Wandering

September 2010 Tattler Volume 60, Number 1

The Voice of SEA AND SAGE AUDUBON, an Orange County Chapter of the National Audubon Society

Changes at the Marsh General Meeting by Jay Miller, President Friday evening, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.

We are incredibly fortunate to call the San Joaquin Wildlife “Adventures in Bird Conservation - Sanctuary our home. I would like to let you know about Audubon in the 21st Century” some changes that the Irvine Ranch Water District is planning for the Marsh and water treatment plant. presented by Glenn Olson

First, the plastic wrapped temporary flood wall that has Please join us to welcome Pat & Dick Cabe as they begin been placed around much of the Marsh will be replaced by their adventure as Programs Chairs and to greet the a permanent 2 1/2 to 3 foot floodwall. By building this wall dynamic and personable Glenn Olson in his new role for it means that the San Diego Creek that runs by the Marsh Audubon. will not have to be widened. That widening would have meant the permanent removal of much of the plant life in Our first program of the new season will feature Glenn as and along the sides of the creek to increase the flow of Chairman of Bird Conservation and Public Policy for the water. The floodwall will also give the Chapter buildings National Audubon Society. Glenn is a conservation and campus greater protection from the flooding that could dynamo who has served Audubon for 33 years. Previously, occur during heavy rains. The construction for this project he directed Audubon
s field operations and most recently, will start soon and is scheduled to be finished by he served as Executive Director of Audubon California. November 15, 2010. In his new role, Olson leads Audubon
s efforts to conserve Secondly, a multi-year, multi-million dollar upgrade of the birds and their habitats throughout their flyways, catalyzing water treatment plant is about to begin. During this work across Audubon
s national network of state programs construction, Riparian View, from Michelson Drive to the and Important Bird Areas, and spearheading critical Marsh will be closed to the public. However, Riparian conservation initiatives necessary to conserve our more than 800 species of native birds and their habitats. View, from the Marsh to Campus Drive will then be open. This new route may be permanent. Access to the Marsh In addition to updating us on California conservation on Riparian View will be from Campus Drive, not from issues, Glenn will describe some of Audubon
s big vision Michelson. To reach the Marsh, we will need to be on bird conservation initiatives including: Hemispheric Bird Campus in the right lane, heading NW towards Jamboree, Conservation - identification and conservation of the 2,400 and make a right turn onto Riparian View. When leaving Globally Significant Important Bird Areas in the Western the Marsh, we will make a right turn from Riparian View Hemisphere, North American Wetlands Conservation Act onto Campus Drive. (Left turns from Campus to Riparian Council - catalyzing over $4 billion in investments in or from Riparian to Campus are not permitted.) I realize wetland restoration and protection focused on migratory that for many of us this means it will take a few minutes birds, and Audubon
s work to reauthorize the Neotropical more to get to and from the Marsh, but remember, it will Migratory Bird Conservation Act at higher funding levels still be the same great place once we get there! and to ratify the treaty on Albatross and Petrels to reduce the mortality of long-line fishing methods which endanger As soon as we know when this change will take place, we the Albatross worldwide. will post it at Audubon House and on our chapter website. For up to date information on the Marsh access, call We hope you will join us for this interesting program at the Audubon House at 949-261-7963. Duck Club in the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. The doors open at 7:00 and the meeting begins at 7:30 pm. Full directions can be found on page 11.

Conservation News - Coyote Hills by Diane Bonanno

Our Conservation Committee Meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday evening of each month at 6:30 pm in the Blue House. Check our webpage for the meeting’s agenda the week before the meeting: http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/Conservation/conservation.htm

Coyote Hills Development Proposal One hundred sixty bird species have been cataloged at Voted Down Coyote Hills, including a White-tailed Kite that was observed foraging during nesting season. It is an In a victory for Friends of Coyote Hills and for Sea and important wintering ground for raptors. Among the Sage Audubon, the Fullerton City Council voted to deny California Species of Special Concern noted at the site are Pacific Coast Homes
proposal to build 760 homes plus Horned Lark, Tri-colored Blackbird, Loggerhead Shrike, a commercial strip at West Coyote Hills by a 3 to 2 vote. Bell
s Sage Sparrow, Burrowing Owl and Southern Speakers against the Chevron subsidiary
s development California Rufous-crowned Sparrow. proposal outnumbered supporters two to one. Preserving Important Birding Areas such as West Coyote Representatives from an array of conservation Hills are among the best ways to save species like the organizations also spoke at the May 25 hearing or sent California Gnatcatcher from the effects of Global Warming, letters to the council in support of saving the hills. Friends according to Audubon experts. of Coyote Hills have been working for nine years to preserve the 510-acre site as a park and reserve. Although plant surveys have been perfunctory, currently

86 native species have been identified with the likelihood Sea and Sage Audubon has played an active role in the that many more will be added to the list when effort to preserve this Important Birding Area. During his comprehensive surveys are completed. In fact two new term as Conservation Chair, Scott Thomas submitted species were noted at a recent hike. If you wish to see the comments to all three environmental impact reports as site, free naturalist-led monthly hikes are offered (schedule well as to the Final EIR. He also spoke at several below). meetings, presenting valuable information on the importance of retaining Coyote Hills as a natural area. A Park and Reserve Endangered Ecosystem/Endangered Species Friends of Coyote Hills remains committed to its vision of a major nature reserve for the million plus people who Coyote Hills, near Rosecrans and Euclid in Fullerton, is reside in California
s second most densely populated alive with an unusually intact Coastal Sage ecosystem that region. The group has located monies to purchase and boasts 15 rare and endangered species. It is connected maintain the property at fair market value and is poised to to the Puente-Chino Hills via Brea Creek. The site is home continue the effort to realize a Park and Reserve at to 55 pairs of Federally Threatened California Coyote Hills. Gnatcatchers, whose population has remained healthy on its own without conservation monitoring. Coastal Cactus Free naturalist-led hikes Summer sunset hikes: July & Aug., 2nd Sundays, 6-8 pm Wrens number 69 family groups according to the most nd recent survey. The health of this population was Regular morning hikes: Sept. - June, 2 Sat, 8-10 am Meet at the riding ring, Laguna Lake Park, Lakeview at confirmed in the 2009 Cactus Wren survey sponsored by Euclid, Fullerton The Nature Conservancy, Sea and Sage Audubon,

Audubon California, and the Nature Reserve of Orange

County. Coastal Cleanup - Sat, Sept. 25th Coyote Hills is a resting and refueling stop for migrating birds on the Pacific Flyway. Partners in Flight recognizes where: Muth Center, 2301 University Dr, NB when: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm that protecting these critical stopover sites is essential to bring: Reusable water bottle, (Water will be provided sustaining bird populations as they move between their at each station but there will be no cups available.) summer and winter habitats. This extremely healthy

Coastal Sage Scrub is only one of the few mid-elevation communities of its kind that remain between south Orange FREE FREE and Ventura Counties. It is the last remaining natural area REFRESHMENTS ELECTRONIC of its size between the Puente Chino Hills and the ocean. and WASTE EDUCATIONAL Once this ecosystem covered much of Southern RECYCLING EXHIBITS California, but because of over development, only about five percent remains in the world today.

For more information call 949-640-6712 page 2 Sea & Sage Audubon, September 2010 Sea & Sage Audubon Society Birds of Southern California An Introductory Birding Skills Workshop presented by Sylvia Gallagher

Sea & Sage Audubon Society is again offering weekly workshops in bird identification for beginning birders. If you have been birding casually for a while, you should also consider enrolling. Professional biologists whose expertise is not in ornithology find these workshops helpful, too. Each session will feature about 15 common birds of a particular local habitat on the coastal side of the mountains. With the use of printed worksheets and slides from the Sea & Sage Library, Sylvia Gallagher will help you learn to identify those birds. In the process, you
ll also be introduced to a variety of other topics, such as bird families, plumages and molts, bird topography, distribution and habitat preferences, behavior, vocalizations, the birding literature, birding ethics and etiquette, etc. The topics to be covered in the series are: Birds of neighborhoods Birds of playing fields and parking lots Birds of mudflats and shallow water Birds of the ocean shore Birds of the open country Birds of prey Birds of the streamside woodland Birds of lakes, ponds and marshes Each section will have ten weekly meetings at the Gallagher home in Huntington Beach. Four half-day field trips will be scheduled on Saturdays (Oct. 23, Nov. 6 and 20, Dec. 11— times to be announced). The dates and times for the workshop sessions are listed below. Wed. evenings: 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., Sept. 29 - Dec. 15, except Oct. 13 and Nov. 24 Thurs. mornings: 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, Sept. 30 - Dec. 16, except Oct. 14 and Nov. 25 Thurs. evenings: 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., Sept. 30 - Dec. 16, except Oct. 14 and Nov. 25

The maximum enrollment for each section is 23. If any section does not have at least 12 people enrolled by Sept. 21 it will be cancelled. Reserve early though, because some sections may fill completely. A donation of $80.00 (or more) per person is requested, if you can afford it. Bring your money to the first session. The required book for the workshop is Birds of North America by Kenn Kaufman (Houghton Mifflin Co., any edition). It is available at Audubon House for $18.75 including tax, or you can buy one at the first meeting. You will also need to bring binoculars to meetings no later than the third session—preferably sooner.

Send your reservation for this workshop, postmarked no earlier than Sept. 7th, (2-day penalty for early reservations), to: Introductory Workshop, c/o Sylvia Gallagher, 21562 Kaneohe Ln, Huntington Beach CA 92646. Placement in sections will be based on postmark date. Enclose a long (4”x 9.5”) self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). Confirmations will be mailed Sept. 22, including preliminary information and a map to the meeting place. For further information, call Sylvia at (714) 962-8990.

Enrollment Form for Introductory Birding Skills Workshops (Fall 2010)

Names of all participants Address(es) City & Zip Code Phone E-mail Check or rank your choice of section: WED. p.m.___ THURS. a.m. ___ THURS. p.m.___ SASE enclosed? ___ Do you plan to buy a book at the first meeting? If more than one, how many?

Sea & Sage Audubon, September 2010 page 3

Chapter News & Announcements AH Volunteers, Our Chapter Exhibits, Tattler Delivery Options, Photo Mtg, 5 K Run

For more information about Sea and Sage activities, check our Schedule of Chapter Activities on our website at: http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/Chapter/ChapterSchedule.html

Audubon House Volunteers Receiving the Tattler:
We would like to thank the following people for helping to If you have notified the US Postal Service that you are staff Audubon House in July, August and September: going to be temporarily away, please also advise Sea and Sonia Appell, Pat & Dick Cabe, Deana Collins, Carolyn Sage Audubon of your new temporary mailing address, or Cooper, Joanne Cull, Jeanette DiAnda, Tom Drouet, Fresia to stop delivery of Sea & Sage mailings until your return. Escalona, Frank Feller, Carol Freund, Judy Fritts, Pat This will save us from paying return postage fees. Please Heilig, Cindi Herrera, Sarah Jayne, Steve Jelnick, Lois notify Sea & Sage upon your return so that we may update Jones, Nancy Kenyon, Lauretta Kyle, Joan McCauley, your address accordingly. Bobbie Miller, Eunice Morita, Betty Purdy, Roberta Ray, Barbara Reber, John Shaddy, Susan Sheakley, Bev Our Exhibit Spring, Betty Swift, Ralph & Beryl Vogel, Vic Westling. at the Children’s Book Festival

Audubon House is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Children's Book Festival will be held Sunday Oct. 3 at Our Volunteers greet visitors, answer the phone, sell Orange Coast College and is open to the public from 9:30 merchandise, answer questions about birds, check out am to 4:30 pm. It is FREE to the public. This event has a binoculars, etc. If you are interested in helping at Audubon big lively fair atmosphere with lots of booths, stage events, House, please call Judy Fritts at 949-551-4513. music, food, activities, and most of all, children's books and authors. Last year, an estimated 22,000 people attended it, A Date with Nature representing 6,000 families. We had four volunteers who Sea & Sage Audubon has been invited to put up an Exhibit spent the entire day there and spoke to hundreds of table at A DATE WITH NATURE sponsored by The Donna people. It is a great outreach opportunity, but to make the O'Neill Land Conservancy and The Reserve at Rancho most of it, we need more volunteers! We will have two Mission Viejo on Saturday, October 9th from 2:00 PM to experienced booth organizers working the booth at all 7:00 PM. It will be held at at Campo Amante, located in times. To give us full coverage we need two additional am to 11am, 11am San Juan Capistrano, off Ortega Highway approximately volunteers covering each of four shifts, 9 to 1pm, 1pm to 3pm, and 3pm to 5pm. The more the merrier! five miles East of Highway 5. Campo Amante, long used by Come early for your shift or stay after and enjoy the fun. It the O'Neill family for camping and picnics, is not normally is terrific! To volunteer, please contact Helen Nicholas at open to the public.There will be hands-on activities for 949-726-0858 or [email protected] . children, food booths, a campfire with a twilight presentation on mountain lions, and the organizers have invited an impressive list of local organizations to Go Paperless! participate. This is a great opportunity for South Sign up to receive your newsletter via email — get your County members to present Sea & Sage Audubon to issues faster, help save natural resources, reduce waste, families in their own area. I hope you can come! and help our chapter save money! You can read it online To volunteer contact Mary Joseph at 714 848-8362 or by or print out the pages you need to refer to more frequently. email at: [email protected] They
re in pdf format and will look and print exactly like the original ones. E-mail [email protected] to start your Photographers’ Meeting paper-free Tattler delivery today! (offer good only for chapter members in good standing) The photographers meet three times a year at Jim Gallagher
s house in Huntington Beach to share photos and discuss various photographic techniques. The next Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center st th Photo Meeting will be held on Friday evening, Oct. 1 , at 5K Walk/Run for the wildlife - Sat, Sept. 11 7:30 pm. The limit is 30 photos per person. For info on Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center
s goal for this event is to these meetings and/or directions to Jim's house, call Jim at raise money to fund the free services and programs that 714-962-8990. If you will be bringing digital pictures, WWCC provides, including care and rehabilitation for more please follow the guidelines listed on our webpage at: than 3450 birds and animals each year.Your contribution to www.seaandsageaudubon.org/Meetings/meetings.htm this event will make a difference to our native wildlife now and in the years to come. For info on how to sign up, visit wwccoc.org or call (714) 374-5587. page 4 Sea & Sage Audubon, September 2010 More Chapter News: Bookstore, BBQ Report & Upcoming Pancake Breakfast For more information about Sea and Sage activities, check our Schedule of Chapter Activities on our website at: http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/Chapter/ChapterSchedule.html

News from the Bookstore OUR SUMMER BARBECUE st July 31 - were you there? Our bookstore inside Audubon House is open daily, from We had a record-breaking crowd at our Summer BBQ this year 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. It is also open 45 minutes before our with 255 people in attendance! The weather was perfect for our monthly General Meetings, so be sure to stop in and pay evening event with mild temperatures and no moon for the star us a visit. This is a great time check out our new gazing activities. Over 54 wonderful volunteers worked together to help make our event a big success. merchandise. New arrivals this month include: Pete Dunne's Bayshore Summer, Peterson Reference Guide: The BBQ was coordinated by Jay Miller with the able assistance Molt in NA Birds by Steve Howell, and Thayer's Birds of of Gretchen McCausland who supervised ALL the food My State and Birds of NA (version 4 - Windows/Mac). preparation, Hal Sheakley who took care of the Drinks Table, Other new items include: lens cleaning cloths, bird calls, Andy Murphy & Scott Thomas who set up the AV equipment for and magnetic bookmarks. Sale items for Sept. 1-30 the program and Mary Joseph who ran back and forth between the kitchen & the serving tables with more food. Steve Jelnick include: Stokes Birds Songs: Western Region CD (reg $35 and Frank Feller, our BBQ chefs, grilled all the hot dogs and now $15) and The Raptor Almanac by Scott Weidensaul entertained everyone with their “dog rolling” sales pitch. Our two (out of print, list price $60, on sale for $55) - only 4 copies parking volunteers, Ralph Vogel and Dick Cabe, managed to left. Discontinued design t-shirts will be available for sale somehow find room for all the cars, and Susan Sheakley and her on our porch sales cart throughout the month. helpers did a great job with the Book Sales Table. Betty & Lois, Bobbie & Judy kept Audubon House open for 2 hours before the program & made each visitor feel welcome. Joel Weintraub led a very successful bird walk after dinner and Bettina Eastman led It’s More Than Just 40+ people into the marsh after the program in search of bats while the Orange County Astronomers directed star gazing Pancakes! activities in the meadow. I had the pleasure of coordinating our wonderful volunteers, taking care of the reservations, and On Saturday morning, Oct. 30th, Sea & Sage will be working at the Welcome Table with 3 very efficient and friendly hosting our Annual Pancake Breakfast at the San Joaquin helpers. Pete Bloom presented a great program about Ospreys Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. Breakfast of hot-off-the- and other raptors and 4 Canada Geese flew over us right before the program began. It was certainly a memorable evening! griddle pancakes, sausages, fresh fruit, orange juice, hot coffee and milk for the kids will be served from 7:30 to I
d like to thank all our wonderful volunteers who worked together 10:30 am. This event is more than just a pancake to make the evening such a success. Not only did they do the breakfast! Participants will also have the opportunity to jobs they signed up for, but they also pitched in to help in a number of other ways as well, including cleanup. In fact, they browse through the intriguing selection of nature books at worked so well together that they got the place cleaned up in our famous Used Book Sale, spend some time in record-breaking time! Our wonderful volunteers were: Nancy Audubon House checking out new items, wander out to Balstad, Maryette Beers, Phil & Marylyn Brobst, Toni Bryant, Pat the ponds for some bird watching where we
ll have scopes & Dick Cabe, Carol Counter, Barbara Dixon, Bettina Eastman, set up at strategic locations for your convenience, chat Frank & Shirley Feller, Diana Flynn, Judy Fritts, Jim Gallagher, with the people from Wild Birds Unlimited about bird Mary Ann & Joe Hazelett, Susan Hrbek, Cindi Herrera, Sarah feeding techniques, and check out the latest birding optics Jayne, Steve Jelnick, Lois Jones, Mary Joseph, Nancy Kenyon, on the Duck Club back porch with Optics4Birding staff. Carolyn Kraber, Joan McCauley, Gretchen McCausland, Michelle McCausland, Sally Menzel, Bobbie Miller, Jay & The price of the Pancake Breakfast is $10 for adults, $6 Marquita Miller, Natalie Morales, Susan Munson, Andy & Marie for children 10 and under, and free for children under 3. Murphy, Carolyn & Charlie Noble, Amber Oneal, Cecilia & Kate Reservations for the breakfast are a must so that we know Platz, Betty Purdy, Barbara Reber, Hal & Susan Sheakley, Dave how much food to buy and prepare. To make your & Sharon Telford, Scott Thomas, Ralph & Beryl Vogel, Joel reservations, call Audubon House at 949-261-7963. We Weintraub. OC Astronomers: Tom Drouet, Brad Feinner, Bruce will need your name, phone number, & number of people Gidden, Don McClellan. Book Sales: (sorting & pricing, transport, sales table set up & break down, or sales) Carol Counter, Shirley in your party. Hope to see you there! We also will need & Frank Feller, Jan Gaffney, Jim Gallagher, Tom & Carol Getz, volunteers to help us with this event; if you can help, Susan Hankey, Cindi Herrera, Jasmine, Sarah Jayne, Nancy please contact Mary Joseph, Pancake Breakfast Coord. at Kenyon, Judith Louria, Roy Poucher, Ruben, Susan & Hal 714-848-8362 or [email protected] Sheakley, Scott Thomas, David Weber. — N. Kenyon

Sea & Sage Audubon, September 2010 page 5

September Field Trips & Special Nov. trip

For trip updates & additional trip information, check our webpage: www.seaandsageaudubon.org/FieldTrips/fieldtripscurrent.htm Trips marked with ® require advance reservsations. Questions about field trips? Contact Field Trips Chair, Nancy Kenyon, at 949-786-3160 or [email protected] . New field trips will be posted on the webpage Field Trip Schedule.

Annual Field Trip Schedule Fall Pelagic Trip out of Dana Point ® The Annual Field Trip Schedule will be posted in the Oct. Saturday, Sept. 25 - 6:30 am to 1:00 pm Tattler. As new trips are set up, I am adding them to the webpage Field Trip Schedule. Only trips marked with a ® Our trip will take us out to the Fourteen Mile Bank where require advance reservations; the others do not. Any trip the more interesting sea birds are. We will be using which is listed in the Tattler or on the webpage can be the Sea Explorer, a research vessel belonging to the signed up for right away. If a reservation trip is full, it will Ocean Institute of Dana Point. The boat is a large, be marked full on the webpage. This means that comfortable 70 foot research vessel with ample deck space information on the status of the field trips is always more & seating for great viewing of the ocean, good restroom current on the webpage than in the Tattler because I can facilities, great deck stability, two decks (upper and lower) change it at a moment
s notice online but once the Tattler and good power for quickly covering the distances not is printed, it can
t be updated. occupied by birds. The trip will be led by Jerry Tolman, an experienced pelagic birder and trip leader. —Nancy Kenyon, Field Trip Chair & Webmaster Target Birds: Black-vented, Sooty & Pink-footed Shearwaters; Black & Least Storm-Petrels; Cassin
s & Monthly Bird Walk at Santiago Oaks Rhinoceros Auklets; Parasitic & Pomarine Jaegers, a 1st Sunday - Sept. 5th & Oct. 3rd - 7:30 am variety of shorebirds, terns, gulls, and possibly some whales & dolphins. Join Linette Lina for a monthly bird walk at Santiago Oaks Regional Park at 7:30 am. The mix of oak, riparian and Trip fee is $50 per person, (payable to Sea & Sage coastal sage scrub habitats make Santiago Oaks one of Audubon). Advance reservations are necessary; this the best places in Orange County to find a variety of trip will fill up early so don
t wait until the last minute to sign songbirds. Directions: Take the 55 freeway to Katella Ave up! Mail to: Pelagic trip, c/o Nancy Kenyon, 32 Almond in Orange. Exit and drive east on Katella 3.2 miles to Tree Ln, Irvine CA 92612. Include your phone number & Windes Dr. Turn left on Windes Dr. and follow the signs to your email address, OR a self-addressed legal size the park. Be prepared to pay the $5 entrance fee if you envelope for trip confirmation and additional information. don
t have a county parks pass. Bring binoculars, a hat, & —Jerry Tolman, Leader water. Meet in the upper end of the parking lot. —Linette Lina, Leader Morro Bay 3-day trip ®

Fri, Sat, Sun - Nov. 12 to14 - 2:45 pm (Fri.) Monthly Bird Walk at the SJWS This is a new trip for our chapter. It will be led by long time Sea & 2nd Sunday - Sept. 12th & Oct. 10th - 8:00 am Sage member, Kaaren Perry, who moved to Morro Bay a year ago. She
s discovered all sorts of great birding spots that she Join Chris Obaditch for a monthly bird walk around the wants to share with us. ponds of the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine at 8 am. The shorebirds and ducks are returning, so there will Come join us in Morro Bay, winter home to thousands and be many more birds to see this month. (See directions on thousands of shorebirds, many species of raptors and page 11.) The walk, which is open to interested birders of passerines. We have planned a wonderful weekend of all ages, will meet by the front door of Audubon House. birding and exploration. Beginning on Friday afternoon Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an Nov.12, we will have a chance to take a leisurely harbor adult. cruise to see some of the water birds up close and learn a —Chris Obaditch, Leader little bit about the area. That evening you may wish to dine at one of the many dockside restaurants in the town.

Upper Newport Bay by small boat ® The next two mornings we will meet early in order to have rd plenty of time to bird the local hot spots. We will be looking 3 Wed: Sept. 15 (Full), Oct. 20, Nov. 17- 8:15 am for shorebirds, do a little sea watching and bird some of the Join us for the rare chance of birding the Upper Newport very bird rich riparian and woodland locations nearby. Bay from the deck of a small boat. Spotting birds from the After lunch on Sat. and Sun. you will be free to do a little water offers one a different perspective and the birds seem exploring on your own. (Additional trip info on webpage.) to view us differently also. Trip duration is about 3 hours. Trip fee: $25 + $15 for the Fri. harbor cruise. Advance Space is very limited. Contact Nancy for reservations. reservations needed; trip limited to 15. Make check (949-786-3160; [email protected]) payable to Sea & Sage Audubon & mail to: Morro Bay FT, —Nancy Kenyon, Leader c/o Nancy Kenyon, 32 Almond Tree Ln, Irvine CA 92612 page 6 Sea & Sage Audubon, September 2010

Dedicated Camp Volunteers by Trude Hurd

Info about our chapter Camp program is on our webpage at: www.seaandsageaudubon.org/Education/Camp/NatureDayCamp.html

“The nicest staff of any camp anywhere!” Their ages range from teenager to many decades beyond teen, but there is one thing these 46 volunteers share…a dedication to our Summer Nature Camp programs. Adjectives commonly used by parents to describe our camp volunteers are friendly, knowledgeable, nurturing, devoted, committed, attentive, prepared, phenomenal, very informed, engaging, outstanding, and especially enthusiastic and energetic with lots of exclamation points used profusely!

We actually began work on Camp 2010 a year ago when we discussed what went well with Camp 2009 and what new programs we wanted to explore. Work in earnest began in January 2010 and continued right up to the day of camp. Selecting the camp shirt designs for each camp in addition to the habitat topic, guest speakers, and wood decoy to paint for Advanced Camp are some of the decisions we make. There are games and relay races to create, lessons to write, powerpoint presentations to design, donors for scholarships and snacks to obtain, supplies to purchase, and notebooks to make for each child.

Everyone participated with their special talents to create a camp experience for children that will be long remembered. In fact, the naturalist who led our outrigger canoe trip at Upper Newport Bay was overjoyed to greet me. Leslie had been one of our very first campers back in the early 1990’s and repeated camp several times because she enjoyed it so much. She is preparing for a master’s program and took the naturalist position at UNB because of her concern for our natural resources. We are confident that our camp programs are successfully sharing a love of nature and creating a sense of stewardship for our earth by today’s children.

We depend on returning and new camp helpers. In fact, we expanded our camp committee with 25% more people this past year. If you would like to participate in 2011, please contact Trude Hurd (949-261-7964) or Grace McElhiney (714-969-9617).

27 Adults 19 Student Assistants Helen Nicholas Deborah Brin Carolyn Noble Hunter Craft Toni Bryant (new) Nora Papian (teen) Vincent Baker Constance Cassady Amy Chang Bev Spring Teresa Cullen Breanna Fitzgerald Dan Trinidad Evalie DuMars (new) Pat Vranicar Kaitlin Fitzgerald Sheila Fitzgerald Jan Wilson (new) Andrea Hendrixson Susan Gibb (new) Neil Gilbert

Alison George (teen) Cyrus Kay

Trevor George (teen) Darius Kay Jenny Golden (new) Emma Lyall Beverly Hargrove Caleb Speakman Janna Hobbs (new) Sofia Speakman Trude Hurd Chelsea Madden Mary Joseph Olivia Simon Tim Maas Lee Sisson Gretchen Mavrovouniotis Shannon Theisen Grace McElhiney Haley Werner Bob McElhiney Caroline Werth Bobbie Miller Jeremy Zuniga Sharon Nantell

Sea & Sage Audubon, September 2010 page 7

Orange County Rarities by Doug Willick

To report a RARE or UNUSUAL bird, or to receive the current RBA report for Orange County, call the OrCoRBA at 949-487-6869, or join OrangeCountyBirding; website directions tell you how to join. Go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OrangeCountyBirding/

With three months to catch up on since the last Tattler Americans previously recorded in the county. A Stilt issue went out, we
ll try to cover as many of the Orange Sandpiper at Bolsa Chica, May 9-10 (B. Daniels), was County rarity discoveries during this period as possible (at only the county
s second record of a spring migrant. An least the more significant records). Starting off where this adult Little Blue Heron was in the Seal Beach National column left off, we
ll go back to the latter part of the spring Wildlife Refuge (part of the Naval Weapons Station), May migration period, which is generally a time to expect 20 to June 7 (John Fitch). Most unexpected was a unusual sightings in southern California. Above average Sandhill Crane over this same general area on June 1 numbers of White-winged Doves turned up in the county and 10 (J. Fitch; Bob Schallmann); this species is this past spring. In addition to a few previously reported unprecedented in southern California at this time of year. observations in April, one was in a Huntington Beach neighborhood, May 8 (S. Morris); up to two were on the The following paragraphs will try to recap some of the Dana Point Headlands, May 18-20 (Joel Weintraub), with highlights from the early part of the summer period. The one again present here June 3-7; two were at Caspers award for the rarest bird of the summer will likely again go Wilderness Park, June 3 (Paul Straus), and one was in a the adult Sooty Tern at Bolsa Chica (BC). This is the Dana Point Neighborhood June 24 (Julie Brodhag). Six second consecutive summer that a Sooty Tern has summered here, and given its status in the region, these Black Swifts were seen flying over a Huntington Beach residential area, May 27 (Steve Morris). At Huntington occurrences undoubtedly involve the same individual. Central Park (HCP), a singing male Northern Parula was After the bird made a brief appearance in April of this year, discovered on June 4 (Mary Freeman), followed by at least it did not resurface until about May 25 (Peter Knapp), only two males at the same location, June 5-7 (Brian Daniels). to immediately disappear again. Fortunately, the bird The surprises continued, however, with a male and female returned one more time, June 26, and finally seems to present, and observed nest building, on June 12-13 (B. have settled in for awhile, being seen regularly until at least Daniels, Leo Ohtsuki, Irene Horiuchi, et al.). Unfortunately, Aug. 11. Though not as unexpected in California as Sooty the nest was apparently abandoned after about a week, Tern, an immature Magnificant Frigatebird in south San although a pair continued to be seen at HCP through at Clemente, June 28 (Beth Fife), certainly had to be one of least June 30 (S. Morris). Oddly enough, in August of 2004 the more exciting encounters of the season. The bird was there was evidence that suggested Northern Parula may seen flying south along the coast, right on the Orange/San have bred at HCP that year, although this year
s Diego county border. Records of this impressive wanderer observations were certainly the first definitive evidence of a from Mexican waters have been unusually scarce during the last decade. nesting attempt in the county for this eastern North American warbler. Other HCP highlights during late spring Bolsa Chica definitely seemed to be the place for rarities included a singing male Chestnut-sided Warbler, May 23 this summer. A young Glaucous Gull was carefully (B. Daniels), a male Hooded Warbler, June 5-9 (B. identified by experienced birders on June 13 (Jon Dunn, Daniels; et al.), a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, June 5 Leo Ohtsuki and B. Daniels). This established the first (B.Daniels), and a male Black-and-white Warbler, June mid-summer “OC” record for this rare, normally mid-winter 15 (Neil Gilbert). Elsewhere, male Northern Parulas were rarity from the north. Every bit as surprising was the recorded in Laguna Niguel, May 25 (Robert McNab), at discovery of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo in Eucalyptus trees San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary (SJWS), and at nearby on the BC bluffs, July 6 (Dick Erickson). Although Mason Regional Park (MRP) on June 6 (Leo Ohtsuki, B. notoriously a very late spring migrant, it
s still anybody
s Daniels). Due to circumstances related to the SJWS and guess which way this out-of-place “one-day-wonder” was MRP birds, it was felt that these observations may have headed. Up to four Dunlin (through the summer period), actually involved the same individual. A male Rose- and a Black Turnstone, June 13-19 (B. Daniels), at BC, breasted Grosbeak at HCP, July 4 (Curtis Marantz), was were unexpected shorebirds for this time of year. Out-of- possibly either a very late “spring” straggler, or possibly season waterfowl included single males of Northern summering locally. Exceptional was an apparently “clean” Shoveler and Northern Pintail here on June 19 American Oystercatcher at Crescent Bay Point, May 20- (B. Daniels). 22 (Nancy Kenyon, Laura Wantz, Steve Sosensky); hybrids between American and Black are occasionally seen in the Good numbers of late migrating Brant were seen passing county, but there have been extremely few “pure-looking” along the OC coast in late May and early June, and well above average numbers were also seen lingering into the page 8 Sea & Sage Audubon, September 2010

Orange County Rarities & Reporting Banded Birds

Rare Birds: Call OrCoRBA at (949) 487-6869, or go online to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OrangeCountyBirding/ Banded Birds): Report Banded Birds to (800) 327-2263 or go online to: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/

summer at a few coastal sites (BC and the Seal Beach these birds, such as how long they live, where they Naval Weapons Station). A Cattle Egret at Upper disperse to, and where they were banded. Your report will Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, June 29 (Bruce Deuel), be sent to the bird bander. Often, if you request was noteworthy. Least Bitterns were reported during the information on the bird you reported, you can learn where summer from such previously known locations as Laguna and when it was banded.

Niguel Regional Park and SJWS (many observers), while HOW to report a banded bird, visit the webpage of the one from a potentially new location was reported at the Bird Banding Laboratory at: Aliso Viejo Country Club, 27 June (Gillian Martin). Whale http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/homepage/call800.htm watching excursions out of Dana Point have proven to be You’ll need info on: Who, What, Where, When, & How. productive for other things besides marine mammals. On a July 10 trip, for example, avian highlights included up to WHERE to report banded birds, send info to the Bird two South Polar Skuas (very few recorded in OC waters), Banding Laboratory at: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/ eight Least Storm-Petrels, and good numbers of other or phone: 1-800-327-2263 more expected pelagic species (B. Daniels, Robert McNab, Jim Pike, et al.). BANDED BIRDS TO WATCH FOR:

There have been a few interesting nesting records in the • Raptors county this past summer. A pair of White-breasted Banded Reptors within Orange County: send info to Nuthatches were observed feeding young at Ralph B. Scott Thomas at: [email protected] Clark Regional Park, June 24 (J. Fitch); away from the Banded Raptors outside of Orange County: send info to Santa Ana Mountains, this species is a scarce breeder in the Bird Banding Lab at: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/ some of the interior foothill regions of the county, although it is absent as a breeder from the coastal lowlands. At • Turkey Vultures least two nesting pairs of Chipping Sparrows at Craig The UC Davis Wildlife Health Center began a statewide Regional Park this past June (Valerie Wheeler) were study in 2008 looking at heavy metal exposure in exceptional (this being the second consecutive year that scavenging birds. The Turkey Vulture is one of the species breeding had been confirmed here). This species has that has been live trapped, tagged, and monitored. The been unknown as a breeder anywhere in the county away birds are fitted with "large white with black-numbers" from one location in the Santa Ana Mountains. Lastly, an patagial (axillary) tags that are easily visible in flight and active Mountain Chickadee nest was discovered in an when perched, with binoculars or spotting scopes. Report Aliso Viejo area bluebird box, June 14 (Andy Lazere). any sightings with exact location, observer's name, date, Chickadees have been increasing over the last eight or and tag number to the Bird Banding Lab and to: nine years (approximately) as a resident in the foothills of Pete Bloom (master bander) [email protected] and Terra Kelly [email protected] south Orange County (e.g., Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, El Toro, Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, and now Aliso Viejo); • Shorebirds (color marked bands or flags) however, there have been very few reports of documented Be specific about color & where color markers are located nesting to date. (which leg, where on leg, whether it
s a band or flag, if Next month we
ll finish catching up on the summer more than 1 band, describe order of bands top to bottom) highlights, and then start in on the first of the fall migrants. Research done by Arctic Shorebird Demographic Network Never a dull moment, as they say. in Nome. Report sightings to: www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/

• Caspian Terns: Keep an Eye Out for those Banded Birds! If you see Caspian terns with colorful leg bands (could be up to 3 bands on each leg), send the info to: Each year, hundreds of birds are banded with aluminum [email protected] and/or multi-colored bands. Many of these birds may be in • California Gulls: your favorite birding area, or you may spot one on a trip If you see any juvenile California Gulls with a pale blue away from home. Bird banding is done to learn more about plastic band over the standard silver band on the left leg, birds. Careful records are kept by the licensed bird banders send the info to: of each bird they band. Copies of these records are turned [email protected] or [email protected] over to the Bird Banding Laboratory. By reporting banded birds you find, you can help contribute important info on —N. Kenyon

Sea & Sage Audubon, September 2010 page 9 Education News & by Teresa Cullen Trude Hurd For more information about our Education program, visit our chapter webpage at: http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/Education/Education.html

Audubon Summer Camps = Big Success! Calling All Nature Lovers, Artists, and by Teresa Cullen Retired Teachers Fledgling Camp Coordinator by Trude Hurd Marsh Education Project Director During the summer of 2010, our Audubon day camps were Teaching effectively is a skill that takes many years to attended by 120 children from 23 cities in several counties develop, but sharing a love of nature can be done by and at least two states. After their camp experience, their anyone. We are currently looking for special individuals widely dispersed homes became adorned by the craft who are willing to teach effectively and share nature with projects of each camp. To name just a few: we painted school children in the beautiful setting of a wetland habitat wooden birdhouse jacket hooks in Fledgling Camp, we for our two outdoor science programs for elementary painted decorative wooden birdhouses in Marsh Camp, school children. we made silk circle window hangings in our new intermediate camp entitled Birds, Bugs, and Blossoms, This is a great opportunity if you like working with children and we painted wooden Downy Woodpecker decoys in and enjoy meeting other friendly enthusiastic volunteers. Advanced Camp. You can be sure our campers, in 23 For a small investment of time and energy, you will different locations, are now paying more attention to the personally make the difference in the life of a child who birds in their backyards, and are most likely helping their may not have much exposure to nature. Our program is parents to identify them. vitally important to help create caring Earth stewards of today
s youngsters! One of Advanced Camp
s guest speakers, the wildlife We expect each Audubon Naturalist to volunteer two artist and taxidermist John Schmitt, wrote us that he was mornings a month during the school year, although we happy to see our program “flourishing”. This is an apt willingly work with individuals who have other time word to describe our program, now in its 17th year, and demands such as travel or part-time jobs. Each Audubon the following is evidence: Naturalist must also attend the training sessions (we offer • Returning campers had been applying their alternate dates if you miss one) and the practice sessions. birding skills ever since last summer. The pace of completing each step corresponds to the • All of our campers amazed and impressed us with comfort level of the volunteer. What are you waiting for? Join us now! their enthusiasm and expertise by the end of the week. The next training sessions for Outdoor Adventure • The 19 Junior Naturalists who volunteered their volunteer naturalists are: help this summer are all former attendees of our • Tuesday Sept. 14 (Outdoor Skills) camp program. • Thursday Sept. 16 (Microscopic Pond Study) • Tuesday Sept. 21 (Taxidermy Birds) • Some of our Junior Naturalists have gone on to • Thursday Sept. 23 (Bird ID and Behaviors) pursue degrees in environmental science in college. The next training sessions for Art Meets Science volunteer guides are: • The campers pooled the contents of their piggy • Wednesday Sept. 29 (Science) banks (and their parents
pockets) during the six • Wednesday Oct. 6 (Art) camps to donate over $600 to The Songbird Care • Wednesday Oct. (Art Meets Science) and Education Center to help rehabilitate injured birds. All classes are from 9 am to 12 pm in the Learning Center and by reservation only. We have a GREAT volunteer These are only some of the reasons 23 Adult Naturalists Audubon Naturalist program and hope that you or volunteer their time for this program. All of us feel that we someone you know will join us this year. Please contact are a positive force on a troubled planet. Trude Hurd, Project Director of Education, at 949-261- 7964 or [email protected] to sign up or for more information.

(Note: The schedule is subject to change depending on volunteer availability page 10 Sea & Sage Audubon, September 2010

Directions and Membership Directions to Audubon House, Chapter Meetings, and the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

Audubon membership form, Tattler subscriptions, and Remember Us in Your Will or Trust

DIRECTIONS to Audubon House, the Duck Club, and the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

From Michelson to the SJWS From Campus Drive to SJWS Audubon House From the San Diego Fwy (405), exit Open daily from 8 am to 4pm From the San Diego Fwy (405), exit on Jamboree south toward Newport (949) 261-7963 on Culver and head south. Drive Beach. At the 1st signal (Michelson), Stop by Audubon House for a trail down Culver to Campus Drive & turn turn left. Continue on Michelson to 4th map. Browse through our bookstore right. From Campus, turn right on to signal (Riparian View) and turn right and gift shop. Look at our taxidermy Riparian View immediately after toward the Irvine Ranch Water District birds on display and check out our crossing the San Diego Creek plant. Follow the signs directing you to chapter library. Take a look at the bird channel. There will not be a signal at Audubon House and the San Joaquin board checklist on the Audubon the intersection of Campus & Riparian Wildlife Sanctuary. Continue down House front porch to find out what so you will need to watch very the road to a short driveway down into exciting birds have been spotted carefully. (You can only enter a parking lot. The 1st building you will recently. Our friendly Audubon House Riparian View from the right lane; it is see will be Audubon House; the Duck volunteers are there to help you and illegal to make a left turn from Club is adjacent to Audubon House. to answer your questions. Campus to Riparian because Campus Beyond this area are the ponds and is a 2-lane road at this point and you marsh mitigation areas of the San Tattler Subscriptions would block traffic.) Drive along Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary which are Non-Audubon members or members Riparian to the short driveway leading open every day from dawn until dusk. from other Audubon chapters who down into a parking lot; this will be wish to subscribe to our chapter the 1st left turn you can make along st Remember Us newsletter, may do so for $12.50 per there. The 1 building you will see will be Audubon House; the Duck Club is in Your Will or Trust year for regular mailing. Those who wish to receive their newsletter faster, adjacent to Audubon House. Beyond Please remember to include “Sea and by 1st class postage, may do so for this area are the ponds and marsh Sage Audubon Society” by name (tax an additional $5. Make check payable mitigation areas of the San Joaquin ID#23-7003681) in your will or trust to “Sea & Sage Audubon” and mail to: Wildlife Sanctuary which are open Tattler Subscriptions, 32 Almond Tree every day from dawn until dusk. Ln, Irvine CA 92612.

Audubon Membership Application

Membership: we invite you to become a member of the National Audubon Society and the Sea & Sage Audubon

chapter. To join: Please pay by check only; do not send cash. Make your check payable to: NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY, complete this form, and mail it along with your payment to: Sea & Sage Audubon, PO Box 5447, Irvine CA 92616.

National Audubon Society Membership: Check one [
] [ ] NEW MEMBERSHIP: $20 - Individual or Family members [ ] RENEWAL: $35 - Regular Membership

[ ] NEW MEMBERSHIP: $15 - Senior (62+ yrs) or Student [ ] RENEWAL: $15 - Senior or Student

Members receive: AUDUBON magazine as well as the WANDERING TATTLER newsletter.

Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Phone C9ZC150Z E-mail 2010 Chapter Code

Sea & Sage Audubon, September 2010 page 11 Sea and Sage Audubon Society Chapter Mission Statement: Sea and Sage Audubon is a leader in creating an understanding of nature in Orange County, through conservation, research and environmental education programs for children and adults. This is accomplished with classes, field activities, publications and volunteer opportunities.

Non-Profit Org Chapter Website ...... www.seaandsageaudubon.orgU.S. Postage Paid Santa Ana, CA Permit No. 164 PO Box 5447, Irvine CA 92616

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

DATED MATERIAL; PLEASE EXPEDITE!

STAFF BOARD MEMBERS Executive Committee: Marsh Education Project Director Trude Hurd ...... 949-261-7964 Marsh Educ. Project Director’s Assist..Deborah Brin ...... 949-261-7964 President...... Jay Miller...... 949-707-1287 Administrative Aide...... Rebecca Craft...... 949-261-7963 Vice President...... Scott Thomas ...... 949-293-2915 Sales Manager...... Debby Thyssen...... 949-261-7963 Secretary ...... Cheryl Egger ...... 714-842-9232

Treasurer ...... Hal Sheakley ...... 949-552-5974 OTHER CONTACTS Director 2011 ...... Susan Munson...... 949-497-3906 Audubon House...... 949-261-7963 Director 2011 ...... Joel Weintraub...... Bluebird Nest Box Info...... Dick Purvis...... 714-776-8878 Director 2012 ...... Carolyn Noble...... 714-731-9091 Slide Lending Library...... Claudine Casey ...... 714-968-3463 Director 2012 ...... Steve Jelnick ...... 714-925-9128 To Report a rare bird: ...... O,C, Rare Bird Alert hotline Director 2013 ...... Amber Oneal ...... 714-812-2430 OrCoRBA ...... Joel Weintraub...... 949-487-6869 Director 2013 ...... Star Howard ...... 949-770-3177 OrCoRBA...... [email protected]

OC Birding website:

Committee Chairpersons: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OrangeCountyBirding/ Audubon House ...... Susan Sheakley...... 949-552-5974 Banded Birds, report them to: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/ Audubon House Volunteers...... Judy Fritts...... 949-551-4513 Report Banded or Tagged Raptors in OC to: [email protected] Birdathon ...... Bird Information...... Sylvia Gallagher ...... 714-962-8990 Help for Injured, Sick, or Truly Orphaned Birds: Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center...... 714-374-5587 Christmas Bird Counts...... Steve Alter...... 714-669-9482 Songbird Care & Education Center...... 714-964-0666 Conservation...... Counsel ...... Rick Derevan...... 714-427-7016 Starr Ranch Barn Owl live web cam: Development...... Cheryl Thomas ...... 949-294-2275 http://www.starrranch.org/blog/?page_id=2 Education...... Carolyn Noble...... 714-731-9091 Exhibits...... Mary Joseph...... 714-848-8362 Calendar of Chapter Activities Field Trips ...... Nancy Kenyon...... 949-786-3160 September 2010 Finance...... Hal Sheakley ...... 949-552-5974 05 Sun. Santiago Oaks Monthly Bird Walk ...... 7:30 am Membership ...... Phil Brobst...... 949-261-7963 07 Tues. Enrollment opens for Birds of So. CA classes...... Newsletter Editor...... Nancy Kenyon...... 949-786-3160 07 Tues. Conservation Committee Mtg...... 6:30 pm Partners in Flight...... Janet Baumann ...... 949-859-5081 12 Sun. SJWS Monthly Bird Walk ...... 8:00 am Programs ...... Pat & Dick Cabe ...... 949-960-1683 14 Tues. Board Meeting ...... 7:30 pm Publicity ...... 15 Wed. Upper Newport Bay by small boat ...... 8:15 am Publishing ...... Sam Berry ...... 949-646-1488 17 Fri. GENERAL MEETING...... 7:30 pm SJWS Liaison...... Chris Obaditch...... 949-640-7234 25 Sat. Fall Pelagic Trip out of Dana Point ...... 6:30 am Starr Ranch/Envir. Liaison Pete DeSimone ...... 949-858-0309 26 Sun. Coastal Cleanup (see page 2 for info) ...... Webmaster ...... Nancy Kenyon...... 949-786-3160 29 Wed Birds of So. CA classes begin this week (see page 3)... page 12 Sea & Sage Audubon, September 2010