Volume 57, Number 3 November 2011 Burrowing Owls in California  Jack Barclay Jack Barclay has devoted twenty years to Burrowing Owl conservation. He com- ments, “Ecologically, Burrowing Owls are like weeds. They move in and out of disturbed areas depending on the natural habitat. They move into developmental projects and stay for a year or two as long as the vegetation is short, but when the vegetation begins to grow they will leave.” Burrowing Owls are playful, nine-inch- tall birds with bold, lemon-colored eyes. They are the only North American bird of prey that nests exclusively underground. They are called “Burrowing Owls” but the birds prefer to let other animals, such as ground squirrels, do the digging. They often decorate their burrow entrances with dung, animal parts, bottle caps, aluminum foil and other trash. This behavior may benefit the birds by attracting insects or signaling Burrowing Owls. Photo by Scott Hein that the burrow is occupied. Burrowing habitat. Mr. Barclay is a senior wildlife Owls are active during the day, and dur- and San Jose and has created plans for an biologist who specializes in the biology ing breeding season a sun-bleached male artificial burrow that is used in many loca- and conservation of Burrowing Owls. As stands guard at the burrow entrance. He tions. In 2003, he organized and chaired the cofounder of Albion Environmental, he brings food to the female as she cares for first California Burrowing Owl Symposium. devotes his time to inventory and impact six to eight chicks in the burrow. Prior to coming to California, Mr. assessment of special-status wildlife spe- Jack Barclay first studied these birds Barclay spent eleven years at the Cornell cies as defined by the California Environ- University Laboratory of Ornithology as in the close-cropped fields near airport mental Quality Act and the Endangered runways that offer good Burrowing Owl coordinator of the Peregrine Falcon rein- Species Act. In addition, his work involves troduction program for the eastern United mitigation planning and environmental States. He has published many articles and compliance management for special status contributed chapters to books on raptor Meeting Schedule projects such as pipelines and airports. biology, conservation, and management. The next general meeting of Since 1989, Mr. Barclay has managed Mount Diablo Audubon Society the San Jose International Airport’s bird BIRDING INFORMATION will be Thursday, November 3, in monitoring program that includes Bur- Last spring, Jimm Edgar, Kent Fickett the Camellia Room of The Gardens and Bill Chilson flew to Maui to attempt at Heather Farm, Walnut Creek. rowing Owl management. He provided a a new record for most species seen in one 7:00 pm Birding Information Burrowing Owl management plan for the 7:25 pm Announcements airport that integrates long-term mainte- day of birding on the island. Did they meet 7:40 pm Refreshments,* raffle nance of the owl population with airport their goal? Come and find out as they share 8:05 pm Speaker: Jack Barclay maintenance and development. He has also their "Big Day in Hawaii" experience. It was * Please remember to bring a cup. developed citywide Burrowing Owl miti- quite an adventure. gation plans for the cities of Morgan Hill [Oh, by the way, of course they did!] DEDICATED TO HABITAT CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION the Quail —1— November 2011 President’s Corner By Jimm Edgar I recently bought a small book a friend had recommended called A California Welcome Bestiary. I have to admit that I had to look up the meaning of the word “bestiary.” It New Members means “a collection of descriptions of real Dayna Beaubien Pleasant Hill or imaginary animals.” The book is written Edith Black Orinda by Rebecca Solnit whom many of you prob- ably know from some of her other works. Richard Bogaert Martinez One of our members, Maury Stern, was Katie Jahns Pleasant Hill quite familiar with her work, particularly Christy and Norm Lundberg Martinez her book Wanderlust: A History of Walking. A California Bestiary has 14 chapters each Mary Elizabeth Sanyal Walnut Creek taking a few pages to talk about a particular real animal. Everything from Tule Elk to Monarch Butterflies to Acorn Woodpeck- ers. The friend who had told me about the book thought I would find interesting the The Quail is published monthly except chapter on Acorn Woodpeckers. It says this: Acorn Woodpecker January and August by Mount Diablo “These small black-backed woodpeckers Audubon Society, P.O. Box 53, Walnut with their red yarmulkes are extraordinary read some of the news surrounding the Creek, CA 94597-0053. The Quail is for what they do with acorns: gathering movie. It is taken from the book of the printed on 30% post-consumer waste recycled paper. them, one at a time and placing them in same name written by Mark Obmascik The deadline for the December/January issue is November 8. holes they have drilled in tree bark, tele- that chronicled the lives of three men who phone poles, fence poles and most recently, in 1998 set out to see how many birds each amid much ruckus, the sides of buildings could see in the year and who could see would not have sold many tickets probably. in an affluent retirement community in the the most birds. Audubon magazine in the You can watch a trailer on the movie at East Bay.” (Emphasis added.) This is refer- September-October issue did an interview www.thebigyearmovie.com, or for theaters ence to the infamous dealings our chapter with the actors who play the three. Steve and showtimes, see www.imdb.com/show- had with Rossmoor re: their permit to kill Martin is the lead actor. National Audubon times. The Audubon logo appears a number 50 Acorn Woodpeckers that were drilling is suggesting it might be a way to attract of times in the movie. It will be interesting the holes in buildings. So we made it into a new members to local chapters. The movie to see what response people have to “The book. It is a great little book. is what the studio calls a “buddy comedy.” Big Year.” Also of note is the opening in October It does take some liberty with the original I hope to see you at a meeting this fall of the movie “The Big Year.” You may have story, but the original story, if stuck to, or on one of our great field trips.

New Rules for Gray Lodge at dusk

Wildlife Watchers cal Reserve, which will Californians who enjoy visiting the continue to sell daily and state’s wildlife areas and ecological reserves annual passes at its Visi- are reminded that day-use and annual pass- tors Center. es are no longer sold at on-site checkpoints. Visitors who have a As of Monday, October 3, visitors to these valid California hunting areas must make an advance purchase of or fishing license may a $4.32 daily lands pass or a $22.68 annual obtain an entry permit by lands pass, either online at www.dfg.ca.gov/ presenting their license licensing or at one of the California De- at the area, and are not partment of Fish and Game’s 1,500 license required to purchase a agents or license sales offices. (Please note pre-paid daily or annual that daily passes purchased online cannot pass. However, hunters be printed immediately and require mail are reminded that license delivery. If those items are needed imme- include Gray Lodge, Grizzly Island, Los sales at the checkpoints have also been dis- diately, they should be purchased directly Banos, San Jacinto and Imperial Wildlife continued, and all licenses and stamps must from a license agent or at a DFG counter.) Areas, and Elkhorn Slough and Upper be purchased ahead of time (also online or The areas that require day-use or Newport Bay Ecological Reserves. The only from an agent or sales office). annual passes for non-hunting visitors exception is the Elkhorn Slough Ecologi- California DFG, October 5, 2011 the Quail —2— November 2011 Art Show a Grand Success The Art Exhibit at the Lynn House Gallery in Antioch from September 10‒24 presented the work of fourteen MDAS members and received a warm welcome from the community. Paintings and wa- tercolors were shown by Gloria Cannon, Debra Kirshen, H. Dave Kwinter. Meg Sandri, Julia Starr, Maury Stern, and Joel Summerhill. Photographs were displayed by Hugh Harvey, Scott Hein, Jean Matuska, *Gloria Cannon and Third Place entry David Merrill, Wendy Murphy, Ellis Myers, Antioch Breakwater; and Paul Schorr. The Best of Show award was given to Julia Starr for her painting "Hunters". First Place belonged to Scott Hein for a photo "Ocean Sunfish". Jean Matuska's "Burrowing Owl, Cesar Chavez Park" took Second Place, and Gloria Cannon's paint- ing " Antioch Breakwater" took Third Prize. Honorable Mention ribbons were awarded to H. Dave Kwinter for his painting "Night Bird" and to Ellis Myers for his photo "Antelope Canyon II". The show was held in cooperation with the The Arts and Cultural Foundation *Jean Matuska and Second Place of Antioch, its Executive Director Diane Burrowing Owl, Cesar Chavez Park; Gibson-Gray, and was organized for MDAS by Joel Summerhill. Upper left: Best in Show, Hunters, by Julia Starr; Center left Scott Hein's Checker Lily, Mitchell Canyon. Scott won First Prize for his photo Ocean Sunfish Lower left *Jillian,11 and Christian Cooper, 7, friends of Meg Sandri, enjoy the exhibit Lower right Night Bird by H. Dave Kwinter (below), American Dipper by Meg Sandri, (above left) Coffee Pot by Deborah Kirshen, (above right) * Photos by Diane Gibson-Gray.

Audubon wrote: "Not many years have elapsed Q since it was supposed by some ... [that these birds] buried themselves in the mud at the approach of cold weather, for the purpose of there spending the winter in a state of torpidity." Unscramble these letters, or turn to Page 6 to learn more. ROSA the Quail —3— November 2011 Field Trip Schedule By Hugh Harvey

November ➋ 5 Saturday...... Solano County Raptors Saturday, November 12 9 Wednesday...... Antioch Dunes and Dow Wetlands Charleston Slough/South Bay 12 Saturday...... Charleston Slough/South Bay Leader: Eugenia Larson, 806‒0644. 15 Tuesday...... Mountain View Sanitary/McNabney Marsh Carpool leaves at 7:30 am from Sycamore Valley Road Park and Ride. Meet at Terminal Road in Mountain View at 19 Saturday...... Limantour 8:30 am. Take I-680, exit Mission Boulevard west. Continue December through two traffic lights and take I-880 ramp south. Exit to 3‒4 Saturday/Sunday ...... Sacramento Refuges SR 237, connect to US 101 north at Moffett Field. Exit at San 8 Thursday...... Niles Area Antonio Road, turn right (north) to Terminal Road, turn right 17 Saturday...... Christmas Count/Central County and park. Entrance 20 Tuesday...... Christmas Count/East County is on left. Other ar- eas of interest in the January South Bay are Palo 8 Sunday...... Christmas Count/Rarity Chase Alto Baylands, Al- 14 Saturday...... Putah Creek viso and Redwood 20 Friday...... Lake Merritt/Arrowhead Marsh Shores. Shorebirds 28 Saturday...... Las Gallinas/Rush Creek/Shollenberger a n d w a t e r f o w l should be plentiful. ➋ Bring lunch and a Saturday, November 5 beverage. Solano County Raptors and More Duck poind, Palo Alto Baylands. Leader: Gary Fregien, 916-708-0636. Carpool leaves Sun Valley at 7:15 am. Meet 8 am at Suisun ➋ City McDonald’s, Hwy 12 and Sunset Avenue. Take I-680 north, Tuesday, November 15 cross bridge to Benicia (toll) and merge to I-80 east at Cordelia. Mountain View Sanitary/McNabney Marsh Then take Hwy. 12 east toward Rio Vista for approximately 4 Leader: Steve Taylor, [email protected]. miles to Sunset Avenue, and make a left turn at the signal light Meet at 9 am at the Mountain View Sanitary Visitor into the shopping center. We will bird east on Hwy. 12 and Center. Exit from I-680 southbound at Arthur Road, turn left Creed Road to the vicinity of Hwy 113 and Robinson Road, and go under the freeway. Exit I-680 northbound at Pacheco possibly including Jepson Prairie. We will make several stops, Blvd, turn right onto Arthur Road and go under the freeway. looking for migrating waterfowl, passerines and winter raptors, Arthur Road will turn left. At 0.4 miles turn sharp left onto especially along Flannery and McCormack Roads in search of Mountain View Sanitary’s private road. Follow the road the elusive Mountain Plover. We may then travel to Bird’s Land- through the entry gate, alongside the freeway and through ing, where we should see Tricolored Blackbirds among other the tunnel under I-680. Park and sign-in at the Visitor Cen- passerines, and possibly to Montezuma Slough for waterfowl. ter. Trails may be muddy. Close-up looks at dabbling ducks; Plan for 3‒4 hours birding, plus driving time. There will be possibly bitterns and herons. If you wish, bring a lunch and minimal hiking, but dress for seasonal conditions. Bring hand- explore Martinez shoreline in the afternoon on your own. held radios, food and water. Car pooling is strongly advised.

➋ Saturday, November 19 ➋ Wednesday, November 9 Limantour Antioch Dunes NWR and Dow Wetlands Leader: Maury Stern, 284-5980. Leaders: Hugh Harvey, 935-2979 and Kent Fickett, 254-5156. Carpool leaves at 7:00 am from El Nido Ranch Road. Carpool leaves at 8:30 am from Diablo Creek Golf Course Meet at 8:30 am at the Bear Valley Visitor Center, Point Clubhouse, Port Chicago Highway just north of Hwy. 4. This is Reyes National Seashore. Take SR 24 to Oakland, then I-580 where we have held our Christmas Bird Count dinner for several west to Richmond and the San Rafael Bridge (toll). From US years. Butterfly season is past, but this is a rare opportunity to bird 101 north, take Central San Rafael exit. Go 2 blocks, turn the Antioch Dunes with a private tour, including both the Stamm left on 3rd Street and continue west to Sir Francis Drake and the Sardis Units. The Sardis Unit is not normally open to the Blvd. Turn right on Sir Francis Drake. At SR 1 at Olema, public and is where the Lang’s Metalmark Butterfly has been found turn right for 0.25 miles, then turn left on Bear Valley the last several years. After lunch, we will visit the Dow Wetlands. Road. Visitor Center is off Bear Valley. This trip includes Carpooling is important due to limited parking at these facilities. forest birds on the ridge and ducks, shorebirds and often Bring lunch, drinks, appropriate walking shoes and clothing. loons and grebes on the bay. Bring lunch and a beverage. the Quail —4— November 2011 Outer Point Reyes, Rodeo Lagoon/Hawk Hill, October Trip Reports October 1. Although 8.The birding was fairly quiet for most of Hayward Shoreline, September 14. A the annual trip to Mt. Diablo Audubon's return to Rodeo beautiful morning in Hayward was en- Outer Point Reyes to Lagoon after a year's hiatus. There were joyed by eight birders. One of them, Bob look for fall migrants just a few moments of excitement with a Richmond, is the son of our own Jean Rich- took place a little lat- small flock of warblers including Yellow mond and co-author of the soon-too-be- er than some years and Wilson's, then a large tame flock of published Alameda County Breeding Bird in the past, we ap- Pygmy Nuthatches close by in a cedar tree Atlas. A leisurely walk from Winton Avenue peared to have been which also had a Townsend's Warbler, all to the bay and Frank's Dump produced over as successful as most well seen by everybody. At Hawk Hill we 40 species, including an Orange-crowned in finding our share of notable birds. After saw the expected, including both Sharp- Warbler, 2 Common Yellowthroats, 2 Wan- picking up coffee at the Bovine Bakery shinned and Cooper's Hawks, and some dering Tattlers and a Snowy Plover. After in Point Reyes Station (some of us) and of us were lucky enough to watch a Broad- lunch we walked from the north entrance joining other trip participants at the Bear winged Hawk making the crossing before to the shoreline and found some additional Valley Visitor Center, we headed for Drakes the fog swirled in. Numbers: 10 birders, 35 species near the sewage treatment plant. Beach. Here we found a bright male Yellow species. Fred Safier Altogether, we checked 47 species on our Warbler in the willows, but the Drake Me- Monterey Bay Pelagic Weekend, Octo- lists. Hugh Harvey morial was uncharacteristically quiet. The ber 1-2. A crisp fall morning greeted twelve Healdsburg, September 17. Eight chapter beach yielded a good assortment of gulls MDAS birders and fourteen members of members enjoyed a beautiful evening in and then it was on to the Mendoza Ranch Yolo Audubon on this two-day trip. Sacra- Healdsburg. Vaux's Swifts circled the sky for the resident Great Horned Owl. Nunes mento Audubon’s group was also aboard above Rio Lindo Academy from the time Ranch had little to offer other than Eurasian the Sea Wolf II. we arrived about 6:30 pm. They started Collared Dove and omnipresent Ravens. Hundreds of California Sea Lions were entering the chimney at 7:20 and continued Hoping for more action elsewhere, we next hauled out on the Coast Guard jetty, while for about 17 minutes. Based on the Acad- headed to the Lighthouse where we had California Sea Otters, including a female emy's handout information of 360 birds per heard reports that Blackpoll and Tennessee with her pup, fed close by. Just outside the minute, but taking into account at least one Warblers had been seen. Highlight of the harbor we encountered a number of Risso’s lull, that would be 5000‒6000 birds. When day, the Blackpoll Warbler was found with Dolphins. We were fortunate to see all three they stopped abruptly, the crowd of 150 good views all round, but for us the Ten- species of jaegers—Pomarine, Parasitic and spectators gave a good round of applause. nessee was a no-show. Excellent views were Also seen were a Turkey Vulture and a Black had of a pair of resting Peregrine Falcons. Long-tailed Jaeger. A beautiful Sabine’s Phoebe. Hugh Harvey After lunch at Chimney Rock we Gull graced the stern and a curious Black- headed out the road footed Albatross joined in. Dall’s Porpoises to the Lifeboat Sta- playfully rode the bow. The shearwaters Come birding with us. tion past the park were plentiful, with Sooty, Pink-footed and Field trips are open to members and non-members, beginners and residence. On the several Buller’s Shearwaters. We even had a advanced birders. Weather or other contingencies may require bay we recorded close view of a Flesh-footed Shearwater. Al- changes. For updates, visit www.diabloaudubon.com/index.php. Pigeon Guillemot cid sightings included Rhinoceros Auklets, Because most trips do not return until late afternoon, bring a as well as several Cassin’s Auklets and a pair of Xantus’s Mur- lunch and drink and join us during our midday break. Common and Pa- relets. The parade of pelagics continued into Category ➊: Easy, little or no walking, smooth paths cific Loons. Return- the afternoon as a South Polar Skua and a Category ➋: Moderate, one mile or more, possibly rough terrain ing to the RCA Sta- Northern Fulmar came by. We continued to Category ➌: Difficult, extensive walking on rough terrain. tion, where extensive see marine life including the truly fascinat- tree trimming was in Carpool location: Sun Valley—Southwest corner of the Sun ing Mola mola, or Sunfish. Green Sea Turtle evidence, we noted Valley Mall parking lot at Willow Pass Road and Contra Costa and Swordfish sightings were nice treats. We Western Bluebird. Boulevard in Concord. El Nido Ranch Road—Exit SR 24 at St. passed over a school of thousands of Black All told on tallying Stephens Drive east of Orinda. El Nido Ranch Road is parallel Sea Nettles, a common species of jellyfish. our list we encoun- to and north of the freeway. Park just east of the intersection Day two began with a cold, foggy tered 68 species with St. Stephens Drive. Sycamore Valley Road Park and Ride morning. On the rocky shoreline we found (seen and/or heard). Lot—Just south of Danville, exit I-680 at Sycamore Valley Road Black-bellied Plover, Black Turnstone, and A few of us on the to the east; the Park and Ride lot is on the left. several Surfbirds. A pair of Whimbrels way home stopped strolled along the beach while off-shore Our Mount Diablo Audubon Chapter is a conservation at Nicasio Reservoir both Brant’s and Pelagic Cormorants flew organization. As such, we encourage members to consider to look for Pecto- by. Several Black Oystercatchers called as meeting at the carpool point to pick up or ride with others. ral Sandpipers that It is important that given the cost of gasoline, those who ride had been reported, they landed nearby. A contingent of over with others offer to pay some of this cost. Don’t forget about and indeed we found thirty Heermann’s Gulls held court at any bridge tolls or park entry fees on some of our longer trips. them. David Hutton Crespi Pond, and nearby we added Black- Continued on Page 6 » the Quail —5— November 2011 Keep It Clean! Your birding binoculars are an invest- NEWS ment that you surely want to last for a FROM considerable length of time—at least un- til you can afford a new Leica Ultravid or WILD BIRDS Swarovski EL Swarovision. So the most im- UNLIMITED portant thing you can do to keep the optics good as new is to know how to clean them Everybody Loves Chickadees correctly, and then, of course, to do it. Chickadees may be everyone’s favorite back- First, remove any loose dust with a fine yard bird. Their distinctive black cap and wide brush. Or use an air duster such as is used white stripe around the neck makes them one of the easiest birds to identify. Here in for cameras; use short puffs only. Hold the the West we are visited almost always by the binoculars upside down so the dust falls chestnut backed version, whose unusual call away.. Once the lenses are free of debris, sounds like their name, “chick-a-dee”. wipe them clean with a lens cloth or lens tissue, or by using a lens pen. Lens cloths are made with a microfiber material and are Anyone for T? specially designed to be gentle on the coat- We now have T-shirts featuring Mount ings of the binoculars. Microfiber has an Diablo Audubon, incorporating a California affinity for oils, and so is helpful in remov- Quail photo. The shirts are short-sleeved ing fingerprints. Lens pens combine the Hanes, 100% cotton. There is a white T- brush and the actual cleaning element in shirt for $16 and a beige T-shirt for $20, tax one easy-to-use product. Lens tissues work included. The sizes are small, medium, large well, but are not reusable, and you must use Chickadees are here year round and adapt and x-large. (If you need 2x-large, it will cost a separate cleaning solution. If you use lens cleaning fluid, never apply it directly onto easily to most forms of backyard feeding. In $2 extra. We have to ask for payment when addition to foraging for foliage, spiders, and you order the shirts. You can order them at the glass—always apply to the cloth. Do not insects, they readily come to feeders with our November 3 meeting or you can send use general household glass cleaning prod- nuts, seeds, suet, or fruit. They often will your order to me with a check made out to ucts. Such products could destroy the lens choose a large piece and fly away to eat it, MDAS. Send your name, phone number, coatings of your binoculars. soon to return for more. Their favorite food T-shirt choice and size to Diane Malucelli, Only if the lenses are really dirty, and if is black oil sunflower seed, but they go for most types of suet, Bark Butter, peanuts, and 5102 Coral Court, Concord, CA 94521. you have fully waterproof binoculars, you can clean them with water, then dry them various seed blends. with a lens cloth to prevent spotting. Because they are small, yet very tough and Trip Reports precocious, they will compete with most There are a few common mistakes that other birds at your feeders and will let you » Continued from Page 5 must be guarded against. Never use your know when their feeder is empty. They are crowned Night-Heron, Cackling Goose and breath to moisten the lenses before clean- great at caching food, making them very a lone White-fronted Goose. ing them. It may leave spots on your lenses adaptable to cold winters. They gain as much At Moonglow Dairy a large flock of or worse, it could degrade the special coat- as 10% of their body weight each day, and lose ings on the glass. Never use any cloth, such it all overnight. Chickadees will often live 10 Tricolored Blackbirds fed amongst the cows. years or more and mate for life. On Elkhorn Slough we spotted a Clark’s as your shirt or towel, to wipe binocular lenses. No matter how clean it looks, an or- This time of year, our chickadees come Grebe among the Western Grebes. Shore- around in groups. Some of our customers dinary fabric has microscopic dust and dirt birds included Killdeer, Greater Yellow- have reported up to 20 of them at their feed- particles on it that can leave tiny scratches legs, Dunlin, Spotted, Western, and Least ers at once, usually in the early morning after on the lenses that over time can give them Sandpipers. On the far side of the slough sun-up or just before dark. When feeding, they a foggy appearance. Do not apply sun- are the only birds that will hang around while hundreds of Marbled Godwits and Willets screen or insect spray near binoculars. I approach them as close as two feet. Some circled about. Six American White Pelicans Only clean your binoculars when the customers have even reported chickadees looked brilliant against the bright blue sky. visual quality is impaired—less frequent landing on their fingers. At Jetty Road over fifty California Sea cleaning means less risk of accidentally We hope you enjoy these great little birds as Otters cracked crabs while they floated peace- scratching the lenses. The coatings on much as we do. fully on their backs. More than 70 Elegant your lenses are delicate—use the lens and Terns was hanging out on the jetty, a single eyepiece caps to protect the optics when m Common Tern among them. A real treat was not in use. Mike and Anne Eliot a lone Black Tern coursing over the inlet. And another thing! Never lend your Wild Birds Unlimited 692 Contra Costa Blvd. We tallied 108 bird species for the week- binoculars to a non-birder—unless you Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, 925-798-0303 end, and 7 species of mammals. are willing to risk having greasy finger- Visit us at www.wbupleasanthill.com Terry Colborn prints on your objective lenses! the Quail —6— November 2011 ers, JR Jean Richmond, PR Phila Rogers, P&NS Paul and Nancy Schorr, MS Mau- Observations By Maury Stern ry Stern, ES Emilie Strauss, BYW Betty Young Weber, IW Idell Weydemeyer, DW Submit Contra Costa County sightings to Returning Yellow-Rumped Warbler Denise Wight, HW Harv Wilson, MW [email protected] or (925) 284-5980 or was first seen by KF at Miller-Knox on 9/29. Marilyn Wojcik. send to EBB [email protected]. An accidental migrant Blackpoll Q Warbler was at Miller-Knox on 9/28. BL. ( The Northern Waterthrush at Con- Most of the local migrant summer tra Loma RP was last seen 9/5 by JL. Alameda County breeders are going or gone. Other mi- Breeding Bird Atlas grants are moving through and the winter A McGillivray’s Warbler visited JR’s residents have started to arrive. Alamo yard on 9/21. Three Wood Ducks were seen by Two Western Tanagers were at EM’s P&NS for the first time at Contra Loma Moraga yard at least until 9/25. DW saw RP on 9/15. one at Mitchell Canyon on 9/29. A Cattle Egret was on Delta Road Clay-colored Sparrows were at Mill- near Holland tract on 9/25. AM. er-Knox RS on 9/25. JH, EL and 9/29. KF. (There was a flurry of reports during that 35 Swainson’s Hawks were near By- time throughout the Bay Area of Clay-col- ron Highway on 9/25. AM. ored Sparrow being here.) Separate juvenile Golden Eagles were Sage Sparrows were seen by DW on seen in Alamo along 680 on 9/26, SH, and Red Road near Mitchell Canyon on 9/26. at Morgan Territory RP on 9/29. MS. First of the season Fox Sparrow was A Prairie Falcon was well seen at seen at his Richmond home near Wildcat Morgan Territory on 9/29. MS. Canyon park by AK on 10/7. Lesser Yellowlegs were at the Rich- Lincoln’s Sparrows were near the Bob Richmond, Helen Green, and David C. Rice mond Landfill Loop near the Richmond Amtrak Station in Martinez 9/28. AK; and Illustrations by Hans Peeters Parkway on 10/2 to 10/5. TB, HW, MP, 223 Tilden Regional Park 9/30. ES, PR. KL, ES. The Alameda County Breeding Bird The first returning White-crowned Over 600 Long-billed Curlews were Atlas is almost ready for publication. It in- Sparrows were seen 9/22 by MW at seen in a field on Delta Road near Holland her Concord home and P&NS in their cludes species accounts for all 173 species Tract by AM on 9/25. Antioch yard. Many more followed in the that nest in the county, and 30 illustrations There were 3 Pectoral Sandpipers at next week. KF, L-MH, PR. by Hans Peeters. Many Mount Diablo Landfill Loop on 10/2 and 10/3. HW, TB, Audubon members participated in gather- First Golden-crowned Sparrow re- MP, JH. ing the data for this project. This book, an ports came from MW in Concod and KF able companion to our own Breeding Bird A Pigeon Guillemot was at the shore- in Point Richmond. Many more were seen Atlas of Contra Costa County, is coordi- line near Vincent Park and the Richmond soon thereafter. L-MH, IW, PR, LLa, BYW. Marina from 9/8 to 9/10. DW, LL, RB. nated by Ohlone Audubon Society and Black-headed Grosbeaks stayed in Golden Gate Audubon Society. Willow Flycatcher was seen by P&NS small numbers. DH in Walnut Creek on You can help! Become an atlas sponsor! at Contra Loma RP on 9/16 and at Miller– 9/5, DW 9/13 along Inspiration Point trail, For a cost of only $35, you can add your Knox Regional Shoreline in Point Rich- and 10/5 at the Richmond Landfill Loop. name as a supporter of this publication. mond by KF and BL on 9/26 and 9/28. KL, ES. Mount Diablo Audubon has pledged dona- A late Western Wood-Pewee was at Tri-colored Blackbirds were with a Morgan Territory RP on 9/29. MS. tions for California Quail, Golden Eagle, large blackbird flock on Delta Road in East and Western Bluebird. Hurry, many of the were seen in MW’s Say’s Phoebes County 9/25. AM. species names have been reserved already! Concord yard 9/13 and at Briones Crest P&NS had their last Hooded Oriole The deadline for this great opportunity is trail by LL on 9/15. 9/7 in their Antioch yard. November 1, 2011. was a new yard bird Brown Creeper 3 Lawrence’s Goldfinches were in Sponsor a bird by e-mailing your name for DH in Walnut Creek on 9/5. Mitchell Canyon 9/26. DW. and species request to Rusty Scalf at rscalf@ P&NS saw the first of the season Ru- TB Tony Brake, RB Richard Broadwell, sonic.net. Then send your $35 to Stepha- by-crowned Kinglet at Contra Loma RP KF Kathy Francone, L-MH Liede-Marie nie Strait, Office Manager, Golden Gate on 9/23. Haitsma, JH Jeff Hoppes, SH Steve Hutch- Audubon, 2530 San Pablo Ave., Suite G., An unusual Townsend’s Solitaire craft, DH David Hutton, AK Alan Krakau- Berkeley, CA 94702. came to Morgan Territory RP on 9/29. MS. er, LLa Lynn Lakso, BL Bob Lewis, JL Jim You can pre-order a copy of the atlas by A very unusual Sage Thrasher was at Lomax, LL Laura Look, KL Kay Lough- contacting Pat Gordon, [email protected], Landfill Loop in Richmond on 10/10. JH. man, AM Amy McDonald, EM Ellis My- or call 510-538-3550. the Quail —7— November 2011 Waterbird Regional Preserve » Continued from Page 10 levels are lowered The Quail, September 1992 to expose prime By Al McNabney nesting habitat Shell Marsh is Safe!!!!! for shore birds After over eight years of attention, and ducks. In the argument, letter writing, a major oil spill, summer, mixing and a lot of sweat and tears (no blood, freshwater with though), Shell Marsh has been SAVED. incoming saltwa- The Shell Oil Spill Litigation Settlement ter flows creates Trustee Committee (SOSLSTC) has brackish condi- purchased the entire property, including tions intended the uplands, from the developer. The to inhibit cattail title is in the hands of the East Bay Park growth and in- Service. A major commitment is being crease vegetation made to restoring and enhancing the diversity. During wetland. SOSLSTC established a com- the fall higher wa- Black-necked Stilts in flight over McNabney Marsh. Ethan Winning photo. mittee (MDAS is represented) to work ter levels create out details for an extensive study of the habitat for many migratory species. recorded on that field trip. At Moorhen hydrology, land elevations, and tidal Each year, Mount Diablo Audubon Marsh Green Heron is the target bird, and action, so the marsh can be properly leads field trips to Moorhen Marsh and it is usually seen. managed. Acquisition of this wetland, McNabney Marsh in February and in The Sanitary District welcomes birders said by many to be THE most important November. This year's date is November weekdays and on the first Saturday of each in Contra Costa County, constitutes a 15. On last year's November trip, a pair of month from 8 am until 5 pm. Along the major environmental win. When the Peregrine Falcons flying over McNabney entrance road, a bird observation platform studies and restoration have been com- Marsh was the highlight. Green-winged overlooks the western edge of McNabney pleted, Shell Marsh will be the jewel of and Cinnamon Teal and American Wigeon Marsh. all California wetlands. were also counted among the 46 species ( The Quail, September 1998 Sora Porzana carolina The Mountain View Sanitary District ◆ and East Bay Regional Park District Soras are small, announced that Shell Marsh will be secretive birds of renamed McNabney Marsh in honor of freshwater marshes Al McNabney, long-time environmental throughout the United States. In leader in Contra Costa. Al served as Vice winter they may also be found in President and Conservation Chair of the saltwater marshes. The Sora is the Mt. Diablo Audubon Society for over 20 most common and widely distrib- years until his death on May 1. The cer- uted rail in North America, but emony to rename the marsh will be held hearing its distinctive descending at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 19. whinny call is much more likely Al's friends and colleagues supported than seeing the bird. Soras will gen- naming the marsh for him as a way to erally remain within the dense veg- etation but will venture out at dawn recognize his extraordinary dedication Photographed at Lafayette Reservoir. to the environment. He loved the marsh or dusk to feed along the edges of and worked hard to restore and protect it. the marsh. They forage for seeds, but they themselves from its influence by a prompt MDAS President Carol Frischmann said, will also eat snails and aquatic invertebrates. movement under night. It is probable that "Al would be so proud to be remembered Audubon suggests an explanation of these sudden removals gave rise to the idea this way. To him, saving Shell Marsh was why the tale of hibernation may have come of their diving into the mud." one of his most important contributions." about: " One day, you may see or hear the Soras migrate south to Mexico and Both the Sanitary District's Board Soras in their favourite marshes, you may northern parts of South America, but are and the Park Board strongly endorsed the be aware of their presence in the dusk of resident in coastal California throughout name of McNabney Marsh as a memo- evening; but when you return to the place the year. It is somewhat surprising, then, rial to Al. Michael Rugg of the California early next morning, they are all gone. Yes- that there are no nesting records in Contra Fish and Game and member of the marsh terday the weather was mild, to-day it is Costa County. They do nest at Coyote Hills management committee will present the cold and raw; and no doubt the Soras were Regional Park and at Hayward Marsh in resolution to Helen McNabney. aware that a change was at hand and secured Alameda County. the Quail —8— November 2011 Bird ID Panel, the wonderful display of art Ornithology and gifts for yourself or others at the Bird- "The natural history of the Rail, or, as Opportunities er’s Market and the camaraderie of hun- it is called in Virginia, the Sora, and dreds of like-minded folks, and you know in South Carolina, the Coot, is, to the 15th annual Sandhill Crane Festival, you’ll have a good time! There’s something November 4‒6. Lodi. Sandhill Cranes de- most of our sportsmen, involved in for everyone interested in birds. Come and profound and inexplicable mystery" scend into the rich delta wetlands at the join us to bird, learn, and just have fun! The end of a long migratory journey, some from Alexander Wilson schedule, brochure, and registration form American Ornithology, 1826 nesting grounds as far away as Siberia. An are on the website at http://cvbs.org. intriguing list of field trips includes a boat The 16th Annual Celebration of the tour on Pardee Lake for Golden and Bald Mount Diablo Audubon Society will be Eagles, a Delta birding cruise, and kayaking Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival held January 13‒16. The Saturday evening meets on the first Thursday of each month, on the Mokelumne River. Tour spaces are except July and August, in the Camellia keynote speaker will be Jon Dunn, who is limited and reservations by October 25th Room of The Gardens at Heather Farms, considered one of the primary experts on are strongly encouraged. For information 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. field identification in North America. Every www.cranefestival.com. Everyone is invited. Martin Luther King weekend over 450 bird- The Central Valley Bird Club will host ers visit Morro Bay, California, a Globally the Fifteenth Annual Central Valley Important Bird Area, to see, photograph, Birding Symposium November 17‒20 in and learn more about birds. Morro Bay is Stockton. Thursday night Keynote speakers located halfway between Los Angeles and are: Ed Harper and John Sterling presenting San Francisco on the Pacific Flyway. The a program on “Appreciating the Birds of the area offers pristine beaches, beautiful state Central Valley”. Come sit back and watch as parks, an excellent natural history museum, Ed and John take us on a photographic jour- panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and, ney to catch a glimpse of the avian world best of all, thousands of birds. Over 200 spe- of the Central Valley. Friday night’s keynote cies are usually sighted during the Festival program is presented by Ron LeValley on weekend. http://morrobaybirdfestival.org/ “The Writings of William Leon Dawson—a index.htm. California Bird Pioneer”. Dawson’s writ- . ings are humorous, sad, spiritual, satirical, 13th Annual Snow Goose Festival January 26‒29, Chico. www.snowgoose​ and inspirational. Ron’s presentation and festival.org. photography captures much of this feeling. San Diego Bird Festival, March 1‒4. MDAS Board of Directors Saturday night’s keynote program is by Jeff President: Jimm Edgar, 510-658-2330 Keynote Speaker Kenn Kaufman. In 2008, Gordon on “10 Birds that Changed Birding”. Vice President: Paul Schorr, 757-5107 Kenn Kaufman was presented with the Other events include workshops on [email protected] highest honor of the American Birding As- swallow identification by Joe Morlan and Treasurer: Steve Buffi, 938-0929 sociation, the Roger Tory Peterson Award Board Secretary: Diana Granados warbler identification by Jon Dunn. Field "for a lifetime of achievements in promoting [email protected] trips always turn up exciting birds. Add in the cause of birding" Corresponding Secretary Barbara Vaughn the always entertaining and educational 376-8732 Sales Manager: Diane Malucelli, 674-0920 Programs: Alice Holmes, 938-1581 MDAS MEMBERSHIP/RENEWAL APPLICATION [email protected] Field Trips: Hugh Harvey, 935-2979 c Please enroll my family and me as a member of Mount Diablo Audubon Society Membership: Beverley Walker, 952-9925 for $25 for one year. Your membership dues are tax deductible. Volunteer Coordinator: c I’m enclosing an additional tax-deductible donation of $______. Moses de los Reyes, 755-3734 c For an additional $20 (new NAS members only), please enroll me in the National Hospitality: Gerry Argenal, 768-6325 Audubon Society. Education: Cecil Williams, 376-1631 [email protected] Please send The Quail by: c US mail c E-mail______Webmaster: Betts Sanderson [email protected] Name______Christmas Count: Jimm Edgar, 510-658-2330 Address______Breeding Bird Atlas Marketing: Ann McGregor, 968-1677 City, State______Zip______Member-at-Large: Brian Murphy, 937-8835 Phone ( ____ )______E-mail______Jean Richmond, 837-2843 Mike Williams, 798-0303 Please make your check payable to: [email protected] MT. DIABLO AUDUBON SOCIETY and mail with this application to: Quail Editor: Ellis Myers, 284-4103 Membership Chair 1932 Golden Rain Road #4 Walnut Creek, CA 94595 [email protected] 215 Calle La Mesa Moraga, CA 94556-1603 the Quail —9— November 2011 Mount Diablo Audubon Society, Non-Profit Org. P.O. Box 53 U.S. Postage Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053 PAID Return Service Requested Permit No. 66 Concord, CA

American White Pelicans over McNabney Marsh Ethan Winning photo.

Waterbird Regional Preserve

Waterbird Preserve is a small unit of the namon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern East Bay Regional Park District. It is adjacent Pintail, American Coot, Common Gal- to Interstate 680 in Martinez and consists of linule, Green Heron, Pied-billed Grebe, McNabney Marsh and the uplands to the east. Marsh Wren and even American Bittern. The wetlands have a unique history. In 1974 It is the northernmost regular breeding the Mountain View Sanitary District created ground on the West Coast for American Moorhen Marsh and became the first waste- Avocet and Black-necked Stilt, During fall water treatment agency on the West Coast to migration, the number and diversity of utilize constructed wetlands to turn treated waterfowl increase, with American Wi- wastewater into critical habitat for fish and geon, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead and wildlife. Moorhen Marsh—will they rename Common Goldeneye coming in at this it Gallinule Marsh?—occupies 21 acres west time. Just about any time of year you may Black-necked Stilt, McNabney Marsh of the freeway. Following its refinery oil spill see American White Pelicans on the water Ethan Winning photo. into Carquinez Strait in 1988, Shell Oil was or overhead. Watch the edge of the marsh ordered to "restore, rehabilitate, and acquire for migrating shorebirds. Long-billed Shrike, and Western Meadowlark. North- the equivalent of the resources damaged in Dowitcher, Greater Yellowlegs, Least and ern Harriers and perhaps Merlin, Peregrine the spill." This mitigation property was then Western sandpipers, and Dunlin are com- Falcon or Golden Eagle may be spotted. acquired by the Sanitary District and the Park mon. Recently, Great-tailed Grackles have The amount of tidal marsh vegetation District to constitute Waterbird Preserve. The arrived to breed in the marsh alongside varies greatly from year to year, which in entire wetland complex is also jointly managed Red-winged Blackbirds. Look for Common turn affects the number and types of bird by California Department of Fish and Game Yellowthroat, too. species. Mountain View Sanitary District and by the County Mosquito Control District. In the open grassland of the Meadow- regulates water regimes to match the McNabney Marsh is a breeding area for lark Ridge Loop, you may find American needs of wildlife. During the spring, water theCanada Quail Geese, Mallard, Ruddy Duck, Cin- Kestrel, Western—10— Kingbird, Loggerhead ContinuedNovember on Page 2011 8