vol. 92 no. 2 March 2010

the newsletter of the golden gate audubon society founded 1917

GGA Launches Spring Birdathon

hat’s the most fun you have ever had W birding while making a signifi cant difference for environmental protection? This spring, you have a chance to set personal records for both. Golden Gate Audubon invites you to join us for our fi rst Birdathon in nearly 20 years, from April 17 to May 16. Our goal is to provide you with an enjoyable event that will also support GGA’s vital work to protect the Bay Area’s and other wildlife and their natural habitat.

Sivaprasad R.L/www.birdsofthebay.com The Birdathon is like a walk-a-thon, except Golden Eagles are among the raptors impacted by turbines at the Altamont Pass. Nearly 2,000 raptors that you count species instead of miles. As are killed each year. a participant, you can ask friends and family to pledge a donation to Golden Gate Audubon on Wind Companies Make Little a fi xed or per-species basis. You then try to see as many species as possible in a period of up Progress in Altamont Pass to 48 consecutive hours between April 17 and May 16. Afterward, you collect the pledges. Pro- ceeds from this event directly support GGA’s ird mortality has not been reduced in the Altamont Pass over the last four educational and conservation programs. B years according to the draft 2009 Bird Fatality Study released by Alameda This is designed to be an exciting and educa- County on December 18, 2009. Although Golden Gate Audubon and four other tional (and, for some, competitive) event for all Bay Area Audubon chapters sued and eventually settled with Alameda County and levels of birders—from the total beginner to the several wind companies to force a reduction of bird mortality in the Altamont Pass, it advanced—as well as for those who just want appears that the wind companies’ efforts have not gone far enough. cheer them on. To make it easier and more fun, Dr. K. Shawn Smallwood, a member of Alameda County’s Scientifi c Review Com- you can join one of our scheduled guided trips, mittee (SRC) and a longtime researcher in the Altamont, estimated that in the last organize your own trip, or count independently four years, the Altamont Pass has killed approximately 7,600–9,300 birds per year. in your backyard. And there are no geographic Annually, the death toll in the Altamont Pass is approximately 645–1,967 raptors limits—you are free to go anywhere. If you want total, including 55–94 Golden Eagles, 475–477 American Kestrels, 253–433 Red- SPRING BIRDATHON continued on page 10 tailed Hawks, and 714–718 Burrowing Owls. Dr. Smallwood attributes the lack of reduction in avian mortality to the wind companies’ failure to adequately implement the recommendations of the SRC. 2 Alameda’s Least Terns The draft Bird Fatality Study’s authors and Dr. Smallwood conclude that there is 5 Intro to eBird

no evidence that avian mortality has been reduced 50 percent as required by our 2007 11 Marin Heronry Opens settlement. The data also indicate that certain measures—such as winter shutdowns inside ALTAMONT PASS continued on page 12 ROSTER Alameda Wildlife Refuge—

board of directors Not Just an Empty Field Diane Ross-Leech President Al Peters Treasurer Noreen Weeden Secretary Karim Al-Khafaji n a recent conversation about the proposed 575-acre Alameda Wildlife Refuge at the old Whitney Dotson I Alan Harper Alameda Naval Air Station, an environmentalist friend remarked, “It doesn’t look the way Carey Knecht I think a refuge should look—it’s just an old broken-up airfi eld.” Michael Lozeau Mark Mushkat Dedicated birders and nature enthusiasts, however, know that the Alameda Wildlife Sarah Peterman Refuge provides vital habitat for at least 169 bird species and is home to the state’s most pro- Jay Pierrepont Phil Price ductive breeding colony for the endangered California . Brown Pelicans, Horned Linda Vallee Larks, and Loggerhead Shrikes are just a few of the other species that rely on the refuge. Rich Walkling California Least Terns were fi rst observed at the Alameda Naval Air Station in the late executive director 1970s. Over the past 30 years, the U.S. Navy, with assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Mark Welther 510.843.9912 [email protected] Service (USFWS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has provided excellent steward-

chief operating officer ship of the tern colony, and we have watched it become one of the most important colonies in Kevin E. Consey [email protected] the species’ range. When the air station was closed in 1993, the navy began looking for a way conservation director to transfer the land to another owner. At the urging of Golden Gate Audubon, the USFWS Mike Lynes 510.843.6551 requested the land for the creation of the Alameda Point National Wildlife Refuge. [email protected] In 1996, concerned citizens formed the Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Refuge (FAWR), conservation project manager Noreen Weeden 510.301.0570 which has looked out for the terns and other refuge wildlife ever since. Today, as a commit- [email protected] tee of Golden Gate Audubon, FAWR continues to advocate for creation of the refuge and development assistant protection of the terns, to conduct bird surveys twice each month, to hold seasonal monthly Rue Mapp 510.843.7295 [email protected] workdays to improve the tern habitat, and to educate the community.

eco-education program manager Despite FAWR’s efforts, talks between the USFWS and the navy broke down in 2002 Anthony DeCicco 510.843.7293 because the navy refused to accept long-term responsibility for the remaining contamina- [email protected] tion in the area. Eager to dispose of the property, the navy offered the land to the Veteran’s eco-education program coordinator Administration, which now proposes to build a 122-acre medical and offi ce complex directly Rubén Guzmán 510.843.7293 [email protected] on top of the proposed refuge, despite a 1999 Biological Opinion from the USFWS stating office manager that such a project would jeopardize the tern colony. Tragically, this project shows a blatant Stephanie Strait 510.843.2222 disregard for the well-being of the California Least Terns and the other species that rely on volunteer coordinator the refuge. Golden Gate Audubon and FAWR continue to oppose the VA’s proposal. Jennifer Robinson Maddox 510.919.5873 In 2007, USFWS biologist Susan Euing developed the Tern Watch Program with the coop- gull managing editor eration of FAWR. Tern Watch trains community volunteers to monitor the California Least Judith Dunham [email protected] Tern colony on the refuge, which is not open to the public. The volunteers count terns and field trips Pam Belchamber 510.549.2839 report attacks by their many predators, including Burrowing Owls and Peregrine Falcons. observations Because of these efforts, the California Least Tern population at the refuge has prospered. Bruce Mast [email protected] In 2008, the Alameda colony produced more fl edglings than any other colony in California, web editor even though colonies to the south are much larger. The stark landscape—the old, barren air- [email protected] fi eld that seems so unattractive to the casual visitor—provides perfect habitat for the terns. The Golden Gate Audubon Society was founded As the southern California Least Tern populations continue to plummet, the Alameda colony January 25, 1917, and became a chapter of National Audubon in 1948. Golden Gate Audubon Supporting has become essential to the species’ continued survival. Membership is $35 per year. Renewals should be sent To protect the California Least Tern and create the Alameda Wildlife Refuge, Golden to the Golden Gate Audubon offi ce. The board of direc- tors meets six times per year (schedule can be obtained Gate Audubon and FAWR need your help. Please attend an upcoming FAWR meeting, held from the main offi ce). the third Monday of each month. Training sessions for the 2010 Tern Watch season begin in The Gull is published nine times per year. Special third-class postage paid in Oakland, CA. Send address April—no prior experience is necessary (look for details in the April Gull). More informa- changes to offi ce promptly. The post offi ce does not tion about FAWR and its activities is available at www.goldengateaudubon.org. forward The Gull. —Mark Welther, Executive Director Golden Gate Audubon Society 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite G Berkeley, CA 94702

TEL 510.843.2222 FAX 510.843.5351 New Member Joins Golden Gate Audubon Board www.goldengateaudubon.org GGA is pleased to announce the election of a new board member, Sarah Peterman. [email protected] Sarah is an associate with the law fi rm Farella Braun and Martel LLP, where she focuses Nature Store hours: Monday – Friday, 10 – 5 on environmental and natural resources litigation. Welcome, Sarah! Design and layout: e.g. communications

2 THE GULL march 2010 conservation corner

GGA RESPONDS TO SOUTHERN trees and shrubs. The project includes the plovers and allow for better enforcement WATERFRONT PROJECT installing a fence at the northeast corner of leash laws in the WPA. In Januar y, Golden Gate Audubon submitted of the park’s southernmost lagoon in an After the fence was moved, Golden Gate comments to the San Francisco Redevelop- effort to prevent illicit activities, to curtail Audubon met with GGNRA staff to discuss ment Agency and Planning Department on the trampling of the understory, and to pro- several issues, including protection of plo- the Candlestick Point–Hunters Point Ship- tect the Black-crowned Night-Herons and ver habitat at both Crissy Field and Ocean yard Phase II Development project. This is other birds. Much of the work, which will Beach. GGNRA staff informed us that the a massive project with plans to change the be accomplished in phases, follows the rec- draft Dog Management Plan will be released southeast section of San Francisco. The Len- ommendations of the 2003 Aquatic Park this summer and have a 90-day public com- nar Corporation’s proposal includes a new Natural Resources Management Study. ment period. Current regulations require 49ers football stadium for 69,000 attendees, The department met with Golden Gate dogs to be on leash in the plover protec- 10,500 residential units, a 200-room hotel, Audubon staff and invited our review and tion areas at Ocean Beach (from stairwell and a 200-slip marina, plus retail and offi ce comments on the project. A working group 21 to Sloat Boulevard) and Crissy Field’s space, facilities for artists and the commu- of three GGA volunteers have already Wildlife Protection Area between July 1 nity, and park and open space. visited the park and provided initial com- and May 1. If you notice a disturbance or Golden Gate Audubon expressed con- ments. If you bird the park and want to threat to the plovers, call Park Dispatch at tinued opposition to a bridge over Yosemite learn about the restoration and how you can 415.561.5505. Slough and concerns about the project’s get involved, come to an upcoming meeting impacts on San Francisco Bay, including of the East Bay Conservation Committee. UPCOMING EAST BAY MEETING offshore eelgrass beds, and on Candlestick WITH DOG OWNERS Point State Recreation Area. Increased use, SNOWY PLOVERS CONTINUE TO For years, Golden Gate Audubon members trash and food waste, and lighting will have LOSE OUT AT CRISSY FIELD and other wildlife advocates have been dis- signifi cant impacts on local wildlife that The start of 2010 was diffi cult for the West- tressed to see off-leash dogs harassing birds are not adequately considered in the envi- ern Snowy Plovers at San Francisco’s Crissy and other wildlife or deterring birds from ronmental impact report. We will continue Field Wildlife Protection Area (WPA) roosting or nesting. Past efforts involving to coordinate with other organizations and when the Golden Gate National Recre- docents and leash law enforcement have citizens in the area to ensure that the proj- ation Area (GGNRA) moved the fence at failed to protect even critical habitat, ect is as protective of the local community the WPA despite our request that impacts including habitat for the and the environment as possible. to the plovers be considered. Off-leash dog and Western Snowy Plover in San Fran- advocates pressured the GGNRA to take cisco. At Berkeley’s Cesar Chavez Park, HABITAT RESTORATION UNDER WAY this action after learning that the fence there have been recent problems with dogs AT BERKELEY’S AQUATIC PARK extended beyond the 700 feet designated (usually off-leash) harassing the city’s last The Berkeley Parks, Recreation, and for the WPA. Unfortunately for the plovers, remaining Western Burrowing Owls. Waterfront Department has been working the construction activity evicted the birds The East Bay Conservation Committee is to improve the habitat for birds and other from their preferred habitat for at least a trying a different approach and has formed wildlife at Aquatic Park by removing non- week. GGNRA staff insist that the fence a task force of about a dozen dog-owning native vegetation and planting and native will eventually provide more protection for GGA members to consider such initiatives as signage and fences, education, outreach, and, where necessary, enforcement. We Join a Conservation Committee hope that by involving the dog-owning Meet other birders and wildlife enthusiasts on your side of the bay and fi nd out community from the beginning, we can about projects in your community. fi nd workable solutions and compromises. The East Bay Conservation Committee meets the fi rst Tuesday of the month at We’re starting with two of Berkeley’s parks 7 p.m. at the Golden Gate Audubon offi ce, 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley. For that are subject to big dog impacts, Aquatic further information, contact chair Phil Price ([email protected]). Park and Cesar Chavez Park. This is an The San Francisco Conservation Committee meets the fi rst Wednesday of the month ambitious effort, and we can use more help, at 7 p.m. at the Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way (www.randallmuseum.org). especially (but not exclusively) from dog owners. To get involved, please contact Joe Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Refuge meets the third Monday of the month. For Ferrie at [email protected]. time and location, contact cochair Leora Feeney ([email protected]). CONSERVATION CORNER continued on page 11

march 2010 THE GULL 3 Gray Flycatcher Highlights Oakland CBC

ould Oakland retain its title of trend affects many numerous species, but W “California Towhee Capital of the also some that have never been numerous. ”? Would we again lead in numbers of Some may already have winked out. Steller’s Jays and Chestnut-backed Chicka- One or more Cattle Egrets were found dees? Would we enjoy clement weather or every year from 1984 through 2003, but be soaked by day’s end? These questions we’ve had none since a long-lived Lake confronted participants in Oakland’s 69th Merritt bird died. We found fi ve or more annual Christmas Bird Count as the clock Ruddy Turnstones in every year except one struck midnight. Sunday, December 20, through 2001. We dipped to single birds had begun, and the count was on. in 2003 and 2006; since then, there have

Beginning with predawn owling, 183 been none. Prior to 2000, we found at least Bacchetti Patricia fi eld observers diligently searched Oak- one Rock Wren in most years. After that, Found but not identifi ed on count day, this Gray Flycatcher in Oakland’s Knowland Park was refound, land’s 15-mile-diameter count circle, and we’ve had three birds total, one each year identifi ed, and photographed on December 22, 2009. another 17 identifi ed and counted birds from 2005 through 2007, but none since. around their feeders. By day’s end, they’d Over 30 years, we averaged at least 60 Tri- Tilden Regional Park Botanic Garden con- counted 89,232 individual birds, 7,000 colored Blackbirds annually. Since 2004, tinued this form’s string of near annual more than the year before but still among we’ve found 25 total; this year there was occurrences. It’s a reminder to note and the lower totals of the last 10 years. In only one. What will next year bring for document all forms other than our expected perhaps Oakland’s most signifi cant but- these species? wintering “Sooty” birds, amid rumors that ton-busting, boasting category, participants Overall we recorded 175 species on the complex will eventually be found 15 percent fewer California Towhees count day, two fewer than our recent aver- split. A count week Pileated Woodpecker than last year. Will this year’s 667 little age, with another three species found in Redwood Regional Park was detected for brown jobs be enough to retain our title? during count week—the period three days the fourth time since 2000; this continuing Chestnut-backed Chickadee numbers were on either side of count day. At the com- bird has never been found on count day. up marginally, and Steller’s Jay numbers pilation dinner, an Empidonax fl ycatcher Among regularly occurring species, were up 30 percent, giving hope that we’ll was chosen as the count’s best bird, but neither nor was again have something to brag about once with some angst because it wasn’t identi- found on count day—the fi rst time that’s fi nal CBC compilations are in. And the fi ed to species. Angst turned to joy two happened since 1974. and Bonaparte’s weather held: temperatures were moderate, days later, when the bird was refound, and Gull were also missed. there was little wind, and there was no rain, identifi ed as a Gray Flycatcher. It was the The compilation dinner ended count day at least until about 3:30 p.m. By then, many Oakland CBC’s fi rst Gray Flycatcher ever, on a high note, as always. Jennifer Robin- participants were already thinking about and apparently only the third one recorded son Maddox and Rue Mapp organized and calling it a day and heading to the compila- in Northern California during the winter served the delicious food, ably assisted by tion dinner. season. Returning rarities included a Palm volunteers Susan Consey, Kristen Bun- Although more individual birds were Warbler along the Oakland Estuary for its ting, Elinor Blake, Jeffry Wilkinson, Jane found than last year, our count’s numbers third winter, and Lake Merritt’s presumed Anfi nson, and David Wick. Meanwhile, are trending inexorably downward. The hybrid male Hooded Merganser x Barrow’s volunteers Della Dash, Marjorie Blackwell, Goldeneye, detected for the fourth time and Chris Okon tempted purchasers with since 2005. Golden Gate Audubon’s expanded array Other unusual species included 10 of bird-related merchandise. Our tasks as swans (probably Tundra, on Briones Reser- compilers were aided by Stephanie Strait in voir), one Red-necked Grebe (in Alameda’s the GGA offi ce, and especially by the lead- seaplane lagoon), one ers of our 29 count areas and the rest of the (at Lafayette Reservoir), two Tree Swallows 200 CBC participants. We thank them all (also at Lafayette Reservoir), one House (and anyone we inadvertently overlooked) Wren (at the UC Botanical Garden), and for another successful count.

Verne Nelson/www.pbase.com/vnelson Verne two Hermit Warblers (on Berkeley’s Pan- Finally, we invite birders of every ability This presumed hybrid male Hooded Merganser x oramic Way and near Inspiration Point). and age to mark their calendars for Oak- Barrow’s Goldeneye, photographed on December 1, Each of these species had been recorded in land’s 70th CBC: Sunday, December 19, 2009, has been present most of the winter in or near fewer than half of the preceding 10 years. 2010. See you then! the channel alongside Laney College in Oakland, but was missed on count day. A “Slate-colored” Fox Sparrow in the —Dave Quady and Bob Lewis, Compilers

4 THE GULL march 2010 speaker series

JENNIFER ROBINSON MADDOX, COORDINATOR

eBird Workshop Brian Sullivan San Francisco: Thursday, March 18 7 p.m. refreshments, 7:30 p.m. program You’ve probably been hearing a lot about eBird (www.ebird.org), the website and online bird- ing tool that is changing the face of modern birding. The goal of this Internet-based checklist program built for birders by birders is to harness the power of both birding and science. The program allows you to keep track of your bird records online and to share them with the birding community, while making them available for science and conservation efforts. Using eBird, birders can also post sightings, keep life lists, and manage their personal records. This workshop will teach you what eBird is and why it’s important that you contribute; show you what it can do for you as a birder; and teach you how to get started. Join Brian Sullivan, eBird project leader, for a look at this remarkable tool—and get empowered to make your observations count. Brian Sullivan’s birding travels, photography, and fi eld projects have taken him to Central and , to Antarctica and the Arctic, and across . He has written for and consulted on various publications on North American birds. He is also project leader for the Avian Knowledge Network and photographic editor for the Birds of North America Online at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the journal North American Birds. Robby Kohley

Brian Sullivan at Papallacta Pass, Ecuador. Brian San Francisco Speaker Series: First Unitarian Universalist Church and Center, 1187 Franklin Street at has conducted fi eldwork on birds throughout North Geary. Visit www.uusf.org/visitors_faq.html, and use the Map It! link on the left for directions. Public tran- America for the past 17 years. His research interests sit, street parking, and parking in a lot for a fee are available. include closing the gap between science and birding.

Volunteer Opportunities and Events

Saturdays, March 6 and April 3, 9 a.m. – noon Creek. As we weed, we’ll watch the foraging and diving water- Pier 94 wetlands restoration workday. As part of our ongoing fowl and shorebirds. Refreshments provided. efforts to restore wetlands along San Francisco’s southern Saturday, March 27, 9 a.m. – noon waterfront, we will continue weeding the wetland and working TogetherGreen Volunteer Days. Join us for monthly workdays on the new upland plots. Join us and see what birds have come at Harding Park. We’ll continue to weed out invasive plants to back to the wetland. Refreshments provided. make room for native shrubs. Refreshments provided. Sunday, March 14, 9 a.m. – noon Monitoring Volunteers Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Refuge workday. Help us pre- Volunteers are needed to monitor bird populations at Can- pare breeding habitat for the endangered California Least dlestick Point Recreation Area in San Francisco, beginning in Terns. Meet at the main refuge gate at the northwest corner of March. Join GGA’s conservation director to count shorebirds the former Alameda Naval Air Station, Alameda. and land birds around the park. Information gathered on this Saturday, March 20, 9 a.m. – noon study will be important to future decisions about the park. White-crowned Sparrow Habitat Restoration. Participate in Field Trip Leaders restoring habitat along Golden Gate Park’s Bison Paddock by We are always looking for new fi eld trip leaders to take GGA planting natives, weeding established sites, and nurturing the members and volunteers, as well as the public, to locations area for local White-crowned Sparrows. Closed-toed shoes around San Francisco Bay. If you have a great birding spot that and layered clothes recommended. If you are part of a group you are willing to share with others, let us know. of fi ve or more, please RSVP to [email protected]. For updates on these workdays and for directions, visit www. Saturday, March 20 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. goldengateaudubon.org/volunteer. Questions? Contact Jen- Wetland habitat restoration at the MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline, nifer Robinson Maddox, Golden Gate Audubon Volunteer Oakland. We will continue our work at the mouth of Elmhurst Coordinator, at [email protected].

march 2010 THE GULL 5 fi eld trips $ Entrance fee

Biking trip PAM BELCHAMBER, COORDINATOR

For questions about individual fi eld trips, contact the leaders. If you cannot reach a Fremont BART station in the parking lot. leader, contact Pam Belchamber at 510.549.2839. Field trips are also listed on the Golden Trip ends at BART between 3 and 4 p.m. Gate Audubon website at www.goldengateaudubon.org. We will see birds from the time we step off the BART train and will experience various habitats: riparian, marsh, and Merced and San Luis National residents are joined by migrating fi eld bayside. Total distance is 24–30 miles, Wildlife Refuges birds and shorebirds. mostly on paved bike trails. Bicycle hel- Merced County From I-580 or I-80, take Central Ave. west to Rydin Rd. Turn right on Rydin and continue to the parking lot. met required. Bring lunch and liquids for Tuesday, March 2, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. a picnic at Coyote Hills. Dress for variable Bob Lewis, [email protected], San Francisco Botanical Garden weather. Rain cancels. Reservations are 510.845.5001 Golden Gate Park not necessary, but an email or phone call We will meet at Merced National Wild- Sunday, March 7, 8 – 10:30 a.m. is appreciated. life Refuge and continue on to San Luis Alan Ridley, [email protected]; Helen From I-880, take the Mowry Ave. exit east for 2.3 National Refuge, looking for Sandhill McKenna, 415.566.3241; Ginny Marshall; miles toward central Fremont. The Fremont BART parking lot is on the east side of the station past Civic Cranes, Snow and Ross’s Geese and other Dominik Mosur, [email protected] Center Dr. waterfowl, and raptors, along with Tule Meet at the front gate of the garden, 9th Elk. We may make other stops in the area. Ave. at Lincoln Way. This delightful sec- Corona Heights Bring lunch and a walkie-talkie if you have tion of the park has several micro-habitats San Francisco one. Allow about 2.5 hours’ driving time that attract an array of resident, migrant, Friday, March 19, 8 – 10 a.m. from Berkeley. Trip is limited to 30 par- and vagrant birds. This monthly trip is ori- Charles Hibbard; Brian Fitch; ticipants; contact the leader to reserve a ented toward helping beginning birders Dominik Mosur, [email protected] space. Carpooling is advisable. develop their skills in spotting and iden- Meet in front of the Randall Museum, 199 From I-5, exit at Los Banos/Hwy. 152 east and take tifying birds. Hwy. 152 into Los Banos. Turn left on Mercey Springs Museum Way, at the end of Museum Way Rd., go about 3 miles, and turn right on Henry Miller Las Gallinas Water Treatment off Roosevelt. We will enjoy views of the Rd. Continue for about 7 miles to Turner Island Rd. city and bay as we circle Corona Heights, (four-way stop) and turn left. After 5.25 miles, turn Facility checking the east canyon woodland right onto Sand Slough Rd., which curves to the left Marin County and becomes Nickel Rd. After about 1 mile, the road and north forest for resident birds and Wednesday, March 10, 9 a.m. – noon makes a sharp right and becomes Sandy Mush Rd. migrants, as well as monitoring hilltop Continue for about 3.5 miles to refuge entrance on Bob Lewis, [email protected], scrub and south cliff. right (south) side of road. 510.845.5001 Waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, and Honey Lake Jewel Lake passerines—Las Gallinas is always an Lassen County Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley interesting place, with chances to see Saturday – Sunday, March 20 – 21 Friday, March 5, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. otters and coyotes as well as birds. The Dave Quady, 510.704.9353, Phila Rogers, 510.848.9156, walk is level, along the pond levees, and [email protected] [email protected] many birds are close and easily seen. This Space may still be available on this is a good beginning walk and also offers We continue our monthly fi rst Friday trips weekend trip to search for Greater Sage- a wide variety of species. at Tilden. Meet at the parking lot at the Grouse, Bald Eagles, and other wintering north end of Central Park Dr. for a 1-mile, Take Hwy. 101 north through San Rafael and exit at Smith Ranch Rd. (also marked for Lucas Valley Rd.). birds of the eastern Sierra. Contact the 2-hour-plus stroll through this lush ripar- Turn right (east) onto Smith Ranch Rd. and continue leader for availability. ian area. Winter birds are still present, toward the park at end of road. Turn left at the small and resident birds are beginning to sing sign for Las Gallinas and wildlife viewing and go to Coyote Hills Regional Park the end to the parking lot and restrooms. their spring songs. Fremont, Alameda County Quarry Lakes, Alameda Sunday, March 21, 9 a.m. – noon Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Creek, and Coyote Hills Anne Hoff, [email protected] Richmond, Contra Costa County Fremont, Alameda County Catch the wintering waterfowl and shore- Sunday March 7, 9 a.m. – noon Saturday, March 13 birds before they depart for the summer Rusty Scalf, [email protected] Kathy Jarrett, 510.547.1233, and see whether some early spring Point Isabel provides rich birding oppor- [email protected] migrants are back and staking out their tunities, particularly when year-round Meet at 9 a.m. on the east side of the territories. Will the Great Horned Owls

6 THE GULL march 2010 again nest in Hoot Hollow? Will the Rock Allow 2.5 hours to drive from the East Bay Livermore, and is essential during the Wrens hang around? Will we see more to Folsom. Recent riding experience is day because of limited parking along the than 10 species of ducks? We’ll go fi nd a must to ensure the stamina necessary route. Directions and carpooling informa- out. Heavy rain cancels. $ for such a long ride. Trip is limited to 12 tion will be provided to those confi rmed From I-880, take Hwy. 84 toward the Dumbarton participants. Reservations are required; on the trip. Bring food and liquids. Bridge. Exit on Paseo Padre Pkwy. and go north 1.1 contact the leader. miles to Patterson Ranch Rd. Turn left, drive into the park, and stop at the farthest parking lot next to the Yosemite National Park visitor’s center. Parking is $5; bring exact change. Big Break and Marsh Creek Friday – Sunday, June 4 – 6 Regional Trails Dave Quady, 510.704.9353, Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park Contra Costa County [email protected]; Dave Cornman Oakland, Alameda County Saturday, April 10, 9 a.m. The lower and middle elevations of Wednesday, March 24, 9:30 a.m. – noon Kathy and Blair Jarrett, 510.547.1233, Yosemite National Park are alive with Hilary Powers, 510.834.1066, [email protected] singing birds in late May and early June. A [email protected]; Ruth Tobey, Meet at Fetzer Ln. and Jordan Ln. in Oak- variety of habitats supports a rich diversity 510.528.2093, [email protected] ley. Each year, nearly half of the waterfowl of birdlife, typically including seven fl y- Meet at the large spherical cage near the and shorebirds migrating along the catchers (three Empidonax), three vireos, Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue. Pacifi c Flyway pass through the Sacra- seven warblers, and many other species We will bird around there, then go up the mento Delta. A paved trail with views of in full song and breeding plumage. This garden path toward Children’s Fairyland freshwater marsh is an excellent place trip is limited to the fi rst 20 participants or walk down the lake toward Embar- to see many species. Bring lunch and who sign up with the leader. cadero, after which we will cover what we liquids. Dress in layers. Bicycle helmet Past participants have camped at missed. This is the beginning of spring at required. Rain cancels. If you have room Hodgdon Meadow in the park (reserva- Lake Merritt. Come see the regular visi- in your vehicle for an extra bicycle or if tions necessary, as the campground fi lls tors and, with luck, a few surprises, too. you need a ride, contact the leaders at up fast) or stayed in campgrounds or Take the 12, N, or NL bus to Grand and Perkins, and the earliest opportunity. Reservations commercial lodgings outside the park’s walk into the park on Perkins. Best parking is at the are not necessary, but an email or phone boathouse lot near the spherical cage. Entry (via Bel- Big Oak Flat entrance. Detailed infor- levue near Children’s Fairyland) is free on weekdays. is appreciated. The leaders will not take mation, including meeting times and public transit on this trip. locations as well as lodging suggestions, American River Trail Take Hwy. 24 east toward Walnut Creek, then I-680 will be provided to those confi rmed on north to Hwy. 242 north. From Hwy. 242, take Hwy. 4 Saturday – Sunday, March 27 – 28 east toward Stockton/Pittsburg. Stay to the right and the trip. Confi rmed participants should Kathy Jarrett, 510.547.1233, follow the lanes signed for Rio Vista/Oakley/Hwy. bring warm clothes, rainwear, and rubber [email protected] 160; do not follow the Brentwood Bypass. Take the boots for wet meadows, as well as lunches fi rst exit, Hwy. 4/Main St. in Oakley; do not continue This trip follows the fairly fl at, 23-mile on Hwy. 160 to the Antioch Bridge. Go 1.1 mile and for Saturday and Sunday. Be prepared to American River Trail between Sacramento turn left at Big Break Rd. Go .2 mile and turn right on walk about 3 miles each day. Carpooling and Folsom, which is rich in birdlife. Many Vintage Pkwy. Go .8 mile and turn left onto Walnut is encouraged. Meadows Dr. After .5 mile, turn left onto Jordan Ln., birds can also be seen from the train, which ends at Fetzer Ln. and entrance to the trail. especially through Suisun Marsh. Meet Parking is on the street. For a map of the area, go to on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. at the Emeryville www.ebparks.org/parks/big_break. Meet GGA’s Birding the Bay Amtrak Station; the train arrives in Sac- Trail Docents ramento at 9:20 a.m. The trail begins at Mines Road Docents with our Birding the Bay Discovery Park, about 2 miles from the Alameda County Trail program are stationed along Sacramento station. Trail access is easy Saturday, April 24, 8 a.m. the San Francisco Bay Trail in the East from the station through Old Sacramento Dave Quady, 510.704.9353, Bay from the Albany mudfl ats to the to the river and then to the park. We will [email protected] Richmond Marina. The teams of vol- stay overnight at the Larkspur Landing We can expect to see Lewis’s Wood- unteers are equipped with scopes to Hotel in Folsom (participants must make pecker, Phainopepla, and Bullock’s Oriole, show trail users the abundant birdlife their own reservations). On Sunday, we’ll and possibly , Greater Road- and are eager to share other informa- start from the Iron Point Light Rail Station runner, and Golden Eagle. Trip begins tion about the area, from the local in Folsom at 8:30 a.m. and return to the in Livermore and fi nishes there in the plants to the local history. To see Bay Area via Amtrak from Sacramento early evening, with opportunities to end when our knowledgeable docents at about 3:30 p.m., arriving in Emeryville earlier. This trip is limited to the fi rst 20 will be on the trail, please check our at about 5:15 p.m. It is possible to make participants who sign up with the leader, online calendar at www.goldengate a one-day trip by driving to Folsom and beginning at noon on Tuesday, March 23. audubon.org/calendar. using the Sacramento Light Rail system. Carpooling is encouraged to and from

march 2010 THE GULL 7 Rarities Scarce and Total Birds Down for San Francisco CBC

lear weather along the coast, light only the birds off the north San Francisco C fog in the hills, and mild tempera- Peninsula. tures greeted birders setting out early in The invasion of Spartina alternifl ora the morning on December 29 for the San hybrids, an introduced cordgrass, created Francisco Christmas Bird Count (CBC). conditions favorable to marsh birds at As the day progressed, the skies became the mouth of Colma Creek, just north of increasingly overcast. Fortunately, rain held the San Francisco International Airport. off until around 4 p.m., when most groups During the past year, the cordgrass was were wrapping up. removed, and as a direct result, we lost all The efforts of 105 birders in the fi eld and the Clapper Rails in our count circle as 3 at feeders yielded 159 species—which was well as many Soras and Virginia Rails. The in the average range—but only 49,313 indi- removal of this invasive apparently impacted ickr.com/people/ganesh_j J/www.fl Ganesh vidual birds, a low number. Highlights were shorebird numbers as well. Studies prior to Eurasian Wigeons, including this male photographed in early January, were found in Colma, south of San few. Greater White-fronted Goose, , the restoration project concluded that the Francisco, on CBC day. White-throated Swift, and an unidentifi ed marsh had become a habitat sink for Clap- swallow were the rarest birds on count day. per Rails. American Kestrels are down about 46 per- Prior to the count, seven Lapland Long- A cause for some concern for landbirds is cent, from 59 to 32. spurs (new for our CBC) were observed the extent of tree removal on the north pen- Although Mourning Doves appear to fl ying over the Presidio. A Harlequin Duck insula. Pine, cypress, and eucalyptus were be everywhere, our numbers indicate a 52 and a Yellow Warbler rounded out the rare planted in large part between about 1880 percent drop since the mid-1980s. Brew- birds for count week. and 1930, and these trees are now mature. er’s Blackbird, another species that seems Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the Removal of mature and dead trees for pub- abundant, has also experienced a dramatic count was that a single Nashville Warbler lic safety and reforestation; the construction decline of 48 percent since those fi rst fi ve was the only neotropical migrant. A few of Doyle Drive; and much-needed habitat San Francisco CBCs starting in 1983. other neotropical migrants were reported restoration and enhancement projects have Whether this is related to the loss of mature during count week, but they were not excep- combined to reduce the amount of wood- trees is yet to be determined. tionally rare, like those seen in past years. lands in our count circle. Since such forested There are some birds that we consider For unidentifi ed reasons, sea duck num- areas are of a uniform age and mature, this locally extirpated in winter, such as Ameri- bers were low as well. Using fi ve-year data is likely to be an issue in the future. can Bittern, Wandering Tattler, Western blocks from 1983–87 and 2005–09, we can On a positive note, there may be a rela- Screech-Owl, , and see some alarming trends. is tionship between the increase in some . None of these species has down about 85 percent, about raptor species and the removal of mature been recorded on our CBC for three years 82 percent, and White-winged Scoter about woodlands. Red-shouldered Hawk numbers or more. may be the next 92 percent. Surprisingly, Greater Scaup increased about 600 percent from 1983–87 to join their ranks. numbers are essentially unchanged, and until 2005–09, from an average of 8 birds We thank Jennifer Robinson Mad- numbers are down only about to 49. Red-tailed Hawks are up just over dox, Stephanie Strait, and Rue Mapp in 20 percent. When considering these fi gures, 200 percent during the same period, from the Golden Gate Audubon offi ce for their it is important to remember they represent an average of 56 to 115. On the other hand, indispensable assistance in organizing this year’s count and planning the compilation dinner. Rue Mapp and volunteer Kristen Keep in Touch with the San Francisco CBC Bunting helped set up for the dinner and The San Francisco CBC email is [email protected]. The compilers check the serve the delicious food. Chris Okon over- mailbox periodically until November to keep it active, and you can send a mes- saw the merchandise at GGA’s portable sage letting them know if you are interested in next year’s count. The compilers Nature Store. advise that if you want to receive email about the next CBC and you block spam The 2010 San Francisco Christmas Bird on your email program, be sure to add the above address to your address book so Count is scheduled for Tuesday, December messages get through. If you don’t hear from the compilers by November, please 28. Note that it’s not too early to mark your contact them again. calendar! —Dan Murphy and Alan Hopkins, Compilers

8 THE GULL march 2010 observations

BRUCE MAST DECEMBER 1, 2009 – JANUARY 31, 2010

idwinter brought welcome rain, up Dec. 10 at Cypress Lawn Cemetery in M a calendar full of CBCs, and the Colma, SM (RB), and Dec. 21–23 at Emma expected mix of winter specialties and Prusch Park, SCL (AV; BB). The New Year vagrants. Unfortunately, it also brought the brought Eastern Phoebes to the SON Bay- untimely passing of Kris Olson, a leading lands Trail, SON, on the 7th (KA) and to light in the San Mateo birding world and an Francisco Mesa in Bolinas, MRN, on the inspiration to birders everywhere. Kris will 24th (KH). A stray Phainopepla settled in certainly be missed. at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, SM, Dec. 15–Jan. 3 (LB, RT; mob). LOONS TO DUCKS A Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii) was WOOD WARBLERS TO FINCHES described on Jan. 10 from Upper Crystal Overwintering warbler reports included Springs Res., SM (GC). A Wedge-tailed 2 Tennessee, 3 Nashville, 3 Palm, and a

Shearwater (Puffi nus pacifi cus) in poor ickr.com/photos/sarbhloh Singh/www.fl Harjeet Black-and-White, and 3 Northern Water- health was a remarkable addition to a Boli- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Cupertino, one of seven thrush. The season brought 4 Clay-colored nas, MRN, yard list on Dec. 22. Taken to birds that wintered in the Bay Area. Sparrows, including a 2nd NAP record Dec. a rehab center in Cordelia, it died 2 weeks 13–Jan. 17 along Milton Rd., NAP (DM; later (KH). Harlequin Ducks fl aunted their on Jan. 18 (KS, DM). On Dec. 26, a Long- mob). A Vesper Sparrow was found Dec. gaudy plumage at Heron’s Head, SF, Dec. eared Owl picked a roost along Coyote Ridge 18 on the Ohlone Trail in Sunol Regional 2–Jan. 1 (CS; KS, CMW) and at Duncans near Fort Cronkhite, MRN (fi de DM). Wilderness, ALA (JCl, AK). High tides at Mills, SON, on Jan. 3 (RK). Long-tailed Seven Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers visited Palo Alto Baylands periodically fl ushed the Ducks were reported from 4 counties: in the Bay Area this winter, with 3 birds mak- Nelson’s and Swamp Sparrows through Jan. SM at Princeton Harbor, Dec. 4–19 (JMi; ing extended stays at SON State Campus 31 (mob). A Harris’s Sparrow in Santa Rosa, JMy, BK); on the SF coast near Mile Rock in Rohnert Park, SON (AK; BO, AW); in SON, was a nice New Year’s Eve yard bird on Dec. 15 (AH); off the MRN coast at Menlo Park, SM (JL, fi de BP; mob); and (BD). Attentive ears noted 7 Lapland Long- McClures Beach, PRNS, on Dec. 19 (fi de in San Jose, SCL (BR; mob). Red-naped spurs calling in fl ight over Battery Godfrey, DaW); and in CC waters at Carquinez RS Sapsuckers were ID’d on Dec. 19 near Bear the Presidio, SF, on Dec. 26 (PS). on Jan. 2 (DeW, BG; oob). Valley HQ, PRNS, MRN (fi de DaW), and Grosbeak reports included 2 Rose- on Jan. 4 along Salmon Cr. Rd., SON (JB). breasted at the GGP Arboretum, SF (DM) RAPTORS TO ALCIDS A Hammond’s Flycatcher was banded and at a Corte Madera feeder, MRN Elusive Black Rails made brief appearances Dec. 20 at CCFS, SCL, and recaptured (NWh), along with a Black-headed Gros- Dec. 5 at Schollenberger Park in Petaluma, on Jan. 13 (TG). Another Hammond’s Fly- beak at a Fremont feeder, ALA (Jca). Oriole SON (RR), and on Jan. 2 at Palo Alto Bay- catcher was noted Jan. 2 at Water Lane, sightings consisted of an Orchard Oriole lands, SCL (SS). A Rock Sandpiper was Pescadero, SM (DM). The Oakland CBC Dec. 16 in Half Moon Bay, SM (LB, RT); spotted crossing the Bodega Harbor chan- Gray Flycatcher at Knowland Park, Oak- a Hooded Oriole Dec. 8–21 at Menlo Park nel from Doran Park, SON, on Jan. 18 (HC, land, ALA, remained through Jan. 11 feeder, SM (PB; BP); and a Bullock’s Oriole RS). The season’s 1st Slaty-backed Gull (SC; mob). “Western” Flycatchers turned Jan. 12 in Moss Beach, SM (LB, RT; BK). (Larus schistisagus), a 1st-winter bird, was reported Jan. 23 at Venice Beach, SM (AJ). Semicolons separate original observer(s) from subsequent observer(s). Abbreviation “mob” = many observers; “oob” = other A remarkable winter record of a Sabine’s observers. Information is compiled from BirdBox transcripts and regional listservs; the author apologizes for any errors or omissions. Special thanks to Rod Thornton for helping compile Observations data.

Gull was submitted Dec. 6 from Mori Pt., Abbreviations for Observers: AH, Alan Hopkins; AJ, Alvaro Jaramillo; AK, Andy Kleinhesselink; AV, Ann Verdi; AW, Alan Wight; SM (LG, JF, EB, NEw). SM’s high count BB, Bill Bousman; BD, Bill Doyle; BG, Bingham Gibbs; BK, Barbara Kossy; BO, Becky Olsen; BP, Bob Power; BR, Bob Reiling; CMW, Christine Martinez Weibel; CS, Cindy Schwartz; DaW, David Wimpfheimer; DeW, Denise Wight; DM, Dominic Mosur; EB, Eddie for Ancient Murrelets was 6, tallied Dec. Bartley; GC, George Chrisman; HC, Heather Cameron; JB, Janet Bosshard; Jca, John Cant; JCl, Josiah Clark; JF, Jeff Fairclough; JL, Joanne Lazar; JMy, Jean Myers; JMi, Jeff Miller; KA, Ken Ackerman; KH, Keith Hansen; KS, Ken Schneider; LB, Leonie Batkin; 19 at Pillar Pt., SM (LB, RT). LG, Laurie Graham; NWh, Nick Whelan; NEw, Noreen Weeden; PB, Penelope Bowen; PS, Paul Saraceni; RB, Russ Bright; RK, Richard Keuhn; RR, Ruthie Rudesill; RS, Rich Stallcup; RT, Ron Thorn; SC, Sue Cox; SS, Sal Salerno; TG, Tom Goodier

Abbreviations for Counties and Others: ALA, Alameda; CBC, Christmas Bird Count; CC, Contra Costa; CCFS, Coyote Creek Field DOVES TO THRASHERS Station; CP, County Park; Cr., Creek; Cyn., Canyon; DENWR, Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge; EEC, Environmental Education A White-winged Dove started the New Year Center; GGP, Golden Gate Park; L., Lake; MRN, Marin; Mt., Mount; N., North; NAP, Napa; NWR, National Wildlife Refuge; OSP, Open Space Preserve; PRNS, Pt Reyes National Seashore; Pt., Point; Rd., Road; Res., Reservoir; RP, Regional Park; RS, Regional Shoreline; at Phipps Country Store in Pescadero, SM S., South; SB, State Beach; SCL, Santa Clara; SF, San Francisco; SFBBO, SF Bay Bird Observatory; SM, San Mateo; SOL, Solano; SON, Sonoma; SP, State Park; SR, State Reserve; WPCP, Water Pollution Control Plant (LB, RT). Another joined the Eurasian Col- lared-Dove fl ock at Olympic Golf Club, SF, Golden Gate Audubon Northern California Bird Box 415.681.7422.

march 2010 THE GULL 9 SPRING BIRDATHON continued from page 1 and adults, for families and social groups, sponsors, prize donors, and volunteers will to go to Panama, we’ll cheer you on. Follow for beginners to advanced birders, and for all be honored, and families are welcome. the birds! special interests, such as birding by bike or For more information, visit www.golden The Birdathon is also an opportunity to birding via public transportation. Whether gateaudubon.org or contact Rue Mapp, learn about birds, make new friends, and you’re a beginner or a veteran, Golden Gate Birdathon Coordinator, at rmapp@golden enjoy the wealth of the Bay Area’s outdoor Audubon has a trip for you—or we’ll help gateaudubon.org. places. In the process, the Birdathon will you create one. Use your imagination, and generate much-needed funds for Golden let it run wild. GGA’s Wish List Gate Audubon’s educational and conserva- The culmination of the event is the We are seeking generous donations tion programs. Birdathon Banquet in June with great of binoculars and scopes. Contact We are coordinating trips to help you food, prizes, and a bird identifi cation quiz [email protected]. fi nd as many birds as possible: for kids for some good-natured competition. Event

Donations Thank you for your generous donations to support our many conservation, education, and member activities!

Golden Eagle ($1,000+) & Freidenberg, Leslie Friedman, Lee & Janet Friedman, Fumi & Nobusuke Mary Bachman & William Downing, Andrea Burhoe, Robert C. Friese, Jeffrey A. Fukuda, Sara & Jean Gabriel, Tom Galante, Myra Gaudet, Roberta & Robert Goodby & Jan L. Deming, Alan Harper & Carol Baird, Harold C. Kirker, Michael Geering, Barbara Gex, William & Zettie Lee Giddens, Melissa Ellen Goan, Lozeau, Miles & Mel McKey, Mara & Don Melandry, Jacqueline Smalley, Carol George Goerl, Selma & Martin Graham, William Grant, Douglas & Penelope A. Sughrue Greiner, Catherine Gordon Gross & David Gross, Peggy & Paul Grunland, Alice ($500 to $999) Grutchfi eld, Roberta Guise, Patricia Hagerty, Kristi & Arthur Haigh, Grace and Marjorie & Bill Blackwell, Pansy Kwong, Laurence & Sheila Malone, Regina Michael Hardie, Janet Harrison, John Scott & Sarah Louise Harrison, David Phelps, John Hunt Kenny & Elizabeth Esther Rosenberg, Calvin & Nancy Hartley, Hugh& Rosita Harvey, Jeanetta Hawkins, William & Judith Hein, Walters Helen Heller, Carolyn Henel & Edward Kerley, Leah Hess, Kenneth High, Jan Hintermeister, Allan & Susan Hoben, Catherine Ann Hoffman, Frederick & Lynn Least Tern ($200 to $499) Hollander, Norah Holmgren, Leonard & Wilma Horwitz, Donald & Ann Hughes, George F. & Virginia Bing, Caroline Booth, Jacqueline Craig, Helen Desai, Linda Robert Isaacson, Daniel Jacobs, M. Anne Jennings, Ann & John Kadyk, David L. Eby, Lois Hayn, Elizabeth A. Hook, Marie & Barry Lipman, Stephen & Carol Kallinger, Marilyn Kane, Robert Kaplan, Lee & Margarete Karney, Timothy Kask Lombardi, Diane Marie Luders, Robert & Johanna Mandel, Dorothy & Thomas & Joan Poteet Kask, Beryl Kay, Irving Kestin, C.J. Kingsley, Susan Klein & Charles Mayer, Angus MacDonald Parker, John S. & Hortensia Nelson, George Peyton, Klein Meredith Jane & Gerald Klein, John Kruse, Jennie Kwok & Stan Kwong, Mary E. Schaefer, Joyce and Jim Schnobrich, Carla Soracco & Donna Fong, John Irving Langdell & Patricia Langdell, Jill Lawrence & Michael Reardon, Nicki & Thomas Spillane, John & Ellie Sutter, Inge Svoboda, Noreen Weeden Douglas & Laverne Leach, Alan Leavitt & Marianne Eilmann, Carol Chi-ling Lee, & Eddie Bartley Enid Leff, Edgar & Joyce Lehmann, Evelyne Lennette & Dr. David Lennette, Clapper Rail ($100 to $199) James Lennon, Harry & Jean Bruins Levin, William & Louise Lidicker, William Gary & Christine Bard, Ellen Barth, Janet Beeler, Nellie Bertucci, Mary Burke, Link & Toni Gull Link, James & Laurie Ludwig, Christine & Donald Luppino, Pat Cindy Jane Cobb & Raymond Bruijnes, William Collins, John Conley, Robert Lusk, Mary MacCready & Melvyn Wright, Janet Mandelstam, Rue Mapp, Linda Larkin & Carol Coon, Lawrence Crooks, Roberta Dickinson, Judith Dunham & Margossian, Claudine Marquet, Jan Marsh, Elizabeth Massie, Pamela Christina Charles Denson, Stephen Elston & Cymie Payne, Nancy Eswein, Martin Falarski, McCarthy, Jeff Michel, David & Caroline Moyer, John & Marilyn Muenchow, Marcia Fisher, Mary I. Foley & Arianna Comyns, Gerald Ganz, Andrew & Sharon Rosemary Murphree, Monique Ninove, Ellen Noller, Beatrice O’Keefe, Jean Gillin, Stuart Gold, Christa & Andrew Goldblatt, Robert Hallet, Wendy Howell, Ovenden, Morton Paley, Cora & Donald Pitcock, David & Nancy Platford, John & Jane Johnson, Larry Jones & Barbara Worthing Jones, Samuel Jones Eva Hecht Poinar, Elizabeth Pulling, Darryl Raszl MD & J. Stoner Lichty Jr., & Ingeborg Welther-Jones, Marcia & Larry Kolb, Robert & Hannelore Lewis, William Reed, Patricia Reese, William Remick, David Rice & Carol Shattuck- Kevin Liberg, Germaine Long Gerry, Ann Loper, Dean & Julia Mayberry, Rice, Rebecca Robinson, Arthur Robinson, Florence Rogers, Harold Rosegay Yvonne McHugh & Anthony Brake, Margaret McKinley & Kit Durgin, Mardi & MD, Nancy Rossman, Marjorie Roth, Elizabeth Rubin, Patrick Russell, Frederick Jeff Mertens, J. Tara Morcom, Janet Morgan, Dan and Joan Murphy, Howard Ryerson, Robin Salsburg, Barbara Sandow & Richard Sandow, Donald Santos & Naftzger, Glenn & Charlene Nevill, John Pierce, Bob Power & Amy Forseth, Mary Ann Meany, Ellen Scanlan, Stanley Scher, William Schoenherr, William & Richard & Ellen Price, Barbara & Joel Richmon, Audry Riddlebarger, Donald Virginia Schultz, Irena & Stephen Schwaderer, Sara Segal, Emily Serkin, Peter Riley & Carolyn Serrao, James & Phyllis Ross, Ardena Sandmeyer, Ellen Simms, & Bonnie Sherwood, Michael & Kathryn Keeran, Martha Ann Singer, Richard & Elizabeth Sojourner, Jean Stout, Elizabeth & Adam Talmadge, Christopher Tarp, Janet Sjoberg, Doris Sloan PhD, Mary & Marshall Small, Patricia Smiley, Rondal Mary Turner & Norma Randig, Michael Welther, Juliette & William Wheeler, Snodgrass, Sylvia Spears, Jane Stallman, Madelyn & Harlan Stelmach, Charles & Elizabeth Willey & Richard Mlynarik, Priscilla & Winslow, Matthew Zlatunich & Katharine Sterling, Lynn Strandberg, Elizabeth Struble, Karen Tainter & Charity JoAnn Kinda Zlatunich Damarto, Edward Tanovitz, Maryann McCall Taylor & Douglas Taylor, Michael Tekulsky, Jean Louis & Adam Thacher, David Thomas, Jean Thomas, Kenneth Gifts (to $99) Thompson, Sandy Threlfall and W.E. Threlfall, Martha Doerr Toppin, Lucille Karen Ackerman, Marianne Adkins, Jane Allardt, George & Stephanie Almeida. Van Der Wyck, G. Douglas Vaughan & Doris Kretschmer, Amanda Wallace & Sharon Anderson, Luella Anderson-Findlay, Marylin Arnest, Andrea Auer, John Deborah Self, Dennis & Elizabeth Waterman, Robert Watson, Rona Weintraub, Thomas Bacon, Brenda Bailey, Kristen Baker, Christina Bartlett, Bob Battagin, Robert Wernick & Anne Ackerman, Kristina Whitfi eld, Anna Wilcox, Cynthia Ann Marcus & Mara Bearse, Bruce Bell, Gordon Benner, Adele Louise Bertaud, Wilson, Alison Wood, Edward & Judith Wright, Paul & Patricia Yee, Alexandra Robert Blumberg & Marion Koerper Blumberg, Ann Boren, Evelyn Botti, Yurkovsky Alexander Brennen, Louise China Brotsky & Daniel Roth, Cheri Bryant, Jacque In-Kind Donations Burris, Roderick & Suzanne Bushnell, Muriel Cahn, Helen Cake, Delma Campbell, Marion Cardinal, Marlies Carmody, Jane & Michael Carnall, Kelly Cash, Andrea Juli Chamberlin & Bob Toleno: spotting scope & Michael Cassidy, Alfred & Eunice Childs, Graham Chisholm, Carla Cicero, Della Dash: boombox Janet Cobb, Noel Commins, Barbara Conheim, Rosemary Corbin, Douglas N. Fee: cameras Corbin, Craig Cruz Jr., Jennifer Daggy, Sylvia Darr, Grace Davis, Adrienne De Don Forman: binoculars Bisschop, Barbara Des Rochers, Sheila Mary Dickie, Charles Dresel, David Lee Karney: magazines and tapes Dudley and Dr. Lisa Asta, Leslie McKenna Easterday & Michael Easterday, Jo Employee Gift Match Falcon, Sandra Falk, Marian & Lawrence Feigenbaum, Roland Feller, Mary Sue Chevron Fisher, Monica Fletcher & Stephen Cope Evans, William & Janet Frank, Robert Pacifi c Gas and Electric

10 THE GULL march 2010 CONSERVATION CORNER continued from page 3 beginning at 8:30 p.m. Check our website that hosts need is provided in advance. SYNTHETIC TURF NEEDS MORE to add the building you work in, and join Golden Gate Audubon, which helped ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW the Lights Out for Birds program. establish Audubon Canyon Ranch, is In January, Golden Gate Audubon appealed responsible for providing volunteer hosts the San Francisco Planning Department’s AUDUBON CANYON RANCH on April 3, 17, and 18; May 8, 30, and 31 decision to apply an exemption under the OPENS—BE A HOST AT THE (Memorial Day); June 26 and 27; and July California Environmental Quality Act MARIN HERONRY 5 (Fourth of July holiday weekend). Hosts (CEQA) for the artifi cial turf conversion If you want to enjoy a renowned Bay Area arrive by 9 and work until about 4:30 p.m., at the Beach Chalet in Golden Gate Park. birding locale while sharing it with others, with a lunch break. For more information Subsequently, the planning department join Golden Gate Audubon’s team of Audu- and to sign up, please contact Anna-Marie withdrew its exemption fi nding and initi- bon Canyon Ranch (ACR) hosts this spring. Bratton at [email protected]. ated a new round of environmental review Each year, thousands of visitors come to the If you are unable to be a host, be sure to for the project. The project would remove ACR’s Bolinas Lagoon Preserve in western visit the Bolinas Lagoon Preserve. The pub- four soccer fi elds of naturally growing grass Marin County, which has one of the most lic season runs from March 20 to July 11; and several trees to install synthetic turf and studied and hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, 60-foot lighting structures, illuminating the nesting sites on the West Coast. Hosts Sundays, and holidays. For more informa- western end of the park for the fi rst time. greet and direct visitors and answer ques- tion and directions, call 415.868.9244 or These signifi cant changes to the park’s tions about the heronry. All the information visit www.egret.org. natural character confl ict with both the San Francisco General Plan and the Golden Gate Park Master Plan. Consequently, Honoring Betty Berenson opposition to the Beach Chalet has grown Golden Gate Audubon lost a valued member and committed volunteer when Betty to include several community groups, Berenson died on December 13, 2009. Betty fi rst became involved with GGA at a 2003 among them the Golden Gate Preserva- Restore-a-Thon. She then volunteered for the Eastshore State Park census, the San tion Alliance, the Sierra Club, the Planning Francisco Christmas Bird Count, and habitat restoration projects at Pier 94. Because Association for the Richmond, the Sunset of her love for Pier 94 and Heron’s Head Park, the city’s southern waterfront was her Parkside Education and Action Committee, favorite area to cover for the CBC. and San Francisco Architectural Heritage. Each workday, Betty arrived full of energy and good humor to attack the persistent On January 14, the Animal Control and patch of yellow star thistle in order to accomplish her personal goal of eradicating one of Welfare Commission agreed to send a letter the most invasive plants at Pier 94. She often stayed late or went to the site on her own. to the Board of Supervisors and the Rec- The one thing that pulled her away was the San Francisco Botanical Garden fi eld trips, reation and Parks Commission calling for co-led by friend Ginny Marshall. She looked forward to the monthly trips and even an environmental review of the proposed joined our workday after the trips ended. Her determination was astounding, yet she project. Check our website for upcoming did not want to be lauded for her efforts, preferring to see others recognized instead. meetings, or join the San Francisco Con- In honor of Betty Berenson, our March 6 workday at Pier 94 (see page 5) will begin servation Committee to participate. and end with birding. At 8 a.m., we will bird around the Pier 94 wetlands; at noon, when our work is over, we will bird at Heron’s Head Park. Please let us know if you will LIGHTS OUT FOR BIRDS attend the birding sessions by contacting Jennifer Robinson Maddox at 510.843.5873 or Turn off the lights—spring migration is upon [email protected]. us! We’re asking business owners, manag- ers, and tenants to save natural resources and money, while protecting birds, by dim- ming or turning off lights during the spring Remembering Tom Condit, CBC Leader migration, through May 31. Many birds Tom Condit, longtime leader of several Oakland Christmas Bird Count areas, passed migrate at night and may be distracted by away in early January. Although he was unable to participate in the 2009 CBC on lights on tall buildings. Birds on a noctur- December 20, he attended the compilation dinner with his wife, Marsha Feinland, nal migration normally use directional cues who took sole charge of the Redwood Regional Park and Joaquin Miller Park team. from the moon and stars. By dimming or Over the years, Tom, with Marsha at his side, led CBC teams in Orinda, at Briones turning off lights, or drawing curtains Reservoir and Knowland Park, and, fi nally, for many counts, at Redwood and Joaquin and blinds, we can reduce the incidence Miller parks and nearby areas of the Oakland hills. An avid hiker, he began birding in of birds colliding with buildings. We also 1980 when he worked in Emeryville and regularly walked to the marina area. Tom’s invite everyone to participate in the world- attentiveness to many details in the natural world and his dedication to the CBC are wide Earth Hour on March 27 by turning only two of the many reasons he will be missed. off unnecessary electricity for one hour,

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

ALTAMONT PASS continued from page 1 concessions from the wind companies to and expedite repowering the Altamont Pass of all turbines—have not reduced mortal- remove more deadly turbines. before conducting any further wind power ity as expected. Both the draft Bird Fatality Despite these efforts, the 2009 draft generation activities in the Altamont Pass. Study authors and Dr. Smallwood have Bird Fatality Study concludes that there has This means that all the turbines turned off concluded that the only way to signifi cantly not been a signifi cant reduction in avian during the winter shutdown must remain reduce avian mortality in the Altamont Pass mortality in the Altamont Pass—certainly dormant until the adaptive management is to remove old turbines and replace them nothing meeting the 50 percent reduction plan is implemented. If necessary, we will with new turbines that kill fewer birds or goal. Alameda County’s Scientifi c Review direct our attorney to seek a restraining to remove wind operations from the area Committee and Planning Department have order in court to prevent the wind compa- altogether. both publicly stated that the goal has not nies from operating without the adaptive Observers have recorded bird deaths due been met. management plan. to turbine operations since the turbines The only bright spot of the study is its As we wrangle over how to manage the were fi rst installed in the Altamont Pass fi nding that replacing old turbines with current operations, Golden Gate Audubon in the 1980s. The ongoing high mortality newer turbines—a process dubbed “repow- continues to serve on the Steering Commit- rates, combined with the unwillingness of ering”—may signifi cantly reduce mortality tee for the long-term Natural Communities state or federal regulatory agencies to step for most bird species. To date, researchers Conservation Plan (NCCP). Once com- in, spurred Golden Gate Audubon and sev- have published reports from monitoring at plete, the NCCP will govern how repowered eral others to challenge the wind companies’ two repowered sites in the Altamont Pass turbines are operated and maintained in permits when they came up for renewal in and found that total avian mortality was the Altamont Pass and provide specifi c the early 2000s. In 2007 we arrived at a reduced by approximately 77 percent at one (and enforceable) conservation benefi ts for settlement with Alameda County and the site and 89 percent at another. species such as the Golden Eagle and the wind companies requiring that avian mor- However, these studies indicate that the . The conservation plan will tality be reduced by 50 percent within three new turbines may result in higher mortality include state and federal environmental years and that a habitat conservation plan for Golden Eagles and bats. Dr. Smallwood review and must be accepted as adequate be completed for wind operations in the and others state the Golden Eagle and bat by the California Department of Fish and Altamont Pass. mortality may be reduced if the turbines Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Golden Gate Audubon spent much of are located in the proper sites (that is, with Service. 2008 in mediation with the wind compa- lower risks of collisions) and operated in a The NCCP is scheduled to be complete nies, arguing that their failure to adequately manner that makes them safer for wildlife. by the end of 2011. We hope that it will lay implement the terms of the settlement and Golden Gate Audubon is insisting that the framework for immediately repowering the SRC’s recommendations was resulting the companies implement an effective and the Altamont Pass, and thereby signifi cantly in a failure to reduce bird deaths. Media- adequate adaptive management plan with reducing risks to most birds. tion ended in late 2008 with additional specifi c terms to reduce avian mortality —Mike Lynes, Conservation Director

The Gull is printed with soy-based inks on chlorine-free paper, 30% postconsumer waste content.