The Newsletter of the Santa Clara Audubon Society Jan. - Feb. 2004
Good news, bad news Young Audubon BurrowingOwls take a big hit; promisingnew California State Park Rangers wlzale-watclziug restorationgroup convenes - all in one day Association filed the petition to excursion list the Burrowing Owl. We by Craig Breon knew we faced an uphill battle , Sec Page 5 Executive Director but we also believed we had the scientific information needed to What a day - it would be tough to imagine one of greater meet the applicable legal standard- "threatened with extinction contrasts. On the morning of December 4th the California Fish overall, or a significant portion of its range" in the State and Game Commission voted 4-0 to reject our petition to list the (emphasis added). , Burrowing Owl as a Threatened or Endangered Species in the We could show that the owl was extirpated (i.e., locally state, ending yet another chapter in the sad demise of Santa extinct) or nearly extirpated in 10-20% of its historic range in Clara County 's Burrowing Owl population . On that same California. We could also show that the owl was in severe, or afternoon of December 4th the California Coastal Commission at least significant , decline in another 40 % of its range . convened the first meeting of the South Bay Salt Pond Nonetheless, we also admitted from the beginning that the Restoration Stakeholders Forum, designed to help guide the Burrowing Owl retains healthy populations in several areas restoration of 16,000 acres of wetlands and associated habitats in particular the Imperial Valley , where more than 70% of the in the South Bay. Whiplash! - stinging defeat and then radiant statewide breeding owl pairs likely reside, the Palo Verde hope within a few hour s ! Valley along the Colorado River , and the Southern San Joaquin SCV AS has been and will continue to be an integral part of Valley . these two major conservation effort s. Exactly where we go The Fish and Game Commission , consisting of four men from here I cannot tell you. Frankly , I could use some advice. (the fifth having been recently appointed to a position in the new Schwarzenegger administration) would decide the future The Petition direction for the owl: continued decline and eventual In April of 2003, SCV AS and the Center for Biological disappearance from much of the state, or a renewed focus of our Diversity , Defenders of Wildlife, San Bernardino Valley conservation energies, perhap s leading to recovery in some Audubon Society, Tri-County Conservation League , and areas and stability statewide. We were dealt a significant setback by the Department offish General Membership Meeting and Game (DFG ) staff , who in "Woodpecker Wonderland" October issued a staff report recommending denial of the with Steve Shunk petition . The staff report hardly Palo Alto Arts Center, Newell & Embarcadero Rds. discussed the "significant portion of its range" issue, focusing instead Wednesday,Jan.14 continued on Page 10 Doors open 7:30; program 8:00 On the east slope of Oregon's Cascade Mountains stretches a 15-mile swath of forest where 11 species of woodpeckers, half of those occurring in North America , annually • 1st countyPinyan Jays raise their young . The region 's volcanic soils and extreme elevational variation in rainfall -Field Notes,Page 6 support tremendous habitat diversity , the key to its woodpecker variety . White-headed Woodpeckers abound in the ponderosa pine forest; Lewis 's breed in snags at thejuniper • Birdingin Kauai- Page8 pine interface ; Three-toed and Black-backed Woodpeckers range from subalpine forest into the blackest of burns ; and three different sapsuckers hold territories throughout the ♦ EPA- Wetlandscause region . Join Oregon naturalist Stephen Shunk for this exciting introduction to the ecology pollution(?!)-Page 11 cont 'd on Page 5
TheAvocet 1 Jan. - Feb. 2004 Field Trips raptors. San Francisco 's second largest park, McLaren Park, features land birds and a few Please carpool if possible ; bring binocu Saturday Jan. 17, 8:30 AM lars, field guides, layered clothing. dabbling ducks . Other lesser known but birdy Coyote Point/Foster City parks may be visited, time permitting. From LO = Lunch optional Half day . Leader : Al Eisner (days and Hwy 101 exit just past Brisbane Lagoon at RC= Heavy rain cancels voicemail: (650)926-2018; evenings : Candlestick/3Com Park off-ramp . Continue NF = No facilities available (650)364-3 686). Meet at parking lot adjacent east along Hamey Way , tum right onto Saturday Jan. 3, 7:30 AM to yacht club at Coyote Point. From 101 Jamestown/Hunters Point Expwy. Watch for County Chase northbound , exit at Dore Ave; immediately entrance to Candlestick State Recreation Area Half day . Leader: Bob Reiling (408)253- tum north along frontage road. After about a on right and enter (no fee). Meet at end of mile, follow road as it bears rightaroundagolf 7527. Get a head start on your County Year paved road that runs through the park . RC course . Enter park (not golf course) through List for the new year with some vagrant chas ing. Bring a full tank of gas, lunch, and field the kiosks (likely admission charge), continue Sunday Feb. 1, 9:00 AM along go! f course fence lo end of road . Good guides as we attempt to track down some of Charleston Slough trip for shorebirds (including "roc kbirds ") the unusual birds seen on Christmas Bird Half day . Leader : Allen Royer (408)288- and waterfowl , but we' II also look for Counts in Santa Clara County . Meet in the 7768 . Meet at Terminal Way at end of San landbirds . A scope will be very useful. Alviso Marina parking lot. From Hwy 237 in RC Antonio Rd . north off Hwy 101 in Mt. View . San Jose take Gold St. north to end of street, Birding and discussions geared toward begin Sunday Jan. 18, 8:00 AM bear left on Elizabeth St. then right on Hope ners . A good place to bring your scope. RC St. to Marina parking lot. Be preparedto car Almaden Lake Park, Alamitos Creek pool. RC Half day . Leader : TBD (questions· call Bob Saturday Feb. 7, 8:30 AM R. 253- 7527). Meet in west parking lot of Coyote Reservoir Sunday Jan. 4, 9:00 AM Almaden Lake Park. From Hwy 85 take Half Day. Leader: Bob Reiling (408)253- Charleston Slough Almaden Expwy south . Park is on east (left) 7527. From Hwy 101 inGilroytakeLeavesley side of Almaden Expwy . Continue just past Half day . Leader: Roxie Handler (408)730- Rd. east for 1.5 miles , tum left on New Ave. Coleman Rd. (and Park); return northbound 1745. Meet at Terminal Way at end of San then right on Roop Rd. Go left at "T" intersec on Almaden Expwy to park entrance on right. Antonio Rd. north off Hwy 101 in Mt. View. tion, then after 1.3 miles left again on Coyote 3 miles of easy walking . Waterfowl, raptors, Birding will be geared toward the beginning -Reservoir Rd. and on to Lakeview Picnic and a wide variety of riparian birds . LO, RC birder but al I are encouraged to attend . Don't area. LO, RC forget to bring your spotting scope and your Saturday Jan. 24, 8:00 AM enthusiasm. RC Sunday Feb. 8, 8:30 AM Ogier Ponds Alum Rock Park Saturday Jan. 10, 8:00 AM Half day . Leader : Kirsten Holmquist Half day. Leader : Dave Cook (408)275- Oka Ponds (408)747-0988 . From Hwy 101 in Morgan 1492. From Hwy 101 or 1-680 take McKee Hill take Cochrane Rd. west to Monterey Half day . Leader : Pat Kenny (408)725-0468. Rd. northeast toward hllls then left on Toyon Hwy, tum right, go north 2.6 miles, tum right From Hwy 17 in Los Gatos take Lark Ave exit Ave, right on Penitencia Creek Rd. and on on unnamed road toward Model Airplane west. Tum right on Oka Rd, left on Mozart into park. Continue under bridge and meet at Park where power towers cross Hwy . Meet at Ave and immediately right on Oka Lane . far end of upper parking lot. Moderately gated entrance to ponds. RC Meet just inside gate . RC strenuous 3 to 4 mile walk . Resident breeding birds, possible Rufous-Crowned Sparrow , and Sunday Jan. 11, 8:00 AM Sunday Jan. 25, 8:00 AM Canyon Wren , early migrants, lingering win Panoche Valley Fremont Lagoons ter birds . Be prepared for some mud! LO, RC Half day . Leader : Bob Reiling (408)253- Full day. Leader: Clay Kempf (831 )761-8260 . 7527. From 1-880 north of San Jose take Meet at Paicines Store on Hwy 25 approx . 11 Wednesday Feb.11, 8:30 AM Gateway Blvd exit west, tum left on Fremont miles south of Hollister. One of the better trips Alum Rock Park Blvd. Park in lot on right at end of street. of the year, traversing oak woodland and open Half day. Leader: Rick Page (408) 377-1092. Come prepared to help me ID gulls. Possible grassland via back roads . Targeted _speci~s See directions above. May be muddy . LO, RC Thayer 's, Glaucous Gulls . Be sure to bring include Phainopepla, Mountain Bluebird, Prai your scope. RC rie Falcon , Ferruginous Hawk , Golden Eagle ; Saturday/Sunday Feb. 14 - 15 other possibilities include Mountain Plover , San Luis Obispo County Wednesday Jan. 28, 9:00 AM Bald Eagle, Vesper Sparrow, Greater Road Two days. Leader : Jim Royer (e-mail address Charleston Slough runner and Chukar . Bring lunch and a full tank below , questions call Bob Reiling (408)253- Leader : Rose Green (650) 493-8378. Meet at of gas, carpooling is strongly recommended 7527). Two full days of birding by car cara Terminal Way at end of San Antonio Rd. due to limited parking on narrow roads. van (bring a lunch , liquids, warm clothes, and northofHwy IOI in Mt. View. Bring spotting a full tank of gas each day). Meet on Saturday Wednesday Jan. 14, 8:30 AM scopes! RC the 14th at the very end of Coleman Dr. at Charleston Slough Morro Rock in Morro Bay by 7:30 AM. Half day . Leader Harriet Gerson (408) 252- Saturday Jan. 31, 9:00 AM San Francisco's Southern Parks 6244 . Meet at Terminal Way at end of San Half Day. Leader : Alan Hopkins (4 15)664- Antonio Rd. north off Hwy 101 in Mt. View. 0983 . Meet at Candlestick Point State Recre Bring spotting scopes! LO, kc ation Area. Shorebirds, bay ducks , loons and
TheAvocet 2 Field Trips cont'd Events Calendar
Morning birding around Morro Bay and south Saturday Feb. 28, 8:30 AM Tuesday Jan. 6, 7:30 PM along coast; stops will be determined by Coyote Hills Regional Park Board of Directors meeting, location of wintering rarities . Day I should Half day . Leader : FrankVanslager(408 )257- McClellan Ranch Park. include gulls, loons , grebes, ducks (Eurasian 3647. Take Hwy 84/Dumbarton Bridge east Wigeon ), Peregrine Falcon, rocky shorebirds, toward ewark. Exit right on Thornton , then Wednesday Jan. 7, 7:30 PM passerines , possible rarities. Group dinner left over freeway as Thornton becomes Paseo Bay Area Bird Photographers presents Sat. evening and discussion of the day's birds . Padre . Tum left at Patterson Ranch/Com Richard Kuehn 's "Kenya's Wondeful Gas up Sat. night, meet on Sunday at 6:00 AM merce Rd. into park . Meet at far end of Wildlife " and discussion of digital video at parking area on east side of Motel 6 (near Quarry Parking lot V4 mile past park en filming . Lucy Evans Baylands lnterpretive Highways I and 41, at north end of Morro trance. Probable entrance fee. LO, RC Center, E. Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto . Bay) and proceed to Carrizo Plain for Ferrugi nous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Golden Eagle , Sunday Feb. 29, 7:30 AM Thursday Jan. 8, 4 PM Short-eared and Burrowing Owls , Mtn. Blue Santa Cruz Coastal Hot Spots Education Committee mtg. Location TBA. bird, Vesper Sparrow, etc.; possible Rough Half day. Leader : Todd Newberry, Santa legged Hawk, Sage Thrasher. We ' ll try to Cruz Bird Club (831) 426-8741 . Meet at 7:30 Saturday Jan. 10, 10 AM - 12 noon finish at ornearHwy 10 I by mid-afternoon for AM sharp at Santa Cruz lighthouse on W. Young Audubon whale-watching trip , those who have to drive back home on Sunday . Cliff Drive . From Hwy 1.7take Hwy I north Monterey Bay. See Page 5 for details . Contact Jim Royer at (toward Half Moon Bay), tum left on Bay St.
TheAvocet 3 Volunteer Ventures the planning of classes. The volunteer would act as a liaison by Jennifer Peritz between our instructors and the Education Committee, and SCVAS Programs Coordinator would contact instructors, set up class schedules, prepare This past Thanksgiving I had the pleasure of experiencing announcements for The Avocet, and produce a flier. the beginnings of a white winter in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Templates have already been produced to help in the process. While sipping my hot cocoa and watching the flurry of snow Because classes can be arranged ahead of time, this fall onto the trees, I began to think of how the New Year opportunity can be a twice-yearly project or more regularly, would quickly be upon us. What will my resolutions be this depending on your availability. year? Will I actually follow through on them? How can I Data Input - Tracking members and donors is critical to make a difference by helping others and myself? Well, here our internal success. We are seeking individuals who have it is - January 2004 has arrived! experience inputting either financial or membership data into If you 're having similar thoughts, consider turning your QuickBooks, FileMaker, or other database programs. resolutions into actions by volunteering once a week, once a Experience with mail merges is particularly helpful . month, or even once a quarter with SCV AS. Remember, For more information on how YOU can get involved with volunteering benefits everyone - Audubon gains from your these or other volunteer programs, please contact Jennifer at support and, at the same time, you gain by learning new (408) 252-3740 or
Local Birds: A Closer Look with Steve Rutledi:e "Alaska Birds and Wildlife" This course offers field seminars and a classroom session that intro with Les Chibana duce beginning and intermediate birders to field identification, ecol Palo Alto Arts Center, Newell & Embarcadero ogy, behavior, and taxonomy of local birds. The field seminars will explore both oak woodland and bayland habitats. During the class Wednesday,Feb.18 room session (held at McClellan Ranch Park in Cupertino) , the Doors open 7:30; program 8:00 instructor will introduce his 12-step program for identifying and Les Chibana co-led two birding and wildlife viewing trips to appreciating birds. Unique to the field seminars is the low student-to Alaska for Sierra Club Outings (yes, birding, not hiking!). The teacher ratio, which allows even beginning birders to work closely trip, designed by Carol Dienger of Palo Alto, travels through with and gain information from the instructor. Participants can many of the unique habitats of Alaska. The early June timefrarne purchase two (optional) handouts developed by the instructor( "Birding of the trip provides long hours of daylight for extensive birding. By the Dozen" and "The Big List of Little Birds") for $5 each. For the From finding Asian rarities to our common wintering birds now field seminars, binoculars and day packs are required; please bring a dressed in their breeding best, Alaska offers some of the most sack lunch. excellent birding possible. And, if that isn't enough, the mam Fee: Members-$30, Non-members-$35 mals, wildflowers, and spectacular landscapes are irresistible ~ Classroom session 2/1 l 7:00-8:30 PM diversions. Les, a self-described "bird geek," has been photo Field seminars 2/15, 2/29; 8:00 AM-2:00 PM graphing birds and teaching birding classes for over 9 years. He Minimum: 4 students, maximum: 8 has guided birding trips to Hawaii and on Monterey Bay for Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris and has his own business, Bay Area Sparrows with Les Chibana BirdNUTZ, offering California birding trips. Often thought of as "little brown jobs, " sparrows can be a challenge to identify. You may not realize how many species are often found in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. This class will review these species, Woodpecker Wonderland cont'dfrom Page I focusing on their seasonal plumages, as well as differences in age and and natural history of Central Oregon's woodpeckers. Steve sex. This class is geared for the beginning to intermediate birder and will cover identification, habitat preferences, courtship and will cover some of the local rarities. Four classes will be held at communication, as well as current woodpecker monitoring and McClellan Ranch in Cupertino and will be composed of lectures with conservation projects in the western states. He will also slide presentations and handouts. An optional field trip through introduce the other 11 species of North American woodpeckers BirdNUTZ (at a discounted rate) will provide the opportunity to apply with an emphasis on unique behaviors and hybridization within classroom learning to field experience. the Picinae subfamily. Fee: Members-$45, Non-members-$55 Former SCV AS board member Stephen Shunk fledged as a ~ Class Thurs., 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 4/1; 7-9 PM birder here in the Santa Clara Valley, where he began teaching Field trip (optional add-on) 3/27 birding classes in 1992. Through his company Paradise Birding, Minimum: 12 students, maximum : 16 Steve now leads birding tours throughout the Western U .S. and Canada . He currently serves as president of the East Cascades Bird Conservancy, is a founding member of the Oregon Birding Trails Advisory Board, and the project coordinator for the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail. TheAvocet 5 Field Notes and remained through at least 23 Nov (m. (KPa) . Single Snowy Plovers were found by Bill Bousman ob.) . This scoter's population is declining northoftheAlvisoMarinaon 19 Oct(RWR and this is the first bird we'v e had since the et al.) and on Salt Pond A8 in Alviso on 30 Loons through Waterfowl late winter storms in 1998. A female Oct (MMR , MJM). Numbers of Lesser A Pa_cific Loon flying over Shoreline Barrow's Goldeneye showed up with first Yellowlegs taper off quickly in October. Park on l Nov (WGB) was the first (and flocks of Common Goldeneyes on Shoreline Six to eight birds were found in the New only) loon of the winter season. A couple of Lake on 4 Nov (MMR) and has remained Chicago Marsh 18-21 Oct (LCh et al, American Bitterns were found during the through the month (v. ob.). One to two MMR) , three were in the Lockheed Martin October and November months with one at immature Barrow's have been found there ponds on 27 Oct (MMR) , and a very late the Ogier Avenue ponds on 8 Oct (RWR, on 8 and 23 Nov (MMR). A hybrid male bird was at the CCFS waterbird pond on 4 FV) and one in the Palo Alto Flood Control Common x Barrow's Goldeneye, much Nov (RWR, FV). A Los Gatos surprise was Basin (FCB) on 8 Nov (MMR, MJM) . The like last winter's bird, was seen at Shoreline a Wandering Tattler found 22 Oct (RPo) few White-faced Ibis we see are usually Lake on 19 Nov (WGB) . Wintering along Los Gatos Creek above Camden off-course spring migrants or dispersing Common Mergansers have started to move Avenue . All of our other records have been fall birds . One found at the Coyote Creek in with a count of 46on Calero Reservoir on at the edge of the Bay. Two Red Knots, Field Station (CCFS) waterbird pond on 4 5 Nov (AV) . well down the Bay , were seen at the Stevens Nov (RWR , FV) was particularly late. The Creek mouth on 18 Nov (RWR , FV) . first Greater White-fronted Goose of the Eighteen Sanderlings were on Salt Pond season was found at Calero Reservoir A8 in Alviso on 14 Nov (MMR, on 5 Nov (AV) with the large Canada MJM) . Pectoral Sandpipers are Goose flock there. It was seen again on A coastal invasion of often found in good numbers well 11 Nov (AV) . Another bird was seen into October, but in this poor passage flying over Shoreline Park with two year only two birds were seen, both Canadas on 12 Nov (AME). An Pinyon Jays extended to in a tidal channel at the Palo Alto immature Snow Goose was spotted on Baylands on 5 Oct (DBu) , where Grant Lake on 22 Nov (WGB) . The Santa Clara County unexpected . Far more surprising was first of our fall Eurasian Wigeon was the juvenile Sharp-tailed Sandpiper found at the Sunnyvale Water Pollution with its first record that was seen with the Pectorals that Control Plant (WPCP) oxidation ponds day (DBu) . The adult Stilt on 17 Oct (DA) and one to two birds Sandpiper, found in August in the have been found here since then (v. New Chicago Marsh , was seen there Hawks through Skimmers ob.). A male was seen at Gilroy' sold sewer more or less regularly in October (v. ob.) ponds on 7 Nov (MP). Three male Blue A wintering Bald Eagle was seen at and was there at least through 4 Nov (R WR, winged Teal on Adobe Creek in the Palo Calero Reservoir on 29 Nov (AV) . This FV, v.ob.). Surprisingly,anapparentsecond Alto FCB on 13 Oct (GBa) were the first of appears to be the same adult as has been adult was at the Lockheed Martin ponds on the fall and a number of birds have been here in the last few winters. It is frequently 28 Oct (RWR, FV), 3-4 km distant as the found there regularly in subsequent weeks seen in the southwestern comer of the sandpiper flies . A basic Ruff was seen at (m. ob.). A male was seen on the Lockheed reservoir. The first Ferruginous Hawk of the New Chicago Marsh on 25 Nov (R WR, Martin ponds on 25 Oct (RWR, FV et al.), the season was over Monterey Road and FV), but was not easily sexed . The female a pair was nearby at the edge of the Hwy 101 in Gilroy on 10 Oct (MP) . An Ruff , found here in the late summer, has not Sunnyvale WPCP ponds on 26 Sep (RWR), immature was seen at the south end of been seen since 22 Aug. The Red-necked and a pair was on the ponds again on 27 Oct Calaveras Reservoir along Marsh Road on Phalarope passage trails off in late (MMR). Redhead showed up at the end of 10 Nov (MO'B) and again on 21 Nov September, so 13 birds tallied on Salt Ponds October with a male seen at the Sunnyvale (WGB) . An adult returned to the northeast A7 and A8 in Alviso on 16 Oct (MMR, WPCP ponds on 28 Oct (R WR, FV) and 43 side of Gilroy on 12 Nov (BB-W), MJM) were unusually late . Strong birds on Salt Pond AlO in Alviso on 30 Oct apparently for its 11th winter . Another northwest winds blew all through the day (MMR , MJM). The Sunnyvale flock had adult was seen in San Antonio Valley on 22 on 29 Oct and into the night. This caused a increased to 59 birds by 23 Nov (MMR). Nov (WGB) . Prairie Falcons in the Santa coastal wreck of Red Phalarope which An apparent adult female Tufted Duck Clara Valley or the western foothills include carried over into the South Bay. Seven was found at the Sunnyvale WPCP ponds one near Hellyer and Hwy 101 on 4 Oct birds were found on Salt Pond Al4 in on 25 Oct (FV, RK, et al.). This bird's tuft (JCS fide MMR) , one at Palo Alto ' s Alviso on 30 Oct (MMR, MJM)and fourto seemed long for a female, but otherwise Arastradero Preserve on 22 Oct (AJ, FV et six birds were seen in nearby ponds through showed typical markings of a female. She al.), and one over the Palo Alto FCB on 2 4 Nov (v. ob.). Also on 30 Oct, four birds could not be found subsequently . An Nov (MJM) . The long-winged adult Pacific were seen on Salt Pond A8 to the southwest, immature White-winged Scoter was found Golden-Plover found in the New Chicago and the next day nine birds were found there on Shoreline Lake on 11 Nov (RWR , FV) Marsh in September was last seen on 1 Oct (MMR , MJM) . This South Bay wreck TheAvocet 6 cont'd ·-r:~:1~.r_---.._. Field Notes ---~ , 7: . }/ 0' - extended to other locations with single still found in early October, so 0 birds at the Palo Alto Bay lands on 30 Oct one banded on 1 Oct at CCFS (JAC, CM), the Sunnyvale WPCP ponds (fide MMR) is not surprising . on 30 Oct (RK, PK), and the Palo Alto FCB Another species affected by I on 1-2 Nov (ALi, MJM) . We hope that crop fai Iures this fall has been these wind-driven waifs made it back to the Pinyon Jay. This species ocean where they belong. Persistence with typical of the Basin and Range the Bonaparte's Gull flock at the Palo Alto Province is rarely found on _estuary paid off when a 1st-winter the coast , but this year we Franklin's Gull was found on 19 Nov have had a veritable invasion . "Another species affected by crop failur es this fa ll One must keep one's tongue (WGB, MMR). Likely the same bird was has been Pinyon Jay ...011 10 Oct, Ma11/iew O 'Brien found again on 27 Nov (PS, MB) . In the firmly in one's cheek when and his brother had brief views ... i11Sa11 A11t o11io last six or seven years, the invading Black using the word invasion, as there Valley, for the first record f or Sama Clara Co1111t1•." Skimmers have established a winter roost have been very few birds in Blue overall with a streaked wi,ite throat a11dshort tail. on Charleston Slough but none were found widely scattered locations. Two Sketch by Bonnie Bedford-White in October and November. A sizable flock to three birds were found along has remained on Salt Pond A8 in Alviso , Skyline on 7 Oct (ADeM fide Gnatcatcher wa with 23 on 16 Oct and 25 on 30 Oct (both RSTh) . One was seen to the east of banded at CCFS on 26 MMR , MJM). Skyline Boulevard near the Christmas tree Oct (fide MMR ). This gnatcatcher tends to farm at Skyline Ridge OSP, but the Santa be sporadic through-out the fall and into Roadrunners through Swallows Clara County line is a few hundred meters early winter. A male Phainopepla was on east of this point , so this remains only a San A Greater Roadrunner was seen on Colorado Creek at Mine s Road and two Mateo County record. However , on 10 Oct , 13 Oct (MMR) along Arroyo Bayo, east of females were in the northern San Antoni o Matthew O'Brien and his brother had brief Mt. Hamilton. A Northern Pygmy-Owl Valley on 11 Oct (WGB). The number of views of a single Pin yon Jay in San Antonio was calling along Colorado Creek at Mines migrating Yellow Warblers dropped Valley , for the first record for Santa Clara Road on 11 Oct (WGB) . Many species are rapidly in early October . One at the CCFS County . Three Tree Swallows over the dependent upon particular plant species waterbird pond on 9 Nov (MMR ) was very Mountain View Forebay on 4 Nov (MMR ) and when the crops from these plants fail, late. Black-throated Gray Warblers can were probably birds wintering in the South these birds must seek other sources of food. migrate quite late and some overwinter. Bay. Six Violet-green Swallows along Their struggle, sadly , is our reward , as they Single males were along the Guadalupe Llagas Creek above Bloomfield on 7 Nov wander well away from their usual haunts River between Montague and Trimble on (MP) and nine along Coyote Creek below and we enjoy their presence in these new 25 Oct (MMR ) and in the Coulter pine belt Hwy 237 on 9 Nov (MMR) were probably in locations . Lewis's Woodpeckers appear east of Mt. Hamilton on 29 Oct (WGB) . A the same category . The Bank Swallows to be one species this fall that is struggling female was at the Charleston Road marsh near Alviso in late September lingered to 1 with a significant oak crop failure . Three on 4 Nov (JMy) . October and November Oct (KPa) , with two over New Chicago Lewis's were found in the vicinity of Alpine have provided a few vagrant warblers . A Marsh and a juvenile in Alviso . This is the Pond in Skyline Ridge on 9 Oct (RSTh), Palm Warbler was found at the Mountain latest record I have for this now rare swallow . with at least one in Santa Clara County, and View Forebay on l ov (WGB) and seen up to five birds have been found here there again on 8 Nov (MMR , MJM). A through late November (m. ob .). Other Wrens through Crossbills Black-and-White Warbler was seen at wandering Lewis ' s have been found just House Wrens tend to stay into October Rancho San Antonio OSP on 3 Nov (JLi). east of the summit of Mt. Hamilton, at and sometimes November. Three in Henry A Northern Waterthrush was found at about 3700 feet with 5-10 birds on 13 Oct- Coe SP on 11 Nov (MMR) seemed late and the marsh off Charleston Road on 16 Oct 22 Nov (MMR, WGB) and one bird along at a relatively high altitude as did the two in (LS) ana ~·as seen there at least through 23 Summit Road near Mt. Madonna CP on 18 San Antonio Valley on 22 Nov (WGB) , a Oct (v. ob.). A waterthrush apparently Oct (DLSu). It appears that our San Antonio place where they have occasionally wintered . wintered here last year and this is possibly Valley resident birds have not faced these An American Dipper was again found in the same bird . Most of the time it has been same problems , as four to 12 birds have Alum Rock Park being seen on 20 Oct (BS). very secretive. The fall passage of Western been found there during the fall (m. ob.). Two Golden-crowned Kinglets in Mt. Tanagers is normall y over by the first Pileated Woodpeckers continue to be Madonna CP on 18 Oct (DLSu ) were week in October. Three birds at Stan ford found locally with two at Monte Bello OSP probably part of our resident population . on 11 Oct may have been late migrants and on 8 Oct (WGB), one heafd in the Los Four plus birds in Henry Coe SP on 11 Nov at least one of these tanagers was still heard Trancos OSP on the same day (MMR) , and (MMR ) and three beside Mines Road at as late as 26 Oct (both DL). A female was one southwest of Skyline Ridge OSP on 13 Colorado Creek on 22 Nov (WGB) were seen in Milpitas on 20 Oct (RL ) and two Nov (GS). A few Willow Flycatchers are irruptive birds. A late Blue-gray continu ed 011 Page 9 TheAvocet 7 Kauai Birding Adventure
by Carolyn Straub photograph y by Steve McHemy
We were drawn to Kauai because it is said to be the place in Hawaii for birders. Known as the Garden Island, it is the northernmost of the main Hawaiian Islands. Kauai's 553 square miles were indeed drenched in greenery when we vacationed within its valleys, sugar-cane plains, and warm Pacific waters last September. We were celebrating my companion Steve McHenry 's recovery from a serious illness. Our decision lit on Kauai because we are budding bird nuts and Santa Clara Valley Auduboners . Call us intermediate birders. A few of Kauai's native species can be found nowhere else, and a good book to take along is "The Bird of Kauai" by Jim Denny. This Kauai author's book is island-specific , and made our search for local a vi fauna fruitful. Of some 65 photographed birds found on Kauai, we located 31. Denny Nene (Hawaiian Goose) divides these birds into native, introduced, and migratory, so you have an idea of who is who . We made a schedule and went off it many times . Red Junglefowl or Moa grazed the parkland in front of Throughout Waimea Canyon, called the "Grand Canyon" the Koke'e Museum . Males have bright red feathering . The of Hawaii for its resemblance to the Grand Canyon of our Polynesian settlers introduced the Moa early . Even more West, we stopped at lookouts along Waimea Canyon Drive. varied plumages of introduced Domestic Chicken moved We got dizzying views of the White-tailed Tropicbird, a without a care everywhere in the lowlands. seabird with distinguishing black wing bars, soaring with its We spotted the Erckel Francolin on our way back down long , thread-like, white tail between the vertical cliffs , the drive . These introduced, chicken-like birds could be where it nests in season. seen in early evening . An upland bird , I thought I heard its North of the canyon, we took an ancient rain forest trail "laughing " call near the Pihea , but perhaps it was an island called the Pihea ("loud din") . When Capt. James Cook first spirit. I also listened for the loud , buzzy, high-pitched call saw Kauai in 1778, the Pihea housed hundreds of calling of the Black Francolin , but had seen it earlier scurrying birds. That afternoon it was quiet. Overlooking the Kalalau above the shoreline. At the Coconut Beach Resort, where Valley , we hiked toward the Alaka ' i Swamp, the most we stayed on the East Shore, the Common Myna ruled. A pristine native forest, where as many as 14 native forest black, introduced species with a small golden face patch, its species have once been seen . It rained heavily, and we were melodious song was a treat. The Zebra or Barred Dove, forced to return . Dense foliage challenged us, but we introduced from Malaysia with its delicate striping , was viewed two native forest birds in the 'ohi 'a tree leaves mixed with the mynas at the hotel. outside of the swamp . They were quick. We identified the Cattle Egrets, introduced from Florida, dotted the red, black-banded Apapane, the most common native forest lowland in large numbers. Long -legged Pacific Golden bird, a honeycreeper. We also saw a yellowish, black Plovers, migrants arriving in late summer from the Arctic , masked 'Akeke'e, from the Hawaiian word for active. Of were common sights on grassy areas. We saw old Santa three introduced mannikins on Kauai, we found the War Clara County friends , of course, the House Finch, House bling Silverbill also in these leaves. Sparrow , Northern Mockingbird, Ring-necked Pheasant , Re-entering Koke'e State Park from the trail head , we and Western Meadowlark . But we also saw the two paused several times to photograph the Red-crested or remaining introduced mannikins on Kauai, the light -chested Brazilian Cardinal, a most beautiful bird introduced from Nutmeg Manni kin and cinnamon-colored Chestnut Manni South America , and seen everywhere in the lowlands . With kin. Not the least of our sightings was the Common its striking red head , the adult mingled in family groups Peafowl , though an introduced , captive bird , strutting for with bronze-headed "juvies" or juveniles, and attracted show at Smith 's Tropical Paradise. other tourists . We had also seen the Northern Cardinal, On the north shore is the road to rockbound Kilauea introduced from North America, in Kauai lowlands , where it Lighthouse National Wildlife Refuge . An excellent place to shot unexpectedly from a branch in front of us. It was find nesting seabirds in season , it juts to the ocean. Hours delightful on Kauai to meet new birds , no seagulls , and few are 10AM to 4 PM every day . Before closing, it was still Rock Doves, except at our hotel. worth it. Kilauea Point , with a half dozen species of sea TheAvocet 8 Kauai continued birds, had majestic cliffs in the waning sun. Red-footed We found a Japanese White-eye twittering among the leaves Boobies covered the Crater Hill slope. Misnamed by sailors of a tree at Tunnels Beach . Common and adaptable to Kauai , for its "stupidity," the booby with its red feet and red throat this small introduced bird has white eye rings and is yellowish . patch soared a few feet from our heads while it fished and Its eye rings tell it apart from the various native honeycreepers . returned to the cliff. A Great Frigatebird, with forked tail In Princeville, named for a young Hawaiian prince , we hiked and wide, black wingspan, circled, too, perhaps looking to down a sea cliff to the Queen's Bath . This is a large lava pool steal food from the booby. It is said to be named after the with an inlet from the ocean . We hiked the rain forest trail, frigate pirate ship of the high seas . We found the Brown close and humid. On our way, we caught the White-rumped Booby living separately off Lehua Rock near the remote Shama sitting on a branch in full view . An introduced bird, it island of Niihau the following day on a boat trip . Its white has a dark head and neck, and the other half is a robin-colored facial beak and brown sock- like neck were obvious. The orange body , It can be seen mornings. We then saw the Spotted Laysan Albatross ("gooney bird "), also called the Moli in Dove (Chinese or Lace-necked Dove) . A pretty , blue, intro Hawaiian, had not yet arrived to winter, but was expected . duced bird from Asia , it is common. It has a dove-like appear At the lighthouse, a dozen native wetland Hawaiian Geese or ance and lacy, spotted neck collar. Driving back through Nene (pronounced 'naynay') waddled over. Though once residential Princeville, we encountered a flock of small Java nearly extinct on Kauai, a reintroduction was successful. They Sparrows in the road . Native to Indonesia , this introduced bird are distant cousins of the Canada Goose, but shorter , stockier, frequents feeders. Puffin-like, this colorful bird has a pinkish and not as water-oriented. Their legs were banded to keep track beak and large, white face patch. of them . Nene have been an endangered species on Kauai, We spent nine days on Kauai . It was on the nib of winter , according to Denny. before migratory birds arrive. We saw enough , though, to become full-fledged "bird nuts ."
Field Notes cont 'd Thank you, Don Schmoldt were along the Alamitos Creek Trail on 16 neighborhood 17-24 Oct (BM et al.) may be This winter marks a milestone for Don Nov (JPa, JA). The latter birds may be trying to winter locally. Five Red Crossbills Schmoldt. In 1977, Don organized the first attempting to winter. Chipping Sparrows crossed over Summit Ridge into Santa Clara Mt. Hamilton Christmas Bird Count and , are found occasionally in the fall. An adult County on 11 Oct (MMR) for one of our this year , after running the count for 26 and a juvenile were found just south of San few recent records. years , Don has stepped down . This count , Antonio Junction on 11 Oct and two adults running from just west of the summit of were at the same spot on 29 Oct (both Observ ers: Da vid Armstrong ( DA) , Joy Mt. Hamilton east into Stanislaus County WGB). Grasshopper Sparrows, however, Aspin wall (JA), Gordon Barrett (GBa) , and north into Alameda County , is largely are much less expected so a bird in Henry Bonnie Bedford-White ( BB-W), Bill comprised of privately held land. Don took Coe SP on 11 Nov (MMR) was a surprise . Bousman (WGB ), Daniel Bump (DBu) , the initiative to contact landowners and Two Swamp Sparrows were found along Michael Bums (MB) , Les Chibana (LCh) , obtain permission for a once-a-year visit to the runway trail at the Palo Alto Baylands Jack Cole (JAC), Al DeMartini (ADeM), many of these properties. Most count on 23 Nov (TO) and seen through the end of Jean Dubois (JD) , Al Eisner(AME). Garth compilers burn out after a few years, but the month (v. ob.) . There have been a Harwood(GHa) , Grant Hoyt(GHt) , Karen Don has kept going all this time. The smattering of White-throated Sparrows Hoyt (KHt) , Alberta Jasberg (Al), Roland consequence of his efforts is a remarkable in November. Single birds at Hidden Villa Kenn er( RK), Pat Kenn y ( PK), David Lewis time series of data on wintering birds from on 11 Nov (GHa) and at the Palo Alto (DL ), Jim Lisko vec( ]Li) , Randy Little( RL), the interior of the Diablo Range, for which Baylands on 25-29 Nov (ViT, JMy) were Al Liu (Ali) , Mike Mammoser (MJM), we are all indebted. There are also special away from feeders. Feeder birds included Barbara Monahan (BM) , Charlie Moores memoriei. of birding on awesome days one at The Sequoias in Portola Valley on 2- (CM) , Jean Myers(JM y), Matthew O 'Brien with the vind-driven snow finding the 3 Nov (D&MW), a Los Altos yard on 14- 18 (MO 'B), Tom Olson (TO) , Kathy Parker slightest crevice in one ' s parka or surviving Nov (KHt , GHt), and a Los Gatos feeder on (KPa ). Janna Paus er (1Pa), Mark Paxton an eight-hour downpour and still finding a 20 Nov (JD) . A Chestnut-collared (MP) , Robert Power (RPo), Bob Reiling few birds . Thanks, Don . Longspur was found on Salt Pond A8 in (RWR), Mike Rogers (MMR) , Bob Schult z Alviso on 14 Nov (MMR , MJM) for only (BS) , John Sterling (JCS) , Georgia Stigall the sixth county record . Not seen since the (GS), Lennie Sto vel (LS), David Suddjian RARITIES: Please drop me a breeding season, five female Great-tailed ( DLSu), Patti Sutch (PS), Ron Thom ( RSTh) , note: Bill Bousman, 321 Arling Grackles were found at the; Coyote Creek Vivek Tiwari (ViT), Frank Vans lager ( FV). ton Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, GC on 30 Nov (MJM). A number of these Ann Verdi (AV), and Duncan & Mercedes or : barlowi@earthlink .net birds wintered here last year. A male Williams ( D&MW). Hooded Oriole seen in a Campbell TheAvocet 9 Good news, bad news cont'd on what they perceived to be a "population Commissioner Sam Schuchat ended shift" from urbanizing areas to some the morning with a particularly telling agricultural lands . observation. Sam is formerly the head of The term "shift" is misleading, in that the Leaoue of Conservation Voters. I b . it implies that the owls are moving from have known him and respected his one area to another. Based on the record opinions for many years. Sam simply of banded owls to date, we see very little said that the endangered species laws that movement of this sort. There is also scant we have are not very good at handling a evidence of owls from other, distant situation where a species is clearly in dire regions (the range of the western straits in some areas , whi le healthy in subspecies is from Canada to Central others. True enough, but for those of us America) moving to California and in the "dire straits" areas of the state, this successfully breeding, although we do provides little consolation . Leaving Sawa Clara Valley know that many migrants pass through - fore ver ? the state . Rather, the owls appear to have Charting a Future Course fairly independent regional populations, So where do we go from here? And I and when we lose one of those, we cannot mean that honestly as a question. Over assume that someday when things are there was an intense, if brief, flurry of the past decade, we have tried several better, the owls from the Imperial Valley regional and even national m_edia approaches. Fighting individual are going to be able to recolonize other attention. Then for most of us the issue developments on owl habitat has led to a areas of the state. To the contrary - receded to the background - a good or few significant victories, but mostly there is no evidence to date that any even great thing that nonetheless seems frustrating defeats . Attempts at citywide population that has been extirpated has removed from daily life . or regional planning have failed , with the later recovered . Consider, however, what we are about exception of Morgan Hill, where we had We had heard that our petition led to to embark upon. This will be the second to sue the city to get a plan in place, and vigorous debate within DFG, with lawyers largest restoration project ever attemp~ed we succeeded only after the city's owl and biologists disagreeing on what the in North America, after the Flonda population dwindled to one or two bir?s. final staff report should say . When the Everglades. The Don Edwards San We have tried state legislation, which lead spokesman for the staff addressed Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, passed both the Assembly and Senate the Commissioners on the4'h, he admitted which is already the largest urban wildlife only to be vetoed by former Governor that the staff had "agonized" over this refuge in the nation, will undergocha~ges Davis, and such efforts would likely not decision, but he went on to strongly defend that we can hardly predict at this time , fare better in the current administration. their recommendation. other than to say that they wi 11be dramatic . And for now at least , listing the owl In the end, it seemed that the And while the purchase price for these seems unlikely. Commissioners focused not on whether lands was hefty enough at $100 million , Our chapter's work to preserve the the owls are threatened with extinction that amount will pale in comparison to Burrowing Owl locally has taken throughout a significant portion of their the restoration work ahead of us. considerable time, resources , and energy ranoe but rather whether they are healthy These humbling facts set the stage for for a decade or more, and yet we have thr;u~hout a significant portion of their the first meeting of the South Bay Salt made only marginal gains . At what point, range, which we agree that, for now, they Pond Restoration Stakeholders Forum . if ever, should we accept that Santa Clara are . Commissioners were clearly Some 30 Bay Area residents have been Valley's owls will likely not survive the uncomfortable trying to determine what appointed to the Forum . Audubon :,viii ~e onslaught of development, and shift our constitutes a significant portion of the well represented, with Arthur Femstem resources to other, perhaps more species' range, especially in light of the from Golden Gate Audubon, Mike "Call winnable, conservation issues? implications such a determination could me Ike" Sellors from Audubon CA, and If you have an opinion on this question have for other species. yours truly . Other participants re~resent I have just posed, please e-mail me at This last point I understand . Several the business sector, local poht1cians ,
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OFFICERS CHAIRPERSONS President Avocet GENERAL MEETINGS are held on the Debbie Thompson 408/227-4604 Editor : Grant Hoyt 650/969-7892 third Wednesday of each month except July , Past President Graphics and Print Preparation August and December and are open to the public. David Drake 831/336-1127 Bonnie Bedford -While 408/261-8210 1st VP Bay Area Audubon Council BOARD OF DIRECTORS meetings are Bob Hirt 408/821/2732 Delegate open to all members. Call the office at (408) 2nd VP Leda Beth Gray 831/336-1127 252-3747 for times and directions . Dave Cook 408/275/1492 Christmas Bird Count Treasurer RARE BIRD ALERT: (415) 681-7422 Ann Verdi Mary Murphy 650/621-7534 408/266- S I 08 Secretary Education KEEPING CONNECTED: E-mail us at Leda Beth Gray 831/336-1127 Bobbie Handen 408/356-4263
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