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The Newsletter of the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society May - June 2007 PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE 2007 BURROWING OWLS CENSUS! Annual Potluck by Ruth Troetschler of the current statewide population Dinner at resides in these areas? As those of you who have read the last two issues oftheAvo­ c) How has the statewide McClellan Ranch cet know that protecting the Burrowing Owl locally has proven population changed since 1993 to be a difficult task, It is no surprise then, that the Burrowing Park when the last IBP census was Owl is a California Species of Special Concern. In order to completed? How has the state­ see Page 5 help protect our favorite owl via changes in the law, we need wide distribution of the species more data-change always requires data. changed, and what hav.e been the trajectories of the various Again this year, the Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) is sub-populations in the state's constituent regions? continues its state-wide , volunteer-based survey to assess Bur­ rowing Owl distribution and abundance throughout the entire How The Survey Works breeding range of the species in California-including the 1PMhas divided the BUOWs California range into 11 geo­ Great Basin and desert areas . In order to do this they need the graphic regions, and then subdivided each region into 5-km by help of dedicated volunteers and volunteer coordinators from 5-km census blocks. 1PM selects a random sample of census Audubon Society chapters and other birding groups, to census blocks within each region, and then augment the sample with BUOWs throughout the state, to provide regional and statewide blocks that contain known Burrowing Owls breeding sites. It population estimates. The information collected should be an provides local volunteer coordinators with maps, data forms, important resource for Burrowing Owl conservation efforts in instructions, and other survey materials. The coordinators as­ California. They hope to answer: sign census blocks to local volunteers, who will conduct the a) Where specifically are the state's Burrowing Owls surveys . today? Up-to-date information on the locations of breeding Each volunteer should identify all patches if suitable habitat pairs is critical to carefully target future conservation efforts within the block, and then thoroughly search those patches for toward the places where they will do the most good. Burrowing Owls between dawn and 10 am or between 4 p.m. b) What is the status of Burrowing Owl populations in and dusk, when the owls are most active. Some blocks need to the Great Basin and desert regions of the state? What fraction be visited multiple times to achieve this goal. Surveyors will scan the area for owls, and plot General Membership Meeting the locations of any detections on their maps. "Tear Up Your Field Guide And Paste It continued on Page JO

Back Together: ♦ Yuba Pass Weekend Field Trip What DNA sequences are teaching us - Page3

about the true relationships of birds" ♦ Brant(s) seen in P.A. with John Harshman - Field Notes, Page 6 Campbell Community Center ♦ Anza-BorregoHawk Watching Bascom & Winchester Rds. - Page 8 Wednesday, May 16 Doors open 7:30; program 8:00 ♦ Board Elections Join John Harshman for some amazing revelations , such as that the closest - Page 9 relatives of grebes are ... flamingos?! Learn how in recent years the new field of molecular phylogenetics -- the analysis of DNA sequences -- has revo­ ♦ Altamont Pass Settlement lutionized our knowledge of bird relationships . What is DNA? How do we - Page JO continued on pag e 7 TheAvocet I May - ,Tune '07 Field Trips (all of our Field Trips are also available on line at www.scvas.org) Please carpool if possible; bring binocu- lot, on the west side of Highway I mid- Saturday May 26, 8:00 AM lars, field guides, layered clothing. way between Half Moon Bay and Santa Monte Bello Open Space Preserve LO= Lunch optional Cruz (about 25 miles from each). LO. Half day. Leader: Kirsten Holmquist RC= Heavy rain cancels (408)747-0988. Froml-280 in Palo Alto NF= No facilities available Sunday May 13, 8:00 AM take Page Mill Rd west, toward Skyline Saturday May 5, 8:30 AM Grant Ranch Co. Park Blvd. (Hwy. 35), for approx. 7 miles and Mines Rd. and vicinity Half day. Leader: Rich Page (408) meet at the Monte Bello OSP parking Full day. Leader: Bob Reiling (408) 377-1092. From I-680 take Alum Rock area on the left. Possible Lazuli Bunting , 253-7527. We'll start this trip in Del Ave. northeast, tum right on Hamilton Black-throated Gray Warbler, Chipping Puerto Canyon, working our way west Rd. and go approximately 9 miles to the and Grasshopper Sparrows. Be prepared, to San Antonio Valley. From I-580 go park. Meet at Hall's Valley Lake park­ it can be cold, wet and foggy. LO. east over Altamont Pass, to 1-5, south ing lot, which is the first parking lot on on I-5, west at the Patterson exit (Diablo the left side of the road (do not enter the Sunday May 27, 7:30 AM Grande Pkwy) and then right on Del Main Park Entrance on the right). Fresh Smith Creek!I'win Gates Puerto Canyon Rd. Meet at the first pull­ water ducks, oak woodland birds and Birding by Ear out. Highlights include possible Costa's possible Golden Eagle. A Park entrance Half day. Leader: TBD (Questions, call Hummingbird, Phainopepla, Lewis's fee will be required for the last half of Bob Reiling (408) 253-7527). From 1- Woodpecker and Lawrence's Goldfinch. the trip. A moderate 2-mile walk, LO. 680 take Alum Rock Ave northeast, tum Bring a full tank of gas, lunch and liquids. right on Mt Hamilton RD. go past main Saturday May 19, 8:00 AM entrance to Grant Ranch County Park Sunday May 6, 8:30 AM Almaden Quicksilver County Park (approx. 9 miles). Continue uphill another Charleston Slough Half day. Leader : Ann Verdi (408) 266- two miles to Twin Gates parking lot on the Half day. Leader : Roxie Handler (408) 5108. We will follow a short loop of left. Probable birds include Homed Lark, 730-1745. Meet at Terminal Way at one-and-a-half miles taking Mine Hill, Grasshopper Sparrow, woodland and the end of San Antonio Rd. north off Guadalupe and Senador Mines Trails. riparian breeding birds. This is a mod­ Hwy 101 in Mountain View. A trip We will be on the trails while the birds erately strenuous hike over rolling hills. designed for beginning birders but are most active and before the hikers all are encouraged to attend. A good and joggers get going. Summer birds Saturday June 2 trip to checkout your spotting scope. will be our targets (W. Wood-Pewee, Palo Alto Summer Bird Count Ash-throated Flycatcher, W. Tanager , (see page 4 for more details) Wednesday, May 9, 8:30 A.M. etc.) as well as newly fledged birds (Oak Stevens Creek Park Titmouse, CB Chickadee , Juncos, wood­ Sunday June 3, 8:00 AM Half day. Leader, Jim Johnson (408) peckers , etc.). Take Almaden south past Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve 996-3506. From I-280 in Cuper ­ Blossom Hill Rd and Coleman Rd; tum Half day . Leader: Frank Vanslager tino, take Foothill Expwy exit south 2.1 right at the next exit (McAbee Rd.) and (650) 961-1505 . Meet at the Vista miles (becomes Stevens Canyon Rd.) follow it until it dead-ends at the entrance Point Pullout located a little over a turn left into first park entrance and to the park. Pierce dairy farm will be mile northwest of Page Mill Rd, on the meet in Chestnut Picnic Area parking on your right and parking is along the Bay side of Skyline Blvd. (Hwy. 35). lot. Entrance fee required . Riparian street. Meet at the trail head entrance, RC. Bring extra layers of clothing in case habitat; migrants and breeding birds. it's foggy and cold. Possible Grasshop­ Sunday May 20, 8:00 AM per Sparrow and Lazuli Bunting. NF. Saturday May 12, 8:30 AM Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve South-coastal San Mateo County Half day. Leader : Bob Reiling (408) 253- Saturday June 9, 8:00 AM (Gazos Creek and Pescadero Marsh) 7527. Meet at the northeast comer of Sky­ Charleston Slough Half day plus. Leader : Al Eisner (650) line Blvd. (Hwy. 35)andPageMill Rd(the Half day. Leader : Nick Yatsko (408) 926-2018 days and voice mail, (650) comer nearest San Francisco and the bay). 247-5499. For directions see write-up 364-3686 evenings . Gazos Creek usually (Note: Do not park in the Russian Ridge for May 6th. has a good variety of breeding (and sing­ Parking Lot!) This is a moderately strenu­ ing) songbirds (possible MacGillivray's ous walk with some elevation change. Sunday June 10, 8:30 AM Warbler), while Pescadero Marsh and Highlights: possible Black-throated Gray Mt Madonna County Park vicinity should add some migrant shore­ Warbler, Western Tanager. Bring extra Half day. Leader : TBD (Questions, call birds and resident marsh birds. Meet at layers of clothing as temperatures can Bob Reiling (408) 253-7527). From the Gazos Creek Coastal Access parking vary wildly even at thi time of year. LO Hwy 101 in Gilroy take Hwy 152 West (Hecker Pass Hwy). After approximately TheAvocet 2 Sunday June 24, 8:00 AM continued Field Trips Rancho del Oso (coastal Big Basin EuentsCalendar State Park) 6.4 miles tum right into the Sprig Lake Half day plus. Leader: Rich Page (408) Wed. 5/2, 7:30 - 9 PM Bay Area Bird Photographers presents parking lot. This half-day birding walk, 377-1092. Take Highway 17 to Santa "Brazil's Pantanal - Land of the Largest" climbing on the way out and descend­ Cruz, and then go north on Highway 1. with Jeffrey Rich. Lucie Evans Bay lands ing on the return trip, begins in mixed Meet at the beach parking area alongside oak woodlands but in short order passes Interpretive Center, E. Embarcadero Highway 1just north of the Waddell Creek Rd. Palo Alto. See SCVAS website for through grasslands, chaparral and, finally, Bridge (at MP 36.30; which is 2 miles coastal forest where Redwood and Doug­ directions, or call Pete LaTourette at ( 650) south of Ano Nuevo State Reserve and 961-2741 for more infomation. las Fir dominate the landscape. Birding seven miles north of Davenport). This is is as varied as the terrain, and offers a long but fairly level hike (app. 5 miles) insights into how habitat shapes bird Tues. 5/8, 9:30 AM along the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail look­ Eve Case Bird Discussion Group meets populations. LO, be sure to bring liquids. ing for Swainson 's Thrush, Winter Wren, at the home of Pat and Jean Dubois, 17150 Wilson's Warbler, and woodpeckers . Be Buena Vista Ave., Los Gatos (408) 395- Saturday & Sunday, June 16 -17 prepared to carry lunch and liquids (in a 4264. Topic: White-throated Swift Yuba Pass/Sierra Valley backpack if possible) and dress in layers. Leader : Clay Kempf (831) 761-8260. Wed. 5/16, 7:30 PM Meet at 7:00 AM Saturday at Yuba Pass Saturday, July 7, 8:00 AM General Meeting, Campbell Community parking lot on south side of Hwy 49. From Charleston Slough Center (see Page 1) South Bay take Hwy 80 to Truckee; go Half day. Leader: Nick Yatsko (408) north on Hwy 89, then west on Hwy 49 to 247-5499. Meet at Terminal Way at Wed. 5/30 & 6/6, 7-9 PM Yuba pass. Saturday will be spent explor­ the end of San Antonio Rd. north off Adult Education Class: Silent ing the Yuba pass area for Red-breasted Hwy 101 in Mountain View. All are Hunters and Williamson's Sapsucker, White­ encouraged to attend but birding will Instructor: Karen Hoyt headed and Black-backed Woodpecker, be geared toward the beginning birder. (See page 5) American Dipper, Townsend's Solitaire, Wed. 5/23, 7:30 PM Calliope Hummingbird, Evening Gros­ Saturday, August 4, 8:30 AM EAC @ McClellan Ranch Park beak , Yellow-rumped, Hermit, Nashville Aiio Nuevo State Reserve & MacGillivray's Warblers, Lincoln's Half day. Leader: Bob Reiling (408) Tues. 6/5, 6 PM Sparrow and more. On Sunday the group 253-7527. Plan on a 3-4 mile walk (half will bird east of the pass in drier habitat Birdathon Awards Dinner of it in sand), fog, bright sun and wind. McClellan Ranch Park. where Mountain Bluebird, Green-tailed Bring a scope, lunch, liquids, and dress Towhee, Sage Thrasher, Vesper and Find out who won the big prizes! Enjoy free in layers. Possible birds include Bank food and drinks from Frankie Johnnie & Brewers Sparrow, and other Great Basin Swallow, Marbled Murrelet and early specialties occur. Last stop is the fresh wa­ Luigi, Whole Foods Market- Cupertino, returning shorebirds (Black Swift if we and Thomas Fogarty Winery. Also win ter Marsh of Sierra Valley, where Sandhill are very lucky) . The entrance is along an extra prize with raffles, quizzes, and Crane, Yellow-headed Blackbird, White­ Highway 1 about 30 miles south of Half contests at the dinner. Please RSVP by faced Ibis, various ducks, and some years, Moon Bay or20 miles north of Santa Cruz. calling our office at (408) 252-3747 by Black Tern, breed. Hotels are available in There is a $5 per car parking fee; meet at Friday, June 1st. Sierra City and Downieville, camping at a the far (south) end of the parking lot, LO. number of sites throughout the region and Tues. 6/12, 10 AM near Yuba Pass. Trip limited to the first 20 Saturday, August 26, 9:00 AM Eve Case Bird Discussion Group. people to call Clay and reserve a space . Charleston Slough Special picnic lunch - bring a sandwich. Half day. Leader: Allen Royer (408) On the agenda - planning the discussion Saturday June 23, 8:00 AM 288-7768. For directions see write-up schedule for 2007-2008 (10-1 lAM). Alum Rock Park for July 7th . Lunch at 11AM . Half day. Leader: Kirsten Holmquist (408) 747-0988. From Hwy 101 or 1- Wed. 6/20, 6 PM 680 take McKee Rd. northeast toward Annual Pot Luck the hills then left on Toyon Ave, right McClellan Ranch Park on Penitencia Creek Rd and continue on (see page 5) into the park. Meet in the "Rustic Lands" parking area, on the right just before reach­ Sat. 6/23, 8 AM-12 PM ing the "T" intersection and underpass. Burrowing Owl Workshop Expect a moderately strenuous 3-4 mile (See page 5) · walk looking for resident breeding birds. TheAvocet 3 Volunteer Ventures Many other volunteer opportunities are available on the SCVAS website , under the "Get Involved " link. Check them SCVAS introduces the Volunteer out online , or contact me at [email protected] or (408) Memorial Fund 252-3740 . By Toby Goldberg SCVAS Programs Coordinator As many of you are aware, we here at SCVAS are still Feeding the Birds through mourning the loss of several of our long-time , dedicated the Spring And Summer volunteers, such as Norman Watenpaugh and Sandy Cortright. While we know that we can never truly replace them, we By Freddy Howell would like to continue to honor their memories and support Bird Sanctuary Program Committee Member the programs about which they were so passionate. To this During the winter, many people who feed the end, SCVAS now has a Volunteer Memorial Fund, designed birds are especially careful to put out seed because as a way to commemorate the lives of SCYAS volunteers of the cold and damp. They may also augment their that may have passed on, but who can never be forgotten. seed feeders with suet because its high fat content Bonni• Donations can be made in individual volunteers ' names , will keep the birds warm and help them survive. Bcc1ron1.whit• and will be used to help support special education and/or When the warm days of spring and summer appear, there can conservation programs throughout the year. For more infor­ be a tendency to take down the suet and reduce or eliminate the mation, or to make a donation in a volunteer's name, contact seed because "the birds can find their own food" . This is not the SCVAS office at (408) 252-3747 , or go to our website , necessarily so. When do the grasses and flowers produce seed www.scvas.org, and click on "Get Involved ." that the birds can eat? Late summer into fall. When do birds have their babies? Early spring into summer. And, what better way to honor a volunteer than to volunteer Keeping the feeders filled with good quality seed and no­ yourself! Here are some of the up-corning opportunities : melt suets help our resident birds, as well as the birds that PaloAlto Bird CountsCoordinators - The Palo Alto migrate through or are here for nesting during the spring and Breeding Bird Count in June and the Christmas Bird Count in summer . One of the most spectacular neo-tropical December are in need of two people to assist with the logistics migrants, the Black-headed Grosbeak, uses our of the counts. The position description would be Region Coor­ oak woodlands as its prime nesting grounds. dinator, and it is intended to be an ongoing responsibility. NO Grosbeaks also adore black-oil sunflower seed, BIRDING EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED . The task involves and will devour the cleaner "no-mess " hulled the distribution , collection and verification of completeness sunflower. These are some of the most vi bran ti y of various forms. Some familiarity of the regions involved is colored and beautiful sounding birds that come necessary, but is easy to acquire. RECRUITING OF COUN­ to visit our seed feeders. TERS IS NOT REQUIRED (although it is not discouraged) , When migrating birds see other bird activity in but assigning participants to areas within the region would your yard , they are more likely to check it out if only for a drink be necessary. The areas would be the same for both counts. of water. 1n spring, most birds begin to nest. During nesting , The continued success of the Palo Alto Bird Counts depends birds need extra energy as the males define and defend territories on filling these positions . For additional information , contact and the females build the nests and produce eggs. Later you Jack Cole at 408-996-0434 or snoyowl@yahoo .com . may get to see parents bringing their fledglings to the feeders , EducationalPresenters -We need more volunteers ready and you can watch young , awkward birds as they beg for food to fill requests for educational presentations in classrooms and learn how to feed themselves. With your continued support , k-12 throughout Santa Clara County during the months of birds will bring interest, joy, sound and color into your yard May and June, as well as for the following school year. You all through the year. can use slideshows , stuffed birds, and real nests to teach youth about local birds and their habitat. These presentations are engaging and come fully scripted. No experience is neces­ sary, though teaching and birding experience are helpful. SCVAS welcomes IanHerrick Time commitment is flexible, and scheduling is based on as the Spring Education and classroom and volunteer availability . Outreach Intern! Ian comes to DatabaseAssjstants - We will soon be looking for us with great experience from computer-savy and techno-loving folks to help us update the BIOSITE program at the and transfer our existing Membership Database to a new Children't Discovery Museum Database in the coming months. ln particular , we need of San Jose, and we are excited people that are familiar with FileMaker or other Mac-based to have him working with us. software. Time commitm ent is flexible and depend s on Welcome aboard , Ian! volunteer availability . The Avocet 4 Adult Education Classes 2007 Spring The following classes are sponsored by the SCVAS Education Committee. To register, Birdathon Sponsors please call the office at (408) 252-3747. All cancellations require 72-hour prior noti­ fication for refunds . More information can be found on our website, www.scvas.org. We are pleased to promote our gener­ ous sponsors who help make our Spring Silent Hunters: An Introduction to Local Owls with Karen Hoyt Birdathon so successful in raising Come join us for two nights of exploring the mystery of the silent hunters of the money for our youth environmental night. Focus will be on identification and natural history of our 8 common species education and conservation programs. with a power point introduction and a feathered guest each class. Learn about what You can win a wonderful prize like makes an owl so different from the hawks and falcons. these if you join our next Spring Birda­ ~:@esday_i:}5/30 and 6/6, 7-9 PM thon in 2008. Watch for announcements Location: Conference Room, McClellan Ranch, Cupertino on how easy it is to participate in future fu: $25 members, $30 non-members Avocet issues. Additional information Minimum : 15 students, Maximum: 24 students about the prizes and sponsors available on our website, www.scvas.org. Burrowing Owl Advocacy Workshop and Field Trip We need Burrowing Owl advocates in Mt. View, Sunnyvale, Alviso, Palo Alto! GoldenEagle Sponsors Join us for a one-hour session on the state of Burrowing Owls in the south bay, (donated more than $600 in prizes) their needs, and what you can do about it. Session followed by a field trip to local burrowing owl colonies. Bob and Deb Hirt, SCVAS members ~ : Saturday, 6/23, 8 AM-12 PM One week's time-share lodging in Location : Workshop - Conference Room, McClellan Ranch, Cupertino; Field trip Mexico or Spain locations TBD & : $10 Southwest Airlines Maximum: 20 participants. http://www.southwest.com/ Two airline tickets Butterflies of the Bay Area, with Moe Magoksi We are planning a June class to learn about (and learn how to identify) the local Whole Foods Market, Cupertino Butterfly species, which should be in abundance in May and June. Moe is an ac­ http://www.wholefoods.com/ tive member of the North American Butterfly Association, and has taught Butterfly Dessert and beverages for the Awards identification classes throughout the Bay Area. For details and information, contact Dinner, and gift certificates the SCVAS office, or check out the website, at www.scvas.org, where details will be posted as they are finalized.

GreatEgret Sponsors Annual Meeting and Potluck (donated between $250 and $599 in prizes) Wednesday, June 20, 6 PM Cheeseman 's Ecology Safaris McClellan Ranch Park http:/ /www.cheesemans.com/ Four Monterey Bay pelagic It's that time of year again! Join your fellow SCVAS members boat trips for the annual potluck dinner and volunteer recognition awards. Meet the Audubon staff, Board members and officers, and do some Orion Telescope birding while you dine. Bring a main http://www.telescope.com/ I Arcadia 20-60x78 zoom spotting scope dish, casserole, salad or hors d'ouevres and tripod to share - SCVAS provides beverages . and desserts. Bringing your own plates '; )~ Hawaii Forest and Trail and cups helps reduce use of wasteful /"' ( -:, ' -::--".~;_ _ http://www.hawaii-forest.com/ Birding tour on the Big Island, Hawaii plastic and paperware . ,r,- . • _,:::----·· ~ continued on page I I TheAvocet 5 Feb (PKe, RKe) were overshadowed by v.ob.) and a single bird was in closed Field Notes 15 seen there on 16 Feb (MMR). Only salt ponds in Alviso on 31 Mar (MMR, by Bill Bousman two were found in closed salt ponds in MJM , RGJ). More than 29 Sanderling Alviso on 3 Feb (MMR, MJM) , but at were recorded on closed salt ponds in Waterfowl through Egrets least 33 on two of these ponds on 31 Mar Alviso on 3 Feb (MMR, MJM) . Single Three to seven Greater White-fronted (MMR , MJM, RGJ) were unusual for late birds continued on Salt PondA16 on 3-5 Geese were seen in the Coyote Valley March. A pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes Feb (MMR, MJM). The wintering Ruff and nearby at Calero Reservoir 5 Feb-18 remained Shoreline Lake in February and was seen again in New Chicago Marsh Mar (RK.e, v.ob.). A single bird was on were last seen on 3 Mar (TGr). Single on 4 Feb (RWR) and 2 Mar (FY). The the percolation pond below Hwy 85 and American Bitterns during the period amazing winter for Glaucous Gulls on Blossom Hill Road 14-18 Feb (MJM, were at the Ogier Avenue ponds on 6 Salt Pond A 16 continued into February, v.ob.) and possibly the same bird was a Feb (RWR, FY) and along Guadalupe but tailed off in March with the last birds Almaden Lake 27 Feb (1Pa). Four to five Slough on 31 Mar (MMR, MJM, RGJ). seen there on 5 Mar (RWR, FV). Mam­ birds continued in the Palo Alto area, at A Cattle Egret was found occasionally at moser documented at least 7 birds in this least through 12 Mar (JM, RF). One to the Palo Alto Duck Pond during the period area through the winter. Two first-winter two Snow Geese were seen in the Palo (m.ob.), mostly in morning and evening, birds in Morgan Hill on 10 Feb (SCR) Alto area 2-16 Feb (v.ob.) and appear to but was not seen foraging during the day. were presumably attracted by the nearby be the same birds seen there regularly this Kirby Canyon landfill. Single 1st-winter winter. A single bird at Shoreline Park birds seen at the Coyote Creek Field on 8 Mar (FY) may have been one of Station (CCFS) waterbird pond on 20 these birds. Two snows at the South One or more Brant enlivened Feb-13 Mar (RWR, FY, SCR, RCi) County Regional Waste Water Author- the period and the second may have been part oftheA16 crowd. ity (SCRWA)treatment ponds in Gilroy The Short-eared Owls at Byxbee on 6 Feb (RWR, FY) are likely birds Black-and-White Warbler Park and the Palo Alto Flood Control found there earlier in the winter. Two Basin continued into early March , adult Ross's Geese were seen at New this winter was found in late the last observation was on 4 Mar Chicago Marsh on 17 Feb (MJM), they February (AME). Another bird was seen along had not been seen in this marsh since Guadalupe Slough on 31 Mar (MMR, 13 Jan. One bird was at the SCWRA MJM, RGJ), the second time this winter treatment ponds in Gilroy on 28 Feb that birds have been found in the Alviso (RWR, FV). ARoss'satByxbeeParkon Eagles through Goatsuckers area. One to two Common Poorwills 12 Mar (JM, RF) was new for the season A subadult Bald Eagle was found were heard at Monte Bello OSP on 17 and was seen again on 30 Mar (DC). Fol­ southwest of Gilroy on 8 Feb (SCR). The Feb (KP, DBr) and are likely resident. lowing the observation of a Brant in the last sighting of Bald Eagles wintering at Hummingbirds through Palo Alto area from November to January, Calero Reservoir was on 3 Mar (AV, PB one was found inland on a percolation et al.). Surprisingly, two adults were seen Solitaires Migrant Rufous Hummingbirds pond near Hwy 85 and Blossom Hill Road at a nest on a transmission tower on the were seen at Ed Levin CP on 10-20 Mar 14-22 Feb (PD, v.ob.), and a second bird west side of Calaveras Reservoir on 17 (MJM, RWR, FY, DWe), at Fremont was near Salt Pond A4 in Sunnyvale on Mar(RWR) and they have been recorded Older OSP on 28 Mar (RKe, PKe), and 29 Mar (BM). Or were these all the same there regularly since (m.ob.). A pair has in Henry Coe SP on 31 Mar(JRy). About bird? The number of Eurasian Wigeon apparently nested along the west shore 8 Lewis's Woodpeckers were seen in wintering on Salt Pond A2W tapered in the last few years, but not in an area the San Antonio Valley on 17 Mar (JK, from 5 males on 2 Feb (PKe, RK.e) to that is visible from public roads, but this TGe). The 1st-winter male Yellow-bel­ one there on 16 Feb (MMR). On closed year 's nest could not be more obvious. lied Sapsucker found in November at salt ponds in Alviso, 5-6 Eurasians were Always rare, migrant Swainson 's Hawks Ed Levin CP has remained there at least seen on 3 Feb and 31 Mar (MMR, MJM , are more likely in April, but two birds through 30 Mar (JRy). (The 1st-winter RGJ). A single male was at the SCRWA were found in March at Ed Levin CP: male that was found at the Santa Clara ponds in Gilroy on 6 Feb (RWR, FY). a dark morph on 23 Mar (MMR) and Valley Water District ponds in the winter Blue-winged Teal have shown up in a an intermediate bird on 30 Mar (PLaT). of 2001-02 was last seen on 30 Mar also.) variety of areas. Two males and a female Late Ferruginous Hawks included a An Ash-throated Flycatcher was banded were at the SCWRA ponds in Gilroy on light-phase adult on Metcalf Road on 26 at CCFS on 21 Feb (RCh). It is likely that 6 Feb (RWR, FY) and a female nearby Feb (WGB) and one or more birds in the this bird has wintered in central California on 18 Mar (SCR) may have been part of Coyote Valley on 27-28 Feb (BP, DWe). as our normal first arrival date is about this group. A pair was se:_enat the New Surveys of closed salt ponds in Alviso 10 Apr. One to two Red-breasted Nut­ Chicago Marsh on I Mar (AP) and a lone found 15-16 Snowy Plovers on 3 Feb hatches continued to be found in a Los male was in Salt Pond A 1 on 8 Mar (FY). and 31 Mar (MMR, MJM, RGJ). One Altos yard, with the last observation on 16 Two Redhead on Salt Pond A2W on 2 to two Lesser Yellowlegs were found in New Chicago Marsh 28 Feb-5 Mar (JRy, Mar (GHt, KHt). One calling near Page The Avocet 6 Field Notes cont'd Gen. Meeting Mill and Alpine roads 5-19 Mar (GHa) surprise. A male Great-tailed Grackle from Page 1 was seen at the Coyote Creek GC on 14 is believed to be resident. A Canyon determine sequences, and how are se­ Mar(MJM).TheLawrence'sGoldfinch Wren was singing near Willson Camp quences used to find relationships? John roost at Monte Bello OSP peaked with in Henry Coe SP on 17 Feb (JY, AL). will also explain some of the oddest 47 birds on 5 Mar and tailed off through One to two American Dippers were and most interesting discoveries. And the month (GHa). Elsewhere in the Santa seen during the period along Stevens there will be many pictures of birds too. Cruz Mountains, 3 were at Arastradero Creek above Mt. Eden Road (m.ob.). Many of the groups and relationships Preserve on 19 Mar (KS et al.) and 2 were Another was along Alamitos Creek at that have been standard in field guides at Almaden-Quicksilver CP on 30 Mar Twin Creeks (AV). A Golden-crowned for years have been found to be wrong, (MJM).TwobirdsoverMorganHillon 18 Kinglet was seen on Wrights Station and the true relationships are often bi­ Mar (SCR) were at the edge of the Diab lo Road on 11 Feb (MMR) where they are zarre and surprising. One case that has known to breed. No lowland birds were made its way into a few fieldguides al­ reported. A Townsend's Solitaire was ready is the Blue Grosbeak, which is not found at Almaden Reservoir on 1O Feb a grosbeak at all but a bunting; in fact (PB et al.) and was seen there irregu- Indigo Buntings are more closely re­ larly through 27 Feb (RKe, PKe, v.ob.). lated to Blue Grosbeaks than to Lazuli Phainopeplas through Buntings. Similarly, Northern Oriole Goldfinches was re-split because Bullock's Oriole turned out to be more closely related It has been a good period for Phaino­ to some tropical orioles than to its geo­ peplas, particularly in the Valley. A graphic neighbor, the Baltimore Oriole. male was seen southwest of Gilroy on by Bonnie Bedford-White Much more of this sort of thing, but 13 Feb (SCR) and possibly the same much stranger, will work its way into male was at the Uvas Creek Preserve in Range. More expected were six in San future guides. All this new knowledge Gilroy on 9 Mar (SK). A male was in Antonio Valley on 17 Mar (JK, TG) and comes from comparing the DNAs of Joseph Grant CP on 12 Mar (RKe) and two at Ed Levin CP on 23 Mar (MMR). different species, and how we go about another was at Ed Levin on 16 Mar (RKe, Observers: Bill Bousman (WGB), doing that is itself a fascinating story. PKe). After the early winter excitement Patty Brown (PB), Debbi Brusco (DBr), John Harshman received his PhD. of an immature male Black-and-White Dotty Calabrese (DC), Roy Churchwell in evolutionary biology from the Uni­ Warbler on the east side of the Valley, a (RCh), Richard Cimino (RCi), Matthew versity of Chicago in 1996, and has female was seen on the west side at the Dodder (MDo), Peggy Don (PD), Al Eis­ worked in the molecular phylogenet­ Arastradero Preserve on 18 Feb (KHo, ner (AME), Robbie Fischer (RF), Txell ics of birds for the past 15 years. He RP et. al.). Northern Waterthrushes Genesca (TGe), Tom Grey (TGr), Garth is currently involved in the Early Bird were seen again at the Charleston Road Harwood (GHa), Kirsten Holmquist Project, a collaborative effort among marsh on 11 Feb (MDo) and along Ste­ (KHo), Grant Hoyt (GHt), Karen Hoyt five American universitfes and muse­ vens Creek below La Avenida on 16 Feb (KHt), Richard Jeffers (RGJ), Jon Katz ums, and funded by the National Sci­ (MMR). Single Western Tangers, ap­ (JK), Roland Kenner (RKe), Pat Kenny ence Foundation, to discover the re­ parently wintering, were observed along (PKe ), Sue Kruse (SK), Peter LaTourrette lationships among all the orders and the Stevens Creek Trail near Yuba Drive (PLaT), Amy Lauterbach (AL), Mike families of birds using DNA sequences. on 9 Mar (RKe, PKe) and at Stanford Marnmoser (MJM), Bill Maney (BM), on 28 Mar (KPr), both locations where Dean Manley (DMa), Joe Morlan (JM), birds were found earlier in the winter. A Kris Olson (KO), Richard Page (RP), Did you know that SCVAS has Chipping Sparrow at Ed Levin CP on Kay Partelow (KPr), Janna Pauser (JPa), a LENDING LIBRARY? With 19 and 22 Mar (MJM, KO, DMa) may Andy Pedler (AP), Bob Power (BP), Bob field guides from around the have been an early migrant or wintering Reiling (RWR), Mike Rogers (MMR), world, to "How-to's" for gar­ bird as they do not nest at this eleva­ Steve Rottenbom (SCR), Jennifer Ry­ dening, it should be your first tion. A Swamp Sparrow found along cenga (JRy), Kendric Smith (KS), Frank stop for any question! Alviso Slough in late January was seen Vanslager (FY), Ann Verdi (AV), Dave again on 3 Feb (MMR, MJM). As dur­ Weber (DWe), and James Yurchenco(JY). Come to the McClellan Ranch ing the last period, 11 White-throated office to check it out! Sparrows were found in February and March, only one at a feeder. We.have RARITIES: Please drop me a note: few winter records of Yellow-headed Bill Bousman, 321 Arlington Way, Blackbirds, so an adult male at the Palo Menlo Park, CA 94025, or: barlowi@earthlink .net Alto Duck Pond on 17 Feb (FY) was a

TheAvocet 7 California Desert Hawk Watch by Sue and Jim Liskovec

"This clicker is useless; I can 't make it go fast enough," called one of the counters . "Don't try to count every one; count by !Os," responded Paul , group leader for the day. It was about 9 in the morning, March 20, 2007, and a dozen or so dedicated counters were frantically clicking as they Swainson 's Hawk tallied hundreds of Swainson 's Hawks lifting up from their by Bonnie Bedford -White night roosts in the middle of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Four years ago, in March 2003 , Hal Cohen , a retired biologist, their night roosts , and kettled in the warm morning thermals, decided to count "just a few migrating Turkey Vultures", the gaining altitude . Then, from the tops of the kettles, they glided only raptor species known to the local folks of Borrego Springs. northward, right over our heads. This was a pattern of thermal At the end of that first month of counting, he'd tallied 153 lift and gliding that they would repeat throughout their mi­ Turkey Vultures. But more significantly, he'd also tallied 443 gration to minimize expenditure of energy. The Swainson's Swainson 's Hawks.As an experienced hawk migration watcher Hawks' journey began from wintering grounds in the pampas from 11linois, Hal sensed he was onto something. Over the of Argentina and will end at their nesting areas in western following years he enlisted help from local year-round and and central US, Canada, and even as far north as Alaska. snowbird residents who now form a cadre of experienced ob­ Hundreds of hawks had passed overus, silently and effortless­ servers. Every day from mid-February through the end of April ly, in a stream a quarter of a mile wide . This sky-filling spectacle they tally migrating Swainson 's Hawks and Turkey Vultures on was awesome . We had been unbelievably fortunate to witness their evening fly-in and morning fly-out from Borrego Valley. the largest Swainson 's Hawk fly-out recorded in Borrego Valley. When the fly-out was over that March 20lh morning, 1365 Check out www.hawkcount.org for more information on the Swainson 's Hawks and 48 Turkey Vultures had lifted off from Borrego Valley Hawk Count.

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.J~ CVAS'Education Committee is planning so!Jle' , J. excitingprograms for Young Audubon members ... » ~~ Pastactivities have ittcluded ,ird ,attdittgwith the SattFrattcisco ,av ,ird ~'\, Observatory,,irdh,g Pay CatMpat McClellattRattch Park, Fieldr rips to CharlestottSlough, attd ,irdittgWorkshops, ittcludittg presetttatiotts frotM Hllting! KayakTriy1! SkyHuttters EttvirotttMetttal Educatiott attd their livebirds of prey! ...so., who knows what this summer will bring! Haveideas for great sutMtMeractivities? fhe YouttgAudubott Prograt\1 would love to hearfrotM you!

For the latest information about up-coming activities, check out our website at www.scvas.org. In- formation and details will be posted as soon as they become available . You can also contact the SCVAS Programs Coordinator at (408) 252-3740 or programs @scvas.org . Want the news fast and easy? Sign up for the Young Audubon E-mail list! Messages sent out about once a month. TheAvocet 8 Memorialize your Commitment Elections for SCVAS to Conservation and Board of Directors and Officers Environmental Education at our Annual Meeting and Potluck on June 20, 2007 By Debbie Thompson The Nominating Committee of the SCVAS Board We are very proud of the accomplishments SCVAS has of Directors is pleased to nominate the following can­ made over its long 80-year history . We are also confident didates for elected positions on the Board for the term that our future serving the Bay Area looks long and bright. indicated. New directors and officers will take office on Our chapter is very lucky to have a solid endowment to help July 1, 2007. SCVAS members in good standing may sustain our important programs . We have many dedicated participate in the voice vote at this Annual Meeting. The members who donate yearly to support our daily activi- majority of available votes will determine the winner. ties. Our Board of Directors takes fiscal responsibility very seriously and our small staff continuously looks for ways to Position and Term Candidate spend our precious money effectively. President, '07- '08 Bob Hirt Regardless of age or income, you can Vice President, '07-'08 Dave Cook feel secure with a financial and estate Secretary, '07- '08 Joan Leighton plan that allows your heirs to fulfill Treasurer, '07-'08 Seeking Candidates your wishes . One of the most signifi­ Director, '06- '09 David McIntyre cant ways to memorialize your com­ mitment to conservation and environ­ mental education in our community long into the future is to include a bequest to SCVAS in your estate plan . A bequest is National River Clean-up Day simply a provision in your will or trust that directs a portion sponsored by the Santa Clara County Parks of your estate to a named beneficiary . There are many types and Recreation Dept. of bequests so one is sure to fit your situation . You can name SCVAS as the first, second , or final beneficiary for part or Come on out to help clean our local all of the proceeds from IRAs, financial institution accounts, real estate, insurance policies , wills, trusts or any other waterways in Santa Clara County! estate-planning documents . This is a National event that anyone can Join others who have made SCVAS part of their estate be a "Part of the Solution to Creek plan. We have recently received a most generous bequest from the estate of Albert Martel. Also , my husband and I Pollution!" are proud to show our belief in SCVAS by including it as a beneficiary on one of our financial accounts . Others have named several beneficiaries in their trust , with a percentage May 19, 2007 benefiting SCVAS. It is easy to include SCVAS as a beneficiary in your estate 9:00 am - 12:00 pm plan. Language can be as simple as, "I bequeath an amount equal to 50 percent of the net value of my estate as finally Visit www.cleanacreek.org for a list of determined for federal tax purposes to Santa Clara Valley participating sites* all throughout Audubon Society, a charitable organization located in Santa Clara County , California." Your estate planner will know Santa Clara County. what language to use for your particular circumstance. Also, the donations section of our Web site, www.scvas.org. con­ *Each site has a contact person to register tains more details on how to make a bequest and other ways for that location. to donate. If we can answer any questions or help in any way, please contact our Executive Director, Bob Power, at (408) 252-3748. Please let us know if you decide to include SCVAS in your estate plan. We look forward to working ---==- with you to memorialize your commitment to conservation .... ~~ and environmental education long into the future of the Bay Area. All volunteer s under 18 need to have a waiver to participate, and those under 16 need the waiver as well as an adult present the entire time.

TheAvocet 9 Burrowing Owls Census Local Audubon Chapters Win continued from page 1 For each detection location , observers will Greater Protection for Birds also provide a count of all owls seen from Altamont Wind Turbines (identified to age and sex, if possible) , an estimate of the number of breeding There has been a lot of buzz lately about the state of the Al­ pairs, and standardized habitat informa­ tamont Pass Wind Turbines agreement. We wanted to make tion. Priorto the field season , surveyors sure SCVAS members had the most up-to-date, accurate in­ will be provided with detailed instruc­ formation , so have included the following media release (sub­ tions, as well as the opportunity to attend mitted by the Golden Gate Audubon Society on 1/10/2007): a training session with IBP personnel , a local field trip with Ruth Troetschler , your On January 11, 2006 , the Alameda County Board of local coordinator. Supervisors met and approved a settlement agreement that At the end of the season researchers at IBP will consolidate will require industry to take immediate action to reduce bird and analyze the data for the entire 2 year census, and dis­ mortality at Altamont Pass by 50 percent. The settlement seminate results as widely as possible . SCVAS will do the will resolve more than a year of negotiations between lead same for our local data. By incorporating survey results to plaintiff Golden Gate Audubon Society and the wind industry state policymakers, IBP and all the volunteers who make this at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area (APWRA). It also survey possible can contribute greatly to the development of constitutes the toughest requirements ever imposed on the an informed, up-to-date statewide conservation plan that we wind industry to reduce illegal bird kill at the 20-year-old hope will safeguard breeding populations of Burrowing Owls wind resource area. throughout California. "Golden Gate Audubon recognizes the severe impacts that global warming and the burning of fossil fuels have on How You Can Participate birds and their habitat, and we are committed to supporting We need you! The statewide Burrowing Owl survey provides renewable energy, including wind power," said Samantha a rare opportunity for individuals or organizations to make an Murray, Conservation Director for Golden Gate Audubon important contribution to science and conservation . Whether Society. "However, it's of paramount importance that we you are a professional biologist , a seasoned birder, or simply a develop wind in a way that is compatible with wildlife ." Burrowing Owl admirer , we urgently need your participation in Golden Gate Audubon , along with four other local Audubon one or more of the following ways: The 2007 Burrowing Owl chapters (including Santa Clara Valley Audubon), originally survey season is quickly approaching! The survey window in filed suit under the California Environmental Quality Act Central and Northern California (north of and including Kem on October 31, 2005 against the County of Alameda for County) it begins May 15 and goes through July 15. With over approving 13-year conditional use permits at Altamont Pass 550 blocks to survey across the state-32 in Santa Clara , San without conducting environmental review. The permitted Mateo, and San Benito counties- there is plenty of work to be turbines in question kill up to 4,700 birds annually, including done. If you can work farther afield, Merced , Mono, Monterey, as many as 116 fully protected Golden Eagles , and have been Stanislaus, Kern, Kings, Tulare counties need more help. *** doing so for more than two decades . To volunteer to census one or more 5-km by 5-km blocks The APWRA was built in the 1980s, making it one of the locally contact Ruth Troetschler, 650-948-4142 . rebugging@ oldest wind farms in the United States. But because it was built batnet.com. immediately so we can train and assign before the before the wind turbines' deadly impacts on birds were well season begins. A workshop will be held at McClellan Ranch on known, theAPWRA was poorly sited: It sits in the middle of an Saturday, June 6/23, from 8AM-l2PM (see page 5). important migratory flight corridor and immediately adjacent to the densest known Golden Eagle nesting territory in the *** If you are interested farther afield, contact Bob Wilkerson or Rodney world. As a result, the more than 5,000 turbines at APRWA Siegel at owl@birdpop .org or 415-663-2051. Web site http ://www. kill as many as 1,300 raptors each year-more raptors than birdpop .org/burrowing .htm. any other wind facility in North America. The settlement being considered by the County and approved by both local Audubon chapters and industry will Looking for great MON PEN force the wind industry to commit to a 50% reduction in SATIJR:1110 • 5 gifts Jor that favorite " • MJISTERcAY10 . 2 raptor mortality by November 2009- including a requirement birder in your life? ACCEPJl:o for the industry to remove the deadliest turbines for the birds 408-252-3747 The SCVAS Nature and continue seasonal shutdowns of the APWRA during - the winter months . If the wind companies fail to achieve Shop has what you the 50% mortality reduction within three years, an adaptive need! ' management plan will kick in, forcing the companies to take further action to ensure that they reduce bird kill by half of current levels. continued The Avocet 10 2007 Birdathon Sponsors continued from page 5

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Altamont Pass Agreement, continued from previous page between wind energy and wildlife ." Bill Yeates, attorney for California The agreement also commits the time. Audubon and lead negotiator in this wind industry to participating in a "Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet settlement agreement, added , "As a comprehensive, long-term conservation to solve the bird kill crisis at Altamont," former President of Monterey Peninsula planning process to minimize and added Murdock. "The strength of this Audubon Society I want you to know that mitigate ongoing bird kills at the agreement is that it commits the wind I understand and appreciate an Audubon APWRA. The plan, which includes companies to implement some of the Chapter's perspective and I care deeply Golden Gate Audubon and Audubon most critical mitigation measures for about the well-being of the birds that are California, will require the endorsement birds while allowing flexibility to being killed at APWRA. I want to correct of both the state Department of Fish and require new measures as the best science what is going on at Altamont and I do Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife emerges." sincerely believe our settlement agreement Service. "Discovering how wind turbines can is a step in the right direction, but there is "This settlement agreement is a huge run without killing birds is of global more work ahead ." improvement over the permits Alameda significance, as wind energy production Most of that work involves the long­ County issued last year and will secure expands exponentially in the coming term, comprehensive planning process much stronger protections for raptors," years ," said Murray . "We need to learn that will result in a natural communities said Elizabeth Murdock, Golden Gate how to produce wind energy while conservation plan (NCCP) for APWRA . Audubon's Executive Director. "For minimizing impacts to wildlife ." This plan will provide a sweeping long­ the first time in two decades, the wind "Golden Gate Audubon 's willingness term conservation. Whil an Audubon industry will be required to reduce to work with industry at Altamont has chapter would typically be involved in the illegal bird kill at Altamont Pass facilitated a process by which agencies , the development of an NCCP, in this case, significantly in a very short time conservationists , and industry can come California Audubon and Golden Gate frame." together to find long-term solutions Audubon are parties to the agreement One of the biggest challenges in that get us closer to the State of and have to agree to the plan for it to be resolving the egregious bird kills at California's goal of reaching 20 percent approved . This is a far more strategic Altamont is scientific uncertainty about renewable energy," said Murray . "As role for us to play than is typical in the how to best mitigate bird mortality at one of the oldest and most experienced development of this type of conserva­ wind farms. Expert scientists are still conservation organizations in the Bay tion plan. studying which actions will best reduce Area, Golden Gate Audubon is perfectly bird kill, a critical process that will take situated to help negotiate the balance The Avocet 11 Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society Non-Profit Organization 22221 McClellan Road Cupertino, CA 95014 U.S. Postage Paid San Jose, CA Phone: 408-252-3747 Permit No. 5869 Fax: 408-252-2850 E-mail: [email protected] www.scvas.org

We thank these members for their generous contributions, February through March 2007:

Volunteer Memorial Fund: Supporter: Goldstein, Donald and Thresa Grieve, Mr and Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals, Jeff Chase, Joe DeLellis, Diane Hom, Alison Mrs Edward Gustafson, Roxanne Handler, Joann Lance and Rebecca Bonham, Doug and Gail Jahrsdoerfer, Michael and Carolyn Kulakofsky, Harrington, Robert and Martha Helseth, Baba Cheeseman, David and Barbara Cook, Mr. and Mondy and Shelley Lariz, Cecily Magyar , Bob Herrick, Russ Hinshaw, Shane Hoff. Mostafa Mrs. Goris, Mr. and Mrs. Higshi, Mr. and Mrs. Prevaux, Robert Schauer, Elaine Varga, Mary Khadem, Lisa Killough, Katherine Klein, Peter Hart, The Hendigs , David McIntyre and Antoi­ Ellen White. Knoot, David Knox, Margaret Lawson, Karl nette Konski, Gordon and Betty Lepper, Mr. and and Christa Leinberger, Morton Levine, Pam Mrs. Lindeleaf , The McGuires, The Mort Family, Associate: Lougheed, Alice and Jamie Lynch, Chris Steve Patt and Debi Jamison, The Rogers, George Chris Basanese, John and Grace Hattori, Aiko MacIntosh, Ann Mason, Ronald and Barbara and Georgia Sakai, Mr. and Mrs. Schumann, Hayashi, Phyllis Lazarus, Bernard Lint , Kristine McDow, Sharon McFarlin, Kenneth McKenzie South Valley Fleurs Garden Club, Mr. and Mrs. Long, Donna Meyer, Marilee Mifflin , Molly Mol­ M.D., Barry and Linda Mclaughlin, Lisa Miller, Tognetti, Mr. and Mrs. Trampas, Gene and Ruth loy and Joe Altimus, Eric Morley, Jennifer and Patricia Moylan, Julio Troetschler, Mrs. Norman Watenpaugh, The Eugene . Morrison, Whitney Mortimer , Diana Mulero, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Nunziata, Kristen Wheeler Family, Wild Bird Center of Los Gatos, Root , Margie Schmale, Mr. and Mrs . Scott Spen­ Olson, Margaret Okuzumi and Bruce Hahne, Mr. and Mrs. Yamagishi , The Yates Family, cer, Bruce Watts. Marjorie Ottenberg, Renee Polizotto, Chris- tine Robson , Michael Rock, Sarah Rosedahl, Organizational Support: Individual: Alexander Roxx, Teresa Anne Ruzzo, Grace Sain, For the generous support of our Mitigation Sylvia Alderman, Tony Alexander, Marlow Susan Sandstrom, Jan Schwartz, Eugene Shelar, Monitoring Project: Ambassador and Mrs. Bill Antonucci, Donald and Jean Arndt, Michael Stephen Shunk, Leonore Silberman, Mr. Robert Lane Jr., and Mr. Jon Silver, David Smemoff and and Cynthia Azevedo , Dorsey and Katherine Stephens and Julie Packard, Kathryn Strachota, Cindy Russell. Bass, Mr. Louis Beaudet, Linda Becker, Lorrie Maureen Taggart, Elizabeth Takahashi, Dennis Blythe, Mrs. Phyllis Browning, Dotty Calabrese, and Cynthia Taylor, Annette Teng, David Werner, Partner: Sondra Calgher , Don Carter , Nancy Collins, Daniela Wersin, Dr. Joseph and Eunice Wissel, Brenda Torres-Barreto. April Cordes, Chuck Corona, Dr. Charles Coston, Christine Wolfe, Rose Wyman. Betsey Crandall, Susan Crocker, Marthe Dalton, Contributor: Doris Deising, Richard Dworak, Rebecca Elliot, Larry and Leslie Bain, James and Kathryn Carol Galvan, Toby Goldberg, Paul and Carole Johnson . 2007Volume 54, Number3 Chapter Membership in the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (SCVAS) receives the SCVAS newsletter, The Av-;;e-;- - 0 $20: One Year SCVAS Membership 0$35: Two Year SCVAS Membership Additional Gift: 0 $ 50 0$ 100 0$ 250 □ Other__ _ Membership$ ______+Donation$ = Total Enclosed$ ______Name ______

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D Check here if you would like a free copy of Birding at the Bottomof the Bay.our gift to new members! D Check here if you don't want your name and address shared with other organizations. Make all checks payable to SCVAS. The Avocet 12