Volume 56, Number 9 June 2011 Mount Diablo Audubon Travels to Costa Rica ◆ Maury Stern Members of MDAS who went on a trip to Costa Rica in February will present pictures and share experiences of the trip at our potluck dinner on Wednesday, June 1st. Fourteen people joined an unofficial MDAS Costa Rica bird trip from February 3‒20, 2011. Hugh and Rosita Harvey, David and Valerie Hutton, Norm and Debby Kir- shen, Paul and Nancy Schorr, Maury and Susan Stern, Will and Kate Taylor, Nancy Wenninger and her sister Terri Davis, made a very congenial group. Edwin Ramirez was our guide. With a great sense of humor, he was always enthusiastic and eager to make Left: Great Green Macaw. Right: Rufous-tailed Jacamars are insect eaters and nest in burrows sure everyone saw the birds. Edwin’s friend along stream sides like kingfishers. Both photos by Paul Schorr at La Selva Biological Station. Enrique (Kike) Gomez, our delightful bus lowed by a siesta. The afternoon included 3 We traveled to most of the varied habi- driver, was also a knowledgeable birder. The or 4 hours of birding. Dinner was followed tats during our 17-day trip. This allowed us trip was arranged by Kathleen Cameron of by compiling the daily bird list. By 9 or 10 to see 436 species with 35 hummingbirds, 7 Majestic Feathers and accommodated bird- pm most birders were more than ready for trogans, 5 kingfishers, 12 woodpeckers and ers who stayed for 9, 14 and the full 17 days. a good night’s sleep. 32 tanagers. The multiple habitats included: http://www.majesticfeathers.com/ Costa Rica is near enough to the equator Tropical Wet Forest at Esquinas Rainforest Most mornings the group started about to have 12 hours of daylight and 12 of dark- Lodge on the Osa Peninsula; Lower Mon- 6 am with an hour of birding before break- ness. There is a wetter side of the country tane Rainforest at the Wilson Botanical fast. Then we would bird until lunch, fol- (Caribbean) and a less wet side (Pacific) with Gardens and Los Cusingos (former home the northwest being the driest area. The of Alexander Skutch, who died in 2004 at country extends from sea level to 13,000 feet. age 99); Subalpine Paramo above timberline Meeting Schedule The majority of the 4.6 million Costa Ricans at Cerro de la Muerte (11,000 feet) which The next general meeting of live in the large central valley, which at 3500 is the highest point on the Pan American Mount Diablo Audubon Society to 5000 feet has the most temperate climate. Highway; Cloud Forest of the Savegre Val- will be , in the Wednesday, June 1 Continued on Page 8 » Camellia Room of The Gardens at Heather Farm, Walnut Creek. 6:00 pm Doors open Annual Potluck Dinner 6:30 Dinner is served The potluck dinner meeting on June 1 Remember that this event will be on * Please remember to bring will be at our regular meeting place at The Wednesday, June 1, but it is at the same your own utensils and cup. 8:00 pm Announcements Gardens at Heather Farm. Doors open location as our usual monthly meetings. 8:15 pm Speaker: Maury Stern at 6:00 pm. Members bring a main dish, Q The next meeting will be Thursday, salad, or dessert and their own utensils Accolades and thanks are owed to our September 1. There will be no meet- and coffee cup. Please mark your serving Hospitality Chair, Gerry Argenal, and her ing in July or August. plates. Coffee, tea and punch will be pro- volunteer helpers for setting the ambience vided. Bring your own wine if you wish. for this occasion. DEDICATED TO HABITAT CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION the Quail —1— June 2011 President’s Corner By Jimm Edgar Kudos to Volunteers As I write this month’s President’s Cor- many that are fairly rare even for Arizona. On May 7, in conjunction with a Moth- ner we have just held our yearly chapter For years and years a family named Patton ers’ Day celebration at Wild Birds Unlimited elections. We have elected Paul Schorr as opened their yard for birders to come in in Pleasant Hill, Michelle de los Reyes, Tomi our new Vice-president; all other officers and sit and watch the birds. Their home is Izuno, Gwen Atihl, and Cevina Targum joined remain the same. We will have our an- in Patagonia, which is east of Nogales and with Moses de los Reyes to host a member- nual pot luck dinner on Wednesday, June almost on the Mexico border. They have ship drive for MDAS. It was a good event for 1, which will be our final meeting until long ago passed away but a foundation was MDAS, advocating our goals in conservation. September. set up to maintain the yard and the feeders. Last Saturday the Wild Birds Unlimited A caretaker lives there and watches over store hosted an event that was really well everything. They have about ten humming- attended and had a lot of the local groups bird feeders and about six seed feeders. SE and organizations there. “Give a Dam” from Arizona is known for the many species of Martinez was there to talk about the bea- hummingbirds seen there. We saw about vers in their city. Native Bird Connections eight species the morning we were there. was there with five wild birds to show off Nature Conservancy purchased a large including a beautiful Bald Eagle. None of piece of land along Patagonia Creek. They the birds NBC has can be released into the have a nice visitor center and miles of trails wild because of some kind of injury that throughout the property. With water come is permanent. Gary Bogue from Contra lots of birds in the desert. We spent a very Costa Times was also at the store. It was productive three hours there. If you have a fun event. not been birding in SE Arizona you need I spent two days last week in Southeast to go. It is maybe the best birding spot in Arizona with a friend whose parents live in North America. Tucson in the winter. I had not been to SE I hope we see you at the June potluck; Arizona in many years. What a great place and have a great summer. it is for birds. We had 85 species on Friday, Q Art Exhibit for MDAS Artists Cevina Targum and the MDAS exhibit The next outreach activity will be Heritage In association with the Arts and Cultur- There is no cost to enter the show, but Day at Borges Ranch on June 11. Heritage Day al Foundation of Antioch, Joel Summerhill because of space constraints we’ll need includes tours of the historic ranch house, gar- has arranged a September Art Exhibit for to limit it to the first 35 artists. The Arts dening, spinning, quilting, and blacksmithing Mount Diablo Audubon Society members and Cultural Foundation will provide light demonstrations, food, and various exhibits. at the Lynn House Gallery in downtown refreshments and wine at a free artists This is a fun event for all. Why don’t you come Antioch. You are invited to participate by reception on September 10 from 2‒4 pm. and say hello to our volunteers? submitting your work within the broad The exhibit will be free and open to the theme of Nature, in any media. public. The event will also be publicized in Volunteers are encouraged to help at Heritage Day. To volunteer for an hour or two Exhibit Date: September 10‒24, the local newspapers, ACFA newsletter and at the MDAS booth, or for more informa- Wednesdays and Saturdays, 1‒4 pm. website and cable billboard. tion, please contact Moses de los Reyes, at The Lynn House Gallery is located How to enter: E-mail Diane Gibson- (925) 755-3734. Thank you for your valuable at 809 West First Street, across from the Gray at [email protected]. support. Art Limits: 2 pieces per artist, art work amtrak station. http://art4antioch.org/ value cannot exceed 30” × 40” per piece, or lynn-house.asp. total value of $1,500. Hanging work must This bird has exceptional have wire hanger on the back and must be Q eyesight that allows it not suitable for all ages to enjoy. ( only to spot a beetle from a distance of 100 feet, but Drop-off dates: Friday, September 2, also allows it to detect ultraviolet light. and Saturday, September 3, from 4‒5 pm The bird can perceive the iridescent both days. The Quail is published monthly except January and August by Mount Diablo reflection of urine squirted by voles Pick-up dates: 9/24 Saturday, Septem- and can follow their trails. ber 24, and Monday, September 26, from Audubon Society, P.O. Box 53, Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053. The Quail is 4‒5 pm both days. Unscramble these letters, or turn to printed on 30% post-consumer waste Page 6 to learn more. Awards: $100 Best of Show, $75 1st recycled paper. The deadline for the Place, $50 2nd Place, $25 3rd Place and two July/August issue is June 21. AACEEEIKLMNRRST Honorable Mention ribbons the Quail —2— June 2011 Field Trip Schedule By Hugh Harvey June 4 Saturday...... Outer Point Reyes ➋ Saturday/Sunday, June 18‒19 18-19 Saturday/Sunday...... Yuba Pass/Sierra Valley Yuba Pass/Sierra Valley July Leaders: Rosita and Hugh Harvey, (925) 935-2979. 30 Saturday...... San Mateo Coast This is always a productive and well-favored weekend trip August to the northern Sierra which requires driving and walking, 20 Saturday...... Bodega Bay some of it over rough terrain. Saturday we will bird in the Sierra Valley for basin birds. Sunday we will be birding in the Yuba Pass area for mountain birds. Meet at the parking ➋ Saturday, June 4 lot at the top of the Outer Point Reyes pass at 7:00 am Leader: David Hutton, 938‒4485. Saturday morn- ing. Make motel Carpool leaves Sun Valley at 7:00 am. Meet 8:30 am at reservations now! Bear Valley Visitor Center in Olema. From I-80 in Vallejo, Closest motels are follow SR 37 19.1 miles to Atherton Avenue, exit and turn left, in Sierra City, 11 cross US 101 to San Marin Drive and continue for 3 miles. miles down High- Turn right on Novato Blvd for 6 miles to stop sign, then turn way 49 to the west. left on Point Reyes-Petaluma Road for 7 miles to another stop Herrington’s Sierra sign. Go straight on Platform Bridge Road to Sir Francis Drake Pines (530‒862- Boulevard. Turn right to Olema. Turn right at stop sign and 1151 or 800‒682- take SR 1 north for 0.25 miles, then turn left on Bear Valley 9848) is one of the Mountain Meadow Iris Road. Visitor Center is off Bear Valley. We are hoping for most popular; or Maddelena Ranch, Feather River Land Trust migrants. Bring lunch and liquids. Weather is unpredictable. try Yuba River Inn Sierra Valley (530‒862‒1122) with cabins and kitchenettes (cash or check only). Bassett’s Station (530‒862‒1297) at Highway 49 and Gold Lake Road has some accommodations and meals. Also, in Calpine is Sierra Valley Lodge (530‒994‒3367 or 800‒858‒0322). More listings are at www.sierracity.com/Stay/ LodgingCamp.html Campgrounds are located at Yuba Pass and Chapman Creek downhill to the west. Sites are available first come/first serve for only three days at a time. Longer term Point Reyes. Lighthouse reservations can be made at 877‒444‒6777, but there is an additional $10 charge for this service. After June 13 call Wild National Park Service photo Birds Unlimited (925‒798‒0303) for information.

Come birding with us. You are welcome! Field trips are open to members and non-members, beginners and advanced birders. Weather or other contingencies may require changes. For updates, visit the MDAS website at www.diabloaudubon. com/index/php. Because most trips do not return until late afternoon, bring a lunch and drink and join us during our midday break. Category ➊: Easy, little or no walking, smooth paths Category ➋: Moderate, one mile or more, possibly rough terrain Category ➌: Difficult, extensive walking on rough terrain. Carpool location: Sun Valley—Southwest corner of the Sun Valley Mall parking lot at Willow Pass Road and Contra Costa Boulevard in Concord.

View from the new wildlife viewing platform, Maddelena Ranch, Sierra Valley. Note the plaque acknowledging the sponsorship of MDAS. Photo by Gabe Miller the Quail —3— June 2011 members and four guests had a very suc- Trip Reports cessful trip up Mines Road, finding 71 North Briones, April 18. Seven members species. Flower viewing was limited, due NEWS had a good day birding in spite of cool to the tall grass. Highlights were: Black- FROM weather and a few sprinkles. Wildflowers headed Grosbeak, Yellow-billed Magpie, WILD BIRDS were beautiful as always with 25 species Bullock’s Oriole and Eurasian Collared- identified. Bush lupine were especially in Dove at Murietta’s Well; Western and UNLIMITED peak bloom. For birds, blue-gray gnat- Clark’s Grebes, White-throated Swifts and catcher provided good looks and was a Bald Eagle nest with two adults at Del even a life bird for one member. Cedar Valle Regional Park; a California Thrasher Birdfood Sale Waxwings circled overhead several times. being kicked off its perch by two male June 1 – June 19 We watched a Golden Eagle eating prey, Phainopeplas at MP 5.75; a Green Heron Saturday, June 4 Native Bird Connections possibly a gopher, on the ground above and Greater Yellowlegs at our lunch spot will be presenting programs with live birds. Sindicich Lagoon. We were able to ob- near MP 17.6; Lawrence’s Goldfinches, serve pairs of Lark Sparrows and Horned Chipping Sparrow and Western Bluebird Lark at very close range. 51 species of at The Junction; and Lewis’s Woodpecker, Birdfeeding Tips birds were seen or heard. Cheryl Abel Wood Ducks and another adult Bald Eagle  Change the nectar in hummingbird and Del Puerto Canyon April 21. Mount on San Antonio Valley Road. oriole feeders every 3‒5 days to prevent Diablo Audubon’s field trip to Del Puerto A coincidental sighting at The Junction mold. Make 2‒3 quarts of nectar at one canyon continues to be a very popular was of former member John Ascher. As a time. Rinse out and refill your feeders every event. 17 participants turned out on a teenager in the late 80s, he quickly became 3-5 days. Keep the rest of the nectar in the cool and changeable weather day. With a one of the premier birders in MDAS. John, refrigerator. You will then have minimal brief stop en route at the Westley rest stop now living in New York City, was visiting problems with mold. A ratio of 5 parts on Interstate 5, notables found included his sister in Livermore. We were able to water to one part sugar is suitable if you Loggerhead Shrike, Western Kingbird and show the Lawrence’s Goldfinches to him, are feeding both species. If you are only Eurasian Collared-Dove. Moving up Del his wife, Chaoyan, their 13-month-old feeding hummers, you can use a 4:1 ratio. Puerto canyon from the lower easterly end, son, Michael, and to John’s brother-in-law,  Please report all oriole and grosbeak the action quickly picked up; highlights Dale. They joined us for what proved to sightings. included sightings of Chipping, Rufous- be a long and difficult hunt for the Lewis’s  Lesser Goldfinches continue to visit crowned and Lark Sparrows, Bullock’s Woodpecker. Hugh B. Harvey feeders throughout the summer. Keep Oriole, and Bewick’s, House, Canyon and Mitchell Canyon, April 28. Twenty-nine those thistle feeders full. Rock Wrens. Near Graffiti Rock we were birders came to bird Mitchell Canyon on not disappointed with very accommodating a clear, comfortable day. We saw 57 spe- views of a Costa’s Hummingbird at 15 feet. cies typical of the oaks, riparian areas, Farther on, a pair of Phainopeplas put in a grasslands, and chaparral of Mount Diablo. showy appearance for us. At Owl Rock we Highlights were Olive-sided Flycatcher, found a family of Great Horned Owls (an Hammond’s Flycatcher, Ash-throated adult with 3 owlets) perched in one of the Flycatcher, Bushtit nest, Blue-grey Gnat- numerous holes in the cliff face. Lunch was catcher, California Thrasher, Nashville and enjoyed at Frank Raines Park where a pair of Hermit Warblers, Western Tanager, Sage Cooper’s Hawks provided an entertaining Sparrow, and probably the last Golden- We are receiving some reports of flyover. At the junction with Mines Road crowned Sparrow of the season in beautiful Hooded and Bullock’s Orioles visiting nectar we turned south on San Antonio Road for feeders in Contra Costa County. Most of the breeding plumage. Maury Stern sightings have been males, with only a few around a mile to look for Lewis’s Wood- Fernandez Ranch, May 3. Eighteen bird- females being seen. The Hooded nest pri- pecker and Wood Duck, both of which ers enjoyed a beautiful day on a new trip marily in fan palm trees, while the Bullock’s were found. Notable here too we observed a for MDAS to Fernandez Ranch. Everyone like to make their nests at the end of limbs. Please report all sights to (925) 798-0303. Ferruginous Hawk wheeling above us. After agreed the Muir Heritage Land Trust made There have only been a few reports of retracing our route back to the Junction a good choice in preserving this property. store for well earned refreshment, we added Black-headed Grosbeaks so far this year. We found Hutton’s Vireo and Lesser Gold- Both males and females are being seen at Lawrence’s Goldfinch found feeding on finch nests. Oak Titmouse and Dark-eyed backyard feeders. Their favorite foods are adjacent fiddleneck plants, and completed Junco were feeding fledglings. A possible sunflower, Bark Butter and suet. our sightings list. All told we managed to Golden Eagle was seen in the distance. It observe or hear 74 species. David Hutton was interesting to watch a Red-tailed Hawk m Mines Road, April 23. Spring is different dive-bomb a Wild Turkey several times. 45 Mike and Cecil Williams every year and this year has proved to be species of birds were seen or heard. Several Wild Birds Unlimited no different. We do not usually have rain well-rounded naturalists were in the group 692 Contra Costa Blvd. into the third week of April, so many of so we studied the many wildflowers and Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, 925-798-0303 the birds are not quite here yet. Still, three butterflies as well. Cheryl Abel Visit us at www.wbupleasanthill.com the Quail —4— June 2011 Haitsma, HH Hugh Harvey, BH Bob His- lop, TH Tim Howe, DH David Hutton, Observations By Maury Stern T&CK Ted & Christine Koundakjian, SL Steve Lombardi, CL Calvin Lou, MP Mi- Submit Contra Costa County sightings to Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are common chael Park, TR Ted Robertson, PR Phila [email protected] or (925) 284-5980 or in Mitchell Canyon with one nesting pair Rogers, P&NS Paul and Nancy Schorr, JS send to EBB [email protected]. observed 5/1, JD, MD. Judi Sierra, W&KT Will and Kate Taylor, Q DH saw a Western Bluebird in an oak DW Denise Wight. The migrant season is going strong at his house in Walnut Creek for a new with the return of many of the breeding yard bird on 5/3. birds from the south, birds going north or Swainson’s Thrushes returned 5/6 to 23 Organizations into the mountains, and the departure of Tilden RP and Mitchell Canyon. JD. Sign Letter most of the wintering birds. Many are sing- California Thrashers Reprinted from ing in the chaparral in our area. A Pileated Woodpecker was seen in The Burrow Guardian Pine Canyon on an MDAS Field trip 4/9. Nashville Warblers were seen in On April 6, 2011 the Burrowing Owl There was a previous sighting there about Mitchell Canyon 4/24, ZB, 4/30, MD; and Conservation Network (BOCN) delivered 15 years ago. The closest known occasion- in their Antioch yard for a new yard bird a letter to Governor Jerry Brown, California al sightings are in Canyon near Pinehurst on 5/1 and 5/2. P&NS. S e c r e t a r y and at Redwood Regional Park near the Hermit Warblers were at Mitchell for Natural Skyline Gate. Canyon 4/28, HH, and 4/30, MD. Re s ource s A male Black Scoter was seen in the DW saw a MacGillivray’s Warbler John Laird, Richmond Marina on 4/18 by RB, MP, and near the Inspiration Point parking lot on and Direc- DW. 4/18 and JA saw one at Mitchell Canyon 5/4. tor of the DW also saw an adult Bald Eagle over Western Tanagers were at Mitchell Department the San Pablo Reservoir on 4/18. Canyon on 4/24, ZB, 4/30, MD, at Tilden of Fish and Golden Eagles were seen on a bike Nature area on 5/6. PR. Game John ride up North Gate Road at Mount Diablo Rufous-crowned Sparrows were McCamman urging for the immediate SP by BH on 4/14 and near Mitchell Can- at Mitchell Canyon 4/15, DW, Black development and release for public com- yon by MD on 5/7. Diamond Mines 5/6, P&NS, and the Big ment a Burrowing Owl Comprehensive A Peregrine Falcon was at Castle Springs Trail in Tilden RP on 5/6. T&CK. Conservation Strategy that will facilitate Rock on 4/9, JS, and 5/1, TR. Chipping Sparrows returned to the maintenance of viable burrowing owl populations in California, help prevent the KB saw Vaux’s Swifts fly over her La- Mitchell Canyon 4/24, ZB, and Pine Can- fayette home on 4/25 and MD saw them at yon 5/1, TR. further elimination of breeding pairs and Mitchell Canyon 4/30. Sage Sparrows were seen along White population declines across the state, and form a solid foundation by which regional A vis- Canyon in MDSP by ZB on 4/24. Black-chinned Hummingbird and statewide population recovery and ited W&KT’s Martinez home 4/10, and SL saw Grasshopper Sparrows in Las habitat protections can be achieved. JC’s Moraga home 4/16. Trampas RP on 5/5. BOCN’s letter was a joint effort with in migra- HH saw the long-present White- Calliope Hummingbirds Defenders of Wildlife and was signed by 22 tion were seen by many at Indian Paint throated Sparrow at Heather Farm until other California organizations representing Brush in White Canyon near Mitchell 5/1. more than 209,000 Californians who have Canyon 4/15‒4/30. ZB, MD, DW. Lazuli Buntings were widespread af- a vested interest in the conservation of the This was a big season for Rufous ter 4/24. western burrowing owl. with one staying at DH’s Both and Hummingbirds Hooded Bullock Oriole Because development and urbanization Walnut Creek home from 3/18‒4/28. pairs have been visiting JC’s feeders in are drastically reducing suitable habitats P&NS, L-MH, MS. Moraga since late March. used for nesting, roosting and foraging, Olive-sided Flycatchers rebounded Pine Siskins were at the Oursan Trail and the control of fossorial mammals ( e. from low numbers to many sightings in near the Briones Dam on 4/26, JS, and on g. ground squirrels) are eliminating bur- Tilden RP, Black Diamond RP, Sibley RP, Mount Diablo 4/27, CA. rows for which this species relies upon Mitchell Canyon from 4/19 on. ZB, MD, Lawrence’s Goldfinches were at year-round for all aspects of their survival, TH, PR, P&NS, MS, ZB. Pine Canyon 5/1, TR, and Tilden Park Big California’s population has witnessed dras- Many Hammond’s Flycatchers came Springs and Seaview Trails on 5/6, T&CK, tic declines over the last thirty years. In through Mitchell Canyon from 4/15, with and 5/8, TR. 2009 surveys found the Imperial Valley as many as 5. DW on 4/15. ZB, MD, JD. CA Cheryl Abel, JA Jeff Acuff, ZB burrowing owl population had declined by Many House Wrens have been seen Zach Baer, KB Kristen Baker, RB Richard more than 36% and a report published in at Mitchell Canyon with some exploring Broadwell, JC Judi Cooper, MD Matthew 2010 found pairs in the San Francisco Bay nesting holes. MOS. Dodder, JD Jay Dodge, L-MH Liede-Marie Area Interior region declined by nearly 28%. the Quail —5— June 2011 A Quarter-Century Ago carry out initial phases of this important be prime open space. At the present rate From the June 1986 Quail activity. Kent Fickett, a well-known MDAS of population growth, our parks will be member will serve as a member of the totally inadequate—what legacy will we Conservation Notes Committee. be leaving? Maybe terrorism by-products By Al McNabney Water, Water Everywhere— will produce thoughts that may eventually Shell Marsh Will it Always Be? turn our view of parkland acquisition and To birds who will be looking to Shell Marsh The State Water Resources Control Board maintenance to a better way. for a place to rest, nest, and feed on their has started the process of updating exist- next trek south—what do we say? Do we ing water policy. An important hearing will extend the invitation to come back next involve future allocations and uses of the year, or do we end up destroying a smallish State’s waters. The Committee for Water but important wetland? The Planning Com- Policy Consensus, of which MDAS is a mission, City of Martinez has, in a show of member, is involved in developing policy understanding, turned down the applica- positions. Watch this activity for its results tion of the Development Co. to convert will play a major role in the future of life part of the marsh and surrounding hills into of the Bay. a business park. But the developer will be Terrorism—U.S. Parks and You* back before the Planning Commission in Visitors to U.S. Parks are likely to find May to further argue that a business park reservations for accommodations cannot will enhance the property and will be good be obtained. All sold out due to increased (or at least not bad) for wildlife. U.S. tourism. Visitors to some parks will Sketch: Megan Sandri County General Plan to be find management differences, since Park Updated Administration and or facilities have * History.com: On April 14, 1986, the United MDAS and other groups interested in life been leased out. With increased visitation States launched air strikes against Libya (human and wild) have called for a major to parks we hope the people will give a in retaliation for the Libyan sponsorship update of the County General Plan. A thought to the future. Our population is of terrorism against American troops and broadbased advisory committee has been growing. Forest lands are being gobbled citizens. Five military targets and “terrorism called for by the CCC Board of Supervisors up in huge chunks for timber products; centers” were hit, including the headquar- and the committee is being established to developers have bought up what used to ters of Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi. American Kestrel Falco sparverius “Every one knows the suffering its beautiful tail to vi- Sparrow-Hawk, the very mention of its name brate gently for awhile, its wings never fails to bring to mind some anecdote being closed with the swiftness connected with its habits, and, as it commits of thought. Its keen eye perceives no depredations on poultry, few disturb it, something beneath, when down so that the natural increase of the species it darts, secures the object in its experiences no check from man. During talons, returns to its stand, and the winter months especially it may be seen devours its prey piece by piece. in the Southern States about every old field, This done, the little hunter rises orchard, barn-yard, or kitchen-garden, but in the air, describes a few circles, seldom indeed in the interior of the forest. moves on directly, balances itself “Beautifully erect, it stands on the high- steadily by a tremulous motion American Kestrel est fence-stake, the broken top of a tree, the of its wings, darts towards the earth, but, summit of a grain stack, or the corner of as if disappointed, checks its course, reas- and wings to fall to the ground, where they the barn, patiently and silently waiting until cends and proceeds. Some unlucky Finch may apprise the traveller that a murder has it espies a mole, a field-mouse, a cricket, crosses the field beneath it. The Hawk has been committed.” John J. Audubon or a grasshopper, on which to pounce. If marked it, and, anxious to secure its prize, Kestrels need open space where grass- disappointed in its expectation, it leaves sweeps after it; the chase is soon ended, hoppers, voles and other preferred prey are its stand and removes to another, flying for the poor affrighted and panting bird plentiful, but also where perches such as low and swiftly until within a few yards of becomes the prey of the ruthless pursuer, fences and power poles are available, where the spot on which it wishes to alight, when who, unconscious of wrong, carries it off to they wait for prey to come into view. They all of a sudden, and in the most graceful some elevated branch of a tall tree, plucks also prefer forested areas nearby, because manner, it rises towards it and settles with it neatly, tears the flesh asunder, and having they use abandoned woodpecker nests— incomparable firmness of manner, merely eaten all that it can pick, allows the skeleton they seldom build their own. the Quail —6— June 2011 Ornithology A perfect summer day is when the Opportunities sun is shining, The 2011 Mono Basin Bird Chautau- the breeze is blowing, qua is a birding festival of a different sort. the birds are singing, The usual field trips and workshops are and the lawn mower is broken.. available, but also, in the American tradition James Dent of Chatauqua, you will find cultural events, such as musical performances and presen- tations on astronomical research. Friday Mount Diablo Audubon Society through Sunday June 17‒19 at Lee Vining, meets on the first Thursday of each month, California. www.birdchautauqua.org except July and August, in the Camellia Western Field Ornithologists Con- Room of The Gardens at Heather Farms, ference. Sierra Vista, Arizona, August 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. 17‒21. If you’ve never been to southeast Everyone is invited. Arizona during the late summer season (or even if you have), this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Besides a program of speakers and workshops, field trips to southeast Arizona hotspots will be offered. Look for Scaled and Montezuma Quail, Zone-tailed Hawks, a dazzling variety of Dana Gardner’s scratchboard drawings hummingbirds and flycatchers, Elegant commissioned for the Breeding Bird Atlas Trogon, Red-faced Warbler, and Cassin’s, of Contra Costa County are available at Botteri’s, Rufous-winged, and Five-striped meetings of Mount Diablo Audubon Soci- Sparrows. To register and see full details ety, or by calling Diane Malucelli, our Sales go to www.westernfieldornithologists.org. Manager, at 925-674-0920. This original art Monterey Bay Birding Festival. is signed by the artist and is ready for fram- September 22‒25, Watsonville. The Mon- ing. The Olive-sided Flycatcher is priced at terey Bay Birding Festival, home of one of $40; others are priced between $40 and $75. Among he books that this renowned the most spectacular birding and wildlife MDAS Board of Directors venues in North America, is designed for artist has illustrated are Birds of Costa Rica, President: Jimm Edgar, 510-658-2330 birders of all levels and offers a unique op- by F. Gary Stiles and Alexander Skutch, Vice President: Mike Williams, 798-0303 portunity to explore, learn and appreciate The Minds of Birds and Origins of Nature’s [email protected] world-class habitats such as the Monterey Beauty, by Alexander Skutch. Learn more Treasurer: Steve Buffi, 938-0929 about Dana Gardner at gardnerbirds.com. Board Secretary: Diana Granados Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Elk- [email protected] horn Slough National Estuarine Research All proceeds go to the education and Corresponding Secretary Barbara Vaughn Reserve. www.montereybaybirding.org conservation programs of the Society. 376-8732 Sales Manager: Diane Malucelli, 674-0920 Programs: Alice Holmes, 938-1581 MDAS MEMBERSHIP/RENEWAL APPLICATION [email protected] Field Trips: Hugh Harvey, 935-2979 c Please enroll my family and me as a member of Mount Diablo Audubon Society Membership: Beverley Walker, 952-9925 for $25 for one year. Your membership dues are tax deductible. Volunteer Coordinator: c I’m enclosing an additional tax-deductible donation of $______. Moses de los Reyes, 755-3734 c For an additional $20 (new NAS members only), please enroll me in the National Hospitality: Gerry Argenal, 768-6325 Audubon Society. Education: Cecil Williams, 796-0303 [email protected] Please send The Quail by: c US mail c E-mail______Webmaster: Betts Sanderson [email protected] Name______Chapter Development: Paul Schorr, 757-5107 [email protected] Christmas Count: Jimm Edgar, 510-658-2330 City, State______Zip______Breeding Bird Atlas Marketing: Phone ( ____ )______E-mail______Ann McGregor, 968-1677 Member-at-Large: Brian Murphy, 937-8835 Please make your check payable to: Jean Richmond, 837-2843 MT. DIABLO AUDUBON SOCIETY and mail with this application to: Quail Editor: Ellis Myers, 284-4103 Membership Chair 1932 Golden Rain Road #4 Walnut Creek, CA 94595 [email protected] 215 Calle La Mesa Moraga, CA 94556-1603 the Quail —7— June 2011 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

Yellow-headed Caracara along the banks of the Río Grande de Tárcoles, Costa Rica. Photo by Norm Kirshen.

This story Costa Rica begins on Page 1 ley where the Resplendent Quetzal lives usually saw between 90 and 110 bird species in the oak and avocado forests; Riparian per day with a low of 32 and a high of 118. habitat and Mangrove Forest near the Rio The Resplendent Quetzal was the Tarcoles, Carara National Park and Villa highlight bird for most, but the many par- Lapas; Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest in rots, macaws, King Vultures, Jabiru Storks, Guanacaste Province and the Hacienda motmots, and an amazing variety of colorful Solimar Ranch where the Jabiru storks nest; tanagers and hummingbirds as well as owls Tropical Moist Forest at Rancho Naturalista and raptors were enjoyed as well. in the Turrialba Valley on the Caribbean Many bird families and species were side; Tropical Rain Forest at Sueno Azul unfamiliar to us, for ex- near La Selva Biological Sta- ample: tinamous, guans, Resplendent Quetzal. Photo by Norm Kirshen. tion where the Great Green limpkins, thicknees, potoos, we had started our trip, we stopped in San Macaws hang out; Sarapiqui puffbirds, barbets, toucans, Ramon, a town of 50,000 with about 200 and the San Carlos plain on woodcreepers, spinetails, North Americans, and met Edwin’s wife Sora the way to Arenal Volcano antbirds and antshrikes, and his daughter Fabiola. in the Premontane Tropical tityras, cotingas, manakins, Rain Forest. bananaquits, oropendulas Eco-tourism is the number one industry Seeing the birds was our and euphonias. in Costa Rica–ahead of pineapple and coffee growing and electronics. Costa Rica is a safe primary objective, but we On our way back to the and easily-traveled country with friendly also saw monkeys, sloths, Bougainvillea Hotel where Eyelash Pit Viper, two types people (Ticos). Most of us will be returning of iguana, basilisk whiptails, Eyelash Pit Viper at Arenal there again. We’ll return to say “Pura Vida”– crocodiles, caimans, anteat- Hanging Bridges. Photo by which in Costa Rica means: hello, good day, theers, coatis Quail and agoutis. We Paul—8— Schorr good life, thank you and much Junemore. 2011