TheNewsletter of the SantaClara Valley Audubon Society April 2000 Bluebird Volunteers Outdo Themselves by Garth Harwood There's every reason to believe that were of species whose populations are All over California in springtime, spe­ we' 11have yet another banner year out on declining in California at a greater rate cies after species of songbird breaks into the bluebird trails in 2000. Initiated by than that of the bluebird (compared to breeding song. And no one is more SCV AS in 1996, the Santa Clara County 48% in 1998 and 27% in 1997). keenly attuned to the onset of the breed­ volunteer network now monitors 21 ac­ At the outset of the bluebird program, ing season than our local "bluebirders," tive trails and more than 338 nestboxes. little direct effort was made to encourage those devoted volunteers who set up and The 731 birds of 10 species successfully other, less well-known cavity nesters such monitor nestboxes for native birds in raised in our boxes in the 1999 breeding as 1the Violet-green Swallow, although local back yards, parks and open spaces. season slightly exceeded the previous these birds weren't actively discouraged, As all that birdsong adds color to the high mark of 697 birds set in the 1998 either. Then we learned that this swal­ air throughout Santa Clara County, some season, despite setbacks ranging from low, for example, has declined at nearly 30 Audubon volunteers have already be­ the partial loss of our largest trail, to twice the rate of the bluebird across the gun making weekly treks to their gluttonous raccoons and even a murder­ state over the past 30 years. We promptly nestboxes to see who's moved in, to main­ ous Norway rat. set out to modify our nestbox designs and tain the boxes, and to be ready to inter­ placements to accommodate other birds vene in case of emergency. In the pro­ Larger conservation significance in need, even though this represented a cess, these monitors often witness some Those of us involved with the nestbox significant departure from established of the most endearing aspects of avian program take special pride in one aspect nestbox networks around the state and behavior at close range (an experience of our 1999 results: we have steadily the U.S. We've succeeded here, and we which can be very habit-forming!). Last gained ground toward our goal of provid­ continue to spread the word through our year, as in each season since the inception ing crucial support to those birds who participation in wider networks of nestbox of the local program, our volunteers set need it most, based on long-term popula­ monitors. another record for the number of young tion declines. Although we remain espe­ We are fortunate to have the example birds fledged from our specially-designed cially fond of the Wes tern B 1uebird, we' re before us of the remarkable recovery in nestboxes. glad to note that 58% of last year's birds recent years of the Eastern Bluebird, gen­ erally credited to the widespread place­ ment of nestboxes when that species' General Membership Meeting nesting habitat began to disappear. In Wednesday April 19 many cases, it remains unclear what "Trinidad & Tobago through the Eyes and Paintbrush of Edward Rooks" continued on page 9 Palo Alto Art Center Embarcadero & Newell Rds. 7:30 Hospitality 8:00 Program Photos wanted------Page 4 Many SCV AS members have seen the beautiful bird and habitat paintings of Birdathon------Pag e 5 our talented fellow member, Edward Rooks. Tonight you will see slides of his bird paintings in full glory on the screen. A superb artist and naturalist, Edward Field Notes------Page 6 is a native of Trinidad endowed with a special grace and zest for life from growing up in such splendid beauty. Edward will show slides from his annual Hope for Alviso------Page JO tours of Trinidad and Tobago throughout the 1990's and will include slides of Cisco-Too Big his bird paintings from tpese islands. He has led 4 tours for Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris and will lead two this spring for small groups of 12 people. for Our Valley ?------Page 11 Come enjoy his paintings, highlights from a decade of trips and an update on the birding in these intriguing islands. TheAvocet 1 Volunteer Ventures by Ulrike Keyssner View From In past issues, I have mentioned the The Office large number of bird slides in our collec­ tion, and that we need help getting them by Susan Bell labeled and cataloged-we still do-but I Office Manager want to mention the next step in this pro­ cess. We need to create several themed It's been nice to see our members presentations our staff and volunteers can braving the winter storms to visit the present to the public. For example , our SCVAS Nature Shop. Such dedication to our wildlife, Environmental Advocate, Craig Breon , venturing out in the rain to buy seed or feeders, is could use several presentations based on issues such auspicious for the birds. On behalf of SCVAS I would like as: impacts of development in the Bay Area; the impor­ to thank our patrons. A portion of each sale goes to tance of protecting and restoring riparian habitat; and the support our local chapter, and we do everything in our plight of local Burrowing Owls. We need a volunteer who power to protect birds and their habitats, as well as can find the appropriate slides and design a presentation providing a wide range of services to enhance your around them. Aside from the initial discussion meetings, education and enjoyment of birding. it would be up to you to set your own schedule. Please It is so entertaining and rewarding to watch the activi­ call me to talk about this fun job. ties at the feeders. The feeders attract the wild birds but I want to welcome several new volunteers and say very often they attract squirrels as well. Many a frus­ goodbye to our Tuesday office and Nature Shop power­ trated customer has come in looking for a way to outwit house Betty Jo Watkins. Betty Jo's commitment and squirrels. It's a good idea to get to know the nature of the energy will be sorely missed, but we wish her luck and squirrel and understand its behavior. Then it may be hope to see her again soon. With Betty Jo's departure we possible to find a way to keep them from helping them­ now need a Tuesday volunteer who could work for 4 selves to the seed in your birdfeeder. The Nature Shop hours between 10 and 5. Mary Fasching has taken over has in stock two books on the facts, myths, mysteries, the Shop on Wednesdays and she is already proving to and interactions of the squirrel, entitled Squirrels : A be a wonderful- asset. S-he formerly -owned a nature­ Wildlife Handbook and Outwitting Squirrels (second edi­ related store in Palo Alto. tion) . These books appear to be a great resource as well Our education programs have had an infusion of as providing a humorous look at squirrel activity. Squirrel activity with the addition of Margie Miller who has been baffles, used on the feeders here at the Nature Shop, seeking donations to help us house and display our large work to keep the squirrels from getting into the seed we bird nest collection . Margie's efforts will allow us to take put out, and also to keep the seed dry when it rains. We the nests out of the basement and into schools to teach have stocked several kinds of baffles in the Shop and can children about nesting behavior of many local species. order the one that suits your needs. We're always looking Our other new volunteer is Mayuri Naito, who is creating for new ideas, too. educational poster boards which can be taken to schools, Visiting McClellan Park and the Nature Shop can be fairs and festivals . She has completed an amazing a very rewarding and educational experience . One very poster on Burrowing Owls complete with life-size owl exciting thing happened just a few weeks ago: a coyote drawings and a burrow decorated with dung and feath­ was spotted in the field right outside the Shop! It was ers! She is a talented photographer as well. Look for her sunning itself on, I believe, the only sunny day we had in photo of a hummingbird in the most recent Birder's February. The staff and visitors were able to get a good World, page 86. Congratulations Mayuri! long look at it through binoculars. Our Librarian, Marti Oetzel , who has been doing a Our Nature Shop hours are; 10 AM- 5 PM, Monday stellar job, now has an assistant: Harriet Benson , who through Friday, Saturdays 10 - 2. Please call ahead to will help with special projects such as the Spring Book guarantee these times (408) 252-3747 . Auction. Like many of our volunteers , Harriet is a frequent traveler and, despite her desire to help, was initially concerned about her ability to commit to a regular ; .._ schedule . However, we found a job she was interested "'1 in and a level of commitment we could both feel good about. Thank you to all our volunteers! ~--n. PS Have you noticed how many of our volunteers are . ..~~4~~~ - ~~ ~ women? We do have several male volunteers but there ({~~ must be more out there to even our numbers! Come on Squirr els are usually amu sing until they start to raid our guys-we have plenty of rewarding work for you, too! birdf eede rs! Maybe OutwittingSquirrels will help! BB-W TheAvocet 2 April 2000 Calendar **Denotesfild trip. On all trips carpool **Saturday Apr. 8, 9:00 AM **Sunday Apr 16, 8:30 AM if possible; bring binoculars,fieldguides , Pichetti Ranch OSP. Half day. Leader: Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, layered clothing. LO =Lunch optional; Roxie Handler (408)730-1745 . From 1- Stanford University. Half day. Lead­ RC= Rain cancels; HRC = Heavy 280 in Cupertino take Foothill Blvd . south ers: Docents. Limited to 24 participants rain cancels. (it becomes Stevens Canyon Rd). Turn by reservation only. Call Bob Reiling at right on Montebello Rd. and go about (408)253-7527 to reserve space. $5 fee **Saturday Apr. 1, 7:45 AM 1/2 mile, turn left, past the winery en­ per person. Meet at Preserve gate (not Alum Rock Park. Half day. Leader: trance to the preserve parking Jot. Be­ Whiskey Hill gate). Gates open 7:40 to Al Eisner (650) 364-3686 or (650) 926- cause of limited parking space at the 8: 10 AM only. From 1-280 take Sand Hill 2108 . From Hwy 101 or 1-680 take preserve you are encouraged to carpool, Rd . west 2 miles to main gate on left. Alum Rock Ave. northeast toward hills possibly from the Stevens Creek Dam Moderately strenuous walking, 2-3 miles. and into park . Tum left at entrance kiosk parking lot. Moderately easy walking Trip goes rain or shine. at bottom of hill, before bridge; meet in past the orchard, pond and through oak first parking lot near "Rustit: Lands" woodlands. RC **Saturday Apr. 22, 8:00 AM area. Moderately strenuous 3 to 4 mile Ed Levin County Park (North). walk. Highlights : resident breeding birds **Sunday Apr. 9, 9:00 AM Half day. Leader: Bob Reiling (408) 253- (possibleRufous-crownedSparrow, Can­ Charleston Slough. Half day. Leader: 7527. Take Hwy. 237 east, crossing 1- yon Wren), early migrants, lingering win­ Allen Royer (408)288- 7768 Meet at Ter­ 880 and 1-680 (becomes Calaveras Rd.), ter birds. Be prepared for some muddy minal Way at the end of San Antonio Rd. tum left on Downing Rd. to the park en­ areas . Possible entrance fee; LO, RC north off Hwy. 101 in Mountain View. trance. Meet at parking lot on the far, All are invited but birding will be geared northeast side of Sandy Wool Lake. We **Sunday Apr. 2, 8:30 AM toward the beginning birder. will look for migrants and local breed­ Natural Bridges State Park. Half ing birds in Milpitas' prime birding hot day. Leader: Bonnie Bedzin (831) 425- Tuesday Apr. 11, 9:30 AM spot. Be aware that the trail is steep in 1335. Trip offered by Santa Cruz Bird Eve Case Bird Discussion Group some places. Entrance fee; LO, RC Club; designed for beginning birders but will meet at the home of Pat and Jean all skill levels welcome. Bring scopes . Dubois, l 7150Buena VistaAve.,LosGatos **Sunday Apr. 23, 8:30 AM Meet at Delaware Ave. entrance to N atu­ (408) 395-4264. Topic: Hooded Oriole. Grant Ranch Co. Park. Half day. ral Bridges State Park. From Hwy 17 in Leader: Dave Cook ( 408) 871-9552. Santa Cruz take Hwy 101 north, left on **Wednesday Apr. 12, 8:30 AM From 1-680 take Alum Rock Ave. north­ Almar Ave. or Swift St. then right on Calero Reservoir, McKean Rd. Half east, tum right on Hamilton Rd . and go Delaware Ave. to Natural Bridges Drive. day. Leader : Alan Thomas (408) 265- approximately 9 miles to the park. Meet HRC (Please note change to Daylight 9286. Meet at Ranger Station about 1 at Hall's Valley Lake parking lot located Savings Time---spring forward or be late!) mile south of boat dock. We will not bird on the left, just past the main park en­ the lake, but concentrate on breeding trance . Fresh water ducks, oak woodland **Wednesday April 5, 8:00 AM woodland species instead . LO, RC birds and possible Golden Eagle. Mod­ Rancho San Antonio. Half day . erate 2-mile walk. LO, RC Leader: Jim Liskovec (650) 969-5542. An **Saturday Apr. 15, 9:00 AM extra weekday trip to this most popular San Pedro Valley County Park. **Saturday Apr. 29, 6:30 AM preserve. Emphasis will be on bird song. Half day. Leader: Judy Spitler (650)355- Fabled north Santa Cruz County Expect some strenuous walking on hilly 9362 . From Hwy. 92 in Half Moon Bay hot spots. Full day. Leader: Todd trails. From Hwy 280 take the Foothill take Hwy. 1 north to Linda Mar Blvd. in Newberry (call Bob Reiling 408-253- 7527). We will bird Natural Bridges, Expwy-Grant Rd. exit turning south onto Pacifica . Tum right, drive to the end of Baldwin Creek, Rancho de! Oso, and Foothill BI vd. Tum right on Cristo Rey Dr. the street, jog to the right then left into and continue on to large parking area. the parking area near the museum . En­ elsewhere as late reports suggest. This trip is intended for serious birders and Meet by restrooms. LO, RC trance fee for cars . RC will depart at 6:30 AM sharp from Beckmann's Bakery, 2341 Mission St. Wednesday April 5, 7:30 PM **Wednesday Apr. 26, 8:30 AM (Hwy. 1) on the north side of Santa Cruz. Bay Area Bird Photographers pre­ Stevens Creek Co. Park. Half day. Bring a full tank of gas and lunch (and sents Bob Stewart with his slide show on Leader: Roxie Handler (408)730-1745. be prepared to remind the leader of the "The Sky Islands of Southea§t Arizona ." From Hwy 280 take Foothill Rd . south need to eat). Baylands Interpretive Center, E . about 2 miles, turn left into Chestnut Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto. parking area. This is a wonderful place continued on Page 5 and time to see nesting birds . RC TheAvocet 3 Special Earth Day Membership Committee­ Public Meeting Now Chapter_Historians "THREATOF INVASIVECORDGRASS IN by Debbie Thompson BAYLANDS" SCV AS sponsors and participates in Please send us your 4x6 (or smaller) Come and hear Speakers Debra many events and activities throughout photos with descriptions on the back to Ayres, UC Davis Bodega Marine Labo­ the year. The Membership Committee the Membership Committee at 22221 ratory and Alex Dukes, Senior, Palo Alto would like to keep a chapter history of McClellan Road, Cupertino, CA 95014. High School on Thursday, April 20, 2000, these activities in the form of a photo The description should include the mem­ 7PM at the Palo Alto Baylands Interpre­ album for all to enjoy. We are depending bers' names as well as the date and loca­ tive Center, E. Embarcadero Rd .. on you to send us snapshots that show any tion of the event pictured, if known. Mail Spartina alterniflora, smooth of our members participating in an your photos any time throughout the year cordgrass, is native to the eastern US. It SCV AS event such as a field trip, picnic, or bring them to the General Meeting . All was introduced into the south San Fran­ meeting or fair. We are seeking good photos received will become property of cisco Bay 25 years ago for the purpose of quality pictures of past events, as well as SCVAS . stabilizing soils in some intertidal areas. current and future. The pictures will be So dig-out those boxes of photos and It has done that much too well. This placed in a photo album and we will also send us a few! We have a lot of chapter aggressive alien, and its hybrid, the na­ periodically select a few to mount in a history to catch up on, and many future tive California cord grass, spreads to cover display . Both the album and the display events that will need recording . intertidal mud with tall, rigid, densely will be available at General Meetings and The photos could also be used in the packed stems and thick tufts of roots. other events for all to enjoy. newsletter as well! -BB-W, Assistant to Ed. Tidal flow is slowed and sediments pre­ cipitate, elevating the marsh and creating an overgrown meadow resulting in a loss of habitat for clams, worms, crustaceans, and birds. The hybrid has taken over former salt ponds to the complete exclu­ sion of native species, which could be­ come extinct. At this point experts be­ lieve that the threat is controllable . This event is organized by The Santa Clara Valley Chapter of California Native Plant Society (CNPS) . The threat to birds that use intertidal areas in San Francisco could be grave. Breaching salt ponds to tidal flow could introduce the invasives to those areas, unless they are controlled. The invasion is controllable at this point, hence the public meeting. We are fortunate to have two ex­ perts speaking at this meeting. Dr. Ayres Thank you to the anonymous photographer will talk to us about .her research and who recorded this energetic group of some strategies for control, and Alex volunteers after they assembled 56 hanging Dukes will talk about studying the Bluebird boxes for SCVAS! It is this type of photo that we would like to receive. cordgrass at Baylands. For more information call Don Mayall at (650)856-7579.

TheAvocet 4 Annual Birdathon Set for April 29 - 30 CALENDAR continued by Bobbie Handen Fly with us as we begin our first ta! educational experiences in order **Sunday Apr 30, 8:30 AM to make good choices. As part of this Birdathon of the century!!! This is Stevens Creek County Park. Half effort SCV AS has joined hands with your opportunity to be a part of the day. Leader: TBD (Call Bob Reiling the Children's Discovery Museum to most exciting SCV AS fund raiser (408) 253- 7527). From I-280 in provide materials as well as experi­ ever. Cupertino take Foothill Expwy exit south ences for inner city children. Yes, this is that time when you 2.1 miles (becomes Stevens Canyon Rd.), We all are aware of the need to see your fellow Bird enthusiasts, turn left into the first park entrance and educate young people from all over clipboards and pencils in hand, run­ meet in the fust parking lot. One of the Santa Clara County about the impor­ ning far and wide to find as many best riparian birding spots in the South tance of bird habitat and teach them feathered species as they can. If Bay for migrants and local breeding to appreciate the splendor of our you have never experienced a birds . LO Birdathon firsthand, this is the year feathered friends and the need to save the habitats which we share. This to be a part of this event. **Sa turday May 6, 8:30 AM Create a name (silly or other­ continues to be a multigenerational Mines Road & Del Puerto Canyon wise) for your team, comprised of effort. Full day. Leader: Don Schmoldt one or more friends, and contact The other 1/3 of the proceeds Road. your fellow workers, neighbors, from the Birdathon will be used for (510) 547-5108 . We'll start this trip in friends and of course those ever the Bay Project. As the Bay contin­ Del Puerto Canyon, working our way faithful family members to be your ues to be threatened from numerous west to San Antonio Valley and end up in sponsors. Sponsors may pledge a sources so must we birders help keep Livermore. From 1-580 go east over certain amount per bird species you and expand the important home for Altamont Pass, to 1-5, south on 1-5 to the find or a fixed amount to the team of our local and migratory birds . The Patterson exit and go west on Del Puerto their choice. Pick an area (or areas) goal of the ambitious program is to Canyon Rd. Meet at the first pullout to bird on a particular day. Some restore the Bay as a home for local (look for Don's "BAJA OWL" license teams go to local parks while others and migratory birds as well as for plate). Highlights include possible bird their back yard. It is always other wildlife including the endan­ Costa's Hummingbird, Phainopepla, amazing to see just how many birds gered species that Ii ve there. Lewis's Woodpecker and Lawrence's live or visit the areas where you Most teams will be holding their Goldfinch . walk, work or live. big day in the last week of April, but This year 2/3 of the proceeds the date is flexible. The most impor­ **Sunday May 7, 8:00 AM from the 2000 Birdathon will help tant thing for SCV AS members and Alum Rock Park. Half day. Leader: to support our continuously expand­ their friends to do is make a pledge Bob Reiling (408)253- 7 527. From Hwy ing education programs. There has or go out and join the fun and form 101 or 1-680 take Alum Rock Ave north­ been much interest from local their own Birdathon team and raise east toward the hills and into the park. schools requesting classroom visits money for these worthy environmen­ Drive under the bridge and meet at the and follow-up field trips. Our Wet­ tal causes. We wish to encourage far end of the parking lot. Moderately lands and Woodlands program individuals as well as teams to go out strenuous 3-4 mile walk. Lunch optional. reaches school children throughout and enjoy the day in a way that will Possible entrance fee. Resident breed­ the valley. Great efforts are made to help us save this planet. ing birds (possible Rufous-Crowned provide enthusiastic and memorable Call Birdathon Coordinator, Sparrow, and Canyon Wren if we are educational experiences for those Bobbie Handen at (408) 356-4263 if lucky). children living in areas that do not you have any questions about how to afford them sufficient environmen- form a new Birdathon Team.

Our Birdathon Teams AlmadenEagles: Ann Verdi and John Mariani SpiderHunter: Vivek Tiwari & Friends Busy BackyardBirders: Debbie and Steve Thompson UncommonLoons: Our official chapter team headed by Nick HaciendaHarried Hawks: Elaine Gould & HaciendaFriends Yatsko and Rod Norden Hummdingers:Sandy Cort_right& Friends Vagrants: Grant Hoyt & Friends PortolaValley Birder: Craig Breon WrongTerns: Bobbie Henden,Allen Royer & Friends RockWrens: Leda Beth Gray, David Drake & Ulrike Keyssner You can add your team to this list!!!

TheAvocet 5 Field Notes with wild Canadas. An apparent wild (TRy) . Another male was on Shoreline by Bill Bousman white-front was seen at the Morabito Lake on 5 Feb (MJM). The highest count Loons through Vultures "goose farm" in Morgan Hill on 3-12 Feb of Hooded Mergansers this month was Two immature Red-throated Loons (SCR, v.ob.). An adult bird was also seen six seen near Marsh and Felter roads on were seen at Shoreline Lake on 4 Feb at the San Jose-Santa Clara Water Pollu­ 13 Feb (NL). Thirty Common Mergan­ (MMR, WGB), and single immatures tion Control Plant (WPCP) drying ponds sers seen on Uvas Reservoir on 3 Feb were recorded there on 5 Feb (MJM) and on 9 Feb (AJ) and 20 Feb (NL) . An (SCR) are a considerable drop from the 15 Feb (MMR). A bird seen on Salt Pond immature Ross's Goose was also seen on high total in January. A9 in Alviso on 4 Feb (JDa) may have these drying-ponds on 1 Feb (SCR) and 3 been the same bird found on these ponds Feb (AJ). Single Ross's were seen near Raptors through Skimmers earlier in the winter. Calero Reservoir Marsh and Felter roads on 2 Feb (KPa) The adult Bald Eagle visiting Calero also continued to host this loon with an and 13 Feb (NL), the latter an immature. Reservoir was seen again on 12 Feb immature there on 19 Feb (JMa, AV) and Eight or nine free-flying birds were seen (MJM). Three adults were found at Ander­ an adult on 21 Feb (JMa). Lingering or at the Morabito goose farm on 3-12 Feb son Reservoir on 25 Feb (TRy) during a "oversummering" American White Peli­ (SCR, v.ob.), and are believed to be wild boat survey of the reservoir. The adult cans were found again on Calero "Harlanis" Red-tailed Hawk win­ Reservoir, with 18countedon 12Feb tering along the Guadalupe River (AV). About 13-15 birds were on the near Trimble was seen again on 21 Mountain View salt ponds from at A Sandhill Crane Feb (MJM). Ferruginous Hawks were seen northwest of Gilroy, from least 12 Feb (NY) through the end of wintering near Gilroy the month (WGB). An American Day Road to San Martin A venue, 3- Bittern along Coyote Creek below pleased large numbers 12 Feb (JDa, v.ob.) and may repre­ Hwy 237 on 3 Feb (AJ) was in an sent a single bird. An adult was unusual location and was the only of birders along Frazier Lake Road south of one reported this month. Central Bloomfield on 26 Feb (DLSu). At California is a border region for Tur­ least one Black Rail was seen at the key Vultures with birds to the north birds decoyed by the captive birds here. Palo Alto Baylands on 17 Feb (KPa, being largely migratory and those to the The wintering flock of Wood Ducks at JAC). A Sandhill Crane was found south generally resident. At the begin­ Almaden Reservoir declined in February northwest of Gilroy near Fitzgerald and ning of the last century, this vulture was with 53 counted on 6 Feb (AV) and 34 on Santa Teresa, adjacent to a housing de­ considered to be a summer resident in the 20 Feb (LCh et al.). A male Eurasian velopment, from 31 Jan (MK.fide MMR) Bay area, and that status is largely changed Wigeon was on Salt Pond A9 in Alviso to at least 19 Feb (KOMcG, m.ob.). Al­ as the local birds now appear to be here on 4 Feb (JD a) and a pair of birds were on though the tenth record for the county, year around and we seldom see obvious a pond near Grand and Los Esteros on 22 this is the first that has wintered at any migrants. Thus 300 or so Turkey Vul­ Feb (SCR). A pair of Blue-winged Teal location. There are rumors that the bird tures over Hwy 152 east of Bell Station were in the Palo Alto Flood Control Ba­ had been seen at this location since De­ on 26 Feb (DLSu) appeared to part of a sin on 17 Feb (WGB) and four males cember. Most past county records have major movement northward of returning were seen there on 20 Feb (LCh et al.). A been of out-of-range fall migrants in flight. birds. Redhead was found on Calero Reservoir A Lesser Yellowlegs found in flooded on 16 Feb (TRy). Thirty to forty birds fields along Frazier Lake Road on 22 Feb Waterfowl were seen on Charleston Slough on 20 (DLSu) is particularly rare in winter. The This has been another good winter for Feb (LCh et al.) and at least 12 were still adult Lesser Black-backed Gull winter­ rare geese, which appear to becoming there on 28 Feb (LCh). The immature ing in Alviso was seen at the San Jose­ more common, perhaps, because of an male Tufted Duck seen on Salt Pond A9 Santa Clara WPCPdryingpondson 1 Feb increasing number of Canada Goose "de­ in Alviso in January was found again on (SCR) and nearby at the Coyote Creek coys" along the valley floor. A Greater 4 Feb (JDa). A male Barrow's Golden­ Field Station (CCFS) waterbird pond on White-fronted Goose was found near eye was found on Calero Reservoir on 4 3 Feb (AJ). The fourth-winter bird at Marsh and Felter roads on 2 Feb (KPa) Feb (JMa) and two were there on 15 Feb Lake Cunningham was seen there on 9

TheAvocet 6 Field Notes continued Field Trip Report Feb (SCR) and 23 Feb (MMR). An least 12 Feb (MMR, v.ob.). Most of our Princeton Harbor immature Glaucous Gull, found at records for this vagrant are from Septem­ Feb. 26 Almaden Lake Park on 18 Feb (SCR, ber and October and it can be argued that A few folks ignored the weather fore­ SBT), showed characteristics of both 2nd­ these are the first wintering birds we've casters and came to Princeton on the and 3rd-winter birds. It was seen again had in the county. A Vesper Sparrow SCV AS outing Feb. 26. This time, the 19 and 20 Feb (AV). A 1st-winter bird was found in the Evergreen area on 9 Feb forecasters were correct: 40 MPH winds was found on the CCFS waterbird pond (SCR), in vegetation that was purposely all morning. Perhaps with unjustified on 18 Feb and a different 1st-winter bird not disked last summer. Although there optimism, we headed toward Pillar Point. was seen there on 22 Feb (both AJ). are previous winter records, this rare spar­ Many WESTERN and CLARK'S Another 1st winter bird was seen nearby row is also most often encountered in the GREBES were sleeping fitfully in the in the Fremont Lagoons in Alameda fall. In some ways more surprising, five harbor, and clouds of CALIFORNIA, County on 19 Feb (NL). The numbers of Grasshopper Sparrows were found in GLAUCOUS-WINGED, and WEST­ Black Skimm~rs in the Charleston Slough the same area and one was singing. Con­ ERN GULLS scudded in off the ocean, flock peaked at ten on 28 Feb (LCh). ventional wisdom states that these spar­ doing well just to stay in the air. We rows are very rare wintering species, but found a group of CINNAMON TEAL in Roadrunners through Grosbeaks this winter has turned that wisdom upside the marsh, but the willows were quiet A Greater Roadrunner that became down. Wintering White-throated Spar­ except for something in a reed patch that sounded like a loud Black Rail with a trapped in a car dealership at Coleman rows at feeders were reported in San Jose stutter(maybe8 'ki's'beforethe 'derrrr'). and Blossom Hill in February was taken on 1 Feb (PB), a different bird in San Jose On the beach, we found two to a rehabilitator (fide KHt). There is on 12 Feb (ER), and a bird in Saratoga HEERMANN'S GULLS . At the jetty, little precedent for this species in urban that has been present since early Decem­ only a few WHIMBREL, MARBLED areas. A Barn Swallow at the San Jose­ ber (MN). Searchers for the Green-tailed GODWITS, and SANDERLING were Santa Clara WPCP drying ponds on 9 Feb Towhee also found a white-throat along around - no Oldsquaw or Rock Sand­ Coyote Creek below Tasman on 6 Feb (AJ) was earlier than expected for a spring piper. The tide was out, so we went past (NL) and 9 Feb (MMR). A 1st-winter bird. A 1st-winter bird seen nearby on 18 the jetty to the point, and found respite Feb (AJ) was more unusual in that it was male Black-headed Grosbeak was found from the wind. There were two very halfway through its wing primary molt. at a Saratoga feeder on 25 Jan (SB). It close BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS at Usually these birds complete their pre­ was joined by a female and both have the point, and a few PELAGIC CORMO­ basic molt on the wintering grounds in been seen through the end of the month RANTS were bobbing in the waves. We Central or South America. A Canyon (SB, JAC, PC). We have fewer than ten made a side trip to Ocean Colony in Half Wren seen in Alum Rock Park on 6 Feb winter records for this common summer Moon Bay in hopes of finding some land (NL) was in one of the few places where resident. birds. Our best land bird was ALLEN'S this rare Diab lo Range wren can be found HUMMINGBIRD, of which there were locally. A male Phainopepla was found Observers: Sally Baumwell (SB), Peg at least 5 in the Eucalyptus and bottle­ aboveAndersonReservoiron4Feb(DB). Bernucci (PB), Dusty Bleher (DB), Bill brush between the northern fence line The Green-tailed Towhee found last Bousman (WGB), Les Chibana (LCh), and Turnberry Court. One nice thing about month along Coyote Creek below Tasman Jack Cole (JAC), Pat Curtis (PC), Jim the cloudy skies: the diffuse light brings was seen again 6-19 Feb (v.ob.). A win­ Danzenbaker (JDa), Karen Hoyt (KHt), out the color in their gorgets so beauti­ tering Clay-colored Sparrow was found Alvaro Jaramillo (Al), Michele Kveck fully. In all, 58 species, and high hopes at the Morabito goose farm in Morgan (MK), Nick Lethaby (NL), Mike for next year. Hill on 3 Feb (SCR) and, amazingly, two Mammoser(MJM), JohnMariani(JMa) , ---Mark Miller birds were found there on 4 Feb (MJM). K.O. McGall (KOMcG), Mayuri Naito A single bird was in this area through at (MN), Kathy Parker (KP a), Mike Rogers (MMR), Ed Rooks ( ER), Steve Rottenborn RARITIES: Please drop me a (SCR), Tom Ryan (TRy ), David Suddjian note: Bill Bousman, 321 Arling­ (DLSu), Scott Terrill (SBT), Ann Verdi ton Way, Menlo Park, CA' 94025, (AV), and Nick Yatsko (NY). or: [email protected]

TheAvocet 7 Sequoia Audubon Hosts Discover the Art of Water Quality Forum Taxidermy! Audubon members are invited and cerned with preserving the riparian sys­ by Ulrike Keyssner encouraged to attend a special event: tems for the myriad migratory and resi­ This may sound ghoulish to some, but "Salmon and the Water Quality Connec­ dent species dependent on San Gregorio I would love to learn how to preserve tion: A San Gregorio Creek Forum" Creek for food, shelter, and breeding birds who have passed on to another life! Wednesday, April 5, 2000, 7 PM, La habitat every year. I'm talking about dead birds who have hit Honda Elementary School. The San It's also a chance to sign up for our a window or suffered some other form of Gregorio Environmental Resource Cen­ newest stream monitoring program in demise and now have the opportunity to ter (SGERC), a San Mateo County non­ San Gregorio Creek! Short talks will be profit dedicated to preserving rare spe­ given by area agency scientists and free become teaching tools for SCVAS. We cies and habitat, will co-host the forum information handouts will be provided. have a freezer full of donated birds which with Sequoia Audubon. we need to have stuffed . They will be San Gregorio Creek is home to a When : Wednesday, April 5th. Doors added to our small collection. These birds host of wildlife, including, but not lim­ open at 6:30 for refreshments. Forum are used in our education programs and, ited to, federally-listed steelhead trout, will start at 7 PM and end at 8:45. There like the bird collections found in muse­ various rare amphibians and reptiles, and will be time afterwards for informal dis­ ums, allow children to discover the bio­ many bird species. It is one of San Mateo cussion with the speakers. logical features that make birds birds. County's largest creeks. In recent years, Similarly, following in the footsteps of more attention has been placed on the Where: La Honda Elementary School, the great artist, John James Audubon, creek because of water rights conflicts, Sears Ranch Road. From l or 280, take these birds are also used as studies for our the possible reintroduction of federally­ Hwy 84 to La Honda, and turn north onto drawing classes, except we didn't have to listed Coho salmon, and the need to re­ Sears Ranch road (next to Pioneer Mar­ duce the amount of silt and sediment in ket, across the street from Applejack's waste them first! Thankfully, times have the creek. Local residents remember a Tavern). Elementary school is on the changed . time when there were more fish in the right, about 1/8 mile. Several SCV AS volunteers have ex­ creek, and are eager to help restore the perience in taxidermy and are the source steelhead fisheries. Who: Scientists from the CA Dept of of our collection. After some coaxing, The forum will provide information Fish and Game, Coastal Watershed Coun­ they have agreed to teach this unusual on the watershed, its existing fisheries, cil, and the Regional Water Quality Con­ skill to those of us interested. The plan is and the impacts of land-use decisions on trol Board will be giving information on to hold a workshop at our McClellan water quality. Residents and concerned water quality, salmon and steelhead, and Ranch office in Cupertino where partici­ citizens can learnnewways topreventor efforts to improve creek habitat. San pants will be given a bird to work on. minimize pollutants and sediments in Mateo County Supervisor Rich Gordon This event will be RSVP only, as we storm water runoff from impacting the will give information on the County's want to limit the number of students per stream and its aquatic inhabitants. The efforts in the watershed . Event is free watershed supports a variety ofland uses, and open to the public. For more info, teacher. The date being considered is in including agriculture, residences, and rec­ contact Chris Larson at (650)726-2499 late April but you'll have to call us for the reation. Birders attending this forum will or [email protected] The San specific date and what tools to bring. If be able to share ideas with others con- Gregorio Creek Forum is funded by the you are already experienced in taxidermy San Mateo County Storm water Pollution and would like to pass on your knowl­ Prevention Program. edge, please call me so that we can add A huge you to our instructor list. Phone (408) ---Nicole Salgado, Office Manager 252-3747 or e-mail [email protected] to "ThankYou" Sequoia Audubon Society reserve a space and find out the date. 30 W 39th Ave #202 Contact us early as this class may fill San Mateo, CA 94403 quickly! helping to pass phone:650-345-3724 fax: 650-345-3748 Propositions e-mail: [email protected] web: http://Sequoia .ca.audubon.org 12 and 13! hours: M/Th 10 am- 5 pm At last, something constructive could come from our grim little discoveries . TheAvocet 8 Bluebirders continued specific factors are causing declines in letter and support their work ($5 or more Barbara Milligan (Foothills Park), Jenni­ other cavity-nesting species, although the to CBRP, 2021 Ptarmigan Dr., Walnut fer Lyon (Fremont-Older Open Space clearing of forests, and overdevelopment Creek, CA 94595;checks should be made Preserve), Dave Cook (Grant Ranch), in general, are often the leading suspects. out to "MDAS-Bluebirds".). Dave Poeschel (Guadalupe Oak Grove It may be that some of our other declining Park), Andy and Forest Scott (Hidden species can also be saved by the simple Special thanks Villa Ranch), Ulf Stauber (Rancho San means of placing good nestboxes out for to our amazing volunteers Antonio), Doug and Ardeth Greenquist them. It's certainly worth the try! As in so many Audubon activities, it's (Santa Teresa County Park), Red the volunteers who make everything work Pendleton (Stanford Golf Course), Dave Opportunities to get involved so well. Gus Constant and Charles Wade Weber (Stanford Arboretum), Mary Beth Our network always has room for an­ deserve special mention: between them, and Michael Arago (Stanford "Dish other dedicated volunteer who's willing they've built the great majority of Hill"), Norman Watenpaugh (Uvas Creek to monitor a dozen or so boxes (usually nestboxes placed by our network in re­ Park) , and Debby and Jon Scott (Vasona provided free of charge by our expert cent years! The nestbox monitors who Lake Park). Backyard nestbox monitors volunteer craftsmen). If that sounds like gave so freely of their time and energy in who submitted reports included MJ you, please get in touch. Other means of the 1999 season include: Gerry Ellis Chestnut, Pat Curtis, Richard Greene, assisting the birds are a lot simpler for the (Almaden-Quicksilver County Park); Carolyn Hammond, Carol Hankermeyer, average birder. Backyard nestboxes, par­ Dave Hildebrand (Almaden IBM cam­ Dina Hawkins, Leslie Larson, Gloria ticularly along the western edge of the pus), David "Tex" Houston and John Leblanc, Jan Leonard, George & Marti valley, have provided excellent habitat Draeger (Arastradero Preserve #2), Sally Oetzel, Mike & Marla Parker, Elizabeth for one of our highest-priority species, Schuman and son Gabe Kiritz & Byron Ryono, Bill Scoggins, Mark and the Chestnut-backed Chickadee, which (Arastradero Preserve #3), Garth Kristin Shields, and Dirk Thiele. A hearty has declined by about one-half across the Harwood (Foothill College, McClellan thanks to all, especially Mr. Watenpaugh, Ranch Park, Monte Bello Open Space who built, ..installed, and monitored the state in recent decades. Backyard boxes ~ all over the county are also great for Oak Preserve, and Arastradero Preserve #1), year's biggest new trail of 45 boxes! Titmice and Bewick's Wrens, two other high-priority birds. The other cavity­ nesters are less likely to use backyards, A COMPARISON OF YEARLY RESULTS OF THE generally preferring more open spaces, SANTA CLARA COUNTY BLUEBIRD PROGRAM but there are always welcome excep­ tions, such as the four Western Screech­ Species 1999 1998 1997 Owls fledged from the backyard of Mike Western Bluebird 190 274 90 and Marla Parker of Los Gatos (a first for Violet-green Swallow 195 175 52 the program). Tree Swallow 55 46 31 If you do place a backyard box or two, Oak Titmouse 161 122 5 please choose a bird-friendly box (many Ash-throated Flycatcher 50 17 25 commercial boxes are quite dangerous to birds; the SCVAS Nature Shop has safe­ Chestnut-backed Chickadee 46 13 5 and-sane ones). Also, be sure to choose Bewick's Wren 23 27 no data one that permits you to open it up for an Others (Owls, House Wrens, occasional peek inside. This won't harm White-breasted Nuthatches) 11 23 21 the birds if you limit yourself to one or two quick visits a week, and we'd very TOTAL FLEDGES 731 697 229 much like to hear about any birds you successfully raise. Finally, you can also support the on­ TOT AL TRAILS 21 20 17 going advocacy work of Audubon, and TOT AL NESTBOXES 338 295 230 join the California Bluebird Recovery TOT AL SPECIES 10 10 8 Program to receive their quarterly news-

TheAvocet 9 Alviso-Unfulfilled Commitments, Missed Opportunities ... Yet Hope Remains by Craig Breon of a massive office complex in April. It several commitments made by the City to Environmental Advocate seems an appropriate time for an update. the community and the environmental­ ists when the Master Plan was passed, Regular A voe et The Good News and little or nothing has been done about readers may remember Let's start with the good news, as it those commitments since . Let me pro­ the articles I wrote blast­ will take less time to mention than the bad vide a partial list: ing the Alviso Master Plan news. One of the first developments to go #1-As approved, the Alviso Master in the fall ofl998. SCV AS, through, referred to as Legacy Partners , Plan committed to the formulation of a other environmental organi­ will build nearly one million square feet mowing and disking ordinance for the zations, and many Alviso resi­ of development on an old landfill and area,primari1ytoprotectBurrowingOwls. dents caused quite a stir as the illegally filled wetlands near the By requiring that the lands of Alviso not Master Plan went through the approval Guadalupe River. be disked, habitat would be preserved for process in San Jose. Eventually, we won The good news here is that the plan owls and a host of other species . a significant victory for both the land and caJls for one-third of the land to be set In May of 1999, I appeared before the the people of Alviso in front of the San aside for open space. One-third open City Council to ask what had happened to Jose Planning Commission, only to see space is the standard we advocated for in this and other commitments. Jim many of our gains erased by the City the Master Plan, which the Planning Com­ Derryberry, the Planning Director for San Council. Still, the Master Plan that passed mission made a requirement and the City Jose, admitted that nothing had been done was an improvement over the draft plan Council changed to a "goal." In addition, at that time, and Council woman Matthews we fought against. Legacy will be managing approximately directed him to begin the work as prom­ For those of you needing a refresher, 20 acres of their open space for Burrow­ ised. It didn't happen. When I last called the lands of Alviso are some of the best ing Owls, as either breeding or foraging the Planning Department about this in natural resources left in the City of San habitat. If their owl plans go well, we January 2000, Laurel Pervetti, one of the Jose. Where the Guadalu pc'"'i.{1ver and may have better owl habitat on the site chief planners for Alviso, passed the buck Coyote Creek flow into the Bay through after the development than we have now. by saying that the City Attorney's office the wetlands of the National Wildlife Also, the plan concentrates development was drafting the ordinance. She could Refuge, Alviso also has the last, best away from more sensitive wetlands sites not, however, tell me either the name of open spaces left in North San Jose. Ad­ and Snowy Plover habitat. Finally, the attorney working on it or when it ditionally, the people and the community Legacy has agreed to contribute $1 mil­ might be completed, or whether it had of Alviso are unique, not swept up in the lion to a new gymnasium for the Alviso even been started. The Planning Depart­ cookie-cutter industrial and residential community and will be setting up a foun­ ment has managed to produce piles of development of much of modern San dation for youth programs in Alviso and information relating to development ap­ Jose. Alviso residents-primarily middle San Jose . Given that the site was destined provals on projects in Alviso, but they and lower income Hispanics-have a long for development, Legacy did a decent job evidently can't be bothered to create a history of independence and a strong of considering the land and the commu­ document that might total 1 to 2 pages to sense of place. While we might stereo­ nity in their plans. preserve this rare species. It's all a ques­ type such a population as not caring about Good news number two: it appears tion of priorities, and by and large San their environment the way hillside com­ that the gymnasium we and Alviso resi­ Jose likes to talk about environmental munities often do, such a stereotype would dents asked for will become a reality . protection a great deal more than they be incorrect. The people of Alviso have With the leadership of several commu­ actuaJly do it. repeatedly demanded that the land around nity members and Councilwoman Margie #2-The Master Plan called for a re­ them be treated with the same respect Matthews, nearly $4.5 million has been view of the lands and the businesses north they ask for themselves . As a result, our raised for the project , and the city already of State Street in Alviso . These lands are work in Alviso focuses not just on wild­ has workable plans for its construction. either directly adjacent to or even jut out life and habitat, but on justice for the into the New Chicago Marsh at the Wild­ community . The Bad News (Talk is Cheap) life Refuge . Much of the land north of Well, now the Alviso Master Plan is Unfortunately , much of how the Mas­ State Street is illegally filled wetlands , being implemented, with two develop ­ ter Plan appears to be shaping up is as we and we suspect that some of the busi­ ments-one industrial, the other residen­ feared, or as e-mails back in the faJl of nesses in the area don't even have legal tial-already approved, and Cisco Sys­ 2000 overdramatically put it, "the end of building or business permits. The busi- tems coming down the road for approval birdwatching in Alviso." There were continued next page The A vocet 10 ''Are You Ready''-For More Cisco? by Craig Breon dollars will eventually have to fix; 3) tive" and calls for multi-level parking A politician recently joked with me significant air quality impacts go unmiti­ rather than a sea of single level parking that if Cisco Systems continues their gated, and this in a community where the surrounding the buildings. Unfortunately, present rate of growth, we will all be children already have elevated levels of it's a lot more expensive for Cisco to Cisco employees in forty-five years. A respiratory ailments; 4) while providing build. Still, the people and the land of scary thought, given the poor performance 32 acres of open space on their site, this Alviso are worth it, and Cisco should do to date for this the largest employer in San falls short of the goal of the Alviso Master the right thing for the region, even if it Jose. Cisco is not only proposing to build Plan to preserve one-third of larger sites costs more. 6.5 million square feet of office space on as open space, and some of the land they In general, Cisco needs to consider the 350+ acres in the Coyote Valley (enough are preserving could not have been built needs of the South Bay more than they do for 20,000 new employees), but they are on anyway . To their credit, Cisco is currently. They have had and will con­ also proposing 2.3 million square feet on contributing to some community projects tinue to have impacts on our lands and our 150 acres in Alviso (enough for another that will benefit Alviso . quality of life. They are growing rich and 6000 employees). There is an alternative identified in powerful by creating those impacts, and A few statistics about the Cisco project their EIR that would allow for full build­ some people are growing increasingly in Alviso: 1) there would bea significant, out of the site, fulfilling Cisco and the frustrated with their style. I have heard unmitigated loss of Burrowing Owl habi­ City• s goals, while preserving more open from San Jose city planners, Department tat; 2) significant local and regional traf­ space, thus meeting the goals of the envi­ of Fish and Game personnel, and even fic impacts also go unmitigated, leading ronmentalists and Alviso residents. It's someofCisco's own consultants, all stat­ to headaches for all of us that taxpayer called the "structured parking alterna- ing that Cisco takes an overly arrogant and bullying attitude towards develop­ ment in the South Bay. Perhaps it was Cisco's own executive who said it best. When news of Cisco's plans for Coyote Valley first surfaced in the San Jose Mer­ continued Alvis o cury, that executive was quoted as saying nesses on these lands create the worst Matthews called for a look at an alterna­ that if ~e didn't give Cisco what impacts on wetlands and the community. tive road route . they wanted, and fast, they could move to At the May '99 meeting mentioned In the May '99 council meeting, Jim North Carolina in a moment. above, Derryberry said that this review Derryberry said that the alternate route With such a strong position in our was ongoing. At that same time, students would be reviewed as part of the Environ­ local economy, Cisco may think they can working with me contacted the Planning mental Impact Report for the Cisco Sys­ throw their weight around with impunity. Department and asked for the parcel num­ tems project. Unfortunately, when that We should let them know that if that bers of the lands north of State Street. EIR came out, there wasn't even a men­ continues to be their attitude, then we The department could not give them the tion of the alternate route . Again, either will be happy to provide them with a map answers . This would be one of the first Derryberry was uninformed about what of North Carolina. steps in a review of those properties. his staff was and wasn't doing, or he was If you want to register your opinion of Evidently.Derryberry was either less than less than truthful with the Council and the Cisco's development plans in Alviso or fully informed as to his staffs progress public. elsewhere, use the information in this on this issue, or he was being less than article and write to: truthful to the council. The Message In January 2000, Laurel Pervetti told In short, there was every assurance by Mayor Ron Gonzales and Council Mem­ me that the report on the lands north of city staff and San Jose politicians that bers State Street could be out by the end of they recognized ·the importance of the San Jose City Hall January. As of the writing of this article land and the community of Alviso. They 801 North First Street in early March, I have seen nothing . also committed to developing Alviso in a San Jose, California 95110 #3-When the Master Plan was ap­ way that would focus on those sensitive , proved, there was a call for review of a and unique natural and cultural resources . or a letter to the editor of the Mercury planned road from the Cisco Systems site Unfortunately, there is a large gap be­ News at: to Grand Boulevard. This road, with tween words and deeds. We are trying to heavy traffic, would empty into a-resi­ hold the city to its commitments, and we 750 Ridder Park Drive dential neighborhood, causing severe dis­ will continue to do so. San Jose, California, 95190 ruption . As a result, even Councilwoman

The A vocet 11 Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society Non-Profit Organization 22221 McClellan Road U.S. Postage Paid Cupertino , CA 95014 San Jose, CA Permit No. 5869 Phone : 408-252-3747 Fax: 408/252-2850 E-mail : [email protected] **AUT0**************3-DGS 940 MR ALAN MEISNER 3538 FARM HILL BLVD APT 4 REDWOODCITY CA 94061-1247

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OFFICERS CHAIRPERSONS GENERAL MEETINGS are held on the President Avocet third Wednesday of each month except July, David McIntyre 650/561-9356 Editor: Grant Hoyt 650/969- 7892 August and December and are open to the Past President Graphics, Layout : public. Nick Yatsko 408/247-5499 Bonnie Bedford-White 408/261-8210 1st VP BOARD OF DIRECTORS meetings are Education open to all members. Call the office at (408) Freddy Howell 408/358-9453 Bobbie Handen 408/356-4263 252-3747 for times and directions . 2nd VP Environmental Action Vacant Treasurer Leda Beth Gray 831/336-1127 RARE BIRD ALERT: (415) 681-7422 Barbara Dalderis 408/399-6965 Field Trips: Weekend Secretary Bob Reiling 408/253- 7527 SCV AS welcomes gifts, including those made in Ann Verdi 408/266-5108 Field Trips: Weekday honorof or in memory of friends or relatives. Such Shirley Gordon 408/996-9863 gifts will be used at SCVAS' discretion for its BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rosalie Lefkowitz 650/494-6358 programs and activitiesunless specifiedotherwise Dave Cook '98- ' 0l 408/871-9552 Finance by the donor. Tax-deductible donations may be Charles Preuss '98- ' 0l 650/326-6451 Don Price 650/327-1254 made in the form of a check made out to SCVAS Bobbie Handen '99-' 02 408/356-4263 Membership and sent to our Cupertino address. In addition,we Grant Hoyt '99- ' 02 >c~-' "f 7892 Debbie Thompson 408/227-4604 gratefully accept bequests, which should Leda Beth Gray '99-'02 831/336-1127 specificalllyidentify Santa Clara Valley Audubon Debbie Thompson '97- '00 408/227-4604 Library Society as recipient. Gifts and bequests will be David Drake '97- '00 831/336-1127 Marti Oetzel 408/252-3747 recognized by the Chapter in TheAvocetunlessthe Photo Club donor prefers otherwise. Pete LaTourrette 650/961-2741 STAFF The Avocetis published' monthly (except for July Office Manager Programs Doug & Gail Cheeseman 408/741-5330 and August) by the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Susan Bell 408/252-3747 Society, 22221 McClellan Rd., Cupertino, CA Environmental Advocate Web page 95104. Deadlineis the 25th of two months prior. Craig Breon 408/252-3748 Pete LaTourrette 650/961-2741 Send submissionsto TheAvocet, doSCV AS at the Volunteer Coordinator Christmas Bird Count above address. Ulrike Keyssner 408/252-3747 Ann Verdi 408/266-5108 Kathy Parker 408/358-2832 SCV AS is the chapter of the National Audubon Office Fax 408/252-2850 Bay Area Audubon Council Society for Santa Clara County. E-mail [email protected] Delegate Website www.scvas.org Leda Beth Gray 831/336-1127 2000 Volume 47, Number 4

We invite you to join the National Audubon Society and its Santa Clara County Chapter (SCVAS). To join, complete and mail this form with payment to: Join us! SCVAS, 22221 McClellan Road, Cupertino, CA 95014

SCV AS Membership: (Check one) D Subscriber $12 D Supporter $25 D Donor $35 D Patron $50 or more Members receive The Avocet newsletter . Make check payable to SCVAS. or National Audubon Society Membership: (Check one) 0 New Members $20 0 Membership renewal $35 Members receive Audubon magazine and The Avocet newsletter . Make check payable to National Audubon Society . D ~a':r.~0.!nt:ci~r~~ NAME.______GIFf FROM,______Donation: □ SC~AS greatly appreciates your tax-deductible donation. ADDRESS,______..:.:...______Your gift helps fund Audubon's birding, CITY______STATE,___ ZIP___ _ education and conservation programs. PHONE 9MCH CC14 The A vocet 12