The Newsletter of the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society November - December 2006

Creek & watershed maps highlight Christmas Bird local habitat, history Cou11tscomi11g - Each map shows the historic by Nancy R. Teater creeks and willow groves of the sig11up now! In the old days , every Bay Area resident knew theirneighbor­ area as well as modem watersheds . hood creek . Have you visited your local creek lately? Do you (A watershed is the area that is see Page 8 know where your creek 's water has been, or where it's going? drained by a river or stream. ) Wa- Do you know your watershed address? ter-related points of interest and As an Avocet reader , chances are you know more about the historic vignettes make the maps a treasure-trove of informa­ creeks in your neighborhood than most of your neighbors, who tion deserving close inspection by teachers, birders, history only think about them during the winter when there is a chance buffs and anyone else interested in creek environments. of flooding. Like other readers, you understand the importance For example : Stevens Creek, which runs along the west of riparian habitat located on and near waterways . Such habitat boundary of McClellan Ranch, is included on the map of West is a haven and a lifeline for birds and other wildlife in our Santa Clara Valley . McClellan Ranch is described as a "won­ increasingly urban environment. derful place for birding" where visitors can look for Chestnut­ You can learn more about Bay Area creeks from the remark­ backed Chickadees , Oak Titmice and Acorn Woodpeckers . able new "Creek & Watershed Maps" series , a project of the The description also notes that in 1776, "Don Juan Bautista De Oakland Museum of California , William Lettis & Associates , Anza named the creek Arroyo de San Joseph de Cupertino . It the San Francisco Estuary Institute , and The Bay Institute. All was later renamed after Captain Elisha Stephens , who settled six maps in the Santa Clara Valley series are currently available , along the bank of the creek in 1859." and the companion map for South County featuring the Pajaro It continues, "The Fremont A venue Bridge is a wonderful River watershed will be published next year . place to appreciate a relatively undisturbed section of Stevens Creek. From the bridge, look closely for fish in the creek . Stevens Creek is one of the few in the South Bay that supports steelhead trout. The lush vegetation and large trees that line the creek General Membership Meeting provide shade that keeps water tempera- "Batting About Belize" tures coo I." continued on Page 9 with Dave Johnston Wednesday, Nov. 15 Palo Alto Arts Center, Newell & Embarcadero Rds. ♦ 80thanniversary celebration Doors open 7:30: program 8:00 -Page5 Join Santa Clara Valley Audubon for a lecture slide show about the natural history of Belize . Dave will share stories of his recent work with a PBS film ♦ Whte-wingedDove crew in Belize about the strange form and function of "ugly-looking " bats . He - FieldNotes, Page 6 will discuss how different bats have adapted to swim differently, how the Mayan ruins provide habitat for several species of bats, and other fascinating bat ♦ Nestboxmonitoring report behaviors . A natural history of selected birds, reptiles and amphibians of Belize -Page 10 will also be presented . Dave is a very popular , entertaining wildlife guide and speaker. After ♦ Thanksto ourdonors! completing his Ph.Din bat biology at York University (Toronto) in 1997, he -Page 11 worked on many bat-relat~ projects in the southwestern USA , especially in Central California , and also in Central America and sub-Saharan Africa . His continued on Page 5 TheAvocet 1 Nov. - Dec. '06 Field Trips

Please carpool if possible ; bring binocu­ Saturday Nov. 11, 8:30 AM Friday - Saturday Nov. 24 / 25, 9 AM lars, field guides, layered clothing. Uvas Creek Park Preserve Sac'to Valley Wildlife Refuges, Gray LO = Lunch optional Half day. Leader: Bob Reiling (408) 253- Lodge, Sutter Buttes RC= Heavy rain cancels 7527. From Hwy 101 in Gilroy go west Full day and a half. Leaders: Mike NF = No facilities available on 10th St. about a mile where it turns Mamrnoser & Frank Vanslage r, for in­ Wednesday Nov, 1, 12 noon right and becomes Uvas Parkway. Turn formation contact Mike (408) 578-2429 . City of Sunnyvale Landfill left at Miller Ave, drive over Uvas Creek Meet at Sacramento NWR headquarters One hour. Leaders: Freddy Howell and and turn left into Christmas Hill Park; on 1-5 approx. 20 miles north of Will­ Elaine Gould. Contact organizer Sil viana park in first aisle to right. Fairly easy but iams. Take Road 68 exit east (toward Ruiz (408) 730- 7 545 to attend. Donald long walk. LO, RC Princeton) from I-5, then immediately M. Somers Water Pollution Control Plant, north on frontage road to Refuge. Bring junction of Borre gas and Caribbean . Meet Sunday Nov. 12, 9 AM spotting scope, full tank of gas. Allow at trailhead at north end. Birding geared Charleston Slough for a three hour drive from South Bay. toward beginners. Bring binoculars; loan­ Half day . Leader: Dick Stovel (650) 856- Highlights include ducks, geese, swans, ers also available. RC 6105. Meet at Terminal Way at end of cranes, raptors. Trip is highly recom­ San Antonio Rd. north off Hwy 101 in mended for beginning birders. No chil­ Saturday Nov. 4, 8 AM Mtn. View . Trip geared toward begin­ dren under 12 please. Grant Ranch County Park ners but all are encouraged to attend. Half day. Leader: Rich Page (408) 377- Sunday Nov. 26, 9:30 AM 1092. From 1-680 take Alum Rock Ave Wednesday Nov. 15, 9 AM Butterfly watching, Ardenwood Park northeast, turn right on Mt. Hamilton Rd; Pescadero Marsh & State Beach Half day . Leader: Moe Magoski (408) go approximately 9 miles to park. Meet Half day . Leader: Sue James (650) 348- 410-7567. From I-880 in Fremont take at Hall's Valley Lake parking lot located 0315. Note: this is the third, not fourth , Hwy 84 west toward Dumbarton Bridge on left after main park entrance. Fresh Wednesday. Meet at first parking lot south then take Ardenwood Blvd exit to right wa~er ducks, oak woodland birds, pos­ of bridge over Pescadero Creek on Hwy and follow signs to parking lot. Monarch sible Golden Eagle. Moderate 2-mile 1. We should have exposed rocks visible Butterflies are our primary objective; walk. LO, RC on the coast, sandy beach in the estuary. other sites visited and species looked for Bring your spotting scope and several as time and conditions permit. Bring Sunday Nov. 5, 8 AM layers of warm clothes. LO, HRC your Butterfly guides; close focusing bin­ Gilroy Water Treatment Facility oculars and your enthusiasm. Children Half day. Leader: Mark Paxton (831) Saturday Nov.18, 8:30 AM welcome . LO, RC 637-3039. Access by special permit; Alum Rock Park limited to 15 people in four vehicles by Half day. Leader: Kirsten Holmquist (408) Saturday Dec. 2, 8 AM reservation only - carpooling required. 747-0988. From Hwy 101 or 1-680 take Charleston Slough Meet at McDonald's, Chestnut St and McKee Rd northeast toward hills, then Half day. Leader: Dave Cook (408) 275- East 10th St in Gilroy between Hwy 82 left on Toyon Ave , right on Penitencia 1492. Meet at Terminal Way at end of (Monterey Hwy) and Hwy 101. Wide Creek Rd. Continue into park under San Antonio Rd north off Hwy 101 in variety of birds at this man-made water­ bridge, meet at far end of upper parking Mtn . View. Birding geared toward be­ fowl habitat; anything's possible. Bring lot. Moderately strenuous 3 to 4 mile ginners; all are welcome. Bring a spot­ lunch and liquids. RC, NF walk; be prepared for some mud! Pos­ ting scope if you have one. sible entrance fee; LO, RC Wednesday Nov. 8, 8:30 AM Sunday Dec. 3, 8 AM Grant Ranch Sunday Nov. 19, 8 AM Sunnyvale Water Treatment Facility Half day. Leader: Alan Thomas (408) Oka Ponds Half day . Leader: TBD, questions call 265-9286. (See write-up for Nov. 4) Half day: Leader: TBD, questions call (408) 253-7527. From Hwy 101 take (408) 253-7527. From Hwy 17 in Los Hwy 237 east, exit North on Caribbean Gatos take Lark Ave exit west. Turn right Dr, turn right on Borregas Ave, then left on Oka Rd, left on Mozart Ave and an to parking area. A great place to study immediate right on Oka Lane. Meet at ducks; scopes highly recommended. gate. RC Fairly easy but long walk. RC

TheAvocet 2 Field Trips continued Events Calendar Sunday Jan. 7, 7:30 AM Wednesday 11/1, 7:30 PM Wednesday Dec. 6, 12 noon County Chase Bay Area Bird Photographers presents City of Sunnyvale Landfill Half day. Leader: Bob Reiling (408) Mike Danzenbaker's slides from a 5- One hour. Leaders: Freddy Howell and 253-7527 . Bring a full tank of gas, lunch, week voyage in southern latitudes, Elaine Gould. Contact organizer Silviana and field guides as we attempt to track including Antarctica, South Georgia, and Ruiz (408) 730-7545 to attend. See de­ down some of the unusual birds seen on Cape Verde, from ice and snow to tails under Nov. 1 listing. RC the Christmas Bird Counts in Santa Clara sweltering tropical climates . Lucy Stern County. Meet in Alviso Marina parking Baylands Interpretive Center, E. Wednesday Dec.13, 8 AM lot. From Hwy 237 in San Jose take Gold Embarcadero Rd. Palo Alto. Sunnyvale Baylands Park St north to the end, bear left on Elizabeth Half Day. Leader: Pat Kenny (408) 725- St, then right on Hope St to Marina park­ Tues. 11n - Election Day 0468. From Hwy 237 take Lawrence ing lot. Be prepared to carpool. RC Please vote! Expwy/Caribbean Dr exit toward Carib­ bean Dr, turn right into park at first stop­ Saturday Jan. 13, 8 AM Tues. 11/14, 9:30 AM light on Caribbean north of 237. Turn Panoche Valley Eve Case Bird Discussion Group meets right at entrance kiosk, follow road to Full day. Leader: Clay Kempf(831) 761- at the home of Pat and Jean Dubois, Bay Breeze Picnic Area . LO, RC 8260. Meet at Paicines Store on Hwy 25 l 7150Buena VistaAve. ,Los Gatos (408) approx. 11 miles south of Hollister. Oak 395-4264 . Topic : Heermann 's Gull Saturday Jan. 6, 8:30 AM woodland and open grassland via back Ogier Ponds roads into a unique habitat. Target species: Sat.11/18, 9-12 AM Half day. Leader : .Rich Page (408) 377- Phainopepla, Mountain Bluebird, Prairie Fundraiser Mailing Party 1092. From Hwy 101 in Morgan Hill take Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk and Golden McClellan Ranch Park (see Page 4) Cochrane Rd west to Monterey Hwy, turn Eagle; possible Mountain Plover, Bald right, go north 2.6 miles, turn right toward Eagle, Vesper Sparrow, Greater Roadrun­ Wed.11/15, 7:30 PM Model Airplane Park (street is unnamed) . ner and Chukar. Bring lunch, full tank of General Meeting, Palo Alto Art Center Follow road for 1/4 mile and park in gas; carpooling strongly recommended (see Pg. 1) gravel lot at first bend in road (meet at due to limited parking on narrow roads. gate if entrance is locked). RC FRS radios set to channel 11; sub code 22 Wed.11/22, 7:30 PM will be very useful on this trip. Environmental Action Committee mtg. McClellan Ranch Park

Thurs.!Fri. 11-23/34 Support SCVAS birding education, advocacy, Office closed for Thanksgiving holiday and outreach programs- at no cost to you! Tues. 12/12, 9:30 AM "eScrip" is an odd name . It should be called the "Make good things happen" Eve Case Bird Discussion Group meets program . Or, in the case of Santa Clara Valley Audubon, it should be called the at the home of Pat and Jean Dubois , "Support wonderful birding education" program . Did you know it doesn't cost you 17150Buena VistaAve.,LosGatos (408) anything? 395-4264 . Topic : Least Tern escrip was set up as a simple way for consumers to direct the giving programs of local retailers. When your credit card is registered with eScrip, and coded with Sat. Dec. 9, Holiday Open House Santa Clara Valley Audubon as the recipient , every time you use it at Andronico's, McClellan Ranch Park (see Page 4) Whole Foods, Safeway, or a host of other retailers, a percentage of your purchase is sent to our chapter to support birding, education, advocacy, and other chapter Sun.12/17 activities . How neat is that? And at no cost to you! San Jose Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Many of you may already be registered with eScrip , supporting local schools or other organizations . But I suspect many of you are not registered. It's so easy! We Mon.12/18 can sign you up over the phone (408-252-3747), you can mail in a form, or you can Palo Alto CBC sign yourself up at www escripcom. All that it takes is 3 minutes of your time· and your credit card number , and you can do our chapter and the programs we administer Sat.12/30 a world of good. Calero-Morgan Hill CBC eScrip is the largest eleftronic fundraising program where there are no hassles for you and every purchase counts . It might have been called the "Support your local Tues.1/2 Audubon Chapter activities at no cost to you" program. But it's not. Mt. Hamilton CBC It's called eScrip . TheAvocet 3 Volunteer Ventures By Toby Goldberg SCVAS Programs Coordinator for our Annual Fundraiser. This is quite an undertaking , so The weather is starting to get a little chilly, travel plan­ we need YOUR support! On Saturday, Nov. 18, we will ning has begun, and thoughts are starting to turn to the host an envelope stuffing party here at McClellan Ranch multitude of Holidays being celebrated over the next few Park. This is a fun opportunity to help the chapter and meet months. From Rosh Hashanah to Ramadan, Diwali to other members. This fast-paced yet relaxed event lasts Thanksgiving , Christmas to Kwanzaa , this is the time of year approximately 3 hours during the morning and will include when we typically start reflecting on the bounty of friends, snacks and raffle prizes . Call (408) 252-3740 to sign up! family and loved ones who touch our lives. Here at Bird Sanctuary Program Support - We are so excited that Audubon, the staff is very thankful for the many phenomenal this revitalized program has received a lot of interest from individuals who continue to give their time and energy so local community members . However , in order for it to generously throughout the year. Your contributions and achieve its potential, we need more willing hands, heads, and enthusiasm make this not just a job, but a delight, and we feet to help us keep it going . In particular, we need : people feel fortunate indeed that you have chosen to make SCV AS a with gardening know-how and experience who can help us part of your life. To all of you who do so much - Thank You! with the certification process ; those of the journalistic sort to For those of you feeling the holiday spirit and looking for help research and write our bi-monthly articles; folks volunteer opportunities , read about the Christmas Bird interested in general research to help us keep up-to-date on Counts (Page 8), check out the opportunities below or gardening techniques , materials , methods, and alerts. contact me to discuss your interests! Fundraiser Mailing Party - Who says volunteering can't Contact Toby at (408) 252-3740 or programs@scvas .org to be a blast! Every autumn we hand-address, stuff, stamp, and volunteer for one of these positions or explore the many seal more than 3,000 envelopes to send to SCV AS members other possibilities .

1-fofiday_[!pen 1-fouse Satu rday, V ecember9th 10:00 :Jl.'M.unti [ 2: 00 'P'M.

A great opportunity to finish ( or begin!) your holiday shopping !

Enjoy Holiday refreshments and a special one day discount! Browse through our books, jewelry, ornaments, and other bird related gift items. Enjoy a special display of paintings and photography by local artists. Visit with our staff and learn about current Santa Clara Valley Audubon conservation projects and discuss important birding areas.

Gift Certificates Available All proceeds go to our education and conservation programs

For more details, please contact Susan at (408) 252-3747 S_CVAS Office and Nature Shop • 22221 McClellan Road • Cupertino CA

The Avoce t 4 8()/h.Anniversary Report Rain or shine, SCVAS members know how to have a good time! By Toby Goldberg

It started off so auspiciously: our gracious hosts, Patti and • A banquet of scrumptious cuisine was presented by Ed Bill Hughes, had allowed us the use of their magnificent Sal ah of Salah' s Grill in Los Gatos, our local master of the property in the Santa Cruz Mountains, including tables and grill. I can guarantee that no one went away hungry! chairs already set up from a wedding party the night before. The SCV AS Board President Bob Hirt regaled us with donated centerpieces matched the SCV AS logo colors perfectly, tales from SCV AS• past. Who knew we had done so much? and everything looked beautiful and professionally polished. A lot happens (and a lot changes) in 80 years, but SCVAS Then, just a short while before all the attendees were expected is still standing strong! to arrive, the skies opened and baptized our event with the first rain shower of the season . Lucky us! As we scrambled to move • Our chapter was honored to hear from featured speaker everything under cover, we ruefully reflected that Nature doesn't Todd Newberry - author, scholar, professor and scientist - always pay attention to mere human plans ... who reminded us of the many reasons why we are so Despite the dousing, the party went forward smoothly and a enchanted by our avian friends. good time was had by all! We'dliketosharesomeoftheevent's • The evening's program rounded out with a perspective highlights: by Doug and Gail Cheeseman - always a pleasure! As they noted, it is all the many wonderful members that have made • We had the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal SCVAS what it is today. with a delightfully coquettish young Barn Owl and a magnificent Red-tailed Hawk, thanks to Karen Hoyt, The SCV AS staff would like to thank everyone who helped SCV AS Education Committee member and founder of make this a fun-filled evening for all. Your support is what Sky Hunters Environmental Education . makes special events like this possible, and always worthwhile. • J. Lohr wineries generously gaveSCVAS a significant discount on some of their premiere signature vintages, Left to right, treating paJ1akers to quality indeed. Laurie West Roberts, Patti Milton Barber, the next-door neighbor to the Hughes, Hughes and Bob acted as our knowledgeable tour guide for a lovely amble Power. Patti across both properties. received a Western Bluebird • We were treated to an evening of Celtic folk music nest box, one of with the San Francisco area band Cullen's Hounds several that will (www.sfhounds.com). We all were properly restrained, create a trail at but I could see many feet a-tapping, just itching to jump Maison du lac. into the music. Okay, okay, some of us actually did ...

Nov. General Meeting from Page 1 Heads Up! work on the diet of bats, and in particular the Pallid Bat, has The 2007 Spring Birdathon is coming­ contributed to a better understanding of bats' foraging ecology. YOU are invited to participate! Dating back to the 80's before he did his Ph.Don bats, Dave was well known in Santa Clara Valley as an environmental educator/ The Spring Birdathon Committee wants YOU to join in the leader and birder and won awards from several groups for his fun of the SCVAS 2007 Spring Birdathon. EVERYONE, from outstanding service. Dave has taught courses in biological beginner to expert, is eligible. Start thinking now about taking science at both San Jose State and Santa Clara University. In part in this exciting event. Spend a day in April birding with addition to being a birder, educator, researcher, and wildlife friends or join a guided team and bird with a pro. Raise lots of guide, Dave is a consulting wildlife ecologist with H.T. Harvey money for SCV AS environmental education and conservation & Associates and holds handling permits from the U.S. Fish and or just pay the entry fee. Compete for fabulous prizes or just bird Wildlife Service and the California Fish and Game Department for the fun of it. Then, come to the Awards Dinner in June and for several special-status species of amphibians and mammals participate in raffles, bird quizzes, contests, and the chance to in California . Dave has spent many months in Belize and will win more great prizes. The Spring Birdathon will be your best be leading a superb Belize tour in the spring to benefit SCV AS, birding experience this year! Can't participate? Join in the fun March 22 - April 3, 2007. Call the SCVAS office for more by sponsoring an individual or a team. Look for all the details information. in the next issue of The A vocet . TheAvocet 5 Field Notes early fall with 1-8 birds seen more or less Pectoral Sandpipers found so far this by Bill Bousman regularly either in the impoundment north season have all been at New Chicago of the Alviso Marina CP or in New Marsh . Two or more birds were found Waterfowl through Cranes Chicago Marsh (m.ob.). Nesting birds there 18-31 Aug (EDeB, v.ob.) and a Four male Blue-winged Teal were appear to have fledged at least two young juvenile was found there again 27-28 Sep seen at the Gilroy treatment ponds on 25 in these areas. Surveys on closed refuge (RWR, FY, v.ob.). At least three Ruffs Sep (R WR, FY) and were the first of the ponds in Alviso tallied 6 birds on 27 Aug have shown up at New Chicago Marsh fall period. An eclipse male Redhead and 9 on 23 Sep (MMR, MJM, RGJ) . this season. The first two were juveniles , found on a closed salt pond on 23 Sep New Chicago Marsh was the Lesser likely female by size, and were found on (MMR, MJM) may have been an early Yellowlegs metropolis this season with 7 Sep (RWR, FY, MJM , PD). One has a fall arrival, but is more likely a bird that high counts of 16 on 14 Aug and 14 on 20 limp so it has been possible to distinguish oversummered. A late breeder, Lesser Aug (both MJM). The only Lessers found both birds. A third bird was found on 20 Scaup females and young are generally away from New Chicago were 6 at the Sep (AP, DD , DMa) and was an adult, found in August, but the single female Gilroy treatment ponds on 22 Aug (R WR, again a female . These three birds have and young found at the Sunnyvale FY, PKe, RKe, JP a) and one at Calero remained through the end of Water Pollution Control Plant September, although they are all now (WPCP) on 15 Aug (PJM) were the in basic plumage . A 1st-winter only ones reported . A female/ Vagrant season treasures found: Franklin's Gull was found on the immature Bufflehead was seen on Sunnyvale WPCP oxidation ponds Guadalupe Slough on 27 Aug White-winged Dove, Tennessee on 19 Sep (PD) and has remained (MMR, MJM, RGJ) and may have through theendofthemonth. Nearby, been the same bird that was seen on the same day, a juvenile Sabine's Salt Pond A2W in June. Good Warbler, Northern Parula, and Gull was also seen (PD), but did not numbers of Brown Pelicans were in stay. Black Terns have been found the South Bay this summer with a Chestnut-sided Warbler again at the Sunnyvale WPCP peak count of 135 roosting on the oxidation ponds . Eleven were seen Salt Pond A9/Al0 levee in Alviso there on 4 Aug (JMD, LH) and at on 27 Aug (PJM). A Cattle Egret was Reservoir on 2 Sep (1Pa et al.). The only least one of this flock remained through 8 found at the Arzino Ranch in Alviso on turnstone found in the period was a Ruddy Aug. While looking for the Sabine's 30 Sep (MMR et al.). The first fall Turnstone on Salt Pond Al6 in Alviso Gull, another Black Tern was seen on 19 Merlin was a female at the McClellan on 18 Sep (BP). Red Knots have become Sep (MJM et al.) and was seen through 21 Ranch on 21 Sep (BP, PB). A very dark more or less regular at the Stevens Creek Sep. A basic Common Tern was found bird at the Palo Alto Flood Control Basin mouth in the fall. The first birds found on the Sunnyvale WPCP ponds on 7 Aug (FCB) on 30 Sep (MMR et al.) was likely there were 6 on 18 Aug (WGB) with (MJM, RWR, FY) and remained at least of the race suckleyi. A number of Prairie similar numbers seen through the end of through lOAug(v.ob.). A second Common Falcons winter along the valley floor, so the month (v.ob.). However, at least 49 Tern was found there again on 16 Sep single birds at the Gilroy treatment ponds birds were tallied there on 1 Sep (MMR). (MMR) and stayed at least through 21 Sep. on 25 Sep (RWR, FY), along Coyote A Sanderling was found at the New Two Commons were on closed refuge Creek below Hwy 237 the same day (DK, Chicago Marsh on 22 Sep (LSu) . This ponds on 23 Sep (MMR, MJM). The first PK), and at the Alviso EEC on 27 Sep coastal bird is often found in the salt Elegant Tern of the season was at New (RWR, FY) were expected. Sandhill ponds in small numbers after the storms Chicago Marsh on 6 Aug (R&JL). Twelve Cranes were once common in the start, but birds are sometimes seen earlier. were seen at the Stevens Creek mouth on northern Santa Clara Valley, where they A juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper 31 Aug (PD) and six were again at the New would feed on waste grain, but that era is was on the Sunnyvale WPCP oxidation Chicago Marsh on 22 Sep (JBH). After a long gone. Twenty birds flying over ponds on 11 Aug (MMR) and was the half dozen years of local nesting, Black Stanford housing on 6 Sep (KCS) were only one found this fall. The first Baird's Skimmers were mostly absent this season likely misoriented birds from the Central Sandpiper this season was found at the with only two birds found at the Sunnyvale Valley. Gilroy treatment ponds on 24 Aug (R WR, WPCP on 27 Aug (PJM, SCR). An adult FY, PKe, RKe, 1Pa). The first bird along Common Murre was photographed on Shorebirds through Murres the Bay was at New Chicago Marsh on 26 Coyote Slough on 26 Sep (KH.fide CM). An adult Pacific Golden-Plover in Aug (MDo). Numbers there peaked the Misoriented murres occasionally become partial alternate plumage was found at next day at four birds (v.ob.) and the last trapped in the South Bay. the Gilroy treatment ponds on 9 Aug and of this small group was seen on 29 Aug - seen again on 11 Aug(RWR,FV). Snowy (AP). A late passage bird was found in Plovers have continued to be found in the the same location on 29 Sep (AJ). The

TheAvocet 6 Field Notes cont'd Doves through Phainopepla Warblers through A rare fall invader to the coast, two Bishops White-winged Doves were found this This fall has been one of fall. The first was seen near the San Jose the best in recent years for airport on 14 Aug (BGE) and the second finding rare migrants. An was apparently attracted to feral Eurasian adult female Tennessee Collared-Doves in San Martin on 19-20 Warbler was found at the Sep (SCR et al.). These are the fourth and Sunnyvale Baylands Park on fifth county records, respectively. There 11 Sep (MJM) and was seen was a substantial fall passage of Vaux's again on 12 Sep (DWe), 13 Swifts this year with peak numbers in Sep (MMR), and 19 Sep early September. Some representative (KPa). This is the ninth county high counts include 100+ birds over the record and the first since 1998. Alviso Marina CP on 10 Sep (MDo) and, A Nashville Warbler was inland, 50+ birds over the Alamitos Creek found at the park on 14 Sep White-winged Dove Trail in the Almaden Valley on 14 Sep (JR) while searching for the sketch by Bonnie Bedford-White (1Pa). A migrant female/immature Tennessee. Although it may Black-chinned Hummingbird was at a seem surprising, some of our Morgan Hill feeder on 19 Aug (SCR) and western warblers are rarely encountered Creek below Hwy 237 on 26 Sep (MJM) one or more late birds were at the in fall migration and are less common than and the fourth was along the Guadalupe SunnyvaleBaylands Park 3-19 Sep (SCR, eastern vagrants. A Northern Parula River across from the SCVWD (AV). v.ob.) . The fall passage of Willow was seen along Stevens Creek just above Not all the excitement was with warblers. Flycatchers appeared typical with the La Avenida on 16 Sep (MMR) and has On a field trip to the ArastraderoPreserve, first fall bird near the Calabazas ponds on remained to be enjoyed by many through a Green-tailed Towhee was seen on 17 22 Aug (PKe, RKe) and possibly the last the end of the month. This is the sixth Sep (RP, SP, et al.). Two Clay-colored at the Santa Clara Valley Water District county record. An immature Chestnut­ Sparrows have been found this fall. The (SCVWD) ponds on 28 September (1Pa). sided Warbler was found at the Sunnyvale first was found on 16 Sep (MMR) on Peak numbers were in the first two weeks Baylands Park on 14 Sep (PKe, RKe) and Stevens Creek at La A venida. The second of September. A female Purple Martin was found later in the day (PD et al.). This was along the Guadalupe River near the over Monte Bello OSP on 4 Sep (BP) was is also a sixth county record. A Hermit SCVWD ponds on 23 Sep (1Pa). Our a ra(e fall passage bird in our area. In Warbler was found at the Sunnyvale other rare Spizella sparrow, the Brewer's recent years we have noticed a Baylands Park on 16 Sep (PKe, RKe, et Sparrow, has also been found twice this concentration of migrating or staging al.) and an immature was seen at Monte fall. The first was found along the swallows that rest on power lines in Alviso Bello OSP on 24 Sep (MJM et al.). An Guadalupe River at the SCVWD ponds near the old cannery during the fall immature Black poll Warbler was seen at on 10 Sep (1Pa, AV) and was seen again migration. These large numbers often the Sunnyvale Baylands Park on 11 Sep on 11 Sep (RWR). The second was in the include a few Bank Swallows. This fall, (WGB) and was seen daily after that at fennel patch at the Palo Alto Bay lands on these swallows were found from 8 Sep least through 16 Sep (m.ob.). Another 16 Sep (RCa). Continuing the pattern of (MJM) to 23 Sep (MMR, MJM) with a immature was found along the Alamitos twos, an adult Rose-breasted Grosbeak peak count of three birds on 18 Sep Creek Trail south of Camden on 14 Sep was found at a feeder in Rinconada Hills (MMR). Nearby, 7 birds were seen next (1Pa). An immature male American on 17 Aug (LSu), but did not stay. A to New Chicago Marsh on 14 Sep (RCi). Redstart was seen at the Sunnyvale female or immature was seen along the A Red-breasted Nuthatch was found in BaylandsParkon4Sep(RKe ,PKe), which Guadalupe River at the SCVWD ponds a Los Altos neighborhood 4 Aug-7 Oct started off the vagrant season. A quasi­ on 21 Aug (AV). It was a good fall for (GHt), well away from known breeding vagrant, a Northern Waterthrush was Yellow-headed Blackbirds with a areas. Another bird was in a Morgan Hill found at the Charleston Road marsh on 10 female at the Gilroy treatment ponds on yard on 13 Aug (SCR). A Rock Wren Sep (MDo), apparently returning for its 7 Aug (JMy, 1Pa), another female at the found at Stanford on 25 Sep (DSt) is a fourth winter. A few MacGillivray's Calero stables on l Sep (AV), and an passage or dispersing bird. Few Warblers have been found in all the immature male at the Arzino Ranch on Phainopepla are found in early fall, so a vagrant excitement. The first was at the 30 Sep (MMR et al.). Fall Lawrence's female along the Coyote Creek Trail SCVWDpondson 19 Aug (JPaetal.). On Goldfinch records include a pair at Monte south of Cottonwood Lake on 13 Sep the Northern Paruta day, 16 Sep, a second Bello OSP on 29 Aug (GHa) and an (BJ) was a surprise. was seen along Stevens Creek below La immature at the New Chicago Marsh on A venida (MMR) and remained through 18 Sep. The third was found along Coyote continued on Page 8 TheAvocet 7 2006 CBC's: Sign up andjoin the fun! ·

The Christmas Bird Count is a high­ San Jose Region 4 ...... Ruth Troetschler light of the Audubon year -you don't Sunday, December 17th [email protected] want to miss it! Santa Clara County Region 5 ...... Trevor Hebert features four different CBC 's, so make Bird identification skills are great but thebert@ stanford .edu plans now to join one or more of them - other skills are important too, such as: 1) Region 6 ...... Nancy Teater spotter, able to point and say "Bird! " and you' II be glad you did . [email protected] Birders of all ages and abilities are 2) tally-person, able to make small marks Region 7 ...... (Open) invited and encouraged to participate, on increasingly grubby bits of paper. We Region 8 ...... Garth Harwood even if only for a few hours. If you are have such a diversity of habitats that there [email protected] interested, contact the Compiler for the is something for everyone's pleasure. So, area(s) where you'd like to help. There is come have fun and contribute to an im­ Calero-Morgan Hill a $5 charge to cover the cost of the portant ongoing biological census. th national CBC results publication. -Kirsten Holmquist , Compiler Saturday, December 30 [email protected] This is an inland count encompassing 408-747-0988 the sourthem part of Santa Clara County from the Santa Cruz Mountains in the Field Notes cont'd. Palo Alto west to the Diablo foothills in the east, 3 Sep (SCR). A female Orange Bishop with valleys , reservoirs, riparian corri­ th was seen building a nest along Stevens Monday, December 18 dors and urban areas in between. Some Creek just above Crittenden Lane on 21 It will be here before we know it. areas of interest where help may be needed Sep (SP). This fall, birds have been seen Christmas, shopping and counting birds. include Quicksilver and Santa Teresa along Stevens Creek, along Coyote Creek The Palo Alto Count is set for Monday, County Parks, Coyote Creek riparian cor­ below Hwy 237 (SCR), and in San Jose December 18. For those of you new to ridors, Ogier Ponds, Coyote Valley, and (JT), but there is no evidence that they are birding and this count, our count circle is Almaden Lake. An early indication of nesting successfully. centered near the Stanford campus, and your interest would be helpful as I will encompasses parts of Santa Clara And not be able to take last minute sign-ups . Observers: Bill Bousman (WGB), Patty San Mateo Counties. We have a wide -Ann Verdi, Compiler Brown( PB), Richard Carlson (RCa) , Rich array of habitats, from the bayfront, wodu/[email protected] Cimino( RCi), Mike Danzenbaker( JMD ), through urban areas, and up into the hills 408-266-5108 Ed DeBellevue (EDeB), David Diller along Skyline Blvd . If you are new to the (DD), Matthew Dodder (MDo), Peggy count, let me know, and I will find a spot Mt. Hamilton Don (PD), Bruce Elliott (BGE), Garth that best fits your birding experience level. Harwood (GHa), Kathleen Henderson nd We are looking for anyone who is Tuesday, January 2 (KH), GrantHoyt(GHt), LeeHung(LH), willing to participate, regardless of your Mark your calendars for this spec­ John Hutz (JBH), Alvaro Jaramillo (Al) , tacular count circle including Mt. Richard Jeffers (RGJ), Bob Juhl (BJ), birding skills or expertise. It's a great Hamilton and the San Antonio Valley . Roland Kenner(RKe), Pat Kenny(PKe) , way to learn new birds and meet new Dave Kiehl (DK), Penny Kiehl (PK), friends, and know that you have made a Count leaders should contact me as soon Randy & Janet Little (R&JL), Mike contribution to the National Audubon as possible with your availability . Mammoser(MJM), DeanManley(DMa) , Society, which has sponsored these counts -Bob Hirt, Compiler Peter Metropulos (PJM), Clyde Morris for over 100 years. 10325 Dempster A venue (CM), JeanMyers(JMy), RichPage(RP) , If you have participated in the past , Cupertino, Ca 95014 Kathy Parker( KPa), JannaPauser( 1Pa), contact your previous region coordinator 408-821-2732 ( cell) Andy Ped/er (AP), Susan Peterson (SP), from the list below. Or, if you aren't sure Bob Power (BP), Bob Reiling (RWR), or are new to the count, drop me a line and Mike Rogers (MMR), Steve Rottenborn I'll put you in touch with someone. With (SCR), Jennifer Rycenga (JR), Kendric Smith (KCS), Dick Stovel (DSt), Linda your help, we'll have a great count! Save Sullivan (LSu), Jim Thomas (JT), Frank the date!! -Jack Cole Vanslager (FV), Ann Verdi (AV), and [email protected] Dave Weber(DWe). 408-996-0434

Region 1 ...... Jack Cole RARITIES: Please drop me a note: Region 2 ...... MikeRogers Bill Bousman, 321 Arlington Way , Menlo Park, CA 94025, or: [email protected] barlowi@earthlink .net Region 3 ...... Dave Fichtner [email protected] TheAvocet B Get out and vote!! Conservation Board , the Coastal Conser­ Study hard and get to the polls on No­ and farms by reducing the number of devel­ vancy, numerous regional conservancies , vember 71h.There are critical measures, opable parcels permitted in rural areas . It and other important restoration and acqui­ both locally and state-wide, where our mem­ places additional safeguards on scenic sition programs. Without Prop 84, many of bership can make a difference. SCV AS views, streamside corridors and sensitive the State's conservation dollars will dry up does not endorse candidates. wildlife habitat. within the next one to two years. The Initiative has received widespread In addition to the general funding cat­ Vote Yes on Meaure "A" support, including endorsements from con­ egories, Prop 84 includes specific amounts Santa Clara County voters will have the servation organizations, transportation ad­ for many Audubon priorities, including the opportunity to help protect more than vocates, labor unions , the Democratic Party , Salton Sea area; San Francisco, Santa 400,000 acres of open space by voting the Santa Clara County Medical Associa­ Monica and Monterey Bays ; the Los Ange­ "Yes" on the Santa Clara County Land tion, and more than 90 elected officials. les, San Gabriel and Santa Ana Rivers ; Conservation Initiative, Measure A. Polling shows more than 70% of likely Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada; the Coordinated by People for Land and voters approve of the measure . Delta and San Joaquin River; and farmland Nature (PLAN) - a coalition including and working landscapes. SCV AS, Sierra Club, Greenbelt Alliance Yes on Proposition 84 and Committee for Green Foothills - the Prop 84 is a $5.4 billion conservation Yes on Proposition 87 Initiative will amend the County General and water quality bond on the ballot. It is Would establish a $4 billion program to Plan to help protect hillsides, ranchJands critical to renew funding for the Wildlife reduce oil and gasoline usage by 25% by 2017, with research and production incen­ tives for alternative energy, alternative en­ Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society ergy vehicles, energy efficient technolo­ Statement of Income & Balance Sheets, year ending May 31, 2006 gies, and for education and training. The program would be funded by a tax of 1.5% Statement of Income fil.lLQ5. .ill..lLQQ to 6%, depending on oil price per barrel, on producers of oil extracted in California. TOTAL REVENUE (includes net Nature Shop sales, [nvestment The proposition would prohibit producers Income, Memberships and Program Revenues): $ 80,768 $ 77,652 from passing tax on to consumers. - Would collect as much as $400 million SUPPORT (includes Gifts and Memorials , Birdathon, from oil producers . Supporters include: contributions to Restricted Funds, Easrthshare of California Sierra Club, Silicon Valley Leadership distributions, misc. Program Support): $)73,698 $166.539 Group, Friends of the Earth, National Wild­ TOTAL REVENUE AND SUPPORT $254,465 $244,191 life Federation, California Labor Federa­ tion, AFL-CIO, California League of Con­ EXPENSES: servation Voters, CaliforniaFarmers Union . Total Program Expenses $174,184 $160,812 Vote No on Proposition 90! Total Fundraising Expenses $15,620 $25,262 The most extreme threat to California's Total General & Administrative Expenses $52,965 $ 63,784 environment in decades, Prop 90 is a full TOTAL EXPENSES $247,770 $249,858 frontal assault on environmental protection in California. Hidden behind language to EXCESS OF OPERA TING (EXPENSES) OVER REVENUE $6,695 $(5,667) stop abuses of eminent domain , Prop 90 includes several very dangerous provisions Asset, Liabilities, and Surplus that would drastically cut back on the State's, local governments' and even voters' ability TOTAL ASSETS (includes Cash, Deposits, Prepaid Expenses, to protect the environment, local communi­ Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets, [nventory, and Investments, ties, and farmland. The most damaging At market value): $632,032 $624,920 provisions would make it nearly impossible LIABlLITIES (includes Accounts Payable, Salaries and Payroll to implement many resource protection laws Taxes Payable, Sales Taxes Payable, and Deferred Income): $2,077 $632 or to acquire private property to protect SURPLUS (includes Funds Designated to meet Long-term Needs, wildlife habitat. Restricted Funds, and Undesignated Surplus): $629,955 $624,288 The official opposition form, fact sheets and other materials related to Prop 90 are on TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SURPLUS: $632,032 $624,920 California Audubon's website , www.ca.audubon.org. For more informa­ STATEMENT OF SURPLUS: $629,955 $624,287 tion, pleasecontactJuliaLevin, StatePolicy Surplus, Beginning of Year $6,695 (5,667) Director, at [email protected] or 510- Surplus, End of Year $629,955 $624,288 601-1866. TheAvocet 9 Triumphs and frustrations: closing out the 2005-2006 nestbox season by Toby Goldberg turkey fodder, had the rare opportunity to conditions that seem impossible. Cavity On September 14'\ nestbox monitors witness a silent ·"battle" between two nesting species , if given a little help by from around the county came together at large toms. Fortunately the turkeys were dedicated nestbox monitors, can surprise McClellan Ranch to submit data, compare more interested in each other than their us all in how well they succeed. results, share stories and get to know their startled spectators. Another monitor was We currently have 93 reported Nest fellow monitors. We had a great turnout, treated to a brief communion with an Box Monitors throughout Santa Clara and were pleased to see so many of our inquisitive fawn just waking from a nap. County and 30+ more in Mountain View dedicated monitors willing to take time Our monitors have also learned that initial alone; 890 nest boxes were monitored out of their busy schedules to join us. appearances can be very deceiving. this season. Here are the successful As we discovered over the course of We've all heard of opossums playing fledgling numbers for this year (not all the evening, and in examining the body dead, but apparently nestlings can too! data has been reported) : of data submitted, this was a difficult year One monitor, removing what appeared to for our cavity nesting species. Mother be two dead nestlings, was startled to Western Bluebird 413 Nature didn't pu11 any punches - the later notice two adult chickadees excitedly Violet-green Swallow 233 prolonged spring rains followed by the buzzing in the garbage can. When she Oak Titmouse 275 intense heat waves of summer caused opened the lid, out jumped a baby Chestnut-backed Chickadee 246 many nests to fail. However, lest we get chickadee, which promptly ran under her Ash-throated Flycatcher 131 too discouraged, even with the crazy woodpile. When the babies were returned Bewick's Wren 63 weather, we still saw a large number of to the nest, the parents immediately House Wren 31 successful nests. Which just tells us that resumed feeding. Whew! White-breasted Nuthatch 31 this Recovery Program is more important Finally, we all discovered what Tree Swallow 274 than ever! determined fighters these birds can be, House Sparrow 4 Our monitors had their fair share of whether refusing to leave their nests for Barn Owl .J.Q good news and humor as well. For eggs to be counted, returning time and TOTAL 1717 example, two monitors, initially time again to a promising (though failed) convinced that they were about to become nestbox, or persevering through We'd like to acknowledge the efforts of Jack Perkins, our unofficial Mountain View Nestbox Crusade r, for bringing so Creek & watershed maps from Page I much positive attention (and so many The backs of the maps in the Santa gist at William Lettis & Associates, to new monitors!) to this important program. Clara Valley series highlight the San produce the first map, covering Oak.land His efforts and those of SCV AS in general Francisquito Creek, Coyote Creek and and Berkeley. were highlighted in May on the CBS Guadalupe River Watersheds as well as Compiling and cross-checking storm Early Show "The Birdman of Mountain the historic and modem waterscapes of water agency records as well as inconsis­ View"! the Santa Clara Basin . A special South tencies on the ground provide an immedi­ And, of course, many many thanks are Bay Creeks & Bay lands map features the ate advantage to water agencies as well as due to all of the volunteers who dedicate original, historic U.S. Coast Survey wet­ technical and research users of the data so much time and energy to making these lands maps from the mid-1800s and a sets. Far from being an academic exer­ recovery efforts a success (and they are change-through-time graphic showing cise, the maps give users valuable data on that!) - from those who monitor nest the sequence of salt pond diking. storm water runoff and historic insights boxes to our nest box builders to our SCV AS member Trish Mulvey has about areas of high groundwater and po­ behind-the-scenes program developers to worked on the creek-mapping effort from tential flooding. The key objective, those who coordinate these wonderful its inception. According to Mulvey, in though, is to reveal hidden creeks in the volunteers. 1993 California Congresswoman Nancy urban environment to local residents, If you would like to be a part of this Pelosi secured a Federal appropriation engendering interest, pride and steward­ exciting effort to bring back ca vi ty-nesters for demonstration project grants for the ship of their natural resources and neigh­ or just want to learn more about the San Francisco Estuary Project. Funding borhood heritage. program, please contact me at (408) 252- from this project and the Alameda County Makea small investment to learn more 3740 or [email protected] or visit the Flood Control Clean Water Project en­ about your local creek . Buy the maps at Conservation pages of our website: abled Christopher Richard, Curator of theSCVASNatureShopandenjoy! You www .scvas.org. Aquatic Biology at the Oakland Mu­ can preview the maps at seum, and Janet Sowers, Project Geolo- www .museumca.org/creeks. The A vocet 10 We thank these members for their generous contributions Jan.-Aug. 2006:

Calgher, Gary Campanella, Anne Carpinelli , Ann Carter, John Caulfield, J. • Organizational Grant Support Morse Cavender, Annette Cheung, Kalie Chilton , Margaret Chilton , Alex A programs and activities grant was made possible through the generous Christensen , Nadine Clark , Ann Cleaver , Jean Coblentz , Eda Coburn , support of Derry and Charlene Kabcenell. Joanna Cohen , Edgar Coral, Sandy Cortright, Susan Cassias , William and Karen Cotter, Syubil Cramer, Susan Crocker, Emelie Curlis, Maryann Danielson, Mike and Sue Davies , Courtenay Dawson-Roberts, Mark • A vocet Circle Delaurentis and Jackie Turner , Vincent De Palma, David Depew, Dorothy Keith Anderson , Doug and Gail Cheeseman , Bob and Deb Hirt, Derry and Dewing , Michelle Dimas , Nancy Dinsmore , Greg Dittmer, Linda Dolan, Charlene Kabcenell, David McIntyre and Antoinette Konski, Robert Hazel Donaldson, John Donelan, Paul and Maureen Draper, Dianne Dryer Stephens and Julie Packard , J. Holley Taylor, Steve and Debbie Thompson, and Cecilia Alarcon , Gay Duval, Richard Dworak , David and Sue Eakins, Steven Patt and Debi Jamison; MJ and Ed Ehmke, Harry Elliott, Jr, Gerald Ellis, Marian Endo, Curtis Engelhard, Sharon Erickson, Anthony Eula , The Silberstein Family, • Partner Catherine Fararjeh , Daniel and Janet Farmer, Benjamin Farnum, DDS and Elizabeth Wolfe, Lynne Fitzjarrell, Art Fong, Marian Freudenblurn , Paul John and Freddy Howell, Kristine Kelly, Barry and Ginger Langdon­ Freudenthal, Linda Gagliani, Gail Bower, Inman Gallogly and Gloria A. Lassagne , Greg and Jean Myers, David Speer and Tiffany Choy , Bart and Linder, David Ganser, Janet Garvey, Joan Gielow, Earnie Goitein and Claire Nancy Westcott; Feder, Mary Goldberg, Paul and Carole Goldstein , Laura Gonsalves, Thomas Goodier, George and Amy Gorman , Torn Gough . Frances Grabau, • Contributor Leda Beth Gray and David Drake, Rose Greenblatt , Kate Griffin , Mrs. R.E. Michael Baggett, MD, Dick and Sharon Blaine, Robert and Irene Brown , Gronachon, Beate Gruenewald , Peter Grutchfield , Kate Gudmundson, Gauri Matthew and Kelly Dodder , Lindy Fung, Sherman Gramme , Jim Guleria, Silke Gurlich ; Bruce Hahne and Margaret Okuzurni , Jean Halford, Heckenbach, Grant and Karen Hoyt, Sue Hunt, James and Kathryn Robert Hall, Anne Hammond, Roxanne Handler, Nitu Hans, Joann Johnson , Linda Brownrigg, S.B. Meyer, Thomas Snell; Harrington , Ernie and Millie Harris, John and Grace Hattori, Aiko Hayashi, Donna Heim, Robert and Martha Helseth, Albert Heme!, Selma Hemiup, • Supporter Christopher and Agnes Hendrie , Howard Higley , Robnett Hill, Missi Hirt, Janet Hoffman , Caroline Houston, E.A. and Betty Huber, Bill and Patti William R. Danielson , Joan and Allan Fisch, Fred Fisher, Catherine Frantz, Hughes, Carole Hutchinson, John Hutz, Wilfred Illis, Jane Ingalls, Mary Fred Chilton, Fred and Mary Helen Green , Waldo Griffin, Ursula Grunfeld, Ann Irvine, Nelson and Robin lwai , Catherine Jagelski , Susan James, Joan Hadden, Harriet Gerson, Kirsten Holmquist, Penny Howell, Alison Denise Janjigian, Alberta Jasberg, Marilynn Jennings , Eric Johnson , Joan Jahrsdoerfer , faze and Nancy Couperus , Martha Johnson, Keith Breon, Kaehler, Andrew Katcher , Katharine Kato, Jana Kattenhorn, Mary Kelly, Myron and Lena Lee, Alan Levenson, Kevin Libera, Mary Lorey, Michael Ken Bone, Norman Kikuchi , Herbert Kinner, Enrique and Judy Klein, Mamrnoser, Perry and Martha McCarty , Brian Mellea, Tom and Joan Carol Klemstein, Marten and Kirn Korringa, Sherron Kritzer, Chris Kruger Merigan, Ginnie Mickelson, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Gould, Joyce Todd , and Denise Doetsch , Susan Kruse , Martha Kudlacik, Rich Kuehn and Dean George Peyton, Ann Rando, Gail Richardson, Robert Gamer, Rick and Schuler, Jeff LaTourrette, Elke Lange, Susan Lark, Vince Leone and Eileen Laurie Roberts , Deborah Rose, Leslie Schroeder, Ed and Denice Silicani, Denue, Leslie Larson, Wendy Lee, Aldora Lee, Lucy Lee, Kathleen Lee, Joyce Sogg, Steven Gelber, Andrew and Kathy Swilky, Carl Thomsen , Joe Rosalie Lefkowitz, Joan Leighton, Barbara Leonard, Margaret Lirnberatos, and Judy Thurmon, Brenda Torres-Barreto , Elizabeth Willey and Richard Cindy Lockhart, Sue Lockyer , Leo Lotter, Suzanne Lowd, James Lyang, Mlynarik, Nick and KC Yatsko ; Alice and Jamie Lynch, John McLemore and Clysta Seney, Margaret Magnee, Patti Malena, Albert Mangini, Ruie Martin , Mary Martinez , Ruth • Associate Mauldin , Eric Mc Call, Pam and Jim McArthur , Megan McCarthy, Ronald McDow, Cynthia McLaughlin , Ethel Meece, Jeff Mencher, Paula Miller, Jane Ardley, Marisa Atsatt, Judy Atterholt , Charles Bacon, Adu Bagley, Alan Miller, George and Lilo Miller, Barbara Milligan, Martha Miyatake, Judith Bares, Bill Clark, Jennifer Dungan, Alan Eisner, Fan Fan Tao, Joan Mize, Sandy Moore, Sara Moore , Jean and Barbara Morda, Chris Marion Farber, Andrew Finfrock , Fred C. and Mary Helen Greaves, Daun Morgan, Suzanne Morrone , Lincoln Moses , Jennifer Moylan, James and Jacobsen, Sandy Johan , Larry and Jimmi Dawson, Tom and Linda Vlasic, Trish Mulvey, Joe Murphy and Joan Miller, Tom and Glenda Murray, Pam Donna Logan, Don Lorenzen, Charles Ludlum , Patti Luebke, Laura and Netti, Barbara Newcomer , Katy Obringer, Janet Odenwald! Vassar, Martha George Manthey, Marilyn Gildea, T. Charles Moore, Whitney Mortimer, O'Neal, Tadd and Debbie Ottman, Everett and Rebecca Palmer, Carol Jack Morton, Mr. Paul Chestnut , Michael and Susan Murphy, Susan Patterson, Romulus and Julie Pereira, Harlin Perryman, Doug Planchon , Nakahira, Carole Nast, Dallyn Newman, Spaulding Norris,' Marjorie Bob Power, Pat Prickett , Pamela Putman , Jordan Reed, Tracy Reese, Mary­ Ottenberg, Raymond Rossi, Leila Saeed, Sally Cedarblade, Robert Saoie, Lyle Rempel , Virginia Reynolds, Virginia Rhodas, Barbara Rice, Sarah Mae Schrank , Sheila and Martin Dermer, Nedra Skyles, Elinor Spellman, Rivers , Christine Robson, JoAnne Rodgers, Marcia Ruotolo, Marguerite Mr. and Mrs. Scott Spencer, Linda Swanson, Paulann Thurman , Bill and Ryan, Jan and Ron Saarijarvi, Grace Sain, Serena Salomon, San Francisco Sandy Thurmon , Henk Van Arkel, Charles Van Orden, Fred Vasquez, Bruce Women 's Center Women 's Building, Roger and Martha Schaller, Jim and Wans, Mary Weisheit , Wendy and David Difabio , Telle Whitney , Susan Eleanor Sherman, Vandy Shrader, Tibby Simon, Strether and Tomasina Wijeyesekera , Duncan and Mercedes Williams , Alan Woertink, Nancy Smith, Mary E. 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Smith, George Sousa, Anne Spence, Len Yeend, Mr. and Mrs. David Zitlin; and Catherine Sprinkles , Ulf Stauber , Marilyn Steward-Phoenix, John Stotts, Sarah Tasker, Joyce Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thomas, Jennifer • Individual Thompson , Shubha Tuljapurkar, Dave Tull , Cheryl Turner, The Uelmen Family, Elaine Van Bruggen , Elaine Varga, Diane Vedder, Ann Vollmer, Dave and Linda Cline, Pete and Debbie Anderson , Dimitri A valoff, Jody Steve and Arletta Wade, Grant Webb, Kathleen Weber, Travis Weger, Ann Avery, Valerie Baldwin , John Barber, Philip and Sally Barney, Chris Weisman, Priscilla Williams, Melanie Wilson, William and Linda Wilson , Basanese, Dorsey and Katherine Bass, Patty Bearsley, Louis Beaudet, Dr. Joseph and Eunice Wissel , Donna WohJtrnann, Christine Wolfe, Bonnie Bedford-White , Josh Bennett, Dr. Keith Bennett, Harriet Benson, Maryellen Wolfers, Rose Mary Wright , Betty Wyatt, Rose Wyman, Hoyoko Janet Bertaina, Bob McNamara and Betty Deluco, Bill Brill, Lorrie Blythe, Yahanda, Mary Yates, Rebecca Yates, Joan Young, Carol Zimmerman , Janan Boehme, Jacqueline Bogard and Jim Bell, Lesley Boncich, Judith Karin Zimmermann , Douglas Zody . Borlase, Barbara Boyington, Tom and Gay Brasher , Mrs. D.L. Breithaupt , Sadie and Teshie Bronk, Geraldine Brown, Julie Brown, Juliette Bryson, David Burnham, Patricia Burns, Audrey Butcher , Dotty Calabrese, Sondra

The A vocet 11 Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society 22221 McClellan Road Non-Profit Organization Cupertino , CA 95014 U.S. Postage Paid San Jose, CA Phone : 408-252-3747 Permit No. 5869 Fax: 408-252-2850 E-mail : scvas@ scvas .org www .scvas.org A

OFFICERS CHAIRPERSONS GENERAL MEETINGS are held on the President Avocet third Wednesday of each month except July , August and December and are open to the Bob Hirt Editor : Grant Hoyt public . Vice President Graphics and Print Preparation : Bonnie Bedford-White Dave Cook Birdathon BOARD OF DIRECTORS meetings are Treasurer Dotty Calabrese open to all members . Call the office at (408 ) Jennifer Thompson Christmas Bird Count 252-3747 for times and directions . Secretary Kirsten Holmquist Joan Leighton Education RARE BIRD ALERT: (415) 681-7422 Bobbie Handen Environmental Action DIRECTORS GIFTS: SCV AS welcomes gifts, includingthose vacant David McIntyre '04 - '07 made in honor of or in memory of friends or Field Trips: Weekend relatives. Such gifts will be used at SCVAS' Dotty Calabrese '05 -'08 Bob Reiling discretion for its programs and activities unless Matthew Dodder '05 -'08 Weekday specified otherwise by the donor. Tax-deductible Phyllis Swanson Debbie Thompson '06 -'09 donationsmaybemadeintheformofacheckmade Bev Murpy out to SCV AS and sent to our Cupertino address. Finance STAFF addition, we gratefully accept bequests, which Don Price In Executive Director 408/252-3748 Fundraising should specifically identify Santa Clara Valley Bob Power bob@scvas .org Debbie Thompson Audubon Society as recipient Gifts and bequests Office Manager 408/252-3747 Library will be recognizedby the Chapter in TheA vocet Susan Bell scvas@scvas .org Joy Robinson unless the donor prefers otherwise. Programs Coordinator 408/252-3740 Joan Leighton TheA vocet is published bi-monthly by the Santa Toby Goldberg programs@scvas .org Membership Vacant Clara Valley Audubon Society, 22221 McClellan Office Fax 408/252-2850 Nature Shop Road, Cupertino, CA 95014. Deadline is the 25th E-mail scvas@scvas .org Freddy Howell of two months prior. Send submissions to: Website www .scvas .org Photo Club TheAvocet , c:JoSCVAS at the above address. Pete LaTourrette Programs SCV AS is the chapter of the National Audubon Doug & Gail Cheeseman Society for Santa Clara County. Webmaster Mondy Lariz 2006 Volume53, Number 6

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