vol. 96 no. 6 November–December 2011

the newsletter of the golden gate audubon society founded 1917

It’s Christmas Count Time

ound up your birding friends and join R GGAS’s 2011 Christmas Bird Counts: Oakland on Sunday, December 18, and San Francisco on Tuesday, December 27. You’ll have an enjoyable day of birding, one that you can top off with a delicious dinner and the chance to hear what birds others have found that day, including rarities you might want to seek. The counts are a popular tradition. Oakland usually attracts 150-plus fi eld observers, and San Fran- cisco more than 90.

Glenn Nevill/www.raptor-gallery.com Invitations to sign up have been e-mailed to Peregrine Falcon fl edgling in San Francisco. people who participated in either count in recent years and provided an e-mail address. San Fran- cisco co-compiler Alan Hopkins urges would-be participants to sign up promptly. “Holiday time San Francisco Takes the is busy for all of us, so it really helps if you sign up early, to be assured of a spot on a team. Lead on Bird Safe Buildings Remember, we welcome birders of every level. If you’re able, please help the environment by he city of San Francisco recently took bold action by approving the strictest signing up online—this will save paper and the T standards in the United States for protecting birds from building collisions. cost of mailing. If you’ve participated recently On September 27, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Standards for but don’t have Internet access, we’ll snail-mail Bird Safe Buildings, a 44-page document developed by the San Francisco Planning forms to you. If you’re new to the count, you can Department with assistance from Golden Gate Audubon and the American Bird request sign-up forms from the GGAS offi ce.” Conservancy. These standards include sections on safer windows, night lighting, and This season marks the 112th year of Christ- the construction of urban wind turbines. mas Bird Counts. Each count attempts to San Francisco is situated on the Pacifi c Flyway, one of the major bird migratory identify and count the birds within a defi ned routes in the Western Hemisphere. At least 400 species of birds live in or migrate 15-mile-diameter circle during one calendar through the city, nearly half of all North American species. According to US Fish day. Last year, thousands of volunteers counted and Wildlife Service estimates, collisions with structures may account for between roughly 60 million birds across the Americas and 100 million and 1 billion birds killed annually in North America. The nation’s lead- CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT continued on page 10 ing expert, Dr. Daniel Klem of Pennsylvania’s Muhlenberg College, estimates that between 1 and 5 percent of the total migratory population die in window crashes 3 Alameda County Breeding each year, including many endangered or threatened species. Recent local collision Bird Atlas fatalities include three fl edglings of the beloved Peregrine Falcons nesting at the 4 New 2012 Trip to Alaska

PG&E Building in downtown San Francisco. inside 5 Owl Class at GGAS BIRD SAFE BUILDINGS continued on page 11 ROSTER Eco-Education Now in San Francisco

board of directors Diane Ross-Leech President f you were a migrating Black-bellied Plover fl ying over San Francisco’s southern Mark Mushkat Treasurer I Linda Vallee Secretary waterfront and looking for a place to rest, Pier 94 would be a welcome oasis. Though Karim Al-Khafaji surrounded by industrial sites, it offers seven acres of wetland and upland habitat. And this David Anderson Whitney Dotson year, you are seeing more young humans. Jack Dumbacher Golden Gate Audubon staff and volunteers have been restoring this former dump since Alan Harper 2006 and now have help. Beginning this year, third, fourth, and fi fth graders from San Fran- Carey Knecht John Muir Laws cisco Title 1 schools are picking up trash, Michael Lozeau testing water samples, pulling non-native Sarah Peterman Jay Pierrepont plants, replacing the invasives with natives, Phil Price and monitoring bird species. Rich Walkling We are excited that our award-winning executive director Eco-Education Program is now in San Mark Welther 510.843.9912 [email protected] Francisco. You can see details of this won-

conservation director derful community-based program, which Mike Lynes 510.843.6551 has engaged 15,000 students and their [email protected] families in environmental stewardship development director over the past 12 years, on our new video: Lisa Owens Viani 510.843.7295 [email protected] www.goldengateaudubon.org/education/

Education Director eco-education-programs. Anthony DeCicco 510.843.2222 Eco-Education, partially supported by [email protected] the Miles T. McKey Memorial Fund and eco-education program coordinator Marissa Ortega-Welch 510.843.2222 the Ann Witter Memorial Environmental [email protected] Education Fund, is one more reason to send office manager a year-end gift to Golden Gate Audubon Stephanie Strait 510.843.2222 (see page 11). You can also put on your gar- volunteer coordinator dening gloves and join Edo-Education staff Noreen Weeden 510.301.0570 [email protected] Anthony DeCicco and Marissa Ortega- Welch, their team of volunteers, and the

gull managing editor DeCicco Anthony schoolkids in the fi eld and help create more Judith Dunham [email protected] Students in the GGA Eco-Education Program out in safe habitat for birds. the fi eld. observations Bruce Mast [email protected]

web editor [email protected] Lisa Owens Viani Joins GGAS Staff northern california bird box 415.681.7422 On October 10, Golden Gate Audubon welcomed our new development director, Lisa Owens

The Golden Gate Audubon Society was founded Janu- Viani. For the past three years, Lisa has served as public outreach coordinator for the San ary 25, 1917, and became a chapter of National Audubon Francisco Estuary Partnership. There, she managed production of the Estuary Partnership’s in 1948. Golden Gate Audubon Supporting Member- ship is $35 per year. Renewals should be sent to the award-winning newsletter, Estuary News, redesigned the website, and produced other out- Golden Gate Audubon offi ce. The board of directors reach materials, including a series of 19 popular podcasts. Lisa also organized tours, forums, meets six times per year (schedule can be obtained from the main offi ce). conferences, and media events for the partnership, and was awarded funding for innovative The Gull is published six times per year. Special third- green streets and other “low-impact development” projects with East Bay cities. Prior to her class postage paid in Oakland, CA. Send address changes to offi ce promptly. The post offi ce does not tenure at the Estuary Partnership, Lisa worked for many years as a freelance writer and edi- forward The Gull. tor (including grant writing and one year as editor of The Gull) and for the Urban Creeks Golden Gate Audubon Society Council, San Francisco BayKeeper, Pacifi c Institute, and Berkeley Ecology Center. 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite G Berkeley, CA 94702 Lisa has a BA in technical and professional writing with a minor in biology and an MA in TEL 510.843.2222 FAX 510.843.5351 geography and environmental studies from San Francisco State University. For her master’s www.goldengateaudubon.org [email protected] thesis, which won the university’s Distinguished Student Award, she designed and imple-

For Nature Store hours, please call or check the website. mented a restoration project on an urban stream in Richmond with the goal of creating better riparian habitat for resident and migratory songbirds. In her spare time, Lisa is a volunteer wildlife rescuer and recently worked with a broad coalition to get better legislation Design and layout: e.g. communications and protection for San Francisco Bay following oil spills.

2 THE GULL November–December 2011 conservation corner

EAST BAY PROJECTS POSSIBLE unlikely to be selected. East Bay Conser- ing that someone will volunteer to become THREAT TO WILDLIFE HABITAT vation Committee Chair Phil Price has our eyes, ears, and voice about this proj- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory often reminded LBNL of the importance ect. If you can get involved or want to fi nd (LBNL) is planning to create a “second of considering local environmental impacts out more information, contact Phil Price, campus” away from the current campus in and has emphasized several concerns such [email protected]. the hills above UC Berkeley. Initially, the as lighting, noise, and habitat destruction. AMERICA’S CUP AND BAY BIRDS second campus would provide space for LBNL plans to choose the site in November One of the world’s largest sporting events, equipment and researchers now occupying and immediately begin the environmental the America’s Cup, will be held in the cen- leased buildings in Walnut Creek, Oak- review process. The East Bay Conservation ter of San Francisco Bay between July and land, Berkeley, and Emeryville; eventually Committee will participate vigorously. September 2013. Most of this sailing com- it might be expanded. LBNL is considering In other East Bay development news, petition will take place between the Golden six sites, one each in Richmond, Albany, plans are proceeding for a large senior Gate Bridge and the San Francisco–Oak- Oakland, and Alameda, and two in Berke- housing complex and a grocery store on land Bay Bridge, and will draw hundreds of ley. Golden Gate Audubon is concerned San Pablo Avenue in Albany at the Berke- thousands of spectators to the shoreline and about several of these sites due to their ley border. The store would be adjacent to bay. Concerned environmental groups have proximity to sensitive wetlands or shoreline Codornices Creek, which has been newly banded together into the America’s Cup habitat. restored to provide good habitat value in a Environmental Coalition, and Golden Gate LBNL is treating all aspects of the narrow corridor almost all the way from San Audubon is working with this coalition to site selection process as confi dential, but Pablo Avenue on the east to the railroad ensure that the city and race organizers based on the stated priorities, we believe tracks on the west. Golden Gate Audubon avoid or mitigate impacts to birds. We are that it will probably choose the Richmond is naturally concerned about the possible especially concerned about plans to build or the southwest Berkeley site, and that impacts of the new development, and the viewing grandstands near the Crissy Field the Alameda and Oakland sites are very East Bay Conservation Committee is hop- Wildlife Protection Area where threatened Western Snowy Plovers begin to arrive for Alameda County Breeding Bird Atlas Nears Release the winter and about nesting sites at Alca- traz Island. Conceived nearly two decades ago, the much-anticipated Alameda County Please contact GGAS Conservation Alameda Breeding Bird Atlas will be available at Golden Breeding Bird Atlas Director Mike Lynes at mlynes@golden Gate Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count dinners, held in gateaudubon.org or 510.843.2222 to fi nd Berkeley on December 18 and San Francisco on Decem- out more about protecting birds during the ber 27. The 220-page book features 175 detailed species America’s Cup and how you can help. accounts written by Bob Richmond. Each is accompanied by a distribution map created by Rusty Scalf. Hans Peeters SHARP PARK RESTORATION contributed beautiful illustrations of 30 species, including Now is the time to restore the wetlands at the cover. In 2003 Helen Green was asked to edit the book. Sharp Park. The golf course is old, but not Bob Richmond, Helen Green, and David C. Rice Illustrations by Hans Peeters She was joined several months later by David C. Rice. They 223 historic, and has had problems since the eventually coaxed the atlas toward fi nal publication. delayed opening due to fl ooding. Today, San Work on the atlas began in 1992 with initial planning by a group of local birders, Francisco faces fi nancial and legal issues including Ann Dewart, Don and Margaret Emery, Phil and Pat Gordon, Paul and from Sharp Park—the golf course has lost Helen Green, Steve Margolin, Bob Richmond, Rusty Scalf, and Bette Wentzel. The an average of $162,000 annually since effort was spearheaded by the late ornithologist, author, and Cal State Hayward 2004. And, in order to maintain the course, professor Howard Cogswell, who served as their guiding light. More than 100 bird- the city will incur renovation costs of $50 ers volunteered to survey Alameda County over fi ve years, from 1993 to 1997. Bob million to protect it from sea level rise and Richmond in particular enabled the censusing to be completed during this period pay for endangered species compliance. by concentrating on a large swath of the southeast portion of the county. Entries for Legislation recently introduced by many species have been updated to include their breeding status and distribution Supervisor John Avalos is a positive solution through 2008. under which the city would retain owner- ship of the property, close the golf course, If you regularly bird parks and other locations in Alameda County, you will want to and turn long-term management over to the add the atlas to your library. It will be sold at the Golden Gate Audubon offi ce. CONSERVATION CORNER continued on page 4

November–December 2011 THE GULL 3 CONSERVATION CORNER from page 3 New Birding Adventure for 2012 National Park Service. This partnership would allow the park to transition from a olden Gate Audubon is offering a 570-plus species of birds such as toucans, golf course to the trail-based recreation G new trip for the new year—to Nome, woodcreepers, tanagers, antbirds, hum- park that San Franciscans and visitors are Alaska, in June. Spaces are still available on mingbirds, trogons, and manakins. Also in seeking. The National Park Service has the three other 2012 trips, to Belize, Florida, the itinerary are a visit to Mayan ruins and experience to manage wetland restoration, and Klamath Basin in Oregon. For full itin- a night safari boat ride. as we have seen at Mori Point (adjacent eraries, contact Chris Bard, GGAS Travel Dates: February 3–13. Cost: $3,200 per to Sharp Park) and Crissy Field. The wet- Coordinator, at [email protected] or person, double occupancy, including all land restoration solution would protect the 510.522.5699. lodging, meals, guides, and ground trans- endangered San Francisco Garter Snake portation, as well as a $150 tax-deductible and the threatened California Red-legged SUMMER IN NOME, ALASKA donation to GGAS. Limit: 10. Frog, as well as other wildlife including Accessible only by boat and airplane, Nome birds, into the future. is a frontier town bordered on the west and FLORIDA’S EVERGLADES Please contact GGAS Conservation south by the Bering Sea, and on the north Ed and Sil Pembleton of Naturalist Jour- Director Mike Lynes at mlynes@golden and east by miles of trackless wilderness. neys will lead this trip to hotspots in the gateaudubon.org or 510.843.2222 if you are During June and July, the Midnight Sun is only subtropical wilderness in the continen- interested in ensuring the restoration of at its brightest, the tundra is in full bloom, tal US. On the itinerary are sites where the Sharp Park. and the birds and mammals are breeding. Florida Scrub-Jay can be found. An optional The tour will cover the prime birding areas extension goes to the Florida Keys and by HELP RESTORE BIRD HABITAT along the seacoast and the alpine tundra boat to the Dry Tortugas National Park. We invite you to join us for our monthly surrounding Nome. Most of the birds are in Dates: April 16–23 main trip, April workdays at our restoration sites. Site their resplendent breeding plumages, rarely 23–27 extension. Cost: $2,290 per per- details and directions can be found at www. if ever seen in the Lower 48. We’ll try to son (extension: $985), double occupancy, goldengateaudubon.org/volunteer. locate accidental Asian species. including lodging, most meals, guides, and • Alameda Wildlife Refuge, Alameda: Four trips are scheduled, each lim- ground transportation, as well as a $150 tax- November 13, December 11, 9 a.m. – ited to only four participants: June 8–12, deductible donation to GGAS. Limit: 10. noon. June 12–16, June 16–20, and June 21–25. • Martin Luther King Jr. Regional The guide will be Bay Area resident Rich KLAMATH BASIN WINTER BIRDS Shoreline, Oakland: November 19, Cimino of Yellowbilled Tours, who has led This area of southern Oregon is rich in rap- December 17, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. tors in winter. On this trip led by Harry trips to many areas, including Nome. Cost: • Golden Gate Park Bison Paddock, San Fuller, participants will see Rough-legged $2,400, including lodging, ground trans- Francisco: November 19, December and Ferruginous Hawks, Bald and Golden portation, and airport transfers, as well as 17, 9 a.m. – noon (with SF Recreation Eagles, and Prairie and Peregrine Falcons, a $150 tax-deductible donation to GGAS. and Parks). Not included are airfare and meals. plus Northern Shrikes, Black-billed Mag- pies, and Mountain Quail. • Lands End East Wash, San Francisco BELIZE—CARIBBEAN JEWEL Dates: February 23–26. Cost: $250 to Presidio: November 19, 1 – 4 p.m. This trip led by Mark Pretti of Mark Pretti $325 per person for ground transportation (with Parks Conservancy). Nature Tours will explore a variety of habi- and guide, including a $50 tax-deductible • Pier 94, San Francisco: December 3, tats, seeking out many of the country’s donation to GGAS. Limit: 10. 9 a.m. – noon.

Welcome Our New Interns Golden Gate Audubon is excited to Jonathan Barber, volunteer restoration Rachel Spadafore, restoration coordi- introduce three new interns. intern, was honorably discharged from nator, recently received her MS from Iris Hsu, conservation advocacy intern, is the US Marine Corps and is now pursu- the University of San Francisco in envi- an undergraduate at UC Berkeley, focus- ing his education and interest in birds, ronmental management and wrote her ing on environmental economics and science, and conservation. In addition to thesis on community-based restoration policy. She has been working on GGAS supporting habitat restoration at Oak- in the Bay Area. Rachel is very excited conservation projects, including restor- land’s Martin Luther King Jr. Regional about the new opportunity to work with ing Sharp Park in San Francisco and the Shoreline and San Francisco’s Pier 94, our volunteers at Pier 94 and other GGAS Alameda Wildlife Refuge, and on our Jonathan can be found welcoming mem- restoration sites. policy on rodenticides. bers to our Speaker Series.

4 THE GULL November–December 2011 speaker series

The Brazilian Pantanal: Birds and Jaguars in the World’s Largest Wetland A Big Thank-You Paul Donahue Golden Gate Audubon is grateful Berkeley: Thursday, November 17—7 p.m. refreshments, 7:30 program (free for GGAS to all the photographers who pro- members, $5 nonmembers) vided images for our newsletter The Pantanal of southwestern Brazil is the over the past year, as well as for our world’s largest wetland, a vast mosaic of annual reports and website: Sharon rivers, creeks, marshes, swamps, lagoons, Beals, Rose Britton, Jason Crotty, tall riparian forest, lower dry forest, and Della Dash, Charles Denson, Doug savanna. The area extends into extreme Greenberg, Tom Grey, Bob Gunder- eastern Bolivia and extreme northern Para- son, Alan Hopkins, Jennifer Isola, guay, but the majority lies in the Brazilian Lee Karney, Melani King, Bob Lewis, states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Steve Lombardi, Jeanine Lovett, Sul. This much water attracts abundant Mary Malec, Richard Mellor, Dominik wildlife, and the Pantanal is home to large Mosur, Paul Murphy, Verne Nelson, numbers of wading birds and other fi sh- Glenn Nevill, Marissa Ortega-Welch, eating birds, and holds the world’s densest Brent Plater, Mark J. Rauzon, Harjeet population of jaguars, the largest cat in the Singh, Paul Schwartz, Glen Tepke,

Americas. Paul Donahue Jerry Ting, Noreen Weeden, Alan Jaguar in the Pantanal. Paul Donahue, a naturalist, bird artist, Wight, and Denise Wight. We thank photographer, environmentalist, and tree you for your generosity. climber, has been working in South America since 1972. Most of his time has been spent in the rainforests of the western Amazon Basin, particularly eastern Peru, where he has done Bruce Mast’s Observations extensive bird survey work and tape recording of bird vocalizations. Paul and his wife, Teresa Bruce Mast’s column covering Wood, have constructed two canopy walkways and dozens of canopy observation platforms notable sightings for August and Sep- to view and study the wildlife of that stratum of the rainforest. Lately, he has been research- tember can be found on the Golden ing jaguars and Zigzag Herons in the Pantanal and photographing the area’s abundant bird Gate Audubon website under “Bird- and mammal life. Berkeley Speaker Series: Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda (between Solano and Marin). ing Resources.” Of special note: The Directions: www.northbrae.org/directions.htm injured Flammulated Owl, reported in an earlier column and pictured in the July-August Gull, was success- North American Owl Class at GGAS fully rehabilitated and released in the hills south of San Antonio Reservoir in Dave Quady, author of the owls section of southern Alameda County. National Geographic’s Complete Birds of North America and a frequent GGAS fi eld trip leader, will again teach his class on Choose the Gull Online owls. The class meets four evenings, Feb- Join other Golden Gate Audubon ruary 7, 8, 14, and 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at members who are downloading our the Golden Gate Audubon offi ce, 2530 San newsletter from our website rather Pablo Avenue, Berkeley. Three weekend than receiving it in the mail. You will help save paper and reduce afternoon and/or evening fi eld trips will be Lewis/www.wingbeats.org Bob scheduled for February and March; spe- Great Horned Owls. our expenses for printing and mail- cifi c dates and times will be announced. ing. Best of all, the photographs in As he shares his extensive knowledge of this fascinating group of birds, Dave will describe the online version of the Gull are in what makes owls different from other birds, offer tips for identifying them by sight and color. As each issue is published, we sound, and provide insight into their habits and habitats. The three fi eld trips will visit local will e-mail you a link. To choose the owl habitats, where class participants can hope to hear and see owls. For more details on the Gull online, e-mail ggas@goldengate class, e-mail Dave at [email protected]. The class is limited to 20. Sign-ups begin at noon audubon.org or call 510.843.2222. on Monday, January 9, 2012. The fee is $80. To sign up, call 510.843.2222.

November–December 2011 THE GULL 5 fi eld trips $ Entrance fee

Biking trip STEVE LOMBARDI, COORDINATOR

Field trips are open to birders of all ages and levels of experience. To ensure the safety Lake Merced and enjoyment of participants, dogs are not allowed on trips. There are no exceptions to San Francisco this policy unless expressly stated in the fi eld trip announcement. For questions about Saturday, November 12, 8 – 11 a.m. individual fi eld trips, contact the leaders. For updates to the trips, go to www.golden Dan and Joan Murphy, gateaudubon.org. [email protected] Lake Merced and the surrounding park- Jewel Lake habitats that attract an array of resident, lands form a critical habitat for migrating, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley migrant, and vagrant birds. This monthly wintering, and nesting birds on the coast. Fridays, November 4, December 2, trip is oriented toward helping beginning The freshwater marsh surrounding the 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. birders develop their skills in spotting and lake is largest between Pt. Reyes National Phila Rogers, Coordinator, 510.848.9156, identifying birds. The garden charges $7/ Seashore to the north and Pescadero to [email protected] person if you are not an SF resident or the south. Between the marsh, the open garden member. Bring identifi cation for water, and the surrounding uplands, Lake Monthly fi rst Friday trips at Tilden con- residency and membership status. Merced is an excellent habitat for many tinue. Meet at the parking lot at the north birds. A visit at this time gives us a chance end of Central Park Dr. for a 1-mile stroll to see a few late migrants and many of through this lush riparian area. Fall is here, Upper San Leandro Reservoir/ the birds that will winter here. Join us to and we will look for both wintering and Valle Vista Staging Area explore this natural treasure. resident birds. We should see waterbirds Contra Costa County on the lake. Rain cancels. Note: Phila is Friday, November 11, 9 a.m. – noon Meet in the Sunset Circle, the large circu- looking for someone to co-lead this trip. Bob Lewis, [email protected], lar parking lot at the south end of Sunset Please contact her if you would like to 510.845.5001, 510.725.7696 (cell) Blvd. We plan to walk a little over a mile and drive to several sites around the lake. help keep this trip running. Meet at the Valle Vista Staging Area in Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing Canyon. We’ll walk the trails, looking for San Francisco Botanical Garden for coastal weather, which can change woodpeckers and sapsuckers, raptors, tit- Sundays, November 6, December 4, considerably during the course of a morn- mice, chickadees, nuthatches, and other 8 – 10:30 a.m. ing. If rain is forecast, bring your rain gear. wintering birds. With luck, we may see Ginny Marshall, ginnybirder@sbcglobal. We plan to end the trip before lunch. interesting ducks like Ring-necked Duck, net; Dominik Mosur, polskatata@yahoo. Hooded Merganser, and Wood Duck. Trip com; Alan Ridley, [email protected]; Upper Alameda Creek/ goes rain or shine. Helen McKenna, 415.566.3241 (Leaders From Berkeley and Oakland, take Hwy. 24 through Quarry Lakes vary by month.) the tunnel and exit at Orinda. Turn right onto Mor- Alameda County Meet at the front gate of the gar- aga Way, travel 4.8 miles to Canyon Rd., and turn Saturday, November 12, 8:15 a.m. right. Go 1.2 miles to the Valle Vista Staging area, an Kathy Jarrett, 510.547.1233, den in Golden Gate Park, 9th Ave. at EBMUD parking lot on the left. No water; portable Lincoln Way. The garden has several micro- toilet. [email protected] This trip concentrates on upper Alam- eda Creek from Quarry Lakes to the Niles New Field Trip Coordinator Staging Area. We may begin at the Union Golden Gate Audubon welcomes GGAS member Steve Lombardi as the new vol- City Library Pond. We will ride on the unteer coordinator of our fi eld trip program. Steve and his wife, Carol, have been north gravel and south paved sides of leading trips for more than a year, both locally to such hotspots as Mitchell Canyon, the creek, on gravel trails within Quarry Shadow Cliffs, and Mines Road in Alameda County and farther afi eld to the Sacra- Lakes, and sometimes on the street. Bring mento Valley. The report of their trip to Orange County with Rusty Scalf is featured lunch and liquids, and dress for variable in the September-October Gull. Steve and Carol have participated in the annual weather. Bicycle helmet required. Rain Oakland Christmas Bird Count for a decade and also volunteer for the Benicia and cancels. Contact Kathy if you would like East Alameda CBCs. her cell number. We extend a special thank-you to volunteer Pam Belchamber. For several years, she Transit: Meet at Union City BART station at 8:15 a.m. took responsibility for this important job of organizing our fi eld trips and making Fremont train passes through MacArthur at 7:34. Car: From I-880 south, take exit 23 for Alvarado Niles Rd., sure they appeared in the Gull. Our many fi eld trip leaders and trip participants turn left onto Alvarado Niles Rd., go 2.4 miles, and thank you! turn left onto Decoto Rd. Continue .2 mile, then turn right on Union Square and left into BART parking lot.

6 THE GULL November–December 2011 Corona Heights San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay several other diving ducks, and fi ve spe- San Francisco waters, home to thousands of wintering cies of grebes. Fridays, November 18, December 16, birds. Many areas on the itinerary—the Take the 12, N, or NL bus to Grand and Perkins, and shorelines of Alcatraz Island, the Marin walk into the park on Perkins. Best parking is at the 8 – 10 a.m. boathouse lot near the spherical cage. Entry, via Charles Hibbard; Brian Fitch; Dominik Headlands, Angel Island, the Marin Bellevue near Children’s Fairyland, is $2 if the kiosk is Mosur, [email protected] (Leaders Islands, and the Brothers and Sisters occupied when you arrive (which it probably will be). vary by month.) Islands—can be observed only from the Buy a 2-hour ticket and try to park in the boathouse lot, where no one checks how long cars sit. water. In addition to wintering ducks, Meet in front of the Randall Museum, 199 loons, grebes, and gulls, we expect to Museum Way, at the end of Museum Way Sacramento Delta and see resident cormorants, pelicans, and off Roosevelt. We will enjoy views of the Valley Refuges murres, as well as seals and sea lions and, city and bay as we circle Corona Heights, Saturday – Sunday, December 3 – 4 with luck, an occasional porpoise. Dress checking the east canyon woodland and Steve and Carol Lombardi, 925.785.0130, in layers. Bring liquids and lunch. The trip north forest for residents and migrants, as [email protected]; Rusty Scalf, is limited to 32 people. Cost is $85 for well as monitoring the hilltop scrub and [email protected], 510.666.9936 GGAS members, $95 for nonmembers. south cliff. As of late September, this trip was full Register online, or reserve your spot by and had a long waiting list. The leaders contacting Stephanie Strait, GGAS Offi ce Chain of Lakes and Environs will be happy to add you to the list if you Manager, 510.843.2222 or ggas@golden Golden Gate Park, San Francisco wish. On Saturday, the trip goes to the gateaudubon.org. Saturday, November 19, 9 a.m. – noon delta’s Sandhill Crane staging area and Martha Wessitsh, [email protected], Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park the Cosumnes River Preserve and ends 415.681.8059, 415.533.4470 Oakland, Alameda County at the Sacramento National Wildlife Ref- Meet at the parking lot between Middle Wednesdays, November 23, uge. After spending the night in Willows, and South Lakes in Golden Gate Park, December 28, 9:30 a.m. – noon the group will start out at the Sacramento Chain of Lakes Dr. We will see land birds, Hilary Powers, 510.834.1066, refuge, then cross the valley to the Gray possibly ducks, and maybe some other [email protected]; Ruth Tobey, Lodge Wildlife Area. Confi rmed partici- goodies on the ponds. Restrooms are 510.528.2093, [email protected] pants will receive a list of motels so they available, and little walking is involved. Meet at the large spherical cage near the can make their own reservations. Heavy rain cancels. Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue. Redwood Shores We will bird around there, then go up the San Mateo County Birds of the Bay garden path toward Children’s Fairyland Saturday, December 10 San Francisco or walk down the lake toward Embar- Kathy Jarrett, 510.547.1233, Sunday, November 20, 10 a.m. cadero, after which we will cover what we [email protected] Carol Kiser, [email protected], missed. These are peak birding months at 415.447.5000 the lake. Just about everyone who’s going Meet at 9:15 a.m. at the trailhead at Ora- This walk for children and beginners to spend the winter here should be in by cle Parkway and Shoreway Rd. in Belmont. starts with a brief orientation in the use of December, including both scaups and FIELD TRIPS continued on page 8 binoculars and fi eld guides. Then we will spend an hour or so looking for resident Carpooling and Other Field Trip Resources and migrating birds. Meet at entrance to If you are going on a fi eld trip, would you welcome company? Do you have room in Hyde Street Pier at Hyde and Jefferson on your car to take other birders? To help fi nd a ride or offer a ride, sign up with GGA’s the western border of Fisherman’s Wharf. carpool group at http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/GGACarPool. When you sign Bring books and binoculars if you have up, you answer a few simple questions, then receive a confi rming e-mail. Once you them. A hat and layers of clothing are rec- are a member, you post messages under “Need Ride” or “Offer Ride,” along with ommended. Nearby parking is at the foot the destination and date. The more birders who sign up, the more useful the group of Van Ness Ave. (free for 4 hours), Ghi- will be. Birders are encouraged to help the driver with expenses by contributing to rardelli Square, and the Anchorage. the cost of fuel and bridge tolls. East Bay Regional District: www.ebparks.org/parks San Francisco Bay with Dolphin SF Bay Trail: http://baytrail.abag.ca.gov Charters Bay Area transit: www.transitinfo.org Sunday, November 20, 9:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. California state parks: www.parks.ca.gov Bob Lewis National parks: www.nps.gov/fi ndapark/index.htm Spaces may still be available for this trip National wildlife refuges: www.fws.gov/refuges to see the bay by boat. We will cruise

November–December 2011 THE GULL 7 FIELD TRIPS from page 7 Bring lunch and liquids, and dress in lay- and dress for variable weather. Bicycle This circuit of Redwood Shores is a fl at ers. The terrain may be muddy in places. helmet required. Rain cancels. Contact 11-mile loop on the SF Bay Trail and other From Indio, take Hwy. 111 south 23 miles to North Kathy if you would like her cell number. bike paths, mostly paved, some on bike Shore (10 miles south of Mecca). Go right at Marina Car: Exit I-880 at High St. in Oakland and go south- Dr. toward the sea and park in the museum lot. Rest- lanes on city streets. A highlight is the west to High St. Bridge to Alameda and cross bridge. rooms or water may not be available, so stop as Turn left onto Fernside Blvd. and park on street. Bike sewer ponds at Radio Rd. Bring lunch and needed before you arrive. back over bridge, turn right onto Tidewater Ave., and liquids, and dress for variable weather. go .25 mi. to Tidewater Staging Area on right, just Bicycle helmet required. Rain cancels. Sibley Volcanic Regional before Lesser St. on left. Contact Kathy if you would like her cell Preserve phone number. Trip leaders will drive to Oakland Yosemite’s Birdlife the start of the trip; if you can offer or Thursday, December 15, 8 – 11 a.m. Yosemite National Park need a ride, please call well in advance. Bob Lewis, [email protected], Friday–Sunday, June 1 – 3, 2012 Transit: Caltrain arrives in Belmont at 8:58 a.m. 510.845.5001, 510.725.7696 Dave Quady, [email protected], (Caltrain departs SF at 8:15, Millbrae at 8:39; BART 510.704.9353; Dave Cornman The Oakland Christmas Bird Count is on through MacArthur at 7:35 arrives Millbrae at 8:29.) Exit station to east and ride Masonic to end at Hiller. December 18, and count week runs from The lower and middle elevations of the Turn right, go one block, and cross to opposite side December 15 to 21. This trip will give us a park are alive with singing birds in late of Marine Parkway, then go left/east over freeway little jump start on at least fi nding count May and early June. A variety of habi- interchange, using great caution at entrances and tats supports a rich diversity of birdlife, exits. At last exit, go down pedestrian/bike path week land birds and raptors. Be prepared to Shoreway Rd., then turn left to light and cross to for a hike of several miles. We might fol- typically including 7 fl ycatchers (3 Empi- north side of Marine Parkway. Continue one block on low the morning trip with a visit to Lake donax), 3 vireos, 7 warblers, and many Oracle Parkway and turn left to parking area. Caltrain other species in full song and breeding operates on an hourly schedule on weekends. Return Temescal. Trip goes rain or shine. from San Carlos station north toward Millbrae and SF Drive south on Grizzly Peak Blvd. to the end and plumage. This trip is limited to the fi rst 20 at 1:45 p.m. Car: From Hwy. 101 in Belmont, exit at turn left on Skyline Blvd. The entrance to Sibley is participants who sign up with the leader. a short distance down Skyline on the left. If you are Ralston/Marine Parkway and go east toward the bay Sign-ups—by e-mail only, please—begin .4 mile. Turn left at fi rst light east of freeway (Oracle interested in Lake Temescal, bring lunch. Water and Parkway) and turn left at next intersection (stop sign) restrooms available at both locations. at noon on November 14. and then immediately go into parking area. Past participants have found it convenient Martin Luther King Jr. to camp at Hodgdon Meadow in the park A Winter Day at the Salton Sea Regional Shoreline (reservation period opens January 15; Sunday, December 11, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Oakland, Alameda County campground fi lls very fast) or to stay in Eddie Bartley, [email protected], Sunday, January 8, 2012 campgrounds or commercial lodgings 415.355.0450 Kathy Jarrett, 510.547.1233, outside the park’s Big Oak Flat entrance. [email protected] Join Eddie Bartley and Noreen Weeden Details, including meeting times and at one of California’s premiere birding Meet at Fruitvale BART at 9 a.m. or Tide- locations and lodging suggestions, will destinations to explore the wonderfully water Staging Area at 9:20. We’ll ride be provided to confi rmed participants. eccentric Salton Sea. Meet at the site of the SF Bay Trail from East Creek Point Carpooling is encouraged. If participants the former Salton Sea History Museum to Damon Marsh and Arrowhead Marsh. want to arrive before June 1, keep in mind in North Shore. From there, we’ll head Return is via Doolittle Dr. and Fernside that reservations for campsites in May south, stopping at a place or two based Blvd. A high tide of 7.4 ft. is at 10:51 a.m. open up on November 14. Pack warm on recent sightings and especially at the Winter high tides are a good time to see clothes, rainwear, and rubber boots for Sonny Bono NWR. If time permits we may rails and, if there has been enough rain, wet meadows. Bring lunches for Satur- visit a palm oasis. Winter birds expected lots of ducks and shorebirds in the sea- day and Sunday and be prepared to walk include most of the waterbirds seen at sonal wetlands. Bring lunch and liquids, about 3 miles each day. $ other California wildlife refuges and such southern specialties as Gambel’s Quail, Do You Like to Bike and Bird Around San Francisco Bay? Verdin, Abert’s Towhee, and Large-billed If you do, consider volunteering to assist on Golden Gate Audubon birding-by-bicy- Savannah Sparrow. One of the state’s cle fi eld trips in the East Bay and other locations. Nearly all the trips go to bird-rich more robust Burrowing Owl populations habitats that are accessible via the San Francisco Bay Trail and other bike-friendly resides in this area, and winter rarities trails. For most trips, participants have the option of traveling by transit to meet the are not uncommon. Last winter we saw group. We are looking for someone who will support attendees by encouraging a Taiga Bean Goose. A nice plus is that them and helping with any routine bike maintenance. An experienced Golden Gate the Salton Sea is typically warmer than Audubon fi eld trip leader plans and leads the trips and shares information on the Central and Northern California refuges. birds. To volunteer or if you have questions, contact Noreen Weeden, Volunteer Please contact Eddie if you are joining the Coordinator, 510.301.0570 or [email protected]. trip and provide your contact information.

8 THE GULL November–December 2011 Find the Perfect Gift at the Nature Store

alendars, puzzles, plush birds, fi eld • Stokes Beginner’s Guide to Bird C guides, books on backyard birding, Feeding—Covers all types of bird and an array of stocking stuffers—these feeders and foods, ways to keep squirrels are just a selection of what’s on the shelves at bay, and the seed preferences of of the GGAS Nature Store for holiday various species, accompanied by color giving. Most items are very reasonable— photographs. under $20—and if you are a Golden Gate • Stokes Bird Gardening Book— Audubon member, you receive a 10 percent Describes using water features, discount on store purchases. natural and artifi cial nest cavities, and Though you can purchase many of the appropriate plantings to attract birds same gifts from other sources, keep in mind to your yard, illustrated with color that the proceeds from all Nature Store photographs. sales help support our education and con- servation programs. • Bird-by-Bird Gardening: The Ultimate National Audubon calendars are known Guide to Bringing in Your Favorite for their excellent photography. The Nature Birds—Comprehensive 400-page book Store has three styles for 2012: two wall on creating a year-round backyard calendars, an engagement calendar, and habitat, with helpful garden designs for A subscription to the Gull through a a page-a-day calendar that sits on a desk. attracting particular bird families and Golden Gate Audubon membership (see High-quality photography is also featured plenty of color photographs. the form on page 12) is a gift that recipients in three 500-piece Audubon jigsaw puzzles, New to the Nature Store this year is a will enjoy the year-round. Each issue brings one with a Rufous Hummingbird, another collection of modestly priced items with listings of free fi eld trips, announcements with a Northern Cardinal, and a third with colorful vintage bird images: a set of 24 of classes and monthly lectures, and many an Eastern Bluebird. magnets; a beautifully patterned business other ways to learn about birdlife and expe- If you know someone who enjoys back- card case; and a rubber stamp. Vintage bird rience special Bay Area places. yard birding, consider giving a book about images are also featured on a set of 24 fl at If you plan to visit the Nature Store, call bird feeding or wildlife-friendly gardening. Christmas cards with envelopes, 12 sheets 510.843.2222 to confi rm the hours. You The Nature Store carries three popular of stickers, and 3 rubber stamps. A red ink can also call to check on the availability of publications: pad is included. merchandise.

Calling All Potential Field Trip Leaders!

ave you ever thought about being a fi eld trip leader for “Taking the fi eld trip leadership class was fun,” says Steve Lom- H Golden Gate Audubon? If you have experienced a Golden bardi, the new Golden Gate Audubon fi eld trips coordinator (see Gate Audubon fi eld trip, you know the importance of this free pub- page 6), “and leading fi eld trips has been fun as well. The class lic program. Novice and expert birders alike convene at locations instructors told us we didn’t have to be expert birders to lead around the Bay Area and beyond to enjoy the sights and sounds of trips—and we’ve found this to be true. Just organizing a trip to an resident and migratory birds. interesting place you like makes for a successful trip. And you meet The skill requirements for a fi eld trip leader are simple: the nicest people!” • Be able to identify most birds by sight or song. Golden Gate Audubon is looking for leaders who would enjoy introducing their favorite spots to other birders. We would also like • Have the people skills to ensure that the group gets along and to expand our program to include trips focusing on butterfl ies, drag- has a pleasant time on the trip. onfl ies, native plants, and more! • Serve as a spokesperson for Golden Gate Audubon by introduc- If you are interested in leading fi eld trips, Golden Gate Audu- ing participants to the organization, talking about membership, bon is hosting two morning trainings: Sunday, January 15, 2012, and collecting names and contact information. at Heron’s Head Park in San Francisco, and Saturday, January 21, • Be willing to plan trip logistics of location, date, meeting time, 2012, at Arrowhead Marsh in Oakland. Contact Noreen Weeden and description, whether the trip is monthly, quarterly, or at 510.301.0570 or [email protected] for more infor- occasional. mation. Please RSVP by January 9, 2012.

November–December 2011 THE GULL 9 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT from page 1 We’ll do our best to assign you to an area were found—like last year’s Pigeon Guille- beyond. The National Audubon Society has that suits your interests and your abilities. mot, Black-legged Kittiwake, and Evening made the results of all counts since 1900 Wherever you’re assigned, you’ll work with Grosbeaks—and where.” accessible to everyone at www.audubon. an experienced area leader. If your time is Golden Gate Audubon Volunteer Coordi- org/bird/cbc/hr/index.html. Researchers limited, you can still help by spending a few nator Noreen Weeden will plan the dinners and bird-watchers alike can use the data hours looking for birds around your work- this year. She promises a fi ne meal, so that to help study changes in resident bird place or in a nearby park. We want yard you can go home full of good food as well populations. watchers, too. Some species, such as Pine as memories of a good day of birding. “Even San Francisco’s count circle includes the Siskin, are often found mostly at feeders.” if you’re unable to participate in the count, north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, all Both bird counts end the day with a fes- especially in San Francisco on a workday,” of San Francisco, and down the peninsula tive group dinner. Everyone is invited: fi eld Noreen says, “join us at the dinner to visit to San Bruno Mountain and the wetlands counters, yard watchers, and anyone else with the counters and hear the results.” north of the San Francisco International who wants to join the fun. “The dinner is Volunteers willing to help decorate, Airport. With its wide variety of habitats, a great event in its own right,” notes Alan. set up, serve, and clean up at dinners are the count generally tops 160 species. “There’s good, healthful food and lots of it, greatly appreciated. Please contact Noreen Oakland’s count circle extends from it’s affordable, and it’s a great way to con- Weeden at volunteer@goldengateaudubon. Treasure Island northeast to San Pablo clude the day. People tell about their day in org if you can help. You can also go to the Reservoir in Contra Costa County, and the fi eld and fi gure out how many species GGAS website and download a form for south to St. Mary’s College in Moraga and we recorded. We also learn what rare birds volunteering at the dinner. the Oakland International Airport. Also blessed with a wide variety of habitats, the Are You Ready to Count? Oakland count typically records more than If so, act now! Visit Golden Gate Audubon at www.goldengateaudubon.org, then 170 bird species. Both counts have ranked scroll down below the “Get Involved” banner and click on the “Christmas Bird among the top 25 nationwide in numbers of Count” link to sign up. Sign-up deadline for the Oakland count is November 27; species found. for the San Francisco count, December 6. For further information on the Oakland “We want a good number of participants, count, please call Dave Quady at 510.704.9353 or Bob Lewis at 510.845.5001; for so that we can do a good job of covering every the San Francisco count, e-mail [email protected]. Call the GGAS offi ce at area in our count circle,” says Alan. “You can 510.843.2222 if you need help signing up. Phone the offi ce or e-mail ggas@golden search for birds from dawn to dusk—or lon- gateaudubon.org to RSVP for the dinner. ger if you look for owls, as some of us do.

Donations Many thanks to our generous donors! Donations from July 21 to September 22, 2011.

Peregrine Falcon ($500 to $999) Quate, Ann and Mike Richter, Patrick J. Russell, Linda Schieber, Peter Seubert, Rebecca Eisen, Ann L. Winblad Mary L. Shimek, Lucy L. Sidener, Frank R. Smith, Joyce Stanek, John V. Sudall, Least Tern ($200 to $499) Sandy J. and W. E. Threlfall, Carole F. Truman, Mukund G. and Margarette Dwight L. Johnson, Sharon Morris Mercedes M. Untawale, Edward A. Walker, George Wallace, Irene A. and James A. Watt, Melanie Wentz, Kristina M. Whitfi eld, Anna Wilcox, Dan Woodard, Clapper Rail ($100 to $199) Linda Wraxall, Cedar G. Wyatt, Matthew J. and Oenone M. Youngblood William H. Barnaby, Michelle Brodie, Jacque Burris, Frank G. Delfi no, Jean C. and Gifts in Honor of Frederic C. Espey, Keelung Hong, Edmund C. Levin and Robin Deutsch, Lynn R. MacDonald, Kenneth & Marjorie Sauer, Rusty Scalf, Joyce and Jim Schnobrich, From Tom Bacon, in honor of Dave Quady’s Yosemite trip Carol A. Sughrue, Constance M. and Kevin H. Sutton, Mary Ann Thompson, Memorial Gifts Mary L. Turner and Norma Randig, Carolyn C. Webber, Jane Whitley, Pamela From Diane Ichiyasu, in memory of Mary Jane and Bill Greene Williams, Barbara H. and Milton Wilson, Jr. From Mary Ann Thompson, to the Miles T. McKey Memorial Fund Gifts (to $99) In-Kind Gifts David E. Anderson, Sarah Anderson, Virginia Barrelier, Scott Benson and Meredith Elliott, binoculars Elana Swartzman, Darcy Cohn, Sheila Collins, Gerald M. Connell, Adrienne De Claudia Hines, books Bisschop, John P. Derdivanis, Mary Donovan, Leslie and Michael Easterday, Stephen D. Kan, binoculars Lewis J. Feldman, Virginia L. Fox and Lynda Bradford, Constance Fraser, Arleen David E. Quady, books and Charlie Fraser, Cheryl Friedman, Sara Gabriel and Jean H. Gabriel, William Gift Memberships J. and Zettie Lee Giddens, Roberta Guise and John Rohosky, Jan Horton, Dale Tanya Stallworth, for Hermann & Roberta Wackler K. Ikeda, Daniel R. Jacobs, Diane Joy, Robert Kaplan, Alison C. Keye and John Stolurow, Max C. Kirkeberg, Sherie A. Koshover, Johan Langewis, Carmen Bequests M. Lasar, Winston H. and Judith W. Lee, Naomi I. Lidicker, Marie E. Lilly and From the estate of Chester Sausaman Robert D. Henriquez, Walter Stephen Linsley, James J. Ludwig, Gregory Lyon Employee Gift Matches and Kathleen Duffy, Dean and Julia Mayberry, Donald McCarthy, Mardi and Clorox Company Foundation, Morrison & Foerster Foundation, NorCal Mutual Jeff Mertens, Barbara J. Messmore, Rose Miksovsky, Walter and Judy Miller, Insurance Company, Pacifi c Gas and Electric (PG&E) Corporation Foundation Marcheta Allen Mines, Augusta J. Moore, Frank M. and Diane K. Mosier, S. Grants Napoli, James O’Donnell, Ruth S. Omatsu, Dennis and Sharon Osmond, Patrick and Wendy Poinsot, Cheryl Price, Judith Pritchard, Sandra Prusiner, Dorothy M. Farallones Island Foundation, North Richmond Mitigation Fee Fund

10 THE GULL November–December 2011 Three Great Reasons to Support Golden Gate Audubon!

his has been an exciting year for We expanded wetlands at Yosemite T Golden Gate Audubon, with many Slough on San Francisco’s southern water- important conservation victories benefi ting front, and we launched our award-winning Bay Area wildlife. From restoring thriving Eco-Education Program in San Francisco wetlands in San Francisco and the East Bay (see page 2 for more information). to engaging hundreds of children and adults We published the comprehensive Alam- in education, advocacy, and restoration pro- eda County Breeding Bird Atlas (see page 3), grams, we are protecting Bay Area habitat and we kicked off our fi rst-ever Winter Bird and making it safer for birds. Count for Kids. Here are the top three reasons to support Conservation takes time and persistence. Golden Gate Audubon right now: Thanks to members like you, we have been 1. Because you love nature and birds protecting Bay Area birds and habitat since 2. Because you understand that the 1917. Our goal is to inspire you and others health of birds refl ects the health of in our community to enjoy and conserve the

our ecosystem Bay’s unique natural environment. Navarro Alex As 2011 comes to a close, we thank you, Buffl ehead. 3. Because you realize the importance our members, for all you do to help Golden of educating this generation of young Gate Audubon succeed. And we ask you on page 12 to give a gift membership this people about nature, the protection of to continue your support as you make your holiday season, to renew your own member- birds, and our environmental legacy charitable plans for the end of 2011 and ship, or to make a special contribution. You This year, Golden Gate Audubon applied into 2012. can also make a gift online at www.golden your support in many ways. We reached an gateaudubon.org. And, please remember to historic agreement to replace dangerous, HOW YOU CAN HELP tell an adult friend or a young person why outdated turbines at Altamont Pass with It’s easy to continue your support of Golden you are excited to be a member of Golden newer technology that could reduce bird Gate Audubon today—or to get involved for Gate Audubon. That’s the most effective deaths by up to 80 percent. the very fi rst time. You can use the form way to help us grow.

BIRD SAFE BUILDINGS from page 1 sky, plants, or other objects seen through habitat areas, such as San Francisco Bay The city’s move toward the standards glass or refl ected on its surface. This is espe- and Golden Gate Park. began in 2008, when Golden Gate Audu- cially true at low elevations and near “urban The ordinance also includes voluntary bon, PG&E, and the San Francisco bird refuges” in highly vegetated parks and recommendations to reduce risks to birds, Department of the Environment launched along wetlands and waterways, referred to including participation in the Lights Out the voluntary Lights Out San Francisco. in the standards as “collision zones.” program. The Planning Department is This successful program, still active today, And, as the standards note, “juvenile resi- working with Golden Gate Audubon to pro- encourages downtown building owners to dent species and migrants of all ages—those vide educational information to architects, turn off unnecessary lights, linking smart least familiar with the urban setting—face developers, and building owners. energy policy with bird conservation (see the greatest risk of injury or death from the As Dr. Christine Sheppard, manager of the September-October 2011 Gull). Fol- hazards of the city environment.” the American Bird Conservancy’s Bird Col- lowing that launch, Golden Gate Audubon The new ordinance includes mandatory lisions Campaign, notes, “The San Francisco and the American Bird Conservancy pre- sections for new buildings and for major ret- Board of Supervisors is showing national sented the Planning Department with 30 rofi ts where glazing is being replaced. Glass leadership on this tragic wildlife issue…San years of scientifi c studies on bird-building on the lower 60 feet of these buildings must Francisco is acting responsibly by helping to collisions. The department then began be “fritted,” netted, stenciled, frosted, or reduce those preventable deaths.” developing standards modeled after suc- otherwise altered to be less refl ective. Exte- Copies of the new Standards for Bird cessful bird safe building standards in rior screens or grids or ultraviolet patterns Safe Buildings can be found on the GGAS Chicago, New York, and Toronto. visible to birds can also be used. The alter- website. Golden Gate Audubon would Clear glass is invisible to birds and to natives for window treatments range from like to recognize the exceptional work of humans, but both can learn to recognize inexpensive screens to new energy-effi cient GGAS conservation staff members Noreen and avoid it. Unfortunately, most birds’ fi rst glazing. In addition, the standards apply to Weeden and Mike Lynes in bringing about encounter with glass is fatal. They collide at building features such as glass skywalks standards that will directly save the lives of full speed when they try to fl y toward open and windbreaks on buildings near sensitive thousands of birds.

November–December 2011 THE GULL 11 golden gate audubon society NON-PROFIT ORG. 2530 san pablo avenue, suite g U.S. POSTAGE berkeley, ca 94702 PAID OAKLAND, CA Return service requested PERMIT NO.1702

Give a Holiday Gift that Helps Local Wildlife

This holiday season, present your nature-loving friends and family members with a Supporting Membership in Golden Gate Audubon—a gift they will enjoy the whole year. If the recipient is already a member, consider making a donation in his or her name. If we receive your gift request by December 15, the recipient will be sent membership information by Christmas Day, including our newsletter and details about the conservation and education initiatives that your gift supports.

PLEASE SELECT A MEMBERSHIP LEVEL GIFT RECIPIENT YOUR INFORMATION

❍ $35 Individual NAME NAME ❍ $50 Family ADDRESS ADDRESS ❍ $100 CITY / STATE / ZIP CITY / STATE / ZIP ❍ $200 PHONE (H) / PHONE (W) PHONE (H) / PHONE (W) ❍ I would like to include a donation to support GGAS’s conservation, EMAIL EMAIL education, and birding programs. PAYMENT INFORMATION

Gift Membership $ ❍ My check, payable to Golden Gate Audubon Society, is enclosed. ❍ Please charge my credit card: ❍ VISA ❍ MasterCard Donation $

CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION (MM / YY) Total Enclosed $

NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD SIGNATURE Your contributions to Golden Gate Audubon are fully tax- deductible to the extent provided by law. ❍ Please do not share these names with any other organization.

To complete your gift, send in the form, contact us at 510.843.2222, or go to www.goldengateaudubon.org.

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