Seattle Audubon Greening Project

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF SEATTLE AUDUBON

February 2008 Seattle Audubon Greening Project: Here We Come! by Marina Skumanich, President Over the past year Seattle Audubon board and staff have realized it’s time to bring together our various efforts to “walk our talk” and be sustainable. So we are launching a major new effort: the Seattle Audubon Greening Project, where we will systematically examine our operations and activities for ways to “go green.” In the process, we aim to lead by example. A major part of this project is the upcoming green building renovation of our Wedgwood office and Nature Shop, which we hope will serve as a practical demonstration to I n s i d e our members and the public. To learn more about this exciting project, see page 8. Seattle Audubon 2 For Birds Hummingbirds in Winter 4 P r o g r a m Appreciation Volunteer Service Awards 2007 5 Volunteer Appreciation Evening And Nature A Call to Action: Thursday February 28, 2008, Environmental Steward- 6:30PM ship at Seatle Audubon 6 Center for Urban Horticulture Feature Seattle Audubon The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw: Greening Project 8 One Woman’s Fight to Save the Field Trips 10 World’s Most Beautiful Bird Classes 12 Bruce Barcott, author and contrib- Good Deals 15 uting editor for Outside magazine Join us for a presentation by award winning author Bruce Barcott on his latest book about the dramatic and heart-rending story of one woman’s struggle to stop the extermination of the last 200 Scarlet Macaws remaining in Belize. He will share incredible images to help tell the story of this conservation battle and its implications for similar efforts worldwide. Doors open at 6:30PM with refreshments, displays, and Nature Shop selections. The Center for Urban Horticulture is located at 3501 NE 41st Street near University Village. Bruce Barcott

Vol.49 No.4 From NE 45th Street, turn south on Mary Gates Memorial Way to NE 41st Street. Buses #25 and #30 stop at NE 45th and Mary Gates Memorial Drive. Free and open to the public! S e a t t l e

Seattle Audubon potential advertisers and coordinate the Shop (phone: 206-523-4483) Of Note placement of ads in 10 yearly issues of Staff (phone: 206-523-8243) • Next Volunteer Orientations will be the newsletter. We have a list of regular Fax (206-528-7779) Kintea Bryant, x11, Education on Tuesdays, March 11 and April 8 and potential advertisers. Time com- Director from 7-8:30PM at the Seattle Audubon mitment of 4-6 hours a month. Contact Justine Busse, x13, Nature Shop office. To register, contact Jen Mullen, Jen Mullen, 206-523-8243 x 12, or Assistant Shawn Cantrell, x15, Executive Volunteer Coordinator, at 206-523-8243, [email protected]. Director x12 or [email protected]. —Nature Shop Volunteers Lindsey Edwards, 206-985-6832, Be part of the face of Seattle Audubon Conservation Outreach • Notable Volunteer Opportunities: Assistant —Earthcare Northwest newsletter Ad by volunteering in the Nature Shop. Kimber Leblicq, x16, Director of Manager Shifts run 10AM-1:30PM or 1:30-5PM Membership and Development Monday through Saturday. Contact Brenda HodgesHowell, x37, High Help fund the publication and mailing School Program Coordinator of this great Seattle Audubon newslet- Jen Mullen, 206-523-8243 x 12, or Kristen Kosidowski, 206-523-6757, ter through booking ad space. Contact [email protected]. Shade Coffee Organizer —Publications Committee Karyn McKelvey, x14, Development Associate Spotlight on New Board Do you have Marketing experience? Matthew Mega 206-985-6841, The Publications Committee needs your Conservation Director Member Rob Faucett: expertise to help develop a plan to mar- Jen Mullen, x12 Volunteer Coordinator Rob is the Collections ket and sell specialized books published Audrey Schomer, 206-985-6832 Manager at the Uni- and sold by Seattle Audubon, particularly Education Outreach Assistant versity of Washington’s to wholesalers. Contact Connie Sidles at Adam Sedgley, 206-985-6993, Science Associate Burke Museum, where he [email protected]. Janelle Shafer, x19, Elementary is responsible for manag- —Discovery Park Neighborhood bird School Program Manager ing the Burke’s large and surveys Russ Steele, x10, Director of Retail Operations rapidly growing research Survey is taken the 1st Saturday of Jeannine Wallach, x18, FUN collection (including bird skins), each month, one hour time commit- Program Assistant fundraising, and supervising staff and ment per month. Contact Penny Rose, Lois Woolwine, x17, Bookkeeper students. Rob has previously worked in [email protected]. SIGHTINGS HOTLINE WOS Birdbox 206-281-9172 a number of settings doing ornithology —Development Mailing Parties WEB SITES research, including the Cornell Lab of Do you have a few hours to share? Help http://www.seattleaudubon.org Ornithology, Conservation Internation- Seattle Audubon continue to fund its http://www.birdweb.org al, and the Montana Natural Heritage programs by participating in Develop- Earthcare Northwest, the official Museum. His ornithology achievements ment mailing parties. Contact Jen Mul- newsletter of Seattle Audubon Editor, Sharon Sneddon, x7 extend back to his undergraduate thesis: len at [email protected] or Publisher, Melissa Willoughby “Song Differences between Subspecies 206-523-8243 x 12. Design and Layout, Sandy Welch of Northern Pygmy-owls.” • Thank you to the many volunteers Proofing, Hanna Atkins Advertising inquiries, x7, or e-mail Rob and his wife have been Audu- who participated in the 79th Annual [email protected] bon members for several years. Recent- Seattle Christmas Bird Count, by partici- Submissions should be sent to ly, Rob helped steward and support the pating in the count, making soup for the Editor at Seattle Audubon, or e-mail [email protected] BirdWatch program, providing meet- potluck or volunteering at the potluck! by the 8th of the month preceding ing space and internship opportunities • Correction: The following illustrations publication. Address changes should for BirdWatch students at the Burke. are © Martin Muller: Peregrine, page 2, be sent to [email protected]. Submissions will be edited and His hobbies include birding, fly-fish- Oct/Nov 2007 and the Loon, page 11, published at the editor’s discretion. ing, and woodworking. Dec 07/Jan 08. © Seattle Audubon, 2008 SEATTLE AUDUBON BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers Chairs Members at Large President, Marina Skumanich Conservation, Colleen McShane Legal Advisor, John Payseno Lauren Braden Allie Spiess Vice President, Randy Robinson Development, Tom Riley Past President, Jane Hedberg Eric Harlow Mary Anne Thorbeck Secretary, Rachel Lawson Education, Paulette Hunter Science Chair, Rob Faucett Charlie Kahle Melissa Willoughby Treasurer, Erin Gray Shiva Parameswaran Richard Youel Neil Zimmerman 2 February 2008 3 A u d u b o n

Spotlight on Renewal Staff— Seattle Audubon con- by Shawn Cantrell, Janelle Shafer Executive Director sidered moving to a new address, but we decided Winter is often a time to stay in our current for making plans for the location, with our estab- future. People make a va- lished connections to riety of decisions for the the neighborhood. Using coming year, from setting our existing building, we New Year’s resolutions to will upgrade many of the Growing up in upstate New scheduling family vaca- systems and expand the York, Janelle enjoyed camp- tions to planning their Shawn Cantrell amount of useable office ing, swimming, searching gardens. This winter we space, all with a conscious design to for salamanders, and volun- are busy making future plans as well. make our operations as eco-friendly teering to help raise aware- In this issue you can read about our as possible. By renovating our exist- ness about environmental plans to undertake a major facility ing building, we hope to create an issues in her community. Armed with a Bachelor’s renovation: the Seattle Audubon improved home to sustain our opera- Greening Project. degree in Environmental tions for years to come. Studies, she facilitated environmental education programs for local elementary schools. She received her Mas- ters degree in Integrated Experience the Environment Education and Teaching with Summer Nature Camp! Certificate at Antioch New England Graduate School. Hiking forest trails on Cougar Mountain, birding Janelle has taught environ- near the lake at the Washington Arboretum, tide- mental education as well as pooling on the beach at Carkeek Park—if these 2nd and 3rd grade. activities sound like your kinds of adventures, then Her love of the Pacific join us in a summer filled with learning and exploration. Northwest brought her to Seattle Audubon Nature Camp allows young people to develop an appreciation the Seattle area in 2004, where Janelle has worked and awareness of the natural world, builds skills and knowledge to explore and un- as a coordinator and edu- derstand the environment, and motivates them to get involved and make the world cator for several environ- around them a better place for the future. mental education centers. Our programs use hands-on, experiential education, that include energizing She spends her free time games, arts and crafts, science, and discovery in all of our weekly activities. running, biking, hiking, and To register for Seattle Audubon Nature Camp or for more information, call skiing. She is delighted to 206-523-8243 or download our brochure at www.seattleaudubon.org. be a part of Seattle Audu- Registration begins February 1st. Hope to see you this summer! bon as Elementary School Program Manager because of our dedication to education and the environment.

SEATTLE AUDUBON MISSION STATEMENT Seattle Audubon cultivates and leads a community Invest in the Future—Make a SEATTLE AUDUBON CENTER that values and protects birds and the natural Bequest to Seattle Audubon and NATURE SHOP environment. Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM to 5PM Shawn Cantrell 8050 35th Ave. NE Seattle Audubon is a non-profit 501(c)(3) 206-523-8243, x15 Seattle WA 98115 organization. [email protected] 206-523-4483 2 February 2008 3 F o r B i r d s

Northwest Hummingbirds in Winter Native Plants by Herb Curl, Master Birder Many people are surprised to see Catherine Hovanick, Wash- hummingbirds at the feeders they ington Native Plant Society, neglected to take down when contributed this plant list. winter arrived. In a relatively new phenomenon, Anna’s hum- *Starred plants flower in winter mingbirds now inhabit Western Washington, particularly urban Pacific madrone Arbutus( spaces, throughout the year. Male menziesii) Anna’s have green backs and Salmonberry (Rubus specta- brilliant gold-crimson throats bilis) Red flowering currant Ribes( (gorgets) that sometimes appear photo © Paul Bannick sanguineum), black. Females have white fronts Honeysuckles (Lonicera with gray belly bands. This species once ratio is the same as that found in most ciliosa, L. involucrata) was confined to coastal California, but flower nectar.) In summer , change the Western columbine (Aquilegia has expanded to Seattle and points north sugar water weekly and clean the feeder formosa) during the last fifty years. We think this with hot water and detergent to prevent Bleeding heart (Dicentra is because of warmer winters, the pres- the growth of a mold that can injure the formosa) ence of winter-flowering plants, and an birds. In winter, clean it every two weeks. Native penstemons (Pen- increase in bird feeders. The water-sugar mixture can freeze in stemon rupicola, P. frutico- Rufous hummingbird males with red- sus and P. serrulatus). very cold weather, so check it regularly. dish backs, tails, and sides and orange-red —Insects and Spiders Non-native Plants gorgets, are far more widely distributed In addition to using feeders, humming- Hardy fuchsia (Fuchsia in Washington than Anna’s, occurring birds survive the winter by feeding on in- magellanica)* everywhere except the Columbia Plateau sects and spiders and becoming dormant Winter jasmine (Jasminum in the center of the state. They migrate overnight. This dormancy is called “win- nudiflorum)* in spring from southern Mexico, the ter torpor” and resembles hibernation, in Winter honeysuckle (Lonicera longest migration of any hummingbird. which the body temperature drops, and fragantissima) Though we don’t often see them in the breathing, heart beat, and metabolism Strawberry tree (Arbutus cities, it seems likely the year-round, slow down. unedo) resident Anna's are defending their Winter Mahonia (Berberis x —Nectar-Bearing Plants media)* established territories against the late- Selecting a variety of plants that flower in arriving interlopers. the spring, summer, and winter ensures a Avoid planting invasive The females of both species appear continuous supply of nectar throughout plants such as butterfly rather similar, with red spots on their much of the year. (See sidebar.) bush (Buddleia davidii), throats instead of the male’s gorgets. Resources which is becoming a seri- However, Anna’s females have mostly • For Seattle Audubon’s guide to the birds ous invader of woodlands, green tails and Rufous female have of Washington, visit www.birdweb.org open spaces, and stream mostly reddish tails. sides. Also avoid Japanese • For more information on Washington’s honeysuckle (Lonicera Three Ways Hummingbirds Feed in the native plants, visit the Washington japonica), which is becom- Garden Native Plant Society’s web site at ing a major problem in the —Bird Feeders www.wnps.org eastern United States and Feeders should be filled with mixture the Midwest. of four parts water to one part sugar, by Article copyright Arboretum Foundation. volume, after being brought to a boil and Reprinted with permission. then refrigerated. (The water to sugar

4 February 2008 5 Appreciation

Volunteer Service 1000 hours+ 250 hours+ Christine Chan, Praveen Charles Adams, *Diana Kevin Aanerud, *Joyce Chettypally, Belinda Chin, Awards 2007 Aubin de Paradis, Tom Adachi-Kirkland, Judy *Barbara Clark, Kay Cook, Total 1996-2007 Hours Aversa, *Marilyn Busher, Allen, Laurinda Anglin, *Kathy Cooper, Maureen * indicates a newly award- Georgia Conti, *Carol Katie Barndt, Lee Barnes, Corlas, *Etta Cosey, *Dar- ed service recognition in Gard, *Raelene Gold, Helen *Matt Bartels, Lauren ren Curtis, Hans deGrys, that category Hawley, Jennifer Kauffman, Braden, Lorine Brakken, Kristi deGrys, *Mike Der- Penny Koyama, Kathy Lantz, Carol Brittnacher, Eileen mond, Laurie Ann Dudley, Thank you to each of Seattle *Rachel Lawson, Colene Bryant, *Justine Busse, Pam Tom Eckert, Dianah Espe- Audubon’s wonderful vol- McKee, Jean Mills, Martin Cahn, Andre Dale, Ed Deal, ras, Barbara Faville, Michael unteers! Please join us for our Muller, Julie Myers, Martha Barb Deihl, Denis DeSilvis, Fleming, Jim Flynn, Francie annual Volunteer Apprecia- Nester, Don Norman, Don Michael Donahue, *Bert Galbraith, Gail Gensler, tion Night, February 28 at the Ostrow, Suzanne Peterson, Dudley, *Dianne Edmonds, George Gerdts, *Helen Center for Urban Horticulture, Genevieve Reckamp, Judith Alan Grenon, *Brent Gilbert, Miriam Gray, Nick 6:30-8PM. We will celebrate Roan, *Roberta Roberts, Grisim, Ellen Gryj-Ruben- Gregoric, Virginia Har- the many accomplishments Alan Roedell, *Tom Rohrer, stein, Eric Harlow, Michael ris, Lyanda Haupt, Patrick of Seattle Audubon’s volun- Marilyn Sandall, Bob Sold- Hobbs, Scott Hoskin, *Alan Herda, Barbara Jensen, teers and award service pins wedel, David Swayne, *Ethel Huggins, Gene Hunn, Dean John Jensen, Kraig Kemper, to high-serving volunteers Williams, Cynthia Wilson, Irwin, Courtenay Jackson, *Tina Klein-Lebbink, Jen- at this meeting. *Isadora Wong, *Neil Zim- *Renee Klein, Peter Klein, nifer Leach, *Ron Leamon, merman Russell Kurtz, Beth Lager- Sandy Lindsey, Gina Lozier, 6500 hours+ 750 hours+ berg, Carol Leenstra, Robin Donna Luce, Megan Lyden, Charlie Kahle *Shannon Bailey, Marissa Lewis, *Ilon Logan, Patricia *Barbara Martin, S. Anna 6000 hours+ Benavente, *Rebecca Evans, Lott, *Lois Miller, Marilyn Martin, *MaryFrances *George Johnson, Richard *Al Ferkovich, *John Friars, Miller, Briony Nguyen, Mathis, Karen Matsumoto, Youel Keith Gellar, *Alan Hum- Eldon Olson, Cathy Pfarr, Jennifer McDonald, Susan 5000 hours+ phrey, Ken Jacobsen, Tom Barbara Retzlaff, Margery McDougall, *Bo McFadden, Miriam Williams Kelly, Jane Lundin, *Teri Robison, *Mary Rogers, Jane Michael McMullin, *Ryan 4500 hours+ Martin, *Bonnie Miller, Sepede, Karen Shea, David Merrill, *Paul Metzner, Hanna Atkins, Idie Ulsh *Randy Robinson, Pat Ryan, Shettleroe, Jim Simpkins, Patty Michaud, Mark Moon, 4000 hours+ Richard Sanders, Bob Sieh, *Arn Slettebak, *Kathy Marianne Moon, *Scott Suzanne Krom, Hal Opper- Dan Suiter, Martha Taylor, Slettebak, Sharon Snedon, Moore, Julie Morgan, Karen man *Timothy Walsh, Dick We- Keith Stamm, Kate Sten- Morse, *Phyllis Moss, Marlo 3500 hours+ ber, Alison Wysong berg, *Susan Stillman, Lisa Mytty, *Henry Noble, Julia Chris Altwegg, Gene Lager- 500 hours+ Syravong, Kathleen Thode, Nordsieck, Roger Olstad, berg, *Marina Skumanich *Karen Adair, Nancy Alden, Liz Thomas, Roger Tilton, *Gordan Orians, Jennee 3000 hours+ Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann, Myrna Torrie, Lisa Vogel, Osburn, Kelly Palmer-Mc- Carolee Colter, Steve Dang, *Linda Carroll, *Amy Cole, Tom Weir, John West, Carty, Linda Pomeroy, Toni Connie VanDeventer Carolyn Eagan, Ivan Ellis, Nancy Wilson, Marilyn Potter, Lorie Ransom, *Julie 2500 hours+ Steve Gerstle, *Mark John- Wittenmyer, Bunny Wood, Ream, Ilene Samowitz, Brian Bell, Ellen Black- ston, Vicki King, Richard Frances Wood, Martha Jackie Saunders, Stephen stone, *John Lundin, Shiva Lintermans, Marilyn Mil- Wood, Carleen Zimmerman Sax, Barbara Schnabel, Parameswaran, *Tom Riley, berger, Penny Rose, Con- 100 hours+ Randy Schnabel, Brad *Mary Ann Thorbeck nie Sidles, Kristin Stewart, Morgan Ahouse, *Bryony Shaffer, Ron Simons, Karen 2000 hours+ Phyllis Stark, Cheryl Teague, Angell, Noel Angell, Alice Stephens, *Sue Thompson, *Jerry Joyce, Walter Oelwein Patricia Vivian, Sarah Arnold, Susan Barnes, Mar- M. Sue Trevathan, *Chris- 1500 hours+ Webb-Otten, *Barbara Web- ian Black, Mamie Bolender, tine Vadai, Marie Vila, Eric Terry Adams, Linda An- ster, Japhy Whalen, *Ann *Melissa Boscolo, *Julie Ward, Woody Wheeler, chondo, Jan Bragg, Herb Marie Wood, Francis Wood, Boyce, Marv Breece, Emory *Joeve Wilkinson, *Melissa Curl, Jane Hedberg, Chuck *Sam Woods Bundy, Arthur Campbell, Willoughby, Erica Zwick Lennox, Joe Miles, Virginia Morrison, *Paul Webster Illustration © George West, Birchside Studios

4 February 2008 5 A n d N a t u r e

A Call to Action: Environmental Stewardship at Seattle Audubon by Matthew Mega, Conservation Director Residents of the Pacific Northwest enjoy a deep connection with nature. The Puget Sound, the Cas- cade and Olympic Mountain Ranges, remnant forests, glacial lakes, and miles of salmon-bearing rivers provide a context of wilderness and opportunity. More than 450 species of birds call Washington State home, and more than 280 species of birds call King County home. Bird watching, hiking, mountain climbing, and fishing barely touch on the many opportunities we have in the Pacific Northwest to commune with nature. Even our urban areas have many green spaces creating oases in the harsh city web at www.seattleaudubon.org. Please RSVP to Mat- environments. Mercer Slough, Thornton Creek, thew Mega, Conservation Director at 206-985-6841 or Duwamish Greenbelt, and Juanita Bay represent a [email protected] if you plan to attend. few of King County’s gems. Conservation Committee: Sadly, each day we read about natural areas Volunteer Opportunities being lost or damaged. Oil spills in Puget Sound, The Conservation Committee evaluates and makes pol- mature forest lands cut in the Cascades, or urban icy recommendations to the Seattle Audubon Board creeks covered up with new condominiums; all of Directors and takes action on behalf of wildlife and represent scars on our landscape. Fortunately, we habitat. below are highlighted a few of our priority have learned from some of our past mistakes and issues and volunteer opportunities. For more informa- now embark on efforts to heal these scars. Efforts by tion contact Matthew Mega, Conservation Director, the Puget Sound Partnership, the Oil Spill Advisory at 206-985-6841 or [email protected]. Council, the Neighborhood Greening Project, and Defending Regional Ecosystems: the Northwest Shade Coffee Campaign, all seek We support land use and policy decisions that promote to positively influence individual, corporate, and healthy, functioning ecosystems, and sustainable devel- community actions relating to our environmental opment. We have the following regional conservation health. These efforts seek to build an environmental volunteer opportunities: ethic of stewardship. Forest Friendly Lumber Campaign – Help keep our Seattle Audubon’s core mission is to cultivate • web-site up to date, attend events, and help educate the and lead a community that values and protects public on the importance of sustainable lumber. birds and the natural environment. We have been Puget Sound Partnership – Attend partnership meet- and will continue to be a major force in ensuring a • ings and help coordinate Seattle Audubon’s involve- healthy future for people and nature. We take our ment in protecting the Puget Sound ecosystem. stewardship responsibilities seriously and believe strongly that by fostering an ethic of shared com- Protecting Migratory Birds: We seek to educate our mitment to the natural world, we can live in bal- members and the public at large on the critical impor- ance with nature. tance of acting locally to protect birds that migrate We also invite you to attend a Conserva- internationally. tion Committee open house on Tuesday, March Our Northwest Shade Coffee Campaign (NWSCC) 25, from 7-9:00PM. The venue for this meeting works to protect the forests where our migratory birds is still to be determined, so please check for an winter. Help us spread the word. Listed below are update on our Events Calendar, located on the NWSCC volunteer opportunities:

6 February 2008 7 A n d N a t u r e

• Audubon Chapter Campaigns – De- • Park Highlights – Pick your favorite Green Burials: velop tools and collaborate with chap- park and highlight the best birding areas A Sustainable and ters nation-wide to share the message and critical habitat locations. Cost-effective Burial Option that shade coffee matters. • Park Habitat Protection – Help us by Lori Rath, Seattle Audu- • Shade Coffee Bird Atlas – In col- establish policy and work with local bon member and estate laboration with the Burke Museum and governments to prevent the conversion planning attorney Birdweb.org, develop a collection of of critical habitat in public parks to more species profiles for birds whose popula- intense uses. We often hear the phrase, “ashes to ashes, dust to tions have been affected by the decline If you would like to become part of dust.” Those words hardly in shade coffee forest habitat. Seattle Audubon’s Conservation Pro- describe modern day burial Large retail outreach – Lead a targeted • gram efforts and volunteer your time, practices in the U.S., which effort to make certified shade coffee please contact Jen Mullen, Volunteer often involve metal cas- available at Tully’s, Costco, and/or Coordinator, at 206-523-8243, ext 12 or kets, concrete vaults, and Newman’s Own. embalming with formalde- [email protected]. • Communications – Help keep our hyde. Typical burials are web-site up to date, write a newsletter expensive, with costs easily article, or attend monthly committee approaching $10,000. meetings. “Green burials” represent an alternative to Promoting Urban Habitat: We seek to traditional practices. Green promote urban green spaces as integral burials use biodegradable elements of our neighborhoods, promot- coffins (e.g., wood) or no ing health and livability in our urban coffin at all, refrigeration core. We have the following urban instead of embalming, and habitat volunteer opportunities: stones or trees as markers instead of tombstones. Neighborhood Greening – Help • Currently no land in create a baseline inventory of green Washington is certified for spaces and stakeholder groups in your green burials, and no Wash- neighborhood. ington cemeteries allow a body to be placed directly in the ground. Some cemeteries in our state do, however, Green Options: 1. Send a letter to Direct Marketing allow wooden caskets, and Association (DMA) Mail Preference Ser- embalming is generally not Removing Junk Mail and vice, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512 required. asking to have your name removed from For more information: Catalog Clutter their national database. by Matthew Mega, Conservation Director • People’s Memorial 2. At www.greendimes.com they will stop Association website, The average American uses over 700 90 percent of your junk mail, monitor www.peoplesmemorial.org pounds of paper per year. More than 17 it for a year, and plant 10 trees for each • Green Burial Council, billion catalogs were distributed in the catalog you remove. www.greenburialcouncil.org U.S. in 2001. The manufacturing of • The Natural Burial Company, paper products destroys important forest The idea for this Green Tip came www.naturalburialcompany habitat for birds and is an intense user of from Campaign Earth. You can learn .com water and oil resources. more about this organization by visiting Below are two easy steps to reduce pa- their web site at www.campaignearth.org/ per use and help to protect vital environ- mainpage.asp mental resources.

6 February 2008 7 F e a t u r e

Seattle Audubon At the same time, the building has heating, ventilating, and electrical Greening Project systems that suffer from deferred by Richard Youel, Chairperson, maintenance. They are aging and Facilities Committee inefficient and in some cases inadequate and in need of replacement. All of that is Exciting changes are coming! In our fixable. Wedgewood center, Seattle Audubon has The Board directed that a committee been working with crowded conditions be formed to explore the potential for for some time. That situation was eased making upgrades to resolve these issues somewhat by renting 850 square feet of using our existing building. space two doors south of the building in A Facilities Committee was formed what we call the Annex. While this has and conditions evaluated. We have a helped with the space crunch, we have sound building with many good qualities missed the synergy that happens with the and a few problems. The main problem— interaction of all of our staff, volunteers, as well as the solution—is the basement. and Nature Shop customers in the same We can accommodate all of our staff and building. The monthly rental expense the Nature Shop within the building if has also been a drain on funds that could we remodel the basement. be available to programs. As the committee discussed this, an enthusiasm arose for taking advantage of this opportunity to “walk our environmental talk.” Our Greening Project will accomplish this with design and material choices that serve as a good example to others of making environmentally sustainable “green” choices for our homes and work places. We have hired an architect to draw up plans for a remodel and to incorporate “green” building principles as basic to the design approach. We are very pleased to be working with Brian McWatters of Alchemy DL, a small architectural firm with experience in projects of this type and a strong interest in advancing the practice of sustainable design. Brian began the process by setting up Richard Youel, left, and Brian McWatters an eco-charrette, conducted by Paladino discuss plans for the remodeling project. and Company, a consultant firm, whose purpose is to promote sustainable design. An eco-charrette is a presentation and an interactive half-day session to explore sustainable design issues. They began by showing us how to approach

8 February 2008 9 F e a t u r e

this process with a positive outlook by Spotlight on exploiting resources that are naturally in abundance. Brian McWatters, For example, we have a lot of Alchemy DL moderately cool, cloudy, weather with rain. A moderately cool climate Brian McWatters, founder is well suited to natural ventilation, of Alchemy DL architecture requires relatively little climate control and design, is the lead ar- (particularly air conditioning that chitect for Seattle Audu- consumes large amounts of energy) and bon’s building renovation. A naturalist at heart, Brian cloudy skies that provide good uniform studied marine biology and and diffuse light, well suited to day- worked for a wildlife refuge lighting. on the eastern shore of The Facilities Committee has been Maryland before pursuing a meeting regularly with Brian to review Brian McWatters career in architecture. the development of the design. It has He has a deep-seated been exciting to be part of Brian’s love and respect for nature Scheduling of the work will be collaborative design process. Seattle and a strong desire to important because we plan to keep Audubon staff have been reviewing protect and conserve our staff, volunteers, and the Nature Shop plan developments as we progress from natural resources. These in operation during the process. First, underlying principles form schematic diagrams to more refined the basement will be emptied and the the core of his design floor plans. Our schedule is to have the contractor will do the work there with practice. design, permits, and building contractor a minimum of disruption to the main The DL in Alchemy DL selection completed for a construction floor. Then we will move into the newly stands for “design lab” start in April with completion by finished basement to allow the contractor emphasizing his commit- November this year. This is an aggressive ment to exercising creative to work on areas of the main floor. There time table for the design process, but so thought while remaining will be relocations and brief down times far we are on schedule. open-minded to ideas and to consider, but with good planning So what is planned? Most of the solutions. His work em- and careful project management we are work will be a complete remodeling of phasizes natural lighting, confident that these can be handled natural finishes, and ma- the basement. The ceiling height in the smoothly. terials, and sound building basement will be increased by lowering We are delighted to see much-needed practices. the basement floor. The stairs will be changes coming soon and to show the “The commission to upgraded with code-compliant steps community how Seattle Audubon is remodel the Seattle Audu- that allow light into the lower floor. “walking our environmental talk.” We’ll bon main building housing The heating and ventilating system offices and the Nature keep you posted as we progress! and electrical service will be upgraded. Shop is a dream job,” he Window areas will be enlarged to admit says. “It’s an excellent Members of the Facility Committee include: natural light. Work spaces will be laid opportunity to demonstrate Shawn Cantrell, Executive Director, and out to provide an efficient and pleasant environmentally sustain- Russ Steele, Director of Retail Operations, able design strategies for work environment. On the main floor, Seattle Audubon; Richard Youel, Architect, an organization that is the there will be some changes to work space TCA Architecture; Neil Zimmerman, very embodiment of such layout and replacement of some existing Jobsite Foreman, Foushee and Associates; ideals.” For more informa- materials with more “green” ones such as Bruce Goodson, Project Manager, Rushford tion about the company, go energy efficient double-paned windows Construction; Alex Morgan, former Seattle to www.alchemyDL.com. and FSC-certified wood products. Audubon Conservation Director.

8 February 2008 9 Field Trips

Field Trips— Tuesday, February 19, 2008 Saturday, March 1, 2008 Rules of the Road Limit 7 Limit 12 Spencer Island (Snohomish County) Yesler Creek, Seattle (Metro Bus #74) Please sign up in advance Leader: Marv Breece, 206-634-1725 Leader: Jan Bragg, 206-524-3460 for field trips and bird walks. 6:30AM, Ravenna P&R 9:00AM, where Burke-Gilman trail Provide a contact name and number for emergencies when Spencer Island offers a variety of habi- meets 40th Ave NE just south of NE you sign up. Members may tats. Expect to see passerines, water birds, 55th Street sign up for themselves and raptors, and perhaps a few species of Come explore this tiny pocket park in the one guest for no more than shorebirds. We will be walking about two process of being restored in NE Seattle, two trips. Nonmembers may or three miles. Back by mid- to late-after- just south of Metropolitan Market (park sign up only on the wait list. Registration begins Tuesday, noon. there if planning to patronize the store). February 12, 6:30-8:00PM, and It will take us only 30-60 minutes to walk continues Monday through Sat- Saturday, February 23, 2008 the ravine to Sand Point Way and back. urday, 10AM-5PM. Register by Limit 8 We’ll look for 10-20 species of common calling 206-523-4483. No walk- Samish and Skagit Flats for Beginning Seattle resident birds along the way. ins, please. If you are unable to Birders Wheelchair accessible. Children ac- attend a trip for which you are registered, please notify the Leader: Rachel Lawson, 206-282-5593 companied by adult welcome. Option to office ASAP, so that someone or day of trip only, 206-931-3359 carpool afterwards to either Montlake Fill else may take your place. Re- 8:00AM, Ravenna P&R or Magnuson Park. peat no-shows will be bumped We will look for resident and wintering to the wait list. Do not call songbirds, waterfowl, seabirds, and raptors Sunday, March 2, 2008 leaders to register; their numbers are listed only for last- in one of Washington’s most popular bird- Limit 9 minute cancellations. Leaders’ ing destinations. As this trip is intended Green Field Trip: Bird Discovery Park e-mail addresses may be found for beginning birders, we will take our to Kenmore by Bicycle at www.seattleaudubon.org. time and work on basic birding skills. We Leader: Gene Hunn, 206-365-2043 Field Trip Checklist: might walk a mile or two. Dress for cold, 8:00AM, Discovery Park Visitors • Lunch if trip is past noon windy, wet weather and bring a lunch. Center (Metro Bus #33 or #24) • Liquids Over by late afternoon. Bicycle the Burke Gilman Trail starting • Rain gear, extra warm clothing at Discovery Park. Walk the loop trail • Binoculars and field guides Sunday, February 24, 2008 via the lighthouse, then bike to the Bal- • Cash for carpool fees, Seattle’s Peregrine Falcons lard Locks, cross to the Burke Gilman in ferries, lattes Limit 14 Ballard, ride to Gasworks Park, the UW • Scopes* Leaders: Martin Muller, 206-525-5575 campus, Montlake Fill, Magnuson Park, • WDFW stickers* • Golden Age passes* and Ed Deal, 206-723-4742 ending at Logboom Park in Kenmore at • Walkie Talkies* 8:00AM Sharp at Ivar’s Salmon House, around 4:00PM. Vehicles will be avail- *Bring if you have 401 NE Northlake Way, Seattle able to ferry participants and bikes from Carpool guidelines: Carpool (Under the North end of the I-5 Ship Kenmore back to the Discovery Park lot. fees are 15 to 20 cents per Canal Bridge) Be prepared for wind or rain and dress in mile per car, divided by riders. Join us for a half-day search for the city’s layers. With decent weather we could see Ferry tolls and park fees are Peregrine Falcons. This exploration will close to 100 species. additional. likely turn up urban Bald Eagles, Merlins, Meeting Places: and Red-tailed Hawks, as well as various • Ravenna P&R, under I-5 at ducks, loons, and grebes. Dress warmly NE 65th. for standing in one spot, with lots of layers • NE 145th St. P&R, Exit 175 off available; bring a spotting scope, if pos- I-5. P&R is near exit on east sible, and latte money. Carpooling in a side of I-5. • Luther Burbank Park, 2040 minimal number of vehicles (4 or fewer). 84th Ave. SE, Mercer Island. Over at 12:30PM.

10 February 2008 11

Field Trips

Tuesday, March 4, 2008 We’ll visit Mystery Bay and Fort Flagler Limit 14 State Park. Long-tailed Ducks, Black Samish and Skagit Flats Turnstones, and Ancient Murrelets are Leader: Brian Bell, 425-485-8058 possibilities. We’ll be taking short walks 7:00AM, NE 145th. St. P&R (1/2 in cold blustery weather. Return late block north) afternoon. This is a great time to see raptors and waterfowl. Expect eagles, hawks, falcons, Saturday, March 15, 2008 owls, swans, and in the hedgerows, spar- Limit 10 rows. Prepare for wet, windy weather, Luther Burbank Park, Mercer Island and bring lunch. Bring a WDFW parking Leader: Judy Roan, 206-236-0511 sticker if you have one. Scopes very help- 9:00AM, North parking lot by tennis ful. We will carpool in four cars. Back court late afternoon or early evening. Canvasbacks, Ring-necks, American Wigeons, and Goldeneyes seek protected Saturday, March 8, 2008 waters. Fox Sparrows, Bald Eagles, and Limit 11 four species of grebes are possibilities. Port Townsend and Marrowstone Island Walk one mile; ground can be soggy, so Leader: Neil Zimmerman, 425-485-3122 proper foot gear is needed. Back by noon. 6:00AM, Ravenna P&R

Neighborhood Bird Walks Saturday, March 8, 2008 Seattle Audubon members and 9:00AM guests are invited to go on a Carkeek Park two-hour bird walk. Please show Scot Hoskin, 206-390-4388 up before the starting time; no [email protected] sign-up is required and families are Carkeek Park is in northwest Seattle, entered welcome. Contact the leader with from 3rd Avenue NW at 110th Street. Meet additional questions or to borrow at the parking lot across from the play fields at binoculars for the walk. the end of Carkeek Park Road. An accessible route is available for those Saturday, February 9, 9:00AM with disabilities; contact the leader for Union Bay Area (Montlake Fill) directions. Fran Wood, 206-323-2296 [email protected] Further information and directions to the sites Union Bay Natural Area lies in NE are available at www.seattleaudubon.org or Seattle, east of the University of by mail or phone from the Seattle Audubon Washington. Meet at the Center Nature Shop (206-523-4483). for Urban Horticulture in the east parking lot off NE 41st Street, one block beyond the place where Mary Gates Memorial Drive turns left to become NE 41st Street.

Illustration © George West, Birchside Studios

10 February 2008 11 C l a s s e s

Class Woodpeckers Birds and Plants of the Information with Brian Bell, Master Birder Shrub-Steppe Woodpeckers are found in almost with Andy Stepniewski, Full details on these classes author of Birds of Yakima County can be found on our web site, all habitats in Washington www.seattleaudubon.org/ from sea level to boreal This class will introduce you to Classes/classes.asp. Seattle forests to semiarid the plant and bird communities of Audubon teachers are ex- eastern Washington the shrub-steppe ecosystem in the perts in their respective fields. valleys. We will exam- Columbia Basin of eastern Wash- To register for classes ine the twelve species ington. The instructor will present by credit card, call Seattle that are present in botanical tidbits relating to birds Audubon, 206-523-4483, our state, discuss and touch on conservation issues. Monday-Saturday, 10:00AM- their habitat require- 5:00PM, or mail your check He will emphasize the relation- to Seattle Audubon, 8050 ments, become acquainted ships between Horned Larks, Sage 35th NE, Seattle WA 98115. with vocalizations and Sparrows, Sage Thrashers, Brewer’s To qualify for member drumming patterns, examine Sparrows, Sage Grouse, and Vesper rates, you must be a mem- seasonal distribution, and Sparrows and the preferred habitats ber of Seattle Audubon. build identification skills. of each within this unique mosaic Be sure to sign up as soon On a half-day trip in of plant communities. Two lead- as you can, because classes Western Washington and ers will conduct the day-long field will be canceled if sign-up is a full-day trip to Eastern trip to the Columbia Basin amidst too low. Sorry, but you may Washington, we’ll see and Birchside Studios Illustration © George West, not sign up for only part of a spectacular wildflowers. class package. experience these fascinat- Class: Friday, April 25, 7–9:00PM Full refunds will be given ing birds in the field. Location: CUH*, Douglas Class- only if you cancel at least Class: Friday, April 4, 2008, 7-9:00PM room two weeks prior to the class. Location: CUH*, Douglas Classroom Field Trip: Saturday, April 26, No refund will be given if you Field Trips: Saturday, April 5th, 7:00AM - 6:30AM-6:30PM cancel with less than two 12 Noon and Saturday, May 17th, Cost: $60 members, $75 nonmem- weeks’ notice. 6:00AM - 5:00PM bers. * The Center for Urban Cost: $65 members, $80 nonmembers for Limit: 25 Horticulture (CUH) is lo- lecture and field trips. cated at 3501 NE 41st Street, $45 members, $60 nonmember for lecture only. Seattle, in the Laurelhurst neighborhood. From NE 45th Limit: 20 for lecture and field trips; 5 more for Street, turn south on Mary lecture only. Gates Memorial Way to NE 41st Street. Come Join Us for FUN! What classes would you like us to offer? Would The spring session of Finding Urban Nature (FUN) is fast approaching and the FUN you be willing to teach a staff is looking for enthusiastic volunteers. The volunteer training will be on March 8 class? Please contact Vicki at the University United Methodist Temple, 1415 NE 43rd St, Seattle, from 8:30AM King, 206-525-7099. to 12 noon. This training will prepare volunteers to lead all four of our spring activities: Bird Nests, Litter Critters, Worm Worlds, and Habitat Detectives. Additionally, we will offer support and training in the areas of group management, lesson extension, and the philosophy of the FUN program. FUN Spring 2008 commences a week following training. We are looking for volunteer assistance at many of the schools, particularly schools in South Seattle neighborhoods. If you would like to participate in this exciting program and would like more information, please contact Janelle Shafer, Elementary School Programs Manager, at 206-523-8243, ext. 19.

12 February 2008 13 A c t i v i t i e s

Learn, Taste, Act! Spotlight on Missed the event? Take action—it’s not Supporters who attended Learn, Taste, too late! EcoHaus Act! on January 17 explored the value of Tell Seattle coffee roaster Tully’s that shade-grown coffee through guided cof- Birdathon 2007 their “Go Green” campaign is great but fee tasting and interactive team trivia. it’s not enough. Send an email or letter Partner This event will continue as a series, asking Tully’s to include certified shade by Monya Noelke designed to tell the up-to-date story of coffee in their offerings, and to use the shade-grown coffee and the birds that From educating the public certification mark on their shade coffee depend on coffee forests. Check the about sustainable forestry products. Visit shadecoffee.org and to take Seattle Audubon online events calendar practices to sponsoring action, click on Get Involved. for information about future events. Birdathon to providing in- Special thanks to those who gave kind support for our upcom- time, energy, and resources to make ing building renovation, Learn, Taste, Act! a great success: Environmental Home Center has been a close partner —Caffe Appassionato and Tucker with Seattle Audubon for McHugh for event hosting and dona- many years. tions. Now our good friends at —Shade Coffee Committee volunteers Environmental Home Center Karen Morse, Randy Poulsen, Kelly have changed their name Jewel, Eric Kocaja, Brad Shaffer, Susan to EcoHaus, but they have and David McDougall. kept the same great service and products. Shopping in their stores is a pleasure because everything offered is sustainable, renewable, Taking Action for Birds tive Director of Audubon Dakota; Karen environmentally preferable, Orenstein, National Outreach Coordina- or organic. They select in a Changing Climate tor; and Lynn Tennefoss, Vice President each product based on its of State Programs and Chapter Services. performance, quality, price, A workshop sponsored by aesthetics, environmental The workshop is open to all Audu- National Audubon health, and reparability. bon chapter members and the general EcoHaus is still located If you happen to be going to see the public. Cost for the day is $20 and in- at 4121 1st Avenue South magnificent spring migration of sand- cludes lunch. The registration deadline in Seattle, but now there hill cranes in Nebraska, don’t miss this is March 7. For more information or are two other locations: timely workshop on Friday, March 14. to register, visit Audubon Nebraska at Portland and Bend, Oregon. Scheduled to be held at the Holiday Inn www.audubon.org/states/ne/ or call Please consider spending in Kearney, the workshop will explore 402-797-2301. your greenbacks where it’s chapter development, Important Bird greener. Areas, Audubon’s science programs, and harnessing the power of chapter resources. Featured speakers include John Cecil, Important Bird Area (IBA) National Program Director; Tom Bancroft, Chief Scientist and V.P. National Audubon So- ciety; Chris Canfield, V.P. and Executive Director of Audubon North Carolina; Genevieve Thompson, V.P. and Execu-

12 February 2008 13 A c t i v i t i e s G o o d D e a l s

The 2007 Seattle Audubon Christmas Bird Count, December 29 by Gene Hunn, Master Birder and CBC List Compiler The weather held off until nearly 3:00PM, Twelve species recorded record high when a bit of rain came down. We had counts: Snow Goose (5), Red-throated a record 210 observers in 48 parties and Loon (35), Eared Grebe (22), Brandt’s sub-parties across the 177 square miles Cormorant (803, nearly 3 times the of our circle. Our species total of 120 previous record), Bald Eagle (69), Black was a shade below the long-term average Turnstone (375), Barred Owl (6), Downy of 120.6 (since 1972). Few rarities were (102) and Pileated (15) Woodpeckers, noted this year, which largely accounts Cedar Waxwings (245), Yellow-rumped for the modest species count. Warblers (281), and American Goldfinch Of particular note were flocks of Snow (726). Also well represented were swans Geese and swan sp. over Restoration (an unidentified flock of 8 over Mercer Point and Mercer Island respectively. Island), Surf Scoters (though White- Single Greater White-fronted Geese were winged and Black Scoters were down), at Restoration Point and Bellevue. The Pacific and Common Loons, Cooper’s Restoration Point crew also recorded our Hawks, Surfbirds, Common Murres only Marbled Murrelets, Rock Sandpip- and Pigeon Guillemots, Anna’s Hum- ers, and Purple Finch. A single Clark’s mingbirds, Steller’s Jays, Red-breasted Grebe hid among some 400 Western Nuthatches, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Grebes off West Point. A Redhead and Townsend’s Warblers, White-crowned three Western Meadowlarks at the Mont- Sparrows, and Pine Siskins. lake Fill, a Townsend’s Solitaire in the On the debit side, we note drastic Windermere neighborhood, and an Or- reductions for such species as Ruddy ange-crowned Warbler at Magnuson Park Duck, quite common before 2003, missed were of some note. Northern Saw-whet entirely for the first time this year. Also Owls were heard in Discovery Park and missing in action this year were Cali- at Restoration Point and a Western fornia Quail (but noted the day after at Screech-Owl was recorded in Magnuson Park), Bonaparte’s Gulls and West Seattle, that species’ Evening Grosbeaks. Peregrines, Ring- last stronghold in the necked Pheasants, and Purple Finches region. Also in were down to just a single individual West Seattle at reported. Negative trends were apparent a feeder was our also for Dunlins and several gull species only White-throated (California and Thayer’s most notably), Sparrow. Band-tailed Pigeons, Western Screech- Owls, and Red-breasted Sapsuckers. Sapsucker numbers normally reflect snow depths in the mountains rather than actual population fluctuations. Even Canada Geese and Eurasian Starlings have declined from their peak number of some years ago. Go to www.seattleaudubon.org to see the full Illustration © Martin Muller list of species seen.

14 February 2008 15 G o o d D e a l s

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PAID ADVERTISING 14 February 2008 15 New! Seattle Audubon Events Calendar Check out the new online events calendar for latest information on classes, field trips, meetings, events, and more. Visit www.seattleaudubon.org and click on Events Calendar under QuickLinks.

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