VOLUME 46 April/May 2014 Number 5 Birds Can Smell, After All GENERAL MEETINGS First United Methodist Church by Daphne Smith 1551 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa Continued on page 2 There have been some rumors, but now April Meeting there is hard data to document that birds “Climate Change and Conservation Reliance Among California’s At-risk Birds” do indeed have a sense of smell. The latest Monday, April 21, 7:00PM issue of Audubon magazine (January-Feb- Lists of at-risk species are a common and important conservation tools. But do they go ruary 2014), features an article by Nancy far enough? Tom Gardali, ecologist with Point Blue Conservation Science, will discuss Averett entitled “The Sniff Test,” covering two important considerations of at-risk species lists: climate change and conservation reli- extensive research results that contradict ance. Using California birds as the example, he will discuss how at-risk lists are developed, what needs to be done to incorporate the threat of climate change, and the need to con- long-held notions to the contrary. sider ongoing management for species that are conservation reliant. He will draw from No less of an expert than John James Audu- his work on the California Bird Species of Special Concern, a climate change vulnerability bon came to a definitive conclusion in analysis, and a recent paper on conservation reliance of California birds. 1820, setting up experiments with old vul- ture carcasses to attract them by the odor. The vultures weren’t tempted, and the word May Meeting with Annual Awards and Potluck “The Laguna de Santa Rosa” was out—birds have no sense of smell. Monday, May 19, 7:00PM It seems that even vultures have their The Laguna de Santa Rosa is the largest freshwater wetland complex in Northern Cali- preferences. In 1960 Kenneth Stager, an fornia, and the receiving basin of a watershed where most of the Sonoma County’s ornithologist in Los Angeles, found that population lives. Its 14-mile channel is the largest tributary of the Russian River, and is the birds did generally show up to feed if of critical importance to the county’s water quality and flood control. It is also a unique the carcasses were less than four days old. ecosystem covering 30,000 acres of marshes, grasslands, creeks, and oak woodlands, with an amazing diversity of plants, animals and birds. He could also identify the specific scent, the same rotten egg odor as natural gas David Bannister is the Executive Director of the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation. engineers use to find gas leaks. Still, Stag- Some of us older folks will remember that he also served as the Chairman of the So- noma Group of the Sierra Club during the campaign that led to the adoption of the er’s work didn’t draw much attention. Vineyard Erosion Control Ordinance. However, scientific study of bird olfac- David will give a talk on the importance of the Laguna de Santa Rosa, and the special tion was beginning to attract at least a few features that make up a laguna, how to access the area by foot or by boat, and the wild- dedicated researchers in the latter part of life that thrives there. He will also have available a new birding checklist for the Laguna. the 20th century, and a variety of stud- ies led to more and more species of birds MAS Annual Potluck Dinner, with Recognition Awards and Election of Officers Madrone will host our annual potluck dinner at the monthly meeting on Monday, May found to have a distinct sense of smell. 19. For the potluck dinner, please bring a dish to share (entree, salad or dessert). We Continued on page 2 will provide drinks–sorry, no alcoholic beverages allowed at the church. To help set up before the dinner, please come at 5:30 p.m.; dinner begins at 6 pm, To receive Leaves via email in PDF format just meeting at 7:00 pm (includes annual awards and May presentation). We look forward email your request to: to seeing you! [email protected] You will get your copy faster and help save paper. MADRONE LEAVES

BIRDS CAN SMELL Though not as obvious as in other animal Out and About Continued from page 1 life, it seems that many birds have tiny structures in the forebrain called olfac- Sonoma Ecology Center Hosts Spring Bernice Wenzel, a physiology professor at Wildflower Walks at Van Hoosear UCLA, gave a paper in 1965 to explain tory bulbs. A study in 1968 found such bulbs in 108 species. Recent studies in Wildflower Preserve and Sugarloaf how pigeons’ heart rate went up when Ridge State Park they were exposed to scented air. For the 2008 found that many birds use smell to next 25 years she repeated the tests, us- a smaller or larger extent in combination The public is invited to attend one of 10 ing electrodes attached to the birds’ ol- with visual and auditory clues, to en- wildflower walks taking place at the Van factory bulbs, on subjects as diverse as hance environmental adaptions such as Hoosear Wildflower Preserve or Sugarloaf “a raven, a turkey vulture, mallards, ca- attracting mates, warning against preda- Ridge State Park this spring. Wildflower naries, bobwhite quail, and black-vented tors, and increasing survival of fledglings walks are scheduled for the following dates shearwaters.” She found that she could in the nest. and times: attract two seabirds commonly found off Continuing studies, in spite of lingering Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve, the Southern California coast, northern skepticism, point to some surprising re- 10:00 AM to Noon fulmars and sooty shearwaters, by releas- sults. Our familiar little garden bird, the Saturday, March 22; Thursday, March ing odors of fish oils and bacon fat into dark-eyed junco, distinguishes among 27; Sunday, March 30; Saturday, April 5; the air. the different smells from a gland in the Thursday, April 10; Saturday, April 12. Inspired by Wenzel’s passionate con- tail base to predict better mates. In jun- The Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve viction, a young researcher named cos, “odor is probably a more reliable is known for one of the best wildflower Gabrielle Nevitt took up the cause of indicator of reproductive success than displays in Sonoma County. The 162- how birds smell. She was ridiculed at visual cues.” acre property in the foothills of Sonoma first—many of her grant applications For the full article, go to http://mag. Mountain is protected by a conservation were rejected on the basis of the linger- audubon.org/articles/birds/ . easement made possible by the Sonoma ing “birds-can’t-smell” fallacy. Nonethe- County Agricultural Preservation and less, in 1991 she went on an Antarctic Open Space District and the California research ship to study how birds who • • • • • • Wildlife Conservation Board. The prop- spend most of their lives far out at sea— erty is managed under a partnership with such as petrels, albatrosses, and shear- Junior Audubon Outings the landowner and Sonoma Ecology Cen- waters—might use olfaction to locate Planned for Spring ter to protect the Preserve’s unique plants, their food in schools of krill and squid. thriving streams, and wildlife habitat. She put slicks of vegetable oil laced with Saturday, April 5, 8:00 AM to Noon There is no charge for the Van Hoosear fishy compounds into the water, and the SPRING LAKE REGIONAL PARK. wildflower walks. They are made possible birds swooped down on her boat. Still Parking fee ($7) for non-permit holders. by the voters of Sonoma County who Nevitt needed to figure out how, absent From Summerfield Road in Santa Rosa, fund the Open Space District’s work with her “stinky slicks,” the seabirds found turn east on Hoen Avenue, then left on a quarter-cent sales tax. Reservations must their prey in the open sea. Newanga Avenue, and right inside the be made by 5:00 PM on the day prior to park entrance gate; meet in the parking On her second Antarctic trip in 1992, the walk. Please note that these popular lot near the restrooms at the top of the Nevitt met up with an atmospheric walks fill to capacity on a first come-first hill. Rain cancels. Leaders: Scott Camp- chemist from NOAA who was “studying served basis every year, so early registration bell, 530 828-6115, and Gordon Beebe. dimethyl sulfide, or DMS, emitted by is encouraged! phytoplankton, microscopic plants that ––––––––––– live at the ocean’s surface.” Something Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, clicked for Nevitt. In later experiments Saturday, May 10, 10:00 AM to Noon 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM she used aerosols of DMS to attract the Junior Audubon will be meeting in the Saturday, March 29; Saturday, April 6; seabirds. Who would have thought that parking lot of Lincoln Elementary School Saturday, April 19; Saturday, May 3 krill release a scented gas when they eat to look at the rookery. Scott Campbell Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is operated by phytoplankton, enough scent to draw and Moss Henry will be leading the Team Sugarloaf, a coalition of five non- tube-nosed seabirds to their dinner on groups. Bring binoculars and Scott will profit partners led by Sonoma Ecology the open sea! have a scope there as well. Scott: 530 Center. The park includes over 3900 acres, 828-6115. Page 2 Continued on page 3 MADRONE LEAVES

OUT AND ABOUT Continued from page 2 tions for the field trips are NOT required. Come with clean boots or shoes: the preserve Are you a National with a wide array of habitats and a corre- managers do not want to spread the Sudden Audubon member? sponding diversity of flowers in spring and Oak Death disease. Please consider joining our local summer. The park includes hillside grass- Saturday, April 12, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM chapter, Madrone Audubon lands with lupines, paintbrush, and iris, Join naturalist and retired biology pro- wet areas with seep-spring monkeyflower, (see membership form, back page) fessor Peter Leveque in a general nature creeks with western azalea, chaparral areas hike. We might find the fawn lily. A with ceanothus and chamise, hardwood moderately strenuous hike on Clark Foss meeting spot on Pine Flat Road. Bring forests with delicate chocolate lilies, and Road; you’ll need to get out your hiking binoculars, field guides, and lunch. redwood forests with starflower. These sticks and boots. Limited to adults and wildflower walks are not to be missed! Saturday, May 10, 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM children 14 years and older. Grasses - Join ACR’s Bouverie Preserve Sugarloaf Ridge State Park wildflower Saturday, April 19, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM resident biologist Jeanne Wirka for a walks are free; an entry fee or park pass is A day of discovering the splendid diver- hike to appreciate our local native grasses required for vehicles. These walks are 1-3 sity and ecology of land plants: mosses, and understand some of the non-native miles long. ferns, trees, shrubs, and those photoge- species with which they compete. As a For more information about any of these nic wildflowers. Your guide will be Peter former board president of the Califor- wildflower walks, or to register for a walk, Warner, botanical and ecological con- nia Native Grasslands Association (cnga. visit the Sonoma Ecology Center website sultant and teacher. Peter leads botanical org), Jeanne brings a grass-lover’s perspec- at www.sonomaecologycenter.org. field trips throughout California, engag- tive to the herbaceous landscape. The ing the faithful in the myriad sensual de- walk will amble at a botanist’s pace, with • • • • • • lights of our photosynthesizing friends— frequent stops to learn key characteristics without whom we would wither away. of certain common species. Bring a hand 2014 Mayacamas The pace will be deliberate, with frequent lens and camera. Handouts on basic grass Sanctuary Field Trips stops. Tote field guides, hand lenses, and anatomy and ID cues will be available at cameras. Children okay with supervision. the hike. Sponsored by Madrone A plant list for the Sanctuary and envi- Saturday, May 17, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Audubon Society rons is available by contacting Peter @ A bird-rich outing. We will meet at the [email protected]. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR first bridge on Pine Flat Road, just east ALL EVENTS: The field trips are free, Sunday, May 4, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM of its intersection with Highway 128, open to the public and suitable for all levels A geology hike will be led by Iain Jamie- north of Healdsburg. We will combine of interest. Bring your lunch and refresh- son, a retired geologist. He worked at the into as few cars as possible, driving to the ments for the day; wear layered clothing, Geysers in the 1970s. Joining David Self, top and working our way back down. hats, and sun protection. Sturdy walking Mayacamas’ new naturalist, on a hike re- Bring lunch. Leaders: Gordon Beebe, shoes or hiking boots recommended. Be cently, Iain shared his geological knowl- [email protected] 583-3115, and prepared for rain showers, but heavy rain edge of the area. Iain is a current Bouverie Bill Doyle, 483-8773. cancels the hikes unless otherwise indicated. Preserve docent, which has expanded his No dogs, no smoking; preserve is not wheel- interest in nature. Be prepared for a mod- chair accessible. Be aware that spring is the erate hike with many stops to discuss the season for the emergence of poison oak, ticks rock formations and geological history. and rattlesnakes. Meet on Pine Flat Road Bring magnifiers and binoculars. Early between Red Winery Road and the Sausal teens may find this of interest. Creek Bridge. Pine Flat Road begins ¼ mile past the Jimtown Store on Highway Thursday, May 8, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM 128 East at the first sharp right hand turn. Birdwatchers’ Walkabout led by Tom Some may wish to form informal carpools, McCuller. We’ll explore the varied habi- about a half-hour before the field trip, at tats of the preserve for the many spe- the parking area along Russian River Road cies that can be seen in the Mayacamas just west of Highway 101. For more infor- in the spring. We will travel by car and mation contact Janet: 526-5883. Reserva- make stops along the road. Carpool at the Page 3 MADRONE LEAVES

Festivals! Space is limited. To sign up, please call Al or dates you or your team would like to Hesla at 765-9411, or email at a.hesla@ patrol. Godwit Days Spring Migration Festival, comcast.net no later than 4/24. Native Nursery & Garden: 226A Center Arcata, CA. April 16-22, 2014. Street, Healdsburg. Assist with planning, http://godwitdays.org/ Bird Rescue Center of Sonoma County - Festival of Feathers planting, weeding, etc. Please indicate a Saturday, April 26, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM preferred schedule or on your Volunteer 3430 Chanate Road, Santa Rosa, CA Intake Form, and Susan Maxwell will 95404 contact you. Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival. Preserve Stewardship: Wednesday, Thurs- April 25-27, 2014. day, and Friday afternoons, working with http://eacmarin.org/point-reyes-birding- David. These activities will be posted on festival/ the Meetup at least a week ahead of time, and drop-ins are welcome. We usually start Heron Days in Lake County, California at 12:30 PM at Ferguson Spring, though Greater Yellowlegs Illustration by Steven D’Amato A celebration of birds, wildlife, and we might work anywhere on the preserve, Petaluma Spring Feather Fest for Kids springtime on beautiful Clear Lake. Satur- and finish by 3:00 PM or so. Activities in- Saturday April 19, 9:00-Noon, day, May 3, 2014. Lakeside County Park, clude invasive plant removal, seed collect- Shollenberger Park, 1400 Cader Lane, Lakeport. www.heronfestival.org/ ing, planting natives, trail work, sign main- Petaluma. Co-sponsored by the Petaluma tenance, mapping of plants and habitats, Lincoln School Bird Festival Wetlands Alliance, a committee of Madrone vegetation data collection, etc. Volunteers are needed to help at Madrone Audubon, and the City of Petaluma Parks Audubon’s annual Lincoln School Bird Fes- Public Realtions, Research, Database, etc: and Recreation Department. tival. This year’s event is on Wednesday, 226A Center St. Healdsburg. Tuesday Join us for a docent-led morning bird and May 14, and runs from early morning to through Saturday mornings, by arrange- nature walk designed for kids 6-12. Ob- early afternoon. Individuals are needed to ment with David. Help with information serve nesting behavior of birds in the habi- help with and lead the many activities that tables, open house, research (history, hor- tats of the Petaluma Public Wetlands. After take place that day. Most importantly, we ticulture, ethnobotany, etc), developing the check-in at the picnic tables near Shol- need people to help with observations at field guides, iphone apps and databases, lenberger Park’s main entrance, we will ob- the heron and egret rookery near the school or other projects that you’d like to pro- serve nesting birds in teams of six kids, with on West Ninth Street. This event is always pose; submit a “Volunteer Intake Form”, each team accompanied by experienced greatly appreciated by the students, staff, and contact [email protected] or call adult birders. Afterwards we’ll meet back at and parents of the school community. If 431-8184. the picnic tables for a tailgate party: pizza, you want to volunteer or need more infor- cookies, and sodas provided for $2.50 per mation, contact Janeann Erickson at 795- • • • • • • person (kids and parents). This is an alco- 2498 or [email protected]. hol-free event. Updates on Legal Mountain Bird Festival, Ashland, OR Challenges May 30-June 1, 2014. Cliff Swallows Litigation: On January http://www.klamathbird.org/education/ 16, 2014, plaintiffs (Veronica Bowers, mountainbird Native Songbird Conservation & Care, –––––––––––– Madrone/Marin/Golden Gate Audu- Volunteer Opportunities with the bons, and Center for Biological Diver- Modini Mayacamas Preserves. If inter- sity) and defendant CalTrans reached a ested, contact [email protected] and Settlement Agreement related to our lit- submit a “Volunteer Intake Form.” igation. The Federal Highway Transpor- Hiking Patrol: We’re seeking folks that tation Administration defendant also will hike here a day each week or two, or settled with plaintiffs in March 2014. monthly (especially Sundays, Mondays, Terms of the Settlement include re- Tuesdays), in order to maintain a regu- moval of exclusionary netting from both lar presence and thus discourage inap- Petaluma bridges; use of hard surface Virginia Rail Illustration by Steven D’ Amato propriate uses. Please indicate a schedule Continued on page 5 Page 4 MADRONE LEAVES April 2014 calendar All walks and meetings are open to the public. Bird walks are recreational and educational in purpose, and all levels of expertise are welcome. Bring field equipment and wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing for variable weather conditions. Please carpool whenever possible. Forecasted heavy rain cancels. There is no charge for activities unless otherwise specified, but some parks have day-use fees. CONSERVATION COMMITTEE exchanges information by phone and Saturday, April 19, 10:00 AM email as soon as possible when an issue surfaces. Please contact Diane Hichwa SHOLLENBERGER PARK. Petaluma Wetlands Alliance leads two chil- at 785-1922 or [email protected]. dren/family nature walks. One-to-two hours, dependent on age of children. Meet at the first kiosk. Rain cancels. For the children/family walk in English, Wednesday, April 2, 7 PM contact Gerald Moore at 763-3577; for the walk in Spanish, contact Connie BOARD MEETING. Sonoma County Environmental Center, 55A Ridg- Peabody at 338-2237. way Avenue, Santa Rosa. For agenda information, contact Susan Kirks at [email protected]. Saturday April 19, 9:00 AM-Noon PETALUMA SPRING FEATHER FEST FOR KIDS Wednesday, April 2, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM SHOLLENBERGER PARK. POINT REYES. Bird Walk. Meet in the parking lot across from the Bear 1400 Cader Lane, Petaluma. Co-sponsored by the Petaluma Wetlands Al- Valley Visitor Center, which is just west of Olema. Bring lunch. Informa- liance, a committee of Madrone Audubon, and the City of Petaluma Parks tion: Tom McCuller, [email protected], 546-1812. and Recreation Department. Join us for a docent-led morning bird and na- Saturday, April 5, 8:00 AM to Noon ture walk designed for kids 6-12. Observe nesting behavior of birds in the SPRING LAKE REGIONAL PARK. Parking fee ($7) for non-permit hold- habitats of the Petaluma Public Wetlands. After the check-in at the picnic ers. From Summerfield Road in Santa Rosa, turn east on Hoen Avenue, then tables near Shollenberger Park’s main entrance, we will observe nesting birds left on Newanga Avenue, and right inside the park entrance gate; meet in the in teams of six kids, with each team accompanied by experienced adult bird- parking lot near the restrooms at the top of the hill. Rain cancels. Leader: ers. Afterwards we’ll meet back at the picnic tables for a tailgate party: pizza, Gordon Beebe, 583-3115. cookies, and sodas provided for $2.50 per person (kids and parents). This is an alcohol-free event. Space is limited. To sign up, please call Al Hesla at 765- Saturday, April 5, 8:00 AM to Noon 9411, or email at [email protected] no later than 4/24. JUNIOR AUDUBON. We will join Gordon Beebe’s walk at Spring Lake Regional Park. Rain cancels. Leaders: Scott Campbell 530-828-6115 and Saturday, April 19, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM Gordon Beebe. See page 2. MAYACAMAS MOUNTAIN AUDUBON SANCUTARY FIELD TRIP Botany and ecology with Peter Warner. See page 3. Thursday, April 10, 8:30 AM till Noon RIVERFRONT REGIONAL PARK. Bird Walk. Meet at the innermost Monday, April 21, 7:00 PM parking lot of the Sonoma County Riverfront Regional Park, 7821 Eastside GENERAL MEETING. “Climate Change and Conservation Reliance Road, west of Windsor. The parking lot is 0.4 mile from the park entrance. Among California’s At-risk Birds,” presented by Tom Gardali, ecologist with For those without a Sonoma County Park Permit, parking is $7. Informa- Point Blue Conservation Science. First United Methodist Church, 1551 tion: Tom McCuller, [email protected] or 546-1812. Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa. Please see the front page announcement. The public is always invited to attend these programs. Saturday, April 12, 9:00 AM SHOLLENBERGER PARK. Petaluma Wetlands Alliance/Madrone leads a Thursday, April 24, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM nature walk. Meet at the first kiosk. Rain cancels. Contact Gerald Moore at BODEGA BAY. Bird Walk. From the center of the town of Bodega Bay, drive 763-3577. north on Highway 1, turn left at East Shore Road (the Bodega Head turnoff), then turn right at the stop sign, and continue 0.3 miles to the unpaved park- Saturday, April 12, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM ing lot on the right. Bring lunch. Information: Tom McCuller, sisyphus@ MAYACAMAS MOUNTAIN AUDUBON SANCUTARY FIELD TRIP sonic.net, 546-1812. Join Peter Leveque in a general nature hike. See page 3. Saturday, April 26, 9:00 AM Wednesday, April 16, 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM ELLIS CREEK WATER RECYCLING FACILITY, PETALUMA. Petalu- ANNADEL STATE PARK. Bird Walk. We will search for returning passer- ma Wetlands Alliance leads a walk at the Ellis Creek ponds. Go to the end of ines, mainly along Channel Drive. Meeting place: from Montgomery Drive Cypress Drive and through the gates. Parking lot is on the left. Rain cancels. in Santa Rosa, go 0.6 miles on Channel Drive to an unpaved parking lot on Contact Bob Dyer at 763-2934. the left side of Channel Drive. For those without a Sonoma County Park Permit, parking is $7 inside the park. Bring lunch. For information, contact Wednesday, April 30, 8:30 AM till Noon Tom McCuller, [email protected], 546-1812. SPRING LAKE REGIONAL PARK. Bird Walk. For those without a So- noma County Park Permit, parking is $7. From Summerfield Road in Santa Saturday, April 19, 8:00 AM to Noon Rosa, head east on Hoen Avenue, turn left on Newanga Avenue, right inside SANTA ROSA CREEK AT WILLOWSIDE ROAD. A short walk, but the park entrance gate; meet in the parking lot near the restrooms at the top an intense birding experience. Meet at the bridge over Santa Rosa Creek, on of the hill. Information: Tom McCuller, [email protected], 546-1812. Willowside Road, mid-way between Hall Road and Guerneville Road. Park off the pavement. Rain cancels. Leader: Gordon Beebe, 583-3115.

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CONSERVATION COMMITTEE exchanges information by Saturday, May 17, 10:00 AM phone and email as soon as possible when an issue surfaces. Please SHOLLENBERGER PARK. Petaluma Wetlands Alliance leads two contact Diane Hichwa at 785-1922 or [email protected]. children/family nature walks. One-to-two hours, dependent on age of children. Meet at the first kiosk. Rain cancels. For the children/ Saturday, May 3, 7:15 AM to 3:00 PM family walk in English, contact Gerald Moore at 763-3577; for the NORTH GEYSERS ROAD. This trip visits a very rich and under- walk in Spanish, contact Connie Peabody at 338-2237. appreciated area of Sonoma County. We expect birds not seen on other trips, with lots of breeding activity. Meet at the Park and Ride Saturday, May 17, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM lot adjacent to the PG&E substation on River Road, just west of MAYACAMAS MOUNTAIN AUDUBON SANCUTARY Highway 101. We will need to combine into as few cars as possible, FIELD TRIP as parking is very limited along the road. Bring lunch, rain cancels. Birding with Gordon Beebe. See page 3. Leader: Bill Doyle, 483-8773. Monday, May 19, 7:00 PM Sunday, May 4, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM GENERAL MEETING. “The Largest Freshwater Wetland Com- MAYACAMAS MOUNTAIN AUDUBON SANCUTARY plex in Northern California,” presented by David Bannister, Execu- FIELD TRIP tive Director of the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation. First United Geology with Iain Jamieson. See page 3. Methodist Church, 1551 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa. Please see the front page announcement. The public is always invited to Wednesday, May 7, 7:00 PM attend these programs. BOARD MEETING. Sonoma County Environmental Center, 55A Ridgway Avenue, Santa Rosa. For agenda information, contact Su- Thursday, May 22, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM san Kirks at [email protected]. CLEAR LAKE STATE PARK IN LAKE COUNTY. Bird Walk. Note 9:00 AM start time. Meet at the park entrance, 3.5 miles Thursday, May 8, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM northeast of Kelseyville on Soda Bay Road, north of Calistoga. MAYACAMAS MOUNTAIN AUDUBON SANCUTARY There is an $8 park entrance fee. Bring lunch. Information: Tom FIELD TRIP McCuller, [email protected], 546-1812. Birding with Tom McCuller. See page 3. Saturday, May 24, 9:00 AM Saturday, May 10, 9:00 AM ELLIS CREEK WATER RECYCLING FACILITY, PETALUMA. SHOLLENBERGER PARK. Petaluma Wetlands Alliance/Madro- Petaluma Wetlands Alliance leads a walk at the Ellis Creek ponds. ne leads a nature walk. Meet at the first kiosk. Rain cancels. Contact Go to the end of Cypress Drive and through the gates. Parking lot is Gerald Moore at 763-3577. on the left. Rain cancels. Contact Bob Dyer at 763-2934.

Saturday, May 10, 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 28, 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM MAYACAMAS MOUNTAIN AUDUBON SANCUTARY SALMON CREEK ROAD/BODEGA BAY. Bird Walk. Meet in FIELD TRIP Bodega at the junction of Bodega Highway and Salmon Creek Road Grasses with Jeanne Wirka. See page 3. (on north side of Bodega Highway, opposite the Bodega Post Of- fice). Bring lunch. We will bird Salmon Creek Road in the morning Saturday, May 10, 10:00 AM to Noon and Bodega Bay in the afternoon. For information, contact Tom JUNIOR AUDUBON. We will view the rookery at Lincoln El- McCuller, [email protected] or 546-1812. ementary School. Scott Campbell, 530-828-6115, and Moss Henry will be leading the groups. Saturday, May 31, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM WILLOW CREEK ROAD AND DUNCAN’S MILLS. One of Wednesday, May 14, 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM our most productive bird walks. Meet at the parking lot of Sizzling SUGARLOAF RIDGE STATE PARK. Bird Walk. From Kenwood Tandoor Indian Restaurant in Bridgehaven at the south end of the on Highway 12, head east on Adobe Canyon Road to the park en- Russian River Bridge on Highway 1 (Coast Highway). Informal trance and parking lot ($8 parking fee). Bring lunch (we will lunch carpools meet at 7:00 AM at Sonoma County Agricultural Pres- away from cars). For information, contact Tom McCuller, sisyph- ervation and Open Space District Office, 747 Mendocino Avenue, [email protected] or 546-1812. Santa Rosa. The parking lot is behind the office (access from Carillo Street). Bring lunch; rain cancels. Leader: Bill Doyle, 483-8773.

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LEGAL CHALLENGES Continued from page 4 and growing Petaluma Wetlands educa- MADRONE tion program, voluntarily provided by exclusion and other safe materials for Petaluma Wetlands Alliance, could be BIRD-A-THON 2014 2014 exclusionary measures; pre-nest- seriously and negatively impacted. Dis- Please Support Our Teams ing, during nesting and post-nesting cussions are underway as we go to press Our largest fund raiser is still going, sup- monitoring visits (including a visit of possible next steps to address this porting, among other activities, Junior by Cliff Swallows expert Dr. Charles disappointing decision. The multiple Audubon, Lincoln School Bird Festival, Brown); and funding for outreach to plaintiffs must come to consensus on a the Christmas Bird Count & Audubon Petaluma property owners and residents best next course of action. Adventures which supplies all 3-5th who may observe nesting behavior on grade students in Sonoma County with their structures as Cliff Swallows are At the March meeting of our Madrone environmental classroom kits. excluded from nesting this season on Audubon Board of Directors, we dis- the bridges. Terms of the Settlement are cussed the possibility of a conservation We have four teams this year, please sup- also enforceable through the 9th Circuit acquisition of the Dutra property of 40+ port them by pledging a set amount, or Court. We are grateful to the Animal acres—with establishment of a gate- so much per species. Teams include: Legal Defense Fund and the Meyer Glit- way welcoming stopover for visitors to Sonoma County, a low-impact parking FEATHER QUESTERS: Diane Hichwa zenstein & Crystal legal team for nego- & friends tiating these satisfactory terms of settle- area with permeable materials, interpre- ment. Our monitoring team will assess tive kiosks featuring Sonoma County ROADRUNNERS: Betty Groce & Don the process at the Petaluma bridges, as tourism information, a low impact trail McCarthy for viewing nearby wetlands and marsh well as the exclusionary methods and ac- ZONOTRIPIAS: Bill Doyle, Helen Ko- tivities of CalTrans. wildlife just across the river, replanting of the grove of trees (removed by Cal- chenderfer, Don Kirker & Gene Hunn Thank you, Madrone and National Trans for the highway widening project GREY-HEADED SEERSUCKERS: Audubon members, who supported our interchange) to facilitate the return of Ken Wilson, Becky Olsen, Ian Morrison effort with donations and moral support nesting egrets, and wetland restoration & Ted Eliot during this process. We will provide up- on the property. The California Coastal Please contact Marcia Johnson if you have dates as the next phase unfolds. Conservancy and Sonoma County Ag- any questions, or if you would like to form ricultural Preservation and Open Space your own team at [email protected]. Dutra Asphalt Factory Litigation: On District are both invested in conserva- February 28, 2014, the 1st District Cal- tion funding for Alman Marsh and El- ifornia Court of Appeals denied plain- lis Creek. Protecting these investments, tiffs’ appeal (Madrone Audubon is one as well as protecting public health and of multiple plaintiffs) and affirmed the natural resources, continues to be a high Sonoma County Superior Court’s origi- priority for us. Our Board expressed nal decision in favor of the Dutra Group agreement that a conservation acquisi- and Sonoma County, approving the en- tion could be the most appropriate reso- vironmental review and Dutra asphalt lution to the environmental and health factory project. This decision would set concerns. The property owners would in motion the Dutra Group’s ability to need to agree to become willing sellers apply for and potentially receive permits for this to move toward a reality and a to then construct the long-opposed as- combination of funding sources would phalt factory just 200 feet from Petalu- also be required. ma’s sensitive wetlands and tidal marsh and the nationally recognized Shollen- Find us on Facebook berger Park. Such a facility would be in for conservation close proximity to Alman Marsh, Shol- alerts, birdwalk lenberger Park, and Ellis Creek. reminders, special Any birder or wildlife enthusiast who announcements and more. visits these areas understands the grav- ity of this decision. The long established Ruddy Duck Illustration by Kirsten Munson Page 7 MADRONE LEAVES

Madrone Members Can Precision Formation Tracking the V Support Saving Tidal Flight Astounds Scientists For the new study, Portugal and his col- leagues wanted to put the aerodynamics Marsh Flocks accomplish a feat of coordination hypothesis to the test. They used special- to save energy during migration. ized data loggers they had developed over by Chelsea Wald several years, which record Global Posi- tioning System (GPS) data five times per Migratory birds coordinate their wing second in sync with an accelerometer for flaps with much more finesse than pre- counting wingflaps. viously thought, so as to reap the best energy savings from flying in formation, But one problem remained: how to ac- suggests a new study. In 2011, as part of cess a flock of free-flying birds that were a reintroduction program, captive-bred tame enough to catch repeatedly? The Pelican Photo by Rick Lewis ibises following an ultralight aircraft to answer came from a conservation project “We have a chance to etch a legacy, for future their wintering grounds arranged them- in Austria. There, a team led by biologist generations to see “wings in a blur,” to discover selves in the shape of a V. Data loggers Johannes Fritz, recently awarded major for themselves something beyond the horizon, on their backs captured every position funding by the European Commission, something wild and sane and so stirring as to and wing flap, yielding the most compel- was reintroducing the northern bald take the observer beyond the outer limits where the ibis ( ), which had sound of feathers scraping the wind will be the ling experimental evidence yet that birds Geronticus eremita norm and still exceptional.” exploit the aerodynamics of the familiar been extinct in Europe for about 400 -Rick Lewis, formation to conserve energy. years. Since 2003, the conservation- ists had trained the birds to follow hu- Bird photographer and Bay enthusiast Theoretical models had previously shown man foster parents, who led them from that the V formation, seen in other mi- Save the Bay has begun a campaign to breeding areas in Austria and Germany gratory birds such as geese, could enable gather petition signatures to support to wintering grounds in the Italian re- trailing birds to save energy. But the restoration of tidal marsh around San gion of Tuscany, using an ultralight models also indicated that the birds’ co- Francisco Bay. Such restoration would aircraft. At Fritz’s invitation, in August ordination would have to be exception- be of great benefit to local resident and 2011 Portugal fitted 14 young ibises in ally precise to make a difference, and migratory birds. The San Francisco Bay Salzburg with his data loggers. Restoration Authority will soon vote on many scientists had doubted that the a November 2014 ballot measure for a animals could achieve such a feat during Portugal collected data for three flight nine-county local funding measure for flight, says ecophysiologist Steven Por- days of the 36-day paraplane-led migra- this very purpose. Save the Bay has tugal at the Royal Veterinary College in tion. From that, he selected a problem- reached out to multiple non-profits, in- Hatfield, UK. free seven-minute segment to analyze. To his surprise, the analysis showed that cluding Madrone Audubon, to coalesce To take maximum advantage of the V’s the birds’ formation fitted the theoretical in support of the potential doubling of aerodynamics, each bird would have to predictions of aerodynamics. “They’re tidal marsh habitat around the San Fran- position its wing in the upward-moving placing themselves in the best place and cisco Bay. To support this campaign to- part of the vortex of air swirling off the flapping at the best time,” he says. day, please visit online: www.saveSFbay. end of the wingtip of the bird in front. org/ForTheBirds. Alameda birder and But that vortex moves up and down be- But that did not seem to be all that was wildlife photographer Rick Fisher has cause the bird in front is flapping. So the going on. Portugal and his team also re- prepared a stirring slide show for view- bird behind must not only put itself in ported that the birds frequently shifted ing, and you can sign the petition calling the right place, but must also flap at just into seemingly less-optimal positions, on the Restoration Authority to make the right time — which changes depend- such as directly behind the bird in front, the measure happen. With 90% of the ing on the distance between the birds — adjusting their flapping to avoid down- Bay’s original wetland habitat destroyed, to keep riding the upwash. Faced with wash. It is not clear why they would Save the Bay requests that supporters act this complexity, scientists posited alterna- leave the energy-saving V position, says quickly in support of restoration of as tive reasons for the formation, suggesting behavioral ecologist Martin Wikelski of much open shoreline as is possible for that it might protect the birds against the Max Planck Institute for Ornithol- the birds and for all of us. predators or let a flock put better naviga- ogy in Radolfzell, Germany. The answer tors up front. Continued on page 9 Page 8 MADRONE LEAVES

PRECISION FORMATION Christian Gericke & Suzanne Stewart, Mac dra Martensen, Lynn & James Mattison, Continued from page 8 & Helle Griffiss, Nancy Hair, Deyea & Jack Cheryl Maynard & Anthony Mountain, Harper, Amy & Al Hesla, Gisela Hewitt, Martha McCabe, Donald McCarthy, Sally may come with better GPS technology Dawn Hollerith, Gene & Nancy Hunn, Ann McInerney, James McKerrow, Caro- that can measure the birds’ vertical posi- Kathi & Greg Jacobs, Andrew Jacobson, lyn Metz, John Mitchell, Diane Noel, Leah tions as well as their horizontal ones, says Marilyn & Gordon Jasoni, Nell & Elea- Norwood & Linda Fisher, Mary Oakan- biologist Ty Hedrick of the University of nor Kneibler, Ellen Krebs, Andrew Larson, der, Robert & Anne O’Donnell, Daniel North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Louisa Leavitt, Robert & Sandra Mauceli, D. & Lu Carol O’Neill, David Oliver, Dr. Whatever their reasons, the birds clearly Thomas McCuller, Juliana Navarro & Dr. Rudolf Oppenheimer, Jeffrey Orth, John have a better ability to sense and respond Jack Miller, Elaine Nickison, Mike, Dianna Perry, Fred & Melouise Pfeffer, Jane Piel, to airflow than researchers gave them & Rachel Oziomek, Philip Persons, Renee Julia Pollock, Elaine Pruett, Mary Raker, credit for. “In general, we know much less & Hal Peters, Martha Pogue, Sharon Pons- Barbara Ramsey, Marilyn & Frank Rath- about the sensory system than the motor ford, Prunuske Chatham, Inc., Anna Ran- man, Joan Raymond, Suzanne Reta, Gary system in animal flight,” says biologist some & Cary Fargo, Cynthia & John Rath- Rice, Brantly & Nancy Richardson, Rob- Bret Tobalske of the University of Mon- key, Barbara & David Rice, Jean Schulz, ert & Carol Rinne, Maria Robinson, Alice tana in Missoula. One possibility, suggests Greig Shepard, Arthur Slater, Wendy & Romain, Janet Ross & Patrick Whitfield, Portugal, is that they use special feathers. Steve Smit, Daphne Smith, Irene Stew- Diane Sackett, Stanley Salomon, Virginia art, Nancy Russell Stone, Marilyn Strand, & Virgil Schrock, Steven Schuler, Jim “They are just so aware of where each Lorraine Sugg, Barbara & Gene Toschi, Sickles, Richard Shipps, Monica Schwal- other are and what the other bird is do- Jerome & Karen Wagner, Warren & Janis benberg-Peña, Richard & Lucille Sharke, ing,” Portugal says. “And that’s what I Watkins, Alice & Jeff Chan, Peter Leveque, Carol Stenlund, Christophe Taylor, Joseph find really impressive.” Carol Weisker, Wild Birds Unlimited, Judy Tembrock, Tasha Thomson, Kathleen & Nature doi:10.1038/nature.2014.14537 Withee & Steve Sweaney, Paula Zerzan, Darrell Tornow, Cheryl Traendly, W. Aus- Reprinted with permission. Carol Zeidman. tin Turner, Arlene Ulmer, James Vaughn, Jerome & Karen Wagner, Richard Wagner, $50 to $99 Kathy Walker, Alice Webb, Marianne & • • • • • • Kathy Angell, Carolyn Meyer Ayag, Lance David Warwick, Glo & Al Wellman, Kris- & Judith Barlas, Lorraine Bazan, James A Sincere Thank You to tin Wells, Valerie & Bruce White, Daniel Batchelder, Michael Beeson, Ann Breese, & Patsy Wright, Rudy Yakzan, Larry Zech. Our 2013 Donors Donna Lou Brown, Georgia Brown, Judi $500 & above Brown, G. Ceremony, Christine Cohen, • • • • • • Joannie Dranginis, Diane & Bryant Suzie Coleman, Joseph & Patricia Currie, Hichwa, Gerald & Mary Edith Moore, Wallace & Janis Curtis, Charles & Mary Our Outgoing President’s Petaluma Educational Foundation, Degagne, John & Sara Donnelly, Bar- Message Whole Foods Market, PRBO (now Point bara Dornan, Michael & Carolyn Ellis, Dear Members, Blue Conservation Science), Dr. & Mrs. Theodore Eliot, Claire Etienne, Patricia Stacy Li, Diedre Harrison & Tom Crane, & Clifford Farrell, Karen & Will Ger- Serving for the past 2 years has been an Jan Vannatta. man, Glen Gillis, Patricia Gilmore, Stan honor—and full of challenges and posi- & Hedda Gold, William D. Grasse, Betty tive memories. I plan to remain involved $200 to $499 Groce, Robin Guilfoyle, Terry & Gary with our Renewable Energy Committee, Linda Petrulias, Chandra Farnsworth, Haag, Richard Hacker, Louise Hallberg, the West 9th Street egret and heron nesting Dorothy Gregor, Donald Howard, Susan Linda Hanes, James & Marilyn Harris, support project, and the two lawsuits our Kirks, Lorie Silver. Catherine Heater, Emily Heaton & Jacob Chapter entered to protect migratory birds $100 to $199 Newell, Denise Herzberg, Jeremy Joan and the Petaluma wetlands from an asphalt Mary Abbott, Jeff & Susan Baptista, Hewes, Larry Houghton, Richard Hurley, plant. Your incoming Board will be a won- George Batchelder, Janet Bosshard, Ker- Elmarie Hutchinson, Carolyn Johnson & derful one. I encourage you to consider ry Burke, Judy Burness, Betty Burridge, Rick Theis, Linda & Robert Judd, Mike serving on a committee, chairing a commit- Mathys Christensen, Rick Clarke, Judith & Audrey Kapitan, Denise Kelly, Joyce W. tee, and serving Audubon by being a Board Coburn, Erna Coker, Pam Conley & Kelly, Helen Kochenderfer, Chris & Nancy member. Thank you for the opportunity to Dennis Beall, Jim & Nancy Dempsey, Kuhn, Julia Lander, Brett Lane, Wendy serve an historic Audubon Chapter that Ron & Kris Dick, Clara Else & Kevin Long, Anita Lytle, Mary Terrill MacLeod, continues to adapt and grow. O’Connor, Janeann Erickson, Lola Fe- Mylon Marshall, Michael Martin & Laura - Susan Kirks Holms, Len & Charlotte Nelson, San- lix, Barbara & Joe Ferrari, Steven Gelber, Page 9 Madrone Audubon Society Post Office Box 1911 Santa Rosa, California 95402

April/May 2014 RECYCLED PAPER

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Madrone Audubon Society meets on the third Monday of each month, except in June, July, August, and December. Meetings start at 7:30 PM at First United Methodist Church, 1551 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa. All meetings and walks are open to the public. Information: telephone answering service - 546-7492, e-mail - [email protected]. President: Susan Kirks - [email protected]...... 241-5548 Leaves Co-Editor: Denise Kelly - [email protected]...... 290-4120 Vice President: Gordon Beebe - [email protected]...... 829-9017 Leaves Production: Kris Hutchins - [email protected]...... 477-8156 Recording Secretary: Emily Heaton - [email protected]...... 595-5058 Hospitality: Linda Hammer - [email protected]...... 823-4389 Corresponding Secretary: Monica Schwalbenberg-Peña - [email protected]...... 542-8107 Observations: Dan Nelson - [email protected]...... 479-2918 Treasurer: Linda Lebovics - [email protected]...... 827-3765 Past President: Bob Speckles - [email protected]...... 569-0563 Membership: Open ACR Rep & MMAS Steering Committee: Bryant Hichwa...... 579-1182 Conservation: Diane Hichwa - [email protected]...... 785-1922 ACR Rep: Education Kits: Barbara Novak - [email protected]...... 795-3996 Petaluma Wetlands Alliance: Gerald Moore - [email protected]...... 763-3577 Sonoma County Water Coalition Rep: Paula Zerzan - [email protected]...... 935-1523 Program & Circulation: Joannie Dranginis - [email protected]...... 523-4373 BBA: Bob Speckels, [email protected]; Veronica Bowers, [email protected] Outreach & Junior Audubon: Scott Campbell - [email protected]...... 530-828-6115 Christmas Count and IMBD: Veronica Bowers - [email protected]...... 829-2955 Publicity: Nancy Hair - [email protected]...... 823-1073 Honorary Board Member: Ernestine Smith...... 545-4255 Webmaster: Gordon Beebe - [email protected]...... 583-3115 Bird Rescue Center...... 523-BIRD Bird Walks and Field Trips: Tom McCuller - sisyphus @sonic.net...... 546-1812 The Songbird Hospital...... 484-6502 Saturday Bird Walks: Bill Doyle - [email protected]...... 483-8773 Northern California Rare Bird Alert...... 415-681-7422 Bird-A-Thon Coordinator & Audubon Adventures: Audubon-California: Dan Taylor - [email protected]...... 916-649-7600 Marcia Johnson - [email protected]...... 829-3808 National Audubon Society: 225 Varick Street, NY, NY 10014...... 212-979-3000 Leaves Co-Editor: Mary Edith Moore - [email protected]...... 763-3577