The OBSERVER Sacramento Audubon Society

THE 13TH ANNUAL GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT General Meeting FEBRUARY 12-15 2010 Thursday, February 18, 2010 The Great Backyard Bird Count is coming up soon. The Great Backyard Bird Count is Shepard Garden and Art Center a great way for people of all ages to connect with nature. Audubon and Cornell invite 7pm General Meeting you to get involved, February 12-15–President’s Day weekend. It’s easy–just count the Audubon California birds in your backyard, local park or another location and report what you see online Working to Protect California Birds at www.birdcount.org. Taking part in the GBBC helps give scientists important infor- mation about birds and the environment we share. When you volunteer to help you Audubon California is building a bet- become part of a large team of Citizen Scientists across the country. You can see what ter future for California by bringing people birds are being reported in your own neighborhood and throughout the United States together to appreciate, enjoy and protect our and Canada by visiting www.birdcount.org. You can count anywhere you choose–at a spectacular outdoor treasures. As a dynamic local park, a school yard, even a city garden. field program of the National Audubon The SAS Education Committee has many events planned to get our Sacramento area Society with more than 50 affiliated chapters, checklist numbers up. Last year for Sacramento alone, 112 species and 216 checklist Audubon California is able to provide a rich were reported making it the number one city in California for checklists! This year’s outdoor experience for more than 100,000 goal is to get to the top ten cities in the USA! Not so far away, since number ten last members and supporters and at the same year was Wilmington, North Carolina with 250 cheklists, so let’s get everyone out time promote a variety of robust conservation counting this year! programs to protect birds, wildlife and habitat across the state. To start with, we have a series of Backyard Birds Workshops planned around the Sacramento area. These workshops include a 15 minute PowerPoint presentation Audubon’s mission is to conserve and about the GBBC followed by a 30 minute introduction to the birds of our Sacramento restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, area backyards. Appropriate for ages 8 and up. Note the special children’s event in other wildlife, and their habitats for the Old Town Sacramento. benefit of humanity and the earth’s biologi- cal diversity. Audubon California is a non- Workshop Remaining for this Year: partisan, non-profit organization responsible Saturday, February 6, 2pm, South Natomas Library for raising its own funds and setting its own Other Public Event: strategic course in California. It has a board of directors that serves in an advisory capac- Sunday, February 7, 1pm, Kid GBBC Workshop Trailmix in Old Town ity, and helps to guide and support its work. Sacramento, 116B I Street, right across from the California Train Museum. Audubon California focuses on three key strat- GBBC Field Trips continued on page 6 egies to accomplish its goals: * Direct conservation as well as at the state level on Audubon’s For more information about Audubon * Policy & advocacy priority projects for the Central Valley California, log on to: ca.audubon.org * Education & outreach and Sierra Nevada. Sacramento Audubon meetings are Jordan Wellwood is Audubon California’s Jordan will discuss the major threats held the third Thursday of the month at Conservation Coordinator for the Central that birds face in California and what the Shepard Garden and Arts Center in Valley and Sierra Nevada. She assumed that Audubon California is doing to protect McKinley Park. The public is welcome. position in January 2009. Prior to Audubon, the landscapes that birds will need in Visit our website Jordan worked on conservation policy in order to thrive in the future. She will also www.sacramentoaudubon.org and click Sacramento. She holds an Honors Bachelors of share opportunities for local citizens to on Society Info/Meetings, for further Environmental Studies from the University of get involved and make a real difference in information, including a map and direc- Waterloo in Canada. Jordan works with local their communities. tions. chapters on a variety of conservation projects, Lea Landry, Program Chair

VOLUME 62 • NO. 2 FEBRUARY 2010 Field Trip Findings River Bend Park (1/13) — ”Leader Cathie Merganser and Horned Grebe for the trip, eral flyovers of mixed flock of Snow and LaZier reported: “No one showed up commenting “Fun time for all 12 people Greater White-fronted Geese. Their calls for the morning bird walk so I birded by who attended, Thanks to Ron Storey who were music to our ears. As usual, a good myself. Disregarding the weather fore- led the trip.” day out at the Bypass.” cast of rain until noon, the sun cast Sandhill Cranes and Other Wintering Bobelaine Audubon Sanctuary (1/2) a clear light on 47 species of birds, Birds of the Sacramento Valley (1/9) — — Leader Brian Gilmore reported that on including a pair of Great Horned Owls, a Coordinator Mike Savino reported: “Thirty an overcast day, highlights for eight bird- Red-breasted Sapsucker and an Anna’s visitors joined us for this Audubon/SOS ers was a Great Horned Owl, plus Snow Hummingbird busy with very early nest Cranes “crane tour.” Paul Tebbel began Geese and Tundra swan flyovers. construction. There were also three river the tour with a talk about crane behavior. Coastal Birding (12/26) — Leader Scott otters, an impressive variety of mush- (We did not see any cranes on Franklin Hoppe reported: “Six intrepid birders set rooms and two horsehair worms.” Blvd. or Desmond Road and were begin- out for the San Francisco Bay Area on this Salt Springs Valley (1/10) — Tim Fitzer, ning to think the tour would be a flop.) post Christmas Day trip, under threats of co-leader with Mark Martucci, reported: We then took our guests for a short rain. And we were not disappointed. The “Fog surrounded the lake but not the hike on the Wetlands Walk across from weather held and we tallied 84 species. valley. Highlights included 7 Ferruginous the Cosumnes River Preserve’s Visitors Highlights included: great views of 3 Hawks, 5 Bald Eagles, 2 Prairie Falcons, Center while Paul went looking for the Clapper Rails at Martin Luther King, Jr. 1 Rough-legged Hawk, 2 Burrowing Owls, cranes. We saw a wide variety of ducks Regional Shoreline in Oakland, a pair of Rock Wren, Red-breasted Sapsucker. A and some other birds while we waited for Peregrine Falcons strafing shorebirds at fun time for 21 participants.” Paul to call. He called us from Woodbridge the same location, a Burrowing Owl also Hot Birding Spots in the North Bay (1/9) Road where the cranes were found in at MLK and nearly 1,000 Bonaparte’s — Leader Ron Storey reported: “We met great abundance. We then drove in car- Gulls at Palo Alto Baylands. At Charleston at the parking lot of Shollenberger Park avan style down to Woodbridge Road Slough, we discovered a Sora out in the in Petaluma, but we did not birdwatch at where we saw thousands of Sandhill open on mud flats near some reeds. Shollenberger Park. Instead, we drove a Cranes, White-fronted geese, and Tundra Soon, another Sora crept out of the short distance and parked in the parking Swans. A close-up look at a White-tailed reeds onto the flats, and then the two lot for the new Ellis Creek area, adjacent Kite was a highlight for many of us. It engaged in a short aerial battle, ending to Shollenberger to the south. There looked like all our guests, some from the with one retreating to the reeds and the everyone saw Swamp Sparrow (after a Bay Area, were very pleased.” other holding its ground on the flats. Also long wait), Merlin, Sora, Mew Gull, and Yolo Wildlife Area (1/5) — Leader Marlene at Charleston Slough we saw 3 Black Blue-winged Teal. After lunch we drove to Ishihara reported: “Despite the fog, eight Skimmers, which were life birds for some Port Sonoma where an Eastern Phoebe participants saw 41 species of birds. The in the group. After Charleston Slough, 2 had been reported the previous day, usual ducks, shorebirds, blackbirds, and of the group dropped out and the rest of but we struck out and could not find the sparrows were present. But, the highlight us stopped at Lake Merritt in Oakland, Phoebe. From Port Sonoma we drove to was the large flock of Tundra Swans rest- adding Barrow’s Goldeneye, Redhead the Corte Madera Marsh where everyone ing in a distant northeast corner of the and Ring-necked Duck to our list. As we got excellent looks at Clapper Rail.” auto loop. Scope views were attempted were leaving and calling it a day, the rains Trip coordinator Tim Fitzer added but difficult to single out a possible came.” Greater and Lesser Scaup, Red-breasted Bewick’s. And, we were delighted by sev- Pete Hayes

2009-2010 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT RESULTS BY AREA

Folsom heard of some of the excellent finds, I Ferruginous Hawks, 4 Merlins, 2 Peregrine Jan. 3–Compiler Chris Conard reported: thought we might break the 150 barrier this Falcons, 10 Prairie Falcons (a new count “The 31st Folsom CBC was held January 3, time. But it was not to be. Our total was high), Mew Gull, Thayer’s Gull, Glaucous- 2010. This year there were 75 participants- a respectable 138 (within an historic range winged Gull (overall gull numbers were well -the second highest in count history (there of 123-146). There were several standouts down, around 10,000, probably resulting were 79 in the count’s first year). The 8 area this year. These include the count’s first from the paucity of salmon), 2 Western leaders did an admirable job further divid- Red-throated Loon, a Northern Pygmy- Screech-Owls, at least two Great Horned ing their areas into a total of 26 sub-groups, Owl (the first since 1994), a Red-naped Owls already sitting on nests, 2 Burrowing each with at least one experienced leader. Sapsucker, which is the first since 1995, a Owls, 64 Lewis’s Woodpeckers, a Hairy The count obviously wouldn’t be possible Northern Shrike at Beal’s Point (5th count Woodpecker, Common Raven (2 areas, and without the participants, but the great work record), Sage Sparrows (private property), for the 2nd year in a row, but only the 4th of the area and sub-area leaders can’t be and Lawrence’s Goldfinches. Also new for count record), 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, overstated. Thank you. the count, but far less of a highlight, were a Golden-crowned Kinglets (often missed), total of 5 Eurasian Collared-Doves. Mountain Bluebirds (two locations), 1 “Last year we reached 146 species (the Varied Thrush, California Thrasher, 3 highest count total so far), and when I “Other highlights included 7 Common Loons, several Ospreys and Bald Eagles, 10 Orange-crowned Warblers (easy to miss),

Page 2 FEBRUARY 2010 101 Phainopeplas (2nd count high), a of this species: zero for 2002-2005, 2 in “The only record low count was for White-throated Sparrow, and at least 100 2006, 13 in 2007, 7 in 2008, and 102 this American Coot. Yellow-billed Magpies Tricolored Blackbirds. year. Where will it peak?” seemed to rebound for the first time since the arrival of West Nile Virus, but Oak “Despite the great finds and good finds, Sacramento misses were plentiful: geese other than Timouse numbers remained depressed. Cackling and Canada, Tundra Swan, Dec. 29–Compiler Mark Cudney reported Thanks to all the area leaders, potluck orga- Cinnamon Teal, Canvasback, Black- that the Sacramento Christmas Count nizers, and others who helped make this a crowned Night-Heron, Rough-legged netted 157 species. “This was not as great CBC!” Hawk, Golden Eagle (count week), Long- high as our record-setting performance Stockton billed Dowitcher, rare gulls, Band-tailed in 2007 of 163 species, but still one of Pigeon, Steller’s Jay, any swallows, Red- the highest inland counts in the coun- Dec. 20–Compiler Jim Rowoth reported: breasted Nuthatch or Brown Creeper, try,” he said. “Species of note included 3 “What started out as a cold, gray winter Canyon Wren, Common Yellowthroat, Eurasian Wigeons, one Greater Scaup, one day ended up with blue skies and pleasant Vesper Sparrow, and Pine Siskin. Common Loon, one Lesser Yellowlegs, 10 temps. Our unofficial species count is 143; Western Sandpipers, one Glaucous Gull, biggest misses--Western Sandpiper, Rough- “I haven’t added up all of the numbers on one Violet-green Swallow, two Brown all species yet, but one that stands out is 94 legged Hawk, Varied Thrush, Burrowing Creepers, two Winter Wrens, one Blue- Owl, Hutton’s Vireo, Prairie Falcon, Yellow-billed Magpies. After an average of gray Gnatcatcher, one Varied Thrush, one ~150, numbers went 67, 41, 47, 72, and, Swainson’s Hawk. This last species used Phainopepla, one Black-throated Gray to be “our” specialty, our count providing now 94. Not to read too much into this, Warbler, four Townsend’s Warblers, two but an encouraging trend all the same. the first documented evidence that not all Chipping Sparrows, two White-throated Swainson’s head for the Argentine pampas “It was a great day to be in the field, with Sparrows, one Pine Siskin, and one Western for winter. Swainson’s Hawk are now show- weather about as good as you could expect Tanager. Species that we have seen in the ing up on other area CBCs, while we have on a CBC. Thanks again to all who partici- past but missed this year included Redhead missed them the past few years. pated, and especially to the area and sub- (although seen count week), Clark’s Grebe, “Highlights were Winter Wren, Short-eared area leaders.” Cattle Egret, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Owl, Western Grebe, Redhead, Peregrine Hutton’s Vireo (ugh), Purple Finch. Thanks Lincoln Falcon, Townsend’s Warbler, Hooded to the well-organized area leaders and all 66 Merganser, Mountain Bluebird, American Dec. 30–Compiler Ed Pandolfino reported: participants.” “The Lincoln CBC was conducted for Avocet (highest number ever), Rock Wren, the 8th year on December 30 in excellent Putah Creek American White Pelican, Thayer’s Gull, weather (in stark contrast to the forecast). Dec. 20–Compiler Steve Hampton report- and possible Black Rail. New to the count We had 96 people in the field (and 20 more ed: “The 2009 Putah Creek Christmas Bird was Violet-green Swallow, found among counting at their feeders) and recorded 136 Count had 72 participants, who counted a flock of Tree Swallows by the intrepid species. This species total was just over our birds in decent weather thru most of the Sacramento AS team on Staten Island. Our average with two new species added to the day. By late afternoon, the clouds turned unofficial final tally of birds is 185,723 cumulative list (Red-breasted Merganser to rain, but most of the teams were nearly individuals. Thanks to the 52 counters who and Black-throated Gray Warbler). A male done by then. We logged 164 party hours came out to spend the day in the field for Mountain Bluebird was found north of (the same as last year) and traveled 78 miles our 42nd annual Stockton count.” Lincoln, just the second time that species on foot, 230 miles by car, 8 miles by boat, Woodfords has been found on this count. and 5 miles by bike. Thirteen hours owling Dec. 19–Dan Brown reported: “Thanks was the most in many years. “We counted a Lincoln CBC record of very much to all for the help on a nice over 192,000 individuals. Even adjusting “We found 142 species, again the same December day in the High Sierra! And a for party hours, this is a new record for us. as last year. We added one new species special thanks to Dave Kirby at Woodfords This total was mainly driven by outstanding to the count, Ross’s Goose, and one new Station for the great pie and sandwiches! numbers of geese (Greater White-fronted subspecies, “Slate-colored” Fox Sparrow. “I have tallied up the count and the spe- and Snow Geese mainly) and Red-winged This latter issue is under review, as the cies total stands at 81. This is a little better Blackbirds. The total for Greater White- subspecies we are finding appears to be than average, according to my records. The fronted Geese was over 27,000 and the altavagans, which some consider (and pos- highlight was the Northern Pygmy-Owl Snow Goose total was over 35,000. The sibly report as) “Red” Fox Sparrow. Record found near the Woodfords Store early in white-front number was a record even high counts were set for 13 species: Wood the morning by Dan Williams and Terry adjusting for party hours. We counted Duck, Clark’s Grebe, Red-shouldered Thomas! COOL! Also notable were 190 409 Red-tailed Hawks, a new high even Hawk, Merlin, Virginia Rail, Eurasian Pinyon Jays, 1 Northern Goshawk and accounting for party hours and likely to Collared-Dove (from 2 to 31 to 120 in the 1 Peregrine Falcon (new for the count, get us the top count for this species of all last three years), Acorn Woodpecker (for the according to my records), 2 Loggerhead 2000 North American CBCs (we were the third year in a row), Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Shrikes and 16 Bushtits. Lowlights were top count for red-tails once before). Right American Crow, Common Raven, White- the very low numbers of all birds (except in line with current trends throughout breasted Nuthatch, Northern Mockingbird, Pinyon Jay) and the discovery of Eurasian the Central Valley, we hit new highs for and Orange-crowned Warbler. We also had Collared Doves in downtown Markleeville, Eurasian Collared-dove, Common Raven, a 3rd ever count record of “Pink-sided” also new for the count.” and Great-tailed Grackle. Our collared-dove Junco. Our 628 Lark Sparrows was the numbers reflect the phenomenal explosion highest in 25 years.

FEBRUARY 2010 Page 3 Field Trips Field Trip Information For questions regarding the trip or checking the status of the trip in case of unfavorable weather conditions, please call the trip leader first. If he or she cannot be reached, call the scheduler Richard Barbieri, 966-4603, [email protected] for trips through March 7th. After March 8th call the scheduler Mark Martucci, 833-6722, [email protected]. Due to insurance requirements, Sacramento Audubon leaders are not allowed to organize ridesharing/carpools. Participants are, however, encouraged to voluntarily share rides. Any carpool arrangements are private agreements between the driver and the passengers. Drivers must carry adequate insurance coverage. Please be courteous and share gas expenses with the driver. FRS radios can be helpful on all trips. Starting times are the actual time the trip leaves the meeting place. Try to arrive early, especially if you want driving directions or plan to carpool. Daniel Kilby Groups must make prior arrangements with the trip leader.

Saturday, January 30, 8:30am February 6, 7:30am Sunday, February 7, 2pm till dark Nimbus Fish Hatchery Lincoln Grasslands Sandhill Cranes and Other Wintering Leader: Dan Kopp, 213-2791 Leader: Scott Hoppe, 835-8471 Birds of the Sacramento Valley [email protected] [email protected] This Year’s Last Save Our Sandhill Sharpen your identification skills as this We will search the back roads of west- Cranes-sponsored trip is a gathering place for a variety of gulls. ern Placer County for raptors, water- Coordinator: Mike Savino, 446-1392 Herring, Thayer’s, Glaucous-winged, fowl, Tri-colored Blackbirds and Lewis’ If you haven’t been on one of these crane California, Ring-billed and Mew Gulls Woodpeckers. This area is known for high trips, make sure to join Mike for this one. are all possibilities. Then we’ll walk down- concentrations of wintering raptors (up to The cranes will be leaving us soon for their stream looking for Hooded and Common 12 species can be seen in a day), and is also nesting areas, which range from relatively Mergansers, Osprey and other raptors, a magnet for wintering ducks and geese. Barrow’s and Common Goldeneye, Spotted Meet Scott at the Brookfield’s Restaurant Sandpipers, White-throated Swifts, and a parking lot, 1817 Taylor Road, in Roseville. variety of the smaller woodland birds. Meet From Sacramento on I-80, take the Eureka Dan in the Fish Hatchery parking lot off Road offramp (Exit 105A) and continue Hazel Avenue north of Hwy 50. straight through the signal light at Eureka Road and you’ll be on Taylor Road. Turn Sunday, January 31, 9am left just past the Shell Station. Brookfield’s Hansen Ranch Park Preserve is behind Shell. Bring lunch, scopes and Leader: Jonilynn Okano, 397-1295 FRS radios if you have them. [email protected] Sunday, February 7, 7:30am If you have never been to Hansen Ranch, Yuba County Wetlands you are in for a treat! We will take a nice leisurely walk on the gravel embankment Leader: Richard Barbieri, 966-4603 above the pond that overlooks the preserve’s [email protected] many unique qualities. The habitat is Streams and rivers draining from the foot- mainly marsh but also has open fields and hills to the valley and farmers’ irrigation close, like Sierra Valley, to as far away a tree line in the distance. These trees host help to create these wetlands and winter as Siberia. Meet at the Cosumnes River a heron and egret rookery in the spring. habitat on surrounding properties. Join Preserve Visitor Center parking lot at 2pm Turkey and coyote might be present stroll- Richard on a trip to one of his favorite plac- for a short introduction to crane behavior ing across the grasslands. In January, various es to bird while he looks for ducks, geese, and biology by Paul Tebbel, then stroll the species of waterfowl, along with hawks and shorebirds, and birds of prey. Meet Richard boardwalk in the Lost Slough Wetlands, falcons should also be there. The pond has at the Brookfield’s Restaurant parking enjoying views of the cranes, wintering an active beaver colony and other surprises lot, 1817 Taylor Road, in Roseville. From waterfowl and shorebirds. Afterwards, we’ll hidden in the reeds; come join us and let us Sacramento on I-80, take the Eureka Road drive along Desmond Road and possibly to find them together! Wear warm clothing; exit (105A) and follow straight through the Staten Island, to see flocks of cranes fly in bring liquids and snacks. This trip is good first stop light at Eureka Road and you’ll to roost for the night. Dress for changeable for beginners and will end before noon. be on Taylor Road. Brookfield’s will be on weather; bring binoculars, scopes and FRS Please bring scopes if you have one. Meet your left behind the Shell gas station. Bring radios if you have them. From Sacramento, at the Starbucks at 4110 Norwood Avenue lunch, layered clothes, and scopes and FRS take I-5 south to Twin Cities Road; go left and I-80 (North Side) at 8am. radios if you have them. (east) to the stop sign at Franklin Blvd; turn right (south) on Franklin and, driving

Page 4 FEBRUARY 2010 through the Preserve, watch for the Visitor February, 13, 14 and 15 Sunday, February 21 Center parking lot on your left. Further President’s Day Weekend Habitat Improvement Work Day directions and maps are available at www. Eureka/Arcata area Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 cosumnes.org. This is a great trip for begin- Leaders, Dan Brown, 362-2458 Help Jack restore native vegetation along ners. [email protected] the American River Parkway. Tasks vary Joe Ceriani Wednesday, February 10, 9am – noon from month to month, so call Jack for Email - [email protected] Jacob Lane area, details and meeting time, usually early American River Parkway Please mark your calendars and join morning. Dan and Joe for 3 days of birding along Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 Wednesday, February 24, 9am – noon California’s North coast. We will be birding Estates Drive area, Join Jack on a 3 hour walk looking at native some of the traditional spots in the Eureka American River Parkway and non-native plant species, mammals and and Arcata areas and possibly some of Joe’s birds. This walk is great for beginning and new favorite spots. Please contact Dan or Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 more experienced nature lovers. Meet Jack Joe for further details. This morning walk along the river will be at the end of Jacob Lane, which runs south in an area just upstream from the Watt off Fair Oaks Blvd, between Arden and Saturday, February 20, 7:30am Ave Bridge at the end of Estates Drive in Eastern. Lake Solano and Monticello Dam Carmichael. Join Jack on this stretch of the Leader: Dan Williams, (714) 943-1266 Thursday, February 11, 8:30am river as he shares with you his knowledge [email protected] Yolo Wildlife Area of plants, mammals, and of course, birds. Leader: Marlene Ishihara, 635-9758 Meet Dan at the West Sacramento Park Meet Jack at the end of Estates Drive, which runs south off Fair Oaks Blvd, [email protected] and Ride and bring lunch for a day of birding that will last into mid-afternoon. between Watt and Eastern Avenues. Join Marlene in this great area 10 minutes Lake Solano is situated at the base of the Saturday, February 27, 8am – Noon from downtown Sacramento. Depending Coast Range just past the town of Winters Bufferlands Wetlands and on the extent of flooded fields on the auto and below Lake Berryessa. It is one of the Waterfowl Tour tour route, there may be good numbers closest spots from Sacramento to see a of shorebirds and waterfowl and possible variety of higher elevation species, includ- Leader: Kevin Cassady, 875-9196 raptors such as Peregrine Falcon. From ing Pileated Woodpecker, Chestnut-backed [email protected] Sacramento, take I-80 west, take the first Chickadee, and American Dipper. A great Tour a managed seasonal and perma- exit (#78) at the west end of the Yolo diversity of waterfowl winter on the lake nent wetland area within the Sacramento Causeway. Turn right at the stop sign, go itself including Barrow’s Goldeneye and Regional County Sanitation District under the freeway, make a left up onto the Hooded Merganser. Bufferlands in Elk Grove. The wetlands and levee, then drop down into the Wildlife We will enjoy a waterfowl tour offers a chance to Area. The trip begins at the first parking lot picnic at Lake see many bird and mammal (Lot A), on your left. Scopes are helpful on Solano Park, species including water- this trip which is good for both beginners then finish fowl, shorebirds, raptors, and more experienced birders. the day at beavers and coyotes. Sunday, February 14, 7:30am Monticello Tour participants will Rush Ranch and Grizzly Island, Dam where enjoy a 2 mile walk Solano County we will hope Daniel Kilby guided by a Bufferlands staff Leaders: Maureen Geiger, 444-0804 to see Bald Eagle, Common biologist who will explain current Loon, and Rock and Canyon Wren. To management and restoration techniques. Email: [email protected] reach the Park and Ride , from Sacramento, Space is limited. For more information on Ken Poerner, 707-580-6277 take the West Capitol Ave. Exit #81; turn this tour please contact Kevin Cassady. Email: [email protected] left at the light and then left again into the This trip to Solano County will begin with Park and Ride lot, on the north side of the Sunday, February 28 a brief tour of Rush Ranch, an operating freeway 7am – early afternoon cattle ranch on the beautiful Suisun Marsh Northern San Joaquin County owned by the Solano Land Trust. We will Sunday, February 21, 8am Leader: Chris Conard, 203-1610 then explore Grizzly Island Wildlife Area Sailor Bar, American River Parkway [email protected] Leader: Mark Martucci, 833-6722 looking for shorebirds, ducks, raptors, We’ll visit a diversity of habitats in north- shrikes, and other wintering birds which [email protected] ern San Joaquin County. The Mokelumne may be found in the wetlands and grassland Join Mark for a morning walk checking River fish hatchery below Camanche Dam habitats, particularly in the winter. There out the resident birds and looking for early is a mix of oak woodland, riverine, and is a $2.50 fee to enter the Wildlife Area. migrants. Sailor Bar is at the south end of riparian habitat. It has recently hosted Bring lunch and liquids as the trip will last Illinois Avenue, off Winding Way, just west Lewis’s Woodpeckers and two American into mid-afternoon. Meet at the Park and of Hazel. There is a $5 per car entrance fee. Dippers—perhaps they’ll stick around for Ride in West Sacramento. From I-80, take Meet Mark at the boat launch parking area us. Flood and Waverly Rds are excellent the West Sacramento Exit; turn left at the at the very end of the entrance road. This is for raptors and other open country birds. light; then left again into the lot. To meet at a good trip for beginning birders. If time and conditions warrant, we’ll make Rush Ranch, contact Maureen or Ken. Field Trips continued on page 6

FEBRUARY 2010 Page 5 Field Trips continued from page 5 are some waterfowl including Wood Duck, Blvd, and go north on Woodcreek Oaks to Mallard, and often Hooded and Common Diamond Woods, then right to Paul Dugan stops at Lake Camanche and Woodbridge Merganser. Also seen here are Great Egret, Park. (Thomas Bros Map 219 D1, for those Rd. Be prepared for about two miles of Great Blue Heron and Green Heron. Of without Internet!) This new area will be of walking and dress for variable weather. course there will still be many winter birds, interest to beginning and more experienced Meet at the Park and Ride in Galt at the Northern Flicker, sparrows and finches birders. southeast corner of Hwy 99 and Twin as well as the resident oak habitat Cities Rd. This trip is good for both begin- birds, Acorn and Nuttall’s Sunday, March 7, 7am ners and more experienced birders. Woodpecker, White- Highway 37 and Schollenberger Park Leader: Mark Martucci, 833-6722 Saturday, March 6, 8am breasted Nuthatch, [email protected] North Fork Pleasant Grove Oak Titmouse and Creek (Roseville area) Western Bluebird. From the West Sacramento Park and Ride, Leader: Meet Scott at Mark will lead the group towards Petaluma, Scott Dietrich Paul Dugan Park with various birding stops along Hwy 37. 208-4976 in the northeast Moving on to Schollenberger Park, he’ll [email protected] part of Roseville. look for Blue-winged Teal, a variety of In Roseville drive shorebirds, Common Yellowthroat and the The North Fork Pleasant Grove open Kirsten Munson north on Woodcreek occasional rail. Bring lunch and liquids and space area is a river flood plain area Oaks Blvd past Blue Oaks layered clothing. Meet Mark at 7am at the scattered with old growth Valley Oaks, Blvd; then turn right onto Diamond Woods Park and Ride off I-80 in West Sacramento. riparian habitat and a small wetlands area. Circle and drive a short distance; Paul From Sacramento, take the West Capitol It’s usually a great place to see raptors such Dugan Park will be on your right. Or, com- Ave, Exit #81; turn left at the light and as Barn Owl, American Kestrel, Red-tailed ing from Sacramento, take I-80 east to Hwy then left again into the Park and Ride lot, Hawk, White-tailed Kite, Red-shouldered 65; take 65 north to Blue Oaks Blvd; take on the north side of the freeway. This is Hawk and Cooper’s Hawk. Also present Blue Oaks Blvd west to Woodcreek Oaks a great trip for both beginning and more experienced birders. GBBC Field Trips continued from page 1 Saturday, March13 GBBC FIELD TRIPS ARNHA Bird and Breakfast Fund Raiser Thanks to Marlene. Cathie , Wayne, Robert and Julie, we also have beginning birder Field Trips planned for the GBBC weekend. Come out and sharpen your bird watching Effie Yeaw Nature Center, 489-4918 skills. All are welcome! Join Sacramento Audubon leaders for a Join Sacramento Audubon members for Beginner Bird Counts on GBBC Weekend birding walk followed by a delicious break- February 12-15. Bring binoculars and pencils/pens for recording our species count. fast. This fund raiser for the American River Contact Julie Serences at 548-0618 [email protected] for more Natural History Association is an annual information. event, and the leaders usually find nest- ing Anna’s Hummingbirds and Bushtits. Friday, February 12th, 9am Various woodpeckers and other small wood- William Pond Park on the American River Parkway land birds, as well as herons, egrets and Leader: Cathie LaZier, 457-6882, [email protected] waterfowl on the river, will also be seen. Saturday Feb. 13, 9am Red-shouldered Hawks are frequently found SAS and Friends of the River Banks at Sutter’s Landing (end of 28th Street at in the oak woodland. This fund raiser sup- the River) for a GBBC Family count ports ARNHA’s educational work. For sign- Leaders: Julie Serences and Robert Sewell up information and price phone the Nature Center at 489-4918. See the complete Meet Julie and Robert at the parking lot nearest the skateboard building. Sutter’s write-up on the following page. Landing Park is located at the end of 28th Street behind the B Street Theater and over the railroad tracks! 548-0618 [email protected] Sunday, March 14, 8am (Note: Daylight Sunday Feb 14, 9am Savings Time begins today.) American River Bike Trail Near the Fish Hatchery Effie Yeaw Nature Center Leader: Marlene Ishihara 635-9758, [email protected] Cathie LaZier, 457-6882 Meet at the public parking lot across the street from the Dept of Fish and Game [email protected] Region II Office. This lot is free; there is no parking fee. To get to the site from down- This area of the parkway is excellent for town Sacramento, go east on Hwy 50 and exit at Hazel Avenue. Go north on Hazel. birding and Cathie will be looking for early Turn left on Gold Country Blvd (before Hazel Avenue Bridge). Turn right at the second nesting birds and returning migrants, as Nimbus Road. Drive about 1/4 mile and the public parking lot is on the left. This is well as blooming wildflowers. This is a very west of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery parking lot. good trip for beginners, as well as more Monday Feb 15, 9am experienced birders. Meet in the Nature Mather Lake Center parking lot in Ancil Hoffman Park Leader: Wayne Blunk 876-0457 [email protected] in Fair Oaks. The trip will end by noon.

Page 6 FEBRUARY 2010 Field Trip for BIRDING MONTANA AND THE BIG SKY COUNTRY Beginning Birders Ed Harper will be offering one of his popular Montana tours this summer during the height of the bird migration in the eastern portions of the state, May 24-June 1, 2010. This tour Date: February 20 (alternate rain date will feature many of the birds of the prairies and wetlands, keying in on the migration February 27) of both eastern and western species. Sharp-tailed Grouse, White-rumped Sandpiper, Time: 8am to 2pm Mourning Warbler, Baird’s Sparrow, and Sprague’s Pipit are some of the many specialty Location: William Pond on the birds. Tour size is limited to 8 people to simplify logistics and to maximize the outdoor American River experience. The cost is $1355 for the 9 days. To see the complete itinerary and details, contact Ed at Sandpiper Journeys via [email protected] Two of Sacramento Audubon’s experienced birders will be leading a field trip for begin- ning birders. The outings will be geared toward people who aren’t entirely com- BIRD AND BREAKFAST: SATURDAY, MARCH 13TH fortable joining field trips as well as those An Annual Spring Classic at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center who have birded a bit but would like to be Is that a dirty sock hanging in that tree? No, it’s a bushtit nest! And that tiny cup the size of better birders. Cathie LaZier and Maureen a quarter, built with lichen and spider webs? A hummingbird nest! Explore the miracles of Geiger have been birding in the Sacramento spring in the beautiful oak woodland and meadows of the Effie Yeaw Nature Area, in small area for many years and enjoy sharing their groups guided by Audubon experts. Return to a hot, hearty breakfast (vegetarian option knowledge with others. available) served in the new Assembly Building at the Nature Center in Ancil Hoffman Trips will be limited to 10 participants; Park, California Ave and Tarshes Drive in Carmichael. please check with Cathie or Maureen for Participants (not advised for children under 12) should wear comfortable walking shoes anyone under 14 years of age. There is a $5 and bring binoculars. On this walk one can expect to see some 30 bird species among materials charge which will be collected the more than 100 that populate the lower American River’s environs. morning of the field trip and a $5 parking Sign-ups start in mid-January. Reservations are always necessary for the space-limited, fee (unless participants park outside the $35 per person, fund-raiser for educational programs on the American River Parkway. Call park). the center at (916) 489-4918 for details. Checks payable to ARNHA may be mailed to PO Please register via email to either Cathie Box 241, Carmichael, CA 95609. Be sure to include your telephone number. ([email protected]) or Maureen ([email protected]) or by calling Maureen at (916) 444-0804 and leaving A MARSH REBORN IN SAN PABLO BAY your name and phone number. Following Audubon California and the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge are restoring 65 registration, you will receive additional acres of tidal marsh, sub-tidal, and marsh-upland transition environments on the Refuge information regarding the field trip. at Lower Tubbs Island. In December 2009 the project was completed with improvement of hydrological flow and tidal flushing in San Pablo Bay, one of the Bay Area’s most important places for birds. For a video demonstrating some of the work and the moment when the last levee was breached allowing for tidal flow, go to: ca.audubon.org/videos- sanpablobayII.php

Ballot Measure Would Provide Stable Funding To Protect State Parks And Conserve Birds And Wildlife Continuing its long support for California State Parks, Audubon California has endorsed the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010, a proposed statewide Kirsten Munson initiative slated for the November 2010 ballot that, if ultimately approved by voters, would provide a stable source of funding that would keep state parks open. The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 would ensure a dedi- SPEAKERS AND PROGRAMS cated and reliable funding stream for state parks through an $18 annual surcharge on most California vehicles. By law, the trust fund could only be spent on state parks, urban FOR 2010 river parkways, wildlife, natural lands and ocean conservation programs. Vehicles subject March 18 – Chris Conard, Australia and to the surcharge would receive free, year-round admission to all state parks. Californians E-bird–Chris just got back will no longer pay day-use fees at any state parks. from Australia and since he California’s 278 state parks, which include state beaches and state historic parks, are is always on top of bird sta- priceless public assets and a vital legacy for our children and future generations. Twice tistics for our Observations in the past two years, state parks were on the brink of being shut down. Only last-minute column, he’ll have plenty to budget reprieves kept them open. But nearly 60 state parks will be shut down part-time tell us about E-bird. or their hours of operation reduced because of this year’s budget cuts, and more park closure proposals and budget cuts are expected next year. April 15 – Ed Harper, Topic TBA–but it will be sensational! Jordan Wellwood Central Valley/Sierra Nevada Conservation Coordinator May 20 – Subhash Chand, Birding Delhi Audubon California

FEBRUARY 2010 Page 7 SANDHILL CRANE MIGRATION Birding Festivals 40TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION The 40th annual Rivers and Wildlife KLAMATH FALLS, WINTER WINGS FESTIVAL Celebration will be held March 18-21, The 31st annual Winter Wings Festival will offer three full days of activities, February 2010, in Kearney, Nebraska. Organized by 12-14. Located in both south central Oregon and northern California, the Basin is Audubon Nebraska and the Nebraska Bird a key player on the Pacific Flyway, hosting 80% of the birds that use the Flyway. Partnership, the conference gathers together A total of six separate nearby refuges comprise the total National Wildlife Refuge nature enthusiasts from across the county to complex spanning nearly 200,000 acres. A unique, strong cooperative partnership witness the migration of over half a million between farming, water resources, and the refuges provides an abundance of food sandhill cranes and millions of waterfowl and water that attracts vast numbers of waterfowl and raptors. Scott Weidensaul, a and other birds through central Nebraska. well-known wildlife writer, lecturer, and field researcher, will be the keynote speaker Events include guided field trips, a pho- Saturday night. Many field trips and photography workshops are planned. Check out tography workshop, a family fun room, the website at www.WinterWingsFest.org for the latest in Festival planning informa- and daily visits to river blinds operated by tion. On-line registration and brochures are now available. Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary for up-close views of cranes roosting on the Platte River. The celebration is open to the general pub- lic. Registration materials can be found at FOURTEENTH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO BIRDING FESTIVAL www.nebraska.audubon.org. Or contact The fourteenth annual San Diego Birding Festival is set for Thursday through Sunday, Audubon Nebraska to be put on the mail- March 4-7, 2010. An exciting new field trip for 2010 is a behind-the-scenes look at ing list: [email protected]; the world-famous San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park. For the latest information and (402) 797-2301. Rowe Sanctuary has infor- to register, visit www.sandiegoaudubon.org and click on the Bird Festival tab, or mation about viewing the sandhill crane email [email protected]. For more information and for a brochure to be mailed, call migration, (308) 468-5282; (619) 682-7200. www.rowesanctuary.org.

2ND SATURDAY 15TH ANNUAL GODWIT DAYS, ARCATA BIRDS AT FINE ARTS CENTER The 15th annual Godwit Days Spring Migration Bird Festival is being held April The Sacramento Fine Arts Center is a non- 15–21. Godwit Days is a three-day spring migration bird festival celebrating profit organization that holds art shows, California’s North Coast which offers towering redwoods, rocky ocean coasts, workshops and does community outreach wild river valleys, expansive mudflats of Humboldt Bay, and the world-renowned on the arts. Their annual Animal House Art Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, where 271 species of birds have been show takes place from Feb 23-March 13. sighted. Held at the peak of spring migration, shorebirds abound and special The 2nd Saturday reception is March 13th opportunities are planned to see many other species, including Marbled Murrelet, at the Fine Arts Center, 5330-B Gibbons Spotted Owl, and Snowy Plover. The area offers a wide array of habitats and spe- Drive, Carmichael, CA 95608. cies for your observation and enjoyment. The selection of over 100 small group field trips, lectures, workshops, boating excursions, and community activities Sacramento Audubon will be there with an are led by experienced local guides. For further information and registration visit info booth. SPCA, their co-sponsor, will www.godwitdays.com or call 1-800-908-WING. Registration is now open. be there with an animal rescue operation. There will be a couple hundred animal themed art entries, painting, photography, sculpture, etc. The 2nd Sat reception will FIRST ANNUAL POINT REYES BIRDING FESTIVAL be a big event and should be of interest to Audubon members. They always have many Plan now to attend the first annual Point Reyes Birding Festival, April 23-25, 2010. entries featuring birds. The event is sponsored by the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin. Richard Turner, Co-Chair of Animal House Point Reyes and the West Marin area are home to one of the most diverse bird popu- lations in North America. April is a great time to see and hear breeding birds, and to admire shore birds and waterfowl (and many other species) on their way north. Sacramento Audubon Top bird experts like David Wimpfheimer, Keith Hansen, and Jules Evens will lead participants on trips to discover the best birding sites in the region. Displays and Chapter Board Meetings exhibits will expand your bird knowledge. The event will also feature other walks Board Meetings of the Sacramento to see the West Marin natural world, including the famous wildflower displays, but- terflies, and more. Audubon Society are held the last Tuesday of the month. The next Go to www.eacmarin.org to learn more about this exciting event. We look forward to seeing you at the start of what we are sure will be a great annual tradition. meeting will be held on February 23, 2010 at 7pm at the SMUD Building, 6301 S Street, Sacramento.

Page 8 FEBRUARY 2010 SAS NEW MEMBERS JOIN THE SACRAMENTO AUDUBON SOCIETY Welcome to these Your membership supports the SAS mission of conservation, environmental new members: education and protection of the region’s natural ecosystems and diverse wildlife populations. Please include your email address if you would like to Edna Bohannon Dell Richards be added to our Action Alert List for letter/email writing on conservation Bruce H Bostick Sonja Sorbo issues. Anne C Bourget Terry Thomas Joan L Clark Therese Valdez Sacramento Audubon Society Membership Application Elfie Nadell Melody F Jeff Park Whitcomb Lea Landry, Membership Chair 11054 Autumnwind Lane, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670-4224 THANK YOU FOR YOUR [email protected] (916) 638-1141 GENEROUS DONATIONS! Thanks to the following for their generous Date ______The Observer Newsletter $25 per address $ ______donations: Donation for Conservation/Education $ ______Julia Andrews, Bruce Bostick, Carole Elzey, Pablo Garza, Bob Gjestland, LaVerne Ireland, Loretta James, Alan Kilgore, Total Enclosed $ ______Martha Lennihan, Iona Luke and Melody Whitcomb, to the General Fund. Make checks payable to Sacramento Audubon Society

Marilyn Armbruster, Edna Bohannon, Alice Name ______Telephone ______Corley, Carole Elzey, Thomas Graham, Tomiko Ibser, LaVerne Ireland, Marc Irish, Alan Kilgore, Jude LaMare-Pachl, Rita Address ______Marowitz, Wendy Money, Jeff Park, Noreen Rademacher, Dell Richards and Flora Yen City ______State _____ZIP + 4 ______to the Conservation and Education Fund. Email ______

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Observations continued from page 10 One of the more interesting birds was the returning Bufflehead x Common Goldeneye at Lake Solano, first found the previous winter. A Semipalmated Plover at Staten Island on 12/20 was very good for the season. An adult Glaucous Gull at the Yolo Kirsten Munson County Landfill on the 12/27 Sacramento CBC was one of the better finds; others from the CBC include two Brown Creepers (largely absent from the valley this winter), four Townsend’s Warblers, and two Chipping Sparrows, all from the City of Sacramento por- Mission Statement Sacramento tion of the count. Red Fox Sparrows were found on 12/5 at both the ARP near Gristmill Audubon Society and CRP. White-throated Sparrows were well represented, with continuing reports from ARP upstream of Howe Ave, CRP and the Bufferlands, along with two found in The mission of the Sacramento Sacramento on the CBC. Also of note were much higher than usual reported numbers of Audubon Society is to: Puget Sound White-crowned Sparrows (almost identical to the drab brown, yellow-billed P romote the protection and scientific Nuttall’s White-crowned Sparrows seen on trips to Point Reyes and Bodega Bay). study of wild birds; We are now featuring photos of some of the highlight birds on the Sacramento Audubon P romote the enjoyment and apprecia- Web site (http://sacramentoaudubon.org/activities/recentsightings.html). tion of wild birds through commu- Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserv. Visit www. nity outreach; cvbirds.org and click “Listserv” for details. With nearly 100 reports, it is impossible to list P rovide, encourage and support envi- everyone; however, I want to thank the following for reports on the above species and for ronmental educational opportuni- providing additional information: ties; and Chad Aakre, Dave Bell, Dan Brown, Scott Dietrich, Jim Dunn, Andy Engilis, Steve Hampton, Ed P rovide proactive leadership in the Harper, Dan Kopp, Lea Landry, Don Marsh, Ed Pandolfino, Nancy Sage, John Sterling, Craig conservation of open space in the Swolgaard, and John Trochet. Sacramento region. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible. Chris Conard

FEBRUARY 2010 Page 9 Seasonal Sacramento Audubon Society Nonprofi t Org. 11054 Autumnwind Lane US Postage Observations PAID Rancho Cordova, CA 95670-4224 December 1 to December 31 Permit #2310 Rare and Unusual Bird Reports Sacramento, CA www.cvbirds.org/ListServ.htm Return Service Requested Local Christmas Bird Counts and the ARNHA Wildlife Count had a lot of birders Dated Material: Please Expedite Delivery in the field. The biggest highlights of the CBC season came in January (see next month or the CBC summaries), though there were a number of nice finds this December. One of the most spectacular events reported and nicely photographed was a huge flock of European Starlings, in the hundreds of thousands, often pursed by a Peregrine Falcon. A similarly huge flock was in the Elk Grove area. In spite of the damage starlings do to our native cavity nesters, these undulating flocks, twisting, breaking apart, recombin- ing, are amazing to behold. The low foothills of Amador County have been getting more consistent cover- age the last two winters. Highlights this month included two Eurasian Wigeons at Goffinet Reservoir east of Ione, three Barrow’s Goldeneyes at the Ione WTP, and a Mew Gull at Lake Camanche. The ducks were reported several times in the first part of the month and the gull was found on 12/3. The Lincoln WTP pro- duced a nice assortment of moderately rare ducks. Best was a Red-breasted a Band-tailed Pigeon in Folsom the fol- certainly quite rare, but how rare Merganser on 12/30, followed closely by lowing day. A Band-tailed Pigeon was also is difficult to judge since they a Eurasian Wigeon reported on 12/24, found near Ancil Hoffman on the 12/5 are so easy to overlook. missed on the 12/30 Lincoln CBC and ARNHA Count. A Long-eared Owl was Bald Eagles are regular found again the following day, and seven reported the same day from the upper at Folsom Lake, increas- Redheads on 12/18. Two Redheads at portion of the American River Parkway ingly frequent over the Willow Hill Reservoir near Folsom High (ARP). This is one of the most enigmatic of upper portion of School on 12/12 didn’t stick around for our regular birds, perhaps equaled in this the ARP, and now the Folsom CBC. The same can be said for respect only by Least Bittern. They are not unexpected at Cosumnes Sacramento Audubon Society Information River Preserve (CRP), Stone Correspondence: P.O. Box 160694, Sacramento, CA 95816-0694 Lakes Internet Address: www.sacramentoaudubon.org NWR, and Membership/Subscriptions: Lea Landry, 11054 Autumnwind Lane the SRCSD Bufferlands. An adult was at Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 the Bufferlands on 12/14 (an infrequent (916) 638-1141, e-mail preferred: [email protected] visitor last winter was only the second Seasonal Observations: Chris Conard, 2405 Rio Bravo Circle, record in over 20 years) and, perhaps the Sacramento, CA 95826 same bird, was seen eating a Northern (916) 362-5942, Shoveler at CRP on 12/20. Ferruginous e-mail preferred: [email protected] Hawks were widely reported, but Rough- Editor: Sharon Wisecarver, e-mail, [email protected] legged Hawks were few and far between. A Swainson’s Hawk was seen over Copy deadline is the 15th of the month. Send all copy to the Editor. Observations Pedrick Rd to the west of Davis on 12/3, must reach the Seasonal Observations Editor by the 8th of the month. but this species was missed on local The Observer is published monthly January through December, except June and CBCs. August, by the Sacramento Audubon Society. Observations continued on page 9 Page 10 FEBRUARY 2010