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Home , Big year, San Leandro Bay, The Big Year

vol. 95 no. 1 January–February 2010

the newsletter of the audubon society founded 1917

The Is Back

he Golden Gate National Parks contain T more endangered species than any other national park in continental North America, and there are specifi c things you can do to help them recover. The GGNP Endangered Species Big Year is back with a new suite of endangered species for you to see and help save, a new set of recovery actions, and a new set of prizes. The offi cial kick-off event will be on January 9 at 1 p.m. at the Sports Basement in the Presidio in San

Andy Hoac Andy Francisco. After a brief ceremony, along with Volunteers at the Wildlife Refuge. free drinks and snacks, we’ll take a short hike to view Western Snowy Plovers from the fence line at the Wildlife Protection Area. The New Year Is Here— For those who want to get a head start, we’ll be joining forces with the Bike It’s Time To Restore Coalition for a morning bike ride to the kick-off, touring the Presidio to search for some of the more elusive marine species, like the Southern very year from September through May, volunteers from all walks of life don Sea Otter and the Marbled Murrelet. E gloves, dig in the dirt, yank out weeds, and plant native vegetation at one of Since the 2008 Endangered Species Big Golden Gate Audubon’s four habitat restoration sites. These teams of volunteers, Year, when over 14,000 Bay Area residents par- including Golden Gate Audubon members and supporters from local communities, ticipated, more species have been added to the schools, and corporations, are enhancing habitat for resident and migrating and park’s list. The park is now known to contain other wildlife. In 2009 more than 600 volunteers worked at Golden Gate Audubon’s the Black Abalone, North American Green four habitat restoration sites, investing a staggering total of almost 1,900 hours of Sturgeon, and Myrtle’s Silverspot butterfl y, their time to improve native habitat in the Bay Area. among other wondrous plants and animals. The Many populations of resident and migratory birds continue to decline in the Bay expanded list brings mixed feelings of celebra- Area and throughout North America, primarily because of habitat destruction and tion and concern. We are fortunate to live in a degradation. Habitat restoration is the process of transforming a degraded area into a BIG YEAR continued on page 4 self-sustaining condition capable of supporting wildlife. Golden Gate Audubon and many other groups in the Bay Area are working year-round to restore sites to provide adequate habitat, in the hope of stemming the precipitous declines in certain wildlife 2 Birders as Citizen Scientists populations and bolstering the resiliency of Bay Area ecosystems to the effects of 5 Raptors Around Us

climate change. 7 Be a Field Trip Leader Golden Gate Audubon’s members have been engaged in habitat restoration around inside TIME TO RESTORE continued on page 11 ROSTER The Power of Counting Birds

board of directors Diane Ross-Leech President olden Gate Audubon has a long and proud history of citizen science. Christmas Al Peters Treasurer G Noreen Weeden Secretary Counts and breeding bird surveys are just two of the citizen science programs to Karim Al-Khafaji which Golden Gate Audubon members have contributed over the past several decades. If Whitney Dotson Alan Harper you have participated in any of these projects, you too are a citizen scientist. Carey Knecht Broadly defi ned, citizen science occurs when volunteers collect data and monitor wildlife Michael Lozeau Mark Mushkat and plants. Often, the volunteers have no formal scientifi c training, and they provide the Jay Pierrepont information gathered to professional scientists for collation and analysis. By working with Phil Price Linda Vallee volunteers, scientists at organizations such as the Point Reyes Bird Observatory and the Rich Walkling Golden Gate Raptor Observatory are able to collect more data across broader areas and over

executive director a longer period of time. Mark Welther 510.843.9912 Many of you joined me in December 2009 for Golden Gate Audubon’s annual Christ- [email protected] mas Bird Counts in San Francisco and the . CBCs have been conducted in San chief operating officer Francisco since 1915 and in Oakland since 1938. The rich information collected through Kevin E. Consey [email protected] these counts has provided ornithologists and biologists with invaluable long-term data on the conservation director Mike Lynes [email protected] impacts of urban growth on local bird populations. Christmas Bird Count and breeding bird

conservation project manager survey data collected by our members contributed to Audubon California’s February 2009 Noreen Weeden 510.301.0570 report regarding the projected impacts of climate change on bird populations in California. [email protected] Citizen science projects combine the enjoyable pastime of recreational birding with an development assistant Rue Mapp 510.843.7295 opportunity to work with experts and contribute to regional and national data sets for birds. [email protected] We get to do more than just add a bird to our life list; we can record changes in bird popu- eco-education program manager lations and help identify conservation priorities. Every day, we at Golden Gate Audubon Anthony DeCicco 510.843.7293 depend on information transmitted to us by citizen scientists throughout the Bay Area. [email protected] The Christmas Bird Counts are only one of many citizen science opportunities for eco-education program coordinator Rubén Guzmán 510.843.7293 Golden Gate Audubon members. In San Francisco, “Lights Out” volunteers look for birds [email protected] that have collided with downtown buildings. On the southern San Francisco waterfront, office manager surveys provide information about the how birds rely on old piers and other structures slated Stephanie Strait 510.843.2222 for demolition. At Ocean Beach and Crissy Field, Dan Murphy, Matt Zlatunich, and others volunteer coordinator Jennifer Robinson Maddox 510.919.5873 monitor threatened Western Snowy Plovers. Additional projects include monitoring Bank

Swallows near Fort Funston and herons, egrets, and at Lake Merced. In 2010 gull managing editor we will expand our citizen science projects to include studies at Candlestick Point State Judith Dunham [email protected] Recreational Area and additional surveys at Lake Merced. field trips In the East Bay, volunteers continue to monitor Western Burrowing at Cesar Chavez Pam Belchamber 510.549.2839 Park and endangered California Least at the Alameda Wildlife Refuge. We are also observations Bruce Mast [email protected] building on our extensive volunteer-driven studies of the birds of the Eastshore State Park

web editor and the North Richmond shoreline with new studies of land birds and other species along [email protected] the Trail. All the data are transmitted to local, state, and federal agencies to improve the management of wildlife throughout the Bay Area. The Golden Gate Audubon Society was founded January 25, 1917, and became a chapter of National There is no doubt that these data provide an important resource for scientists and directly Audubon in 1948. Golden Gate Audubon Supporting contribute to the conservation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats. I am proud of Golden Membership is $35 per year. Renewals should be sent to the Golden Gate Audubon offi ce. The board of direc- Gate Audubon’s tradition of citizen science and invite you to join us in the fi eld in 2010. tors meets six times per year (schedule can be obtained —Mark Welther, Executive Director from the main offi ce).

The Gull is published nine times per year. Special third-class postage paid in Oakland, CA. Send address changes to offi ce promptly. The post offi ce does not forward The Gull. New Board Member

Golden Gate Audubon Society Golden Gate Audubon is pleased to announce the appointment of a new board 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite G member, Michael Lozeau. Michael is a partner in the law fi rm of Lozeau/Drury, LLP, Berkeley, CA 94702 and was recognized in 2003 by the San Francisco Chronicle Magazine as a Top 25 TEL 510.843.2222 FAX 510.843.5351 www.goldengateaudubon.org Bay Area Lawyer. Michael is a former staff attorney and lecturer in law at Earthjus- [email protected] tice and the Stanford Law School, as well as a former board member and executive Nature Store hours: Monday – Friday, 9 – 12, 1 – 5 director of . Welcome, Michael! Design and layout: e.g. communications

2 THE GULL january–february 2010 conservation corner

GGA SUPPORTS PRESIDIO MARSH this issue to attend and speak up. The meet- RESTORATION ing will be held on January 20, 6:30–8:30 In comments submitted to the Presidio p.m., in Livermore at the Martinelli Event Trust, Golden Gate Audubon voiced sup- Center, 3585 Greenville Road. port for an exciting plan to create new wetlands and to daylight a stream that cur- FOCUS ON THE BURROWING rently fl ows through a culvert into Crissy At the upcoming 38th California Burrow- Marsh. The site—more than nine acres in ing Owl Consortium, individual speakers the northeastern portion of San Francisco’s and representatives from community-based Presidio—is part of the area where the new groups will present their latest fi ndings on Doyle Drive access to the Golden Gate the challenges and opportunities in main- Bridge is being constructed. The restora- taining or increasing the existing population tion, to be completed concurrent with the of the Western Burrowing Owl. The event, Doyle Drive project, will provide native on February 6, will be held at the Martinelli habitat for marsh and upland birds. Event Center, 3585 Greenville Road, Liver- For detailed information, go to www.pre- more. The registration fee of $25, includes sidio.gov/trust/projects/quartermaster.htm,

lunch, opens on January 4. Checks made Navarro Alex which has a link to a map of the marsh res- out to the Alliance should Black-crowned Night-Heron, a year-round resident toration, the preferred alternative of three be sent to Alameda Creek Alliance, c/o Rich at Berkeley’s Aquatic Park. proposed plans. Golden Gate Audubon is Cimino, 1281 Ridgewood Road, Pleasanton, sheltered “dens” that people use for illicit one of several San Francisco groups in the CA 94566. For the consortium agenda, visit activities, while providing good bird habi- Presidio Environmental Council, and we www.burrowingowlpreservation.org or www. tat. Golden Gate Audubon has met with support maximizing the ecological restora- scpbrg.org. People interested in making pre- city staff and is optimistic that the project tion in the Presidio. sentations should contact Rich Cimino at can work for wildlife, but we need to moni- [email protected]. tor and critique the work as it proceeds. ALTAMONT WIND POWER Western Burrowing Owls, as many as A separate project, the Aquatic Park RESOURCE AREA PUBLIC MEETING fi ve, are continuing to occupy the northeast Improvement Project, is intended to alter The Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area corner of Cesar Chavez Park near the Berke- the connections between San Francisco Bay Stakeholder Group is holding its fi rst annual ley Marina, where Golden Gate Audubon and the park’s lagoons, to improve the water public meeting to hear presentations and volunteers installed protective fencing and quality and habitat for fi sh and plant life as review data regarding the operation of wind signage last fall. Docents monitor the win- well as birds. Golden Gate Audubon com- turbines and their effects on birds in the tering owls and show them to park users. mented on the initial plans for this project Altamont Pass. The meeting will include and will continue to participate by reviewing discussion of replacing old turbines, which NEW CHANGES FOR BERKELEY’S environmental and planning documents. tend be more dangerous for birds, with AQUATIC PARK If you are interested in these projects and newer, more effi cient turbines that may kill The Berkeley Parks, Recreation, and Water- are willing to help with either one, contact fewer birds. The public will have an oppor- front Department has initiated changes at Phil Price, chair of the East Bay Conserva- tunity to ask questions and make comments, the 25-acre Aquatic Park, a productive and tion Committee ([email protected]). and we encourage everyone interested in popular birding destination. The depart- ment will begin a program at the park that SHARP PARK DECISION IMMINENT Inaugural Golden Gate includes tree trimming, vegetation removal, In November 2009, the San Francisco Rec- Audubon Birdathon and new plantings. The goal is to reduce reation and Parks Department released Join birders and nature enthusi- the accumulation of trash and human waste a report proposing three alternatives for asts from May 15 through May 23 to and the trampling of vegetation caused by the future of Sharp Park, the golf course document Bay Area birds and raise people using this part of the park for drug in Pacifi ca operated by the city of San funds for Golden Gate Audubon. use, sexual activity, and encampments. Francisco. Sharp Park is inhabited by two Mark your calendars and stay tuned Under the new plan, smaller shrubs will federally listed species—the threatened for more information about how to be planted near the roadways, and larger California Red-legged Frog and the endan- get involved. bushes and trees near the lagoons, with gered San Francisco Garter Snake. Many the intention of eliminating most of the CONSERVATION CORNER continued on page 4

january–february 2010 THE GULL 3 CONSERVATION CORNER continued from page 3 environmental groups, including Golden Donations Gate Audubon, advocate restoring the wet- Thank you for your generous donations to support our many conservation, edu- lands and transferring the property to the cation, and member activities! Golden Gate Recreational Area for the Peregrine Falcon ($500 to $999) establishment of a new national park (see Mary & John Price Least ($200 to $499) December Gull, page 1). One alternative, Phil Cotty, Patricia Greene, Arlene V. H. Lee, Craig A. & Martha S. Spriggs, Edward F. Walsh favored by Phil Ginsburg, general manager Clapper ($100 to $199) of Recreation and Parks, maintains the park Scott Benson & Elana Swartzman, Robert K. & Barbara Brandriff, John N. Brenneman & Karen O’Rourke, as an 18-hole golf course, which provides Ronald L. & Rosemary Clendenen, Patricia E. Coffey, Linda A. Deaktor, Linda Marie Griffi th, Pansy Kwong, Marilyn & David Nasatir, Peter Ralston & Pattie Litton, Carla & R. Rugeroni, Shirley & Farrel Schell, Jean C. the least habitat for the two species and Thomas, Ruth Tobey & Alan Tobey puts them at further risk. The report also Gifts (to $99) fails to accurately account for signifi cant Nancy J. Buffum, Cornelia A. Foster, Mary Margarite Golden, William Jackson, Carolyn Jones-Weinberger, Yoko Jung, C. Bruce Lee, Bethhellen Levitan & Raymond Trautman, Frawley J. Lynch, Frederick & Peggy costs of operating, maintaining, or improv- Munich, Cordelia A. Neal, E. Sayre, Joseph W. & Sally M. Small, Sheridan & Elizabeth Warrick, John ing the golf course, which has been losing Zimmermann money for years. In-Kind Donations ACLU of Northern California for event space On November 19, the Recreation and Arizmendi, baked goods for MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline workday Park Commission voted to refrain from act- Josiah Clark of Habitat Potential for oak trees for Harding Park ing on the department’s recommendation Employee Gift Match Pacifi c Gas and Electric and instead allow more time for public com- ment and scientifi c review. However, the commission may have decided to vote on information from this and similar surveys, offi ce, 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley. an alternative as early as December 2009. such as the Christmas Bird Counts, to track For further information, contact chair Phil Check the Golden Gate Audubon website changes in the population and distribution Price at [email protected]. and www.restoresharppark.org for updates of winter birds. You can help by counting The San Francisco Conservation Com- and for actions you can take that will help the birds where you live. To participate, mittee meets the fi rst Wednesday of the protect wildlife at Sharp Park. go to www.birdsource.org/gbbc. You’ll fi nd month at 7 p.m. at the Randall Museum, detailed instructions as well as forms for located at 199 Museum Way (www.randall GREAT ANNUAL BACKYARD BIRD submitting your data and handy checklists museum.org). COUNT MARKS 13TH YEAR to use in the fi eld. Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Refuge Golden Gate Audubon invites birders of meets the third Monday of the month. For all levels to participate in the 13th annual JOIN A CONSERVATION time and location, contact cochair Leora Great Backyard Bird Count, February COMMITTEE Feeney at [email protected]. 12–15, sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Meet other birders and wildlife enthusiasts and the National Audubon on your side of the bay and fi nd out about Society. You can count for as little as 15 projects in your community. Benefi t Lecture for the minutes or as long as you like during the The East Bay Conservation Commit- International Bird Rescue four days—in your backyard or in a local tee meets the fi rst Tuesday of the month Research Center park or other location. Scientists use the at 6:30 p.m. at the Golden Gate Audubon On the evening of January 28, the IBRRC’s charismatic executive direc- tor, Jay Holcomb, will highlight continued from page 1 advances in saving wildlife from myr- biologically diverse landscape, but when so expeditions where we can pitch in to help iad calamities. You will be inspired many species in our most protected urban these species recover. The person who sees and amused when you hear his sto- landscape are on the brink of extinction, it and helps save the most species by the end ries from the frontlines. The event is is time to refl ect on our relationship with of the year will win a $1,000 grand prize. cosponsored by Golden Gate Audu- this land. Think you can claim the prize? Go to bon and the Oakland Zoo, where the You can do this by participating in the www.wildequity.org to fi nd out about the lecture will be held. For more infor- 2010 GGNP Endangered Species Big Year. kick-off event and to join the competition. mation, including time, go to www. We will organize explorations to see these — Brent Plater, Executive Director, goldengateaudubon.org. species in the park and conduct recovery Wild Equity Institute

4 THE GULL january–february 2010 speaker series

JENNIFER ROBINSON MADDOX, COORDINATOR

The Raptors Around Us Looking Up with Ease Eddie Bartley Jane Graly San Francisco: Thursday, January 21 Berkeley: Thursday, February 18 7 p.m. refreshments, 7:30 p.m. program 7 p.m. refreshments, 7:30 p.m. program Mild climates and relatively abundant food Does your neck hurt after a day of bird- sources make our part of the world an invit- ing? Would you like to be more comfortable ing and hospitable place for raptors the year using binoculars? Jane Graly, a physical around but especially in winter. Please join therapist and Feldenkrais practitioner, will Eddie Bartley for a fast-paced photographic guide us in a series of gentle movements journey and discussion of Northern Cali- www.naturetrip.com Bartley/ Eddie designed to support looking up. This explo- fornia’s resident and visiting birds of prey. Male (left) and female Northern Harriers. ration in sitting and standing will teach us Along the way, he will explore some recent how to use the whole body to support the theories about the familial relationships, as well as the adaptations in response to changes in use of the eyes and neck. climate and habitat, of one our most fascinating group of birds. Jane, who has many years of experience Eddie, a member of Golden Gate Audubon’s Education Committee, has taught many in movement re-education, is a certifi ed courses on ornithology for a variety of groups around California. He is an active volunteer practitioner of the Feldenkrais Method, and citizen scientist for Golden Gate Audubon, the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, and which helps people become more aware of the Hungry Owl Project. Eddie is a founding partner of Nature Trip, a San Francisco–based and gently alter how they move in habitual company that specializes in wildlife- and bird-watching, natural history, and photography ways. Her interest in wildlife has led her to fi eld trips. He is an author and the principle photographer of the fi eld guide 100 Birds of Her- the study of birds, and her interest in move- on’s Head and has been published in a number of scientifi c journals including the “Pacifi c ment has led her to the study of how people Raptor Report.” His photography has appeared in Bay Nature magazine, the Presidio Times, watch birds. and the San Francisco Chronicle, as well as The Gull. Berkeley Speaker Series: Northbrae Community San Francisco Speaker Series: First Unitarian Universalist Church and Center, 1187 Franklin Street at Church, 941 The Alameda (between Solano and Geary. Visit www.uusf.org/visitors_faq.html, and use the Map It! link on the left for directions. Public tran- Marin). Directions: www.northbrae.org/direc- sit, street parking, and parking in a lot for a fee are available. tions.htm.

Volunteer Opportunities and Events Sunday, January 10, 9 a.m. – noon layered clothes recommended. If you are part of a group of fi ve Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Refuge workday. Help us pre- or more volunteers, please RSVP to [email protected]. pare breeding habitat for the endangered California Least Monday, January 18, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Terns. Meet at the main refuge gate at the northwest corner Annual MLK Day event. We will work with the East Bay Regional of the former Alameda Naval Air Station in Alameda. (Please Park District to clean up as much trash as possible on the day check the GGA website for the February date). that celebrates the park’s namesake, Martin Luther King Jr. We Sunday, January 17, and expect 500 people or more. For this event, please park at Pep- Saturday, February 6, 9 a.m. – noon permint Gate. Overfl ow parking will go to the Damon Slough Pier 94 wetlands restoration workday. As part of our ongoing Staging Area. Refreshments provided. efforts to restore wetlands along San Francisco’s southern waterfront, we will continue weeding the wetland and work- Saturdays, January 23 and February 27, 9 a.m. – noon ing on the new upland plots. Join us and see what birds have TogetherGreen Volunteer Days. Join us for monthly workdays come back to the wetland. Refreshments provided. at Harding Park in San Francisco. We will continue to weed out invasive radish and other plants that have infi ltrated the restora- Saturdays, January 16 and February 20, 9 a.m. – noon tion area. Refreshments provided. White-crowned Sparrow Habitat Restoration Project. Join other passionate volunteers in restoring habitat along the For updates on these workdays and for directions, visit www. historic Bison Paddock in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. goldengateaudubon/volunteer. Questions? Please contact Volunteers will plant natives, weed established sites, and help Jennifer Robinson Maddox, Golden Gate Audubon’s Volunteer nurture this site for local sparrows. Closed-toed shoes and Coordinator, at [email protected].

january–february 2010 THE GULL 5 fi eld trips $ Entrance fee

Biking trip PAM BELCHAMBER, COORDINATOR

For questions about individual fi eld trips, contact the leaders. If you cannot reach a of the street, turn left, and continue to the gate just leader, contact Pam Belchamber at 510.549.2839. Field trips are also listed on the Golden before the pond. Gate Audubon website at www.goldengateaudubon.org. Consumnes River Preserve Sacramento County Jewel Lake in Tilden helping beginning birders develop their Sunday, January 10, 9 a.m. Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley skills in spotting and identifying birds. Rusty Scalf, [email protected] Fridays, January 1 and February 5, The Consumnes is a small river, a mere 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Palo Alto Baylands and 80 miles long, that meanders freely in the Phila Rogers, 510.848.9156, philajane6@ Mountain View Shoreline Central Valley just south of Sacramento, yahoo.com San Mateo County along one of the remaining tracts of old- We continue our monthly fi rst Friday trips Saturday, January 9, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. growth riparian forest left in the valley. at Tilden. Meet at the parking lot at the Dan Murphy, [email protected] The preserve’s wetlands are extensive. north end of Central Park Dr. for a 1-mile, The wetlands, marshes, and open waters We’ll also fi nd woodland birds. Meet at 2-hour-plus stroll through this lush ripar- at Palo Alto and Mountain View are among the preserve’s visitor center on Franklin ian area. Winter birds will have arrived, the richest bird habitats on San Francisco Blvd. Dress warmly and bring lunch and and we’ll look for waterbirds on both Bay. Levees and boardwalks overlooking liquids. Trip ends in early afternoon. Jewel Lake and Lake Anza. A scope would the marshes, mudfl ats, and open water Take I-80 east to I-50 and then the I-5 (south) exit to be useful for seeing on the lakes. make these excellent sites to view 60 to Twin Cities Rd. (marked with a binoculars sign for wildlife viewing). This area is about midway between Rain cancels. 80 species that winter in the South Bay. Stockton and Sacramento. At the Twin Cities Rd. exit, Ducks, shorebirds, waders, gulls, raptors, go east for exactly 1 mile to the fi rst stop sign. Turn San Francisco Botanical Garden and many more provide an ideal birding right onto Franklin Blvd. and continue for 1.7 miles. The visitor center is on the left side of Franklin. The Golden Gate Park experience. Meet in the parking lot on parking lot is just past the visitor center. To view a Sundays, January 3 and February 7, the right side of the road at the gate just map, go to www.consumnes.org. 8 – 10:30 a.m. before the duck pond near the Baylands Alan Ridley, [email protected]; Helen Preserve. Wear clothes appropriate for Corona Heights McKenna, 415.566.3241; Ginny Marshall cold, wet weather. If it has been raining, San Francisco Meet at the front gate of the garden in wear boots or waders, as the levees can Fridays, January 15 and February 19, Golden Gate Park, 9th Ave. at Lincoln be muddy. Bring lunch and liquids. Rain 8 – 10 a.m. Way. This delightful section of the park will not cancel the trip. Charles Hibbard; Brian Fitch; Dominik has several microhabitats that attract an From Hwy. 101 in Palo Alto (just south of the Dumbar- Mosur, [email protected] ton Bridge), exit at Embarcadero Rd. East. Stay to the array of resident, migrant, and vagrant right and be careful not to end up on the Oregon Meet in front of the Randall Museum, 199 birds. This monthly trip is oriented toward Expressway. Drive east over the freeway to the end Museum Way, at the end of Museum Way off Roosevelt. We will enjoy views of the city and bay as we circle Corona Heights, checking the east canyon woodland and north forest for residents and migrants, as well as monitoring the hilltop scrub and south cliff.

Quarry Lakes, Alameda Creek, and Coyote Hills Fremont, Alameda County Monday, January 18 Kathy Jarrett, 510.547.1233, [email protected] Meet the leaders at 9 a.m. on the east side of the Fremont BART station in the parking lot for this all-day trip on the MLK Bob Lewis/www.wingbeats.org Bob Cackling Geese, seen individually or in small groups in the Bay Area in winter. holiday. Trip ends at BART between 3 and

6 THE GULL january–february 2010 4 p.m. We will see birds from the time we step off the BART train and will experi- Field Trip Leadership Program in San Francisco ence various habitats: riparian, marsh, Leading fi eld trips is a very rewarding experience! In this unique, interactive course, and bayside. The total distance is 24–30 Eddie Bartley will discuss the fundamentals of leading a successful fi eld trip with miles mostly on paved bike trails. Bicycle a focus on using stories about the natural history of the helmet required. Bring lunch and liquids to entertain and educate trip participants. The program consists of an evening for a picnic at Coyote Hills Regional Park. presentation in San Francisco on Thursday, February 4, 7 to 9 p.m., followed by a Dress for variable weather. Rain cancels. fi eld trip on Sunday, February 7, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., to many of the birdy and natural Reservations are not necessary, but an areas of San Francisco. At each stop on the fi eld trip, we will provide information on email or phone call is appreciated. the natural features and past and current conservation issues while observing and Transit: BART is not on a holiday schedule on MLK Day; go to www.transitinfo.org for the schedule. The listing the fauna we encounter. Fremont train passes through MacArthur at 8:08 a.m. Fee for the program is $100, which will be refunded after participants lead their fi rst Bikes are not allowed on the Pittsburg/Baypoint train to SFO line at this time. Car: From I-880 to Fremont, two fi eld trips for Golden Gate Audubon in 2010. To reserve your space or for fur- take the Mowry Ave. exit east toward central Fre- ther information, contact Jennifer Robinson Maddox, GGA Volunteer Coordinator, mont and go 2.3 mi. on Mowry. The Fremont BART at [email protected] or 510.919.5873. parking lot is on the east side of the station past Civic Center Dr. Sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm not only enhances the lives of Bay Area residents but can inspire them to take positive, informed action on local environ- Sausal Creek mental issues. Oakland, Alameda County Saturday, January 23, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. our regular visitors and, with luck, a few ing habitat for scores of wintering raptors, Mark Rauzon, [email protected] surprise wanderers, too. while the wetlands of the nearby Yolo Join Mark and the Friends of Sausal Creek Take the 12, N, or NL bus to Grand and Perkins, and Basin Wildlife Area are the winter home for for a bird-monitoring fi eld trip in the Sau- walk into the park on Perkins. Best parking is at the thousands of waterfowl, including ducks, boathouse lot near the spherical cage. Entry (via Bel- sal Creek watershed. Eight sites will be levue near Children’s Fairyland) is free on weekdays. geese, swans, and many shorebirds. visited, each for a 10-minute stationary This trip will visit several local habitats count. The area to be covered extends Panoche Valley in search of wintering Ferruginous and from the Sequoia Arena turnoff from Sky- Rough-legged Hawks; Merlin; Prairie Fal- San Benito and Fresno Counties line Blvd. to the Dimond Park restoration con; Burrowing, Barn, and Great-horned Sunday, January 31, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. area, to the lowlands and the Fruitvale Owls; and Long-billed Curlew, as well Chris Carpenter, [email protected], bridge where Peregrine Falcons are set- as the elusive and threatened Mountain 510.547.2201 ting up territory. The group will hopscotch Plover. We also expect to see a represen- by car, and participants can linger at Panoche Valley is mainly private property, tative sampling of waterfowl and a variety some sites, but Mark will move quickly to so we will bird from the roadside to look of shorebirds at the Yolo Basin Wildlife be done by 1 p.m. Meet at the Sequoia for the specialty birds found here, such Area, also known as the Vic Fazio refuge. Arena parking lot off Skyline Blvd., almost as Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Chukar, Meet at 8 a.m. in Dixon in the south- across from the Chabot Space and Sci- Greater Roadrunner, and Lewis’s and west corner of the Wal-Mart parking lot, ence Center. Acorn Woodpeckers. Bring a spotting located on East Dorset Dr. at the Hwy. 113 scope if you have one. Meet in Paicines, at exit off I-80. Bring lunch and liquids; dress Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park the junction of Hwy. 25 and County Rd. J1. in layers. Heavy rain cancels. Oakland, Alameda County Paicines is 13 miles south of Hollister. Make Wednesdays, January 27 and sure you have gas and food, as Hollister is Eastshore State Park February 24, 9:30 a.m. – noon the last gas station in this direction. We Alameda and Contra Costa Counties Hilary Powers, 510.834.1066, will tour Panoche Valley, ending at I-5 and Monday, February 15 [email protected]; Ruth Tobey, Little Panoche Rd. Rain cancels. Kathy Jarrett, 510.547.1233, 510.528.2093, [email protected] [email protected] Meet at the large spherical cage near the Wintering Raptors and Meet the leaders at 8:50 a.m. at El Cer- Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue. Waterfowl rito Del Norte BART Station (BART is on We will bird around there, then go up the Solano and Yolo Counties holiday schedule for President’s Day) or garden path toward Children’s Fairyland Saturday, February 6, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at 9:20 at the end of S. 51st Street in Rich- or walk down the lake toward Embar- Terry Colborn, 916.705.8991, mond; there is a spur from the SF Bay Trail cadero, after which we will cover what we [email protected] to this point. We will bird along the SF missed. This should be another peak win- The open agricultural lands of southern Bay Trail from Richmond to Berkeley and ter month at Lake Merritt. Come see all Solano County provide excellent forag- FIELD TRIPS continued on page 8

january–february 2010 THE GULL 7 FIELD TRIPS from page 7 limited to 30 participants. Cost is $80 for east side of the park from Hwy. 25. Email end at University Ave. and I-80 in Berke- Golden Gate Audubon members, $90 for leader for more information or go to www. ley. High tide at Pt. Isabel is at 12:22 p.m. nonmembers. To reserve space and make nps.gov/pinn. Shorebirds and ducks should be seen on payment, contact Stephanie Strait, GGA this trip. Bring bicycle lock, sunscreen, Offi ce Manager, by Friday, January 16, at Honey Lake and liquids. Bring lunch or purchase at 510.843.2222 or ggas@goldengateaudu- Lassen County the Seabreeze Market. Bicycle helmet bon.org. Participants confi rmed on the Saturday–Sunday, March 20–21 required. Participants must have the trip will receive directions to the Antioch Dave Quady, 510.704.9353, stamina to dismount frequently and have Marina, the departure point. [email protected]. the ability and experience to bicycle safely We will search Lassen County for Greater on city streets. Rain cancels. Reservations Eastshore State Park Sage-, Bald Eagles, and other win- are not necessary, but an email or phone Alameda and Contra Costa Counties tering birds of the Eastern Sierra. This call is appreciated. Saturday, February 27 trip is limited to the fi rst 20 participants Car: To reach S. 51st Street, take the Bayview exit Kathy Jarrett, 510.547.1233, who sign up with the leader; reservations from I-580 north and turn left to cross west over the [email protected] freeway. Turn left on Seaport and then immediately open up at noon on January 25. Detailed left on S. 51st Street. Go to the end and park on the Meet the leaders at 9 a.m. at the Emeryville directions will be provided to those who street. Entrance to a short spur to the SF Bay Trail City Marina. Shorebirds and ducks should are confi rmed on the trip. Lodging is starts here. If you are concerned about security, park at Point Isabel and ride north on the trail about .75 be seen on this one-way trip birding the available in Susanville; primitive camping mile to meet the group. BART schedule: www.tran- Eastshore State Park from Emeryville is available in the Honey Lake State Wild- sitinfo.org. to Richmond. High tide in Berkeley is at life Area. Plan to bring warm clothing, 10:21 a.m. Options for returning include lunches for both days, and a scope if you Delta Boat bicycling, taking BART from Richmond have one. Carpooling is encouraged. Trip or El Cerrito Del Norte, or taking Amtrak Antioch Marina, Antioch from Richmond. Reservations are not Yosemite National Park Saturday, February 20, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. necessary, but an email or phone call is Friday–Sunday, June 4 – 6 Bob Lewis, [email protected] appreciated. Please indicate how you Dave Quady, 510.704.9353, Spaces may still be available on this trip plan to arrive and return. [email protected]; Dave Cornman on board the comfortable Delphinus for Bring sunscreen, lunch, and liquids. The lower and middle elevations of a wonderful day of exploring the rich Food and drink may be purchased at Yosemite National Park are alive with habitats and meandering channels of the Amini’s store/café at Richmond Marina singing birds in late May and early June. A Sacramento Delta. We can expect to see Bay. Bicycle helmet required. Partici- variety of habitats supports a rich diversity thousands of Tundra Swan, Snow Goose, pants must have the stamina to dismount of bird life, typically including seven fl y- White-fronted Goose, and Canada Goose, frequently and have the ability and expe- catchers (three Empidonax), three vireos, and myriad ducks, and will also look for rience to bicycle safely on city streets. seven warblers, and many other species overwintering and resident raptors. Bring Rain cancels. in full song and breeding . lunch, liquids, and warm clothing. Trip is From Ashby BART, bicycle west on Woolsey, which This trip is limited to the fi rst 20 par- becomes 66th St. after crossing Sacramento St. At San Pablo Ave., jog left to 65th St. and continue west ticipants who sign up with the leader; Come Out and Meet GGA’s to Shellmound and then turn left to Powell St. Cross reservations open up at noon on Febru- Bay Trail Docents to the south side of Powell and follow the sidewalk ary 22. Past participants have found it west, passing under freeway. Cross back to the bicy- convenient to camp at Hodgdon Meadow Docents with our Birding the Bay cle lane and continue to the end at the Emeryville Trail program are stationed along City Marina. Take extreme care crossing freeway in the park (reservations necessary, as the in the East exits and entrances. Go to www.transitinfo.org for the campground fi lls up fast), or to stay BART schedule. Bay from the Albany mudfl ats to the in campgrounds or commercial lodgings Richmond Marina. The teams of vol- outside the park’s Big Oak Flat entrance. Pinnacles National Monument unteers are equipped with scopes to Detailed information, including meeting San Benito County show trail users the abundant birdlife times and locations as well as lodging Sunday, February 28, 9 a.m. and are eager to share other infor- suggestions, will be provided to those Rusty Scalf, 510.666.9936, [email protected] mation about the area, from the local who are confi rmed on the trip. Confi rmed plants to the local history. To see Pinnacles National Monument is a release participants should bring warm clothes, when our knowledgeable docents site for the endangered California Con- rainwear, and rubber boots for wet mead- will be on the trail, please check our dor, and the birds can sometimes be seen ows, as well as lunches for Saturday and volunteer page and online calendar from hiking trails throughout the park. Sunday. Participants should be prepared at www.goldengateaudubon.org. Meet at the Visitor’s Center in the fi rst to walk about 3 miles each day. Carpool- parking lot on the left after you enter the ing is encouraged.

8 THE GULL january–february 2010 observations

BRUCE MAST NOVEMBER 1 – 30, 2009

ith the last of the fall migrants bird provided a Halloween treat to birders W trickling through, birders settled at Pillar Pt. Harbor and Princeton Marsh, into the familiar winter birding patterns: SM (JB; mob). Another Tropical Kingbird ducks, geese, raptors, and sparrows. Plenty ventured out to PRNS Lighthouse, MRN, of interesting birds sparked the annual on the 3rd (BM, JM). Mountain question: will they stay around until the were reported from 6 locales in eastern Christmas Bird Count? ALA, CC, NAP, and SOL, with a high count of 30-plus blue gems Nov. 16 along TO DUCKS Patterson Pass Rd., ALA (SC, CL). Upper Crystal Springs Res., SM, provided a rare freshwater sighting of a Red-necked WOOD WARBLERS TO FINCHES on Nov. 28 (RT, LB). A Nov. 15 Warbler movements trickled to 2 Palm pelagic trip to Cordell Bank, MRN, Warblers, starting Nov. 4 at D’Anna Yacht reported 2 Laysan and 5 Short- Harbor, Oakland, ALA (MR; mob) and Nov. tailed Shearwaters (RS, oob). A seawatch 21 at Año Nuevo SR, SM (RT). Best bird

from Pigeon Pt., SM, on the 21st recorded MastBruce this month was arguably an American Tree 16 Northern Fulmars and 9 Black-vented Palm Warbler at D’Anna Yacht Harbor, Oakland. Sparrow, which joined the sparrow fl ock at Shearwaters among the more common Ellis Cr. Water Recycling Facility, Petaluma, near-shore species (RT). Winter gull-watching season kicked off SON, on the 19th (RR). A couple Vesper The SCL bayfront from Palo Alto Bay- on Nov. 14 with a Glaucous Gull off Battery Sparrows visited a fennel patch on SON lands to Salt Pond A1 produced scattered Godfrey (PS) and a Black-legged Mountain Rd., SON, on the 25th (RS). sightings of up to 3 Cattle Egrets and 4 at Crissy Field in SF (LK). The Cordell The molting Lark Bunting remained at White-faced Ibis (mob). Two Tundra Swans Bank pelagic trip tallied 10 Black-legged Byxbee Park in Palo Alto, SCL, through the splashed down at Pescadero Marsh, SM, on and 5 Ancient Murrelets (RS, 10th (mob). A late Grasshopper Sparrow Nov. 13 (GS). White-winged Scoters were oob). An Ancient Murrelet lingered offshore popped up at Tolay Cr. Ranch, SON, on the reported from a number of coastal locations, at Sutro Baths, SF, Nov. 16–18 (AH; BF). 7th (PC, AL, LN, AC). High tides fl ushed with a high count of 24 from Pescadero a Nelson’s Sparrow at Palo Alto Baylands, Marsh on the 16th (GH). Bayside, White- DOVES TO THRASHERS SCL, Nov. 1–3 (KS; BB, BR, MM) and at winged Scoter pairs cruised ALA Pt. in ALA Barred Owl range expansion continued Heron’s Head, SF, on the 14th (TO; DM). Nov. 10–13 (HW) and then San Leandro apace with a sighting on Nov. 13 from Visitors to a private horse stable in Portola Marina, ALA, Nov. 15–20 (KR; SF, PG). Annadel SP, SON (BD). A Yellow-bellied Valley on the 28th were surprised to fi nd a The region’s sole Black Scoter was reported Sapsucker was ID’d on Nov. 16 on the SON fl ock of 1,000-plus Tricolored Blackbirds on the 21st from Pigeon Pt., SM (RT). State Campus, Rohnert Park (AK). Red- (RT, LB). Finally, Yellow-headed Black- Long-tailed Ducks made the news on naped Sapsuckers turned up on Nov. 4 in birds turned up in the blackbird fl ocks at the 2nd at Ocean Beach, SF (PS); on the Vacaville, SOL (DB; JL); on the 13th near Bayfront Park in Menlo Park, SM, on the 10th at , MRN (JE); and on L. Merced, SF (RG); and on the 26th along 3rd (RF) and at Deniz Dairy along SON the 16th near , SCL L. Del Valle, ALA (SH). A Tropical King- Mountain Rd., SON, on the 26th (CT). (BB; mob). An unusual concentration of 26 Hooded Mergansers gathered on the 29th Semicolons separate original observer(s) from subsequent observer(s). Abbreviation “mob” = many observers; “oob” = other at the Radio Rd. ponds, SM (AD). observers. Information is compiled from BirdBox transcripts and regional listservs; the author apologizes for any errors or omissions. Special thanks to Rod Thornton for helping compile Observations data.

RAPTORS TO ALCIDS Abbreviations for Observers: AC, Andy Compari; AD, Al Duerson; AE, Art Edwards; AH, Alan Hopkins; AK, Andy Kleinhesselink; AL, Andy Lacasse; BB, Bill Bousman; BD, Bill Doyle; BF, Brian Fitch; BM, Bunkie Mangum; BR, Bob Reiling; CL, Carol Lombardi; CT, A hawk watcher at Battery Godfrey in the Chris Traub; DB, David Bell; DM, Dominik Mosur; GH, Garth Harwood; GS, Gary Strachan; HW, Harv Wilson; JB, James Barnes; JE, Jules Evens; JL, Jim Lomax; JM, Jeff Mangum; KR, Kathy Robertson; KS, Ken Schneider; LB, Leonie Batkin; LK, Logan Kahle; LN, Len Presidio tracked a Rough-legged Hawk Nelson; MM, Mike Mammoser; MR, Mark Rauzon; PC, Peter Colasanti; PG, Phil E. Gordon; PS, Paul Saraceni; RF, Rick Ferrick; RG, Rob Garriock; RR, Ruthie Rudesill; RS, Rich Stallcup; RT, Ron Thorn; SF, Stephanie Floyd; SH, Steve Huckabone; SL, Steve Lombardi; TO, across the Golden Gate, SF, on the 14th Trent Orr; WL, William Legge (PS). A lone Sandhill fl ew into Abbreviations for Counties and Others: ALA, Alameda; CC, Contra Costa; CP, County Park; Cr., Creek; Cyn., Canyon; GGP, Golden Rodeo Lagoon, MRN, on the 29th (WL). Gate Park; L., Lake; MRN, Marin; Mt., Mount; N., North; NAP, Napa; NWR, National Wildlife Refuge; OSP, Open Space Preserve; PRNS, Pt Reyes National Seashore; Pt., Point; Rd., Road; Res., Reservoir; RP, Regional Park; RS, Regional Shoreline; S., South; SB, State Beach; Land-based observations of the Red Phala- SCL, Santa Clara; SF, SM, San Mateo; SOL, Solano; SON, Sonoma; SP, State Park; SR, State Reserve rope passage noted 66 southbound birds off Golden Gate Audubon Northern California Bird Box 415.681.7422. Pigeon Pt. on the 7th (RT).

january–february 2010 THE GULL 9 classes

ALBANY ADULT SCHOOL GOLDEN GATE AUDUBON Spaces may still be available in the following classes held in the The following classes are offered by Golden Gate Audubon and East Bay. Class fees and registration information are on the AAS held at the GGA offi ce, 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley. To reg- website: www.albanyadultschool.org. ister, call 510.843.2222.

Bay Area Birds California Raptors in Winter Rusty Scalf, [email protected]; Bob Lewis, [email protected] Eddie Bartley, [email protected] Six Wednesdays, January 6 – February 10, 7 – 8:30 p.m., plus Thursdays, January 7 and 14, 7 – 9 p.m., plus two all-day fi ve Saturday or Sunday morning fi eld trips and one weekend Sunday fi eld trips, January 10 and 17 (Note: Inclement weather trip following the last class may cause trips to be rescheduled.) Waterfowl have arrived in the Central Valley, and shorebirds line Spaces may still be available in this new class focusing on the our coasts. Songbirds inhabit the oaks, and winter visitors have evolutionary adaptations and life histories of California’s hawks, returned from the mountains. Join an enthusiastic group to learn eagles, harriers, kites, and falcons. Presentations include infor- to identify Bay Area birds. For more details, including fi eld trip mation specifi c to resident, migrant, and seldom-seen vagrant locations and bird lists from previous years, go to www.wing- raptors. On fi eld trips to Point Reyes and the Sacramento Delta, beats.org. we’ll have opportunities to concentrate on raptors, but will not ignore the myriad other birds that call California home during Birding by Ear the winter. Denise Wight, [email protected] Four Thursdays, February 4 – March 4, 7 – 8:30 p.m., plus four North American Owls Saturday fi eld trips, February 6 – March 6, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Dave Quady, [email protected] (Note: No class or fi eld trip the week of February 15.) Tuesdays and Wednesdays, February 16 and 17, and Birds communicate by making a variety of sounds all year long, February 23 and 24, 7 – 8:30 p.m., plus three weekend even in the middle of winter. This class will focus on bird sounds evening fi eld trips tentatively planned for February 19 – 21, heard at this time of the year in our area. We will learn to locate February 26 – 28, and March 5 – 7 and identify birds by chips and calls and will also identify the Seldom seen but often heard, owls hold a fascination for many songs of some species that are now starting to sing. birders. Learn what makes an owl different from other birds and how to identify owls by sight and sound, as well as gain an under- Beginning Bird-watching standing of their habits and habitats. Classes will be illustrated Anne Hoff, [email protected] with slides and with the sounds of these birds of the night. On Four Wednesdays, February 24 – March 17, 7 – 8:30 p.m., plus fi eld trips, we’ll attempt to hear and see some of the species four Saturday fi eld trips, February 27 – March 20, 9 – 11:30 a.m. discussed in the lectures. Dave Quady is the author of the owls Winter is a time of bird abundance in the Bay Area and is an section of National Geographic’s Complete Birds of North Amer- ideal season for beginners to get close to many species for clear ica and a frequent fi eld trip leader for Golden Gate Audubon. viewing. Classes introduce bird-watching basics, including fi eld The class is limited to 20 on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. Sign- guides, optics, and how to look at birds in order to identify them. ups begin at noon on Monday, January 11.

Joe Morlan’s San Francisco Classes Evening classes taught by Joe Morlan and endorsed by Golden March 23; Part B (EA105) starts April 6 and ends May 18. Gate Audubon start in early February. The classes meet from Field Ornithology II, on Wednesdays, is a study of the iden- 7 to 9:15 p.m. at Marina Middle School, 3500 Fillmore (free tifi cation and status of North American land birds, including parking is provided). Optional fi eld trips may be arranged for woodpeckers, fl ycatchers, shrikes, and vireos. Part A (EA110) weekends. Preregistration is advised; a $10 discount is given starts February 10 and ends March 24; Part B (EA115) starts for registering a week early. For fees and other details, go to April 7 and ends May 19. http://fog.ccsf.edu/~jmorlan/spring10.htm. Register online at Field Ornithology III, on Thursdays, covers waterbirds includ- www.evolveww.com/ce.ccsf. ing diving ducks, grouse, quail, loons, and . Part A Field Ornithology I, meeting on Tuesdays, is an introduction (EA120) starts February 11 and ends March 25; Part B (EA125) to birds and birding. Part A (EA101) starts February 9 and ends starts April 8 and ends May 20.

10 THE GULL january–february 2010 TIME TO RESTORE from page 1 observe migrating Red-necked Phalaropes, the Bay Area for decades. As we start the her favorite. Noreen Weeden, Golden Gate new year, we’re highlighting our four resto- Audubon’s Conservation Project manager, ration sites and encouraging you to join us welcomes anyone who is interested: “it’s to experience habitat restoration fi rsthand. an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.” You will also get a chance PIER 94: “POCKET” HABITAT to experience San Francisco’s southern Penelope Watson fi rst came to Pier 94 waterfront. Despite being surrounded by on San Francisco’s southern waterfront pavement, industry, and container ships, three years ago for the annual fall Coastal Pier 94 attracts Brown Pelicans, Black Oys- Cleanup. At the time, Golden Gate Audu- tercatchers, gulls, and terns—thanks to the bon held only three workdays per year at restoration work of volunteers. the four-acre wetland in the Bayview/ Hunters Point neighborhood. Since then, MLK JR. REGIONAL SHORELINE: Penny has enthusiastically participated in BUILDING ON SUCCESS our ongoing restoration efforts at Pier 94. Our East Bay wetland restoration site near “I live in San Francisco,” she says, “and this the Oakland International Airport is a bird- site has great potential as a pocket resto- ing hotspot. Clapper Rails and Sora emerge Aubrie Pick Aubrie ration area. Pier 94 has great views and is from the shoreline’s at Workday at Pier 94, San Francisco. still a working waterfront with consistent high tide, and hundreds of Marbled God- ‘banana belt weather.’ I am amazed that the wits, Willets, and sandpipers congregate fence surrounds 9.7 acres of asphalt and birds come with a bit of encouragement. I in the adjacent wetlands throughout the vegetation—the nesting site of endangered was hooked.” winter. As part of Golden Gate Audubon’s California Least Terns. Penny is one of nearly a dozen volunteers Eco-Education Program, students from The old asphalt airstrip may appear bar- who are now hooked on this site and attend nearby East Oakland schools have been ren, but the refuge is host to at least 168 as many workdays as they can. Some, such planting native shrubs and grasses along species of birds, including 24 species of as volunteer Betty Berenson, are so enthu- Arrowhead Marsh to provide shelter for breeding birds. In addition to the endan- siastic about the restoration that they come both shorebirds and landbirds. gered California Least Terns, the refuge is out on their own even when workdays are not Every month, we hold a workday when an import roosting site for the California scheduled. Betty has single-handedly tack- volunteers weed, plant, and mulch this area Brown Pelican and can host large fl ocks of led the Yellow Star Thistle, removing this along the Arrowhead Marsh Trail. With the plovers and shorebirds. invasive weed from the Pier 94 uplands. She assistance of MLK shoreline Park Super- Volunteers work with Leora Feeney and also visits regularly to check on the Ameri- visor Ralph Trujillo, our restoration site is other members of Friends of the Alameda can Avocets during breeding season and to doing so well that we will now focus our Wildlife Refuge (FAWR) to clear weeds efforts on the mouth of nearby Elmhurst and refresh the nesting grounds with shel- Creek, one of several creeks that fl ow into ters for the tern chicks before April. The San Leandro Bay. The creek is riddled with terns arrive by summer, when the site chat- weeds and choked with trash, but with the ters with the sounds of terns tending their stewardship of enthusiastic volunteers, we nests and bringing fi sh back to their young can restore this habitat for shorebirds such before both adults and juveniles depart in as Black-necked Stilts, Marbled Godwits, August. The Alameda colony is the largest and Willets. northernmost colony and one of the most successful in the state. ALAMEDA WILDLIFE REFUGE: Recognizing the colony’s importance, CRITICAL LEAST TERN HABITAT many Alameda volunteers take advantage Not a typical refuge, the Alameda Wildlife of its proximity. Time after time, people Refuge is located in a corner of the former arriving for workdays tell Joyce at the main Alameda Naval Air Station. To reach the ref- gate about growing up in Alameda and uge (open only on workdays), you must pass hearing about the site. They fi nally decided through a gate in the chain-link fence and they would like to volunteer “in their own sign in with Friends of the Alameda Wild- backyard.” FAWR invites all interested vol- life Refuge volunteer Joyce Larrick. Joyce unteers, no matter where they live, to see Aubrie Pick Aubrie the unique refuge for themselves. Penelope Watson, who regularly volunteers to restore sends you driving over decrepit, unused habitat at Pier 94. runways to the worksite. There, another TIME TO RESTORE continued on page 12

january–february 2010 THE GULL 11 golden gate audubon society NON-PROFIT ORG. 2530 san pablo avenue, suite g U.S. POSTAGE berkeley, ca 94702 PAID OAKLAND, CA Return service requested PERMIT NO.1702

TIME TO RESTORE continued from page 11 vegetation has been challenging, we are HARDING PARK: HOME ON THE now focusing on enhancing a particular GGA’s Big Trips Offer SCRUB section by planting natives in fall and doing Big Rewards Located at Lake Merced in San Francisco, weeding and other maintenance in spring. the Harding Park Golf Course is not what As the new vegetation has matured, Cali- If you want to treat yourself to a bird- you might expect to see in a habitat resto- fornia Towhees, White-crowned Sparrows, ing trip outside the Bay Area, consider ration site. Situated under exotic Monterey Purple Finches, and other birds are using the upcoming trips designed espe- Cypress trees, the area where Golden Gate the site. cially for Golden Gate Audubon Audubon works, along the course’s hole 10 members. For detailed information, at the top bank of East Lake, is dotted with HELPING BAY AREA BIRDS contact Ruth Tobey, 510.528.2093 or native shrubs. The natives were planted to All the restoration programs are on a drop- [email protected]. extend the coastal scrub habitat around in basis, and we encourage you to come out, GGA’s trip to Oregon for spring Lake Merced, with the goal of attracting meet other volunteers, and—yes—put on migration combines two winning not only California Quail but other resident gloves and dig in the dirt. If you value birds elements: the destination is the birds. Although managing the non-native and are concerned about declining popula- renowned Malheur Wildlife Refuge, tions, especially in an urban environment and the leader is Harry Fuller. As such as the Bay Area, volunteering at a hab- of this writing, there are still a few itat restoration site is one of the best ways spaces on this Memorial Day week- you can help. We always welcome new- end trip. Price for this trip, still to be comers and are happy to share what we’ve determined, will include a $50 dona- learned about native plants and wildlife tion to Golden Gate Audubon. with you during the workday. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars so you can linger in The fall River of Raptors migration in the area for some birding. Veracruz, Mexico, is one of nature’s —Jennifer Robinson Maddox, spectacles. On a good day, more than Volunteer Coordinator 100,000 migrant vultures and raptors are seen. GGA is offering a trip to Get Involved Veracruz for the migration, October Check out the upcoming schedule 2–10. The basic 9-day tour is $2,100; of workdays on page 5 and join us at an extended tour, through October one of these sites. For more informa- 13, takes in Los Tuxtlas rain forest for

Andy Hoac Andy tion on where to go, please visit www. $2,650. Prices include a $150 dona- Volunteers at the Alameda Wildlife Refuge enjoying goldengateaudubon.org/volunteer. tion to Golden Gate Audubon. a break.

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