The Newsletter of the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society September 2000 Taking a Gantble on Gantbell Another Alaskan Adventure Sunday morning dawned, if there ever is couch, in the midst of about 30 other by Jack Cole a dawn in the summer in Alaska, cold and birders, waiting for yet another hourly How many disgruntled birders does it foggy. That should have been a clue, yet announcement of the weather in Gambell. take to fill the tiny terminal of Bering Air we taxied to the airport with every expec Between announcements we dashed out in Nome, Alaska? Little did we know tation of departing for Gambell at the to nearby birding spots, with Mike in the when we so carefully made our plans last scheduled hour of 10 AM. Four birders in pickup bed, as another day appeared to year that we would be part of the answer. the lounge in their second day of waiting be wasting away. After lunch we even Ed Frost and I left for Nome, and should have been our next clue. When we called Alaska Airlines to investigate al eventually Gambell, at 6:50 AM on Sat met a young man on his FOURTH day of ternate flights home. Finally, at 2:30, the urday, May 27, on what would be the first waiting to return to his home in Gambell, word came down: "We're going to try of ten flights on the last warm day we reality set in. We had a problem! Every it!" Bering Air brought their six planes would see in a week . Fourteen hours later hour that day our hopes were raised, and into position, and the convoy of birders we were having dinner at Fat Freddie's in every other hour they were dashed. Fog and their gear began. Nome, watching the Glaucous Gulls and and visibility on Gambell was just too St. Lawrence Island is a 45-minute Arctic Terns sail by our table-by-the-sea, bad to attempt a landing at the flight in the fastest plane, unless they just as we watched them last year. After uninstrumented airstrip. At 5 we were stop at the other island village, Savoonga, dinner we walked the outskirts of Nome, sent away , with our dreams of a Green on the way, which we did. The island is where the same teams of huskies studied Sandpiper slipping away. Ed and I rented about 75 miles long and 25 miles wide, our every move, the same redpolls twit a truck, and we spent a few hours at with Gambell on the western end 40 tered and chased each other around the Safety Sound . We saw some very nice miles from Siberia . The village currently same rusty gold-mining equipment. We birds, but that was not why we came back has 725 inhabitants, most of them Eski finally called it a night , if you can ever to Alaska. mos . They live in a smattering of simple call it a night in the summer in Alaska, On Monday the fog still hung over homes scattered between the sea and the and retired to the Aurora Inn with dreams Nome, and the Bering Air terminal was mountain, beside Troutman Lake. There of auklets and Asian strays we would see not a happy place . Mike Rogers and Ann is one lodge, but it is booked far in the next day. Verdi arrived to find us slumped on a advance by tour groups, so Ed and I were placed in a private home with a woman and her three charming daughters, ages General Membership Meeting 6, 7 and 9. We each had our own room, Thursday,* September 21 continued on page 8 "Fromthe Amazon Basin to the BolivianAndes" with Doug Cheeseman Advocate profile------Page4 Palo Alto Art Center Newell & Embarcadero Rds. NAS urges growth------Page 5 7:30 Hospitality 8:00 Program Field Notes------Page 6 ~oug Che_eseman may have further compressed his vertebrae carrying heavy artillery, (tnpod, cameras, lenses) around Bolivia , but still he managed to take Hint of a s"tint?------Page9 some amazing photographs. Tonight he'll share with you slides of the wonderful Birders needed------Page JO birds, mammals and reptiles of this Neotropical land, an Andean accordian bordered by savannas and Amazonian lowland forests. Bolivia has abundant Wildlife Day------Page11 wildlife in many remote areas where the human population is still relatively low, *different night of week, this month only continued on page 4 The Avocet 1 Volunteer Ventures by Ulrike Keyssner
As I write this I am having afternoon tea Directors, Debbie Thomp on the stately verandah of the Asa Wright son. To all our volunteers Nature Center in Trinidad. Several SCVAS and Board volunteers, members recommended visiting, and with Craig, Susan, and I appre good reason. The view along the Arima ciate your help and support. We could Valley is breathtaking, whether in full sun not do our jobs without you. I will close now as I have to light or, as it is now, shrouded in late after pack for the next leg of my trip, Guyana . noon clouds and glistening from a short shower. Below the verandah of the colonial style main house are several hummingbird feeders and fruit stations that are constantly frequented by a proces View FromThe Office sion of birds, mammals, and reptiles. My favorite bird is the common White-necked Jacobin . It's aggressive by Susan Bell territorial behavior makes for quite a show as it flashes its Office Manager brilliant white tail to intimidate other hummers. The The Annual Potluck Dinner held in June was a huge feeders offer a glimpse of what is out there in the forest: success. Thanks to everyone who came out on the trogons, motmots, bellbirds, manakins, and the famous hottest day of the year! It was nice to meet so many of you nocturnal, fruit-eating oilbirds . who came to celebrate our accomplishments and get a Asa Wright draws birders from around the world. chance to hear about our endeavors for the upcoming Being somewhat new to birding I am still delighted by year. their enthusiasm and genuineness as they engage in I don't know if it's the location here at McClellan Ranch lengthy discussions over which birds they can honestly Park in Cupertino, the abundance of birds, or that the add to life lists. There is no doubt birders are a special birds are extremely hungry, but we are constantly filling breed who have their 'fish story' equivalents! the feeders at SCVAS. It's wonderful to watch so many The SCVAS annual potluck was a lot of fun despite birds at the feeders. I have to admit that watching the the soaring temperatures (remember that was the day squirrels is entertaining when they unsuccessfully try to San Jose broke a record at 109 F!). A volunteer gratefully make it around the squirrel baffles. They do, however, sat fully clothed in the creek to cool off because the consume seed that is dropped by the chickadees and Ranch house could have roasted a turkey! Luckily our finches, but they never seem to stop trying new ways to members are a hardy bunch and we managed to sit get around those baffles. everyone in the shade and had lots of cool drinks. The Squirrel baffles make a big difference and we have food was plentiful, and the quality and variety was a several different types in stock at the Nature Shop. A tribute to the culinary palates of our members. If you particularly interesting one, called the "Squirrel Beater," missed this year's potluck mark your 2001 calendars for is a squirrel-proof bird feeder that closes the feeder holes the third Wednesday in June. when a squirrel perches on it, shutting off food supply to An important aspect of the dinner is to thank all of our the intruder. The feeder is not sensitive to the weight of volunteers for their dedication, activism, and generosity. birds, and they can eat at will. Take some time to watch Unfortunately (or fortunately for us), we have many the birds, squirrels, and various feeders when you drop volunteers to thank. We would love to thank each and by our headquarters for a visit. every volunteer but that is no longer practical at the We are very excited to be offering new merchandise dinner. Each volunteer will receive a personal thank you in the Nature Shop featuring our Avocet logo, both from the Board and staff. embroidered and silk-screened. We've got a canvas tote This year we felt the need to make 'Special Men bag with a nice long strap to fit over your shoulder. It's tions' of six volunteers who have invaluably contributed cream-colored canvas with the Avocet silk-screened on to SCVAS during the past year. It is not that they put in the front in a royal blue. We also have T-shirts with the lots of hours, nor that they necessarily had special skills logo silk-screened on the upper left pocket area, long or knowledge to do their jobs. It is their extraordinary sleeved denim shirts with the logo embroidered above commitment and responsibility to the jobs they took on the pocket, and polo shirts in white, light blue and gray. that we are very grateful for. The six volunteers chosen The colors of the Avocet and the marshland surrounding to award 'Special Mentions' are (in alphabetical order): the shorebird have been reproduced perfectly. These Gus Constant, Marie ·Gordon, Jerry Kaminski, Frank shirts are comfortable and attractive, and a great way to Klug, Anne Mortimer, and Marti Oetzel. A seventh show your support of your local chapter and look good at 'volunteer' was also named from our terrific Board of continued on page 4 TheAvocet 2 Septentber 2000 Calendar Embarcadero Rd. east, takelefttum where **Denotes fild trip. On all trips carpool **Sunday Sept. 17, 8:00 AM road forks just past airport. Meet in if possible; bring binoculars,fieldguides, Alum Rock Park. Leader: Dave Cook parking lot across from Lucy Evans layered clothing. LO= Lunchoptional; (408) 871-9552. From Hwy 101 or 1-680 Baylands Interpretive Center. LO HRC = Heavy rain cancels. take Alum Rock Ave. northeast toward hills and into park. Turn left at entrance **Saturday Sept. 30, 8:30 AM Wednesday Sept. 6, 7:30 PM kiosk (at bottom of hill, before bridge); Ogier Ponds. Half day. Leader: Bob Bay Area Bird Photographers will meet in first parking lot, near "Rustic Reiling(408)253-7527. FromHwy 101 feature the annual Members' Slides pro Lands" area. Moderately strenuous 3 to 4 in Morgan Hill take Cochrane Rd. west gram. Lucy Evans Bay lands Interpretive mile walk. Possible fee; LO, RC to Monterey Hwy, turn right, go north 2.6 Center, E. Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto. miles, turn right towards the Model Air **Saturday Sept. 23, 3:00- 4:30 PM plane Park. Follow road for 1/2 mile and **Saturday Sept. 9, 8:30 AM Charleston Slough Young Audubon park in gravel lot at first bend in road. Moss Landing and vicinity. Half day field trip. Leader: Jim Liskovec. This plus. Leader: TBA (408) 253-7527. outing is geared toward children from **Sunday Oct. 1, 8:30 AM Meet at Jetty Rd. off of Hwy 1 just north grades three and up. Adult must accom Arastradero Preserve. Half day. of Moss Landing. Shorebirds, water pany child. To reserve space and obtain Leader: Jim Liskovec (650) 969-5542. fowl, early migrants. directions call SCV AS at (408) 252-37 47. From 1-280 take Page Mill Rd. west approx. 1/2 mile to Arastradero Rd. Turn **Sunday Sept. 10, 9:00 AM **Saturday Sept. 23, 9:00 AM right and meet at parking lot 1/2-mile on CharlestonSlough . Halfday. Leader : Hawk Hill/Marin Headlands . Full right. Variety of woodland and grass AllenRoyer (408)288-7768. FromHwy day. Leader: Nick Yatsko (408) 247-5499 . land species; especially raptors possible . 101 in Mt. View take San Antonio Rd . To carpool, meet at Page Mill Rd/1-280 Two miles of moderate walking. RC north to Terminal Way parking area. Meet Park'n'Ride at 8:00 AM. All others meet at entrance nearest San Antonio Rd. Trip at tunnel entrance near parking area on **Saturday Oct. 7, 9:00 AM recommended for, but not limited to, Hawk Hill at 9:00 AM. Directions to CharlestonSlough. Half day. Leader : beginning birders. Hawk Hill: after crossing Golden Gate TBA(408)253-7527. FromHwy 101 in Bridge, exit just past Vista Pt., cross un Mt. View take San Antonio Rd. north to Tuesday Sept. 12, 9:30 AM der Hwy 101 and turn right just before Terminal Way parking area. Meet at the Eve Case Bird Discussion Group entrance back onto Hwy 101 south. Drive entrance nearest San Antonio Rd . Trip will meet at the home of Pat and Jean up hill to the highest point and park. recommended for beginning birders but, Dubois, 17150 Buena Vista Ave ., Los Highlights : migrating raptors, (possible as always, birders of all skill levels are Gatos (408) 395-4264 . Topic: Summer Broad-winged Hawk). Weather variable; encouraged to participate. birding experiences. dress in layers, bring lunch and liquids. Heavy fog may change itinerary. **Sunday Oct. 8, 8:00 AM **Wednesday Sept.13, 9:00 AM PLEASE NOTE: This will be our only Pillar Point Harbor, San Mateo Co. Moss Landing/Elkhorn Slough. Half Hawk Hill/Marin Headlands trip this fall. Half day. Leader: Al Eisner (650) 364- day. Leader: Gail Cheeseman (408) 741- 3686; daytime; voicemail : (650) 926- 5330. Meet at Jetty Rd. and Hwy 1, just **Sunday Sept. 24, 8:30 AM 2018). Meet along Capistrano Rd. just northofMossLanding. Highlights : gulls, Coyote Hills Regional Park. Half north of Prospect Way, Princeton By The terns, ducks, shorebirds, raptors . LO day . Leader: Frank Vanslager (408) 257- Sea, behind Mezza Luna restaurant. (Park 3647. TakeHwy84(DumbartonBridge) on street, not in their lot.) Take Hwy 1 **Saturday Sept. 16, 9:00 AM east to Newark. Exit right at Thornton, go about 4 miles north of Half Moon Bay, left over freeway as Thornton becomes turn left at traffic light. Highlights: Point Reyes. Full day. Leader : Peter Paseo Padre, turn left at Patterson Ranch/ waterbirds, coastal migrants (landbirds LaTourette (650) 961-2741. Our annual Commerce Rd. into park. Meet at far end and shorebirds), possible vagrants. Bring trip to the west coast's most active va of Quarry parking lot on left, 1/4 mile past your scope. RC grant trap, where birds and weather are entrance. Entrance fee. LO, RC always exciting and unpredictable! From **Wednesday Oct. 11, 8:30 AM Hwy 1 in Marin Co. take Sir Francis **Wednesday Sept. 27, 8:30 AM Drake Blvd west approx. 14 miles and Ogier Ponds . Half day. Leader to be turn left to Drakes Beach. ¥eet in park Palo Alto Baylands for shorebirds and announced. Call Shirley Gordon (408) ing area; carpool from there. Bring lunch, fall warblers. Bring scopes if you have 996-9863 for info. See directions under liquids, full tank of gas; be prepared for them. Leader: Rosalie Lefkowitz (650) Sept. 30 listing . fog, wind, sun and challenging birds. 494-635 8. From Hwy 101 take TheAvocet 3 Scope on Membership
Meet Your result, more controversial. The Board mental Law Society, a Environmental Advocate made the right decision though, since it group of about 25 stu turned out to be a milestone in the growth dents. by Debbie Thompson of our chapter into a prominent local The first major is I always thought Craig Breon was a environmental group. sue that Craig worked very unique guy, and now I am con "I like the fact that I work in the area on for SCV AS was the vinced. I had an opportunity to talk to where I grew up," says Craig, a Mid San Jose Riparian Craig one-on-one over lunch recently Peninsula native. Then he adds with dis Corridor Policy , which passed in 1994. and thought I would help our member may, "I used to go to an amusement park That policy won an award for urban plan ship get to know him better. called Frontier Village in South San Jose; ning and is considered very progressive As many of you know, Craig has been now itis a subdivision." Craig went on to due in part to its requirement for 100-foot the Environmental Advocate at SCVAS Williams College in the Berkshire Moun building setback from creeks. Craig for over six years now. Hiring an Advo tains of Massachusetts where he first be notes that he is still working on imple cate was a highly debated topic for our came interested in protecting the envi menting the policy. Board of Directors back then. It meant ronment. After graduation he traveled to Another major victory Craig helped that our chapter was going to be proactive Shanghai , China for a year to teach En us achieve was the lawsuit against the in enforcing environmental laws and, as a glish. "Shanghai is the most polluted residential development plan for place I've seen," he explained . "No fish McCarthy Ranch near Coyote Creek and <> <> <> <> <> could live in the river that runs through Highway 237. The settlement changed the city". the high-density residential development Craig's experience abroad influenced into industrial, lessening impact on the Office View cont'd his decision to work in the environmental creek since there are fewer children, pets arena. After returning to the U.S. he and adults disturbing the sensitive creek the same time. More information became involved with other non-profit ecosystem. The lawsuit was a morale regarding these items is located on groups such as the Nature Conservancy booster for Craig and SCV AS as we our web site www.scvas.org and Hidden Villa Ranch . He then at realized we could have a positive impact tendedLaw School at U.C. Davis, intend on sensible development in our area. SCVAS Nature Shop hours: ing to work in a non-profit after graduat Craig is currently involved with a va M-F 10 AM - 5 PM ing and passing the Bar in 1992. While in riety of issues such as the development of Sat. 10 AM - 2 PM law school, he was active in the Environ- the Coyote Valley in South San Jose, the Please call ahead to guarantee these times: (408) 252-3747 Agnews site development in Santa Clara, the San Francisco Bay Project that is co Birdathon 2000 <> <> <> <> <> sponsored by California Audubon, and The final results of this year's Doug Cheeseman's the Alviso development plan . He has Birdathon are in-the total raised is also had a major influence on the Santa cont'd $4,569! Proceeds from this years' Bolivia Slide Show Clara Valley Water District, helping them event will again be divided between but conditions may soon change due to a to adopt a more environmentally friendly SCVAS education programs and high birthrate , infringement on national philosophy over the years. California Audubon's Bay Project. The park borders by agriculturalists, and re Craig is a key member of our Environ goal of the Bay Project is to identify settlement programs of the Bolivian gov mental Action Committee chaired by Leda ways to restore wetlands around San ernment. International conservation Beth Gray . Leda Beth offers her impres Francisco Bay and ensure the long groups such as World Wildlife Fund are sion of Craig : "He is amazing! Craig is term health of Bay ecosystems . working on innovative projects to pre a part-time employee, but it seems like he The highest number of species serve some of the most pristine areas does the work of several people. He is seen by a Birdathon team was 120, (e.g., to forgive part of the national debt, outstanding at forming partnerships with recorded by the Rock Wrens (David an air quality mitigation program is in other groups, and working constructively Drake, Leda Beth Gray, Sue Hunt, place in Noel Kempf Mercado National with public agencies, especially the Santa David McIntyre and Ulrike Keyssner). Park, a beautfiul protected area on the Clara Valley Water District. Although SCVAS sincerely thanks all the teams Brazil border) . Doug will show slides of fighting for native species habitat in Sili and their individual spqnsors for their the wildlife of this. national park, as well con Valley is extremely tough, he main- enthusiasm and continued support of as the diversity found in other natrual our projects. areas of Bolivia . continued next page TheAvocet 4 Craig Breon cont'd tains a positive attitude, and is skilled at advising the EAC and the Board about which issues to pursue. "Sometimes we end up going after an issue that we may not have a lot of chance on, simply because it is extremely impor tant, such as fighting against develop ments on Burrowing Owl habitat. Craig figures out strategies for making an im pact on these important issues, even if we suffer losses along the way . A good example is the way he started the ball rolling on regional planning for Burrow ing Owls by cities in Santa Clara County. Craig Breon, fearless protector of bird habitat I have tremendous respect for Craig, and his dedicated service to SCV AS. On top of everything else, he has a great sense of Board Hears NAS Growth Plan humor and is fun to work with." By Freddy Howell National and local chapters will, there Craig's personal life also revolves SCV AS Board members were joined fore, be adjusted to revitalize national around his passion for the environment. at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve at recruitment efforts. Local chapters, mean He teaches undergraduate classes in en Stanford by Lynn Tennefoss from the while, must compensate for the reduction vironmental law and environmental ac National Audubon Society for the annual in dues-split money by actively promot tivism at Santa Clara University and also Board retreat on August 6. Lynn, who ing themselves and attracting new local hosts a local radio show centered around represents NAS in membership matters members. NAS is also shifting the focus environmental news and African music. and formerly worked at SCV AS, facili of its magazine from global conservation Although Craig didn't start out as a birder, tated discussion on recruiting and reten to NAS and chapter accomplishments in the influence of our chapter has changed tion of members and exp lained the latest hopes of making it a more relevant and him into a member of the binocular NAS membership goals and strategies. attractive publication. toting clan. He now buys bird feeders as Why is National Audubon launching Increasing membership not only brings presents and travels just to see birds. a membership drive and encouraging lo in more money and more members, it SCV AS has realized many accom cal chapters to do the same? "Audubon is also increases the skills available to chap plishments thanks to Craig, but we are not fulfilling it's mission," Lynn told the ter leadership. Lynn mentioned several fighting a continuous battle in the Bay Board. "To create a culture of conserva ways to boost recruitment of new mem Area . Losses to wealthy developers are tion, including habitat restoration, pres bers, including always having brochures all too frequent. "It beats you down ervation and education, more members at hand to share with non-members. Our tremendously," says Craig . On the other with more skills are needed ." new member packets, welcome break hand, he feels rewarded when strangers The catalyst for this drive was the fast/bird walks and nature shop coupons express their appreciation for the battle failure of the current dues-sharing struc have gone a long way in connecting with he is fighting. "People feel so helpless ture to support membership recruitment and welcoming new members, but Na and like to know someone is fighting," he effort. (According to Lynn, advertising tional Audubon is making it clear that explains. in the national magazine has been subsi more effort is needed for Audubon to Like so many others who are feeling dizing a major portion of the membership become more effective nationally and the pressures of Silicon Valley, Craig department.) The dues-split between locally. Above all, Lynn challenged our may leave the area some day, but in the Board to increase our programs and in meantime he remains dedicated to pro <> <> <> <> <> volve more members. tecting bird and wildlife habitat in the Several incentive months are upcom South Bay. The battles are long, hard and [ If you are interested in working on any of ing as part of NAS's overall recruitment sometimes lost, but we all feel satisfac the issues mentioned with Craig and our effort. Meanwhile, every member can tion and pride that we're fighting the Environmental Action Committee , please help bring new enthusiasm and activism good fight with Craig leading the charge. contact the SCVAS Office at (408) 252- into the chapter. For more information or I know you all will join me in giving 3748 for information on how to get in if you have ideas or program requests, Craig Breon a big "hip-hip-hooray"! volved.] call any Board member. TheAvocet 5 appears to have lingered quite late. A (v.ob.) with the last observation on 31 Field Notes female was seen near the Stevens Creek May (MCM). The first of our Semipal mated Sandpipers was an adult at the by Bill Bousman Tidal Marsh on 8 Jun (WGB) and then regularly in the Mountain View Forebay Stevens Creek Tidal Marsh on 29 Jul (MJM). A mostly alternate Stilt Sand Loons through Ibis and the Palo Alto FCB through 20 Jun piper was found on the San Jose-Santa A basic-plumaged Pacific Loon was (WGB, MJM). Probably the same fe Clara WPCP drying ponds on 6 May found for the second spring in a row, this male was seen once again in the FCB on (NL) and was seen there through at least time at Stevens Creek Reservoir on 7 30 Jul (JMa et al.) and represents a very 9 May (v.ob.). Single Common Terns May (SEM). American White Pelicans rare oversummering bird. Ospreys have found on Salt Pond A4 in Sunnyvale on arrived early this year with 26 on Salt nested in the Santa Cruz Mountains, in 19 Jul (TR y) and at Charleston Slough on Pond Al on 11 May (WGB) with num land from Davenport, in at least three of 23 Jul (LCh) were early for this rare fall bers building rapidly in May. A peak the last four years (fide DLSu ). Of five migrant. Staging Least Terns were first count for the summer was of 519 in the local records in June and July, two in observed on Salt Pond A2E on 15 Jul Palo Alto Flood Control Basin (FCB) on cluded birds carrying fish towards the (FV). Peak numbers were 101 3 Jul (MJM). The first Brown on 30 Jul (NL) . Of 11 counted Pelicans were seven at Charles- on 24 Jul, about a third were ton Slough on 3 Jul (WGB) . A Hudsonian Godwit juveniles (WGB). A pair of Forty-five found the next day on Black Skimmers was observed the Alviso salt ponds (PJM) were provided the excitement for incubating a single egg on the the high count for the summer. island in the southeast corner Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, the end of spring migration, of Salt Pond Al on 26 May, but Green Herons , and Black the nesting effort was clearly crowned Night Herons all while nesting Great-tailed abandoned by early June nested within the great reeds (WGB). Another pair was ob growing on the island in Almaden Grackles dominated the served on an island in Salt Pond Lake (v.ob.), although no good Al6 in Alviso on 2 Jun (AG) estimate of numbers was ob- breeding season and, on 9 Jul, it could be seen tained . Two adult Little Blue that they were incubating on Herons were found at the edge eggs (MJM). Two downy of Salt Pond A9 in Alviso on 4 young were observed on 15 Jul and a third Jul (PJM) and one to two birds were seen interior: one over Lexington Reservoir was seen on 23 Jul (both MJM). How in the area through at least 12 Jul (v.ob.) . on 17 Jul (BW fide DLSu), and one over ever, by 29 Jul, only 2 young were appar A Cattle Egret was at the Arzino Ranch Shoreline Boulevard on 18 Jul (PJM) . ent (MJM). These are at least the third on 1 May (RWR, FY), but has not been Peregrine Falcons have been seen more and fourth nesting records for the county. seen subsequently this summer. An adult commonly this July than any summer in White-faced Ibis was in the San Jose memory. They've now nested on a build Roadrunners through Swallows Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant ing at Oracle in San Mateo County-will A Greater Roadrunner north of San (WPCP) drying ponds on 26 May (Ala, we see urban nesting birds in San Jose in Antonio Junction on 3 May (JAC, EFr) is MMR) for a one-day show. the future? A Mountain Quail calling south of Loma Prieta on 18 May (MMR, the only observation since April. A flock of 12 Black Swifts along Summit Road Ducks through Skimmers RWR , FY) was the only bird found this nearLomaPrietaon l0May (DLSu) and We found more Blue-winged Teal summer. a single bird along Coyote Creek north of this summer but there was no sign of The first returning Lesser Yellow Coyote on 7 Jun (TRy) were rare spring nesting . A male and female were in the legs was a single bird at the San Jose migrants. One to two Black-chinned San Jose-Santa Clara WPCP drying ponds Santa Clara WPCP drying ponds on 30 Hummingbirds were found along Coy on 1 Jun (AME), 10 were there on 30 Jun Jun (NL). Birds were found more widely ote Creek below Hwy 237 on 19 May (NL), and five males and at least one and in greater numbers by the end of the (RWR, FY), 16 May (MMR), and 3 Jun female were in the ponds on 1 Jul (NL). A month . Some high counts were 11 at the (LCh). None was reported from further male was in the Palo Alto FCB on 4 Jul Calabazas ponds on 22 Jul (AME), 36 at upstream or from other creeks. Male (PJM), an eclipse male was there on 17 the Calabazas ponds the next day (MJM), Rufous Hummingbirds normally return Jul (WGB ), and three females were found and 7 at Crittenden Marsh on 30 Jul (NL). to their wintering grounds along the Rocky on 18 Jul (PJM). A male was also seen in The rarest of our shorebirds this spring Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, so one Crittenden Marsh on 16 Jul (PJM) . A was the first-year Hudsonian Godwit seen in Gilroy on 29 Jun (BB-W) is of male Hooded Mergans;r was found in found on 26 May in the San Jose-Santa interest. Lewis's Woodpeckers were Los Gatos Creek CP on 19 May (DG) and Clara WPCP drying ponds . This bird was seen regularly over the next few days found in small numbers in the San Anto-
TheAvocet 6 Field Notes continued attempt was the fledging of a Brown CP in the spring was seen 3-17 May nio Valley in May and June. Two birds headed Cowbird on 13 Jun (JMa). The (v.ob.). A lst-summermaleorpossiblya were seen carrying food to a nest hole combination of degraded riparian areas female was also seen over this same pe south of the junction on 6 and 13 May and the Brown-headed Cowbird is too riod . No birds were reported in the sum (LCh et al.). The peak count of birds was much for this most common of North mer. A singing male Indigo Bunting of four seen on 13 May (LCh et al.). A American warblers at the arid edge of its was found in Los Trances and Monte pair of Cassin's Kingbirds were on a range . A good May movement of Her Bello OSPs on 24 May (RLe et al.). This nest in a eucalyptus on San Felipe Road, mit Warblers included 12alongSummit bird sang persistently in both counties just north of the San Benito County line Road north of Mt. Madonna on 10 May and was seen by many observers to at on 7 Jun (WGB) and an adult was bring (DLSu) , a female on Coyote Creek below least 24 Jun (JMa et al.). Another male ing food to a newly-fledged young on 24 Hwy 237 on 13 May (MJM) , and another was found singing at Long Ridge OSP in Jun (MH et al.). These kingbirds have female near Loma Prieta on 18 May San Mateo County on 27 May (PO), nested here for at least three of the last (MMR , RWR, FV) . An Ovenbird was apparently where a male was found regu four years . A male and a female Purple found singing in Milpitas on 12 Jun (JiD larly last year. No indication of breeding Martin were along Croy Ridge in the fide JMa). This eastern vagrant shows the was observed for either male. A pair of Santa Cruz Mountains on 10 May (DLSu). classic pattern of misoriented spring va Great-tailed Grackles was seen near One to two males and a female were seen grants in June , which often are found Almaden Expressway and Coleman Av near Loma Prieta on 5, 21, and 30 Jun because of their singing, as well as enue on 22 Jun (TRy) and, not long after, (RWR, FV) . This rare swallow is prob misoriented fall vagrants in September the same pair apparent) y was observed on ably still breeding in small numbers in and early October. Spring Almaden Lake (JMa) . Based on the the Santa Cruz Mountains. A Bank MacGillivray's Warblers included two female's behavior, nesting was suspected Swallow, our other rare member of that different birds in San Jose near Hwy 880 in the small tule island in the lake. The family , was seen at the Coyote Creek and North 1st Street 12-14 May (EFe), male was seen carrying food to this loca Field Station (CCFS) waterbird pond on and a male along Coyote Creek below tion on repeated trips on 16Jul (MJM)for 5 Jul (AJa). We have had June or July Hwy 237 13-17 May (MJM, v.ob.). Two the first nesting record in Santa Clara records for each of the last four years . singing Yellow-breasted Chats along County. Another female Great-tailed Coyote Creek on 13 May (MJM) were Grackle was seen at the Ogier A venue Dippers through Goldfinches also good finds for the spring . ponds on 20 Jul (BiH, SG fide TRy). A Canyon Wren at Alum Rock Park Black-chinned Sparrows were found Lawrence's Goldfinches were found on 9 May (RWR , FV) and one in Henry in three locations this season; all areas widely in the Diablo Range over the Coe SP on 3 Jul (DA) are in the known where they 've nested in the past. The first period. A female carrying nest material breeding range of this rare dry land wren. was found singing near Loma Prieta on 6 along San Felipe Road on 24 Jun (MH et AjuvenileAmerican Dipper seen along May (NL). Additionally, single birds al.) was the only breeding noted. A high Penitencia Creek in Alum Rock Park on were heard singing at Monte Bello OSP count of 45 to 50 birds was obtained on a 10 Jun (JMa et al.) suggests local breed on 27 May and 17 Jun (LCh et al.). trip through the San Antonio Valley on ing and, hence, the health of this creek Finally, a bird was singing at M.P . 10.0 21 Jun (MDo, JC). system . Most surprising was another on Mines Road in the Diablo Range bird along Ross Creek at Blossom Hill (MDo). Grasshopper Sparrows were Observers : David Armstrong (DA), Bonnie Road in San Jose on 16 Jun (BeH), as found widely this season . Good numbers Bedford -White ( BB-W), Bill Bousman (WGB ), breeding birds are not known from this were found at Monte Bel lo OSP through Les Chibana (LCh) , Jack Cole (JAC), Rita area. The tail end of the Nashville War out the summer with a high count of a Colwell (RCo) , Jesse Conklin (JC) , Jim bler migration is represented by two least six birds on 17 Jun (LCh). Four to Dan zenbake r ( J iD ), Matthew Dodder ( M Do), females banded near Sierra and Felter six birds were in Joseph Grant CP on 8 Jul Al Eisner(AME), Eric Feuss (EFe) , Ed Frost roads on 4 May (RCo) and one seen (MDo, JC). At least five birds were at the (EFr) , Don Canton (DC) , Susan Gearheart along Coyote Creek below Hwy 237 on summit of Sierra Road on 25 Jun (DG) . A (SG),Andy Gibb(AG),MerryHaveman(MH) , 13May(MJM). YellowWarblersnested female Rose-breaste d Grosbeak at a Bill Henry( BiH), Beverly Hesse (BeH), Al varo this summer in a light industrial area near Mountain View feeder on 13 May (MCM) Jaramillo(AJa) , Rosalie Lefkowit z ( RLe), Nick Great Oak and San Ignacio, in south San was an unusual eastern vagrant. The Lethab y (NL), Mike Mammoser(MJM), John Jose, nearly a mile from the nearest ripar male Blue Grosbeak found at Ed Levin Mariani (JMa) , Peter Metropulos (PJM), ian area (JMa). A hundred years ago this Mark Miller (MCM), Steve Miller (SEM), warbler commonly bred in orchards, gar Paul Ostler (PO), Bob Reiling (RWR), Mike dens, and city parks on the valley floor, RARITIES: Please drop me a note: Rogers (MMR), Tom Ryan (TRy), David but now appears to be in a general decline Bill Bousman , 321 Arlington Way , Suddjian ( DLSu) , Frank Vanslager( FV), and both locally and throughout the Bay area. Menlo Park, CA 94025, or: Brian Walton (BW) . Unfortunately, the outcome of this nest bousman@merlin .arc.nasa .gov TheAvocet 7 Gambell Adventure continued from page 1 spartan but comfortable. Mike and Ann weren't quite so fortunate. Their first lodging, a converted meat locker, lacked indoor plumbing, and the home to which they later moved ran out of fuel oil one night. But they survived just as we did, happy to be there. The residents of Gambell are very poor . The cost of Iiving is high, and their wages, if any, are meager. They live off the land whenever possible: seal, walrus, fish, birds, and whale when they can get one (they didn't this season). Our diet SCVAS Alaska birders Ed Frost, Jack Cole, Mike Rogers and Ann Verdi consisted of freeze-dried food and in stant oatmeal, and consideringlhe alter descended en masse to view these two seeing new birds, or waking to a day of native, we ate very well. Ed is to be delights. One evening Mike relocated good flying weather and heading for commended for trying Crested Auklet one of the few Dovekies on the island, home . Just then a shout rang out: "IVORY ("stinky but very good") and walrus liver and put out the word on his radio . Before GULL!" and there it was, dancing on the and meat ("stinky and very bad"). He you could say "Please don't stall on us water like a storm petrel, dainty and pretty passed on the walrus, and fortunately again!" Ed and I were there, enjoying as a snowflake. was not asked to sample the rancid King marvelous views when this tiny wonder Our debate was settled in the morn Eider soup that sat in a pot on the counter settled down on its regular rock part way ing. The fog was at the top of the moun for two days . up the mountain. tain, the wind and moisture were gone, The ground around Gambell that Around the village there are several and the planes were on their way. Ann wasn't covered with snow or long, dried boneyards, where the natives discard the and Mike stayed one more day, and wished grass consists of marble-sized gravel. remains of their catches from the sea. it had been two, as an Eye-bro wed Thrush This made walking very difficult and These boneyards are the favorite habitat made a conspicuous appearance the day exhausting, so we rented a 4-wheel A TV, of some wonderful birds; we found Snow after they left. That was reminiscent of and $75 per day proved to be an invalu Buntings, Lapland Longspurs, two the Great Knots that were by the lake on able investment. The machines allowed Bramblings, Rock Sandpipers and at least the day we were stranded in Nome. They us to respond instantly to radio alerts of one Bluethroat. remained in Nome for a few days, and rare bird sightings from any place in the The focal point of Gambell birding is Mike contributed a Mongolian Plover to vicinity. Driving the Honda was a con the Point, the western-most end of the the Visitor Center Rare Bird List. tinuous learning experience: I think in island, where auklets, loons, fulmars, Would we return to Gambell again? another week I would have discovered alcids , puffins and gulls stream by at all Probably not. But the call of the wild is fourth gear! We bounced, jerked and times of the day and night by the thou strong. That Siberian Rubythroat is oh so skidded through the gravel; we stalled; sands . We were there as the ice pack was close, and another day at each end of our we ran out of gas; we abandoned our breaking up, and many of the above birds stay would have netted possibly four more ATV once and cursed it several times. simply floated by, providing long and life birds . Would we recommend Gambell However, like the food, it was by far the discerning looks to distinguish , for in to you? Most assuredly! But we offer best alternative. stance, the Slaty-backed Gulls from the these words of advice: Leave some time Our first two days were cold but dry vegae race of the Herring Gull. in your schedule for weather contingen with light westerly winds, and the birding By Wednesday the fog had lowered cies; bring all the warm clothes you can was excellent. The first evening we had and precipitation was in the air. This wear at one time (six layers wasn't al already logged Common Greenshank , made driving the Honda while wearing ways enough); rent an ATV; save lots of Gray-tailed Tattler, and the three prized glasses an adventure in itself . The winds money , and make your travel plans far in auklets : Crested , Parakeet and Least. picked up, but unfortunately they came advance. Don't be afraid to travel on We missed the Spectacled Eiders seen from the East, bringing not Asian birds your own. You may not eat as well as the from the Point , but we still had time. The but birds like Hermit Thrush, Solitary tour groups, but you will have more free next day Ann found a Common Ringed Sandpiper and Fox Sparrow . Time was dom and probably see more birds. Plover and soon after a Common Sand running out. On Thursday night, after a So dream, plan and journey to this wild, piper at the far end of the· Iake, and the day of no new lifers, we stood at the Point wet and wonderful island of St. Lawrence. pilgrimage began. Birders walked, in the wind and mist, and debated which It truly is an unforgettable adventure! hitched rides for $5 from the natives and was better: to be stranded in hopes of
TheAvocet 8 ? Could It Be. • • • "Please bring your seats to an upright position and store your do not have this coloring . We notice a white "V" on the back. tray tables." This was our clue to retrieve our binoculars from We are running out of time, and so we flush the bird. It does not our carry-ons under the seat. Birding trips begin at every call, but as it departs we do not notice any prominent wing bar. airport, and we need to be prepared . The instant our Boeing 737 When we return to the plane, we examine our National touches down in Kotzebue, we peer through the cloudy, scratchy Geographic field guide, and zero in on the sketch of the head of windows at the shorebirds, terns and waterfowl on each side of the Red-necked Stint. We decide that this was our bird, and do the runway . We ignore the stares and quizzical looks of not consider any alternatives . We announce our "find" to other passengers, particularly those across others in Gambell . Upon returning home, how the aisle as we look past them out ever, we discuss our observations, and their windows . Forget about begin to consider other possibilities. color : everything is a sil After reviewing Shorebirds by houette, and we strain to Hayman et al., I come to the pick up familiar ones. conclusion that the bird prob wigeon , merganser , ably was not a Red-necked Glaucous Gull. As Stint, as there are no the plane rolls to a plumages shown that stop, we are in resembled our bird . formed that we Several features just have twenty weren't right. The minutes if we same was true for wish to Sanderling. How deplane . We ever, there is one hesitate only bird in the book long enough that looks exactly to decide our like our bird: Little best route be Stint! But, instead yond the termi of celebrations and nal, and select high fives, we now the waterfront have a serious identi behind the Nana fication problem. The Museum. Did we see black terminal bars Little Stint is very rare Time is precious, on the scapulars, tertials and anywhere in Alaska, and and · we hurry to the coverts? Did we notice the identification can be a real muddy shoreline , and absence of a hind toe? challenge. Furthermore, the Are you kidding? there, right in front of us, are Sanderling and the Red-necked three shorebirds . Two are instantly Stint can vary so much in plumages that recognized as Ruddy Turnstones, but the are unfamiliar to us that perhaps we missed some third, significantly smaller, brings us up short. Here feature that could be diagnostic. We spoke with Mike is a shorebird, a 'peep' with black legs and a short, black bill. Rogers, who gave us pause . Did we see the black sub-terminal The bird appears to be about two-thirds the size of the turn bars on the scapulars, tertials and coverts? No. Did we note the stones. Across the breast, under a white chin, is a wash of red, absence of a hind toe? Are you kidding? with emphasis on the orange, which is the bird's most striking Identification after the fact is always problematical. We feature. There seems to be spotting at the sides of the wash, but remember what we saw: our mental notes are still fresh and none below it. This coloring did not appear anywhere else on accurate . But as of this time, we are still searching for other the bird. My micro-cassette recorder is safely packed in my photos and resources that would show various plumages of luggage , and we have no pad and pen, so we verbalize as many other possibilities . Until we are convinced otherwise, we features of the bird as we can, with the thought that we may have believe our how-lucky-can-you-get bird was a Little Stint. We something rare only 50 feet away . may never be 100% certain, but one thing we are sure of: when Except for the white under-parts and the breast and chin, you visit a new and unfamiliar territory, be prepared for any the rest of the bird seems to be covered with the rich chestnut thing. You never know what will tum up in the strangest of shades of many alternate-plumaged sandpipers. The head and places , and you need to be prepared to tum that "Could it be?" nape are streaked; all the feathers on the back and sides seem to into a "Yes it was!" be chestnut with white tips. There are no pronounced areas that ---Jack Cole
TheAvocet 9 When ''Work'' Works by Craig Breon Environmental Advocate reason for volunteering in a simple, beau help from volunteers, we won that grant tiful phrase, "I do it for the birds." Again, (though the money actually goes to a On Tuesday, August l my day brightened. parks organization in the city). In fact, to I drove to work past That same evening , I went to a City of boast, ours was the only grant given in the Arastradero Preserve in Santa Clara Planning Commission hear Bay Area and the only one in the state to Palo Alto as I often do. I ing. In Santa Clara we are working to see receive the maximum amount of funding wasn't in the best of moods, that a massive proposed project called possible. thinking to myself, "Another Rivermark (2000 homes and a shopping The following is a call for birding day ... freeway, office, freeway , centeron former Burrowing Owl habitat) volunteers in what should be an excellent meeting, freeway . . . " Then, just includes some open space for people and opportunity to get out there and know before the on-ramp to Highway 280, I wildlife. you're doing something for education, noticed a bright orange truck along the Outside city hall, a man dressed in for Audubon, and for yourself. side of the road and two people, one dirty jeans, untied work boots, and a woman and one man, in equally bright formerly-white baseball cap turned back by Jeanne Salander orange clothing, staring skyward . They wards, sat on a bench looking decidedly In recent A vocet issues, you have read were road workers for Caltrans, people I to his right towards some trees. As I about the $45,000 matching funds grant wrongly assume are interested primarily approached he said, 'Tm watching my received by Friends of Santa Clara Parks in their work and families, not getting run doves ." He meant mourning doves, two and Recreation for the restoration of a over in the course of a day, and perhaps a of which perched in a branch about twenty six-acre oak savannah and butterfly gar good meal. feet away. "My doves"-the phrase rang den at Ulistac Natural Area in Santa Clara. To my surprise and delight , they both in my mind. Attachment based on a few The existence of this valuable 40 acres carried binoculars, which I saw fleetingly minutes observation, no doubt. He had adjacent to the Guadalupe River can as I whizzed by. They were alternately no idea why I was there that night or who largely be credited to several dedicated watching something and excitedly talk I represented , but he completed the tri Audubon members who worked to save ing to each other. I quickly thrust my angle of encounters which made that day this precious valley floor bird habitat head to the front of the car, searching special. from the bulldozers. through the very top of my windshield to On occasion, there's magic in this job. Now , I and my husband Chris the skies above (I can't help but wonder It's tough, defeating, bedraggling, frus Salander-respectively the Administra how often the police reports across trating, but on occasion-it's magic. My tor and Site Manager for the grant and America read, "ran off road while hopes reflected in the joy of others, my restoration project, and active members birding") . I caught the briefest glance of work validated. The hawk, the birds, the of Audubon's Environmental Action a raptor-most likely a Red-tail-soar doves, the volunteers and others who care Committee-need help from those of you ing as nature dictates, then looked back at deeply ... and me. who are skilled birders and would like to the road crew. They had started to make participate in the educational aspect of my day. Birding Volunteers Needed this project. More was to come. Upon entering the In the fall of 1999, a piece of mail As part of the grant agreement, sev office, Earl Menefee was there, a recent passed by my desk at the office . An eral science students and their environ volunteer who has spent his time placing organization called the Nature Restora mentally dedicated teachers at Wilcox taxidermied birds in plexiglass boxes pre tion Trust was offering funding for resto High School in Santa Clara are creating a pared by Norman Watenpaugh, another ration projects with a connection to high baseline survey of the six acres they will dedicated SCVAS volunteer. We use school education . SCV AS applies for be helping to restore. They are mapping these birds for environmental education, few grants, but we currently lack the the area and surveying all the plants and and volunteers carry them to classrooms experience or the resources to do this, animals; all their data will go up on a web to show school kids. though we would like to. This one, how site they have created, so their experience I stopped to talk to Earl in the front ever, seemed perfect for the UlistacNatu can be shared with other students nation office at McClellan. Earl had worked at ral Area, the site in the city of Santa Clara wide. NASA for more than 40 years, through that Audubon members had campaigned One of the skills they are learning is: the heyday of space flight and into the successfully to make the first and only bird identification! In order to do their modern era of technology. He stated his open space preserve in the city. With survey they need some practiced birders
The A vocet 1O "Birding at the Bottom of the Bay" (BABOB) Third Edition in the Works Save the Date
The third edition ofBABOB, SCV AS' sian Ridge; Skyline Open Space Pre comprehensive site guide for Santa Clara serve; Castle Rock. Saturday, Valley birding, is making excellent New sites: (we have standardized for progress, thanks to all of the wonderful mat and can e-mail): Picchetti Ranch/ rewrites, updates and new site descrip Fremont Older Open Space; Long Ridge October 14 tions that have already been received. We Open Space Preserve. to celebrate still have several updates and new sites We also need assistance in checking still to be covered. If you have a favorite and proofreading, and we're sure that Our 9th Annual spot in the list below, pleasecontactFreddy there are some sites that we haven't cov Howell at (408) 358-9453 or Bobbie ered but need to. Great excuse to go out Audubon Wildlife Handen (408) 356-4263. birding! Education Day Updates (we have original and cane mail forupdating): VasonaLakeCounty <> <> <> <> <> at McClellan Park/Oak Meadow Park; Los Gatos Creek Trail; Ed Levin Park/Calaveras Rd.; Ranch Park. Limekiln Canyon; St. Joseph's Hill; Loma Birding Classes r,~,-.. Prieta ; Santa Teresa County Park, Rus- San Jose with John Mariani lOam- 2pm Metropolitan Adult Education in San <> <> <> <> <> Jose is offering another beginning birding Lots of fun Activities class taught by John Mariani this fall. Class will meet on Thursday evenings for kids Birders needed cont'd from Sept. 14 through October 19, and to go out with them and help them learn Builda Birdhouse will also feature several weekend field their birds. Over sixty percent of all the trips and a nighttime owling excursion. Make a Bird Feeder bird species ever seen in the City of Santa Subjects will include optical equipment, Clara have been seen at Ulistac Natural See Bird Banding local habitats , bird identification, diffi Area. It is a rich and diverse site. If you cult species groups, and developing good ~ could volunteer at least a few hours of field skills. The cost is $59 plus $3 for Learnto Createa time to bird with these eager science materials. For information and registra BackyardButterfly students, please contact Jeanne and Chris tion call MetroED at (408) 723-6553. Habitat at (408) 293-6885 fax (408) 292-1633 or e-mail [email protected]. The suc Menlo Park with ~ cess of our project will depend entirely on Maryann Danielson See live Bats, Birds the volunteers who help carry out our Five birding workshops for intermedi and Reptiles goals! ate and more advanced birders will be C};z offered by Sunbeam Ecology Explora Creekside News Released Join a Guided tions at Little House, 800 Middle Ave. in NatureWalk Creekside News, our annual publica Menlo Park starting this September. Each tion on the activities of creek groups workshop will have an evening study vfJ around the County, is finished and ready meeting followed by a field trip. Work Enterour Poster for distribution . Articles include topics shop topics include: Contest such as fisheries restoration projects , the • Shorebirds in migration Santa Clara Valley Water District , and • Migrating warblers and passerines ~ using creeks for environmental educa • Condors More detailsin the tion. If you would like a copy for yourself • Nearshore ocean birds OctoberAvocet or multiple copies to distribute, please • Inland waders, ducks , and geese call the office at (408) 252-3747. Thanks Fees are $20 per workshop. Work or log on to to intern Jennifer Peritz for-her work in shops begin on Sept. 6. For the complete www.scvas.org putting together Creekside News this year. schedule and further information, call Maryann Danielson at (650) 325-9349.
The A vocet 11 Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society 22221 McClellan Road Non-Profit Organization Cupertino , CA 95014 U.S. Postage Paid San Jose, CA Phone : 408-252-3747 Permit No. 5869 Fax: 408-252-2850 E-mail : [email protected]
**AUT0************3-DIGIT 950 ROBERTHIRT 10325 DEMPSTERAVE CUPERTINOCA 95014-1222
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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 BOARD OF DIRECTORS meetings are 1st VP Education Freddy Howell 408/358-9453 open to all members. Call the office at (408) Bobbie Handen 408/356-4263 252-3747 for times and directions. Treasurer Environmental Action Barbara Dalderis 408-399-6965 Leda Beth Gray 831/336-1127 RARE BIRD ALERT: (415) 681-7422 Secretary Ann Verdi 408/266-5108 Field Trips: Weekend Bob Reiling 408/253- 7527 KEEPING CONNECTED: E-mail us at Field Trips: Weekday
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
SCVAS 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. er National Audubon Society Membership: (Check one) 0 New Members $20 0 Membership renewal $35
0 1 Members receive Audubon magazine and The Avocet newsletter . Make check payable to National Audubon Society . D ~a':n~; 11)l::i':i,~{ Donation: 0 SCVAS greatly NAME ______GIFf FROM ______appreciates yourtax-deducti61e donation. ADDRESS ______Your gift helps fund Audubon 's birding , CITY STATE ZIP ------~ education and conservation programs . ---- PHONE ______9MCH CC14 The A vocet 12