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Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society Established 1926 AVOCET The Newsletter of the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society September-October 2017 Panoche Valley: Saving an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Shani Kleinhaus, Environmental Advocate oncluding almost eight years of advocacy and litiga- tion, SCVAS, Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter, and Defenders of Wildlife have signed a settlement agree- Cment that allows a photovoltaic solar farm to be built on about 1,000 acres of Panoche Valley floor, while at the same time preserving 26,000 acres, including 4,000 acres of valley floor grasslands, as habitat for endangered species. Califor- nia Department of Fish and Wildlife and Con Edison have also signed the agreement. We are proud of this achievement! Monterey Audubon Society first alerted SCVAS to the plans to construct a solar farm in Panoche Valley. In 2009, plans for solar arrays and supportive infrastructure encompassed most of the valley floor, as well as Little Panoche Valley. No mitigation was offered for the inevitable loss of habitat for the many endangered species that call the valley home, so we started mobilizing. In early 2010 we organized a work- shop that formed an alliance of farmers and environmental organizations in opposition to the project. This alliance has never faltered. In the years that followed, our advocacy and permit require- ments by state and federal wildlife agencies resulted in changing project ownership as investors came and went. The project footprint shrunk and mitigation lands were added. San Benito County produced additional environmental re- view documents, asserting repeatedly that the construction of a solar project on thousands of acres of valley floor could Ferruginous Hawk by Debra Shearwater cont’d on page 4

Wednesday, September 20, 2017 Cuba - The Isle of Endemics: Birds and Bats! with Dave Johnston

Wednesday, October 18, 2017 Understanding 's Whales with Ted Cheeseman

The Avocet 1 Please carpool if possible; bring binoculars, field guides, layered September-October Field Trips clothing. LO = Lunch optional; RC = Heavy rain cancels; NF = No (Full details are also available online at www.scvas.org) facilities available Saturday, Sept. 2, 8:00AM Sunday, Sept. 10, 9:00AM Saturday, Sept. 16, 8:15AM Picchetti Ranch Charleston Slough Sunnyvale Baylands Half day. Leader: Dave Zittin, Half day. Leader: Allen Royer, Half day. Leader: Kirsten Hol- (408) 515-7104. Directions: From (408) 288-7768. Directions: From mquist, (408) 747-0988. Direc- I-280 in Cupertino take Foothill Hwy 101 in Mountain View take tions: Go north on Lawrence Blvd south 3.3 miles (becomes San Antonio Rd north to Termi- Expwy from Hwy 237. The turn Stevens Canyon Rd). Turn right on nal Way parking area. Meet at for the park is about half a mile on Monte Bello Rd. go about a mile, entrance nearest San Antonio Rd. the right. Meet in parking lot to the turn left past winery entrance into Notes: For beginning birders but right of the entrance kiosk. RC preserve parking lot. All birding all are encouraged to attend. Bring levels welcome! Difficulty: Mod- your spotting scope and a friend. Sunday, Sept. 17, 8:00AM erately strenuous walk past an old Santa Theresa County Park orchard, seasonal pond, and oak Tuesday, Sept. 12, 12:30PM Half day. Leader: Steve Tracey, woodlands. Shoreline Riparian to Baylands (408) 966-3860. Directions: From 2.5 hours. Leader: Ralph Schardt, CA 85 South exit 1B (Bernal) or Sunday, Sept. 3, 8:00AM (408) 624-7845. Directions: From take Santa Teresa Blvd. and go Arastradero OSP Hwy 101, take the Shoreline Exit south on Bernal. Follow Bernal Half day. Leader: Rich Page, and head for the Bay. Turn right uphill and turn left at entrance (408) 377-1092. Directions: From on Stierlin Ct. and continue to road. Difficulty: Approx. 2 miles, I-280 take Page Mill Rd. west; turn the end of the road. Parking is some hills. Note: $6 day pass or right on Arastradero Rd. and meet available on the right, carpool if county pass required; purchase at in the parking lot about a half-mile possible. This is an unused area first parking lot.LO, RC on the right. Difficulty: Moder- along Stevens Creek that goes out ately strenuous hiking. RC to the Bay. Highlights: Riparian Saturday, Sept. 23, 9:00AM birds, raptors, and shoreline birds. Palo Alto Baylands Wednesday, Sept. 6, 12:00PM Difficulty: Easy walk with places Half day. Leader: Allen Royer, City of Sunnyvale Landfill to stop on bridges over the creek for (408) 288-7768. Directions: From One hour. Leader: Allen Royer. better access to birds and scoping. Hwy 101 in Palo Alto turn right No RSVP needed. Contact land- RC, LO, RSVP Required: Fill out onto Embarcadero Rd. At the stop fill coordinator, Silviana Ruiz, the form by clicking on the trip on sign (not light), go left and fol- with questions at (408) 730-7545. our website calendar or go to low the road past the duck pond Directions: Donald M. Somers https://goo.gl/forms/ to the parking lot across from the Water Pollution Control Plant, h9NPlxZY6f7a3uAM2 building under construction (Lucy junction of Borregas and Carib- Evans Center). Meet at the poles/ bean. Meet at trailhead at north Wednesday, Sept. 13, 8:30AM gate to San Francisquito Creek end. Difficulty: Birding geared Trail (towards Lucy Evans Cen- toward beginners. Notes: Bring Half day. Leader: Janna Pauser, ter). Difficulty: For beginning binoculars; loaners available. RC (408) 569-9264 or jannapauser@ birders but all are encouraged to gmail.com. Directions: From attend. Note: Bring your spotting Saturday, Sept. 9, 8:15AM Hwy 17 exit Lark Ave, go west scope and a friend. RC Stevens Creek Park to University Ave. Turn left onto Half day. Leader: Jim Johnson, Blossom Hill Rd and use main Sunday, Sept. 24, 8:30AM (408) 996-3506. Directions: From entrance. Turn into first parking San Luis Reservoir SRA I-280 in Cupertino take Foot- lot on left after kiosk. Highlights: San Luis Creek Area (O’Neill Forebay) hill Expwy exit south 2.1 miles We’ll bird the south end of this Half day. Leader: Pete Dunten, (becomes Stevens Canyon Rd). popular Los Gatos park and should (650) 210-6764. Directions: From Turn left into first park entrance see Western Tanagers, migrating Hwy 101 take Hwy 152 east into and meet in Chestnut Picnic Area warblers, and some fall arrivals. Merced County; turn left into the parking lot. Note: Entrance fee Difficulty: Easy walking. Notes: park entrance before you reach the required. Gate opens at 8:00AM. Entrance turnoff for Basalt Campground. fee is $6 without county park pass. Meet at the docks. Highlights: The Avocet 2 Field Trips cont’d Sunday, Oct. 8, 8:00AM Sunday, Oct. 22, 8:00AM Oka Ponds Grant Ranch We’ll see what’s on the water Half day. Leader: Rich Page, Half day. Leader: Steve Tracey, and what’s up in the trees along (408) 377-1092. Directions: Take (408) 966-3860. Directions: From the Forebay. Difficulty: Approx. 17 South to Lark Ave exit, go right I-680 take Alum Rock Ave north- 3-mile hike. Note: $10 fee required onto Oka Rd, then turn left onto east, turn right on Hamilton Rd per vehicle. W. Mozart Ave, and turn right onto and go about 9 miles to the park. Oka Ln. We’ll meet at the park Or, take Quimby Rd off of Capitol Saturday, Sept. 30, 8:00AM entrance at the end of this road. Expwy to Mt. Hamilton Rd. Turn Moss Landing & Vicinity Please be respectful in parking in right on Mt. Hamiltion Rd and go Half day. Leader: Norm Kikuchi, and around the neighborhood. about 0.5 miles to the park. Meet (831) 251-0666. Directions: Meet at Grant Lake (aka Hall’s Val- in Moss Landing next to Sea Har- Wednesday, Oct. 11, 8:30AM ley Lake) parking lot, first park- vest Restaurant in the big park- Coyote Creek Trail ing lot on left just past the main ing lot and boat launch ramp just Half day. Leader: Janna Pauser, park entrance on the right (do not north of Hwy 1’s Elkhorn Slough (408) 569-9264, jannapauser@ enter the main park entrance). Bridge. Highlights: Shorebirds, gmail.com. Highlights: Local birds, linger- waterfowl, and other migrants. Directions: From CA 85 South, ing migrants. Difficulty: Moder- Notes: Weather conditions can be take Blossom Hill Rd exit east ately strenuous walk. Note: Park highly variable so dress in layers. (left) and continue 2.4 miles onto entrance fee required for last half Bring water. RC Silver Creek Valley Rd. Make a of trip. U-turn at Piercy Rd then immedi- Sunday, Oct. 1, 9:00AM ate right into Silver Creek parking Tuesday, Oct. 24, 12:30PM Charleston Slough lot (meet here). Difficulty: Easy Shoreline Riparian to Baylands Half day. Leader: Allen Royer, walking. RC, For a map, go to 2.5 hours. Leader: Ralph Schardt. (408) 288-7768. See write-up for www.scvas.org and find the field Note: RSVP required, see Sept. 12 Sept. 10. trip on our calendar write-up for RSVP form link.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 12:30PM Saturday, Oct. 14, 8:15AM Saturday, Oct. 28, 8:00AM Shoreline Riparian to Baylands Picchetti Ranch 2.5 hours. Leader: Ralph Schardt. Half day. Leader: Jim Johnson Half day. Leader: Dave Zittin. Note: RSVP required, see Sept. 12 (408) 996-3506. Directions: From See write-up for Sept. 2. write-up for RSVP form link. Hwy 101 or I-680 take McKee Rd northeast toward hills then left on Sunday, Oct. 29, 8:00AM Wednesday, Oct. 4, 12:00PM Toyon Ave, right on Penitencia Windy Hills OSP City of Sunnyvale Landfill Creek Rd and continue into park. Half day. Leader: Kirsten Hol- One hour. Leader: Allen Royer. Pass under bridge and meet at far mquist, (408) 747-0988. Direc- See write-up for Sept. 6. end of upper parking lot. Diffi- tions: From I-280 in Portola Valley culty: Moderately strenuous 3-4- take Alpine Rd south (toward hills) Saturday, Oct. 7, 8:00AM mile walk. Note: Vehicle entry fee about 2.9 miles to the first stop Natural Bridges State Park required. sign, turn right on Portola Rd, go Half day. Leader: Norm Kikuchi, 0.8 miles to the parking lot on the (831) 251-0666. Directions: Take Sunday, Oct. 15, 8:00AM left just past The Sequoias. Meet in Hwy 17 to Santa Cruz and turn Stanford Campus the parking lot at Sausal Pond edge right on Mission St/Hwy 1 towards Half day. Leaders: Tom Grey & of the preserve. RC Half Moon Bay. Drive to the edge Bill Pelletier. Directions: Meet at of town and turn left on Swift St Stanford Arboretum by the inter- then right on Delaware Ave. Meet section of Campus Dr & Palm at the back entrance to the park at Dr. Highlights: We’ll explore the the intersection of Delaware Ave arboretum and nearby neighbor- and Natural Bridges Dr. RC hoods for a chance to photograph local birds.

The Avocet 3 Panoche Valley cont’d from page 1 while we support development of alternative energy be mitigated without permanent significant impacts in urban landscapes and in areas of little habitat val- to biological resources. But the devastating impacts ue, we opposed the development of expansive solar of the project on wildlife and endangered species farms on Panoche Valley - the last refuge available to were clear to us, and so we litigated again and again. so many species of birds, mammals, lizards, and even Biological opinions from the State Department of vernal pool species. Fish and Wildlife and from the US Fish and Wildlife The Fight to Save the Valley Service loomed over the project, adding mitigation Because the valley is so important to wildlife, we requirements and delaying construction. received unwavering support in our effort to save it. Monterey Audubon Society provided substantial fi- nancial support (litigation is costly!). Other Audubon chapters helped, along with many individual birders. Panoche Valley farmers and ranchers (“Save Panoche Valley”), Sierra Club, and Defenders of Wildlife joined us in litigation as we sued San Benito Coun- ty over the inadequacy of the environmental review documents and then litigated against state and fed- eral wildlife agencies over their permitting the proj- ect. Previous to litigation, the Center for Biodiversity, Toxics Coalition, Amah Matsun Tribal Band, and other groups and individuals also joined our alliance, contributing comment letters and voic- ing concerns at every opportunity. And so we wrote, pleaded, advocated, and litigated until recently when Con Edison took possession of Little Panoche Road, Fresno County by Debra Shearwater the solar development and offered to modify the proj- What Was at Stake ect and “move” some of the energy production to Panoche Valley is a designated Core Recovery Area Southern California. We felt that the modified proj- for several endangered and threatened species, in- ect was appropriately sized and adequately mitigated, cluding the San Joaquin Kit Fox, Blunt-nosed Leop- and that the species that live in the valley or migrate ard Lizard, and Giant Kangaroo Rat. The valley also through could continue to do so. provides wintering grounds for Mountain Plovers, Over the years, we were occasionally asked why we Mountain Bluebirds, and many raptors (including oppose a solar farm. Our answer has always been that Ferruginous Hawks). Large flocks of sparrows,- in we must increase solar energy production in our built cluding Vesper Sparrows and Savannah Sparrows, urban environment and build solar farms in areas winter in the valley. In spring and summer, Burrow- where their construction will not result in the extinc- ing Owls nest here. The largest colony of the endan- tion of species. We should not allow the consumption gered Tri-colored Blackbird bred in Panoche Valley of lands that provide critical habitat to rare or endan- in recent years. This diverse constellation of rare and gered species. We were also asked why we did not endangered bird species earned the valley its designa- accept mitigation lands that were initially offered in tion of “Important Bird Area” of global significance the hills surrounding the valley. The answer is simple: by National Audubon Society and Birdlife Interna- the animals we were hoping to protect and save from tional: “This IBA consists of vast, grassy ranches that extinction live on the valley floor. Providing habitat extend up over chaparral and oak-covered ridges, in- in the hills while developing the valley seemed futile. Panoche Valley is best preserved for its birds, wildlife terspersed with dry washes with intermittent water. and landscape. Preserving land in the hills alone could Riparian habitat is limited, but Little not have compensated for the loss of valley floor hab- supports a corridor of cottonwood-willow-sycamore itat and for the fragmentation of the landscape. woodland. The dry scrub springs to life in April with spectacular wildflower displays after wet winters...” We have reached a compromise that works. It pro- vides for production of solar energy (some in Panoche The rare and endangered species of Panoche Valley Valley, some in Southern California) and preserves were once common throughout , 26,000 acres of land that will be managed to sus- but urban and agricultural development have left only tain migration stopover for birds, habitat linkages “fringe” populations in remote grassland valleys. for wildlife, valley floor grasslands, hillside habitat, Grassland birds are among the fastest declining birds and riparian ecosystems. We thank our members and in North America – 48% of species are of conserva- friends for the support you provided all these years! tion concern and 55% show significant declines. So The Avocet 4 Sat. 9/23; 10:00-11:00AM SCVAS Events Calendar Family Nature Walk & Bioblitz Wed. 9/6 & 10/4; 7:30-9:00PM Thurs. 9/14 & 10/12; 12:00-1:00PM Park, San Jose Bay Area Bird Photographers Birding Google Campus Volunteers are needed to help explore Embarcadero Room, Rinconada Library We have partnered with Google to offer Overfelt Gardens with the local 1213 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA guided bird walks on the Mountain View community. We’ll be using iNaturalist Topic 9/6: “BYOP - Bring Your Own campus. Googlers, Audubon members, to help raise awareness to the amazing Photos” and the general public are invited. Park flora and fauna of this San Jose gem. Topic 10/4: “Birds of Taiwan” with anywhere on campus. Please carpool if Contact Merav Vonshak at bioblitzca@ Mike Danzenbaker and Lee Hung possible. Contact Mackenzie Mossing gmail.com. See scvas.org/babp for more details. with questions at (408) 394-0330 or Tues. 9/12 & 10/10; 10:00AM [email protected]. Young Audubon Activities: Eve Case Bird Discussion Group 9/14: Meets at the intersection of Sat. 10/21; 10:00AM-3:00PM Meets at the home of Rosalind Roberts: Shorebird Way and Charleston Rd. Wildlife & Harvest Day 100 Kathy Ct., Los Gatos. Call Rosalind 10/12: Meets at the walking path on the Blackberry Farm with questions at (408) 395-6631. north side of 1015 Joaquin Rd. 21979 San Fernando Ave, Cupertino Topic 9/12: Ostrich See calendar at scvas.org for more details. Join SCVAS and City of Cupertino for Topic 10/10: Band-tailed Pigeon Thurs. 9/14; 7:00-9:00PM a fun, family-friendly event to celebrate Thurs. 9/14; 11:30AM-1:00PM Cavity Nesters Recovery Program wildlife and the harvest season! Nature Journaling with John Muir Laws End-of-Season Potluck See details below. McClellan Ranch Preserve, Cupertino McClellan Ranch Preserve, Cupertino Free workshops for all ages! No Current monitors and people interested RSVP required; please be on time. See in joining the program are invited to calendar at scvas.org for more details. attend. See page 10 for details.

Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society & City of Cupertino present: Wildlife & Harvest Day

Saturday, October 21, 2017 10:00AM - 3:00PM Blackberry Farm in Cupertino

The Avocet 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, the county’s (WBr). Numbers increased to Field Notes fifth, briefly visited Alviso Salt Pond sixty on one of the Sunnyvale (June-July 2017) A17 on 23 Jul (WBr) and was not WPCP ponds by 3 Jul (WP, KON). by Pete Dunten seen again. The subspecies nesting A group of three returning Red- Ducks through Terns in far northwestern North America necked Phalaropes arrived on 1 Redheads were found on Alviso normally winters in Australia and Jul at New Chicago Marsh (FV). Salt Pond A16 from the beginning New Zealand. A Little Stint, the Their numbers quickly increased of June through the end of July, with county’s third, also took a wrong as well, with 69 at the Sunnyvale a high count of twelve on 29 Jul turn on migration south and found WPCP on 7 Jul (DN). Elegant (STu). On 25 Jun, pairs were noted itself in New Chicago Marsh on Terns arrived from the south on 12 at three locations, Salt Ponds A16, 30 Jul (WBr) instead of along the Jul when one was at the Sunnyvale A10, and Crittenden Marsh (MJM, coast of south Asia or Africa. Its WPCP (RWR). The high count RJ, MMR). The Common Loon plumage was much more colorful through the end of July was four at Los Capitancillos Ponds since than the county’s second, present seen at Salt Pond A2E on 14, 17, 22 May stayed through 3 Jun (m. Apr - May 2016. The stint has and 30 Jul (RWR, GL, MDo). The ob.). Another on Salt Pond A3W remained at the same location first Common Tern of the fall was was one of the highlights of the into August. Semipalmated with a group of 60 Forster’s Terns Palo Alto Summer Count on 3 Jun Sandpipers were moving south at the Sunnyvale WPCP west pond (MJM). On 12 Jun two were found in July, with an immature found on 20 Jul (PDu). Coming from a at Los Gatos Creek CP (OA). Two in New Chicago Marsh on 2 Jul bit further north in SF Bay, Least remained through 21 Jun (m. ob.), (MJM) and an adult there from 20 Terns also arrived on 12 Jul, when and a single Loon was present until – 24 Jul (RWR, m. ob.). The first two were at Salt Pond A2E (FV). 3 Jul (SCR). Seven Eared Grebe Pectoral Sandpiper of the fall was Numbers increased to a high count nests in Crittenden Marsh on 12 Jul a single in New Chicago Marsh of 34 at A2E on 23 Jul (WBr) and (FV) were unexpected; the Grebes on 31 Jul (DN). Red Knots were fifteen at Alviso Salt Pond A16 the same date (GL, WP).

Swifts through Goldfinches Though June and July are thought of as the months when nesting activity peaks, a few birds are still headed north in early June. One such bird, a Black Swift, passed over Henry Coe SP on 4 Jun (WBr). Nesting by Vaux’s Swifts was confirmed at five sites in Almaden Valley (JPa). Nuthatches continued to be found in Los Altos, with a Red-breasted Nuthatch noted on 3 Jun during the Palo Alto Summer Count (PDu), and a family of five Pygmy Nuthatches at a suet feeder in Los Altos on 12 Jun (JT). Pygmy Wood Thrush by Peter LaTourrette Nuthatches nest in the Santa Cruz have not nested in the county Mountains and occasionally at since 1993 (fide WGB). Though present in good numbers in June, locations on the valley floor. One Horned Grebes are usually absent with 59 tallied on a closed refuge at Henry Coe SP on 4 Jun (WBr) over the summer, one was on the pond during the Palo Alto Summer was found at a location where there Alviso Salt Ponds on 23 Jun (DY) Count on 3 Jun (WGB) and sixteen are few records. One was also and 9 Jul (WGB), and another was on an adjacent closed refuge pond noted at Cuesta Park in Mountain at Crittenden Marsh between 13 on 25 Jun (MMR, MJM, RJ). The View on 5 and 7 Jun (GZ, DN). and 16 Jul (WGB, GL, ChJ). Two first three Wilson’s Phalaropes The hauntingly beautiful, flute- White-faced Ibises flew over New of the fall (and the year) arrived like song of a Wood Thrush was Chicago Marsh on 18 Jul (WBr). A on 28 Jun at Don Edwards NWR The Avocet 6 in late May was seen again on the found in a flock since May of 2015. cont’d Field Notes first two days of June (BM, RJ) but A pair of Lawrence’s Goldfinches a treat along Old Oak Glen Road not thereafter. The Blue Grosbeak was noted in late May at Rancho near Chesbro Reservoir on 1 Jun found in the south county along the Canada del Oro (JPa), and on 6 (MJM, m. ob.). The thrush, a Pajaro River in May was present Jul one was seen on a nest (EdG, vagrant from the east and a county into July, and on 5 July a family JPa). As many as four Lawrence’s first, did not stay longer than a day. of three Grosbeaks was seen at Goldfinches were at the park on 13 Two Cedar Waxwings at Hellyer that location (RWR, FV). Blue Jul (JPa et al.), and the nest was CP on 7 Jul were notable (AV), Grosbeaks also nested successfully still occupied on 16 Jul (GL, SPz). given their rarity at this time of at the CCFS for the first time, with Three Lawrence’s Goldfinches, year. Another vagrant from the a pair banded on 28 Jun (JSc) and including one immature, were east, a Northern Parula, turned a young bird seen with the adult spotted on IBM land along Bailey up along the Trail female on 27 Jul (AR). Ave on 1 Jun (RH). The high count for the period was 31 goldfinches along Mines and Del Puerto Canyon Roads in the eastern part of the county on 25 Jul (LKa, AC).

Observers: Ozzie Altus (OA), John Blakelock (JnB), Terry Blows (TB), Bill Bousman (WGB), Will Brooks (WBr), Anthony Ciancimino (AC), Matthew Dodder (MDo), Pete Dunten (PDu), Ed Gasiorowski (EdG), Rick Herder (RH), Richard Jeffers (RJ), Chris Johnson (ChJ), Logan Kahle (LKa), Garrett Lau (GL), Mike Mammoser (MJM), Brooke Miller (BM), David Nickerson (DN), Kitty O’Neil (KON), Janna Pauser (JPa), William Pelletier (WP), Sergio Perez (SPz), Rob Reiling (RWR), Alex Rinkert (AR), Mike Rogers (MMR), Steve Rottenborn (SCR), Josh Scullen (JSc), Mike Shafto (MSh), Blue Grosbeak by Peter LaTourrette Jack Tomlin (JT), Steve Tucker on 11 Jun (ChJ). The Parula, only (STu), Frank Vanslager (FV), Alie the tenth county record, was also Nine Great-tailed Grackles in the Victorine, (AVi), Denny Yang a one-day wonder. Three Hermit vicinity of the marsh bordered by (DY), Gina Zolotar (GZ) Warblers at Henry Coe SP on 4 the Yahoo Campus and Sunnyvale Jun (WBr) were late for migrants. WPCP on 3 and 4 Jun were a high In the county they are known to count for that location (MJM, nest in the Santa Cruz Mountains MSh). A single Yellow-headed but not in the . A Blackbird was in a large flock of Please send notice of rarities to White-crowned Sparrow at the Red-winged Blackbirds, starlings, Pete Dunten via email at Don Edwards NWR EEC from and cowbirds near Crittenden [email protected] 4 – 31 July (GL, TB, DN, JnB) Marsh on 30 Jul (STu). Yellow- was unexpected; there are only a headed Blackbirds are typically handful of summer records. The found in higher numbers during Indigo Bunting that was first spring migration than in the fall. found singing near Ed Levin CP No more than one or two have been

The Avocet 7 Conservation Corner: What our Environmental Advocacy Team is working on... by Shani Kleinhaus and Mackenzie Mossing Fighting for Burrowing Owls in North San Jose roy. The hills of this area are home to many wildlife spe- Burrowing Owl populations have plummeted in Santa cies. Laguna Seca, south of the project site, is the county’s Clara County due to the aggressive development of grass- largest natural freshwater wetland, where birds gather to lands that historically supported hundreds of owls. Pushed quench their thirst and forage for food. While we are work- to the brink of extirpation, Burrowing Owls rely heav- ing diligently to protect North Coyote Valley, the ridge to ily on sparse patches of remaining viable habitat, most its north is now threatened. It’s a wack-a-mole game! of which lies along the bay north of Highway 237. Yet Deer, bobcats, skunks, raccoons, and coyotes use the Coy- despite our best efforts to save the dwindling population ote Alamitos Canal to move between Tulare Hill and Santa and raise awareness, a flurry Teresa Park on a daily basis, of new development projects and to cross safely under Santa threatens to pave over open Teresa Boulevard. Hawks, space and Burrowing Owl hab- Barn Owls, turkeys, and quail itat and eradicate them from have been seen flying and for- the region for good. aging in the canal during sum- The Habitat Agency levees fees mer months. on projects that impact Burrow- The project proposal includes ing Owl habitat. Unfortunately, plans to develop an access road fees are only calculated within immediately adjacent to this a half-mile radius of an active canal and culvert, which may nest (defined as a nest that has significantly impede wildlife been occupied in the past three movement and direct animals years). The result of this con- onto Santa Teresa Road, posing dition is that as the Burrowing a risk to wildlife and drivers. Owl population declines, fewer In addition, we fear that fenc- pairs nest in our area and thus ing, pesticides, and human and most of the open space – even pet behaviors might also cause prime Burrowing Owl habitat – conflicts with wildlife. is exempt from paying fees. We are sad to see this beauti- Unmitigated loss of habitat ful, ecologically important area is the focus of our advocacy targeted for development, and efforts in North San Jose. hope the City realizes the value We recently settled a lawsuit in protecting this piece of land. involving Burrowing Owl We will advocate for the pro- mitigation fees for the Topgolf tection of this critical landscape project in Alviso. We also com- linkage and fight for the wild- mented on a large-scale indus- Burrowing Owl by Keith Wandry life that rely so heavily on it. trial development proposed on 64.5 acres of agricultural land north of Highway 237 between Zanker Road and Museum Place Coyote Creek. The project includes infrastructure that will San Jose Planning Commission recently approved a cut right through the bufferlands of the Regional Wastewa- 24-story mixed-use project in the heart of downtown. ter Facility – an area that supports the last viable popula- We expressed concerns due to the large amounts of glass tion of Burrowing Owls in the South Bay Area. We will incorporated into the design, posing a potential collision continue to follow this project and advocate for better threat to birds that migrate along the nearby Guadalupe mitigation. River or live in the adjacent Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park (including a large colony of Acorn Woodpeckers). Private Home Development Threatens Critical Wildlife Corridor A proposal to develop a McMansion on the cusp of North After the Planning Commission meeting, we met with the Coyote Valley attracted our attention due to potential architects to discuss elements of the development that may impacts on a critical landscape linkage. The seventeen- be hazardous to birds and offer suggestions. We are reas- acre project site is located along the Coyote-Alamitos sured to see that metal screening, shades, columns, and Canal, on the southern edge of the Santa Teresa Foothills balcony balustrades may make the building a bit friendlier - a narrow ridge connecting Tulare Hill, Metcalf and the for birds. This is a small victory that bolsters our campaign Hamilton Range. This is the only ridge connection for to convince developers to build with birds in mind. wildlife between the bay and Pacheco Pass south of Gil-

The Avocet 8 Conservation Corner cont’d San Jose’s Plans for the Homeless Learn About the Birds of Facebook’s Living Roof! San Jose is moving forward with plans to construct “tiny Our 18-month report discussing the results of our monthly home” communities for the homeless throughout the city. bird surveys on Facebook’s Living Roof in Menlo Park is Many of the potential sites that were initially identified now available. The roof supports a complex habitat that were along creek corridors and in parklands. While SCVAS has attracted 36 local and migratory bird species. Read the is greatly concerned with the displacement/homelessness report here: crisis in our region and is supportive of transitional hous- www.scvas.org/page.php?page_id=6765&name=Corporate ing, we believe that housing solutions should not consume our most sensitive environments. Our advocacy efforts Interested in volunteering for conservation? have effected a change in the criteria that directs for site- Contact Shani Kleinhaus at [email protected]. selection to include 100-ft setbacks from creeks. SCVAS Classes & Excursions We are pleased to offer the following excursions to our members and community. For more information, please call the SCVAS main office at (408) 252-3747 or visit our website at www.scvas.org and click on the class in our calendar. Outdoor Photographer Refresher with an Introduction to Digiscoping Dates: Wednesday, September 20th or Saturday, October 7th Description: Explore outdoor photography opportunities at McClel- Time: 8:30-10:00AM lan Ranch. We’ll review photography equipment needed for outdoor Location: McClellan Ranch - Meet at SCVAS conditions and how to take advantage of natural light. You’ll learn to Cost: $15 non-members/free for members take better nature and landscape photos with a few easy examples. A Register: https://goo.gl/forms/fm5wkzl4msm2WiGt2 or find the event brief introduction to digiscoping will follow. Wear layers and clothing on our website calendar appropriate for an easy hike on level, but unpaved trails. Note: Rain cancels, with refund or credit for future classes. Beginner’s Bird and Plant Identification Walk Series Date: Sunday, September 24th Session #3: First Day of Fall Time: 9:00AM-12:00PM Description: Do you love being outdoors? Do you want to deepen your Location: appreciation of nature by learning the names of birds and plants around Cost: Free! Parking fee is $6 you? At the onset of fall, join us for a beginner’s bird and plant identi- Register: Contact Arvind Kumar ([email protected]) to RSVP fication walk through Lake Cunningham Park - a major destination for Note: Bring a hat, water, bird and plant list, binoculars, and walking shoes. waterfowl and migratory birds, and home to many resident birds. Vicki Co-sponsored by SCVAS, California Native Plant Society, and Open Silvas-Young will show you how to identify common local birds and Space Authority the native plants they depend on for food, shelter, and nesting places. Trip distance is four miles round-trip on a level path. Bird Identification Workshops with Los Gatos Birdwatcher Dates: Wednesday, October 25th and November 29th Description: Lisa Myers will be hosting bird identification (by sight Time: 7:30-8:30PM and call) workshops at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher. These one-hour Location: Los Gatos Birdwatcher, 792 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos workshops will focus on five different bird species that we can expect Cost: Free! to see and hear in our own backyards each month. Register: https://goo.gl/forms/e44ttdvUzHlJ1saC3 or click on the Session #1 (October): Yellow-rumped Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow, event from our website calendar at www.scvas.org Golden-crowned Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Sapsucker Note: Bring your field guide. Session #2 (November): Cedar Waxwing, Hermit Thrush, Varied Thrush, Fox Sparrow, Merlin San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Excursion Date: Saturday, October 28th Description: The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge is one of several Time: 8:00AM-5:00PM refuges that make up the San Luis NWR Complex, all located along Location: Meet at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher, 792 Blossom Hill Road, the Pacific Flyway. Each refuge is home to incredible bird life, but the Los Gatos San Luis Refuge features three automobile tour routes and eight nature Cost: $25 non-members/free for members trails for the public to view and photograph wildlife in a natural setting. Register: https://goo.gl/forms/pr8iy4pWPtALUmZn1 or click on the The refuge is also home to a large Tule Elk herd. We will also stop at event from our website calendar at www.scvas.org the Visitor Center, which complements the wildlife refuges of San Joa- Note: Bring binoculars, cameras, layers, lunch, and water. quin Valley and provides a launching point to explore the entire Refuge Complex. Lisa Myers of Let’s Go Birding and the Los Gatos Bird- watcher will lead this tour alongside SCVAS Executive Director, Ralph Schardt. Lisa has taught classes for SCVAS for decades and strives to get more people into birding. The Avocet 9 Calling All Cavity Nesters Recovery Program Monitors! The end of the breeding season is upon us, so don’t forget to submit your data! Our End-of-Season Potluck will take place at McClellan Ranch in Cupertino on Thursday, September 14th at 7:00PM. Please bring a dish of your choice and SCVAS will provide beverages and dessert. People outside of the program and interested in learning more are also welcome to attend! This gathering will be more exciting and informative if you have your data submitted by then (a week prior would be best). Links to the database form and instructions for submitting can be found at scvas.org/CNRP. Your data is crucial - it contributes to a nationwide effort to monitor bird populations and helps us make decisions about CNRP as a whole. Thank you for your monitoring and data collection efforts! To RSVP to the potluck, go to www.scvas.org/CNRP. See you there!

Friends of SCVAS Gifts received June 1st, 2017 through July 31st, 2017 Gift (Up to $99) Avocet Sponsor ($100-$249) Ron Arps Jessica Sheu Diane Bartlett Diane Bates Burrowing Owl ($250-$499) Rachelle Curry Benevity Community Impact Fund Travis and Frank Friedrich Julio Mulero & Renee Polizotto Tracy Hurt Peregrine Falcon ($500-$999) David Lewis Jack and Jan Tomlin Alice Martineau & Olivia Bartlett Dr. Loren Mendel Golden Eagle (1000+) Lisa Myers Patricia Brennan Foundation Nhan Nguyen Dirk & Charlene Kabcenell Foundation April Pufahl David Simon & Lynn Gordon The Avocet 10 1

4 8 5 2 6

Hours: 3 M-F 10AM-4PM 7 SAT 10AM-2PM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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

2017 New Members of SCVAS Those who joined June 1st - July 31st. Go Paperless! We look forward to a great year with your support! Sign up to receive your newsletter via email and enjoy these benefits: Annie Chen Stephen Peck Rachelle Curry Priya Pharate • Save resources - eNewsletters Inge Duncan April Pufahl save trees, postage, fuel (and more)! Travis and Frank Friedrich Diana Rebman Wei Huang Linda Gail Thomason • No waiting for the mail - get your Pamela Kirkbride Xiaoju Wang newsletter up to 2 weeks sooner! Ann Lam Laura Warren • Get a FREE SCVAS pin! Deidre Lentz Mary J Wilder Mary Maxwell Lauren Winters Contact the SCVAS office at scvas@ Carol Murphy Ron Wolf scvas.org to start your paper-free Therese Nagi membership today! And thank you to those who renewed their membership!

STAFF Environmental Advocate Shani Kleinhaus, [email protected] Executive Director (650) 868-2114 Education and Outreach Manager Ralph Schardt, [email protected] Environmental Advocacy Associate Kelly Alfrey, [email protected] (408) 252-3748 Mackenzie Mossing, [email protected] (408) 627-7172 Office Manager (408) 394-0330 Education Programs Coordinator Tracy Neher, [email protected] Burrowing Owl Conservation Kelsey Frey, [email protected] (408) 252-3747 Sandra Menzel, [email protected] (408) 252-3740 (831) 431-3301 Office Fax (408) 252-2850 MONTHLY SPEAKER SERIES are NATURE SHOP HOURS Office E-mail [email protected] held on the third Wednesday of each month Monday - Friday 10 AM - 4 PM Website www.scvas.org except July, August and December and are Saturday 10 AM - 2 PM open to the public. SCVAS is a private, non-profit corporation Please call (408) 252-3747 for special requests. affiliated with the National Audubon Society. Details available on the SCVAS website. BOARD OF DIRECTORS meetings are open to all members. Call the office at (408) 252-3747 for times and directions. OFFICERS DIRECTORS President Treasurer Mike Armer Vivek Khanzode Diane Hart Don McDougall Tom Grey Marlene Macek Vice President Secretary Peter Hart Gabrielle Feldman Joan Leighton Bob Hirt

Avocet Editor: Kelly Alfrey 2017 Volume 65, Number 5 C1ZC140Z Assistant Avocet Editor: Kelsey Frey The Avocet 12