Volume 51, Number 7 April 2006 Birds and Butterflies of South Texas and Meeting Schedule Northeastern Mexico with Bob Stewart The next general meeting of Audubon Society will be Thursday, April 6, in the Camellia Room of The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. (See map on page 7). 6:30 PM Doors open 7:00 PM Birding Information 7:25 PM Announcements 7:40 PM Social time, refreshments*, door prize 8:05 PM Program * Please remember to bring a cup.

The male ZEBRA LONGWING will wait on a chrysalis and mate with a female as she emerges. He then deposits a pheromone on her abdomen that repels other males. These Join Bob Stewart on a late fall journey the Tropic of Cancer. People are rare, but butterflies range throughout Central from the Rio Grand River in Texas deep friendly. Gomez Farias is built on a ridge America and Mexico and into South Texas. into Tamaulipas, the northeastern state of in the foothills of the Sierra Occidental, a It is the state butterfly of Florida. Mexico. Begin the trip at Lana and Charlie massive limestone mountain range ex- Vieh’s Bed and Breakfast, 10 minutes from tending far south along eastern Mexico. the border. Enjoy the Santa Ana National The ridge is so steep that human devel- Wildlife Refuge with its extensive butter- opment is literally one or two properties fly gardens and excellent examples of na- deep on either side of the main road. Near tive Mexican vegetation. See the the center of town Wedge-tailed Chachalaca, Green Jay, Golden-fronted Saberwings, Camivets Emerald Hum- Woodpecker, Green Kingfisher, Kiskadee, mingbirds and Ruby-throated and Couch’s Kingbird. Hummingbirds frolic with Yellow- As we make our way into Tamaulipas we throated and Scrub Euphonias and Sum- will see late flying White-tailed, mer and Yellow-winged Tanagers. A boat Joel Summerhill Swainson’s and Harris’s Hawks with mi- trip on a nearby clear, slow-moving river Birding Information grating Turkey and Black Vultures. South can yield Ringed, Amazon, and Green Joel Summerhill, a long-time MDAS of Ciudad Victoria is the small village of Kingfishers, Tiger and Boat-billed Her- member, will share the visit that he and Gomez Farias nestled among native trees ons and Sun Grebes. Blue-crowned Mot- Gloria made to the North and South where Audubon’s and Altamira Orioles mots fly overhead. Islands of New Zealand. Joel’s photo- forage with Boat-billed and Social Fly- Two thousand feet higher in the Sierra graphs of birds have always been catchers as well as Lineated and Pale- Occidental, a six-mile-long cobbled road unique and a pleasure to see. On billed Woodpeckers. Here within the leads to Alta Cima (population 200). In April 6 Joel will focus on pelagic birds boundaries of the El Cielo Natural Re- the oak and pine forests we hear the wa- such as the Albatross, the Giant Petrel, theserve Quail is a vast tract of typical of —1—Continued on page 2 and the Fairy Prion. April 2006 Bob Stewart Continued from page 1 vering whistles of Singing Quail and spot Birds in the Welcome Crimson-collared Grosbeak, and Fan- tailed, Rufous-capped, Golden-crowned Garden New Members and Crescent-chested Warblers. Spring is a propitious time to plan ahead Kathie Cheatham Alamo for fall and winter. Your garden likely Having been trained for a number of Carol Cantor Oakland has additional places where berrying years by North American birders, some David Eaglesham Livermore shrubs like the Toyon or Holly-leafed residents know the sounds and English Pamela Heaton Lafayette Cherry can provide food, evergreen names of resident birds and can uncan- Gene and Tomi Izuno Orinda shrubs such as Ceanothus can provide nily imitate local species. Favorites are Jean Matuska Concord cover, and a bird bath or flowing pond Blue Mockingbird, Azure-crowned Patricia McEveney Walnut Creek can provide water for birds. Hummingbird, Rufous-browed Wendy Murphy Concord Peppershrike, Brown-headed Solitaire, Plants native to the soils and climate of Gary Pilecki San Ramon and Tamaulipas Least Pygmy Owl. provide the best overall food Betty Spencer Brentwood sources for wildlife; and they generally Catherine Spiro Walnut Creek Butterflies are hard to ignore here. Jim require less fertilizer, less water, and less Penny Walker Concord Brock, author of the Kaufman Guide to effort in controlling pests. Native plants North American Butterflies has seen 180 may support 10 or more times as many species in one day traveling from species of native wildlife as non-native Gomez Farias to Alta Cima. The beauti- plants. Since native plantings can reduce Election of Officers ful photographs in a new field guide by the need for water and chemical addi- Kim Garwood and Richard Lehman, In accordance with the Bylaws of Mount tives and can enhance biological diver- Butterflies of Northeastern Mexico, allow Diablo Audubon Society, officers for the sity, gardeners concerned about conser- easy identification. year 2006–2007 are elected at the May vation should turn toward using natives general meeting. The following mem- We complete our trip two hours east of as much as possible in their plantings. bers have been nominated, and any the El Cielo Reserve with a visit to Los Concerning pesticides in the garden, it member is welcome to have their name Ebanos Ranch, a 7000-acre private cattle would be good to remember that the in- added to the slate. If you are interested ranch located at the southern end of the sects many birds feed on become poi- in running for office, please contact Laguna Madre. Retired as head of trans- soned and poisonous to the birds. Do you Shirley Ellis at 938-3703. portation in Mexico, the owner of Los want to invite birds to a spot that may be President Jimm Edgar Ebanos Ranch has maintained the na- hazardous to them? Let them instead help tive habitat. His son, Arturo, is study- you to be an organic gardener. Vice President Mike Williams ing Ocelots at Texas A and M and will Treasurer Steve Buffi shortly receive his PhD. Arturo and the Oaks are among the finest of bird trees; they provide nest sites, insects, acorns. Secretary Open ranching staff transport visitors to the varied , esteros, and on Without them, Oak Titmice would surely The position of Secretary needs a vol- the Gulf of Mexico. have a different name! Pines and Red- unteer. Here is a place where you will wood attract forest birds such as find a grateful Board of Directors. The A trip with Bob Stewart is always a spe- Oregon Juncos and Chestnut-backed primary duties are to take minutes at cial treat. Join us for a fascinating Chickadees. Alders, California Bays, the bimonthly Board meetings. Call the evening. Buckeyes and Maples provide quality current Secretary, Pam Leggett, for a habitat and shelter. Fruits of the Madrone more complete description, 685-1959. Earth Day attract Song Sparrows, Flickers, Gros- Celebrate John Muir's Birthday and beaks, Cedar Waxwings and Robins. The provincial bird of Earth Day on April 22, 2006, 10 AM to Native shrubs include several varieties of Quebec is known by the 4 PM at the John Muir National Historic Manzanita, which offer fruits enjoyed by Inuit as the Ookpik. Site in Martinez. Mockingbirds, as well as low cover for These raptors hunt by Q The house and grounds will be alive Quail and Wrentits. Ceanothus, Califor- day as they sit and wait with music and exhibits about earth- nia Lilac, is beautiful in your garden, and for their favorite food, rabbits and other Bushtits, Quail, and Finches love the small mammals. While some birds stay friendly technologies and programs that sustain the environment. Learn about seeds. Huckleberries and Gooseberries clear, lest they become prey, Snow Geese give nectar for Hummingbirds. and some other birds nest nearby be- solar power, green building, wildlife cause the Ookpik will drive away foxes conservation, hybrid vehicles, organic It is a delight to watch birds as they find and other predators. gardening, recycling, and much more. native plants laden with ripe fruits of the Admission to the park is free; food and kinds they love to eat. Plant an Elderberry Unscramble these letters, or turn to beverages will be available. Rain or or an Oregon Grape now as springtime page 5 for the answer. shine, come and follow in the footsteps provides a full growing season leading LNOOSWWY of John Muir. to a fall harvest. the Quail —2— April 2006 MDAS Year of the Oak Field Trip Schedule By Elizabeth Dickey April May 1 Saturday Garin Regional Park 3 Wednesday Mitchell Canyon 15 Saturday Pine Canyon 17 Wednesday South side of 26 Wednesday Del Puerto Canyon Mount Diablo 29 Saturday Mines Road 20 Saturday East Contra Costa County 25 Thursday West Briones Field trips are open to members and non-members, beginners and masters. Weather or other contingencies may require changes. For updates, read the Quail, visit the MDAS website at www.diabloaudubon.com/index/php, or call the Audubon taped recording at (925) 283-8266. Customary carpool expense is 37½ cents per mile, plus tolls and entry fees, shared among driver and riders. Category 1: Easy, little or no walking, smooth paths; Category 2: Moderate, one mile or more, possibly rough terrain; Category 3: Difficult, extensive walking on rough terrain. Nancy Wenninger Carpool locations: Sun Valley—Southwest corner of the Sun Valley parking lot at Oak Woodland Hike, May 13 Willow Pass Road and Contra Costa Boulevard in Concord. La Gonda—From Morgan Territory Regional Preserve con- I-680 southbound, exit on El Pintado, turn right, and right again onto LaGonda. tains six of the seven species of oak found From I-680 northbound, exit at El Cerro Blvd., Danville, turn left, then right on in the Bay Area. Plan to join East Bay Re- LaGonda, and drive about ¼ mile north to El Pintado. Acalanes—Pleasant Hill gional Parks’ naturalist Mike Moran on Road, just north of SR 24, at the corner of Acalanes Road. Saturday, May 13 for an easy two-hour hike through various habitats. Besides oaks, Mike will identify wildflowers and April Field Trips any “critters” we might find. Saturday, April 1. Garin Regional Park. We will meet in the staging area on Mor- Carpool leaves 7:15 AM from LaGonda. gan Territory Road at 10 AM. This is an Meet in parking lot at the end of Garin activity for hikers of all ages. Bring a Road at 8:00 AM. Take I-680 south and picnic lunch and enjoy a meal al fresco in I-580 west. Exit on East Castro Valley this special place. Call Nancy Blvd. and continue west. Turn left onto Wenninger at (925) 938-7987 for more Crow Canyon Road and go under the information about this event. freeway. Crow Canyon Road becomes Grove Way and then A Street. At You’re the One! A Street and SR238 (Foothill Blvd.), turn You’re the one we need to supplement left. Foothill Blvd./SR 238 becomes Mis- our dedicated crew of field-trip leaders. sion Blvd. Go south about 3 miles to You’re the one who would find a great Garin Road, turn left, and follow to its Saturday, April 29. Mines Road. Because deal of fun and satisfaction in telling kids end. Grasshopper Sparrow is one pos- of limited parking along Mines Road, about birds’ eggs and birds’ nests at our sibility. Leader: Fred Safier, 937-2906. carpooling is essential. This is an all-day many outreach events. You’re the one Category 3. trip and usually hot! Bring lunch and liq- who can join and bolster the volunteers Saturday, April 15. Pine Canyon. Meet uids. Wild Turkey, Greater Roadrunner, who get the job done behind the scenes. in parking lot at end of Castle Rock Costa’s Hummingbird, Lewis’ Wood- You’re the one who will go to the phone Road at 8 AM. Be prepared to carry pecker, and Lawrence’s Goldfinch all and call Shirley Ellis and tell her you’ll lunch and liquids. Spring migrants. possible. Call the leader for meeting time help at Dow Wetlands on May 6, at the Call Hugh Harvey, 935-2979, to confirm and location. Leader: Hugh Harvey, 935- membership drive at Wild Birds Unlim- and for more information. Category 3. 2979. Category 1. ited on May 13, or on June 10 at Borges Wednesday, April 26. Del Puerto Can- Ranch. yon. Carpool leaves at 7:30 AM from Field Trip Reports Really, really needed are people to lead LaGonda Way. Meet on Del Puerto Road March 4, Bodega Bay. Nine members an occasional field trip. This can be a learn- west of I-5 at 9 AM at Patterson Exit off enjoyed an abundance of birds on a cool as-you-go job as far as birding is con- I-5 (59 miles from La Gonda). Take 580 and windy day at Bodega Bay. We saw cerned. Please don’t hesitate to volunteer. east to I-5 south. (Recommend stop at 70 species including Black Oyster- Westley Rest Area. There are no facili- catcher, many Brant, many Common Shirley Ellis is our Volunteer Coordina- ties on trip until noon.) Yellow-breasted Loons, and the spectacle of a flock of tor. Call her at 938-3703. It’s certain Chat, Costa’s Hummingbird, and other small shorebirds wheeling in the air at that by taking a more active role, you’ll goodies. Leader: Jean Richmond, 837- the appearance of a dark Peregrine make new friends, learn something new, 2843. Category 1. Falcon. Fred Safier join the fun, and make a difference. the Quail —3— April 2006 SPEAKING OF CONSERVATION CEQA: A Citizens Tool for Conservation By Nancy Wenninger The California Environmental Quality Compliance with CEQA means full dis- the public can inform the lead agency of Act (CEQA) provides a powerful tool to closure of all potential significant effects, impacts it may have overlooked. influence land use decisions in our com- as well as identification of ways that en- During public review of the Draft EIR, munities. By actively participating in the vironmental damage can be avoided or interested parties have another oppor- CEQA process, we can have a meaning- minimized. A project may not be ap- tunity to comment on environmental ful voice in growth management and proved as submitted if feasible alterna- impacts, discrepancies in the report and help to protect the overall quality of our tives or mitigation measures are able to the adequacy of proposed mitigation environment. substantially reduce the significant en- measures or alternatives. Comments Adopted in 1970, CEQA provides a legal vironmental effects of the project. Early may be submitted either in writing or framework for a full examination of the public input can result in improved orally at public hearings, which also oc- potential significant effects of proposed projects through the use of alternatives cur prior to the lead agency’s final certi- projects—public or private—which may or mitigation measures. fication of the EIR. cause either a direct physical change or a Concerned citizens have several oppor- “reasonably foreseeable” indirect change tunities during the CEQA process to ex- To view the chapter’s recent comment in the environment. Most proposals for press their concerns. When the lead letters concerning Contra Costa Water physical development in California are agency publishes a Notice of Preparation District’s proposed expansion of the subject to the provisions of CEQA, as are (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Re- Los Vaqueros Reservoir and Antioch’s many governmental decisions which do port (EIR), the agency lists the various proposed annexation of Roddy Ranch, not immediately result in physical devel- types of environmental impacts it antici- go to MDAS’ website at opments (such as a city’s adoption of a pates will be addressed in the EIR. Dur- www.diabloaudubon.com/index.php. general plan). ing the subsequent 30-day review period, MDAS conservation icon Al McNabney understood and used the power of CEQA effectively. He was a tireless en- vironmental warrior, attending hun- dreds of meetings and writing hundreds of comment letters. Following Al’s lead, Mount Diablo Audubon has submitted comment letters on a number of impor- tant local projects, including the Franklin Canyon development in Her- cules, wind turbine repowering in the Altamont, and the proposal to allow high-density housing north of the rail- road tracks in downtown Martinez. To- gether with comments from others, these letters have had positive results by either stopping bad projects or forcing inclusion of alternatives and mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts. In the future, our chapter will advocate for open-space protection in the planning process for the reuse of the Concord Na- val Weapon Station, and we will continue to monitor and comment upon other projects which affect our community, its values and its resources. We urge MDAS members to add their voices and provide input for the environmental planning pro- cess. In CEQA, every comment counts. Concord Naval Weapons Station reuse map shows Park and Open Space allocation proposed by East Bay Regional Parks District.. the Quail —4— April 2006 February–March Observations By Steve Glover Always a great find for the county, a With enough searching it might be pre- a single Brant was at Vincent Park, Rich- dicted that Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers mond on 2/20 (JH). Though this species occur annually in the county but as likely occurs regularly in the county, things stand they are found every few they are seldom reported, probably be- years or so. cause most of them are at a distance on Edging out the Yellow-bellied Sap- Brooks Island. sucker for the bird of the reporting pe- A male Wood Duck was a noteworthy riod was a Clay-colored Sparrow at a find at Lake Anza in Tilden Park on 2/ feeder in northeast Richmond (PKL), 19 (JP). Though they may be regular here first documented on 2/20 but probably when all is quiet, we rarely receive re- present a week or two earlier. It was last ports. Eight more “Woodies” were at seen 3/4. This is just the second winter San Pablo Reservoir, record for Contra a more typical loca- Costa County, fol- tion, on 2/26 (TR). lowing one at Alice A male Eurasian Holmes’ house in Snowy Owl was at Miller/Knox Lafayette a few Bubo scandiacus years ago. Regional Shoreline A recent sighting of a Snowy Owl near at Point Richmond The wave of White- Davis was the first such observation this 2/19 (LL, DQ). This throated Sparrows far south in more than 30 years. Several species has been continued with MDAS members were lucky enough to found in the area single birds in view the bird in mid-January. Bob only sporadically. Moraga in mid-Feb- Wisecarver’s daughter Sharon was among Unusual for the lo- ruary (GD), another those, and a little later she was privileged California Shrike (Butcher Bird) cation were four fe- yard in Moraga 2/18 to find and photograph another “Ookpik” Lanius ludovicianus gambeli male and two male (EM), and Alamo the while on a birding trip to Oregon with Common Mergan- Birds of Golden Gate Park week of 3/4 (SH), Sacramento Audubon Society. Our thanks Joseph Mailliard sers on Jewel Lake, Gail DeLalla, John to Sharon for this fine picture. 1930 Tilden Park 2/11- Harris, Hugh Snowy Owls are birds of the Arctic tun- 2/19 (LP, AK, DQ). Harvey, Steve dra, and when they venture south, of Most exciting was the discovery of a Hutchcraft, Alan Kaplan, Paula and open grasslands and agricultural fields. male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Kevin Landdeck, Laura Look, Ellis Their habitat includes Arctic regions of Newhall Park in Concord on 3/4 (TR); it Myers, John Poole, Lory Poulson, Dave both the old and new worlds. In fact, the was seen again on 3/6 (HH) and 3/7 (PS). Quady, Ted Robertson, Paul Schorr. scientific species name, scandiacus, comes from scandinavia, where the Swedish naturalist Carolus Linnaeus first classified this bird in 1758. Birding Checklists An important part of the birds’ diet are You can purchase a list of Birds of North- National Historic Park, Petit Manan the small, mouse-like lemmings, who in ern California at any of our monthly , or for Shasta turn rely on plants that grow on the tun- meetings, or by contacting Barbara County, there’s a web site where you can dra. Lemming populations swell or Vaughn at 376-8732. They’re just a quar- download one. It’s maintained by the shrink depending on whether those ter each. This list, authenticated by Steve Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Cen- plants and berries are plentiful or not. Glover, is one of the few such checklists ter, a branch of the U.S. Geological Sur- Further, in colder winters, the creatures we’ve seen that adhere to the new tax- vey. The address is hide in burrows in the snow. In years onomy, with Fulvous Whistling Duck www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/ when Snowy Owls find food to be promoted to the number 1 position, and chekbird/chekbird.htm. scanty, they do not nest, and they move demoting the Loons into fourth place, Be sure to “chek” your spelling! to warmer and more productive climes. after Geese, Swans and Ducks, Pheasants Among the many locations covered are Because each Owl must eat the equiva- and Grouse, and Quail. This MDAS list National Wildlife Refuges, military in- lent of from seven to twelve mice each includes all 461 species with ten or more stallations, and a few counties. Many of day, they should be quite welcome records in Northern California. these lists are old, but still may prove when they appear in farmers’ pastures. But say you’d like to have a checklist of useful to you when you are planning a But at one time, hunters shot them; now the birds at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau birding trip. only photographers do! the Quail —5— April 2006 Mendocino Coast Continued from page 8 NEWS welling currents bring rich nutrients to- FROM ward the surface, and forage fish are plentiful. Consequently, this is also a WILD BIRDS spot to scope for alcids and tubenoses. UNLIMITED Driving south from Fort Bragg along fabulous Highway One, you may spot ! Spring nesting time comes early in Peregrine Falcons, who seem to like to California. Some “cavity” nesters have birdwatch from atop the sea stacks just already begun nesting. Others will start offshore. Check especially the one op- soon. As natural habitats continue to posite the Post Office at Little River. At The broad, sandy at MacKerricher disappear, nesting boxes not only pro- Little River is State Park contrasts markedly with the more vide cavity-nesting birds with needed where there is a small population of common rocky headlands. From this point, nest sites, but they also give you an Gray Jays that frequent the State Park a trail takes you to one of those headlands opportunity to learn more about their campground. Hermit Warblers are re- and a viewing platform at Laguna Point. fascinating courtship and family life. ported here in the summer. At various places along the Mendocino Chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, Before you reach the town of Point Arena, Coast, from late March through June, wrens, bluebirds, flycatchers, wood- be alert for the Tundra Swans who win- you can use your scope or binoculars to peckers, swallows, kestrels, and oth- ter along the flats of the Garcia River. The watch the nest-building and chick-rear- ers will all readily use birdhouses. Swans may be seen from Miner Hole ing of iridescent Pelagic Cormorants. ! You can play a part in nest building Road, a narrow lane which begins just The mouth of the Gualala River is a good by providing colorful string, yarn, hair south of the Garcia River bridge. Along location for birds. On the south side of and fibers (no longer than 2 inches) the road, watch also for such other birds the river is Gualala Point County Park, for birds to use when building their as Wrentit, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and where you can hike down to see seals abodes. We have been having great Hutton’s Vireo. There is a newly opened and sea lions hauled out on the sand bar. success with the “Woolie,” which is Stornetta Public Lands, a BLM property Gulls of several species congregate here, untreated lamb’s wool. It’s very soft that links Manchester State Beach and and Red-breasted Mergansers forage on and the birds love it. Point Arena. Several public access points are along Lighthouse Road, just south of the river, too. Miner Hole Road. Other promising locales include the Jug Stop by and pick In the town of Point Arena, turn toward Handle State Reserve and Pygmy For- up your FREE copy the ocean and stop at the Point Arena est, Mendocino Headlands, Navarro of our Housing , the only place in the continental Beach, and , Guide. United States where you can see a where an enchanting walk up Fern Can- Laysan Albatross with any assurance. yon trail reveals a waterfall a bit over For the past ten years, Al the Albatross two miles upstream. Here, in spring and ! American Goldfinches are increas- has arrived around December 1 and summer, are Wilson’s Warblers, and in ing rapidly in number. The males are stayed until mid-March. While others of summer you may hear the song of molting into their breeding plumage his (her?) species are breeding in the Ha- Swainson’s Thrush. of bright yellow and black. They can waiian Islands, Al comes to California. Mendocino Coast is a prime example of be seen at your birdbaths or at feed- No one knows why, but the Chamber of California’s scenic treasures, and also a ers eating sunflower or thistle seeds. Commerce is pleased, for birders from prime example of the diversity of ! It’s time to put out your oriole feed- across the country come to see him. If California’s birdlife. Dorothy (Toby) ers. We have already received early Al is not close to the marina, check the Tobkin, whom we thank for helping sighting reports. Both Hooded and cove for Red-necked Grebes and other with this story, says to come anytime, Bullock’s Orioles arrive by April and species. but September and October are glorious. they readily come to a nectar feeder. ! Black-headed Grosbeaks will be ar- riving soon. Their favorite food is sun- Ornithology Opportunities flower seeds. April 21-23: Heron Festival and Wild- Canyon Ranch. Kayak trips will leave flower Brunch. Clear Lake State Park morning and afternoon to bird the quiet Mike & Cecil Williams Interpretive Association and Redbud waters of Kelsey Creek. Children's ac- Wild Birds Unlimited Audubon Society are sponsoring pon- tivities, hikes, bird walks, exhibit booths. 692 Contra Costa Blvd. toon boat tours to observe heron, grebe, Except for boat rides and brunch, all fes- Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 and cormorant nests/rookeries on Clear tival events are free, including park ad- 925-798-0303 Lake. Keynote speaker is heron re- mission. Call 800-525-3743 or see Visit us at www.wbupleasanthill.com searcher Dr. John Kelly of Audubon www.redbudaudubon.org. the Quail —6— April 2006 the Quail MDAS MEMBERSHIP/RENEWAL APPLICATION is published 10 times a year by the ____ Please enroll my family and me as a member of the Mount Diablo Au- Mount Diablo Audubon Society dubon Society for $25 for one year. • a nonprofit organization dedicated to habitat conservation and environmental education • ____ Please enroll me as a lifetime member for $500. Payment can be made P.O. Box 53 • Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053 in two annual payments of $250 each. (925) AUD-UBON • (925) 283-8266 ____ Please enroll the individual/family listed below as a gift membership Mount Diablo Audubon Society general for $25 for one year. meetings are on the first Thursday of every ____ For an additional $20 (new NAS members only) or $35 (returning mem- month except July and August in the Camel- lia Room of the Garden Center at Heather bers), please enroll me in the National Audubon Society to receive four quar- Farms, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut terly issues of the Audubon Magazine. Creek. Board of Directors meets at 7 PM on ____ I’m enclosing an additional donation of $______. the second Thursday of every month in the conference room of Wild Birds Unlimited, Name ______692 Contra Costa Boulevard, Pleasant Hill. Address ______All members are welcome and encouraged to attend. City, State ______Zip ______Questions about membership or mailing ad- dresses? Call Ann McGregor, Membership Phone ( ____ ) ______Email ______Chair, at (925) 968-1677. MDAS membership includes 10 issues of the Quail. A 1-year family Card Number: ______membership in MDAS is $25/year or $500 for ____ Visa ____ MasterCard ______Expiration Date: ______lifetime membership (payable in two $250 an- nual payments). National Audubon Society Name on Card: ______membership includes the Audubon magazine. In- troductory 1-year membership is $20 or $30 for Please make your tax-deductible check payable to: 2 years; membership renewal is $35/year. To join MT. DIABLO AUDUBON SOCIETY and mail with this application to: MDAS or NAS, send a check payable to MDAS to Ann McGregor, Membership Chair, 400 Membership Chair, 400 Oneida Court, Danville, CA 94526 Oneida Ct., Danville, 94526. SEND ADDRESS CHANGES for both NAS and MDAS to P.O. Box 53, Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053. Please send exhange bulletins for MDAS to the editor, 215 Calle La Mesa, Moraga, CA 94556. MDAS Board of Directors President: Mike Williams, 376-1631 Vice President: Joe Frank, 674-1219 Treasurer: Patrick King, 510-642-6522 Board Secretary: Pam Leggett, 685-1959 Sales Manager: Barbara Vaughn, 376-8732 Programs: Alice Holmes, 938-1581 Field Trips: Elizabeth Dickey, 254-0486 Membership: Ann McGregor, 968-1677 Mount Diablo Audubon Society Volunteer Coordinator: meets on the first Thursday of each Shirley Ellis, 938-3703 month, except July and August. Hospitality: Gerry Argenal, 768-6325 Everyone is invited. Education: Cecil Williams, 376-1631 Driving directions: Access: Beverly Hawley, 947-0479 From Walnut Creek, take Ygnacio Chapter Development: Valley Road to the signal at Joel Summerhill, 753-0862 Marchbanks Drive. Go left and follow Hands-On Conservation: Marchbanks to the Garden Center, Nancy Wenninger, 938-7987 opposite the Greenery Restaurant. Christmas Count: Turn left into the parking lot. Jimm Edgar, 510-658-2330 From Highway 680 south, take Treat Member-at-Large: Blvd. to Bancroft. Go right to Ygnacio Jean Richmond, 837-2843 Valley Road, turn right and go one block past signal at N. San Carlos Dr. Quail Editor: Ellis Myers, 284-4103 (Heather Farm entrance). At 215 Calle La Mesa Marchbanks Drive turn right. The Moraga, CA 94556-1603 Garden Center is located on the right [email protected] in the second block. Deadline for the May issue is April 12. the Quail —7— April 2006 Mount Diablo Audubon Society Non-Profit Org. P.O. Box 53 U.S. Postage Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053 PAID Return Service Requested Permit No. 66 Concord, CA

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View from Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

day and the third Wednesday of every pools where you may explore for star- Quickies month, light rain or shine, you can en- fish and purple sea urchins. Walk a short Weekend Birding in California joy this 47-acre preserve to observe the distance south on the trail along the bluff Pygmy Nuthatches, Acorn Woodpeck- and scan the cove and the rocks off-shore Mendocino Coast ers and other birds that are here. You for wintering Harlequin Ducks. One of the most picturesque areas of our will also enjoy the giant rhododen- Frequently given as one of the best bird- State, the coastline north of the Gualala drons, lush ferns, heathers and other ing spots on the Mendocino Coast is River is a popular getaway destination native coastal plants, as well as the Lake Cleone at MacKerricher State Park, for a number of reasons. Photographers ocean views. Perhaps you might see a a few miles north of Fort Bragg. This flock to its rocky shores and its New , as these leviathans cruise body of water, a habitat for migrating England-like setting. Artists love both back to the Bering Sea during March or waterfowl, became a fresh-water lake the plein-air studio its scenes afford as April, or as they head south during the when a lumbering haul road cut off a well as the galleries of Mendocino, Fort first few weeks of the year to the warm tidal lagoon from its ocean access. Bragg and Gualala. Sportsmen go for lagoons of Baja California. and Great Blue Herons are com- abalone diving, and for deep-sea salmon The Mendocino Coast Audubon Society mon, and Lake Cleone is often the focus fishing trips out of Noyo Harbor. Nau- also sponsors pelagic birding trips each of rare-bird reports, including Stilt Sand- tical historians visit the light stations at May and September. Last year’s May trip piper, Long-tailed Duck and Emperor Point Cabrillo and Point Arena. included sightings of 19 species, includ- Goose. A trail circling the lake is often Valentine’s Day fills the Bed-and-Break- ing Black-footed Albatross and Pink- productive for passerines. Also, check fasts with romantic couples. Birders footed Shearwaters. Dall’s Porpoise and out the Ward Avenue approach to have an abundance of opportunities to Northern Fur Seals were also seen. MacKerricher State Park for Black Sco- satisfy their avocation. Drive to the end of Elm Street in Fort ters. Another birding venue at A great way to start is to join one of the Bragg, then walk about a quarter-mile MacKerricher State Park is Laguna Point, Mendocino Coast Audubon Society’s to Glass Beach, one of the world’s for Black Oystercatchers and wintering monthly bird walks at the Mendocino unique beaches. Pounded by the sea, Rock Sandpipers. The continental shelf Coast Botanical Gardens, two miles residue from an old dump site has fash- is just a few miles offshore, where up- thesouth Quail of Fort Bragg. On the first Satur- ioned a glittering—8— shore. Nearby are tide ContinuedApril on 2006 page 6