Volume 54, Number 5 February 2009 Contra Costa County 2008 Big Year • Denise Wight On February 5 Denise Wight will share her adventures as she completed her 2008 Contra Costa County Big Year. Why did she decide to do a county Big Year? Denise had left her job in San Francisco in October of 2007 so that she could spend time teach- ing and birding in the East Bay. When Bob Power sent out an e-mail inviting others to The Dusky Warbler, join him in an County Big Year, found by Emilie Denise decided that it might be fun to see Strauss on October 9 how many species she could find in the at Point Isabel, was, county nearest and dearest to her heart, the by far, the best bird county in which she grew up, Contra Costa. on Denise’s 2008 Denise points out that Contra Costa County Contra Costa Big is located on the Pacific Flyway and boasts Year list. many diverse climates and birding habitats. Photo by Bob Lewis It stretches from the to the San Joaquin Delta at the western edge of birded for 24 years, Denise knew which and everything associated with them, is the Central Valley and includes our beloved species she would most likely see, then refreshed.” So, how did Denise do during Mount Diablo and the Orinda hills where guessed how many of the less likely species her Big Year? Denise will share some of her she played as a child. she might encounter. She set a personal goal birding adventures as well as insights into Before committing to the idea of a Big of 225 species. She was planning to keep how the listing experience affected her bird- Year, Denise checked the Contra Costa the count to herself, sharing it with a few ing. Join us and find out how many species County page on Joe Morlan’s website and birding friends, but Bob Lewis suggested Denise encountered. found that Steve Glover held the record for that she follow Bob Power’s lead and make BIRDING INFORMATION the most birds seen in the county in one the quest a friendly competition by inviting Jay Holcomb, Executive Director of year, 255 bird species seen in 1998. Having others to join and post their monthly results IBRRC, the International Bird Rescue Re- on a web page. Sharing sightings would be a search Center in Fairfield, will bring us up great way to add new species, which might to date on the ailing Brown Pelicans. Adult Meeting Schedule, otherwise be missed. Hugh Harvey was birds, thin, weak and disoriented, are ap- The next general meeting of Mount one of the competitors who actually saw a pearing from Baja California to the State of Diablo Audubon Society will be species that Denise missed! Washington. There is some evidence that a Thursday, February 5, in the On April 20th, Denise joined Steve neurotoxin, domoic acid, is connected to Camellia Room of The Gardens at Glover for a Contra Costa County Big Day. the problem but it does not seem to be the Heather Farm, Walnut Creek. They started in Tilden Regional Park at 7:00 pm Birding Information primary cause. IBRRC is working with the 7:25 pm Announcements 4:45 am, listening for owls, and ended their Dave Caron Lab at USC to investigate the 7:40 pm Refreshments,* door prize, day at 8:40 pm at the Byron Airport. It was causes. In addition, Jay will discuss the In- 8:05 pm Speaker: Denise Wight Denise’s personal best birding day with 166 troductory Wildlife Emergency Response * Please remember to bring a cup. species. The best bird of the day was a Soli- classes available to the public during the Thursday, March 5: tary Sandpiper, a species that she had not months of February and March. Jay will David Wyatt seen in Contra Costa County in 11 years. give us a visual tour of the IBRRC facilities Bats of the Sutter Buttes Denise says. “Each day I’m in the field, and discuss the wide range of emergency my interest in learning more about birds treatment provided by IBRRC. DEDICATED TO HABITAT CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION the Quail —— February 2009 Observations mob). Up to five Lewis’s were at the north Welcome end of Los Vaqueros Reservoir on 11/9 By Steve Glover (DW). An apparently pure “Yellow-shafted” New Members Submit Contra Costa County sightings to Northern Flicker was in Knightsen 11/20 Dana Gallo Pleasant Hill Steve Glover at [email protected] (DE). A Pileated Woodpecker was near Arnold Gilbert Walnut Creek or (925) 997-1112. the Canyon School on Pinehurst Road on A Evelyn Ivey Martinez Greater White-fronted Goose 12/1 (JL). continued at Heather Farm, Walnut Alan Krakauer Richmond A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was at Los Creek through at least 11/7 (HH). A Vaqueros Reservoir on 11/9 (DW). Jerry and Nancy Mix Concord single Snow Goose was reported from the Not entirely unexpected but always Dennis and Sharon Randall Alamo Albany Crescent on 11/10 (ES). A Brant, welcome was a cooperative Townsend’s Mary and John Ricksen Walnut Creek a species which has been found decidedly Solitaire at Jewel Lake in Tilden Regional Devin Roberts Oakland more often in recent years in the county, Park 12/7-14 (JH, mob). Ed Schoenberger Moraga was at near Point Isabel A Sage Thrasher was a nice find on Byron George Shelby Lafayette on 11/9 (DH). A Cackling Goose was at Hot Springs Road on 11/17 (HH, EL). Newhall Park, Concord on 11/11 and two Leslie Spellman Walnut Creek Nashville Warblers are virtually unknown more were at Heather Farm Park on 11/27 Danny Swicegood Benecia in the county in winter but one in Richmond (both HH). Cackling Geese have proven Stephen Taylor San Ramon 12/14 may have been attempting to winter to be fairly common and reliably found in (fide DQ). A lingeringYellow Warbler was good numbers in east county, particularly a surprise in Knightsen on 11/29 (DE). President’s Corner around Holland and Palm tract. Jimm Edgar Once unknown in the county but now A flock of 12 Tundra Swans was noted Mount Diablo Audubon has been annual, a Clay-colored Sparrow was at flying south around Point Isabel, Richmond deeply involved, as I am sure many of you Point Isabel, Richmond on 11/24 (AD). on 11/15. The flock later returned and know, with the situation at Rossmoor where A Swamp Sparrow made a very rare continued north (ES). This may be the first a permit has been issued to kill 50 Acorn suburban appearance in Alamo 12/1-4 record for the Richmond area. Woodpeckers. In early November when we (JR). Single White-throated Sparrows learned a permit had been issued, we im- As many as five male Eurasian Wigeon were at Alamo 11/15-30 (JR), Point Isabel, mediately formed a task force to deal with were at the Albany Crescent on 11/7, a Richmond 11/19-25 (BL, mob), San Ramon the issue. MDAS member, Diana Granados very high total for the East Bay (SD). Three 11/20 (DW), and Walnut Creek 12/12-14 was asked to chair the task force. I am Blue-winged Teal were at Contra Loma (LG). A well-watched Harris’s Sparrow deferring my “President’s Corner” slot this Reservoir near Antioch on 11/30 (PS). was at Point Isabel 11/16-24 (SD, mob). A male “Common” month to have Diana bring you up to date Green-winged Teal Judi Cooper, Al DeMartini, Nel was photographed at McNabney Marsh on where we are currently (See Page 4). Benningshoff, Sheila Dickie, Dick Erickson, on 11/11 (H&JK). This is just the second Laura Gee, Steve Glover, Hugh Harvey, individual ever found in the county. 2008 MDAS CBCs Derek Heins, Homer and Judy Kessler, The two MDAS 2008 Christmas Bird An estimated 4000 Canvasbacks at Clifton Johan Langewis, Eugenia Larson, Bob Counts are history. The east county count Court Forebay near Byron 11/21 and 11/27 Lewis, Frances Oliver, Roger Polk, Dave on December 17 had 32 counters in the was a very high count for the county (SG, Quady, Jean Richmond, Paul Schorr, Ellen field. We ended up with1 36 species which DW). The resident maleHarlequin Duck Simms, Emilie Strauss, Denise Wight is about average. A new species for the was seen at the Richmond Marina on count was Eurasian Collared Dove which 11/6 (JC) and again on 12/20 (RP). A male has been expanding its range. Though Barrow’s Goldeneye was at Clifton Court ( nonnative birds, they have established Forebay near Byron on 11/21. Twelve populations and are being counted on bird more Barrow’s were at Martinez Regional Shoreline on 11/24 (HH). A male Hooded counts. A second new bird was Thayer’s These two related spe- Gull, seen at Los Vaqueros Reservoir. Scott Merganser was out-of-place on on 11/21 (SG). cies are often difficult to and Claudia Hein’s group in Round Valley identify on their own, but A Red-necked Grebe, rare but annual in had some birds we have only seen once or when seen together are the county, was at Point Isabel, Richmond twice in the nine years we have done the noticeably distinct. The call of the 11/22-25 (DQ, ES). east count: Wrentit, Varied Thrush and first is a series of three or more loud Hairy Woodpecker. Mountain Bluebird The American Bittern continued at the notes; that of the second is three or has only been seen two out of the nine Antioch Municipal Reservoir on 12/1 (JH) fewer—usually two—notes. years. They were seen high on the Los and 12/8 (NB). Unscramble these letters, or turn to Vaqueros watershed land. We missed An adult was at Los Vaqueros Bald Eagle Page 6 to learn more. seeing a Gadwall for the first time ever. Reservoir on 11/9 (DW). AEEEEGGLLLORRSTWY One or two were at The central county count on Decem- Lewis’s Woodpeckers EEEEGLLLLORSSSWY ber 20 had 58 counters in the field and the intersection of Marsh Creek Road and Continued on Page 8 » Camino Diablo 11/2 to at least 11/27 (FO, the Quail —— February 2009 days in 1920. People—world-wide—who New Volunteer knew him invariably found him to be a Coordinator congenial fellow who would want only to talk about birds. Moses de los Reyes steps in to succeed Peterson’s passion with conservation the estimable Shirley Ellis as Mount Diablo is made clear throughout this exhaustive- Audubon Society’s Volunteer Coordinator. ly researched and well-written narrative As a public official in Alameda County, of his life. His early work with his friend he promotes economic development by Rachel Carson on the matter of DDT administering business and workforce and the decline of the Osprey in coastal development programs in public works. Connecticut, his role in the formation of As a community volunteer, he coordinates the World Wildlife Fund, his work with various community services activities such the National Audubon Society, his in- as food drives, community beautification ternational actions to guard some of the and environmental conservation. He world’s great ecosystems, such as Spain’s strongly believes in the great importance of Coto Doñana, demonstrate his influence volunteerism especially during the current in protecting the natural world. gloomy economy. He believes that citizen You will find, on reading Birdwatcher, service is key to nature conservation, es- that Roger Tory Peterson was a man with pecially at a time when many government a dual purpose—the welfare of birds and agencies are suffering from severe budget the pleasure of birdwatching. cuts in performing their role of conserv- ing our country’s natural resources. He More on the book and the author can It is likely that all birders are aware of be found at www.petersonbird.com. believes that: “We make a living by what Roger Tory Peterson and the Field Guides we do, but we make a life by what we give.” for which he is most noted. Can you name Volunteering for the conservation of birds any other birder of the 20th or 21st Cen- ( and their habitats adds to the excellent tury of more prominence or esteem? Get Your Quail by E-mail quality of life that we all desire and need. No one has done more to advance Those members of Mount Diablo The job of the Volunteer Coordina- and popularize birdwatching than Roger Audubon Society who receive their copy tor involves getting materials needed Tory Peterson, artist and naturalist, who of the Quail electronically have already and procuring tables at environmental published his first field guide to the birds read this article, because they got their fairs, as well as recruiting volunteers and in 1934 when he was 26. Last year, on the copy a few days ago. They were also able to scheduling their assignments. The goal is 100th anniversary of his birth, a revised admire the colors of the Lange’s Metalmark conservation and education. The focus is edition combining the earlier Eastern Butterfly and the Yellowlegs. If they chose, to get the public to be interested in birds Birds and Western Birds volumes was they could print out the issue to share with the hope that this will lead them to be published under the title Peterson Field with their family and neighbors. They all interested in conservation. We believe in Guide to the Birds of North America. agree that this is a preferable, faster, and the motto: “No habitat, no birds.” Roger Tory Peterson will continue to be more environmentally sound method of As more and more volunteers get a name of prominence and esteem for all distribution. involved, our individual contributions birders. You can join this group and help cut for the welfare of birds and their habitats So you will be pleased to read the bi- down on the cost of printing and mailing. become more important. We must always ography of Peterson written by Elizabeth Just send an e-mail to the Quail Editor at consider the welfare of the birds by our J. Rosenthal: Birdwatcher. As you read, [email protected] with a copy to voluntary efforts. Moses admits that he you will learn that, after his own devo- the Membership Chair at beewalk@com- cannot do the work alone. It requires the tion to birds, he was most ardent about cast.net. This will assure that we have a active participation of MDAS members to teaching, which he did not only through valid e-mail address for you. You must also volunteer during community events. He his paintings, text, and lectures, but by his be sure that incoming mail from the Editor appeals to the MDAS members to step up direct contact with youngsters. The au- is not blocked by your spam filter. to the challenge of making a difference in thor includes an entire chapter to present Soon after it is mailed to members, the the community. Let us volunteer for the a number of now well-known people who Quail is also posted on the MDAS web site sake of our birds and their habitats. No act can be grouped as protégés of Roger—she at http://www.diabloaudubon.com/news- of kindness to our birds and their habitat, terms them “progeny.” A few are Victor letter.php. After this month we will no lon- no matter how small, will ever be wasted. Emanuel, Pete Dunne, Kenn Kaufman, ger send notices to those on the electronic If you want to volunteer for upcom- David Sibley, Edward O. Wilson. subscriber list when this post has been ing events, please contact Moses at (925) The book relies heavily on clips from made. You will already have received your 348-4271 or (510) 670-5243 or e-mail at Roger’s own writings and from interviews copy in your e-mail inbox. [email protected]. Thank you very with those who knew him, beginning from Thank you for giving this your much for your valuable support. his high-school and Junior Audubon Club attention. the Quail —— February 2009 Rossmoor Acorn placement of deterrents, education of the homeowners, and expert consultation on Woodpecker Update the placement and installation of granaries. By Diana Granados Mutuals 68 and 59 must take the summary In the beginning there was a program of Dr. Walters and the committee back at the Moraga Library with MDAS, and to their individual Boards and vote on the non-releasable Acorn Woodpecker acceptance or not of the proposal. As our (ACWO) and I were on our way when newsletter goes to print we will not have we were waylaid by a media frenzy want- a final on this until the end of January. We ing a live ACWO. So our girl got her 15 hope that the USFWS investigator took minutes of fame and that was the start of very seriously the misinformation that was MDAS being involved in the Rossmoor used for the permit back to the branch that “let’s shoot 50 Acorn Woodpeckers and could revoke this permit. solve our problem of their drilling holes As to our Acorn Woodpecker and her in our buildings.” 15 minutes of fame, did it garner stardom Nancy Wenninger, Conservation and fortune? As of this writing million Chair, stepped into action on behalf of the dollar contracts are elusive but being the ACWO and managed to arrange a meeting “poster girl” for MDAS has gone right to “You can know the name of a bird in all her head! with the Maintenance Operations Depart- the languages of the world, but when you’re ment (MOD) and the two Rossmoor Mutu- finished, you’ll know absolutely nothing Please read Dr. Walters summary of als [autonomous homeowners’ associations] whatever about the bird. So let’s look at our meeting (below) for a more detailed out for ACWO blood. Jenny Papka and I the bird and see what it’s doing, that’s what review of the Acorn Woodpecker. responded and what came out of the initial counts. I learned very early the difference Diana Granados is Founder/Director of meeting was the Acorn Task Committee. between knowing the name of something Native Bird Connections, MDAS Board Formed on November 19 with the approval and knowing something.” Member and Chair of the Acorn Wood- of the MDAS Board this committee has Richard Feynman worked to stop, eliminate and hold off the Dr. Eric Walters permit renewed by Rossmoor to kill 50 With the 2007 killings under the origi- Acorn Woodpeckers. nal permit the problem escalated because, Report According to Rossmoor this is an eight- as I told the MOD and mutuals in the first 1) Acorn Woodpecker social groups do year-old problem that culminated in a meeting, the ACWO is a very complex not have “leaders” or “lookouts”. The basic depredation permit issued in 2007 to kill species. Unfortunately my explanation was social unit consists of cobreeder males 15 ACWO and a contract with USDA did not accepted and with the coming holidays (usually 1–5 males that may be fathers and just that. They killed 15 ACWO. What has communication by e-mail was difficult. sons or brothers) and joint-nesting females turned out to be very poor science and very Thanks to the great amount of public pres- (usually 1–3 related females (mother, poor application of deterrents has made us sure during this time, the committee and daughters or sisters). Along with the extremely determined to eliminate the per- Audubon California were able to meet with breeders are any number of helpers of both mit. Many Rossmoor residents were shocked a US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) sexes. These helpers are related to both to find out about this and through their ef- investigator and, with photographs and the breeder males and the breeder females forts it was brought into the public awareness biological facts about ACWO, we were so they don’t participate in producing so that positive action could take place. able to set in motion a need to evaluate young. Helpers will feed young and help this situation. store acorns. A typical group might have At this time we have received support 1–2 helper males and 1–2 helper females. from Congresswoman Tauscher’s office; On January 7 the committee; MDAS These helpers are continuously looking for the United States Humane Society’s Direc- president Jimm Edgar; our partners; breeding vacancies and will leave their na- tor of Urban Wildlife Problems Laura Si- USFWS investigator; Dr. Eric Walters; the tal group if they find a vacancy somewhere. mon; Dr.Walter Koenig of Cornell Univer- MOD and Mutual 68 met to address the In other cases, the helpers may inherit their sity; and locally, Give a Dam, a non-profit proposal the committee deems necessary to natal territory if their opposite sex parents that managed to keep the beavers alive in resolve the current situation. Fortunately, die or disappear. Martinez; Gary Langham and Dan Taylor Dr. Walters presented a solid array of of Audubon California; Gary Bogue, syn- evidence as to why ACWO killing would 2) The estimate that there are 500 dicated columnist for CCTimes; Mike and fail and in the end cost Mutuals 68 and 59 Acorn Woodpeckers in a 5-acre area seems Cecil Williams of Wild Birds Unlimited; even more then the costs and emotional grossly overestimated (over 30 times high- Native Bird Connections; and the expertise upset they have experienced to this time. er than the highest density ever recorded). of Dr. Eric Walters of UC Berkeley. If you Our proposal stands at this time with In our 40-year study of Acorn Woodpeck- are so inclined you might contact these or- Rossmoor permanently withdrawing ers at the Hastings Reserve (prime oak ganizations and individuals to thank them the permit, installing and maintaining woodland habitat with no development), for their immediate willingness to put into a deterrent to keep the ACWO off the typical territory size is approximately 15 action steps to forestall this tragedy. buildings, having expert advice in the acres. On average, groups consist of 4.4 the Quail —— February 2009 adult members. So, in areas where Acorn (e.g. using artificial granaries). In tandem, MDAS, the Sierra Club, the California Woodpeckers are found, we would expect we need to assess where future problems Native Plant Society and Friends of Tice 4.4 woodpeckers in a 15-acre area. On may occur based on proximity to suitable Creek all united in their opposition to the average, we have about 0.2 woodpeckers woodpecker oak habitat. It will do us no destruction of nearly 36 acres of wood- per acre over our entire 2,000 acre research good to stop the problem at one mutual land. They requested that the City require area. The highest density ever recorded for to only have the woodpeckers move down a new or amended EIR to address these the species is 3.1 per acre. So, even if one the line to the next. And, none of these very significant impacts which had not assumes Rossmoor represents the highest recommendations can be implemented in previously been adequately considered. density, we would expect no more than 16 isolation. For example, if we merely erect City staff and the Planning Commission woodpeckers in 5 acres. Given the estimate artificial granaries near the mutuals, this agreed that the environmental impacts of 500 woodpeckers in 5 acres, and our will not stop woodpeckers from damaging were significant and could not be avoided finding that the average group size is 4.4, mutuals further. without a substantial reduction in the size this would mean that each group in the 5- of the project. The Planning Commission acre area occupies an area of land 44 feet by Man vs. Nature: also determined that the destruction of 44 feet. This is not biologically feasible. A Very Bad Place for trees and habitat was inconsistent with city 3) Lethally removing woodpeckers policies, and they denied UDC’s permit. from the areas in question has no biologi- Condos By Nancy Wenninger However, UDC appealed to Walnut Creek’s cal merit. We know from our own experi- Many MDAS members and others have City Council. mental work (see Hannon et al. 1985) that followed with deep concern the proposed On May 29, 1990, more than 200 breeders that are displaced will be replaced shooting of up to 50 Acorn Woodpeck- Rossmoor residents and environmentalists in a very short period of time. In fact, in our ers. As many of you know, two Rossmoor attended a marathon meeting. According experimental work, some breeders were homeowners’ associations have secured to an account in the Contra Costa Times, replaced within 20 minutes. If only some a depredation permit from the US Fish & “Senior citizens booed and hissed for a of the birds in the social group are killed Wildlife Service in an attempt to prevent good portion of the seven-hour hearing, off, the remainder will remain and defend further structural damage being caused by and the City Clerk at one point called po- the territory. Even if all of the woodpeckers the birds. An unknown number of wood- lice officers to guard against any possible are removed from the territory, the terri- peckers have already been killed. MDAS senior citizen disturbances.” tory has high value because of the storage and Native Bird Connections are working Rossmoor officials argued persuasively facilities that are available (i.e. the granary hard to persuade Rossmoor decision-mak- that further delay or denial would have holes made in the structures). Territories ers to use science-based, non-lethal means an adverse impact on the Golden Rain are highly sought after by Acorn Wood- to eliminate the problem. Foundation’s capital funding and harm all peckers. They spend a majority of their This conflict is the inevitable result of a Rossmoor residents. UDC had threatened time searching for reproductive vacancies. series of bad decisions. In 1976 the City of to sue the city for as much as $300 million if Some birds will fly over 3 miles in search Walnut Creek approved an Environmental the project was denied. So, despite impas- of vacancies. Given the proximity of Ross- Impact Report for a conceptual plan for the sioned pleas on behalf of the trees, before moor to areas of open space and available completion of the Rossmoor community. adjournment at 3 am the council voted 4–1 oak habitat, there is an endless source of The EIR listed a number of “unavoidable” in favor of allowing the development to go new woodpeckers that will move into the adverse impacts to the environment which forward and determined that the environ- Rossmoor area once any woodpeckers are would occur if 3,500 additional units were mental impacts had been addressed in the lethally removed. As such, it will be a los- allowed to be built by the developer as pro- 1976 report. One speaker spoke propheti- ing battle that will not reduce damage to posed. Of special interest is the following cally when he told the council a decision Rossmoor structures. ecological impact: “Loss of approximately for the developer would haunt them “for 4) My recommendation is that the 300 acres of natural vegetation and wildlife years and years to come.” shooting be stopped, that the structures be habitat, including approximately 135 acres The Sierra Club filed a lawsuit chal- retrofitted with new materials that do not of oak woodland and riparian woodland, lenging the City’s decision, but a judge ul- attract woodpeckers (or do not facilitate which are the most biologically productive timately denied the claim. The condomini- granary hole construction), that netting be of Tice Valley’s plant communities. This ums were built, nestled into the remnants used in the interim to keep woodpeckers will substantially reduce the plant and of the oak woodlands. Three-story vertical off of the structures, and that an assess- animal habitat value of the Tice Valley.” facades and the poor choice of a foam ment of the woodpeckers be made that Despite this very significant environmental construction material created an attrac- allows us to determine territorial demarca- impact, the build-out was approved. tive substitute for the granary trees which tions. Once suitable woodpecker habitat In 1989 UDC Homes submitted its had been removed. The woodpeckers have has been identified around the mutuals plan for 330 new condominiums in what responded in an entirely predictable way to and we have a better understanding of the would be the next-to-last development the stressors in their environment. Hope- number and social make-up of the wood- in Rossmoor. The plan called for massive fully we will be able to achieve a positive peckers involved, a mitigation plan can be grading—up to 90 feet deep in places—and outcome for this conflict. put in place that tries to move the territo- the removal of 3,100 trees, mostly blue rial boundary away from the structures oak and buckeyes. Rossmoor residents, the Quail —— February 2009 Field Trip Schedule By Hugh Harvey February 8 Sunday ...... Lake Merritt/Arrowhead Marsh ➋ Saturday, February 21 11 Wednesday ...... Grizzly Island Tomales Bay State Park 19 Thursday ...... Sunol Regional Park Leader: Maury Stern, 284-5980 21 Saturday ...... Tomales Bay State Park Carpool leaves 7 am from El Nido Ranch Road. Meet at 25 Wednesday . . . . Mountain View Sanitary/McNabney Marsh 8:30 in the parking lot at Heart’s Desire Beach in Tomales March Bay State Park. After crossing the Richmond Bridge, fol- 4 Wednesday ...... Walnut Creek Parks low US 101 north and take the first San Rafael exit. Go 2 19 Thursday ...... San Leandro Reservoir blocks, turn left on 3rd Street. In San Anselmo turn right on 25 Wednesday ...... Lake Lagunitas Sir Francis Drake. Follow Sir Francis Drake Blvd. through 28 Saturday ...... Black Diamond Mines Inverness. Just over the ridge, turn right onto Pierce Point Road. The park entrance is on the right. Entry fee required. ➊ Sunday, February 8 Lake Merritt/Arrowhead Marsh ➊ Wednesday, February 25 Leader: Ethan Chickering, 686-9231 Mountain View Sanitary/McNabney Marsh Carpool leaves at 8 am from El Nido Ranch Road. Meet at 8:30 Leader: Lynn Lakso, 932-6367 am in parking lot by Lake Merritt. Take SR 24 to Oakland and I-980, take Grand Avenue exit and turn left on Grand. Enter Meet at 9 am at the Mt. View Sanitary Visitor Center. Exit park by Children’s Fairyland and follow road around to park- from I-680 southbound at Arthur Road, turn left and go ing lot entrance on right between boathouse and aviary. After under the freeway. Exit I-680 northbound at Pacheco Blvd., some birding here, we will catch the high tide at Arrowhead turn right onto Arthur Road and go under the freeway. marsh before 10:30 am. Hopefully the rising tide will flush out Arthur Road will turn left. At 0.4 miles turn sharp left onto rails. Area is good for shorebirds and often loons on the estuary. Mountain View Sanitary’s private road. Follow the road through the entry gate, alongside the freeway and through the tunnel under I-680. Park and sign-in at the Visitor Cen- ➊ Wednesday, February 11 ter. Trails may be muddy. Close-up looks at dabbling ducks; Grizzly Island possibly bitterns and herons. If you wish, bring a lunch and Leader: Maury Stern, 284-5980 explore Martinez shoreline on your own in the afternoon. Carpool leaves at 7 am from Sun Valley. Meet at 8:30 am at Refuge headquarters. Take I-680 north, then I-80 east Field trips are open to members and non-members, begin- to SR12. Follow SR12 through Fairfield, watch for sign to ners and advanced birders. Weather or other contingencies may Grizzly Island Refuge on right and follow road to head- require changes. For updates, visit the MDAS website at www. quarters. Entry fee for refuge. Watch for raptors and Short- diabloaudubon.com/index/php. Bring a lunch and drink and join eared Owls along road. The California Department of Fish us during our midday break. and Game’s Grizzly Island Wildlife Area is in the heart of Category ➊: Easy, little or no walking, smooth paths the 84,000-acre , the largest contiguous es- Category ➋: Moderate, one mile or more, possibly rough terrain tuarine marsh in the United States. Grizzly Island provides Category ➌: Difficult, extensive walking on rough terrain habitat for more than 200 species of birds and is home to Carpool locations: Sun Valley—Southwest corner of the Sun a variety of threatened or endangered wildlife and plants. Valley Mall parking lot at Willow Pass Road and Contra Costa We may see the herd of Tule Elk. We may also bird at the Boulevard in Concord. Sycamore Valley Road Park and Ride Rush Ranch if time permits after finishing at Grizzly Island. Lot—Just south of Danville, exit I-680 at Sycamore Valley Road to the east; the Park and Ride lot is on the left. El Nido Ranch ➌ Road—Take the Acalanes Road/Upper Happy Valley Road exit Thursday, February 19 off SR 24, west of Lafayette. El Nido Ranch Road is parallel to Sunol Regional Park and north of the freeway. Park just east of the intersection with Leader: Eugenia Larson, 806-0644 Acalanes Road and on the north side of El Nido Ranch Road. Carpool leaves at 8:15 am from Sycamore Valley Road Park and Ride. Meet at 8:45 am in the first parking lot Trip Reports on the left, Sunol Park. Go south on I-680 to Calaveras Limantour, November 15. Eighteen members went to Point Road. Go left under I-680 and drive 4 miles south on Ca- Reyes Headquarters and the Limantour area on a day that reached laveras; turn left on Geary Road and go 2 miles to park. the high 70s with blue skies and little wind. We saw 57 species Entry fee required. Watch and listen for Wild Turkey with special views of Common Yellowthroat, Townsend’s Warbler along Geary Road. Golden Eagles and other raptors, Ru- and Merlin. The Limantour area has been changed from previ- fous-crowned Sparrows, American Dipper, and Canyon ous visits. The Muddy Hollow Pond dike has been breached and and Rock Wrens are possible. Bring lunch and a beverage. Continued on Page 7 » the Quail —— February 2009 Rarity Chase, January 3. The original Trip Reports purpose of the trip was to relocate some Join the GBBC » Continued from Page 6 of the rarities found on the recent East Bay Bird and nature fans throughout North a new bridge has been built over the Christmas bird counts. But there weren’t America are invited to join tens of thou- water towards the beach, so that these any. In place of that Denise and I worked sands of everyday bird watchers for the areas are now part of the estuary tides. out a route that started in San Francisco 12th annual Great Backyard Bird Count The work should be totally done in and ended all the way down in Santa Cruz. (GBBC), February 13-16, 2009. about a month. Maury Stern Fourteen of us converged on Ferry Park in A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Charleston Slough, November 22. Eight San Francisco, where the primary target Ornithology and the National Audubon members enjoyed a warm, clear day at was the Worm-eating Warbler. It was un- Society, this free event is an opportunity Charleston Slough in Mountain View, usually cold and decidedly un-birdy but for families, students, and people of all ending with a side trip to Radio Pond in within an hour everyone had gotten good ages to discover the wonders of nature in Redwood Shores. 82 species were seen or looks at it and we moved on to Fort Mason. backyards, schoolyards, and local parks, heard including 10 species of shorebirds We had visions of storming in and seeing and, at the same time, make an important and 16 species of ducks. Highlights includ- the wintering Orchard Oriole in short contribution to conservation. ed two male Barrow’s Goldeneye, three order but it was another full hour before “The Great Backyard Bird Count ben- male Eurasian Wigeon, and 8 male Blue- Bob Dunn spotted it in a bare tree. It took efits both birds and people. It’s a great ex- winged Teal, the latter two species seen at longer than we had hoped but we were 2 ample of citizen science: Anyone who can both Charleston Slough and Radio Pond. for 2. We stopped briefly at identify even a few species can contribute Kim Kuska helped us pick out a Thayer’s and quickly refound the Red-necked Grebe to the body of knowledge that is used to in- out on the bay. Next stop was a Tropical Gull at Radio Pond. Another interesting form conservation efforts to protect birds Kingbird in Half Moon Bay that sounded sighting was the large group of 30 or more and biodiversity,” said Audubon Education like it would be easy. It didn’t take long to Bonaparte’s Gulls resting on a sand spit and VP, Judy Braus. Anyone can take part, from come to the conclusion that the bird wasn’t flying around at close range at Charleston novice bird watchers to experts, by count- where it was supposed to be and it was Slough. A quick walk along the edge of ing birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as another hour before the bird flew overhead riparian habitat off of Charleston Road did long as they wish) on one or more days and landed far off in the distance. A few of of the event and reporting their sightings not yield us a recently hotlined Northern us saw it through the scope before it disap- Waterthrush. Eugenia K. Larson online at www.birdcount.org. Participants peared again. We limped into Santa Cruz can also explore what birds others are Mountain View Sanitary/McNabney with high hopes of seeing the Cape May finding in their backyards—whether in Marsh, November 24. Eight members Warbler that was wintering in a suburban their own neighborhood or thousands of and one guest enjoyed a nice, fall morn- neighborhood. Another hour of rapidly miles away. ing. Freeway noise was a distraction dropping temperatures proved fruitless The data these “citizen scientists” much of the time, but by the end of the so we moved onto our last target bird: collect help researchers understand bird Rock Sandpiper. Despite finding some nice morning 60 species were seen or heard. population trends, information that is flocks of “rocky” shorebirds that bird was Five species of heron were seen including critical for effective conservation. Their also a no-show. The consolation prize was a great views comparing adult and juvenile efforts enable everyone to see what would stunning sunset over the ocean, with some Black-crowned Night-heron. Numerous otherwise be impossible: a comprehensive of the group even claiming to see the elu- Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, and picture of where birds are in late winter sive “green flash.” Despite the misses in the Green-winged Teal were seen at McNab- and how their numbers and distribution afternoon, the Worm-eating Warbler and ney Marsh. One female Green-winged compare with previous years. In 2008, Orchard Oriole were particularly nice birds Teal cooperated nicely by showing the participants submitted more than 85,000 and we managed to see about 90 species on green speculum on her wing for all to see checklists. clearly. Sora was heard only, in spite of Paul the day. Steve Glover and Denise Wight Putah Creek, January 10. Last year after “With more than a decade of data now Schorr’s attempts to draw it out with his in hand, the GBBC has documented the new BirdPod. As a brisk breeze picked up torrential rains the previous day we had to cancel the trip for fear of mud. This fine-grained details of late-winter bird around noon, everyone decided to call it a year we enjoyed sun, sun, sun, and after- distributions better than any project in his- day. Cheryl Abel noon temperatures in the 60s. 22 birders tory, including some truly striking changes Niles/Quarry Lakes, December 11. Eight enjoyed great views of Osprey, Golden just over the past decade,” said Cornell Lab members and guests came to the field trip Eagle, Hooded and Common Merganser, of Ornithology director, John Fitzpatrick. on a clear, calm day. We saw 72 species Barrow’s Goldeneye, Phainopepla, Gold- Each year, in addition to entering their which included Acorn Woodpecker, which en-crowned Kinglet, and Dipper. Possibly tallies, participants submit thousands of digi- is actually unusual for the area. Highlights worth noting were the huge numbers of tal images for the GBBC photo contest. Many were good long looks at a Merlin. Two three very common birds: Robin, Ruby- are featured in the popular online gallery. Wood Ducks were also fairly unusual for crowned Kinglet, and Cedar Waxwing. Visit www.birdcount.org to learn more. . We also had Hooded Mer- There were no big surprises, but we saw The Great Backyard Bird Count is gansers and five Cackling Geese. most of the target birds very well and tal- made possible, in part, by support from Jimm Edgar lied 75 species in all. Fred Safier Wild Birds Unlimited. the Quail —— February 2009 Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge » Continued from Page 12 A Treat for the Birds By Beverly Hawley In winter, birds must seek a warmer locale or expend more energy to maintain the temperature in their small bodies. Those who stick around, or who arrive here from colder areas need a diet rich in fats and oils. Filling feeders in any season brings the birds closer for us to enjoy, even though a more helpful strategy is to improve back- yard habitat through landscaping, which Volunteer Monique Sierra of Antioch, a The two endangered plants at the refuge provides food for a wider variety of birds, student at CSU Monterey Bay, plants a were portrayed in 1979 on a four-stamp as well as nesting places and shelter. Let’s Naked-stem Buckwheat during a work U.S. Postal commemorative series called do both. party at the Sardis Unit of Antioch Dunes “Endangered Flora”. Also featured were NWR in December. Persistent Trillium, found only in northeast At a Mount Diablo Audubon outreach Georgia and neighboring South Carolina, event at the Moraga Library, each child the EarthTeam from nearby Deer Valley and Hawaiian Wild Broad Bean, which was sent home with a packet of seed and a High School, Friends of the San Pablo occurs only on the eastern slopes of Mauna recipe for wild bird seed cookies, both the Bay NWR, and Antioch Dunes docents. Loa and Mauna Kea. gift from Wild Birds Unlimited. You might Captive-breeding programs are also in want to try this modified recipe yourself for place to help the butterflies rebound. Last Bee and the Yellow-banded Andrenid Bee, your backyard birds this winter. August, biologists released about 30 adult are known on the Refuge; both are listed Sift together: butterflies and some larvae at the refuge. as “Species of Concern.” ·  cup flour These had been reared at Moorpark Col- Antioch Dunes National Wildlife · ¼ tsp baking powder lege in a joint program with the Urban Refuge totals 55 acres. Two parcels—the · ¼ cup sugar Wildlands Group and the U.S. Fish and 41-acre Stamm Unit, a mostly flat and Cut in with pastry blender until crumbly: Wildlife Service. open area, and the smaller Sardis Unit · ⅓ cup chilled lard, margarine or butter A natural dynamic of moving sand is with riparian features—are separated Mix in 1 egg essential to maintain the ecology of the by Georgia-Pacific Gypsum’s sheet-rock Add ⅓ cup or more Deluxe Blend bird seed dunes, as moving sand opens areas for the factory. Both units are at shoreline on Knead until smooth and chill overnight in establishment of seedling plants. Invasion the . The refuge is wax paper or plastic bag. Roll out on floured of star thistle and other non-native vegeta- part of the San Francisco Bay National surface to ¼-inch thickness, using a floured tion stabilizes the sand-dune habitat and Wildlife Complex, which also includes rolling pin. Cut into bird shapes. Brush with crowds out native dune plants, such as the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National beaten egg whites (optional) and press more buckwheat. The weeds must be removed Wildlife Refuge, Ellicott Slough National seed into the dough. Bake on ungreased to assure a healthy environment for the Wildlife Refuge, Farallon National Wildlife cookie sheet for 12-15 minutes at 325˚ or endangered native species. Refuge, National Wildlife until cookies are hard. Contra Costa Wallflower Erysimum( capi- Refuge, Salinas River National Wildlife Do not add salt. tatum var. angustatum) grows naturally only in Refuge, and National sand-dune habitat along the San Joaquin River Wildlife Refuge. east of Antioch. It is a member of the mustard If you would like to visit Antioch 2008 MDAS CBCs family and shows bright yellow blooms from Dunes, or if you would like to aid in helping » Continued from Page 2 March to July or August. The wallflower is to save this habitat for the butterfly and we dropped below the magic 150 species described as a monocarpic perennial, meaning endangered plants, contact the refuge number for the first time in many years. We that plants die after setting seed. Most plants set office at 707-769-4200 for information. had 148 species. We could not get access to seed in the second year. some land off of Waterfront Road and had The Antioch Dunes Evening Primrose almost no shorebirds this year. We missed (Oenothera deltoides ssp. howellii) is a very seeing Moorhen for the first time in 27 pretty and interesting plant. In spring, years. Surf Scoters were seen by the group large white flowers open in early evening out in a boat. We only see them about half and close by mid-morning. The flowers the time. A Rough-legged Hawk was seen turn pink as they age. Pollination of this and we have not had one for about 12 years. Common Loon plant needs more scientific study. The only Again, Eurasian Collared Dove was seen Gavia immer confirmed pollinator, the Antioch Sphec- for the first time. Birds of Park odogastra Bee, was last seen in 1982. Two Joseph Mailliard • 1930 Jimm Edgar and Maury Stern, native bee species, the Antioch Andrenid Co-compilers the Quail —— February 2009 one adult and one juvenile. While they are Brown Pelicans • What’s Going on? coming in starving, food supply for them By Laurie Pyne, International Bird Rescue Research Center has been plentiful and is not the cause of Disoriented, weak and emaciated their emaciation. Brown Pelicans are showing up in back- IBRRC has the only two state-of-the- yards, roadways, parking lots and other art pelican aviaries on the west coast of unusual places exhibiting uncharacteristic California. As soon as a bird is stable, behaviors from Baja to Oregon. Large it is moved outdoors to these specially numbers of dead pelicans are also being re- designed enclosures to complete their ported. International Bird Rescue Research rehabilitation partaking in all-they-can- Center (IBRRC) has been receiving an eat fish and gaining strength until staff is overwhelming number of birds in both its confident they are fully flighted and can be northern and southern California centers successfully returned to the wild. for the last several weeks. No one knows IBRRC has several unique programs precisely what is ailing these birds. The for people to help these pelicans return to Dave Caron Laboratory at USC found 3 out the wild. A Pelican Partner is an adoption of 6 samples from affected pelicans positive that includes a personal tour of our facility, for domoic acid, and phytoplankton tests watching the final exam and federal band along the coast of California have found 5 placement on their bird and accompanying out of 14 samples positive for low levels of staff and participating in their bird’s release. domoic acid. More test results are pend- We also have a new Classroom Partner pro- ing and currently we are caring for more gram which is a special adoption program than 100 birds collectively in our centers, for a class or school group that includes a with new arrivals daily. The consensus While it’s not unusual to see weak and presentation at our center and accompany- of experts at this juncture is that domoic starving juveniles at this time of year, what ing staff on their pelican’s release. acid, a neurotoxin produced in red tides, is causing concern is that the majority of Current updates on this crisis as well is likely a secondary cause of these birds’ the pelicans affected by this mystery illness as more information about programs at affliction as it does not explain the entire are breeding adults, tremendously valuable IBRRC can be found at www.ibrrc.org or spectrum of signs and symptoms these to the population. Last year at this time our contact Laurie Pyne in Development at birds are displaying. Fairfield facility had two pelicans in house, 707-207-0380, ext. 105. Mighty Bluebirds from Little Acorns Grow By Brian Murphy oaks. This area is grazed, so they had to protect the plantings with enclosures. The Wildlife Habitat Restora- tion group had already fenced a seasonal wet- land where wil- lows and cotton- wood are now of all the “new” habitat the birds have to growing. The feed in. The Bluebird boxes are made out The Walnut Creek Open Space Foun- green swath in the photo is the seasonal of recycled building material, including dations Oak Habitat Restoration group wetland with nice willow now growing. parts of political sign materials from the has been planting oaks in their 2,700 In early fall of 2008 Western Bluebirds recent election. acres of public open space for 15 years as were all over the place. It was evident that It’s interesting to discover positive there has never been any number of new the oak enclosures had been discovered impacts something built to protect oak oaks because of cattle grazing and deer by grassland perch-feeding birds and the seedling from cattle has on the wildlife and browsing. locations of the enclosures have opened up bird populations. Three years ago the Oak Habitat Resto- many new areas for the birds to feed. ration group started planting oaks in North So this spring we will be starting a ( Lime Ridge, a vast grassland with few Western Bluebird nest-box trail as a result the Quail —— February 2009 Greater Yellowlegs • Tringa melanoleuca NEWS Lesser Yellowlegs • Tringa flavipes FROM WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED

Birdfood Sale • Suet Sale

February 3–22

f All seed, peanuts, etc. f

Activities at Wild Birds Unlimited: February 14 • 11:00-3:00. Native Bird Con- nections will present on-going educational programs on Acorn Woodpeckers and the Rossmoor situation. Rossmoor is threaten- ing to kill 50 Woodpeckers. Diana also will have a live Acorn Woodpecker. The Great Backyard Bird Count is Friday– Monday, February 13–16. Wild Birds Unlimited This photo was taken by Len Blumin the places which they select several times and National Audubon Society are major sponsors of this event. You count birds in while with the Mount Diablo Audubon before they alight, emitting their well-known your backyard and report the results online field trip to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area in and easily imitated whistling notes, should or bring them to WBU. It’s a great web site to November. Terry Colborn reported on this any suspicious object be in sight, or if they investigate at www.birdsource.org/gbbc. trip in the December-January Quail. are anxious to receive the answer of some of It’s fascinating to watch the maps ex- When seen together, differences be- their own tribe that have already alighted. plode with bird reportings. tween the two species can be distinguished. At such times, any person who can imitate The Greater Yellowlegs’ size is one third their cries can easily cheek their flight, and Bird Feeding Tips: longer; its weight twice as much as the in a few moments induce them to pass or to This fall and winter has not seen the Lesser. The Lesser Yellowlegs’ bill is all dark, alight within shooting distance. This I have Pine Siskins that we often have. We have shorter and straighter, while the Greater’s bill not unfrequently succeeded in doing, when had only 5-10 sighting reports. We have had is longer than its head, is slightly upturned, they were, at the commencement of my many reports of Goldfinches at the feeders. The numbers of American and Lesser Gold- blunt-tipped, and may be grayish. calls, almost half a mile distant. Nay, I have finches being seen are the largest in many The Greater Yellowlegs swings its long sometimes seen them so gentle, that on my years. Flocks are even larger than 2008 which bill from side to side to skim small animals killing several in a flock, the rest would only was a good year for them. from the surface of the water. Because this remove a few yards. Audubon adds that “In Many people feed suet and it is a great behavior is seldom seen in the Lesser Yellow- general, however, these birds are thin and way to attract birds to your backyard. Now legs, you can use it to make an identification have a fishy taste.” there is something even better – it’s called at a long distance. Although Yellowlegs are no longer sub- Bark Butter. It is similar to suet but, with different ingredients, it also attracts many The lengthy legs of these two spe- ject to the market hunting of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and popula- non-suet eating birds. Robins, Bushtits, cies—relatively longer than those of most Wrens, Warblers, Sparrows, Juncos and all shorebirds—are adapted to their manner tions are stable or increasing, pesticides, suet-eating birds are attracted to Bark But- of feeding in the water, often wading out habitat destruction (logging) in their breed- ter. Give it a try! beyond where others go. Long bills usually ing ranges, oil, and heavy-metal contamina- accompany long legs for the same reason. tion unquestionably pose threats. John James Audubon wrote: The flight In addition to tidal sloughs and mud- m of the Tell-tale Godwit, or “Great Yellow- flats, both species forage the edges of Mike and Cecil Williams Shank,” as it is generally named in the freshwater lakes and ponds. Lesser Yel- Wild Birds Unlimited Western Country, is swift, at times elevated, lowlegs occasionally swim, unusual among 692 Contra Costa Blvd. shorebirds. Lesser Yellowlegs are more and, when necessary, sustained. They pass Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, 925-798-0303 through the air with their necks and legs likely to be seen in flocks than are Greater Visit us at www.wbupleasanthill.com stretched to their full length, and roam over Yellowlegs. the Quail —10— February 2009 Ornithological Opportunities the Quail is published 10 times a year by the The 2009 San Francisco Bay Flyway ticipants should pre-register due to limited Mount Diablo Audubon Society Festival, February 6–8, is based on the space on field trips and workshops. P.O. Box 53 • Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053 former Naval Shipyard, The 13th annual 2009 San Diego Bird (925) AUD-UBON • (925) 283-8266 the U.S. Navy’s oldest installation in the Festival will be held from March 5–8. Pacific and a National Historic Landmark. Many of the field trips will net more than MDAS Board of Directors President: Jimm Edgar, 510-658-2330 Mare Island is flanked by the 100 observed species. Many of these trips to the east and San Pablo Bay to the west. Vice President: Mike Williams, 376-1631 are already nearly full. Keynote speaker Treasurer: Steve Buffi, 938-0929 This setting in combination with its rich will be David Allen Sibley, who will talk Board Secretary: Diana Granados, 963-9753 maritime and naval history makes it an about the universal appeal of birds and Sales Manager: Barbara Vaughn, 376-8732 irresistible attraction for those intrigued the pleasures and challenges of creating Programs: Alice Holmes, 938-1581 with military history and eager to discover a field guide to birds. David is the author Field Trips: Hugh Harvey, 935-2979 natural places. This 13th annual event and illustrator of the comprehensive The Membership: Beverley Walker, 952-9925 promises more outings and programs than Sibley Guide to Birds. David will also lead Volunteer Coordinator: ever. Almost all are free. At the Wildlife a border birding trip and will conduct a Moses de los Reyes, 755-3734 Expo, Mount Diablo Audubon Society will bird drawing workshop. Info at: www. Hospitality: Gerry Argenal, 768-6325 have a table aimed at enticing children to sandiegoaudubon.org/birdfest.htm. Education: Cecil Williams, 376-1631 have fun with nature. Details were not Access: Beverly Hawley, 947-0479 Olympic BirdFest 2009, Sequim, available at press time, so keep checking Webmaster: Patrick King, 510-642-6522 Washington, April 3-5. Join the celebration Chapter Development: Paul Schorr, 757-5107 at www.sfbayflywayfestival.com, but be at the Dungeness River Audubon Center, Hands-On Conservation: sure to save the dates and attend. Contact where you’ll find a protected island bird Nancy Wenninger, 938-7987 Phone: (707) 649-WING (9464). sanctuary on the Strait of Juan de Fuca; Christmas Count: Jimm Edgar, 510-658-2330 California Duck Days, Davis, February wetlands, tide pools, rainforests, and Member-at-Large: Brian Murphy, 937-8835 20–21. Come celebrate at California Duck lush river valleys. Marbled Murrelets, Jean Richmond, 837-2843 Days, a wetlands festival in the heart of the Rhinoceros Auklets, Harlequin Ducks, Quail Editor: Ellis Myers, 284-4103 215 Calle La Mesa Pacific Flyway. A gala reception for every- Black Oystercatchers, and Pygmy Owls Moraga, CA 94556-1603 one interested in wetlands and wildlife will will be sporting their finest spring plumage. [email protected] launch the festivities on Friday evening at Enjoy birding trips, boat tours, and a The Quail is printed on 30% post-consumer waste the Davis Arts Center, from 5:30 to 7:30 traditional salmon bake at the Jamestown recycled paper. The deadline for the March issue pm. On Saturday the festival will feature S’Klallam Tribal Center. Check at www. is February 10. one full day of field trips and workshops olympicbirdfest.org or call 360-681-4076. at the Yolo Wildlife Area Headquarters Follow your BirdFest weekend with a facility in South Davis. Complete schedule three-day, two-night birding cruise of the of events and registration information at spectacular San Juan Islands on April 5–7. ( www.yolobasin.org/events.cfm. All par- e-mail [email protected].

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 August, in the Camellia Room of The Gardens c I’m enclosing an additional tax-deductible donation of $______. c at Heather Farms, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, For an additional $20 (new NAS members only) or $35 (returning members), Walnut Creek. Everyone is invited., please enroll me in the National Audubon Society to receive four quarterly issues 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 —11— February 2009 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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Antioch Dunes Evening Primrose is one of three endangered species protected at Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. Mount Diablo watches from a distance.

Antioch Dunes NWR

A National Wildlife Refuge to protect a butterfly with a wingspan less than an inch-and-a-half? Yes, that’s Antioch Dunes NWR, a hidden spot along the banks of the San Joaquin River. This was the first and only NWR established to protect endan- gered plants and insects. Under its aegis are the Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly, the Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly, Apodemia Contra Costa Wallflower and the Antioch mormo langei. USF&WS photo. Dunes Evening Primrose. Because of the sensitive habitat, the refuge is closed to chrysalises on the plant. When the pupae Naked-stem Buckwheat is the host plant for the public, but each month, on the sec- emerge from the chrysalis as butterflies, the protected Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly. ond Saturday, a free docent-led walking they feed on the buckwheat’s nectar. The Stamm Unit, Antioch Dunes NWR. tour is offered at 10 am. It is well worth a adult butterflies emerge in August and the butterfly population dropped to near morning’s outing. September but live for only about 10 days zero. In 2006, only 158 butterflies were One of the first species to be protected ( two weeks in captivity). This short flight counted, although more than 367 were under the Endangered Species Act in 1976, period is little enough time to find a mate counted in 2008, with a peak daily count Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly depends on and begin the life cycle anew. of 131. its host plant, the California native Na- The butterflies are non-migratory, and Aggressive efforts to recreate habitat ked-stem Buckwheat, a plant growing only as the sand dune habitat diminished with have been under way for some years and along the sands of the river. It lays its eggs such uses as making bricks following the have involved many volunteers, includ- on the plant; the larvae feed on the leaves 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and with ing the California Native Plant Society, theand stemsQuail of the buckwheat and form February 2009 industrial plants —sprawling12— over the area, Continued on Page 7 »