Nearly Half of North America's Birds at Risk

Home , Aztec rail, Clapper rail, Mangrove rail

VOLUME 47 October 2014 Number 2 A Field Guide to the Future: Nearly Half of North America’s Birds at Risk from Global Warming Nearly half of the bird species in the con- warming is allowed to erase the havens is global warming,” said Audubon Chief tinental U.S. and Canada are threatened birds occupy today. Scientist Gary Langham, who led the by climate change and global warming. “The greatest threat our birds face today investigation. “That’s our unequivocal Many of these species could go extinct Continued on page 2 without our taking decisive action to protect their habitats and reduce the severity OCTOBER GENERAL MEETING of global warming. That’s the startling Monday October 20, 7:00 PM conclusion reached by Audubon scien- First United Methodist Church tists in a new study being released in mid- 1551 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa September (Please remember to bring your own cup or mug!) Here in California, birds that are threat- Nationally known bird photographer, Marie Read, takes us on a journey exploring the birdlife of the Mono Lake Basin. Marie’s photography, now featured in her newly released book, ened by global warming include Black Sierra Wings: Birds of the Mono Lake Basin, reveals the fascinating lives of the birds that breed Oystercatcher, Allen’s Hummingbird, or migrate through this spectacular birding hotspot. Pygmy Nuthatch, and Yellow-headed Iconic Mono Lake, in California’s Eastern Sierra, is famous for bizarre tufa towers rising from Blackbird—as species of concern! its surface, and highly saline and alkaline water. Brine shrimp and alkali flies attract huge numbers of breeding and migratory birds, including California Gulls, Wilson’s and Red- necked phalaropes, and Eared Grebes. The surrounding sagebrush scrub, pinyon-juniper, Jef- frey pine and conifer-aspen forests support many other species. Please come and enjoy Marie’s stories from the field and learn how she obtained some of the behavior and action shots in the book. Signed books will be available for purchase. You can see more of Marie’s nationally recognized work at www.marieread.com.

COMING NOVEMBER 17: Hollis Bewley of the Seabird Monitoring Program will present an up close and personal look at seabirds courting and raising their families along the Sonoma Coast. Hollis will give Pygmy Nuthatch Photo courtesy of Craig Tooley us an overview of the important work and accomplishments of the Seabird Monitoring Pro- gram being administered by Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods in partnership with the Of 588 bird species examined in the Seabird Protection Network, the California Coastal National Monument, and State Parks. study, 314 are at risk. Of those, 126 Hollis serves on the Board of Directors of Stewards, a nonprofit organization supporting CA species are at risk of severe declines by State Parks, and providing environmental education, in- terpretative, stewardship and citizen science programs in as early as 2050, and a further 188 spe- Armstrong Woods, Austin Creek and the Sonoma Coast. cies face the same fate by 2080, with She also coordinates the Seabird Monitoring Program (in numerous extinctions possible if global its second year!) as well as leads coastal bird walks and classroom field trips to tide pools for Stewards. She has To receive Leaves via email in PDF format just participated in Black Oystercatcher surveys for Audubon, and has been observing and photographing coastal birds email your request to: for 15 years. More information about her organization Black Oystercatchers in ocean [email protected] can be found at www.stewardscr.org/cms/pages/volun- shoreline habitat. You will get your copy faster and help save paper. teer_sonoma_coast_seabird_monitoring.html Photo courtesy of Craig Tooley MADRONE LEAVES

A FIELD GUIDE summering place in Minnesota by 2080. issue of Audubon Magazine focusing on Continued from page 1 The study also reveals those areas that climate change. conclusion after seven years of pains- are likely to remain stable for birds even Gary Langham finished a webinar on takingly careful and thorough research. as climate changes, enabling Audubon this topic with “Give nature ½ a chance Global warming threatens the basic fab- to identify “stronghold” areas that birds and it responds. We need to give it that ric of life on which birds—and the rest of will need to survive in the future. Work- chance.” It is time we speak for birds. ing with partners we can identify and us—depend, and we have to act quickly Written by Diane Hichwa, adapted and decisively to avoid catastrophe for rank those strongholds to protect for greatest impact. from a basic article provided by Lynsy them and us.” Smithson Stanley, NAS Deputy Direc- The result is a roadmap for bird con- tor for Climate Change. servation in coming decades under a warming climate. The study provides • • • • • • a key entry point for Audubon’s greater engagement on the urgent issue of global warming. Responding to the AUDUBON magnitude of the threat to our birds, ADVENTURES - National Audubon is greatly expanding Madrone’s Gift to 3rd-5th its climate initiative, aiming to engage a Cedar Waxwing on native white alder. Photo courtesy of Tom Reynolds larger and more diverse set of voices in Grade Schools in Sonoma support of protecting birds. County – 2014-15 To understand the links between where Solutions will include: 1) personal National Audubon’s “Audubon Adven- birds live and the climatic conditions choices to conserve energy and reduce tures” is again being offered for free to that support them, the researchers used greenhouse gas emissions in our com- all 3rd-5th grade teachers in Sonoma 17 variables (for temperature, seasonal- munities 2) creating backyard bird habi- County. New this year is the digital plus ity and precipitation) to look at chang- tat 3) local action to create community option “Birds, Bees, and Neighborhood ing climate scenarios. Langham and climate action plans 4) local and state- Biomes” Classroom Kit OR, as in the other Audubon ornithologists analyzed based work to increase rooftop solar and past, the printed version – choose from 30 years of historical North American energy efficiency, 5) Audubon’s work in 1 of 8 kits. climate data together with tens of thou- Important Bird Areas and other efforts sands of historical bird records from to protect and expand bird habitats. With a Digital Plus subscription stu- both the 100+ years of winter Audubon With the range maps we can identify dents receive: Three ready to print or Christmas Bird Counts and the spring/ places needing protection to provide a project student editions with engaging summer North American Breeding Bird refuge for these birds. We can know bet- science content, online, student quiz- Survey data of the U.S. Geological Sur- ter which species to focus on and where zes and puzzles, kid-friendly games and vey. Understanding those links then al- to take action most effectively. infographics, Windows on the Wild lowed scientists to project where birds videos and live webcam. Teachers re- are likely to be able to survive–OR not ceive: Six E-newsletters, “Birds on the survive–in the future. Range maps, such Move” classroom wall poster, topic back- as those found in bird field guides, show ground information, discussion starters, where birds now winter and nest; the lesson plans for classroom and field-based new maps from this study project with activities, bibliographies, glossary, cor- climate change where habitat will be and relations to Common Core English if/when there is a match to sustain each Language Arts and Next Generation species. Science standards and assessment questions and answers, opportunities to par- Our locally common Black Oystercatch- Black Oystercatcher with chick. er is projected to lose more than 50% Photo courtesy of Craig Tooley ticipate in community service learning of its range by 2050. The iconic Com- and citizen science projects such as Great mon Loon, heard but unseen as it calls For more information, visit Audubon. Backyard Bird Count and Pennies for the through the mist of a Midwestern lake, org/Climate. After September 9 there will Planet. The Audubon magazine subscrip- is projected to have no suitable place be more than 300 maps on the website. tion is also sent to the school address. National members can expect a double- Continued on page 3 Page 2 MADRONE LEAVES

AUDUBON ADVENTURES ing, Humboldt State University, Arcata One More for Your Continued from page 2 California 95521. Instructions and bird count form available at www.utahbirds. Life List OR With a Printed Version subscrip- org/cbc/ThanksgBirdCount.htm and by Steve Glover tion: Choose one from among eight kits your Thanksgiving Bird Count can be Reprinted with permission from the author - four separate magazine sets (32 of each). emailed to thanksgivingbirdcount@ and Mount Diablo Audubon Society. gmail.com, if you are in the western With education budgets often cut, funds United States. The annual American Ornithologists’ for environmental education programs are Union Checklist Supplement, published limited. We can help fill some of that need. • • • • • • online on July 30th, includes a revision of Teachers of 3rd-5th grade students may the taxonomic status of the “large rails,” contact Marcia Johnson at owlsnesttwo@ 9th Annual Wine which we have traditionally called the att.net, 829-3808 before December 1, Country Rowing Classic Clapper and King Rails. The King Rail 2014, to receive an “Audubon Adventures” has been split into two species: The famil- Resource Kit for your class. North Bay Rowing Club and Sonoma iar King Rail of the eastern U.S. retains State Crew have been hosting the Contributions to support this project would its English and scientific names (Rallus el- Wine Country Rowing Classic since be greatly welcomed. The cost of a kit for use egans), while populations in Mexico’s in- 2005, watching it grow from a casual, in a classroom is - Digital: $16.00; Printed: terior and western coast are now known rather local event followed by a barbe- $42.00. Please contact Marcia for more in- as “Aztec Rail” (Rallus tenuirostris). cue to a US Rowing-registered regatta formation. attended by 500 to 600 junior, col- Of greater interest to California birders legiate and masters athletes. In 2009, is a three-way split of the Clapper Rails. Thanksgiving Bird Count WCRC introduced a team trophy. The The Clapper Rails on the east coast (in- Thursday November 27, dawn to dusk tidal slough known as the Petaluma cluding Texas) have retained the name Clapper Rail but the scientific name is Counters are needed for the annual River, with its gentle S-turns and great now Rallus crepitans. Our local Clapper Thanksgiving Bird Count, one hour on straightaways, is one of the most beauti- ful protected stretches of water for row- Rails are now known as Ridgway’s Rail Thanksgiving Day. The counter chooses and have been given the scientific name the time that best fits his or her schedule. ing on the West Coast. Racers launch Rallus obsoletus. So if you have seen a The count is made in a circle, measuring and land at the Petaluma Marina (Shera- ton, at 745 Baywood Drive), and spec- Clapper Rail back east and a Clapper Rail only 15 feet in diameter. The counter in California, pat yourself on the back (or determines the location, usually a favor- tators watch from Shollenberger Park. The Wine Country Rowing Classic is clap!)—your life list grew by one without ite area frequented by the birds, such as leaving the house! The third species, the feeders, baths, covers, and/or wetlands. becoming known for not only its course but also its food and apparel vendors, Mangrove Rail (Rallus longirostris), is Individual birds are counted only once confined to coastal South America. during the hour, even if the birds con- and of course the friendly members of tinue to pay visits. Flocks should be esti- NBRC, who donate the day to the event. mated or counted, and only the highest We invite the community at large to number at any one time used. come out to enjoy this spectacular event. Thanksgiving Bird Counts were begun This year, as last, the docents of the Pet- in 1966 by Dr. Ernest Edwards and aluma Wetlands Alliance will volunteer the Lynchburg Bird Club in Virginia. for the day, answering questions, keep- Counts slowly spread to the west, but ing spectators on the path, and inform- there are still many areas in the west ing locals and visitors alike about the in need of more counters and better stunning environment we call home. count distribution. This bird count Ridgway’s Rail taken at Palo Alto Baylands. Photo courtesy of Ellis Meyers, can be done in comfort, indoors near a Are you a National Mount Diablo Audubon Society. window and be a welcome respite from Audubon member? Ridgway’s Rail includes three known the Thanksgiving dinner. Count results Please consider joining our local (even if you see no birds at all) should subspecies, each of which occurs in Cali- be sent to Dr. John G. Hewston, Count chapter, Madrone Audubon fornia: The “Light-footed Rail,” of the Compiler, Natural Resources Build- (see membership form, back page) Continued on page 4 Page 3 MADRONE LEAVES

The Faces of Rat Poison a nerve toxin for which there is no antidote. This summer and fall, the Faces of Rat Poison campaign can be seen in BART Our great challenge moving stations in the East Bay and San Francis- ahead is that the state and the co—Lafayette, Orinda, and Pleasant Hill, EPA continue to allow the 12th Street, Oakland, and 24th Street and pest control industry to use Civic Center stations in San Francisco. the terrible second generation The posters can also be seen on the “tails” anticoagulants, and agricul- of 26 MUNI buses and three large bill- tural supply stores to sell them boards on Highway 101 in Mendocino in bulk. The EPA argues that County (areas of high poison use by some pest control operators “apply marijuana grow operations). The idea be- the poisons more carefully,” hind the campaign is to show the faces of making them safer to use. Courtesy of Lisa Owens Viani RATS (Raptors Are The Solution) some of the many non-target animals that However, they have admitted founded in 2011 after its co-founders are being harmed by rat poison. that they have no scientific evidence to show discovered Cooper’s hawks dying on the that most poisonings are caused by home- Although the state removed some of the streets of Berkeley, having eaten poisoned owners. A bait box with a poisoned rodent rodents. RATS educates people about the worst “second generation” anticoagulant staggering out of it creates a toxic bomb, compounds from consumer shelves as of ecological role of raptors and the enor- whether placed by a pest control company, mous danger to raptors and all wildlife, as July 1, and the US EPA plans to do the a homeowner, restaurant, or business. same starting in April 2015, the battle is well as pets and children, from the wide use and availability of rat poisons. RATS not over. Plenty of other dangerous prod- RATS has posted a table of all of the poi- partners with other NGOs, agencies, ucts, including several under the d-CON sons—and their brand names—that will still scientists, municipalities, and others to brand, remain for sale to consumers. They allowed for over-the-counter sale at www. work toward eliminating toxic rodenti- include the poisons chlorophacinone and raptorsarethesolution.org/dangerous-rat- cides from the food web. diphacinone, “first generation” anticoagu- poison-products-still-being-sold-over-the- lants that have killed many birds of prey counter/ along with their known impacts. Lisa Owens Viani is Co-founder and and other wildlife, as well as bromethalin, Raptors Are The Solution (“RATS”) was Director of RATS

LIFE LIST used to. However, we might all take Our Local Migration Continued from page 3 comfort in the fact that Robert Ridg- form levipes, is found along the Pa- way, one of America’s greatest ornitholo- Phenomenon of Vaux cific Coast from Santa Barbara County gists, finally has an English bird name to south to extreme northern Mexico. The Swifts his credit! “Yuma Rail,” of the form yumanen- We received notification that up to 20 sis, is found in freshwater marshes in • • • • • • Vaux’s Swifts will be captured and fitted southeastern California, including at with unbelievably small radio transmit- the Salton Sea and along the Colorado Fall is off to a great start… ters. The planned capturesite is in Ya- River. The “California Rail,” of the form kima, WA. The transmitters will have a obsoletus, now occurs only around the Pelican Dreams: Ready to Fly!! Film- battery life of 45 days, are unbelievably shores of San Francisco, San Pablo and maker Judy Irving (“The Wild Parrots small at <3% of the bird’s body weight, Suisun Bays, though it formerly ranged of Telegraph Hill”) is coming to Sonoma and will be lost with the next molt. It will at least as far south as Morro Bay and as Wednesday, October 8, 2014 7-8:30PM likely take the birds 4 to 5 days to get far north as Humboldt Bay. Veterans Memorial Building, 126 First here. They are diurnal migrants. Street West, Sonoma. “Pelican Dreams” This is the subspecies one would see opens at the Sebastiani Theater in So- The goal is to refine the present estimate (with patience or a very high tide) at the noma on October 31 and starts Friday, of the species’ world population. Larry Palo Alto Baylands or at Meeker Slough October 24 at the Rialto in Sebastopol. Schwitters, the lead researcher on this in Richmond. For many, the new name project, feels that official estimates of Ridgway’s Rail will take some getting Vaux’s Swift population are far too high

Page 4 Continued on page 7 MADRONE LEAVES October 2014 calendar All walks and meetings are open to the public. Bird walks are recreational and educational in purpose, and all levels of expertise are welcome. Bring field equipment and wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing for variable weather conditions. Please carpool whenever possible. Forecasted heavy rain cancels. There is no charge for activities unless otherwise specified, but some parks have day-use fees.

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE exchanges information by phone Bird Walk. Meet at the Huichica Creek Unit parking lot. From So- and email as soon as possible when an issue surfaces. Please contact noma, take Highway 12 (Carneros Highway) toward Napa; turn Diane Hichwa at 785-1922 or [email protected]. right (south) on Duhig Road; turn left on Las Amigas Road; turn right on Buchli Station Road, which leads to the wildlife area. Bring Wednesday October 1, 8:30AM – Noon liquids and layered clothing. Information: Tom McCuller, sisyphus@ SPRING LAKE REGIONAL PARK. Bird Walk. Parking fee ($7) sonic.net, 546-1812. for non-permit holders. From Summerfield Road in Santa Rosa, go east on Hoen Avenue, turn left onto Newanga Avenue, turn right Saturday October 18, 8AM to 3PM inside the park entrance gate, and meet in the parking lot near the BODEGA BAY. Come explore the fall migration with us at one of restrooms at the top of the hill. Information: Tom McCuller, sisy- Sonoma County’s richest bird areas. From the center of the town of [email protected], 546-1812. Bodega Bay, drive north on Highway 1. Turn left at East Shore Road (the Bodega Head turnoff), then right at the stop sign, and continue Wednesday October 1, 7PM 0.3 mile to the large, dirt parking lot on the right. Bring lunch, liquids BOARD MEETING and layers of clothing. Rain cancels. Leaders: Gordon Beebe, 583- Sonoma County Environmental Center, 55A Ridgway Avenue, Santa 3115 and Bill Doyle, 483-8773. Rosa. For agenda information, contact Gordon Beebe at gdbeebe@ earthlink.net. Monday October 20, 7PM GENERAL MEETING Saturday October 4, 9AM to Noon First United Methodist Church, 1551 Montgomery Drive, Santa MODINI MAYACAMAS PRESERVES, 8 miles northeast of Rosa. Nationally known bird photographer, Marie Read, takes us on Healdsburg. Walking Orientation (required for independent hiking). a journey exploring the birdlife of the Mono Lake Basin. Marie’s pho- Visit http://www.meetup.com/Friends-of-the-Modini-Mayacamas. tography is featured in her newly released book, Sierra Wings: Birds of the Mono Lake Basin. Saturday, October 4, 8AM to 3PM POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE. Our annual trip to the Thursday, October 23, 8:30 AM till Noon Point to search for fall migrants. Meet at the Whitehouse Pool parking ELLIS CREEK WATER RECYCLING WETLANDS. Bird Walk. lot, just east of the intersection of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Bear We will bird the wetlands and adjacent areas of this facility in Peta- Valley Road, at 8AM. Bring lunch, liquids and layers of clothing. Rain luma. From Santa Rosa on Highway 101, take the Highway 116 exit cancels. Leaders: Ken Wilson, 665-5127, and Gordon Beebe, 583-3115. (Lakeville Highway), go left under Highway 101, turn right (south) at the South McDowell traffic light, turn right on Cypress Drive, Monday October 6, 9AM which ends at the facility gate. Information: Tom McCuller, sisyph- ELLIS CREEK WATER RECYCLING FACILITY, PETALUMA. [email protected], 546-1812. Petaluma Wetlands Alliance leads a walk at the Ellis Creek ponds. Go to the end of Cypress Drive and through the gates. Parking lot is on Saturday October 25, 9AM to 1PM the left. Rain cancels. Contact Andy LaCasse at 763-5167. MODINI MAYACAMAS PRESERVES, 8 miles northeast of Healds- burg. Documenting Wildlife on the Mayacamas. Reservations required. Thursday, October 9, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM Special guest hike led by Ginny Fifield, wildlife camera specialist. Visit BODEGA BAY. Bird Walk. From the center of the town of Bodega http://www.meetup.com/Friends-of-the-Modini-Mayacamas Bay, drive north on Highway 1, turn left at Eastshore Road (the Bo- dega Head turnoff), then turn right at the stop sign, and continue Wednesday, October 29, 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM 0.3 mile to the unpaved parking lot on the right. Bring lunch, liquids, HAMILTON WETLAND RESTORATION PROJECT, NOVA- and layered clothing. Information: Tom McCuller, sisyphus@sonic. TO. Bird Walk. Meet at the project trailhead parking lot. From the net, 546-1812. north, take the Ignacio Blvd. exit from U.S. 101, go east on Ignacio Blvd. over U.S. 101, go south on the frontage road (Nave Dr.), then Saturday October 11, 8AM to 1PM turn left on Main Gate Road. Follow Main Gate Road (which be- MODINI MAYACAMAS PRESERVES, 8 miles northeast of comes Palm Drive) and turn left (east) on South Palm Drive, turn Healdsburg. Nature Photography. Reservations required. Special right on Hanger Avenue, then turn left immediately into the Library guest hike led by Tom Reynolds, nature photographer. Visit http:// parking area. The trailhead is at the back of the parking area. From www.meetup.com/Friends-of-the-Modini-Mayacamas. the south, take the Almeda del Prado exit from U.S. 101 to Nave Drive. Bring lunch, liquids, and layered clothing. Information: Tom Wednesday, October 15, 8:30 AM till Noon McCuller, [email protected], 546-1812. HUICHICA CREEK UNIT OF NAPA-SONOMA MARSHES. Page 5 MADRONE LEAVES November 2014 calendar All walks and meetings are open to the public. Bird walks are recreational and educational in purpose, and all levels of expertise are welcome. Bring field equipment and wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing for variable weather conditions. Please carpool whenever possible. Forecasted heavy rain cancels. There is no charge for activities unless otherwise specified, but some parks have day-use fees.

Wednesday November 5, 7PM near the bathroom. From Highway 101 in Petaluma, go East on 116 BOARD MEETING (Lakeville Highway), and right on Pine View Way, then left on Cy- Sonoma County Environmental Center, 55A Ridgway Avenue, Santa press Drive. Go to the end of the road and through the gates. Bring Rosa. For agenda information, contact Gordon Beebe at gdbeebe@ liquids and layers of clothing, and a scope if you have one. Rain can- earthlink.net. cels. Leaders: Bill Doyle, 483-8773; and Gordon Beebe, 583-3115. Saturday November 1, 8AM to Noon Monday November 17, 7PM DELTA POND AND ADJACENT WETLAND PRESERVE. A GENERAL MEETING very “birdy” walk, in a wonderful place, not normally open to the First United Methodist Church, 1551 Montgomery Drive, Santa public. We are grateful to Denise Cadman, Natural Resources Spe- Rosa. Hollis Bewley of the Seabird Monitoring Program will present cialist for the City of Santa Rosa, who arranges entry to this property an upclose and personal look at seabirds courting and raising their in the Laguna de Santa Rosa. Meet on Willowside Road at the bridge families along the Sonoma Coast. Hollis will give us an overview over Santa Rosa Creek, midway between Hall Road and Guerneville of the important work and accomplishments of the Seabird Moni- Road. Park off the pavement. Rain cancels. Leaders: Gordon Beebe, toring Program being administered by Stewards of the Coast and 583-3115 and Bill Doyle, 483-8773. Redwoods in partnership with the Seabird Protection Network, the California Coastal National Monument, and State Parks. Monday November 3, 9AM ELLIS CREEK WATER RECYCLING FACILITY, PETALUMA. Thursday, November 20, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM Petaluma Wetlands Alliance leads a walk at the Ellis Creek ponds. Go LAKE HENNESSEY IN NAPA COUNTY. Bird Walk. From the to the end of Cypress Drive and through the gates. Parking lot is on intersection of Silverado Trail and Highway 128 (which is east of the left. Rain cancels. Contact Gerald Moore at 763-3577. Rutherford), go east on Highway128 to a parking area at the bottom of the Conn Dam spillway on the left of the road. Bring lunch, Thursday, November 6, 8:30 AM till Noon. liquids, and layered clothing. Information: Tom McCuller, sisyphus@ HUDEMAN SLOUGH WETLAND ENHANCEMENT PROJ- sonic.net, 546-1812. ECT. Bird Walk. We sometimes find a variety of raptors, shorebirds, and water birds at these ponds and wetlands in southeast Sonoma Saturday November 22, 9AM to 1PM County. There are no restrooms at this facility. Meet in the project MODINI MAYACAMAS PRESERVES. 8 miles northeast of parking lot: From Petaluma and Sonoma, turn right from Highway Healdsburg. Science and Stewardship Hike. Visit http://www.meet- 12/121 onto Ramal Road. Continue on Ramal Road 2.4 miles to the up.com/Friends-of-the-Modini-Mayacamas. gravel project parking lot on the right. Bring liquids and layered clothing. Information: Tom McCuller, [email protected], 546-1812. MODINI MAYACAMAS STEWARDS –Workdays - 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 8AM to Noon Saturday November 8, 9AM to Noon October 2, October 16, November 6, November 20. For more details, MODINI MAYACAMAS PRESERVES. 8 miles northeast of Visit http://www.meetup.com/Friends-of-the-Modini-Mayacamas. Healdsburg. Walking Orientation (required for independent hiking). Visit http://www.meetup.com/Friends-of-the-Modini-Mayacamas. Saturday December 6, 9:30AM to Dusk CENTRAL VALLEY - GRAY LODGE and SACRAMENTO Wednesday, November 12, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. Please join us on our annual SONOMA COAST: DUNCAN’S LANDING TO GOAT ROCK. winter trip to the Central Valley to enjoy the enormous concentra- Bird Walk. Meet at Duncan’s Landing (within Sonoma Coast State tions of waterfowl, raptors, cranes, geese, and other interesting birds Beach), approximately three miles south of the Russian River on seldom seen in Sonoma County. Directions to Gray Lodge from Highway1. Bring lunch, liquids, and layered clothing. Information: Interstate 5 & Highway 99: from the junction of Interstate 5 and Tom McCuller, [email protected], 546-1812. Highway 99, take Highway 99 north to Live Oak. Turn west on Saturday November 15, 9AM Pennington (North Butte) Road. Turn right on Almond Orchard ALMAN MARSH, PETALUMA. Petaluma Wetlands Alliance leads Avenue and continue to entrance. The distance from Live Oak is a walk at Alman Marsh. The walk starts at the new kiosk on the about eight miles. After birding Gray Lodge, we will go to Sacra- southern edge of the Petaluma Marina/Sheraton Hotel. Rain cancels. mento National Wildlife Refuge for the afternoon, hopefully enjoy- Contact Gerald Moore at 763-3577. ing good views of the fly-out at dusk. Some of our group will stay overnight in Willows or Yuba City Friday and/or Saturday to visit Saturday November 15, 8:30AM to Noon parts of the nearby Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. Call the ELLIS CREEK WATER RECYCLING FACILITY and SHOL- leader for more information. Leader: Bill Doyle, 483-8773. LENBERGER PONDS. Meet at Ellis Creek in the parking lot, Page 6 MADRONE LEAVES

VAUX SWIFTS Continued from page 4 Central Valley Bird ers Should Know about Taxonomy in Flux” by Jon Dunn & Kimball Gar- and this is an issue if the species and their Symposium rett, a photo workshop by Bob Steele, Fall staging sites are to receive any offi- The Central Valley Bird Club will be and informative talks by Monica Igle- cial protective status. He now has many hosting the 18th Annual Central Valley sia, Sara Kross, and Bob Meese. Andy counts at staging sites in WA, OR and Birding Symposium November 20-23, Engilis and his UCD Museum crew CA but needs a better estimate of ‘resi- 2014 at the Stockton Hilton Hotel in will present the very popular Speci- dence time’ at each site and the general Stockton, CA. Please come and help us men Workshop. Our field trips always pace of migration to refine his population kick off this year’s CVBS! Come meet turn up exciting birds. Add in the al- estimate. the CVBS board & staff members, re- ways entertaining and educational Bird connect with old friends, and meet new ID Panel, the wonderful display of art As the Leaves goes to press: ahead of ones. Take advantage of the scrumptious and gifts for yourself or others at the schedule, on Sept 6: Six Vaux’s Swifts hors d’oeuvres buffet & no- host Bar Birder’s Market, and the camaraderie of were radio tagged in Yakima, WA this on Thursday night. Thursday night’s hundreds of like-minded folks, and you morning at sunrise. Four days ahead of keynote speaker is Ed Harper, present- know you’ll have a good time! There’s schedule. ‘Counts’ were conducted yes- ing a program on “Appreciating the something for everyone interested in terday evening and this evening (9/6, Birds of the Central Valley.” The CVBS birds. Come and join us to bird, learn, 9/7) at McNear Brickyard, San Rafael; gets off to a supercharged start with this and just have fun. To look over the line- the numbers were 620 and 1690 respec- lively and informative presentation. Ed up of speakers, workshops, and field tively. Both evenings the first birds did is a widely known, popular and highly trips, or register, check out our website not enter till a few minutes after sunset. sought after speaker. at: http://www.2013cvbs.org/ Registra- On September 8 just over 1000 swifts tion: http://www.regonline.com/cen- Friday night’s keynote program is pre- were counted at McNear Brickyard, and tralvalleybirdingsymposium2014. a staggering 20,000 at Rio Lindo Acad- sented by Nat Seavey on “From Flood emy in Healdsburg. I wonder if the birds to Drought: A Bird’s-Eye View of Wa- are moving south faster, earlier due to the ter Management in the Central Val- • • • • • • drought (and/or food supply). ley.” Nat is the Research Director of the Pacific Coast and Central Valley Cliff Swallows Legal AND locally in Healdsburg a video clip Group at Point Blue Conservation Sci- on youtube: Vaux Swifts Healdsburg, CA Update ence (formerly PRBO). His research is - For 2014 local counts see http://riolin- by Susan Kirks focused on the ecology and conserva- do.org/vauxs-swifts-migration-sonoma- tion of riparian ecosystems, bird migra- Terms of the Settlement Agreement of valley/ . Along the flyway you can find tion, the ecological effects of climate the Coalition’s litigation continue. Dur- the documentation of six million swift change, and applying science to con- ing the 2014 nesting season, beginning in roosting “events” during the last fourteen servation decision-making and public April and continuing to early August, dai- migrations at vauxshappening.orghttp:// policy. ly monitoring occurred at the Petaluma vauxshappening.org/Larry Schwitters, River Bridge and the Lakeville Highway Project Coordinator, Audubon Vaux’s Saturday night’s keynote program Overpass in Petaluma. We appreciate the Happening is presented by Joel Greenberg on “The assistance of monitor George Eade and Echoes of Their Wings: The Life and Email [email protected] for details on also Steve Jette’s boating observations for Legacy of the Passenger Pigeon.” For the Grand Opening of The Modini Lega- the 2014 nesting season. Scheduled con- the past four years Joel has been a leader cy Exhibit, 226A Center St, Healdsburg. struction in both locations continued. in Project Passenger Pigeon, which aims Tentatively scheduled for November 15 to mark the anniversary of the species’ Cliff Swallows nested as had been antici- &/or 16, exact date and time t.b.d. extinction. He is co-producing with di- pated at the Petaluma River Bridge on rector David Mrazek the documentary, siderails, exposed to weather elements. “From Billions to None: The Passenger Fortunately, this year, no heavy rains oc- Pigeon’s Flight to Extinction.” It will be curred in 2014 as had occurred in 2013 available in spring of 2014. when several nests were washed away be- cause of the exposed location of nesting Workshops include: “Subspecies for

Birders” by Joe Morlan, “What Bird- Continued on page 8 Page 7 MADRONE LEAVES

CLIFF SWALLOWS Continued from page 7 Ten Ways to Make a brush pile, which is a great source of Difference for Migrating cover for birds during bad weather. and inability for Cliff Swallows to nest un- 6) Help birds stay on course. Close derneath the bridge structures. Represen- Birds your blinds at night and turn off tatives from our Coalition met with Cal- – from National Audubon lights you aren’t using. Some birds trans representatives pre-nesting season, use constellations to guide them on Birds of every kind–songbirds, raptors, during the season and post-nesting sea- their annual migrations, and bright and shorebirds–fly from their winter son, the latter on Sept. 11th. California lights can disrupt them. Assemblymember Marc Levine’s legisla- homes in the south to their summer 7) Create or protect water sources in tion of connecting the Caltrans budget breeding grounds in places as far north your yard. Birds need water to drink approval process to a requirement to as the Arctic in the spring, and then and bathe in, just like we do. Be sure meet with conservation organizations to back south in the fall. Along the way to change the water two to three collaborate on the bridge project strong- they encounter many perils including times per week when mosquitoes are ly supported our process. In addition, as bright lights and tall buildings, cats, breeding. part of the terms of Settlement, almost and toxic lawns. 7000 residents and businesses in the vi- Fortunately, people can help ensure a 8) Landscape for birds. Use lots of cinity of the bridge structures received safer journey for migrating birds. Back- layers, including understory, ground informative brochures about nesting yards and parks, often key stopover cover, shrubs, and trees. Multiple Swallows with contact information for points for many species, can become levels of plants let birds use different Native Songbird Care & Conservation. bird-friendly rest stops with a few sim- layers for different purposes, such as nesting, feeding, and singing. The hard surface exclusion material ple steps. Audubon urges people to take the following actions: (HSEM) applied to bridge surfaces ap- 9) Extend a bird safety net beyond pears to have been successful in exclud- 1) Reduce or eliminate pesticide your backyard. Contact your local ing nesting attempts and also preventing and herbicide use. Using fewer Audubon Chapter to learn about op- injury to the Swallows. We believe this chemicals in your yard and home portunities to create healthy habitat method of exclusion may be beneficial helps keep wildlife, pets and people in parks, beaches and other places in for other Caltrans’ bridge projects state- healthy. your community. wide. Although a lesser number of Cliff 2) Plant native plants. Natives provide 10) Take the Audubon At Home Swallows nested on structures compared birds with food in the form of fruit Healthy Yard Pledge! When you to historically, nests in 2014 were not and seeds, and are also home to tasty take the Pledge, you commit to disturbed and young swallows began invertebrates like bugs and spiders. conserving water, planting native to fledge in July. By early August, the species, removing invasive plants, 2014 nesting season was complete in 3) Keep cats inside. Keeping cats in- reducing pesticide use, protecting Petaluma. We thank all of the members doors ensures that birds outdoors water quality, and keeping birds and supporters who financially helped stay safe and cats benefit too; indoor safe in your yard. our Coalition to pursue this important cats live much longer than cats that legal process to assure accountability on go outside. • • • • • • the part of the Defendants and protect 4) Prevent window collisions. Make migratory Cliff Swallows. Coalition sure birds can see (and avoid) your Working Lands: members will meet with Caltrans again, windows by putting up screens, as a term in our Settlement Agreement, closing drapes and blinds when you Transforming the pre-nesting season 2015. The Coalition leave the house, or stick multiple Central Valley of plaintiffs includes Veronica Bowers, decals on the glass (decals need to – from California Audubon Native Songbird Care & Conservation, be spaced closely together to be ef- Madrone Audubon, Marin Audubon, fective–no more than two to four California’s Central Valley, one of this Golden Gate Audubon, and Center for inches apart). country’s most important food-produc- Biological Diversity, represented by legal ing areas, offers a good example of the counsel of Animal Legal Defense Fund 5) Provide cover in your backyard. power of Audubon’s partnerships. Audu- and Meyer, Glitzenstein & Crystal. Leave snags for nesting places and bon California, with its Migratory Bird stack downed tree limbs to create a Page 8 Continued on page 9 MADRONE LEAVES

WORKING LANDS is engaging the agricultural commu- It is time to mark Madrone’s Western Continued from page 8 nity, 20 alfalfa and other forage-crop Sonoma County CBC on your calen- farmers recently participated in a pair dars! Twenty-one teams will set out to Conservation Partnership, is collabo- of Audubon workshops to identify bird- census the diverse and rich habitats of rating with The Nature Conservancy friendly practices on their farms. These Western Sonoma County. From the and PRBO Conservation Science* to methods will be tested over the next sev- ocean to the forests, approximately enlist California farmers who grow eral years. 190 species can occur in our count rice, alfalfa, and other crops to man- circle. Visit our website to find an area Theory of Victory: Audubon will sup- age their farms in bird-friendly ways and team that suits you at madrone- port, guide, and replicate efforts by farm- that benefit such priority species as audubon.org/birds-christmas-birders and ranchers to modify land manage- the Long-billed Curlew and the West- count.php. For more information, ment practices on farmland to increase ern Sandpiper. Audubon and PRBO please phone Peter Leveque at 707 their value for birds and other wildlife. Conservation Science have guided 542-8946, or email Tiffany Erickson major investments in public funds to The Bottom Line: Conservation impact at [email protected]. make agricultural lands more bird- on 210,000 U.S. acres; improved out- There will be a catered dinner follow- friendly. The Natural Resources Con- comes for six priority bird species. ing the count at the Sebastopol Com- servation Service, a unit of the U.S. *Editor’s note: PRBO Conservation Sci- munity Center. A $5 donation per Department of Agriculture, has com- ence has changed its name to Point Blue. person is requested. Volunteers will mitted $2.68 million to a three-year again set up and serve the dinner to pilot program for rice farmers inter- • • • • • • our CBC teams. We would appreciate ested in increasing their farms’ value volunteers to help with setup, service to migratory birds. To date, 74 farms and cleanup. If you’d like to volunteer and more than 28,000 acres have been Madrone Audubon’s to help with our post count dinner, enrolled in the program. In 2012 the 48th Christmas Bird contact Susan Kirks at susankirks@ NRCS is committing similar fund- Count Sunday Decem- sbcglobal.net. ing to grow the program. In another example of how Audubon California ber 28, dawn to dusk

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Page 9 Madrone Audubon Society Post Office Box 1911 Santa Rosa, California 95402

October 2014 RECYCLED PAPER

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Madrone Audubon Society meets on the third Monday of each month, except in June, July, August, and December. Meetings start at 7:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, 1551 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa. All meetings and walks are open to the public. Information: telephone answering service - 546-7492, e-mail - [email protected]. President: Gordon Beebe - [email protected] ...... 829-9017 Leaves Co-Editor: Denise Kelly - [email protected]...... 290-4120 Vice President: Tiffany Erickson - [email protected]...... 479-0108 Leaves Production: Kris Hutchins - [email protected]...... 477-8156 Recording Secretary: Emily Heaton - [email protected]...... 595-5058 Hospitality: Linda Hammer - [email protected]...... 823-4389 Corresponding Secretary: Stacy Li - [email protected]...... 566-7937 Observations: Dan Nelson - [email protected]...... 479-2918 Treasurer: Kathleen Barker - [email protected]...... 762-0715 Past President: Susan Kirks - [email protected]...... 241-5548 Membership: Elizabeth Gould - [email protected]...... 539-2875 ACR Rep & MMAS Steering Committee: Bryant Hichwa...... 579-1182 Conservation: Diane Hichwa - [email protected]...... 785-1922 Petaluma Wetlands Alliance: Gerald Moore - [email protected]...... 763-3577 Education Kits: Barbara Novak - [email protected]...... 795-3996 Sonoma County Water Coalition Rep: Paula Zerzan - [email protected]...... 935-1523 Program & Circulation: Joannie Dranginis - [email protected] ...... 523-4373 BBA: Gordon Beebe, [email protected]; Veronica Bowers, [email protected] Junior Audubon: Scott Campbell - [email protected]...... 530-828-6115 IMBD: Veronica Bowers - [email protected]...... 829-2955 Outreach: Open Christmas Bird Count: Open Publicity: Nancy Hair - [email protected]...... 823-1073 Honorary Board Member: Ernestine Smith...... 545-4255 Website Editor: Gordon Beebe - [email protected]...... 583-3115 Bird Rescue Center...... 523-BIRD Bird Walks and Field Trips: Tom McCuller - sisyphus @sonic.net...... 546-1812 Native Songbird Care & Conservation...... 484-6502 Saturday Bird Walks: Gordon Beebe - [email protected]...... 583-3115 Northern California Rare Bird Alert...... 415-681-7422 Bird-A-Thon Coordinator & Audubon Adventures: Audubon-California: Dan Taylor - [email protected]...... 916-649-7600 Marcia Johnson - [email protected]...... 829-3808 National Audubon Society: 225 Varick Street, NY, NY 10014...... 212-979-3000 Leaves Co-Editor: Mary Edith Moore - [email protected]...... 763-3577