Twenty Years Photographing Mount Diablo Stephen Joseph

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Volume 56, Number 6 March 2011 Twenty Years Photographing Mount Diablo Castle Rock. Photo by Stephen Joseph© ◆ Stephen Joseph

Stephen Joseph will present a retrospec- Since 1970, Stephen Joseph’s career has at the Regional Center for the Arts in Wal- tive slide show of his panoramic images of been devoted to landscape photography. In nut Creek. Then, twenty-three enormous Mount Diablo State Park taken over the 2008 he was chosen Centennial Photogra- photos will show at museums and galleries last twenty years. Stephen’s photos of our pher for Muir Woods National Monument around the country and, next year, in John mountain leave us gasping as he captures its in Marin County. We enjoyed a slide show Muir’s birthplace in Dunbar, Scotland. beauty and its many moods. His love for the of Stephen’s photos, which took us into For 45 years, Stephen Joseph has been mountain has been life long and culminates the “hidden” Muir Woods, areas that the a photographer. In the 1970s, he received in the March publication by Mount Diablo general public may not see. a BFA from California College of Arts and Interpretive Association of his book, Mount In November of 2006, we were privi- Crafts and, later, an MFA in Photography Diablo, The Extraordinary Life and Land- leged to see a presentation based on and Printmaking. His interests include scape of a California Treasure. Stephen’s first book Nature’s Beloved the history of photography and vintage Son, Rediscovering John Muir’s Botanical cameras. He collects and restores antique Meeting Schedule Legacy. In August of 2011, the Oakland cameras of all types including panoramic The next general meeting of Museum will be opening an exhibit about and stereographic cameras. Stephen is Mount Diablo Audubon Society John Muir, which will include Stephen’s also committed to creating and preserving will be Thursday, March 3, in the original photos of John Muir’s botanical open space and has spent the last 18 years Camellia Room of The Gardens at prints and some of Stephen’s very large working with land trusts throughout the Heather Farm, Walnut Creek. Yosemite panoramic photos. The Muir Bay Area. 7:00 pm Birding Information botanical prints are on permanent ex- 7:25 pm Announcements BIRDING INFORMATION 7:40 pm Refreshments,* door prize hibit at Cavallo Point in Marin County’s 8:05 pm Speaker: Stephen Joseph Fort Baker and the John Muir National Dan Stanton, Youth Education Manager * Please remember to bring a cup. Historic Site in Martinez, California. The of the Gardens at Heather Farm will discuss Thursday, April 7: Michael Moran John Muir Botanical Project is showing the many programs and events sponsored through March 27 at the Bedford Gallery by The Gardens. DEDICATED TO HABITAT CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION the Quail —1— March 2011 By Jimm Edgar they receive a donation, which is set aside President’s Corner to educate and cultivate the love of birds We just finished the Pacific Flyway Fes- most of us who belong to Audubon do so in young people. The Los Angeles Phil- tival at Mare Island. It is one of the best bird because we love birds. I know that is why I harmonic gets a check as does the Braille festivals on the west coast. We have had a belong. Yes, we are deeply concerned about Institute, but alongside the Los Angeles booth for as long as the Festival has been local and global environmental issues and Audubon contribution is a simple annota- going. About a dozen or more of our faithful lots of other problems, but my conclusion tion, “Johnny loved birds.” volunteers man the booth over the 3 days. from scores of conversations over the years People love birds for a lot of reasons. If We have a lot more volunteer opportu- is that people who belong to Audubon do you read Gary Bogue in the Contra Costa nities available this spring. I hope you can so because they love birds. This love may Times he often writes about people who help at one of them. manifest itself in a lot of ways: chasing a “follow the nest activity of the Mourn- I read a very interesting article in the rare vagrant, adding a new bird to your ing Dove” in their yard, or “I can’t figure Western Tanager, the newsletter of the life list, first of the season, a new yard bird, out why this bird (Mockingbird) sings all Los Angeles Audubon. Their president, etc. Johnny Mercer, the great American night?” People are intrigued by birds. Car- Travis Longcore, wrote about a couple of composer, named Los Angeles Audubon ing about birds is at the core of the NAS and estates that named Los Angeles Audubon Society as one of the charities to be funded the MDAS. All the field trips, programs, as a recipient. He talked about the fact that by the royalties on his music. Every year check lists. We are here because we love birds. With this in mind we begin again our Observations By Maury Stern spring program of “No child left inside.” We will touch the lives of hundreds of school children this spring with classroom pre- Submit Contra Costa County sightings to WK has an Anna’s Hummingbird sentations, with Native Bird Connections, [email protected] or (925) 284-5980 or building a nest near her Rossmoor home. bringing live birds to classrooms and will send to EBB [email protected]. 1/23 take all the students on a half-day field trip. Q The firstAllen’s Hummingbird of the We want more kids to learn to love birds. year was reported by JC at her Moraga One last note. On December 23, 2010 This will be a short column as I will home 1/24, and another was at Jewel Lake a Least Bittern was seen at the EBRP be away for 3 weeks. The Least Bittern at in Tilden RP on 1/25. MF, KL. Martinez Shoreline. Word got out quickly Martinez Shoreline was last seen on 1/16. A Lewis’s Woodpecker was seen on and within a few days scores and scores of FS saw 3 Greater White-fronted the Corcoran Trail in Black Diamond Mines people got great looks at this very elusive Geese, one Snow Goose and a Ross’s RP on 1/16 by BM. and rare bird. It remained until about Janu- Goose at Heather Farm park on 1/11. MS Five pairs of Western Bluebirds in ary 15, 2011. It is only the second Contra saw them on 1/12. Concord were reported by MR on 1/26. Costa County record; the first was in 1994. There was a Ross’s Goose at Miller– A Townsend’s Warbler was in Walnut This restored wetland, which was once a Knox RP in Point Richmond on 1/12. DS. Creek yard of L-MH on 1/31. toxic landfill, is now a thriving marsh. Eurasian Wigeons were at Miller– A pair of White-throated Sparrows Knox on 1/14, LL, and the Albany mudflats were seen in Wildcat Canyon area by AK near the Richmond side on 1/15. MP. on 1/31. There was one at Heather Farm This is a bird that is not A Northern Pintail drake spent sev- on 1/31, HH, and Contra Loma RP by SF Q often seen, as it spends eral weeks at Heather Farm Pond during on 1/31 also. most of its time on or January. CE. near the ground where there is dense A Slate-colored Junco spent the cover. It is non-migratory and is found Hooded and Common Mergansers morning with the usual Oregon Juncos in were on the Rossmoor Golf Course pond MS’s yard on 1/29. only in California and Baja. It has a 1/17,BW, and at Jewel Lake in Tilden RP melodious and varied song. P&NS saw some Tricolored Black- on 1/25. MF, KL. birds with other blackbirds at Contra Loma Unscramble these letters, or turn to SS saw 14 American White Pelicans RP 1/27, as did SF on 1/31. Page 6 to learn more. on Lafayette Reservoir on 1/28. JC Judy Cooper, CE Carol Evans, SF AAACEFHHIILNORRRST An Osprey was at Contra Loma RP Stephanie Floyd, MF Mary Foley, HH Hugh 1/31. SF. A Prairie Falcon flew by on 1/27. Harvey, L-MH Liede-Marie Haitsma, AK P&NS. Alan Krakauer, WK Win Kryda, LL Laura Virginia Rails and an out of season Look, KL Kay Loughman, BM Bruce Mast, The Quail is published monthly except January and August by Mount Diablo Caspian Tern were at Martinez Shoreline MP Michael Park, MR Mike Robertson, Audubon Society, P.O. Box 53, Walnut on 1/22. KS. FS Fred Safier, KS Ken Schneider, PS Paul Creek, CA 94597-0053. The Quail A pair of Burrowing Owls have been Schorr, P&NS Paul and Nancy Schorr, DS is printed on 30% post-consumer at the entrance sign area to Contra Loma Dan Sidle, MS Maury Stern, SS Susan Stern, waste recycled paper. The deadline RP for about a month. PS, SF. BW Bev Walker. for the April issue is March 15. the Quail —2— March 2011 Western Burrowing Owls T h e W e s t e r n and garner signatures NEWS Burrowing Owl has and supporters. FROM been witnessing steep You can do this WILD BIRDS declines in Califor- easily by clicking on UNLIMITED nia, owing perhaps http://burrowing- primarily to habitat owlconservation. Backyard Birdfeeding loss, which in turn org/SignCAPetition. Another dry and somewhat mild Janu- stems from land de- html. Or you may sign ary–February has resulted in bird numbers velopment for housing the petition at Face- being down at feeders throughout all of and shopping malls. book Causes: http:// California. This is especially noticeable in Another significant apps.facebook.com/ the American and Lesser Goldfinches. We problem is seen at the c au s e s / p e t i t i o n s / believe that many of them never migrated Altamont Pass Wind 584?m=624281a0. down from Washington and Oregon, where Resource Area, where There is also a link there is a great abundance of backyard birds. as many as 423 to 593 to the petition on our Dark-eyed Juncos, White-crowned and owls are killed each year by the wind website at www.diabloaudubon.com. Golden-crowned Sparrows have been quite turbine blades (Altamont Pass Wind Re- abundant. We have had very few reports of Some of the locations where Burrowing Townsend’s Warblers at the suet feeders. source Area Bird Fatality Study, December Owls are frequently reported are at Contra There have only been a few reports of 2010. Page 40). The need for a range-wide Loma and Coyote Hills Regional Parks, conservation strategy was officially rec- Allen’s and Rufous Hummingbirds. We did Berkeley Meadow and Cesar Chavez Park have a Black-chinned Hummingbird seen ognized by the State in 1995. However, in Berkeley, Shoreline Park in Mountain at the store. California and the Department of Fish View, and Prewitt Family Park Preserve in Anna’s Hummingbirds have already had and Game have failed to take any action Antioch. Mount Diablo Audubon recently their first nesting of the year. After mating, since the release of that Staff Report on aided financially in establishing artificial the male has nothing to do with the nest Burrowing Owl Mitigation, more than burrows at Prewitt Family Park in order to building and raising of the young. The female 15 years ago. help sustain the birds’ presence there. has the complete responsibility for rearing Unfortunately, during the last 15 years Scott Artis of Burrowing Owl Conserv- the young. She makes a nest out of lichen, lint, the population has continued to plum- sation Network contributed to this article and downy plant fibers that is often held to- met while the State has sat idle. New gether with spider webs. The female usually surveys have shown a 27 percent drop in lay two eggs and incubates them 14-19 days. the number of breeding burrowing owls She feeds nectar and insects to the young for Do you have 18-23 days in the nest. The young are fledged in California’s Imperial Valley, and a 28 your own copy and on their own about two weeks later. percent drop in the San Francisco Bay of Breeding Birds It’s such a delight to hear the Oak Titmice Area. These declines ride on the heels of of Contra Costa calling—a sure sign of spring. Chickadees and a more than 50 percent Burrowing Owl County? This ref- titmice are already starting to nest. It’s not population decline in the San Francisco erence book has too late to put out birdhouses. Both of these Bay Area and parts of Central California accounts for the species, along with woodpeckers, nuthatches, between 1983 and 1993. 161 species of birds bluebirds, wrens, and others will readily In an effort to increase the aware- known to nest use nesting boxes. Birdhouses should have ness for California’s Burrowing Owls and here, including drainage, ventilation, and cleanouts. These highlight the need for both a statewide current and historical status and conserva- elements provide a safe, secure home for the conservation strategy and legal protection tion concerns. A map for each species locates birds. Also, depending upon the species you are trying to attract, specific hole sizes and under the California Endangered Species areas within the county where nesting has floor dimensions are required. Act, the Burrowing Owl Conservation been observed. Information is also given about We have been receiving reports of North- Network is asking the people of Cali- the county’s plant diversity and distribution, as ern Flickers damaging homes. They will often fornia and North America to voice their well as other factors that govern where birds be heard pounding on your house, trying concerns and sign an Action Alert. All choose to live. to excavate a roosting cavity! They can be signatures will be hand-delivered, along Written by Steve Glover, with scratch- deterred with strips of Mylar or by putting with a detailed letter, to state officials in board drawings by renowned artist Dana up a flicker house. Sacramento regarding the need for con- Gardner, and published by Mount Diablo servation action and legal protections. Audubon Society, this book is available for m Because National Audubon, California $26.80 including tax and shipping. Order Mike and Cecil Williams Audubon and all Chapters continue to be by mail from Ann McGregor, 400 Oneida Wild Birds Unlimited a critical driving force for the protection of Ct., Danville, CA 94526, online at http:// 692 Contra Costa Blvd. the world’s birds, Mount Diablo Audubon diabloaudubon.com/index.php. Or buy for Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, 925-798-0303 is asking for your help to spread the word $22.00 at a regular MDAS meeting. Visit us at www.wbupleasanthill.com the Quail —3— March 2011 Field Trip Schedule By Hugh Harvey March 2 Wednesday...... Walnut Creek Parks ➋ Thursday, March 17 5 Saturday...... Tomales Bay State Park San Leandro Reservoir 17 Thursday...... San Leandro Reservoir Leader: Don Lewis, 284‒5480. 23 Wednesday...... Lake Lagunitas Meet at 8 am at Valle Vista staging area off Canyon 26 Saturday...... Black Diamond Mines Road in Moraga. From SR 24 in Orinda, take Moraga Way April to Moraga. From Mt. Diablo Blvd in Lafayette, take Moraga Road south to Moraga. At the Chevron station, go south 1 2 Saturday...... Garin Regional Park mile on Canyon Road to Valle Vista. Expect 55‒60 species, 6 Wednesday...... Orinda Connector Trail should be finished by noon. Leader: Don Lewis, 284‒5480. 9 Saturday...... Pine Canyon 13 Wednesday...... Mount Diablo State Park 18 Monday...... North Briones 21 Thursday...... Del Puerto Canyon 23 Saturday...... Mines Road 28 Thursday...... Mitchell Canyon May 3 Tuesday...... Fernandez Ranch 12 Thursday...... West Briones Regional Park 14 Saturday...... East Contra Costa County 19 Thursday...... Sycamore Grove/Shadow Cliffs

San Leandro Reservoir from Kings Canyon Loop Trail ➊ Wednesday, March 2 Walnut Creek Parks Leader: Hugh Harvey, 935-2979. ➌ Meet 8:30 am at wooden railing at the natural pond, just past Wednesday, March 23 the community center in Heather Farm Park. This is down the Lake Lagunitas hill from where our monthly meetings are held. We will tour Leader: Hugh Harvey, 935-2979. the park, view wintering birds, then drive to Howe-Homestead This very popular birding trip to Marin passes through Park south of Ygnacio Valley Road. Time permitting, we will varied terrain in the beautiful area of the northern slopes of visit two other park areas off Rudgear Road. Mount Tamalpais. Carpool leaves from Sun Valley at 7:30 am. Cross the San Rafael Bridge to US-101 N. Take the first San Ra- fael exit, go left on 3rd Street. In San Anselmo turn right onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd., continue to Fairfax. Go left on Fairfax ➌ Saturday, March 5 Road, follow to left turn on Sky Oaks Road and continue to Tomales Bay State Park kiosk. Entry fee required ($8 last year). Drive to parking lot Leader: Maury Stern, 284-5980. near foot of Lagunitas Dam. Approximate meeting time is 9:00 Carpool leaves at 7 am am. After birding the nearby area, we will hike around Lake from El Nido Ranch Road. Lagunitas. We have often found Pileated Woodpeckers here. Meet at 8:30 in the parking lot at Heart’s Desire Beach in Tomales Bay State Park. After ➌ Saturday, March 26 crossing the Richmond Bridge, Black Diamond Mines follow US 101 north and take Leader: Eugenia Larson, 806-0644. the first San Rafael exit. Go 2 blocks, turn left onto 3rd Meet at 8 am at the parking lot at the end of Somersville Street. In San Anselmo turn Road. Go east on Ygnacio Valley/Kirker Pass Roads, in Pitts- right on Sir Francis Drake. burg turn right on Buchanan Road. Go east on Buchanan to Follow Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Somersville Road (Antioch) and turn right. Alternate route, through Inverness. Just over exit Highway 4 at Somersville Road (south). Follow Somers- ville to the entry gate, entry fee required, proceed to the last the ridge, turn right onto Spotted Owl at Tomales Bay SP Pierce Point Road. The park parking lot. Woodland, chaparral and some grassland birds. entrance is on the right. Entry fee required. Bring lunch and a beverage.. the Quail —4— March 2011 Least Sandpiper spread in among scores Monterey Bay Pelagic Trip Reports of Long-billed Dowitcher and numerous Wintering Raptors and Waterfowl of Black-bellied Plover. In a large roost of Birding Weekend Solano and Yolo Counties, January 15. mostly California Gulls, we found a few Terry Colborn is leading a weekend On a cold, damp, foggy morning, twenty- Herring Gulls and a couple of Bonaparte’s birding trip to the Monterey Bay area, two birders joined Terry Colborn for an Gulls. We watched as grinds of several October 1‒2, 2011, for Mount Diablo all-day trek to birding locales in Solano thousand white geese moved about over the Audubon and Yolo Audubon chapters. and Yolo Counties. Heading south from flooded rice fields. Soon skeins of Tundra The weekend will feature a pelagic trip on Dixon, our first stop produced nice views Swans, White-fronted Geese and Snow Saturday with Monterey Seabirding (www. of a Loggerhead Shrike. In the small marsh Geese flew in formation overhead. Among montereyseabirding.com), and land bird- nearby we were fortunate to hear, and then them we picked out numerous Ross’s Geese. ing on Sunday. Monterey Seabirding uses see, both a Virginia Rail and two Sora. On the water we scoped all of the wintering a local skipper with over 30 years experi- Several Wilson’s Snipe zipped past us as duck species. As we wound down our day, ence. Leaders include Roger Wolfe, Don they moved from one area of the marsh we watched as thousands of Pintail and Roberson, Dan Singer and Todd Easterla. to another. At Jepson Prairie Preserve we Northern Shoveler flew directly in front of All four are seasoned, life-long birders, and observed a pair of Great Horned Owls, us. A fitting end to a magical day! We tallied have exceptional knowledge of the status along with a nice adult Red-tailed Hawk 77 species for the day, including 10 raptor and distribution of California birds. and a pair of White-tailed Kites, while a pair species and 12 species of waterfowl. This two-day trip is planned to coincide of Northern Harriers flew over the open Terry Colborn with the peak of fall migration. Over the grasslands, flushing Western Meadowlarks. Lake Merritt/Arrowhead Marsh, Janu- years, the Monterey Bay/Salinas River area At our first stop along Flannery Road, we ary 19. Six birders enjoyed a lovely sunny has produced some excellent vagrants and a watched as a Burrowing Owl sat on the day, finding most of the expected species nice array fall of migrants. Possible areas to rocks below us. Our diligent searching failed at the two locations. The Green Heron at be visited on Sunday include Carmel River to produce Mountain Plover, a species that Lake Merritt was not seen, possibly due State Beach, Point Pinos, Salinas River State has been rather scarce in the Central Valley to some work being done on the small WMA, Moss Landing, Moonglow Dairy this winter. A Ferruginous Hawk coursed islands near the nature center, but much and Elkhorn Slough. Specific locations will directly over us, but continued in a beeline searching did produce the Tufted Duck. be determined prior to the weekend, and as it disappeared in the distance. We spot- The high tide at Arrowhead Marsh allowed will be based upon up-to-date information ted a coyote that had become hopelessly us to see a few Clapper Rails and a Sora, on rare bird sightings, weather conditions, entangled in a fence wire. Nancy Fix called but our group missed out on sighting any tides, etc. the animal rescue center in Cordelia, and Virginia Rails. We did see the Burrowing The pelagic trip is limited to a maxi- gave them the animal’s location. Nancy sub- Owl on the lawn in front of the large metal mum of 25 participants. The cost is only sequently reported that staff from the center sculpture. We had lunch at Garretson Point $85.00 per person. Sign-ups will be taken were joined by a Solano County Sheriff and after spending some time searching for, on a first-come, first-served basis beginning were able to cut the coyote free! and finding, Blue-winged Teal. We were March 1, 2011. Make your check payable At the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area in Davis, also rewarded with a pair of Cinnamon to Terry Colborn and mail to: 1714 Mag- our first stop on the new road that extends Teal. A total of 83 species were seen at nolia Place, Davis, CA 95618. Include each well out into the northeast corner of the the conclusion of our day. Sandy Ritchie participant’s full name, address, cell phone wetlands put us on a large, mixed flock Las Gallinas/Rush Creek/Shollenberger number and e-mail address. Your payment of shorebirds. There were several Greater Park, January 22. Las Gallinas Water in full is your reservation. Your space will Yellowlegs, with dozens of Dunlin and Treatment Plant and Rush Creek Marsh be confirmed upon receipt of your check. in Marin County In the event the boat trip is cancelled by Field trips are open to members and non-members, beginners and Shollenberger Monterey Seabirding, due to weather and advanced birders. Weather or other contingencies may require Park in Petaluma conditions, etc., participants will receive changes. For updates, visit the MDAS website at www.diabloaudubon. (Sonoma Co.) were a full refund. Meeting details and accom- com/index/php. the destinations for modations information will be sent to all Because most trips do not return until late afternoon, bring a thirteen members participants well in advance of the weekend. lunch and drink and join us during our midday break. and guests on Sat- For questions, contact Terry at tlcgdc@aol. Category ➊: Easy, little or no walking, smooth paths urday, January 22nd. com, or by phone: (530) 758‒0689. Category ➋: Moderate, one mile or more, possibly rough terrain The weather was Category ➌: Difficult, extensive walking on rough terrain. quite comfortable » were seen including a perched Peregrine with the fog lifting at Rush Creek Marsh and a distant perched Carpool locations: —Southwest corner of Sun Valley by the time we ar- Prairie Falcon at Las Gallinas, plus two the Sun Valley Mall parking lot at Willow Pass Road and rived at our first Merlins among the usual hawks and kites Contra Costa Boulevard in Concord. El Nido Ranch stop in San Rafael. during the day. The total of 80 species in- —Exit SR 24 at St. Stephens Drive east of Orinda. El Road Highlights for the cluded 15 species of ducks, a flock of Tree Nido Ranch Road is parallel to and north of the freeway. day were the raptors: Swallows, two White-throated Swifts and Park just east of the intersection with St. Stephens Drive. 4 falcon species » one heard Virginia Rail. Eugenia Larson the Quail —5— March 2011 Benicia State Recreation Area » Continued from Page 10 in winter, particularly rafting bay species Sparrow in South San Francisco Bay has a like Canvasback, Bufflehead, scaup, both yellowish-gray back color and a yellowish goldeneyes, and, of course, American Coots. wash to the belly. In the coastal sage scrub The presence of two birds listed as along the coast and in fresh-water riparian Species of Special Concern by California corridors is the reddish-brown Marin Song Department of Fish and Game, as well as the Sparrow, intermediate in size between the relative abundance of Black and Clapper Rails, marsh subspecies. Samuel’s and Suisun Song contributes to the designation of Benicia State Sparrows are genetically indistinguishable— Recreation Area as an Important Bird Area of and are genetically similar to a population California by Audubon California. Saltmarsh of the Modesto Song Sparrow (a fifth Common Yellowthroat (Geothylpis trichas subspecies) on the Cosumnes River. sinuosa) is said to be a common summer From the park entrance off I-780 at Exit resident and is fairly common in winter. More 3A, a road leads about a mile to end at Dillon than one percent of the global population of Point. Stonecutter Patrick Dillon came to this subspecies live here or visit. California from Tipperary, Ireland, during The Suisun Song Sparrow (Melospiza the 1849 gold rush. With savings from a melodia maxillaris) is the other subspecies of succesful stint in the Mother Lode, Dillon leased the tidal flat at Southampton Bay and special interest. Benicia SRA supports about Western Redbud and Toyon glow in flaming fall 3% of the global population. Rocky Point peninsula for a sandstone quarry. color at Forrest Deamer Native Plant Garden. Four subspecies of Song Sparrow reside Sandstone from this quarry was used to build year-round in the Bay Area. Three of these Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco. magenta redbuds, golden poppies, blue are endemic to tidal salt marshes while the The State acquired the property for Benicia lupines and pink-flowered currants bloom. fourth inhabits nearby uplands. Largest is State Recreation Area in 1967. Summer and early fall deepen native plant the towhee-sized chocolate brown Suisun The Forrest Deaner Native Plant Botanic foliage into reds, brilliant yellows and browns. Song Sparrow, found only from Benicia SRA Garden displays over 250 species on 3.5 acres Common resident birds, such as towhees, eastward to the brackish marshes of Suisun overlooking Southampton Bay. The garden Western Scrub-Jays, Northern Mockingbirds, Bay. Samuel’s Song Sparrow is smaller in size is named for the founder of the Willis Linn and Dark-eyed Juncos scamper under the and blackish-olive on the back. Its range is Jepson Chapter of the California Native Plant leaves or call from the shrub tops. One area west from Carquinez Strait on San Pablo Society, whose members and volunteers is devoted to California natives that attract Bay. Slightly smaller yet, the Alameda Song maintain the plantings. In spring, colorful butterflies and hummingbirds. California Thrasher ◆ Toxostoma redivivum California Thrash- dire’s Thrasher. A Brown Thrasher, ers are about the same wide-spread in the east and south, plain brown color as was discovered in Point Pinole Re- California Towhees, but are larger, and gional Shoreline on November 24, if you can see the bird’s bill, there is no 2010, by Mount Diablo Audubon chance of mixing them up. The slender, Society member Laura Look. This sickle-shaped bill is over an inch long. was the first recorded sighting of Thrashers forage by sweeping this bill this species in Contra Costa County. from side to side, raking aside the leaf This bird was reported as recently as litter to find insects and spiders be- February 8 at Point Richmond. neath. Seeds and berries, such as toyon, California Thrashers are strictly are also to their liking. resident. So if you know of a terri- They have a long tail, equal to the tory, you may visit the place at any body in length which they hold up at time of year and count on finding an angle as they run rapidly along the the birds there. The species is no- ground toward cover, rather than fly. With ing in spring, they will fly up to the top of where abundant, but the Breeding this tail as an efficient rudder, and with short a shrub and entertain with a splendid aria. Bird Atlas of Contra Costa County shows wings and sturdy legs, the thrasher is well Members of the Mimidae family, that these birds, which prefer coastal equipped for quick maneuverability when he thrashers are relatives of the Northern scrub in the Berkeley Hills and stands wishes to avoid danger. California Thrashers Mockingbird and the Gray Catbird. Other of chamise and mixed chaparral in the like to stay within a rather small territory, thrashers found in California are Sage Diablo Range, are present in many parts and they like to keep under cover. But when Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, LeConte’s of the county, including some residential they choose to, especially on an early morn- Thrasher, and on very rare occasions, Ben- neighborhoods. the Quail —6— March 2011 Ornithology Welcome A thing is right when it tends to Opportunities preserve the integrity, stability and The will be 2011 Audubon Assembly New Members beauty of the biotic community. It is held in San Diego in conjunction with the Susan Clark Berkeley San Diego Bird Festival on March 3‒6. It’s wrong when it tends otherwise the first Assembly in Southern California Mary Krentz Oakland Aldo Leopold and includes trips, events and workshops Marylou Mull Hercules for the entire family. Buy an assembly pass ($125) and get free admission to all Bernt Pettersson Lafayette Mount Diablo Audubon Society Assembly events and workshops including a William Rocha Walnut Creek meets on the first Thursday of each month, banquet with seabird expert Peter Harrison Steve Steinke Oakland except July and August, in the Camellia and a Saturday night private party to meet Room of The Gardens at Heather Farms, new Audubon President David Yarnold. For 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. online brochure: www.sandiegoaudubon. Cibola National Wildlife Refuge and into Everyone is invited. org/2011%20Brochure.pdf Mexico, west to the Salton Sea, north to Don’t miss the 2011 Point Reyes Bird- the Imperial and Kofa National Wildlife ing and Nature Festival. The Point Reyes Refuges and east to archaeological sites. Birding and Nature Festival! The Festival www.yumabirding.com. will be held April 29‒May 2. It will feature Audubon California’s Kern River Pre- walks, instruction, fun events, great speak- serve in Weldon, hosts the 17th Annual ers and a silent auction. Such well known Kern River Valley Spring Nature Festi- birders and naturalists as Al Jaramillo, Jules val on Saturday, April 23. Numerous free Evens, Lisa Hug, David Wimpfheimer, events include bird walks led by Kerncrest Sarah Allen and many others will lead field Audubon Society volunteers, and informa- trips and give talks on everything you want tion booths and exhibits located at the Pre- to know. Our keynote speaker is world- serve’s headquarters. http://kern.audubon. renowned birder Alvaro Jaramillo. (www. org/KRVSNF.htm. pointreyesbirdingfestival.org) The annualHeron Festival will be held Yuma Birding & Nature Festival. April 30‒May 1 at Clear Lake State Park. – April 13 16. Nearly 400 species of birds The festival is hosted by Redbud Audubon MDAS Board of Directors make southwestern Arizona and the lower Society. A feature of this festival is the President: Jimm Edgar, 510-658-2330 Colorado River area a seasonal stop or pontoon boat trips to view Western Grebes Vice President: Mike Williams, 798-0303 California Thrasher ◆ Toxostoma redivivum year-round home because of its diverse on the lake and heron rookeries along the [email protected] habitat.. There are many tours available shoreline. The Heron Festival also features Treasurer: Steve Buffi, 938-0929 Board Secretary: Diana Granados but it’s definitely a good idea to sign up a Wildflower brunch as well as bird walks, [email protected] early if you want the widest choice of trips. nature speakers, exhibit booths, and chil- Corresponding Secretary Barbara Vaughn Just how wide? The tours range south to dren’s activities. www.heronfestival.org. 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] c c Please send The Quail by: US mail 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: Ann McGregor, 968-1677 Phone ( ____ )______E-mail______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 [email protected] Membership Chair 1932 Golden Rain Road #4 Walnut Creek, CA 94595 215 Calle La Mesa Moraga, CA 94556-1603

the Quail —7— March 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

Northern Harriers glide over the wetlands in search of the plentiful prey, and Benicia State Recreation Area in winter you can find Short-eared Owls. The abundance of migrant and wintering Since the days of California’s Gold Rush, at Southampton Bay to build mudflats waterbirds provides food for Peregrine the waters from the American, Sacramento, and marshes. These tidal marshes form a Falcons, which have maintained one of and San Joaquin Rivers, and other tributaries rather special habitat that attracts a host the Bay Area’s few nesting areas on nearby have brought silt from hydraulic mining of endangered wildlife and plants. For bridges. Other raptors are present, too, and logging operations downstream to example, the wetlands support a large and such as White-tailed Kites and American where the fresh water meets the salt water stable population of Black Rail, as well as Kestrels. The quiet waters of Southampton of San Pablo Bay at Carquinez Strait. Here probably more than one percent of the global Bay invite large numbers of waterfowl here much of the clay and fine sand settled out population of California Clapper Rail. Continued on Page 6 Carquinez Strait, viewed from Dillon Point at Benicia State Recreation Area, with Southampton Bay in the foreground and Mount Diablo in the distance. This lower trail leads around the cape to the right; from there one can see the Al Zampa Memorial/Carquinez Bridge connecting Crockett and Vallejo. The Bay Ridge Trail, high above on the right, offers spectacular views.

the Quail —8— March 2011