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Santa Clara Valley The Newsletter of the Santa ClaraAVOCET Valley Audubon Society September-October 2013 Audubon Society Organizational Change for our Chapter Executive Director Retiring To Pursue Field Ornithology And Eco-Travel By Ashok Khosla, SCVAS Board President After leading Audubon for seven 22nd Annual years, Bob Power has announced his retirement as executive director effective January 31st, 2014. Wildlife Education “This past year was exceptional for our organization and I will leave SCVAS in excellent financial shape with a very Day will be Bigger strong and experienced staff,” said Bob in a recent discussion and Better than Ever! with the Board of Directors. An executive search committee has been formed and is actively seeking qualified individuals to find someone who is a great fit for the conservation and Saturday, Oct 26th education programs we are known for. During Bob’s tenure, significant accomplishments were -Page 8 achieved. Some of the highlights have been: • Brought back the Environmental Advocate as a permanent staff position. • Worked with our coalition against the development in Panoche Valley. Bob surveying Eared Grebes at • Participated in and helped to shape regional, long-term land-use plans such as, the county’s Habitat Crowley Lake, Eastern Sierra. Photo courtesy Linda Votteri Conservation Plan, the Salt Pond Restoration Plan, and environmental policies of the Santa Clara Valley Water Department. • Worked closely with Golden Gate Audubon and the Ca. Attorney General’s office to limit raptor mortality at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area. • Ensured that SCVAS is a voice for Burrowing Owls in the Bay Area and beyond. • Grew education and conservation fundraising through our Birdathon from $26,000 to $75,000 annually. • Developed our local chapter’s adult General Membership Meetings education and field seminar programs Cubberley Community Center, Rm H1 including eco-travel in Arizona, Costa Palo Alto - Middlefield & Montrose Rds Rica, and Alaska. (go to www.scvas.org for maps to this location) • Implemented the Legacy Fund to facilitate bequests that will ensure the Doors open 7:30; program 8:00 organization’s program continuity. Wednesday, September 18th Wednesday, October 16th (continued on page 10) “A Year with the Urban Gray “African Birds of Prey” Fox” with Doug Cheeseman  Audubon Classes and Field Seminars with Bill Leikam This informative fast-paced program to Fill Your Every Birding Desire! about the raptors of Tanzania and Kenya This engaging program will begin — Page 5 with an overview of the Gray Fox and will feature Doug’s best action and then follow them on their cycle of life behavioral photos taken during more than  Summer Astounds with Black Rails adventure. From the time that they pair up sixty safaris in East Africa. Life histories (and more)! – the romantic period – to when the pups and unique behaviors of seven eagle — Field Notes, Page 6 are indistinguishable from their parents species, some accipiters, falcons and owls  and are ready to disperse, Bill will share will be shown. The finale of the program September 25th will be a Date to stories, photos, and videos about these will include special African mammalian Remember! remarkable creatures that will be sure to predators. Doug will put his full energy — Page 9 inspire. into sharing lots of information combined with images.  Cavity Nesters Recovery Program Grey Fox Photo courtesy of Bill Leikam Bateleur photo courtesy of Doug Cheeseman End-of-Season Wrap-up (Additional information - including driving directions - is available on the SCVAS website: — Page 10 www.scvas.org, click on “Speaker Series.” The Avocet 1 Saturday Sept. 28, 9:00 AM Sept - Oct ‘13 Field Trips Point Reyes (Full details for all of our Field Trips are also available online at www.scvas.org) Full day. Leader: Peter LaTourette (650) Please carpool if possible; bring binoculars, field guides, layered clothing. 961-2741. Highlights: Our annual trip to LO = Lunch optional; RC = Heavy rain cancels; NF = No facilities available the west coast’s most active vagrant trap where birds and the weather are always Sunday Sept. 1, 8:15 AM Wednesday Sept. 11, 8:00 AM exciting and unpredictable! Directions: Arastradero Preserve Almaden Lake Park & From Hwy 1 in Marin Co. (just south of Half day. Leader: Rich Page (408) 377- Half day. Leader: Janna Pauser 408-569- Pt. Reyes Station), take Sir Francis Drake 1092. Directions: From I-280 take 9264. For details and directions, see the Blvd. west approx. 14 miles and turn left Page Mill Rd. west approx. 1/2 mile to write-up for Sept 8th. to Drakes Beach. Meet in the parking Arastradero Rd. Turn right and meet at Saturday Sept. 14, 8:00 AM area. Notes: Bring lunch, liquids, a full the parking lot located 1/2-mile on the tank of gas, and be ready for fog, wind, right. Highlights: Woodland and grass- Half day. Leader: Jim Johnson (408) sun and lots of difficult to ID birds. Be land species as well as a good assortment prepared to carpool from Drakes Beach. of raptors are possible. Difficulty Level: 996-3506. Directions: From Hwy 101 or Trip involves two plus miles of moder- I-680 take McKee Rd. northeast toward Sunday Sept. 29, 8:00 AM ately strenuous walking. RC the hills then left on Toyon Ave. then right Ogier Ponds on Penitencia Creek Rd. and continue on Half day. Leader: Rich Page (408) 377- Wednesday Sept. 4, 12:00 PM into the park. Drive under the bridge and 1092. For details and directions see the City of Sunnyvale Landfill meet at the far end of the parking lot. write-up for Sept 7th. RC One hour. Leaders: Freddy Howell and Notes: Possible entrance fee. Difficulty Allen Royer. Contact organizer Silviana Level: Trip is a moderately strenuous 3-4 Wednesday Oct. 2, 12:00 PM Ruiz (408) 730-7545 to attend. Direc- mile walk. LO, RC City of Sunnyvale Landfill tions: Donald M. Somers Water Pollu- One hour. Leaders: Freddy Howell and tion Control Plant, junction of Borregas Sunday Sept. 15, 8:30 AM Allen Royer. Contact organizer Silviana and Caribbean. Meet at Trailhead at north Coyote Hills Regional Park Ruiz (408) 730-7545 to attend. See addi- end. Difficulty Level: Birding geared to- Half day. Leader: Frank Vanslager (650) tional details from Sept 4th. ward beginners. Notes: Bring binoculars; 961-1505. Directions: Take Hwy 84 loaners also available. RC (Dumbarton Bridge) east to Newark. Exit Saturday Oct. 5, 8:00 AM right at Thornton, then go left on over- Oka Ponds Saturday Sept. 7, 8:00 AM pass, as Thornton becomes Paseo Padre Half day. Leader: Bob Reiling (408) 253- Ogier Ponds turn left at Patterson Ranch/Commerce 7527. Directions: From Hwy 17 in Los Half day. Leader: Kirsten Holmquist Rd. into park. Meet at far end of Quarry Gatos take Lark Ave. exit west. Turn (408) 747-0988. Directions: From Hwy parking lot located on the left, 1/4 mile right on Oka Rd., left on Mozart Ave. and 101 in Morgan Hill take Cochrane Rd. past park entrance. Notes: Entrance fee an immediate right on Oka Lane. Meet west to Monterey Hwy, turn right, go required. LO, RC at gate. RC north 2.6 miles, turn right towards the Model Airplane Park (street is unnamed). Saturday Sept. 21, 9:00 AM Sunday Oct. 6, 9:00 AM Follow the road for 1/4 mile and park in Charleston Slough Hawk Hill/Marin Headlands the gravel lot at the first bend in road (meet Half day. Leader: Allen Royer (408) 288- Full day. Leader: Nick Yatsko (408) at the gate if the entrance is locked). RC 7768. Directions: From Hwy 101 in Mt. 891-3187. Directions: Going north on View take San Antonio Rd. north to Ter- Hwy 101, after crossing the Golden Gate Sunday Sept. 8, 8:00 AM minal Way parking area. Meet at the en- Bridge exit just past the Vista Point, cross Almaden Lake Park & Alamitos Creek trance nearest San Antonio Rd. Difficulty under Hwy 101 and turn right just before Half day. Leader: Steve Tracey (650) Level: This trip is recommended for be- entrance back onto Hwy 101 south. Drive 966-3860. Directions: From Hwy 85 ginning birders but all are encouraged to up hill to the highest point and park. Meet take Almaden Expwy south, turn left on attend. Notes: Bring your spotting scope at the parking area or at the Hawk watch Coleman Rd. and then right on Winfield and a friend. on top of the hill (arrive/depart the Hill at Blvd. Notes: Parking is free on Winfield Sunday Sept. 22, 7:30 AM any time). Highlights: Migrating raptors Blvd. Highlights: We will bird the lake including the possibility of seeing a rare and the trail upstream looking for water- Sunnyvale Baylands Park Half day. Leader: Pete Dunten (650) 210- Broad-winged Hawk. Notes: Weather fowl, raptors, and a wide variety of ripar- conditions can be highly variable, dress in ian birds. Notes: Meet at the bathrooms 6764. Directions: From Hwy 237 take the Lawrence Expwy/Caribbean Dr. exit layers, bring lunch and liquids. This will (blue building) near the east entrance to be our only field trip to the Hawk Hill/ Almaden Lake Park. Difficulty Level: toward Caribbean Dr. Turn right into the park at the first stoplight north of the free- Marin Headlands this fall. Heavy fog in Expect about 3 miles of easy walking. the headlands will likely cancel the trip. LO, RC way and meet in the first parking lot to the left of the entrance kiosk. Notes: a $6.00 parking fee may be required. RC The Avocet 2 Level: Trip is fairly easy but a long walk 1092. Directions: From I-680 take Alum continued Field Trips is possible. Notes: Scopes are highly rec- Rock Ave. northeast, turn right on Hamil- Wednesday Oct. 9, 8:30 AM ommended. RC ton Rd. and go approximately 9 miles to the park. Meet at Grant Lake (aka Hall’s Half day. Leader: Janna Pauser 408-569- Saturday Oct. 19, 7:30 AM Valley Lake) parking lot, which is the first 9264. Directions: From Hwy 17 exit Lark Local Hot Spots parking lot on the left side of the road (do Ave., go west to University Ave. Turn left Half day. Leader: Bob Reiling (408) 253- not enter the Main Park Entrance on the onto Blossom Hill Rd. and use main en- 7527. We’ll meet at the Alviso Marina. right). Highlights: Fresh water ducks, trance. Turn into first parking lot on your Directions: From Hwy 237 in San Jose oak woodland birds and possible Golden left after kiosk. We’ll bird the south end take Gold St. north to the end of the street, Eagle. Notes: A Park entrance fee will be of this popular Los Gatos Park. Notes: bear left on Elizabeth St. and then right on required for the last half of the trip. Dif- Gate opens at 8AM; there is a $6 parking Hope St. to the Marina parking lot. High- ficulty Level: This will be a moderate 2 fee (or SC county park pass accepted). lights: A chance to visit some of the local mile walk. LO, RC Difficulty Level: Easy walking. LO, RC hot spots you hear about and, we hope, to see some “good” birds. Saturday Nov. 2, 8:00 AM Saturday Oct. 12, 8:00 AM Moss Landing & Vicinity Moss Landing & Vicinity Sunday Oct. 20, 9:00 AM Half day plus. Leader: Norm Kikuchi Half day. Leader: Todd Newberry, Santa Charleston Slough (831) 459-9424. For details and direc- Cruz Bird Club (831) 426-8741. Direc- Half day. Leader: Allen Royer (408) 288- tions see the write-up for Oct 12th. tions: Meet in Moss Landing in the big 7768. For details and directions see the parking lot and boat launch ramp just write-up for Sept 21st. Sunday Nov. 3, 8:00 AM north of the Elkhorn Slough Bridge off Alum Rock Park Saturday Oct. 26, 8:00 AM Half day. Leader: Jim Johnson (408) 996- Hwy 1 next to the Sea Harvest Restau- Windy Hills OSP rant. Notes: Weather conditions can be 3506. For details and directions see the Half day. Leader: Kirsten Holmquist write-up for Sept 14th. highly variable so dress in layers, bring (408) 747-0988. Meet in the parking lunch and liquids. Highlights: Shore- lot at Sausal Pond edge of the preserve. birds, waterfowl and other migrants. Directions: From I-280 in Portola Val- Get ready for Sunday Oct. 13, 8:00 AM ley take Alpine Rd. south (toward hills) fall migrants Sunnyvale Water Treatment Facility about 2.9 miles to the first stop sign, turn right on Portola Rd. and go 0.8 miles to with a Field Half day. Leader: Frank Vanslager (650) Guide from 961-1505. Directions: From Hwy 101 the parking lot on the left side of the road take Hwy 237 east, exit North on Carib- just past the entrance to The Sequoias. RC the SCVAS bean Dr., turn right on Borregas Ave. then Sunday Oct. 27, 8:30 AM Nature Shop! left to the parking area. Highlights: This Grant Ranch County Park is a great place to study ducks. Difficulty Half day. Leader: Rich Page (408) 377-

Sat. 9/28; 7AM-4PM SCVAS Events Calendar: Stevens Creek 50K/SCVAS Benefit Run Wed. 9/4 & 10/2, 7-9PM Wed. 9/11 & 10/9; 3-4:30PM Runners and Volunteers are needed to Bay Area Bird Photographers Meeting Nature Journaling with John Muir Laws participate in this fun event through the Lucy Evans Interpretive Cntr, Palo Alto McClellan Ranch Preserve, Cupertino Santa Cruz Mountains. Runners are asked Topic 9/4: Annual Members’ Slides pro- Free workshops for all ages! No RSVP to donate a small registration fee, the gram required, but please be on time. Go to our proceeds of which go to benefit SCVAS’ Topic 10/2: “Cuba: Birding Where Time website, www.scvas.org, for more details. education and conservation programs. Go Stands Still” with Alvaro Jaramillo to the event website - www.stevenscreek. Go to www.scvas.org/babp for details Thurs. 9/12, 7-9PM com/stevenscreek50k.html - for more details Cavity Nesters Recovery Program about the race, how to register as a runner, or Tues. 9/10 & 10/8, 10:00AM (CNRP) End-of-Season Meeting how to help as an event volunteer. Eve Case Bird Discussion Group McClellan Ranch Preserve, Cupertino Meets at the home of Pat Dubois - 17150 All monitors are invited to attend. We’ll all Sat. 10/26, 10AM-3PM Buena Vista Ave., Los Gatos introduce ourselves, talk about the season, Wildlife Education Day (408) 395-4264 get a chance to ask questions, look at the Blackberry Farm, Cupertino Topic 9/10: Mourning Dove data that has been submitted and bring Note the extended time and new location! Topic 10/8: California Towhee closure to the 2013 nest box season. Please See page 8 for details remember to submit your data online before the 12th! See details on page 10.

The Avocet 3 Conservation Corner Volunteer Ventures By Shani Kleinhaus, Environmental Advocate by Toby Goldberg, Programs Coordinator July has been a busy month for our Environmental Action It seems like school starts earlier every year - and 2013 is no Committee and volunteers: exception. By the time of this publication, most school districts (and the SCVAS Education Committee) will be charging forward Burrowing Owls at full speed! We’re proud of the programs we’re able to offer to On the evening of July 4th, we helped the City of Moun- classrooms around the county, but we need your help! tain View manage crowds at Shoreline and protected three If you’re interested in education or working with children, pairs of Burrowing Owls and their chicks from a stampede this is definitely the perfect time to get involved. But, we also of fireworks viewers. We got to see both the owls andthe have a lot of other opportunities – office assistance, committee spectacular fireworks display. Two weekends later on a lovely participation, and more – that will fit any interest and any schedule. summer evening, we headed to the Warm Springs Unit of the Here are just a few pressing needs, but these, and many more, are Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge to survey for Burrow- also listed on our website under “Get Involved.” ing Owls. We saw a total of 14 owls, confirmed 6 active nest- ing sites, and enjoyed vigorous exercise and a lovely sunset. Wetlands Discovery Program Docents (Fall 2013) – You see this If you would like to volunteer for Burrowing Owl surveys one on our “Volunteer Opportunities” list a lot, because it is one and conservation actions in the coming months, please let of our most visible, vital and volunteer-intensive activities - but Shani know. ([email protected]). so worth it! This program shares the wonder and importance of wetland habitats with 3rd-6th graders throughout Santa Clara San Francisquito Creek Flood Control Project County. Volunteers guide students in exploring wetland wild- Last year, we expressed concerns that the alternative se- life and habitat both in the classroom and out in the field. This lected for the San Francisquito Creek Flood Control Project program is rewarding for our volunteers and for the hundreds of could potentially threaten populations of clapper rails and South Bay children who participate (almost 1800 this past year!). black rails at the Faber Tract, an important site for the preser- No experience is necessary, as we will provide training for both vation of these species. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has field and class sessions. All a potential docent needs is a love of recently reiterated our concerns. As a result, additional analy- nature and a desire to share it with children. sis is required before the US Corps of Engineers can approve Educational Presenters – With the school year already in high the project. gear, we need more volunteers to fill requests for educational The San Francisquito Creek Flood Control Project would presentations in K-12 classrooms throughout Santa Clara County. utilize 7.4 acres of the Palo Alto golf course. This prompted We use slideshows, stuffed birds, and real nests to teach youth about Palo Alto to propose the Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course Re- local birds and their habitat. These presentations are engaging and configuration and Baylands Athletic Center Expansion Proj- come fully scripted. No experience is necessary though teaching ect. Here, the golf course would be denuded of trees and rede- and birding experience are helpful. Time commitment is flexible, signed in a “Baylands theme”. Playing fields and a gym would and scheduling is based on classroom and volunteer availability. be approved between the golf course and US 101. SCVAS did not oppose the reconfiguration of the golf Wildlife Education Day Support – As our largest annual event, course. However, we have significant concerns over some of Wildlife Education Day fields an abundance of ways in which the project’s components and proposed mitigations. We are you can volunteer. With wonderful interactive booths, environ- worried that the turf grass selected for its salt tolerance would mental organizations, educational presentations, live animals, a become invasive, as it has in other estuaries in warm climates. poster contest, raffle, and much more, this fun-filled affair will We are also concerned with a proposal to mitigate for the loss require a lot of volunteer support weeks before the event as well of trees on the golf course by planting thousands of trees at as on the big day – Saturday, October 26 (see page 8 - or online the Pearson Arastradero preserve. We are advocating with the at www.scvas.org/WildlifeFestival - for more details). Here’s city to plant native grasses and shrubs at Byxbee Park instead. how YOU can help:

Bird Friendly Campus Campaign Prior to the Event: Classroom Presenter (CA SCVAS continues to work with several local companies Poster Contest Coordinator Wildlife, fully-scripted - on improving their campuses to protect birds and enhance their Publicity and lots of fun!) habitat. Our campaigns include Habitat Enhancement (such as Mailing Support/ Handout nest boxes), Bird Safe Design, and “Don’t Take the Bait.” We Prep are currently engaged with Apple, Facebook, Google, Intuit, Day of the Event: Nest Box Building Station and Phillips Lumileds, hoping that these world leaders set an Set Up Event Photographer (camera example for our valley and far beyond. Registration can be provided) Nature Arts & Crafts Parking High School Volunteer Clean Up Coordinator And so much more!

The Avocet 4 Adult Education Classes - Fall 2013 The following classes are sponsored by the SCVAS Education Committee. To register please call the office at (408) 252-3747. All cancellations require 72-hour prior notification for refunds. Information about our upcoming classes is also available on our website at www.scvas.org. “Raptors” with Lisa Myers Dates, Times and Locations: Arastradero - Tue. 10/8 Fall is a fantastic time to study raptors as they return to the (10:00AM-12:00PM) Bay Area to spend the winter. This three week course will be held exclusively in the field - where we’ll be able to observe Coyote Valley - Tue. 10/15 and enjoy falcons, hawks and eagles in nature. We’ll focus on (10:00AM-12:00PM) how to tell the different raptors apart from each other by using Ed Levin Park - Tue. 10/22 field marks, behaviors, food preferences and habitat. We’ll have (10:00AM-12:00PM) the opportunity to observe 14 different species as we bird three different areas. Beginning birders welcome! Fee: members: $80; non-members: $95 Peregrine Falcon ©Tom Grey

SCVAS Field Seminars with Bob Power - 2014 The SCVAS Staff and Board are always dreaming up, planning, and coordinating outdoor educational adventures that we think will captivate the birder in anyone. We are very excited, therefore, to be able to present our roster of Field Seminars for the coming year - we hope that you’ll join us for one (or more) of these adventures! Additional information is also available online at www.scvas. org - click on “Calendar.” Call the SCVAS office at 408-252-3747 to register.

Lower Klamath / Tule Lake Eagles Cave Creek Canyon and The Chiricahua Feb. 6th – 10th, Thursday – Monday Mountains The lower Klamath Basin is a magnet May 20th – 27th, 2014 for Rough-legged Hawks, Ferruginous Cave Creek Canyon and the Chiricahua Mountains Hawks, Prairie Falcons, Golden Eagles, are famed for the presence of Elegant Trogon, Red-faced and of course, Bald Eagles in abundance. Warbler, Painted Redstart, and the beauty of the sky islands of While we attempt to identify all birds seen southeastern Arizona. From our base at the Southwest Research on this trip, the focus is raptors. We ‘ll see Station of the American Museum of Natural History, we’ll geese in phenomenal numbers, multiple explore the varied habitats surrounding the Chiricahuas. Join duck species, and often see the first few Bob to seek all of the area’s specialty birds at one of North north-bound Sandhill Cranes. Verna’s America’s premier birding destinations. Winema Lodge won’t last forever. Come For an itinerary, e-mail bob at scvas.org Rough-legged Hawk experience a northern California classic. ©Tom Grey Lodging: Participants make their Fees: $1550/person, double-occupancy. $350 single supplement. own reservations. There are other Deposit: $300. Trip limited to 11 participants. accommodations in the area, but we’re not sure you’ll be able to beat the convenience, dining, price combo of the Winema Lodge, which is ideally situated and puts on a great dinner and breakfast. Additional information: Participants must be prepared to either drive a carpool or ride in a carpool on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We will have a maximum of 3 vehicles, 4 guests per vehicle, as we wander around the backroads of the Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges.

There is no fee for this trip, although guests will be invited Painted Redstart to make a purely voluntary donation to SCVAS. Trip limited ©Tom Grey Elegant Trogon to 11 participants. ©Bob Power Bob Power is the Executive Director for Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (SCVAS). Bob has been leading birding adventures throughout the west for 9 years, introducing birders to extraordinary places and wonderful birds. The Avocet 5 LCr, v.ob.) and at least a few nonbreed- 23 Jun, then were found farther out again Field Notes ers have remained through the period (m.ob.) Two birds were heard calling on (June - July 2013) (m.ob.). Ospreys are very scarce in the 10 Jun (WGB) and 27 Jun (JTh). A bird . One seen at Mississippi was heard from Artesian Slough 6-7 Jun by Bill Bousman Lake on 22 Jun (JY) is only the third re- (PDu, v.ob.) and another again on Alvi- cord from Coe Park in the last 30 years. so Slough on 8 Jul (PDu). One or two Ducks through Hawks Perhaps related to the amazing concen- birds were last heard in Alviso Slough One year in ten we may find an tration of Swainson’s Hawks during the on 17 Jul (GR). At least two birds were oversummering Eurasian Wigeon, so a spring migration, a pair of Swainson’s involved in this incursion, maybe more. male seen in Pond A2E on 1 Jun (MJM, built a nest along Coyote Creek on county Based on egg collections, the California LCr) was exceptional. Northern Shov- park lands and raised a single youngster. Black Rail, our local subspecies, lays elers occasionally nest in the South Bay The nest was found on 14 May (WGB) eggs from 10 Mar to 6 Jul (Birds of North so it was interesting to see a female with and monitored through the end of the America), so these were likely birds try- three ducklings at the Sunnyvale WPCP present period (RPh, WGB). Eggs were ing to establish breeding territories. A on 27 Jul (WGB). Female Northern Virginia Rail was heard along the Pintail were apparently incubating maintenance road in Shoreline Park nests in New Chicago Marsh in Al- Summer was marked by on 8 Jun (WGB), three weeks after viso on both 17 Jun (MJM) and 28 this species has normally left the Jul (MJM, RGJ), but the outcome of three unrelated events: the South Bay. A calling bird in Monte neither attempt is known. Redhead Bello on 16 Jun (MJM, LCr) was occasionally oversummer as the ex- first Pigeon Guillemot to from the sag pond where they have ample of five males in eclipse plum- be found in the county, the been heard before in the summer. age in Pond A16 on 26 Jul (WGB) shows. A female Lesser Scaup with first nesting of Swainson’s Shorebirds through Guillemots 11 ducklings a few days old was Snowy Plovers appear to have found at the Sunnyvale WPCP on Hawk in a hundred years, had a fairly good breeding season 27 Jul (WGB). Some years, downy with multiple broods found from young are not seen until August, last and a remarkable summer New Chicago Marsh and Pond A16 year none were found. In most years west to Pond A12 and the unnamed we find White-faced Ibis in spring incursion of Black Rails. triangular pond north of Crittenden and fall, so their presence this sum- Marsh. On 28 Jul alone, young were mer is unusual. A single bird was seen collected from a pair of Swainson’s in found in New Chicago, the impoundment in the north pond of the Palo Alto FCB 1889, but as far as we know, this is the north of the Alviso Marina CP, Pond A12 on 10 Jun (MDo) but was not found first successful nest of this threatened (four broods), and the unnamed pond there again. Two were discovered in the species since then. I hope that details (MJM, RGJ, SCR, FV). The first of the Lockheed Martin marsh on 18 Jun (DC), of this successful nesting can be distrib- returning adult Lesser Yellowlegs was at least 10 were there on 22 Jun (MJM, uted in the near future. Apart from the found on Pond A16 on 2 Jul (WGB). nesting pair (both intermediate morphs), Good numbers have been found in that a light morph adult was seen in Coyote area through the end of the period with a Valley on 2 Jun (BHi, GP) and another peak count of five on 20 Jul (MJM, LCr). light morph adult was over Hwy 152 at The end of July has been good for Ruddy the Merced County line on 20 Jul (DLSu). Turnstones with three or more birds in Rails Pond A16 on 21-28 Jul (DWe, v.ob.) and Like the case of the Swainson’s one over Pond A9 on 29 Jul (WGB). Two Hawk, there is evidence from the 19th Red Knots on Pond A9 on 28 Jul (MJM, century of nesting by Black Rails in Al- RGJ, SCR) were the first of the fall birds. viso. Since that time, Black Rails have An adult Semipalmated Sandpiper been an occasional wintering presence in was seen in New Chicago Marsh on 23 some of our better marshes in favorable Jul (MJM, LCr) and an unaged bird was years. The two exceptions have been a found Charleston Slough on 25 Jul (DPe). bird heard calling at the peak of the spring An adult Pectoral Sandpiper was seen in period on 26-27 Apr 1993 in Palo Alto New Chicago Marsh on 28 Jul (SCR), the (MMR, WGB, SCR) and one seen on 30 juveniles are not likely before Septem- Aug 1995 at the Sunnyvale WPCP (JMD). ber. The peak count of passage Wilson’s This summer a Black Rail was heard call- Phalaropes was 2400+ in New Chicago ing well out in Alviso Slough on 6 Jun on 18 Jul (WGB). The high count of Red-necked Phalaropes was 500 in New Swainson’s Hawk (PDu). For the most part, calling rails ©Pete LaTourrette moved upstream in the slough through Chicago on 28Jul (MJM, RGJ), we should The Avocet 6 1 Jun (ViT, PP). Better described as as- Field Notes cont’d tounding was an adult with two fledglings see much greater numbers in late August at Moffett Field the same day (MMR, or early September. Least Terns arrived NMa). We have regular breeding records in their favored staging area of Pond A2E from the eastern Diablo Range, very oc- on 19 Jul (WGB) when 10 were seen. casional records from western edge of the Numbers increased rapidly (v.ob.) and at Diablo Range (two fledglings were off least 118 were there on 31 Jul (WGB). An Hellyer Avenue on 13 Jun (BJ)), but none adult and juvenile Elegant Tern on Pond from the South Bay edge. Two of the Moffett birds were seen again on 4 and A2E on 21 Jul (MMR) were two to three Black Rail weeks early. Black Skimmers nesting on 13 Jun (MMR) and one was at the edge of ©Pete LaTourrette Crittenden Marsh on 31 Jul (WGB). At an island in Pond A16 hatched two young ed Blackbird in the Lockheed Martin least two Purple Martins continued near on 20 Jul (FV), but one succumbed in a channel on 5 Jun (BM) is only the fourth the lower saddle on Loma Prieta Avenue few days. Breeding attempts at Shore- record for the summer period. Great- through at least 17 Jul (v.ob.). Three birds line Lake by another pair were unsuc- tailed Grackles were reported from the were below Mt. Umunhum on 9 Jun (AV) cessful (v.ob.). On a survey for Snowy Palo Alto FCB to the Coyote Creek GC and 11 Jun (BHi et al.). A female was at Plovers the team discovered a juvenile (v.ob.) with a peak count of 17 birds near Monte Bello OSP on 6 Jun and an imma- Pigeon Guillemot on Pond A14 in Alviso Riverside Drive on 19 Jun (MJM). The ture bird was there on 31 Jul (both GHa). on 28 Jul (SCR, MJM, RGJ), a first re- adult male Baltimore Oriole continued at cord for the county. The youngster has Wrens through Goldfinches Vasona CP through 5 Jun (KBu, ViT). It been seen through the end of the month A Rock Wren was heard in the quar- was seen once again on 9 Jul (KBu). A (m.ob.) and looks healthy, but the South ry adjacent to Rancho San Antonio OSP single Pine Siskin over Monte Bello OSP Bay is not always a good place for alcids. on 4 Jul (MMR, ARo). They have been on 2 Jun (RFu et al.) may have either been Roadrunners through Martins resident in this private quarry for many part of the coastal resident population or Our token Greater Roadrunner of years and are now accessible for those a lingering bird from last winter’s inva- the period was a ‘cooing’ bird northeast with sharp ears on the new Quarry Trail sion. Very few Lawrence’s Goldfinches of Hellyer Avenue on 27 Jun (WGB). in the OSP. The nearest known popula- were reported from the Diablo Range and Nesting of Vaux’s Swifts include a be- tions are on the western side of the Diablo none from valley floor. Adults and juve- lated report of birds calling in a chim- Range below Monument Peak and in the niles were widely found in the Santa Cruz ney on Hosta Lane in San Jose on 8 May Santa Teresa Hills. American Dippers Mountains albeit in low numbers. Up to (BH fide JPa) and a pair that nested in tend to be more reclusive in the summer six birds were found in Rancho Canada a chimney near the McAbee entrance so singles along Stevens Creek above del Oro OSP during the period and one to Almaden-Quicksilver CP 21 Jun-23 Mt. Eden Road on 7 Jun (BM) and on or more nests were seen 8-19 Jul (JPa). Jul (JPa, v.ob.). An adult male Rufous Los Gatos Creek above Main Street on Hummingbird was seen at a Morgan Hill 21 Jun (DoS) were of interest. A single Observers: Bill Bousman (WGB), Karen Burn- Phainopepla near Mississippi Lake on son (KBu), Dotty Calabrese (DC), Lea Crisp feeder on 22 Jun (SCR). Willow Fly- (LCr), Mike Danzenbaker (JMD), Matthew catchers are very scarce spring migrants 22 Jun (JY) was the only one seen this summer (21 birds were seen there last Dodder (MDo), Pete Dunten (PDu), Rob Fur- so one banded at the Coyote Creek Field row (RFu), Garth Harwood (GHa), Bev Hesse Station (CCFS) on 2 Jun (SFBBO) and summer). Sage Sparrows are scarce (BH), Bob Hirt (BHi), Richard Jeffers (RGJ), two birds at Monte Bello OSP on 6 Jun anywhere in the Santa Cruz Mountains Bob Juhl (BJ), Nateri Madavan (NMa), Mike (GHa) are of interest. Surprising in the so singles along the Indian Creek Trail in Mammoser (MJM), Brooke Miller (BM), northwest corner of the county, a Say’s Monte Bello OSP on 1 Jun (RFu), beside Parag Patil (PP), Janna Pauser (JPa), Don Phoebe was seen at Monte Bello OSP on Loma Prieta Avenue on 20 Jun (AMR), Pendleton (DPe), George Peyton (GP), Ryan and on the Rancho San Antonio OSP side Phillips (RPh), Geary Ridings (GR), Alex of Black Mountain on 4 Jul (MMR, ARo) Rinkert (AMR), Alma Rogers (ARo), Mike are of interest. The singing male Rose- Rogers (MMR), San Francisco Bay Bird Ob- breasted Grosbeak at Almaden Lake on servatory (SFBBO), Steve Rottenborn (SCR), Don Starks (DoS), David Suddjian (DLSu), 31 May (not 21 May as in my previous Jim Thomas (JTh), Vivek Tiwari (ViT), column) was seen briefly the next morn- Frank Vanslager (FV), Ann Verdi (AV), Dave ing, 1 Jun (JPa et al.). Another singing Weber (DWe), and James Yurchenco (JY). adult was found along the Pajaro River east of Sargent Creek on 23 Jun (DLSu). Blue Grosbeaks continued to be found RARITIES: Please drop me a note: along the Pajaro River with a female near Bill Bousman, 321 Arlington Way, the Santa Cruz border on 3 Jun and an Menlo Park, CA 94025, adult male singing nearby in both counties or: [email protected] Pigeon Guillemot on 23 Jun (both DLSu). A Yellow-head- ©Tom Grey The Avocet 7 Nature Arts and Birdhouse Building! Join the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society Crafts! and local Nature and Environmental Organizations for a FREE event: the 22nd Annual Wildlife Education Day! Saturday, October 26, 2013 10am-3pm HEAVY Sorry - RAIN Cancels Blackberry Farm* in Cupertino  dogs are (Note the new time and new location for 2013!) not allowed

Environmental Games, Demos and Hands-on Activities Info for all ages! and LOTS of Fun!

Live Animals - Birds of Prey, Snakes, Insects - even a Mountain Lion (and maybe a Shark, too)!

“Early Bird” Shorebird Walk Annual Wildlife Poster Contest 8:00 am @ Charleston Slough in Awards announced Mountain View @ 1:00 pm RSVP Required for walk only Submission deadline 10/11

For more details or to make reservations for the Bird Walk, call (408) 252-3740, or visit www.scvas.org

*Located at 21979 San Fernando Ave, Cupertino. Plenty of free parking!

The Avocet 8 SAVE THE DATE SAVE THE DATE SAVE THE DATE September 25, 2013 An evening with Keith Hansen and Ed Pandolfino, illustrator and co-author of Birds of the Sierra Nevada

On Wednesday, September 25, SCVAS will host a very special event featuring Keith Hansen and Ed Pandolfino. Ed is president of Western Field Ornithologists and is one of the Regional Editors for the publication North American Birds. Keith is one of the most-admired bird illustrators working in the US today. The evening will feature fine food and beverages, lively conversation, a presentation by Ed and Keith, and a book sign- ing. Attendees will go home with a signed hard-cover edition of Birds of the Sierra Nevada (one book per person or couple).

Cost is $125/person and $200/couple. Capacity is limited, and we expect this event to sell out. Contact the SCVAS office at 408-252-3747 to reserve your space.

Designed for seasoned and beginning Francisco Bay. For more details, go to Outside Events birders, as well as outdoor lovers, the www.sonomabirding.com. festival offers a unique opportunity Thurs. 9/5; 8:30AM-3:00PM to explore, learn and appreciate A Look Ahead: Western Burrowing Owl Workshop world class habitats. Go to www. Michaels at Shoreline - Mtn View, CA Thurs-Sun. 11/21-24 montereybaybirding.org for more The Elkhorn Coastal Training program 17th Annual Central Valley Birding details and how to register. will be expanding their Sensitive Symposium Species series this fall with the exciting Stockton, CA Sun. 10/20; 9AM-5PM addition of Western Burrowing Owl Come to meet the CVBS board & Wine Country Optics and Nature Workshop-2013! staff members, enjoy a delicious Hors Festival Registration Fee: $250 D’oeuvres buffet & No Host Bar, listen Cornerstone Gardens, Sonoma Visit the website for details and to to amazing speakers on Central Val- The leading binocular and scope register: www.elkhornsloughctp.org ley Birds (and beyond), and of course, companies from all over the United participate in fabulous field trips and the States will be joining us in Sonoma September 12-15 Birder’s Market. The schedule, brochure, this year. Stroll through award winning Featuring our very own registration form, etc., are available at gardens and visit with over 25 major Bob Power! www.cvbs.org. nature nonprofits from around San

The Avocet 9 Organizational change cont’d from page 1 When asked what future plans he has, Bob shared the I sincerely appreciate the very generous support of my work following: “I’m looking forward to spending more time with and the work of SCVAS to protect our local environment while my family while finding my own niche as a volunteer with local enhancing environmental education in the South Bay. I urge our environmental organizations. I have plans to travel with a focus members to continue to support the work of our chapter often and on field research in specific habitats and targeted bird species. generously. This community has made a difference to me, to our And lastly, I fully expect to stay involved in adult education staff and to our volunteers. I can’t thank our supporters enough.” and bird and conservation related adventure-travel in Central and South America.

Calling All CNRP Monitors: The end of the breeding season is upon us, so don’t forget to submit your data! Our end-of-the-season meeting, on Sept 12th at 7PM (see calendar for details), depends on having information to share, so please don’t procrastinate! Your data is one of the main reasons for this program - this information helps us to plan future conservation programs, and make decisions about the Cavity Nesters Recovery program as a whole. Please help us continue this valuable conservation and research tool by submitting your data soon!

The online database is the preferred method for receiving year-end data – go to http://AR2013. cbrp.org OR go the the SCVAS website (www.scvas.org/cnrp).

Contact Toby, the SCVAS Programs Coordinator, at [email protected] with any questions.

Summer Camp 2013 - Science, History, and Loads of Fun! Just For Fun! Animals All Around LEFT: Nature Left: Discovering that games, like animals leave all sorts this round of of clues behind them “scorpion tag” to help us figure out get both the blood who’s been there (and and creative juices what they’ve been up flowing! to...).

Victorian History Left: At the in Mountain View, campers At the Wetlands experience Victorian Left: Learning about the living, including what salinity of our bay. it might have been like Above: Becoming a “Wetlands to be a child at play. Warrior” and pledging to help protect our wetlands. The Avocet 10 2013 Friends of SCVAS Gifts received between June 1st, 2013 and July 31st, 2013

$1,000-10,000 $100-$249 Jennifer and Phil Judy Beverly Hesse Bay Area Bird Photographers Sylvia Alderman Karen McCreddin Richard and Diane Horn The Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Geraldine Brown Ken and Patsy McKay Carsten Hughes Foundation Phyllis Browning Frank Montgomery Dawn Isis Peter and Sue LaTourrette Doug and Gail Cheeseman Richard Moyer Susan James The Fenton Family Foundation Laura Cory Susan Packer and Shlomi Krepner Alberta Jasberg Jen Couperus Bradford and Janice Santos John and Jane Kesselring $500-$999 Jennifer Couperus Kay Schroer Janice King Linda Brownrigg Peter and Arline Dehlinger Jeff and Ruthe Smith Wendy Lee Jitze and Nancy Couperus Jim Dehnert and Patricia Worthington Shirley Wodtke David and Doreen Leith Kristine Kelly and Arthur Gleckler Philip and Susan Hammer David Lewis Bruce Mast and Juliet Cox Jerry and Ginny Kaminski Up to $59 Stuart and Margaret Matheson David Presotto and Caryl Carr Elizabeth Karren Garnetta Annable Richard McElroy Los Gatos Birdwatcher in honor of Raquel Armijo Loren Mendel $250-499 Gordon Barrett Dimitri Avaloff Patricia Prickett Joyce Bartlett James Lyang Jason Blanchard and Laura Danger- Pamela Putman Cynthia Berg Shan March field Mary Ann Roa Peter and Patricia Biocini Hugh and Debbie McDevitt Barbara Boyington Marguerite Ryan Michelle Clapham Joanne and Doug McFarlin Frank and Joan Brauch Mark Sapsford Tressa Coss Christopher O’Connell Byron and Kay Brown Margaret Schmidt Marilyn Harris Christopher and Louise Rasmussen Ina Checkman Laverne Shaffer Jan Hintermeister Dina Saari Chevron Humankind Matching Gift Susan Steinbrecher John and Freddy Howell Theresa Serafini Program Richard Stovel Patty Hoyt Alice Smith Marilyn Close Kathryn Strachota Louise Mabry Ruth Troetschler Eda Coburn Elizabeth Taft Jim and Donna Meyer Vanessa Viso Hazel Donaldson J.G. and Suzanne Van Stee Network for Good David Weissman Sharon Erickson Sheryl Walters Roberta Preu Ofer Zajicek Margaret Falk Carol Warner Susan Stickler Heather Ferguson Betty Wyatt Cheryl Turner $60-$99 Michael and Lynne Fitzjarrell Bruce and Lynn Watts Richard Grindeland Suzanne Francis John Wills Bruce Hahne and Margaret Okuzumi Len and Terri Goldberg Carol Jordan Walter and Nancy Hay

SCVAS Education Interns Needed:  Paid Internships Available 

Each fall, we search for outstanding Education & Outreach Interns to help us deliver the many programs we offer to local schools, community groups, and neighborhoods. If you or someone you know is outgoing, enjoys working with children, wants to learn more about the world of environmental education, and wants to help us continue to offer high-quality programs, give us a call! We are looking for two interns available during the day (and occasional weekends) for about 10-15 hours per week. The exact schedule will be flexible, but Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings and some weekend availability will be required. Saturday, October 26th is also required. Some experience with environmental science, biology, education, or working with children is desirable, but we will train the right candidate.

¿Habla Español? Bạn có nói tiếng Việt? We are hoping to hire one intern who is fluent in Spanish or Vietnamese to help us deliver our programs more effectively to our multi-cultural community!

More information is available online at www.scvas.org - click on “About Us” – or contact the Programs Coordinator, Toby, at 408-252-3740 or [email protected].

Positions are open until filled.

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

Go Paperless! Sign up to receive your newsletter via email and enjoy these benefits: • Save resources - eNewsletters save trees, postage, fuel (and more)! • View the photographs in all their colorful glory! • No waiting for the mail - get your newsletter up to 2 weeks sooner! Contact the SCVAS office at [email protected] to start your paper-free membership today!

OFFICERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS meetings are open OFFICE HOURS President Treasurer to all members. Call the office at (408) 252- Monday - Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Ashok Khosla Peter LaTourrette 3747 for times and directions. Saturday 10 AM - 2 PM Vice President Secretary STAFF Bob Hirt Joan Leighton GENERAL MEETINGS are held on the third Executive Director 408/252-3748 Wednesday of each month except July, August Bob Power [email protected] DIRECTORS and December and are open to the public. Office Manager 408/252-3747 Debbie Thompson ‘11-‘14 RARE BIRD ALERT: (415) 681-7422 Susan Bell [email protected] Diane Hart ‘11-’14 Programs Coordinator 408/252-3740 Melanie O’Brien ‘13-’16 SCVAS ia a private, non-profit corporation Toby Goldberg [email protected] Peter Hart ‘11-’14 affiliated with the National Audubon Society Environmental Advocate 650/868-2114 Tom Grey ‘12-‘15 Shani Kleinhaus [email protected] Vivek Khanzode ‘11-’14 Avocet Editor: Toby Goldberg Assistant Editor: Laura Dangerfield Office Fax 408/252-2850 Office E-mail [email protected] Website www.scvas.org 2013 Volume 60, Number 5 Chapter Members in the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (SCVAS) receive the SCVAS newsletter, The Avocet.

 $25 Song Sparrow (Student)  $35 American Avocet (Individual)  $60 California Quail (Family)  $100 Burrowing Owl  $250 White-tailed Kite  $500 Peregrine Falcon  $1000 Golden Eagle  Other______Membership $ ______+ Donation $ ______= Total Enclosed $ ______Name______Address______City State & Zip______Phone______Email______C1ZC140Z Come by the office to pick up your free copy of Birding at the Bottom of the Bay, and our Breeding Bird Atlas (if joining at the Burrowing Owl level or above). Send this information, and make all checks payable, to: SCVAS, 22221 McClellan Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014 Please note: As an organizational policy, SCVAS does not share member information with other organizations. The Avocet 12