April 2017

EARTHCARE NORTHWEST SPRING 2017 SUPPLEMENT

CLASSES, FIELD TRIPS, & OFFERINGS

NEIGHBORHOOD BIRD WALKS Classes p.2 Pre-registration required. Please APRIL call The Nature Shop at 206-523- 4483. 1 – Field Trip: Montlake Fill Classes can now also be 4 – NBW: Magnuson Park registered for online at 7 – Class: Birds and Plants of the Shrub-Steppe www.seattleaudubon.org 8 – NBW: 10,17 – Class: Birding by Ear p.4 15 – Field Trip: Magnuson Park Field Trips 18,25 – Class: Intro to the Mammals of NEW Trips are listed the first of 20 – Class: Intro to Warblers and Vireos of the PNW every month. 21 – Field Trip: Juanita Bay Park Pre-registration required. Please 22 – Field Trip: Snoqualmie Point call The Nature Shop at 206-523- 22 – NBW: Washington Park Arboretum 4483.

27 – Class: Into to Flycatchers of the PNW 28 – Field Trip: Discovery Park Neighborhood Bird 30 – Field Trip: Nearly Local Birding Walks p.7

Open to all, no registration MAY (Bird-a-thon!) required. 2 – Field Trip: Snoqualmie Wildlife Area 6 – Field Trip: Grays Harbor Area Information 13 – Field Trip: Cle Elum to Ellensburg Hotspots Field trip tips & rules and the 19 – Field Trip: Luther Burbank park, Mercer Island Audubon Code of 16 – NBW: Magnuson Park Conduct 16 – Class: Garden Hospitality- Inviting Birds and Bugs to Your Yard Available at 20 – Field Trip: Magnuson Park www.seattleaudubon.org 20 – Field Trip: Umtanum Creek Recreational Area

21 – Field Trip: Washington Park Arboretum Bird Walk 27 – Field Trip: Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, Shoreline Email List To receive these supplements CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES monthly via email, please email [email protected]. April 19, May 18 - Fledgling & Friends Story Time, 10:30am

Spring Classes Dates and times subject to change

Birds and Plants of the Shrub-Steppe With Andy Stepniewski, author of Birds of Yakima County Lecture: Friday April 7, 6:00-8:00 pm Field Trip: Saturday April 8, 6:30 am - 6:30 pm Location: Board Room, 2100 Building, 24th Ave S, Seattle Cost: $60 members; $75 non-members for lecture and field trip; $40 members for lecture only; $55 non-members for lecture only Limit: 20 for lecture and field trip; additional 20 for lecture only This class will introduce you to the plant and bird communities of the shrub-steppe ecosystem in the Columbia Basin of eastern Washington. The instructor will present botanical tidbits relating to birds and touch on conservation issues. Andy will emphasize the relationships between Horned Larks, Sage Sparrows, Sage Thrashers, Brewer's Sparrows, Sage Grouse, and Vesper Sparrows and the preferred habitats of each within this unique mosaic of plant communities. Two leaders will conduct the day-long field trip to the Columbia Basin amidst spectacular wildflowers.

Birding By Ear - Learning NW Bird Voices With Bob Sundstrom, Professional Birding Tour Leader & BirdNote Lead Writer Lecture: Mondays April 10 and 17, 6:00-8:00pm Location: Board Room, 2100 Building, 24th Ave S, Seattle Field Trip: Field Trip #1: Tuesday April 25 – South Field Trip #2: Wednesday May 31 – East of the Cascades Cost: $100 members, $115 non-members, (for 2 lectures and 1 field trip) $175 members, $190 non-members, (for 2 lectures and BOTH field trips) Limit: 18 per field trip Tune your ears and get a handle on bird songs in this popular class. Birding by ear improves the ability to identify birds and to know when a less common bird is close by. Ideal for students new to birding-by-ear or veterans who want an intensive refresher. Day-long field trips offer intensive experience listening to birds and cover a variety of habitats within 100 miles of Seattle. The class includes two evening lectures and your choice of one or two of the day-long field trips.

Introduction to the Mammals of Washington: From Mountains to Molehills With Mike Donahue Lectures: Tuesdays, April 18 and 25, 7:00-9:00pm Location: Phinney Neighborhood Center Field Trip: Saturday April 29th , full day Cost: Lecture only: $60 members, $75 nonmembers Lecture and field trip: $80 members, $95 non members Limit: Lecture: 40 participants Field trip: 12 participants (3 cars) This class will give an overview of the mammal diversity in the state, emphasizing the species most likely to be seen, their natural history, and where to see them. There will be a full day field trip to Vantage. Mike recommends A Field Guide to Mammals of North America North of Mexico by Fiona Reid.

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Introduction to Warblers and Vireos of the Pacific Northwest With Hans de Grys, Chemistry Teacher at Lakeside School, Master Birder, Recipient - MIT’s Inspirational Teacher Award Lecture: Thursday, April 20, 7pm-9pm Location: Lakeside School, Allen-Gates Bldg, Room 104 Cost: $30 members, $45 non-members Limit: 20 Warblers are one of the most sought after groups of breeding songbirds due to their brilliant colors, distinctive vocalizations, and fascinating natural history. Their varying plumages, habitats, and songs make them an interesting and challenging group for birders. This class will focus on both the natural history and the identification (by sight and sound) of this group of songbirds. We will also compare and contrast warblers to some superficially similar groups such as vireos and kinglets. This session is suitable for beginning and intermediate birders.

Introduction to Flycatchers of the Pacific Northwest With Hans de Grys, Chemistry Teacher at Lakeside School, Master Birder, Recipient - MIT’s Inspirational Teacher Award Lecture: Thursday, April 27, 7pm-9pm Location: Lakeside School, Allen-Gates Bldg, Room 104 Cost: $30 members, $45 non-members Limit: 20 More than a dozen species of flycatchers migrate north to Washington State each spring to breed and raise their chicks. While flycatchers are notorious for being similar to each other and challenging to identify, most of our flycatcher species are actually quite distinct, with differing field marks, vocalizations, habits, and natural histories. This class will focus on flycatcher identification by sight, behavior, habitat, and voice. This session is suitable for beginning and intermediate birders.

Garden Hospitality- Inviting Birds and Bugs to Your Yard With Penny Bolton, Master Birder, King County Master Gardener, and PNW native Lecture: Tuesday May 16th, 7:00-9:00pm Location: Montlake Community Center Cost: $30 members, $45 non-members Limit: 25 A how-to for making your home gardens and yards friendly and safe for birds and other wildlife. The class goal is for participants to see how they fit into the ecosystem and how they can help ameliorate some of the negative impacts that increased density brings. The class will review some numbers about home gardens and densification, look at and listen to the most common yard birds in Seattle, followed by discussing how gardeners can encourage and appropriately support the birds and beneficial insects native to our area. Strategies covered include creating safe landscapes, animal behavior including common pests and cats.

Native Tree ID with Van Bobbitt, Horticulture Instructor and Arboretum Coordinator at South Seattle Community College Lecture: Saturday June 3, 9:00am-12:30pm Location: Phinney Community Center Cost: $45 members, $60 non-members Limit: 25 Learning to ID trees can change the way you relate to nature. Instead of just seeing trees, you begin to see a diversity of species, you know their names, and they become like old friends. In this class, you will learn to use a simple botanical key to ID native trees and appreciate their environmental adaptations and landscape uses. Students should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather as part of the class will be outdoors. It would be helpful, but not required, if they could bring a hand lens (small magnifying glass) to class. 3

April Field Trips Montlake Fill ( Natural Area) Saturday April 1, 2017 – Limit 12 Leaders: Sharon Ellard (day of trip only: 206-963-4781), Julie Monahan 7:30 AM, Center for Urban Horticulture east parking lot by the greenhouses Beginning birders especially welcome on this very early spring 3+ mile walk. No requirement to be an April Fool! We expect wrens, some early migrants, raptors and waterfowl. The Fill often provides a look at (or sound of) the unexpected bird. We should find as many as 40 species. Bring binoculars, a scope if you own one. Wear layers, be prepared for rain and have boots for the mud. Expect mostly flat terrain. You may want to bring snacks and water. Since restrooms are scarce, you will want to stop at the U Village QFC before you arrive. Over by about 11:30 a.m.

Magnuson Park, Seattle Saturday April 15, 2017 – Limit 12 Leader: Jan Bragg (day of trip only: 206-234-7196) 9:00 AM, Education Pavilion (west side of E-1, boat launch parking lot. Drive in NE 65th St Entrance, at end of drive on your right.) Bus #75. This is a great time of year for songsters, especially if the sun is shining! As we climb uphill and down, we'll be looking and listening for arriving migratory birds (Osprey, swallows and Savannah Sparrows). We will also be watching for signs of nesting. And we will look for lingering ducks in the wetlands and along the shoreline, depending on interest. Be prepared to walk over uneven, wet, muddy ground. This is open to all levels of birders, especially those wanting to bird by ear. Children accompanied by adult welcome. Over early afternoon.

Juanita Bay Park, Kirkland Friday April 21, 2017 – Limit 10 Leader: Jean Trent 8:00 AM, 2201 Market Street in Kirkland, Juanita Bay Park parking lot Explore a mix of habitats, finding waterfowl, raptors, woodpeckers, swallows and perhaps a shorebird. The early migrants will be arriving, some of the wintering passerines will still be around, the resident birds will be singing and establishing territories, and there’s always the possibility of a surprise. Scopes helpful. Dress for the weather. Over by 11:00am.

Snoqualmie Point Bird & Hike Saturday April 22, 2017 – Limit 6 Leaders: Scott Ramos and Jeanelle Richardson 6:00 AM, (Ravenna) P&R Snoqualmie Point is the northern access point to the Rattlesnake Ridge trail. It climbs through alder woods, a recent clearcut and older second growth conifer forest, thus offering a varied set of habitats. Expect to see and hear a variety of passerines, including warblers and vireos. With luck, we may encounter Red Crossbills, Varied Thrush and Sooty Grouse. And raptors are always a possibility. We will hike about 5 miles, with an elevation gain of 1500 feet, both on trail and on old logging roads. Bring snacks and fluids, protection from the weather, and sturdy hiking boots. Return mid- to late- afternoon. Carpool cost: $12, shared equally by riders.

Discovery Park Friday April 28, 2017 – Limit 8 Leaders: Kathy & Arn Slettebak 7:00 AM, Discovery Park Visitor Center Parking Lot

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We’ll take a leisurely 3 to 4 -mile walk, with some elevation gain and loss, on the Loop Trail and Wolf Tree Nature Trail. We will explore forest, field and wetland habitats looking for resident and migrant birds. Dress for weather; bring binoculars, water & snacks. Over by 11 a.m.

Nearly Local Birding “North of the Border” - half day to Edmonds Area Hotspots Sunday April 30, 2017 - Limit 6 Leaders: Jon Houghton (206) 601-0773, and Renee Koval-Huenuquero 6:30 AM, Willow Creek Hatchery. 95 Pine Street, Edmonds This will be a great trip for north-end beginning and intermediate birders. Learn some cool birding areas you can access for a few minutes, or a few hours, any day of the year! We’ll visit some easily accessible areas within minutes of Northgate (OK, they’re in south Snohomish Co.). Diverse habitats of mature second growth forest, freshwater marsh and riparian scrub, saltmarsh, and marine shorelines will be included. We should see a diverse mixture of resident and migrant, upland and marine birds including warblers, vireos, sparrows, wrens, herons, scoters, alcids, and maybe an urban owl!

May (Bird-a-thon) Field Trips

Snoqualmie Wildlife Area – Stillwater Unit & Tolt River-MacDonald Park, Carnation Tuesday, May 2, 2017 – Limit 15 Leaders: Anne Jacobs, Dick Lazeres and Patty North (206) 288-3484 day of trip only 7:30 AM, South parking lot of the Stillwater Unit (specifics below) or 6:45 at Green Lake (Ravenna) P&R Stillwater offers a fine diversity of habitat from open fields and riparian woodlands to marshy wetlands. We’ll bird along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail and head out across the fields to the Snoqualmie River. At the end of our 3 mile loop we may return to the cars and move to Tolt–MacDonald Park in Carnation. This is another area of diverse habitat where you can expect almost any Western Washington lowland species. Mostly level walking about 5 miles, total for both locations. Tall grass can be quite wet so wear boots and dress in layers, bring raingear. Field trip over by about noon. Drivers will need a Discover Pass. Carpool cost $15 shared equally by passengers, plus $15 donation to Seattle Audubon for Bird-a-thon. The Stillwater Unit is located on Highway 203 between Carnation and Duvall, on the west side of the Carnation-Duvall highway. The south parking lot is 300 yards north of the Stillwater gas station on Highway 203.

Grays Harbor Area Saturday, May 6, 2017 - Limit 11 in 3 cars Leader: Brian H. Bell (cell 206-619-0379 morning of trip only) 5:30 AM, Ravenna P&R (NE 65th St. under I-5, north side) Shorebirds, in breeding plumage, start moving north in mid-April and by early May should be present in good numbers. We’ll explore the most likely locations (probably including Bottle Beach) searching out plovers and sandpipers, and will be looking for seabirds, gulls, and passerines as well. Spotting scopes highly recommended. Drivers will need a Discover Pass. Bring lunch, snacks and fluids. Dress in layers and bring raingear. Carpool cost $80 shared by riders. $25 donation to Seattle Audubon for Bird-a-thon.

Cle Elum to Ellensburg Hotspots Saturday, May 13, 2017 - Limit 11 in 3 cars Leader: Lee Barnes (cell day of trip 206-310-0552) 5:30 AM, uncovered Tibbetts Lot (1675 Newport Way NW), across street from 3-story parking structure at Issaquah Transit Center Bullfrog Pond, Cle Elum hummingbird feeders, Railroad Ponds, Taneum Creek, Robinson Canyon, Manastash Canyon, Riverside Park, Umtanum Ridge; Old Vantage Highway, Swauk Prairie or Yakima Canyon for the finale. Depending on time,

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maybe a stop at the Pioneer Café for ice cream (time permitting). Back 5-7 pm. Bring lunch and dress for weather (cool morning with warm afternoon). Scopes helpful, cameras OK. Drivers bring Discover Pass. $50 carpool cost shared by riders. $25 donation to Seattle Audubon for Bird-a-thon.

Luther Burbank Park, Mercer Island Friday, May 19, 2017 – Limit 10 Leader: Judy Roan (cell 206-265-2661 day of trip only) 9:00 AM, in north parking lot near tennis courts Nesting season has begun and birds will be courting and singing on territories. Red-winged Blackbirds, Bald Eagles, grebes, woodpeckers, Anna's Hummingbirds, sparrows – we will just have to see what we find. Walk one mile; ground can be soggy, so proper foot-gear is needed. Dress in layers, bring raingear. Back by noon. $15 donation to Seattle Audubon for Bird-a-thon.

Magnuson Park, Seattle Saturday May 20th, 2017 - Limit 12 Leader: Emily Bishton (day of trip only phone 206-523-1774) 9:00 AM, Promontory Point Environmental Learning Center Magnuson Park is in NE Seattle. Take bus #75 or #62 to the park entrance at NE 65th St and Sand Point Way NE. Travel down NE 65th St. to the first stop sign, and turn right into parking lot E-1. Meet at the Promontory Point Environmental Learning Center, which is the red-metal-roofed shelter next to the west edge of parking lot E-1. This field trip is geared for beginner birders and families. We will spend approximately 3 hours spotting birds from the trails of Promontory Point, the Flyway, and the entire Wetlands Complex. We'll keep a lookout for the multiple sparrow and swallow species that are annual summer visitors, as well as year-round residents such as Downy Woodpecker, Pied- billed Grebe, Osprey, other raptors and waterfowl. Be prepared for approximately 2 miles of walking, uphill and down. Dress in layers, bring raingear. If you wish to borrow binoculars, make sure to request them from the Seattle Audubon office when you register. Donation $15 to Seattle Audubon for Bird-a-thon.

Umtanum Creek Recreational Area Saturday, May 20, 2017 - Limit 6 in 2 cars Leaders: Tiffany and Tor Linbo (206-491-3148, day of trip only) 6:00 AM, uncovered Tibbetts Lot (1675 Newport Way NW), across the street from the 3-story parking structure at Issaquah Transit Center Prepare to hike 6 miles through sage-steppe, riparian, Ponderosa pine, and open meadows up Umtanum Creek. Elevation gain is gradual, but there are a couple of shallow stream crossings. Birds we hope to see include Yellow-breasted Chat, Prairie Falcon, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock's Oriole, and Lewis Woodpecker. Wear hiking footwear and lightweight clothing that covers legs and ankles. Bring lunch, water and snacks; back late afternoon. Parking fee payable at the parking lot or National Parks Pass required for each car. Carpool cost: $60 shared equally by riders, in addition to $25 donation to Seattle Audubon for Bird-a-thon.

Washington Park Arboretum Bird Walk Sunday, May 21, 2017 – Limit 12 Leader: Penny Bolton (day of trip only phone 206-819-5643) 9:30 to 11:00 AM, Graham Visitor’s Center Beginners and kids! Let’s do a City Birders Field Trip to the Washington Park Arboretum. Join Master Birder Penny Bolton to learn about our city birds. Penny will take you through the forested part of the Arboretum to listen to our local birds. Then we’ll visit the “Duck Pond” and see who is there. Bring your curiosity and binoculars, if you have them. Walk will be over by 11 AM. $15 donation to Seattle Audubon for Bird-a-thon.

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Richmond Beach Saltwater Park - Shoreline Saturday, May 27, 2017 – Limit 10 Leader: Joe Sweeney 8:00 AM in the parking lot at the bottom of the entrance road, near the restrooms. To reach Richmond Beach Saltwater Park (aka Richmond Beach Park), enter from 20th Avenue NW after turning south from NW 195th Street in Shoreline. Expect to walk 2-3 leisurely paced miles, including some hills and steps. Bring binoculars, of course. A scope will also be helpful, if you have one. We will first walk the main paths and steps in this very scenic park. Then, we’ll return to our cars and walk the short distance to the beach for some sea bird watching overlooking the Puget Sound. The weather is usually cooler on the beach, so wear layers and rain gear, if necessary. Over by 10:30 AM. Donation $15 to Seattle Audubon for Bird-a-thon.

Neighborhood Bird Walks Join Seattle Audubon, rain or shine, for a two-hour bird walk. No sign up required! Beginning birders or new Seattleites will especially enjoy this initial exposure to the rich variety of regional bird life. Families and non-members are welcome to attend. Further information is available at www.seattleaudubon.org or from Seattle Audubon Nature Shop, 206-523-4483. Magnuson Park Tuesday, April 4, 9:00-11:00 am Leader: Joe Sweeney Meeting Point: Promontory Point Pavilion Magnuson Park is in NE Seattle. Take bus #75 to NE 65th St Entrance on Sand Point Way NE. The Promontory Point Pavilion is a red-metal-roofed structure next to the little drive-in road at the west edge of parking lot E-1. It is marked with a pink square on the Magnuson Park map.

Discovery Park Saturday April 8, 8:30-10:30 am Leaders: Neil & Carleen Zimmerman, 425-485-3122, [email protected] Meeting Point: Discovery Park South Parking Lot Discovery Park is at the western end of Interbay-Magnolia. Meet near the toilet facility at the South Parking lot (enter on right off W Emerson St. just beyond Viewmont Way W).

Washington Park Arboretum Saturday, April 22, 9:00-11:00 am Leader: Penny Bolton Meeting Point: Graham Visitors Center Parking Lot; 2300 Arboretum Drive E The Washington Park Arboretum is a 200-acre park on the shore of , in the Madison Park neighborhood of Seattle. This 2 hour morning stroll will give you the opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of this special Seattle park and tree collection. The spring migration will be in full swing so the warblers and other singers will be in the park. Bring your ears and your binoculars. This is a good walk for families with children but not for dogs.

Magnuson Park Tuesday, May 16, 9:00-11:00 am Leader: Joe Sweeney Meeting Point: Promontory Point Pavilion Magnuson Park is in NE Seattle. Take bus #75 to NE 65th St Entrance on Sand Point Way NE. The Promontory Point Pavilion is a red-metal-roofed structure next to the little drive-in road at the west edge of parking lot E-1. It is marked with a pink square on the Magnuson Park map. 7

Field Trip Rules of the Road Code of Conduct Registration Procedures Seattle Audubon offers many programs and activities to its  Please sign up in advance for all field trips. members and the public led by either professional staff or  Register for a trip by calling the Seattle Audubon volunteers. In its goal to provide an enjoyable experience for all office at 206-523-4483. Provide a contact name and and provide an active model of respect for birds and wildlife number for emergencies when you sign up. while cultivating and leading a community that values and  Members may sign up for themselves and one guest protects birds and the natural environment, it provides these for no more than two trips*. Nonmembers may sign rules of conduct for participants in Seattle Audubon programs up only on the wait list. and activities.  Do not call leaders to register; their numbers are listed Any behavior or activity that unreasonably interferes with only for last-minute cancellations. others’ use and enjoyment of Seattle Audubon activities,  Registration starts the first of each month as soon as programs or facility will not be tolerated, including but not trips are listed on www.seattleaudubon.org limited to:  Field trips are for people 18 years of age and older.  Use of abusive or threatening language or gestures Anyone under 18 must call for additional information  Loud, inappropriate, or argumentative or verbal or physical before registering. behavior Field Trip Preparation and Expectations  Using electronic and communication devices in a manner  No pets are allowed on any field trip. that is disruptive to others, including wildlife  Be prepared with layers, rain gear, and waterproof  Inappropriate or inadequate clothing or footwear for the footwear appropriate to the weather. activity or program  Always bring a lunch, drinks, and snacks for trips that  Interfering with the free passage of staff, volunteers or go beyond midday. participants  Bring binoculars, field guides, and cash for carpool  Soliciting or using handouts without permission fees, ferries, lattes, etc.  Non-compliance with staff or volunteer expectations or  If you have them, bring spotting scopes, walkie talkies, behavior that causes unnecessary stress for leaders and WDFW stickers, Golden Age passes, and park passes. other participants  Please stay with the group when in the field.  Disturbing, altering or damaging the Seattle Audubon  Arrive at meeting place a few minutes early. Leaders building or grounds will not wait for late arrivals.  Disruptive or inappropriate behavior that would affect birds,  Carpool fees are 25 cents per mile and are listed for other wildlife or habitat each trip, to be divided by passengers in each Use of Seattle Audubon materials or equipment, building car. Ferry tolls and park fees are additional. or grounds in any manner is not allowed if it:  Field trip participants must wear seat-belts.  Can be expected to damage property or the property of  Like most other organizations, Seattle Audubon now others requires participants to sign a waiver as a condition of  Is likely to cause personal injury to one’s self or others participating in these free services.  Involves locating signs, posters or other materials without  Participants are expected to comply to Seattle permission Audubon’s Code of Conduct (available at  Would invade others’ privacy www.seattleaudubon.org)  Would threaten Seattle Audubon’s not-for-profit status Cancellation Procedures  Would be contrary to approved use of materials or  If you are unable to attend a trip for which you equipment registered, notify the office ASAP so someone else can  Would endanger or threaten birds or other wildlife fill your spot.  Would damage habitat  Repeat no-shows will be bumped to the wait list. Any behavior that is prohibited by law will not be tolerated.  Call the leader only for last-minute cancellations. Seattle Audubon will attempt to apply these rules in a fair and reasonable manner. Failure to comply with this code of conduct could result in restriction of privileges.

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