Hawk Hill, October 4. It was thought that six participants saw this bird fan its tail and the plates in the field guides again. At following the overnight rain the birds at we all saw several Wrentits in the adjacent Emeryville Marina, we sighted two Her- Rodeo Lagoon would be especially active brush. Hawk Hill was still in the clouds mit Thrushes in the cypress trees. Two when we arrived around noon, but some Golden-crowned Sparrows were forag- of the group listened to lectures and saw a ing with the White-crowned Sparrows at These birds have been Sharp-shinned Hawk banded and released. Middle Harbor Shoreline Park. We had observed passing a berry Others went directly to the counting area. great views of Elegant Terns and Dunlin or a flower petal from Accipiters and the usual Red-tailed and among the many shorebirds and scoped beak to beak along a line Red-shouldered Hawks were found, but an early season Greater Scaup farther out of birds on a branch until finally one ultimately many were treated to a spec- with the Clark’s and Western Grebes. A bird gives up the play and devours it. tacular dark-phase Broad-winged Hawk male Eurasian Wigeon in eclipse plum- The genus name derives from Greek circling overhead. We totaled 39 species age was found at Albany Crescent and or Latin meaning “silken-tailed.” for the trip and four river otters in the main then a second was sighted behind the Unscramble these letters, or turn to lagoon. Hugh B. Harvey Sea Breeze on University Avenue. Spot- Page 6 to learn more. Berkeley-Albany Shoreline and Middle ted Sandpipers were seen at three loca- AACDEGINRWWX Harbor, October 8. Thirteen members tions. 66 species were seen. Lynn Lakso the Quail —— November 2008 Field Trip Schedule By Hugh Harvey

November 8 Saturday ...... Davis Area/Vic Fazio Come birding with us 15 Saturday ...... Limantour 22 Saturday ...... /South Bay in November! 24 Monday ...... Mt. View Sanitary/McNabney Marsh December ➋ 11 Thursday ...... Niles Area Saturday, November 22 12 Friday ...... -High Tide Charleston Slough/South Bay 17 Wednesday . . . . . Christmas Count/East Contra Costa Leader: Eugenia Larson, 806-0644 20 Saturday . . . . . Christmas Count/Central Contra Costa Carpool leaves at 7:30 am from Sycamore Valley Road Park January and Ride. Meet at Terminal Road in Mountain View at 8:30 3 Saturday ...... Christmas Count/Rarity Chase am. Take I-680 south to SR 237, exit Calavaras Boulevard to 10 Saturday ...... Putah Creek west. Pass Alviso, connect to US 101 north at Moffett Field. 17-18 Saturday/Sunday ...... Bodega Bay Exit at San Antonio Road, turn right (north) to Terminal 24 Saturday . . . Las Gallinas/Rush Creek/Shollenberger Park Road, turn right and park. Entrance is on left. Other areas of 31 Saturday ...... Thornton Area/Cosumnes Preserve interest in the South Bay are Palo Alto Baylands and Alviso. Shorebirds and waterfowl should be plentiful. Bring lunch and a beverage. ➊ Saturday, November 8 Davis Area/Vic Fazio Leader: Terry Colborn. 530-758-0689, [email protected] ➋ Monday, November 24 The open agricultural lands of Solano County provide excel- Mountain View Sanitary/McNabney Marsh lent foraging habitat for scores of wintering raptors, while Leader: Cheryl Abel, 335-0176 the wetlands of the Yolo Basin Wildlife Area are the winter Meet at 9 am at the Mountain View Sanitary Visitor Center. home for thousands of waterfowl including ducks, geese, Exit from I-680 southbound at Arthur Road, turn left and swans and many shorebirds. This all-day field trip will visit go under the freeway. Exit I-680 northbound at Pacheco several local winter habitats in search of Ferruginous and Blvd, turn right onto Arthur Road and go under the freeway. Rough-legged hawks; Merlin; Prairie Falcon; Burrowing, Arthur Road will turn left. At 0.4 miles turn sharp left onto Barn and Great-horned Owls; Long-billed Curlew as well Mountain View Sanitary’s private road. Follow the road as the elusive and threatened Mountain Plover. We also through the entry gate, alongside the freeway and through expect to see a representative sampling of waterfowl and the tunnel under I-680. Park and sign-in at the Visitor Cen- a variety of shorebirds at the Yolo Basin Wildlife Area, ter. Trails may be muddy. Close-up looks at dabbling ducks; aka the Vic Fazio refuge. Participants meet the leader at possibly bitterns and herons. If you wish, bring a lunch and 8:00 am in Dixon in the southwest corner of the Wal-Mart explore Martinez shoreline in the afternoon. parking lot located on East Dorset Drive at the Hwy 113 exit off I-80. Bring a lunch and liquids; dress in layers.

Field trips are open to members and non-members, begin- ners and advanced birders. Weather or other contingencies may require changes. For updates, visit the MDAS website at www. ➋ Saturday, November 15 diabloaudubon.com/index/php. Limantour Because most trips do not return until late afternoon, bring a lunch and drink and join us during our midday break. Leader: Maury Stern, 284-5980 Category ➊: Easy, little or no walking, smooth paths Carpool leaves at 7:00 am from El Nido Ranch Road. Meet Category ➋: Moderate, one mile or more, possibly rough terrain at 8:30 am at the Bear Valley Visitor Center, Point Reyes ➌ National Seashore. Take SR 24 to Oakland, then I-580 west Category : Difficult, extensive walking on rough terrain. to Richmond and the San Rafael Bridge. From US 101 north, Carpool locations: Sun Valley—Southwest corner of the Sun take Central San Rafael exit. Go 2 blocks, turn left on 3rd Valley Mall parking lot at Willow Pass Road and Contra Costa Boulevard in Concord. Street and continue west to Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Turn Sycamore Valley Road Park and Ride Lot—Just south of Danville, exit I-680 at Sycamore Valley Road right on Sir Francis Drake. At SR 1 at Olema, turn right for to the east; the Park and Ride lot is on the left. El Nido Ranch 0.25 miles, then turn left on Bear Valley Road. Visitor Center Road—Take the Acalanes Road/Upper Happy Valley Road exit is off Bear Valley. This trip includes forest birds on the ridge off SR 24, west of Lafayette. El Nido Ranch Road is parallel to and ducks, shorebirds and often loons and grebes on the bay. and north of the freeway. Park just east of the intersection with Acalanes Road and on the north side of El Nido Ranch Road. the Quail —— November 2008 Point Isabel Shoreline » Continued from Page 8

joins the main trail about midway of its one-and- an-eighth mile length from Point Isabel to the Meeker Slough bridge. There is parking at Shi- mada Friendship Park off Marina Bay Parkway. This small city park is named for Shimada, Ja- pan, Richmond’s sister city. From the park, the ; Mount Tamalpais in the far distance. trail winds along the bay- waste from former chemical factories is be- shore adjacent to the homes of the gated ing removed and the marshland restored. residential area of Marina Bay for about a New parks and open space, It’s an exciting process to watch and a pre- mile to Meeker Slough. Close to home, No new taxes. cious resource. That shoreline was also one Cut off this urban but nicely land- of the areas hardest hit by the Cosco Busan scaped section by driving to the end of oil spill in November, 2007. Bayside Drive and park in the circle. Take habitat change and other impacts allows Cyclists and joggers enjoy the level, the path through the trees and condos for adaptive management geared towards paved trail; dogs are permitted on leash. A and you will come to Meeker Slough itself. protection and enhancement of the Bay’s few benches are provided at points where Turn right and walk about 100 yards and sensitive wildlife resources. you can relax and take in the views of the you will come to the Meeker Slough bridge. Logistics and details for the 2008 bay from Treasure Island to Angel Island This is where fresh water meets the salty count: and Brooks Island. The trail takes advan- Bay, and this is where American Coots • The surveys will be in the morning tage of a Santa Fe railroad right-of-way and Mallards like to hang out. American (probably 8 am-ish) and last 3-6 hours, proposed in the 1930s in anticipation of Wigeons and Green-winged Teal are pos- depending on the survey location and industrial growth, but never used. sible, too, and a Clapper Rail was observed number of shorebirds to be counted. In addition to access at Point Isabel, at this location in September. • South Bay (the area south of the San where parking is available, though crowded Walk east along the trail for a quarter Mateo Bridge) will be counted Thursday, on weekends, you can go to the end of mile to what used to be a pier. Check the November 13; North Bay from San Rafael South 51st Street in Richmond (take Bay- shore across the water from the end of the and Richmond north () will view Ave. from I-580). From there, a short pilings for Double-crested Cormorants, be counted Friday, November 14, and Cen- connector trail crosses Baxter Creek and gulls, and shorebirds. tral Bay will be counted Saturday, Novem- ber 15. In case of heavy rain, alternative Audubon California Needs Volunteers dates are Central Bay, Sunday, November for SF Bay Shorebird Count! 23, South Bay, Monday, November 24, and North Bay, Tuesday, November 25. What: A comprehensive count of the • You may count on all three days or as shorebirds of . few as one day. When: November 13-15, or in case of • All skill levels are welcome, as we will be heavy storms November 23-25. going out in pairs/teams. Site leaders must Where: Along all San Francisco Bay tidal be able to readily identify species on the wetland habitats and high-tide roosts. attached list and feel confident in their abil- Who: YOU! Birders of all skill levels of the total wintering and migrating ity to count roosting shorebirds. Leaders are needed. Highly experienced birders shorebirds than any other wetland on the should be equipped with a spotting scope can lead area counts and beginning bird- Pacific Coast. as well as binoculars. Less experienced ers will have the opportunity to learn from Salt pond restoration, sea level rise, shorebird censusers will play an important the experts. global climate change, invasive species, role in assisting site leaders with counting, Why: Millions of shorebirds use the and acute events such as the Cosco Busan identification, and data collection. San Francisco Bay marshes, salt ponds, oil spill of 2007 can have dramatic effects • Shorebird identification training sessions tidal flats, and other wetlands during the on shorebirds of the Bay. The 2008 survey are being planned, details to follow. migratory and winter months. The San will tell us 1) how many shorebirds are Get involved! Contact: Mike Perlmut- Francisco Bay is one of the most impor- using the Bay, and 2) how are they dis- ter, Bay Area Conservation Coordinator, tant wintering sites for North America’s tributed. Tracking shorebird population Audubon California, perlmutter@audu- shorebirds, holding higher proportions and distribution changes in relation to bon.org, 510-601-1866 x231. the Quail —— November 2008 Cedar Waxwing • Bombycilla cedrorum teristic. This may have a role NEWS in mate selection, but its FROM function remains unclear. WILD BIRDS Alexander Wilson, writing of this attractive decora- UNLIMITED tion says: “Six or seven, and sometimes the whole m nine, secondary feathers of the wings are ornamented In the Backyard at the tips with small red Dark-eyed Juncos are arriving. Mainly oblong appendages, re- we see the ‘Oregon’ subspecies with their sembling red sealing-wax; dark hood. Sometimes it’s possible to these appear to be a pro- find a ‘Slate-colored’ Junco with a dark body and white belly. Look for the white longation of the shafts, outer tail feathers on both of these when and to be intended for in flight. preserving the ends, and consequently the vanes, of the quills, from being broken and worn away by the almost continual flut- If you have Pyracantha shrubs in your tering of the bird among thick branches garden, or Toyon, or if there is mistletoe in of the cedar. The feathers of those birds your trees, you are undobtedly familiar with which are without these appendages are the Cedar Waxwings. Flocks in the hundreds uniformly found ragged on the edges, but will suddenly arrive when the berries are smooth and perfect in those on whom the ripe, and in a matter of hours the berries will marks are full and numerous.” have been stripped from the branches, and In the Northeast, an introduced variety Golden-crowned Sparrows have ar- the birds will all have vanished to another of honeysuckle has a large amount of the red rived. Their plaintive, whistled three-note neighborhood. No other bird family in the pigment rhodoxanthin. Cedar Waxwings song (“oh-dear-me”) can be heard all day United States depends so much on fruit as do who eat these berries while molting acquire long, but especially early in the morning. White-crowned Sparrows have also mi- the Waxwings. They are particularly fond of orange instead of yellow tail tips. Orange grated in for the winter. They often flock the berries of Eastern Red Cedar. Their diet variants of Yellow-breasted Chat and Ken- also includes insects, especially in summer, with the Golden-crowned Sparrows. Both tucky Warbler have also been attributed to are ground or tray feeding birds and love and flower petals. the bright-red berries of this honeysuckle. white millet seed. They will also eat suet. The accompanying photo was given to Waxwings are unusual among passer- American Goldfinches should begin The Quail by Cynthia Huener, wife of the ines, or “songbirds,” in that they do not sing. appearing in larger numbers, often ac- Ranger at Thief Lake Wildlife Management If you are close enough, you might hear a soft companied by Lesser Goldfinches. Their Area in Minnesota. She had seen these birds “zeee” call, especially if a flock of birds flies numbers will continue increasing all in her crabapple trees passing blossom pet- off at one time. through the winter. By January or Febru- als in a apparent courtship ritual. She tells ary many people see flocks of up to 50. Of “Cedar-birds,” John J. Audubon They can also be seen eating wild thistle of watching a pair do its dance, when one wrote, “The holly, the vines, the persimon, bird offers a petal, then hops one step to the seeds and on liquidambar and birch the pride-of-china, and various other trees, trees. Both will readily come to thistle side. The second bird responds with a repeat supply them with plenty of berries and fruits, seed feeders. hopping dance step, and this goes on back on which they fatten, and become so tender Suet feeding is also entertaining at this and forth for some time. and juicy as to be sought by every epicure time of year. In addition to the regular cast Since the young are fed to some extent for the table. I have known an instance of of visitors (Chickadees, Oak Titmice, jays, on small fruits, waxwings tend to nest late a basketful of these little birds having been woodpeckers, etc.), Bewick’s Wrens and in the summer when there is a good sup- forwarded to New Orleans as a Christmas Ruby-crowned Kinglets also love suet. ply of berries. Adults store berries for the present. The donor, however, was disap- young in the crop, a pouch located in the pointed in his desire to please his friend in m throat, and may regurgitate as many as 30, that city, for it was afterwards discovered Mike and Cecil Williams one at a time, into the eager, wide-open that the steward of the steamer, in which Wild Birds Unlimited mouths of the nestlings. they were shipped, made pies of them for 692 Contra Costa Blvd. The name “waxwing” comes from the the benefit of the passengers.” Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925-798-0303 waxy red appendages found on the tips of the The beautiful, delightful Cedar-bird, a Visit us at www.wbupleasanthill.com secondaries. Not all birds show this charac- truly delectable species! the Quail —— November 2008 Put a California Quail ringtone on your the Quail Ornithological phone. Or would you prefer the call of is published 10 times a year by the Opportunities the Bald Eagle or the Wild Turkey. What Mount Diablo Audubon Society about the bugle of an elk, or the mating Festival of the Cranes. November 18–23, P.O. Box 53 • Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053 call of the American Alligator? These and (925) AUD-UBON • (925) 283-8266 Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Ref- other sounds of nature are available—all MDAS Board of Directors uge, south of Socorro, NM. The Festival free—from eNature. Listen to samples of the Cranes celebrates the return of the President: Jimm Edgar, 510-658-2330 as you browse and learn intriguing facts Vice President: Mike Williams, 376-1631 Sandhill Cranes and the Snow Geese to about the species whose calls and songs Treasurer: Steve Buffi, 938-0929 the Refuge for the winter. Educational are available for download. When you Board Secretary: Diana Granados, 963-9753 workshops, field-trip experiences and the find one you can’t resist, just click and fol- Sales Manager: Barbara Vaughn, 376-8732 beauty of the northern Chihuahuan desert low the instructions. http://wild.enature. Programs: Alice Holmes, 938-1581 make this a great destination for birders com/ringtones Field Trips: Hugh Harvey, 935-2979 from all over the world. Information: (575) Membership: Beverley Walker, 952-9925 835-1828; [email protected]. Volunteer Coordinator: Open Duck Stamps » From Page 2 The 12th Annual Central Valley Birding Hospitality: Gerry Argenal, 768-6325 National Wildlife Refuges where admission Symposium will be held November 20–23 Education: Cecil Williams, 376-1631 is normally charged. Access: Beverly Hawley, 947-0479 at the Stockton Grand Hotel. Evening pro- 3. The Duck Stamp Program is a highly Webmaster: Patrick King, 510-642-6522 grams include Hans Peeters “Owls of Cali- Chapter Development: Paul Schorr, 757-5107 fornia and the West” and John Muir Laws effective way to conserve America’s natural resources. Approximately 98% of every Hands-On Conservation: “Exploring the Sierra Nevada as a Naturalist Nancy Wenninger, 938-7987 duck stamp dollar goes directly to the and Artist”. Workshops include “Raptor Christmas Count: Jimm Edgar, 510-658-2330 ID” by Joe Morlan, “Bird ID” by Jon Dunn, purchase of wetlands and wildlife habitat, Member-at-Large: Brian Murphy, 937-8835 “Bird and Nature Digiscoping” by Clay adding to the National Wildlife Refuge Jean Richmond, 837-2843 Taylor, drawing workshops with John Muir System. Quail Editor: Ellis Myers, 284-4103 Laws, and more. There will be programs for 2. Duck stamp funds are making a dif- 215 Calle La Mesa beginning birders and for people who want ference in California. 16 National Wildlife Moraga, CA 94556-1603 to make their gardens bird-friendly. Field Refuges in California receive funding from [email protected] trips frequently turn up chasable goodies. the Federal Duck Stamp Program. State The Quail is printed on 30% post-consumer waste recycled paper. The deadline for the December- The Birder’s Market has so many wonderful Duck Stamps support waterfowl conserva- January issue is November 11. bird and nature related items that you’ll be tion activities at California Fish and Game tempted to max out your credit cards! Check preserves. the website at www.cvbs.org, or contact 1. Because YOU care! These mini works Frances Oliver at hummer52@sbcglobal. of art will remind you of your contributions net or (209) 369-2010. to conservation for years to come! (

MDAS MEMBERSHIP/RENEWAL APPLICATION The Garden Center c Please enroll my family and me as a member of Mount Diablo Audubon Society Mount Diablo Audubon Society meets on the for $25 for one year. first Thursday of each month, except July and c I’m enclosing an additional tax-deductible donation of $______. August, in the Camellia Room of The Gardens c For an additional $20 (new NAS members only) or $35 (returning members), at Heather Farms, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, please enroll me in the National Audubon Society to receive four quarterly issues Walnut Creek. Everyone is invited. of Audubon Magazine. Please send The Quail by: c E-mail c US mail

Name______Address______City, State______Zip______Phone ( ____ )______E-mail______Card Number:______Visa ____ MasterCard ______Expiration Date Name on Card:______Please make your check payable to: MT. DIABLO AUDUBON SOCIETY and mail with this application to: Membership Chair, 1932 Golden Rain Road #4, Walnut Creek, CA 94595 the Quail —— November 2008 Mount Diablo Audubon Society Non-Profit Org. P.O. Box 53 U.S. Postage Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053 PAID Return Service Requested Permit No. 66 Concord, CA

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Great Blue Heron along the Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Trail.

Western Gulls raised a family on the end of to protect San Francisco Bay as a public Point Isabel the dilapidated pier and one of the juvies is open space resource. An array of discrete Regional Shoreline still around begging for food—there were units, Eastshore State Park extends 8.5 three chicks originally. Also there’s a fair miles along the East Bay shoreline from Point Isabel, on the eastern shore of number of land birds to be seen, including the Bay Bridge to Richmond. It includes San Francisco Bay, is many things to many a resident female American Kestrel, which 1,854 acres of uplands and tidelands along poeple. It’s Costco; it’s the United States is lovely as the species is in decline. Any- the waterfronts of Oakland, Emeryville, Postal Service bulk-mail facility; it’s East- way it is very birdy there and I encourage Berkeley, Albany, and Richmond. The East shore State Park; it’s an off-leash dog park; people to check it out. In addition, it is Bay Regional Park District, acting as agent it’s East Bay Regional Park District’s Point quite beautiful as well!” for the State, used funds from the Park Isabel Regional Shoreline. But for birders, District’s 1988 Measure AA and state park it’s one of four entry points to the Point bonds to acquire the property and clean up Isabel to Miller-Knox Regional Trail, which contaminated areas at a cost of more than is also part of the Bay Trail. The portion $33 million. Funds for the Shoreline Trail from Point Isabel to the bridge at Meeker came largely from the United States Postal Slough is usually alive with waterfowl in Service as mitigation for their use of land at the ponds alongside, and with numerous Point Isabel for their huge facility. Eastshore land birds flitting here and there or soar- State Park is a good example of Measure ing overhead. AA accomplishments—let’s look forward to more successes with Measure WW. One birder recently commented: “I regularly see between 25 and 30 species The Point Isabel Regional Shoreline in that section of trail. In the past we have American Avocet Trail is a great example of the success of the citizen-supported movement to reclaim had Black Skimmers. Currently there are This is a multi-use trail and was the our Bay shoreline. On the north side of Oystercatchers, lots of peeps, Forster’s first portion of Eastshore State Park to be the trail east of Meeker Slough are East Terns, a Caspian Tern feeding juvenile, and opened to the public. Eastshore State Park and West Stege Marshes, where industrial one Elegant Tern the other day. A pair of is the result of decades of citizen efforts the Quail —— ContinuedNovember on Page 2008 5 »