Volume 61, Number 6 March 2016 March Program: Renewable Energy and Birds ✦ Garry George California became the epicenter of renewable energy Garry represents Audubon on many committees upon the passage of AB32 in 2006. Te CA Global Warming including the California Desert Renewable Energy Working Solutions Act ramped up Group, the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan the transformation of an stakeholder process, and the Avian/Solar Working Group. energy sector that had He is a Board member of the American Wind and Wildlife contributed 60-80% of Institute and co-chair of their Research Committee. the emissions that cause He started his career at Audubon as a volunteer for Los climate change. Wind, Angeles Audubon after enjoying several field trips hosted by solar, and geothermal the chapter. He soon joined the Board projects had already been and was instrumental, with other operating in California, Board members, in transforming the but due to AB32 and our organization from a bird club with aggressive Renewable investments to a conservation and Above: Garry George (right) speaks P o r t f o l i o S t a n d a r d education powerhouse in LA. Te with Secretary of the Interior, Sally legislation, requiring Board asked him to become the first Jewell (center), and California Energy utilities to procure at Executive Director in 2003. He was Commissioner, Karen Douglas (left); least 33% of their energy soon elected by the Southern Right: Garry qdds to his birding Life List, Garry George photos from renewable sources California chapters to represent them by 2020, now escalated to on the Audubon California Board 50% by 2050 through SB350, we have seen wave after wave of from 2004-2008, and he began working for Audubon projects incentivized by tax credits, and political support for California in 2008. California’s natural resources in the Central, Imperial, and Prior to Audubon, he had a career in the music industry Antelope Valleys, Mojave Desert, and Salton Sea. as manager and marketing director for some of your favorite But, as we have learned from Altamont and the initial artists. When not working in LA, he travels the world to see big solar projects in the desert, not all clean energy is “green.” birds with his partner of 23 years, Joseph Brooks, Wind transmission, and now solar, has taken a significant toll accumulating on our birds. a Life List of How do we guide the development of utility-scale o v e r 7 , 0 0 0 Meeting Schedule renewable projects to areas of least conflict closer to birds. Teir Te next general meeting of the Mount transmission and nearer to the energy demand? Audubon three year-old Diablo Audubon Society will be California’s Chapter Network and Renewable Energy g r a n d s o n , Tursday, March 3 in the Camellia Room Director, Garry George, will host a presentation and dialogue Matteo Finch of Te Gardens at Heather Farm. on Audubon California’s work on federal, state, and local Trask, gives renewable siting policies, and he will report on projects in them hope for 700 PM Birding Information California in which Audubon is engaged. the future. 725 PM Announcements 740 PM Refreshments* and raffle 805 PM Speaker: Garry George Birding Information *Go Green-bring your own cup for tea/coffee Many birds in Europe migrate north in the spring from wintering grounds in Africa to breeding grounds in the Arctic. Bill and Linda Maddaus will show these NEXT MONTH: Tursday, April 7, migration routes and give a snapshot view of some of the birds they saw while Animal Life ✦ Joan Morris, Contra traveling in Northern Europe last summer, visiting Latvia and Finland. Costa Times columnist

DEDICATED TO HABITAT CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION President’s Corner By Jimm Edgar, Maury Stern, and Elizabeth Leite Every year since 1955 MDAS members have counts are broken up into area surveys led by dedicated, participated in the National Audubon Christmas Bird Count knowledgeable leaders, many of whom have been taking on (CBC). Tat first year there were 18 participants. Tis past this responsibility for years. Some of the surveys occur on December, our 56th CBC, 35 birders surveyed East County private or restricted governmental lands requiring advance on December 16, and over 50 birders, many participating in permission. Others occur in parklands and on bodies of both counts, searched for species in Central County on water. Many take all day to complete thoroughly, a large December 19, including a delegation of young birders led by commitment put forth by leaders and participants. Logan Kahle. Totals for the separate species counts were 155 Tank you to all who participated this year. Special for East and 150 for Central Contra Costa County. thanks goes to Kathy Robertson who has led the Clifton On each count there were surprises. Tis year's East Court Forebay count for 15 years and to Albert Linkowski County segment provided two rarities: a White-winged for picking up this new responsibility. Dove that had only been seen in West Marin County in Maury and Jimm have been involved with the CBC for September, and a Brown-crested Flycatcher that had been 25 years as team leaders and co-compilers. Tey are ready to seen only once in the Farallon Islands in the 1980s. In both retire and hand off the baton. Elizabeth responded to their cases, Logan spotted these birds in . request for help this year, matching volunteers with team Fortunately, descriptive documentation occurred and, in the leaders and helping with logistics through email and phone case of the dove, photos were taken. Central County had its calls. We are hopeful a few of you will join Elizabeth on the flock of Lawrence's Goldfinches in Clayton which delighted CBC Committee with Jimm and Maury acting as supportive birders before and after the official count day. advisors. Te count protocol follows National Audubon To join the team, please contact Jimm at: procedures for compiling information. Our chapter's two [email protected] or call (510) 290-8006

Good News For hard-surfaced bowls previously used as Welcome New Members substitute nests. Te new knitted nests Rescued Birds have become a more comfortable place Ann Bishop Martinez Last September, a San Pablo resident to be raised until their feathers replace Louis & Amy Eber Walnut Creek spotted what she thought was a turkey the down, allowing the young birds to Winny & Kinny Lin Concord sitting on her compost container control their body temperature. Marianne McCraney Walnut Creek underneath some thick vines, only to Pamela Newacheck Concord discover that it was a Cooper’s Hawk. Judith Palmieri Pleasant Hill Suspecting it was injured, she used rubber kitchen gloves and a sweater to MDAS on the Web capture the hawk while her sister called www.diabloaudubon.com WildCare in San Rafael. After delivery of www.diabloaudubon.org/mobile the bird to the center, they were given (mobile only) updates on the rehabilitation of the www.facebook/mtdiabloaudubon hawk’s fractured wing. When the hawk www.meetup.com/Mount-Diablo- healed, were present on Audubon-Society/ Tanksgiving Day when WildCare Anna’s Hummingbird babies safe in their released the bird at Point Pinole. Tis is the provincial nest, sketch by Megan Sandri WildCare also treats and cares for bird of Manitoba , nearly 4,000 sick or injured animals a Last year, knitters and crocheters Canada. year including 800 orphaned baby birds. created 5503 soft, washable, knitted Q U n s c r a m b l e t h e s e Another WildCare project, the Baby “nests” after a request by WildCare was letters, or turn to Page Bird Nest campaign, relies on area posted on their website, filling the need 6 to learn more. knitters and crocheters to craft bird nests for that organization and dozens of other for the orphaned baby birds, mostly U.S. wildlife hospitals with whom they AAEGGLORRTWY songbirds, each spring. Apparently, the have shared the yarn-crafted bounty. Te Quail is published monthly fostered chicks had become bruised from Te 2015 campaign ended on except January and August by the August 15, but will resume again this “Go Green” and get the Quail by Mount Diablo Audubon Society, P.O. spring. For more information about the email. It’s good for the environment, B o x 5 3 , Wa l n u t C r e e k , C A 2016 knitted nest patterns and will save MDAS money, you receive it 94597-0053. Te Quail is printed on WildCare’s need, please contact: sooner, you may print the pages you 30% post-consumer waste recycled www.babybirdnest.org need, and it’s in color. Contact: paper. Te deadline for the April And, that’s good news for rescued [email protected] issue is March 14. birds! the Quail —2 — March 2016 A Ruff c o n t i n u e d a t t h e Observations By Maury Stern Richmond Wastewater Treatment Plant on 1/20. AM Te highlight of the month was On 2/7 SL saw many and T&JR Red Crossbills were in a small the herring run along the Ferry Point saw 1,000 Sandhill Cranes at Holland flock of males and females and joined area of Miller/Knox Regional Park Tract. by Pine Siskins in the Redwood Trees starting 1/15 that lasted a week, MC, Ten more observers saw the near the Steam Trains at Tilden RP TB, GC, AK, followed by a second run White-winged Dove in Holland from 1/27 to 2/7. DW and 15 more close to the Richmond Marina 2/5. TE Tract. observers During the runs there were thousands Te first locally reported Allen’s A female Evening Grosbeak was of gulls including Slaty-backed, NA Hummingbird was at Point Pinole photographed in Rossmoor by DB 2/6. and 10 observers, and Heermann’s Regional Park 1/24, SD, and AK’s 〰 Gulls, SS and 16 observers. Friday group saw it at Tilden RP 2/5. JA Jeff Acuff, NA Noah Arthur, ES found four Greater White- A Lewis’s Woodpecker was at KB Keith Bailey, RuB Ruth Barcelon, fronted Geese at Richmond Marina the Big Break Pier 1/30. RB Tere DB Don Bauman, HB Holly Bern, TB and Shimada Friendship Park 2/7. were two along the northern entrance Tony Brake, RB Russ Bright, MC ToG saw a Snow Goose on 2/6 at road to Los Vaqueros on 2/7. SL Michael Carnell, G C Graham the Richmond Harbor. A Red-naped Sapsucker was Chisholm, SD Sheila Dickie, BD Bob On 2/3, ES saw eight Brant at seen at Round Valley Regional Park Dunn, TE Todd Easterla, TG Ted Ferry Point. from 1/15-31 by RB, BD, AM, SH, CS, Gilliland, ToG Tom Gourley, GG Tere were up to two Eurasian EK, BM, GC, AL, and BoM. George Griffeth, HH Hugh Harvey, JH Wigeons at the Miller/Knox RP Ferry A Say’s Phoebe was at Point Jeff Hoppes, SH Steve Huckabone, LK Point area from 1/18 to 2/3. AK, TG, Pinole RP 1/24. SD Logan Kahle, AK Alan Kaplan, DK ES, and HH saw one at McNabney Te Tropical Kingbird continued Dave Kent, EK Elizabeth Kroll, EL Marsh 1/25. at Heather Farm Pond. FS, HH, BM, Elizabeth Leite, AL Albert Linkowski, B&WS saw an American Wigeon KS, KB, DK, KM, GC, and AL SL Stephen Long, PL Pam Lorenz, CL in the canal on the west side of Either a very early, or a very late Calvin Lou, CM Colin M., AM Aaron Boundary Oaks Country Club 1/16. Cliff Swallow was at Holland Tract Maizlich, MM Mike Marchiano, BM A male Redhead was at the dam 1/31. CS Bruce Mast, BoM Bonnie Mende, JM at the Lafayette Reservoir 2/1. DaW A Brown Creeper was along the Jeff Miller, KM Kai Mills, FO Frances A female Long-tailed Duck was Contra Costa Canal Trail near the Oliver, WP Wendy Palfrey, T&JR Ted in a raft of hundreds of Greater Walnut Creek crossing 1/14. FS and Jan Robertson, JR James Roethe, Scaup and Surf Scoters off the shore Mountain Bluebirds were seen FS Fred Safier, B&WS Bonnie and of Miller/Knox RP 2/9. HB, MS&T4B in Antioch on Frederickson Lane and Walter Schmidt, PS Paul Schorr, CS PL saw two pair of Hooded in Contra Loma RP 1/12-18. PS, JR, Catherine Spaulding, ES Elaine Mergansers in Sycamore Valley Creek GZ, RB, CL, JA, AM, GC, JS, KB, KS Stammen, SS Sandy Steinman, JS John in Danville 1/21. Also, on 1/21 ST saw A male Phainopepla was a treat Sterling, MS&T4B Maury Stern and three in San Ramon Creek along the to see at Hidden Lakes Park in the Tuesday for the Birds Group, KS Iron Horse Trail. EL saw one in the Martinez 2/1. MM Kirk Swenson, ST Steve Taylor, DaW Upper San Leandro Reservoir, and JH found a Chipping Sparrow at Dave Weber, DW Denise Wright, GZ WP saw a pair under the bridge near Wendell Park in Richmond 1/18. Gena Zolatar the Valle Vista Staging Area 2/7. A Fox Sparrow Red subspecies JM had flyover White-faced Ibis was found AL along Lydia Lane Trail Submit Contra Costa County sightings at 1/23. in Clayton 1/14, and CS saw one at the t o m b s t e r n 2 @ y a h o o . c o m , c a l l Adult Bald Eagles were at Los Briones Reservoir Bear Creek Staging 925-284-5980, or send to EBB Vaqueros Reservoir 1/16, JA; near Los Area 1/28. [email protected]. If you Vaqueros 2/7, SL; by Big Break Pier Te Lafayette Reservoir Swamp report sightings to eBird, please also 1/30, RB; at Lafayette Reservoir 1/25, Sparrow continued in the reeds near send them to Maury Stern. ST; and at her granddaughter’s home the visitor center on 1/21. CM in Lafayette 1/25, RuB. AL found a Dark-eyed Junco of Te ongoing MDAS Phenology CS saw a probable Rough-legged the cismontanus subspecies or Study needs a few citizen scientists Hawk fly Across Vasco Road near the “Cassiar" sub-type 1/23 at Dave for the pilot project teams . county line 1/31. Brubeck Park in Concord. Observations are once a month in A Stilt Sandpiper was discovered CS found a single Yellow-headed Martinez at MVSD and McNabney by LK and AL on Bethel Island in a Blackbird in a flock of hundreds of Marsh. If you are interested in this flooded field near the end of the road mixed blackbirds at Holland Tract project, please contact Dave Kent at: 1/18. JS, GG, BD, and FO also saw it. 1/31. [email protected] the Quail —3 — March 2016 East Contra Costa County, January several Common Gallinules, eight Mute Swans, a few 13: Five members ignored weather Cackling Geese, and several Common Mergansers. Flying Trip forecasts of rain and high winds, and overhead were several Tree Swallows, an early single Violet- ultimately spent a pleasant day green Swallow, and some vocal White-throated Swifts. A few Reports birding in East County. We visited in the group were able to see the fast flying Merlin, Peregrine Big Break Regional Shoreline, Iron Falcon, and Sharp-shinned Hawk, which, unfortunately, did House Sanitary, Cypress Grove Park, the Knightsen area, and not hang around long. Rush Creek added Avocets, Stilts, Holland Tract. Highlights included excellent views of both Least Sandpipers, and a Greater Yellowlegs. A single Long- sexes of Common Merganser, Virginia Rail, male Common billed Curlew was at Shollenberger Park, and a small group of Yellowthroat, six sparrow species (Savannah, Fox, Song, White-faced Ibis continue to be seen at Ellis Creek along with Lincoln’s, White-crowned, Golden-crowned), Bonaparte’s a Mute Swan and two American Pipits. Total species for the G u l l , A m e r i c a n P i p i t , day was 86. ~Eugenia Larson Loggerhead Shrike, and Red- Woodbridge/Cosumnes Wildlife Reserves, February 6: shouldered Hawk. Te trip Tere are times that we know why we live in this concluded with flyovers of beautiful state. Te weather was perfect—partly cloudy, light Sandhill Cranes and Tundra winds, a fog that lifted, and temperatures in the 60s—all in Swans. In a distant area of all, a great day for our group of 22 birders. Another treat was considerable standing water seeing the snow-covered Sierra Nevadas in the distance and Greater White-fronted Geese, were large numbers of Greater realizing that the snow melt would eventually make its way to Joy Shonfeld photo White-fronted Geese and the valley to help maintain the wonderful bird habitats that dozens of Sandhill Cranes. We totaled 54 species, some we often take for granted here in the Golden State. participants adding to their bird Life Lists. ~Paul Schorr Tere weren’t a lot of Sandhill Cranes (many farmers’ Bodega Bay, January 23: fields have been converted to vineyards), but enough to make Undeterred by tempestuous weather conditions, ten the trip worthwhile. We saw Tundra Swans and lots of Snow members and two guests made the first MDAS winter visit to Geese including large V-shaped flocks flying overhead. Bodega Bay in six years. Te arcing rainbows we saw as we Our group saw many “Audubon” Yellow-rumped drove towards the coast were the first glimpse of what an Warblers, Western Meadowlarks, and Brewers and Red- exhilarating day we would experience. Te extreme high winged Blackbirds. Among the water birds, we saw Greater water at Te Tides Wharf was covered with countless Brant, White-fronted Geese, American Widgeons, Mallards, the winter goose of the coast. Double-crested Cormorants, Coots, and many Great Egrets. Numerous Common Loons By far, the best birds were two Great Horned Owls nesting. dotted the water along with After lunch at Cosumnes, we walked the Wetlands Trail Buffle h e a d s , C o m m o n and added a dozen birds to the list including the Green- Goldeneyes, Lesser Scaups, winged Teal, Song Sparrow, a White-breasted Nuthatch, and Surf Scoters, and a male Red- Anna’s Hummingbirds at the Visitor Center’s feeder making breasted Merganser. Knowing 62 species our total. Earlier in the day, we also saw a “super the wind would be even covey” of California Quail, at least 20 in the group, a first for stronger later, we hurried to Common Goldeneye, me. ~Ethan “Chick” Chickering Jean Halford photo Bodega Head where, in fact, Lake Merritt/, February 8: we couldn’t use our scopes, Te weather for our day was a record-breaking 79 but had Brandt's and Pelagic Cormorants, Black degrees! Starting at Lake Merritt, 17 participants saw an Oystercatchers, and side-by-side comparisons of Western assortment of ducks including five and Glaucous-winged Gulls, all perched below us on rocks grebe species. Sadly, this is the relentlessly pounded by the crashing surf. second year in a row that the Tufted After stopping at Campbell Cove and Owl Canyon, Duck was not seen, nor were there where we saw a Great Horned Owl, we drove to the outer tip any Ring-necked Ducks. Te of Doran Park for lunch. We had wonderful views of a Barrow's Goldeneyes made it easy cooperative Surfbird and an offshore Red-necked Grebe. We for us by putting in an appearance also had both Pelican and Turnstone species, Willets, near the Nature Center. Next, we Godwits, Whimbrels, Sanderlings, Forster's Terns, an Osprey, headed to Arrowhead Marsh for Northern Harrier, and Belted Kingfishers. Tough we the high tide rail show. It took endured rain and strong winds, we also gloried in blue skies patience before very good looks Ridgway’s Rail, and rainbows, identifying 66 bird species. ~Hugh Harvey were had of a few Ridgway's Rails Beth Branthaver photo Petaluma: Las Gallinas to Ellis Creek, January 30: and Soras. Ending at Garretson Twenty-three members and guests enjoyed a partly Point we found all three teal species in the rainwater pond. sunny day in the 50s birding in Petaluma. Among the best We were treated to sightings of 76 species and a truly sightings at Las Gallinas SD were a Sora, one Virginia Rail, beautiful day. ~Sandy Ritchie

the Quail —4 — March 2016 Field Trip Schedule By Hugh Harvey March 2016 (Call Leader for questions/rain cancellations) Tuesday, March 15 02 Wednesday Walnut Creek City Parks McNabney Marsh/Mt. View Sanitary District 09 Wednesday Contra Loma RP Reservoir Leader: Steve Taylor (925) 828-8810 15 Tuesday McNabney Marsh/Mt. View SD Meet at 9 AM at the Mt. View SD Visitor Center. From 19 Saturday Tomales Bay State Park I-680 southbound, exit at Arthur Road, 24 Tursday Valle Vista turn left, and go under the freeway. 30 Wednesday Lake Lagunitas From I-680 northbound, exit at April 2016 Pacheco Blvd, right onto Arthur Road, 02 Saturday Garin Regional Park go under the freeway, and Arthur Road 06 Wednesday Orinda Connector Trail will turn left. At 0.4 miles, turn sharp 09 Saturday Pine Canyon left onto Mt. View SD’s private road, F and M Buffleheads, 14 Tursday North Briones through entry gate, alongside the Isaac Aronow photo 16 Saturday Mines Road freeway, and through the tunnel under 21 Tursday Black Diamond Mines I-680. Sign-in at the Visitor Center. Trails may be muddy. 26 Tuesday Del Puerto Canyon Close-up looks at dabbling ducks as we walk around the 28 Tursday Mitchell Canyon ponds; possibly bitterns and herons. Observe more birds at viewing platform. If you like, bring lunch and explore Wednesday, March 2 Martinez shoreline in the afternoon on your own. Walnut Creek City Parks Leader: Hugh Harvey (925) 935-2979 Saturday, March 19 Meet at 830 AM at the natural pond at wooden railing, just Tomales Bay State Park past the community center in Heather Farm Park on N San Leader: Maury Stern (925) 284-5980 Carlos Drive. Tis is down the hill from where our monthly Carpool leaves 7 AM from El Nido Ranch Road. OR, meetings are held. We will continue our birding at Borges meet at 830 AM in the parking lot at Heart’s Desire Beach in Ranch off Castle Rock Road. Bring a snack and beverage. Tomales Bay State Park. After crossing the Richmond Bridge (toll), follow US 101 North and take the first San Rafael exit. Wednesday, March 9 Go two blocks, turn left onto 3rd Street. In San Anselmo turn Contra Loma Regional Park Reservoir right onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd. through Inverness. Over Leader: Paul Schorr (925) 757-5107 the ridge, turn right onto Pierce Point Road. Park entrance is Carpool leaves Sun Valley Mall at 745 AM. OR, meet the on the right. Entry fee required. Bring lunch and a beverage. leader at 830 AM at the Channel Point Parking Lot in Contra Loma RP. Go Tursday, March 24 east on Highway 4 and exit at Lone Valle Vista Tree Way in Antioch. Continue south, Leader: Don Lewis (925) 284-5480 turn right on Golf Course Road, right Meet at 8 AM at Valle Vista staging area off Canyon on Frederickson Lane, and continue Road, Moraga. From SR 24 in Orinda, take Moraga Way to into the park to the entrance kiosk (fee Moraga. From Mt. Diablo Blvd in Lafayette, take Moraga required). Turn left and continue to Road south to Moraga. At the Chevron, go south one mile on first lot, Channel Point Parking Lot on Canyon Road to Valle Vista. Expect 55-60 species; finished by the right. Expected species: waterfowl noon. Bring a snack and beverage. and woodland, riparian/marsh, shore, White-tailed Kite, and grassland birds. Bring lunch and Wednesday, March 30 Maren Smith photo beverage. Lake Lagunitas Leader: Hugh Harvey (925) 935-2979 Field trips are open to members and non-members, beginners to Tis very popular birding trip to Marin passes through advanced birders, but no dogs. Contact Leader for questions/rain beautiful varied terrain on the northern slopes of Mount cancellations. Our MDAS Chapter is a conservation organization. As such, we Tamalpais. Carpool leaves from Sun Valley Mall at 730 AM. encourage carpooling (riders should help with gas, tolls, or park entry fees). OR, Cross the San Rafael Bridge to US 101 North, take the Category : Easy, little or no walking, smooth paths first San Rafael exit, and turn left on 3rd Street. In San Category : Moderate, one mile+, possibly rough terrain Anselmo, turn right onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd. towards Category : Difficult, extensive walking on rough terrain Fairfax. Go left on Fairfax Road, follow to left turn on Sky Sun Valley Mall parking lot carpool location: Southwest corner of Mall Oaks Road, and continue to kiosk. Entry fee required ($8). parking lot at Willow Pass Road and Contra Costa Blvd. in Concord. Drive to parking lot near foot of Lagunitas Dam. El Nido Ranch Road carpool location: Exit SR 24 at St. Stephens Drive Approximate meeting time is 9 AM. After birding the nearby east of Orinda. El Nido Ranch Road is parallel to and north of the freeway. Park area, we will hike around Lake Lagunitas. We often find just east of intersection with St. Stephens Drive. Pileated Woodpeckers here. Bring lunch and beverage. the Quail —5 — March 2016 Great Gray Owl ✦ Strix nebulosa In North America, the Great Gray Owl—surely the time is A one of our most majestic raptors—is found right, the owls from Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks pounce into northward to Alaska and across Canada, in the the snow feet- Northern Rocky Mountains, and in Northern Minnesota and first and then, Northern New England. Tey also live in Scandinavia. Earlier g r a b t h e this year, sightings in Prairie Creek Redwood State Park, unsuspecting Humboldt County, were reported, the first time since 1974. prey quickly In the Sierra Nevada these owls breed in mixed conifer from under and red fir forests, often where there are stands of aspens. the snow at a Great Gray Owl, Wawona Meadow, Yosemite NP, Tey forage in open areas such as bogs and meadows where depth of up to Kai Mills, MDAS Young Birder, photo scattered trees and shrubs can be used as perches. 1 5 i n c h e s , Te Great Gray Owl is a large gray to grayish brown owl without ever once laying eyes on it. with long wings and tail and a large head. Te size of the Te Great Grey Owl hunts mainly during early morning head and the prominent facial disk make the yellow eyes and late afternoon, especially during winter, but will also appear small. Te owl is incredibly large; still, it is silent when hunt day or night if hungry. Tey are often seen perched on flying. Also called the Great Gray Ghost, it has slow, deep, fenceposts along roads, waiting for a meal to come by. wing beats that allow it to fly without a sound. Great Gray Owls breed once a year, but will readily lay a If you are a vole or a gopher, be careful, for their diet replacement clutch if the first brood is lost. Males and consists of small rodents, with voles being the primary food females aggressively defend nests and have been known to in Alaska, Canada, and Oregon. Pocket gophers are the most drive off predators as large as black bears. Among other important food in California. Owls will eat rats, mice, threats, Common Ravens, Great Horned Owls, marten, and shrews, squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, moles, and weasels. wolverines also prey on eggs, nestlings, and juveniles. Tey will sometimes capture birds such as crows, robins, Tey are long-lived birds, with captive owls living up to ducks, and grouse. In years when prey, especially voles, are 40 years of age. particularly abundant in areas south of their normal range, Te Great Gray Owl is the largest owl in North America owl populations will follow. with a length of 24‒33 inches and a wingspan of up to 60 Like most owls, Great Gray Owls have exceptional inches. Although one of the world’s largest owls, its actual hearing. Teir ears are asymmetrical on their heads, one ear body weight is at least 15% less than that of the Great Horned higher on one side than the other. Tis helps them pinpoint Owl, but its fluffy plumage, long tail, and large head give it a sound much better. Using only their hearing, they are able to much larger appearance. locate and track a rodent moving beneath the snow. When ~Ellis Myers

Olympic Peninsula BirdFest, April 15-17 Te Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society invites you to enjoy guided birding trips, boat tours, speaker Tony Angell, a gala banquet, pre- and post-trip birding cruises, and more. For more information: www.olympicbirdfest.org Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival, April 22-24 Get Your Bird On! Bird the diverse habitats of the Area’s Marin County at the height of spring migration. For more information: www.PointReyesBirdingFestival.org John Muir Birthday-Earth Day Celebration, Saturday, April 23 This free, family event takes place at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez from 10 AM-4 PM. It will feature over 50 environmental awareness exhibitors (including MDAS—to volunteer, see Page 7) and Earth Day activities, Scottish bagpipers, historic home tours, speakers, and birthday cake. For more information: www.johnmuirassociation.org “Bird-A-Ton” – Fund-Raising Event, Saturday, April 30 Interested in participating in a rewarding birding adventure while helping to generate funds to support the Wildlife Volunteer Program? During this dawn-to-dusk “Quest For More Tan 146 Birds in a Day” you will get nose-to-beak with birds while visiting several active bird research and restoration sites, generating tax-deductible donations to protect California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover nesting habitats. For more information: [email protected], or call (510) 544-2319 California Brown Pelican Roost and Coastal Access Point Survey, Saturday, May 7 Audubon California, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, eBird, and state wildlife agencies are sponsoring a one-day, statewide Brown Pelican survey from 5-7 PM. Volunteers are needed as coordinators or observers. Tis iconic bird was removed from the Endangered Species List in 2009, however, this subspecies is now experiencing poor breeding success and unusual mortality events raising questions about its conservation status. For more information contact Ariana Rickard: [email protected] the Quail —6 — March 2016 Volunteer News Birding Holland Tract, a Young Birders Club Field Trip Recently, Brian Murphy, Tim Ory, In December of 2015, Logan Kahle spotted a Brown-crested Flycatcher as well as and Hugh Harvey relocated four Wood two White-winged Doves on the CBC for MDAS at Holland Tract. His long Cornell D u c k b o x e s University winter break allowed me and 14 other birders the opportunity to bird with hidden amongst him January 9 as he lead our Young Birders Club field trip to Holland Tract. g r o w i n g My grandmother from Seattle came along, spending her last day in the Bay Area re e d s o n th e walking through howling winds with us. Tracy, Erica, my grandmother and I got there w e s t s i d e o f early and decided to drive towards the end of the road where Logan had found the Heather Farm rarities. We had no luck as we searched through many Mourning Doves and Eurasian pond to more Collared-Doves. We did, however, have good looks at a flock of Yellow-headed, Red- u n o b s t r u c t e d winged, and some Tricolored Blackbirds. locations on the After meeting up with everyone else, we began our walk north on Holland Tract east side where Road. As we walked, Logan was excited that some of the fields were flooded, and at Tim Ory (above) and fe m a l e Wo o d different depths. Te migration of Hugh Harvey (below Ducks will have many Snow, Ross's, Greater White- right) relocate Wood e a s i e r fl i g h t fronted Geese, Tundra Swans, and Duck boxes, Brian a c c e s s t o Sandhill Cranes was spectacular, Murphy photos entrance holes. while many of us learned how to To keep the easily identify these species in boxes free of fox squirrels, cayenne flight. We had a Peregrine Falcon pepper will be sprinkled inside as a flyover, and soon thereafter, a deterrent. An old Wood Duck box had Swainson's Hawk just east of us. raised generations of fox squirrels, so Logan explained that this was one On a cool, breezy morning, the Young Birders Club and the goal is to of the few Swainson's Hawks (of friends enjoyed birding Holland Tract with leader, r e t r a i n t h e perhaps about 80 in the Central Logan Kahle, Joy Dardin photo squirrels to make nests in trees. Valley) that winter in the United States. Some of us also Soon, Wood had a glimpse of a distant Ferruginous Hawk. D u c k h e n s Tere were many more flocks of blackbirds, with s h o u l d s t a r t large numbers of Yellow-headed and Tricolored mixed s h o w i n g u p amongst Brewer's and Red-winged. Ducks were more lo ok ing for a numerous than usual, due to recent rains. We picked place to nest. out three Barrow's Goldeneye, two males and one female, out of a large waterfowl flock, and we made Save Te Date sure everybody had a look at them in the scope. We Volunteers are needed for the also had six Lesser Yellowlegs and about a dozen Long- John Muir Birthday-Earth Day Logan Kahle shows Forrest billed Dowitchers fly-by. Celebration (see page 6 for more Chapman a Barrow’s Golden Later, we met local, Russ Bright, but missed out on Eye in the scope, Joy Dardin details). If you can volunteer at the an American Bittern that he had seen half an hour photo MDAS exhibit table for a few hours earlier. Logan said that he also had a possible Eurasian between 10 AM and 4 PM during Wigeon fly up with a flock of a couple hundred American Wigeon. this event on Saturday, April 23, Overall, it was a great day despite hard winds and a little sprinkle toward the end of please contact Brian Murphy at: the trip. Altogether, our Young Birders Club field trip yielded 76 species. [email protected] ~Kai Mills

Eagle Scout Kestrel Box Project Brian Murphy, Volunteer Coordinator, Ben Borglin, and Ben’s dad, Ned, recently took part in the kestrel box-making class offered by the Mt. View Sanitary District. Ben’s Eagle Scout project will focus on building Kestrel boxes for placement in Walnut Creek Parks and Open Space (once the city stops using rodenticides with Diphacinone). Ben’s Eagle Scout project is timely as Kestrels are experiencing a steep long-term decline in our area due to loss of natural nesting habitat. Ben (right) with his completed Kestrel box, Brian Murphy photo, and (left) an American Kestrel perched in a natural cavity, Paul Schorr photo the Quail —7 — March 2016 Remaking Nature in Novato A more recent It took the U.S. War Department three years to create snapshot, from early Hamilton Army Airfield in the mid-1930s and it will probably October to the first take 50 years or more to recreate the freshwater and tidal of December 2015, wetlands that nature provided before the shoreline of San showed that the Pablo Bay south of Novato was first dredged for farmland. sandpiper count has But the hard part has been done and the birds are more than doubled, coming back. A strong push by Marin Audubon and others f r o m 2 5 , 5 3 5 t o concerned about 53,516 compared to A view of the wetlands at high tide, restoring San 2014. Included in Christina McWhorter, photo Francisco Bay that surge were 114 means that the S n o w y P l o v e r s runway part of compared to just 12 in 2014’s two-month period. Hamilton Field, A broad brush look at this season shows duck counts w h i c h w a s down, while Yellowlegs, Willets and Marbled Godwits are decommissioned about the same. But Pipits went from zero in 2014 to 43 in i n 1 9 7 4 , i s 2015. One theory about the ducks is that they have spread out r e t u r n i n g a s due to the availability of more standing water. wetlands. Te Multiple groups monitor birds at Hamilton, focusing on Hamilton Field slightly different objectives. Tese numbers come from project volunteers taken on alternate Fridays from central Hamilton Field’s restoration includes land W e t l a n d s inundated by seasonal flooding, U.S. Army R e s t o r a t i o n spots in three specified seasonal and six tidal wetlands. Corps of Engineers photo P r o j e c t “Te purpose of the birding is to determine habitat use,” (HFWRP) is a HFWRP nursery manager Christina McWhorter says of this partnership of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the count. To recreate that natural habitat she has led the California Coastal Commission. project’s native plant restoration efforts. It relies on It was the Corps that hauled 5.8 million cubic yards of volunteers—e ver yone dredge scoured from the and then sculpted it from school kids, working on the old runway site beginning in 2008. Te project’s nearly folk, and retirees like me 750 acres of seasonal and tidal wetlands are now counted —to help with everything, among the 18,500 acres that have been restored in San from seed gathering and Francisco Bay since 1970, according to the Bay Conservation p ro p a g at i o n to o u t- and Development Commission. In April 2014, the Corps planting. Since the tidal breached the levee that held back bay waters from the old flows resumed in April airfield and with the flowing waters came new habitat for fish, 2014, AmeriCorps teams birds, and plants. By one recent count, 25 species of fish are a n d t h e n u r s e r y ’ s now in residence—and so are Clark’s and Western Grebes volunteers have planted that are diving for them. AmeriCorps volunteers plant native more than 21,000 of the In the project’s first full year of monitoring—from July plants to restore wetlands, nursery’s native plants in Christina McWhorter photo 2014 to June 2015—90,726 birds were recorded. Least the wetlands. I started Sandpiper lead the numbers with 17,844 and peeps as a whole volunteering two years accounted for two-thirds of the 94 total species counted. ago because I’m interested in birds and you can’t have birds Besides Leasts, Dunlin (14,194) and Western (8,903) were the without habitat. most prominent of the sandpipers, but there were also 19,486 One focus is on a region called the wildlife corridor, a that were “unspecified” because they were too far away to mostly dry strip that skirts the wetlands and is bordered by designate. the Bay Trail, which gives joggers a great way to track the Te highest day count was November 14, 2014 with project’s progress. In the corridor and adjacent North 18,630 birds present. Seasonal Wetlands, the HFWRP’s plantings—especially of In the shorebird count that includes Greater Yellowlegs, pickle weed and bullrushes—will promote abundant and Willits, and Whimbrels, there were 8,626 American Avocets, persistent invertebrate food sources. Over time, the plantings 1,162 Marbled Godwits, and 517 Black-bellied Plovers. and tidal flows will create a mosaic of shallow ponds, pans, Encouragingly, spotters identified 106 Western Snowy Plovers and barren zones as homes for birds and other wildlife. scurrying across Hamilton’s exposed pan. ~Michael Mecham With a count of 5,654, Ruddy Ducks led the duck/geese 〰 totals of 14,240. Other top species included Northern For more information: hamiltonwetlands.scc.ca.gov/ Shovelers (2,662), Northern Pintails (2,375), Canada Geese public-access/ (1,009), Gadwalls (602), and American Wigeons (601). the Quail —8 — March 2016 Birds Need the “Right” fledge. Some boxes need ladders inside N e s t i n g b oxe s for the chicks to climb out. should be easy to Nesting Box Front openings must be suited to clean. After every March is a great time to put up the breed as well. Birds will choose nesting season, they backyard nesting boxes for cavity nesting boxes with the smallest should be removed dwelling birds. Tere are many crafty opening appropriate for their size. Te a n d t h o r o u g h l y boxes in stores, mainly designed for opening should be protected by thick cleaned to remove bird decoration, that are not appropriate for strong walls or by added metal rings to waste, insects, and cavity nesters. Consider what’s best for prevent predators from chewing and mites that may inhabit the old nest. both you and the birds. enlarging the opening. Tere should Tey should be dry before rehanging. If you want not be a perch or other protrusion Boxes should be firmly mounted particular birds near the opening on which predators or hung to prevent eggs from rolling to accept a box, can land or cling. around and should be durable enough th e n s i z e i s Also, insulation and ventilation are to last through years of sun and rain. i m p o r t a n t . important considerations. Good Tey should not be painted, stained, or D e p e n d i n g nesting boxes should be at least 3/4” pressure treated with anything that upon the size of thick to keep heat and cold from might be toxic to birds. Dark paint or the chick before penetrating. Boxes should provide stain can also cause a box to retain fle dg ing and openings for cross ventilation under heat which could kill eggs or nestlings. t h e a v e r a g e the roof without allowing for a lot of If you need help deciding on a number of chicks in a brood, this can water seepage. Additionally, there nesting box, drop in for free expert vary substantially. should be a slanted roof and roof advice and a Housing Guide. We can Te front opening hole needs to overhangs to help keep out the show you the features of boxes that be high enough to protect the young elements. Drainage holes in the have been scientifically designed to birds inside the box, but low enough to bottom corners smaller than 1/4” will meet the needs of specific breeds. allow them to leave when ready to help keep nests dry. ~Mike Eliot, Wild Birds Unlimited Speaking of Conservation: open, the marsh fills up during high tides, but does not drain during low tides. Tis is due to a number of factors including Grants Fund New Marsh Habitat the site’s hydrology, significant subsidence (sinking of the Tis year Mount Diablo Audubon is partnering with Mt. marsh plain), constriction at the Union Pacific Railroad View Sanitary District (MVSD) to provide new habitat for Bridge culvert, and lack of any control over the tide gates ground-nesting birds in the 138-acre McNabney Marsh. A which are operated on a downstream private property. $2,500 grant from Audubon California, along with $500 from Wide swings in water levels create difficult challenges for MDAS, provided funding for the project which will protect ground-nesting shorebirds and waterfowl which have migratory bird nests, eggs, and chicks from flooding. depended upon McNabney Marsh for decades. During high Originally a tidal wetland, the marsh was converted to a water events, nests are flooded and eggs and nestlings are lost. seasonal marsh when 20th century development cut off its In an experimental effort to increase benefits to breeding connection with the . Managed by MVSD, birds, MVSD constructed and deployed rafts to attract McNabney Marsh was named to honor Al McNabney, former nesting waterfowl and shorebirds, with the idea that these MDAS Conservation Chair who worked tirelessly to restore fl o a t i n g and protect the marsh after a disastrous oil spill in 1988. structures would Since the early 1990s, treated effluent from MVSD was be immune to the marsh’s primary water source. Species observed nesting t i d e g a t e there included Canada Goose, Mallard, Cinnamon Teal, operations and Gadwall, Killdeer, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, fluctuating water American Avocets on a man-made raft, Marsh Wren, Black Phoebe, San Francisco Common Yellow- levels. A variety Nancy Wenninger photo throat, and Suisun Song Sparrow. California Black Rail and of substrates Ridgway's Rail have also been observed. (vegetation and sand) were added to the rafts. Last year, In June 2009, downstream tide gates were opened to biologists confirmed that Black-Necked Stilts and American allow water from the Carquinez Strait to flow into the marsh Avocets were using the rafts successfully. for the first time in more than a century. MVSD was hopeful Tis project allowed MVSD to double the number of that reintroduced tidal action would resolve several habitat nesting rafts. In early February, under the supervision of quality issues: low oxygen and pH levels in the water, the MVSD wildlife biologists, volunteers from MDAS and the relentless spread of cattails, and a plethora of non-native fish. California Department of Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources However, since 2009 managing the marsh has proven to Volunteer Program built eight new rafts which will be be problematic. Much of the shoreline and island habitat has installed in time for the 2016 nesting season. been lost. MVSD has discovered that when the tide gates are ~Nancy Wenninger, Conservation Chair the Quail —9 — March 2016 Johann Reinhold Forster By Ellis Myers Philosopher ✦ Scientist ✦ Collector

Johann Reinhold Forster, for Joseph Priestley. Again, his temper led whom Forster's Tern was named, was to his resignation and Forster then an eighteenth-century naturalist moved with his son to London where whose life was one of much interest h e e a r n e d a l i v i n g b y d o i n g and accomplishment, though perhaps translations. He became known as a a life not to be aspired to. Evidently, natural historian. the definition of a true curmudgeon, Forster was asked by the Royal he was, as one writer wrote, "an Society of London to describe a outstanding scholar, prodigiously well collection presented by the Hudson’s read, courageous and of strong Bay Company. One of these specimens physique, but a man who was his own Forster described for the first time—a worst enemy—suspicious, stubborn, Great Gray Owl collected by Andrew difficult, tactless and quarrelsome, Graham in Ontario, Canada. His Johann Forster and son, Georg Forster, in frequently in debt and forever papers on zoology, ornithology, and Tahiti, painting by John Francis Rigaud, borrowing money from friends and ichthyology were published in the Google Images photo credit being sought by bailiffs.” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Te irascible Forster didn't like his He was a contributor to the early Society (1772, 1773) establishing him as cabin on the ship and complained that ornithology of Europe and North one of the earliest authorities on North Cook wasn't interested in the “study of America, but he is best remembered as American zoology. nature.” Still, he amassed large the naturalist on the second Pacific Forster published many books colle ctions and made c aref ul voyage of James Cook, 1772‒1775, a including An Introduction to Mineralogy observations in such places as Tahiti, voyage he took with his son, Georg. in 1768, two years later, A Catalogue of Easter Island, New Caledonia, Of Scottish descent, Johann British Insects, and in 1771 his works on Vanuatu, and New Zealand. Reinhold Forster was born in the American flora and entomology. Accomplishments of Cook's Prussian city of Tczew near Gdansk on When Joseph Banks withdrew as Second Voyage included the discovery October 22, 1729. At the Joachimsthal the naturalist on Cook's Second of South Georgia Island and the South Gymnasium in Berlin, he studied Voyage at the last moment, Linnaeus Sandwich Islands. Te HMS Resolution languages and natural history, and r e c o m m e n d e d Fo r s t e r a s a n became the first ship ever to cross the theology at the University of Halle outstanding man to fill the vacant Antarctic Circle. (southwest of Berlin). He then became position. Forster insisted on having Today, two geographic locations a Protestant pastor in Nassenhuben Georg as his assistant and in July 1772 have been named in honor of Forster: (now Mokry Dwór, near Warsaw, they set sail on the HMS Resolution, Mount Forster and Forster’s Burn, on Poland). He married his cousin, under Captain James Cook, to search New Zealand’s south island. Elisabeth Nikolai. Both the Forsters kept detailed F o r s t e r ’s w i d e s c i e n t i fi c diaries of everything they saw on the correspondence included such men as voyage and made extensive collections Linnaeus and the renowned Joseph of both natural history specimens and Banks, botanist and naturalist on artifacts. Georg made many fine Captain James Cook's historic cruise paintings of birds and other subjects. on HMS Endeavour. On their return, Forster published the In 1765, he was commissioned by journal Observations made during a the Russian government to undertake voyage round the world (1778). Later, a survey of the Saratov-Tsaritsyn Forster published monographs on region on the Volga River about 500 penguins (1780) and albatrosses (1785) miles south of Moscow. Problems with HMS Resolution and HMS Adventure in from the Second Voyage. the Russian government, brought on Tahiti, detail from 1776 painting by William In 1779 Forster was appointed by his testy temper, shortened his Hodges, wikimedia photo credit Professor of Natural History and assignment, and in the following year for the hoped-for southern continent, Mineralogy at the University of Halle, he went with Georg (eldest of his eight to test a version of John Harrison's and director of the Botanische Garten children) to England where he spent marine chronometer, and to explore der Martin-Luther-Universität Halle- three years teaching at the Dissenting the southern seas. Te expedition did Wittenberg, where he continued until Warrington Academy, succeeding not return to England until July 1775. his death in 1798 at the age of 69. the Quail —10 — March 2016 Tere’s No Place Like Home… Tis is the time of year to get those Mount Diablo Audubon Society (MDAS) nest boxes out if you haven’t already. Mount Diablo Audubon Society, a Chapter of National Audubon, is committed to the Actually, it’s a good idea to leave them sustainable balance of our community’s people, birds, other wildlife, and habitat through up year-round. Once they’ve been conservation, education, and advocacy. cleaned out in the fall you can put them MDAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS: back up; birds will use them as roosting President/Christmas Count Jimm Edgar.……….….…[email protected]….(510) 658-2330 boxes to get out of rough weather. Vice President: Paul Schorr…..…[email protected].…(925) 757-5107 Not all birds will use a nest box. Treasurer: Steve Buffi ... ………………..……………………..…(925) 938-0929 Goldfinches build grassy nests in Board Secretary: Carol Pachl ..….…[email protected]….(925) 253-0675 shrubs or trees. House Finches and Corresponding Secretary: Barbara Vaughn. .. .…..…..…………………………………(925) 376-8732 Mourning Doves prefer to build on Programs: Ariana Rickard ……[email protected]….(347) 754-0143 platforms often under porches beams. Field Trips: Hugh Harvey …………………………………………..(925) 935-2979 Dark-eyed Juncos frequently build their Conservation Chair: Nancy Wenninger …………[email protected]….(925) 938-7987 nests on the ground tucked away under Sales Manager: Diane Malucelli ………………[email protected]….(925) 674-0920 low growing shrubs although I had a Membership: Pat Schneider ….…[email protected]….(925) 935-5683 pair nest in a platform-type box I had Young Birders Liaison: Tracy Farrington [email protected]….(925) 788-6223 installed under the eaves of my house Volunteer Coordinator: Brian Murphy ..…[email protected]….(925) 937-8835 last year. I had intended for the box to Hospitality: Kathy Kellogg .. …[email protected]….(925) 228-2690 be used by House Finches, but you Webmaster: Betts Sanderson ……………………[email protected] never know with birds. Tey don’t EBB Sightings Monitor: Bill Chilson .…..…..…[email protected]….(510) 619-6692 always follow the rules. Social Media/Outreach Rosalie Howarth .…..……………………….…[email protected] Cavity dwellers such as chickadees, Member-at-Large: Mike Eliot .…..……[email protected].…(925) 798-0303 titmice, and wrens are fairly easy to Member-at-Large: Jean Richmond …..………………………………………(925) 837-2843 entice to your nest box. If your Member-at-Large: Kent Fickett ………….k.fi[email protected]….(415) 269-4277 intention is to attract a certain species Quail Editor: Maren Smith…[email protected]….(925) 322-9477 of bird there are some general guidelines you can follow to increase the likelihood of attracting a renter. Mount Diablo Audubon Society meets at 7 For chickadees and titmice, the box PM the first Thursday of each month except July should be about 12” high x 6” deep x 6” and August in the Camellia Room of The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, wide. Te entrance hole should be Walnut Creek, CA 94598. located 2/3 of the way up from the base. If you want to attract chickadees, but not titmice, the Mount Diablo Audubon Society hole should be 1 thanks our Business Partners: 1/8” in diameter. FastPrint, Oakland Titmice require a Galaxy Press, Concord slightly larger hole Native Bird Connections at 1 1/4” and house Rakestraw Books, Danville wrens at 1”. Wren Stephen Joseph Photography boxes are generally Bewick’s Wren, Joy Wild Birds Unlimited, Pleasant Hill smaller overall. Shonfeld photo You can use unpainted cedar to MDAS MEMBERSHIP/RENEWAL APPLICATION keep things simple. Drill a few ☐Please enroll me/my family in Mount Diablo Audubon Society for $25 for one ventilation holes at the top and a few year. (MDAS dues are tax-deductible) drainage holes in the bottom. Install the ☐For an additional $20 please enroll me as a first-time member in the National box 7-10 feet high on either a tree, pole, Audubon Society (NAS). (includes 6 bi-monthly issues of Audubon Magazine) or under the house eaves. ☐Please enroll me as a lifetime member for $500. (or 2 annual $250 payments) Birds prefer that the entrance hole ☐I am enclosing an additional tax-deductible donation of $______. faces east; north and south are okay, Please send the Quail by ☐ US Mail, or ☐ “Go Green” email too, but avoid facing the nesting box Name:______west due to the hot afternoon sun. Address:______Put out some nesting material and Phone: ( ) ______email:______be patient. Remember—if you build it, Send check payable to Mount Diablo Audubon Society with this application to: they will come. Membership Chair, 282 Firestone Court, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 ~Joanie Smith, East Bay Nature the Quail —11 — March 2016 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

Forster’s Tern (Sterna fosteri) photographed at Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Isaac Aronow photo

Kudos to MDAS volunteers (left) who recently built nesting rafts at MVSD: Donna Kramer, Michael Mecham, Mike Robertson, Richard Saillard, Dave Shinn, and Christine Steck, Nancy Wenninger photo

FYI ✔ Last year, California passed a law banning cosmetic products that contain plastic microbeads found in some brands of facial scrub, soap, and toothpaste. Indicated by the words polyethylene or polypropylene on the label, the tiny plastic balls don’t dissolve, nor can they be broken down by sewage treatment plants. Tey end up in the With over 100 in attendance at the February 4 water, a danger to fish, birds, wildlife, and the meeting, Assemblywoman Catharine Baker environment. Tough the law does not take effect (above and left) shared her prepared remarks, until 2020, you can safely dispose of these discussed her environmental goals, and answered products at Martinez Hazard Waste, 4797 Imhoff questions from the audience; President, Jimm Edgar, (above right) thanked our “Birding Place, 9 AM-4 PM from Monday-Saturday. Information” speaker, Maren Smith photos ✔ “Take Action” on www.diabloaudubon.com

the Quail —12 — March 2016