The Newsletter of the Santa Clara Audubon Society Mar. - Apr. _2004 Time to round up those birds! Join a Guided 2nd annualSpring Birdathon a fun and easy Birdat/1011 way to raise $$ for environmentaleducation To be a part of all this fun , you simply need to join in the team! What is "just around the corner " ? If you replied Spring, Birdathon and collect a small See Page 13 you would only be half right, but if you said Spring AND the amount of pledges to support Second Annual SCV AS Spring Roundup Birdathon, please go our education programs . immediately to the head of the class! So, you say, how do we get in on all this good fun? Well, it Yes , once again it is time to dust off those pledge sheets , couldn't be easier! We offer you several choices . You can form form or join a team and get set to have loads of fun in the Spring your own team, pick a competition category and a competition Roundup 2004! SCVAS ' version of a birdathon is truly an date within the Birdathon window, collect pledges from your Audubon way of enjoying one of our favorite pastimes while friends, neighbors and relatives-and go birding! Or, to make the raising money for a terrific cause - our highly-regarded local whole thing REALLY EASY, we have greatly expanded the youth education programs . Birdathon is also a fun way for you number of guided birdathon teams this year . Choosing to join a and your friends to compete against other individuals and teams guided team is a worry -free way to participate (see the for bragging rights and valuable prizes . accompanying article on Guided Birdathon Teams on Page 13). The Birdathon "window " this year is from April 10'" to And there's more! To make things even easier, you don't May 10'", a 30-day period when it is possible to find more bird ha veto bea birdingexpertorbirdingmaniac to excel inour2004 species in this region than at any other time of the year . What 's Spring Roundup Birdathon . That ' s because the top prizes will more , the SCV AS Board has been busily gathering prizes from go to individuals who collect the highest pledge totals . So, you generous donors, and these valuable gifts will be presented at could walk off with a great prize by birding with a friend in your our Awards Ceremony and pizza dinner on June 22 . You and back yard for just a few hours . The choice of how to get involved your family are invited to participate in the awards ceremony is yours, but the objective - supporting youth education - is where we exchange birding stories , win extra prizes in the what really matters . Your help makes a huge impact on our goofy birding quiz competition and generally have a great time . ability to take children to wetlands and forests, to present lectures at their schools, and to help prepare the environmental stewards of tomorrow . General Membership Meeting There is sure to be a competitive "California Condors Return to Pinnacles" category to fit your team's style. with Ralph Schardt continu ed 011 Page 15 Palo Alto Arts Center, Newell & Embarcadero Rds. Wednesday, Mar. 17 • SunnyvaleSage Thrasher Doors open 7:30; program 8:00 -Field Notes,Page 6
Almost a century ago, California Condors soared over the ranches and mountains of the • Complete2003 CBC r esults San Benito County area near Pinnacles National Monument. In September of 2003 , seven -Pages 8-11 of these giant birds were transferred from Ventana Wilderness Area near Big Sur to a new aviary located within the Pinnacles park boundary. This project was in the planning stages • Thanks- for helpingraise for over two years and has achieved its goals with the first condor release at Pinnacles $70K!-Page 12 National Monument in December of 2003. Ralph Schardt was enlisted by Pinnacles park staff to photograph the entire event, from ♦ Futureof McClellanRanch : picking a site to the building of the condor aviary to a successful release. This may be the goodnews?-Page 14 first time anyone has photographed the entire process and worked with park staff, biology
cont'd 011 Page 5 TheAvocet 1 Mar. - Apr. 2004 Field Trips Please carpool if possible ; bring binocu lars, field guides, layered clothing . Sunday Mar. 21, 8:30 AM Sunday Apr. 4, 8:30 AM LO = Lunch optional Uvas Creek Park Preserve Alum Rock Park RC= Heavy rain cancels Half day. Leader : Bob Reiling (408) 253- Half day. Leader : Al Eisner (650)364-3686 NF= No facilities available 7527 . From Hwy IOI in Gilroy go west on days ; voice-mail (650)926-2018 . From Hwy Tenth Street (Hwy 152 East exit) about a mile IOI or 1-680 take McKee Rd. northeast to Saturday Mar. 6, 8:30 AM where it becomes Uvas Parkway . Tum left at ward hills then left on Toyon Ave, right on Ogier Ponds Miller Ave, (first four-way stop), drive over Penitencia Creek Rd and continue into park. Half day. Leader: Rich Page (408)377-1092 . Uvas Creek and tum left into Christmas Hill Meet in "Rustic Lands" parking area, on right From Hwy JOI in Morgan Hill take Cochrane Park. Park in first aisle to right. A fairly easy just before T intersection and underpass . Rd. west to Monterey Hwy, tum right, go but long walk. LO, RC Moderately strenuous 3 to 4 mile walk. Pos north 2.6 miles, tum right on unnamed road sible Rufous-Crowned Sparrow and Canyon toward Model Airplane Park where power Wednesday Mar. 24, 8:30 AM Wren, early migrants , lingering winter birds. towers cross Hwy . Follow road for one half Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve Be prepared for some mud ! Possible entrance mile and park where it bends to the right. RC Leader: Susan Peterson (650) 595-1438 . From fee. Please note cliange to Dayliglit Savings intersection of 1-280 and Foothill Expwy , go Time; "spring forward" or be late. LO, RC Sunday Mar. 7, 9:00 AM 3.5 miles southwest (toward mountains ) on Stanford Campus Foothill Blvd/Stevens Canyon Rd. Tum right Wednesday Apr. 7, 8:00 AM Half day. Leader : Dick Stovel (650)856- on Montebello Rd; preserve is 0.5 miles up Rancho San Antonio OSP 6105. From Hwy JOI in Palo Alto take Montebello Rd. on left. Moderate walking Leader : Jim Liskovec (650) 969-5542 . Em University Ave exit west through downtown past old orchard , seasonal pond and oak wood phasis on bird song . Some strenuous walking and into Stanford campus (University Ave lands. RC on hilly trails . From Hwy 280 take Foothill becomes Palm Dr.). Meet at end of Palm Dr. Expwy-Grant Rd exit turning south onto Foot at entrance to Main Quad . Local breeding Saturday Mar. 27, 9:00 AM hill Blvd. Tum right on Cristo Rey Dr. and birds and early returning migrants should be Birding By Ear at Hidden Villa continue on to large parking area. Meet by active. Trip recommended for beginning Half day. Garth Harwood (650)879-0724 . restrooms . LO, RC birders ; all are encouraged to attend . RC This may be a "Birding By Ear" field trip but be sure to bring your binoculars and scopes . Saturday Apr. 10, 8:30 AM Wednesday Mar. 10, 8:30 AM From 1-280 in Los Altos take El Monte Rd. Gilroy Hot Springs Road Alamitos Creek Trail & San Jose past Foothill College , tum left at Moody Rd. Half day. Leader : Bob Reiling (408)253- Water District Ponds and after approximately 1.7 miles, left into 7527 . Limited to 16 participants , reservations Half day. Leaders: Gail Cheeseman (408) 741- Hidden Villa. Meet at first parking lot beside only . We will use a maximum of six cars so 5330 & Phyllis Swanson (408) 274-2349 . From entrance . $5 parking fee. LO be prepared to carpool. Meet at intersection Hwy 85 take Almaden Expwy south, then left of Gilroy Hot Springs Rd. and Canada Rd. on Camden Ave. Go through 4-way stop; as Sunday Mar. 28, 8:00 AM From Hwy IOI take Leavesley Rd. east through road bears right look for parking area on left just Stevens Creek Co. Park shopping center , tum left on New Ave, then before Graystone Lane. Easy walking. W Half day. Leader : Pat Kenny (408)725 -0468 . right on Roop Rd. Once in foothills bear left From 1-280 in Cupertino take Foothill Expwy at fork in road (Roop Rd.) and continue about Saturday Mar. 13, 9:30 AM exit south 2. I miles, (becomes Stevens Can four miles to Canada Rd. Migrants , breeding Butterfly watching, Ardenwood Park yon Rd.); tum left into first (Chestnut ) park birds of south Santa Clara County . RC Half day. Leader : Moe Magoski (408)410- entrance and meet in first parking lot. Excel 7567. From 1-880 in Fremont take Hwy 84 lent riparian birding spot for migrants, early Sunday Apr. 11, 8:30 AM west (toward Dumbarton Bridge) then take returning breeding birds . $4 fee. LO, RC Charleston Slough Ardenwood Blvd exit to right and follow Half day. Leader : Roxie Handler (408)730- signs to parking lot. Monarch Butterflies are Saturday Apr. 3, 8:30 AM 1745). Meet at Terminal Way at end of San our primary objective; other species likely . Grant Ranch Co. Park Antonio Rd. north off Hwy IOI in Mtn. View. Bring butterfly guides, close-focusing bin Half day. Leader: Alan Thomas (408)265- As always , all are welcome but birding and oculars and your enthusiasm . Children wel 9286. From 1-680 take Alum Rock Ave north discussions will be geared toward the begin come . LO, RC east, turn right on Mt. Hamilton Rd. and go ning birder. RC approximately 9 miles to park. Meet at Hall's Saturday Mar. 20, 8:30 AM Valley Lake parking lot (first lot on left after Wednesday Apr. 14, 8:30 Almaden Quicksilver Co. Park passing main park entrance on right. Fresh Lake Cunningham, San Jose Half day. Leader: KirstenHolmquist (408)747- water ducks, oak woodland birds, possible Half day . Leaders : Summer Brasuel (408) 0988. In San Jose take Almaden Rd. through Golden Eagle. Moderate 2-mile walk, LO, RC 270-2623 & Phyllis Swanson (408) 274-2349 . town of New Almaden ; turn right at park en From Hwy JOI in San Jose, exit Tully Rd. Go trance . Moderately strenuous uphill hike east on Tully to entrance to Lake Cunningham through oak woodland and chaparral. RC Park, past Capitol Expwy. Tum left into park and left again at entrance booth . Park in ma rina parking lot. LO
TheAvocet 2 Field Trips cont'd Events Calendar Saturday Apr.17, 8:00 AM Tuesday Mar. 2, 7:30 PM Thursday Apr. 8, 4 PM Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, Board of Directors meeting , Education Committee mtg. Location TBA . Stanford University McClellan Ranch Park. Half day. Leaders : Peter LaTourrette & Marion Tuesday Apr. 13, 9:30 AM Smith . Trip limited to 16; call Marion at Wednesday Mar. 3, 7:30 PM Eve Case Bird Discussion Group Bay Area Bird Photographers presents will meet at the home of Pat and Jean Dubois , (650)493- 72 IO to reserve space . $5 fee. Be at Howard and Lynn Jameson 's "Springtine in 17150 Buena Vista Ave ., Los Gatos (408 ) Preserve gate between 7:45 and 8:00 AM only Arizona " slide show. Lucy Evans Baylands 395-4264. Topic: Dark-eyed Junco . (do not arrive early-causes traffic hazard ). Interpretive Center , E. Embarcadero Rd., Palo From 1-280 take Sand Hill Rd . west 2 miles to Alto . Saturday Apr.17, 10-2 main gate on left. Moderately strenuous walk Second-hand Sale, McClell an Ranch . See ing, 2 to 3 miles . Trip goes rain or shine . Tuesday Mar. 9, 9:30 AM Page 4 for details . Eve Case Bird Discussion Group will meet at the home of Pat and Jean Dubois, Sunday Apr. 18, 8:30 AM Tuesday Apr. 20, 5:30 PM 17150 Buena Vista Ave ., Los Gatos (408) Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, McClellan Ed Levin Co. Park (North) 395-4264. Topic : Wild Turkey . Ranch . See Page 4 for details . Half day. Leader : Bob Reiling (408)253- 7527. Take Hwy 237 east, crossing 1-880 and Thursday Mar. 11, 4 PM Wednesday Apr. 21, 7:30 PM 1-680 (becomes Calaveras Rd.), tum left on Education Committee mtg. Location TBA. General membership meeting. Palo Alto . Downing Rd. to park entrance . Meet in park See Page 5 for details . Wednesday Mar. 17, 7:30 PM ing lot on far, northeast side of Sandy Wool General membership meeting, Palo Alto. ThursdayApr. 22-Earth Day!! Lake. Migrants , breeding birds in Milpitas ' See Page I for details . prime birding hotspot. Trail is steep in places . Wednesday Apr. 28, 10 AM Entrance fee. LO, RC Wednesday Mar. 24, 10 AM Coffee Hour/Bird Chat, McClellan Ranch . Coffee Hour/Bird Chat, McClellan Ranch . See below. Saturday Apr. 24, 9:00 AM See below. Birding by Ear at Arastradero OSP Wednesday Apr. 28, 7:30 PM Wednesday Mar. 24, 7:30 PM EAC meeting, McClellan Ranch . Half day. Leader : Garth Harwood (650)879- EAC meeting, McClellan Ranch . 0724 . From 1-280 take Page Mill Rd. west, Saturday May 1, 10 - 2 tum right on Arastradero Rd., meet in parking Saturday Mar. 27, 9 AM South County Earth Day Festival, Christmas lot about a half mile on right. Bring your New Member Bird Walk, McClellan Ranch Hill Park , Gilroy . binoculars and scopes. Moderate walking. RC Saturday Apr. 3 Friday May 7, 7 - 8 PM Wildflower Day, Ulistac Natural Area, "Migratory Birds of the Refuge"Bird a Sunday April 25, OPEN Santa Clara. Info : Kelly (408 ) 554-5419. with Clyde Morris , Refuge Manager. **Perfect day for your Birdathon!!** Environmental Education Center. Don Tuesday Apr. 6, 7:30 PM Edwards NWR, Alviso. Wednesday Apr. 28, 8:30 AM Board meeting, McClellan Ranch. Stevens Creek Co. Park Saturday May 8, all day Wednesday April 7, 7:30 PM Int'I. Migratory Bird Day celebration Leader : Roxie Handler (408) 730-1745 . From Bay Area Bird Photographers presents Shun including bird walks, banding demos , kids' 1-280 in Cupertino take Foothill Expwy exit Cheung and his wife Louisa with a slide and activities, etc. For full schedule, visit : south 2.1 miles , (becomes Stevens Canyon video program on the Svalbard/Spitzbergen www.desfbay.fws.gov/tideline/lMBD.htm. Rd.); tum left into first (Chestnut) park en region of Northern Europe . Lucy Evans trance and meet in first parking lot. Excellent Bay lands Interpretive Center, E. Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto . riparian birding spot for migrants, early re turning breeding birds . $4 fee. LO, RC
Saturday May 1, 8:00 AM Charleston Slough Join SCV AS members and staff at our monthly Coffee Hour! Half day . Leader: Nick Yatsko (408 )247- Sip premium, 100% organic, shade-grown coffee while enjoying the beauty of 5499. Meet at Terminal Way at end of San McClellan Ranch Park on the fourth Wednesday of the month, 10-11 AM . Antonio Rd. north off Hwy IOI in Mtn . View. Trip designed for beginning birders but all are encouraged to attend. Scopes helpful.
Sunday May 2, 8:00 AM Stevens Creek County Park Half day . Leader : TBD (questions - Call Bob Reiling (408)253-7527). Seediri;:ctions under March 24: Discussion about Wildlife Rescue - Apr. 28 listing. $4 fee. LO What to do about injured or orphaned birds
April 28: Join us for a Nestbox Tour at McClellan Ranch The Avocet 3 Volunteer Ventures MAKE A CLEAN SWEEP! by Jennifer Peritz SCVAS Programs Coordinator Did you know that last year nearly 90 million Americans stepped forward to make our communities better places by volunteering? In honor of volunteers across the country, as well as those right here in our own back yard, SCV AS is celebrating National Volunteer Week from April 18-24. The SCVAS Office is currently accepting donations for our This specia l time of year reminds us to recognize and celebrate the tremendous efforts of our volunteers. It's also a "FirstAnnual good to time to begin exploring the world of volunteerism OrnithologicalSecond-hand Sale" for those who have not yet participated in one of our Clean out your unused birding supplies and to pick up some great programs. second-handdeals! Check out the list below to see what items you To kick start National Volunteer Week, SCVAS will be might want to donate. All items must be clean and in good hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Tuesday, condition. All donations are tax-deductible and proceeds benefit our conservation and education programs. Donations will be April 20 at 5:30 PM. This dinner is open to all current accepted through April I. volunteers and to people who are curious to learn more about volunteering. It's a great opportunity to meet other SCV AS Markyou calendarsnow for the sale members and learn directly from them what they love the April 17, 2004, 10 AM - 2 PM most about volunteering. We will discuss our various at McClellanRanch Park! volunteer opportunities, show slides of our volunteers in action, offer door prizes, and much, much more! Our space Donate Binoculars • Books • Scopes • is limited, so please RSVP to Jennifer no later than April 12 •Clothing-vests, hiking boots, etc.• Birdhouses• (408) 252-3740 or Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society Nature Shop 20% off all OPEN Mond~-r,__- Friday 5 Field Guides $ crlt\rd TheAvocet 4 Spring bird classes General Membership Meeting The following classes are sponsored by the SCVAS Education "Hyacinth Macaws & Jaguars" Committee. To register, please call the office at (408) 252-3740. with Doug Trent All cancellations require 72-hour prior 11otificationfor refunds. Palo Alto Arts Center, Newell & Beginning Birdwatching Instructor: Lisa Myers Embarcadero Rds. Due to popular demand , SCV AS is offering another Beginning Wednesday, Apr. 21 Birdwatching class. This class welcomes anyone who has Doors open 7:30; program 8:00 thought about birdwatching and wants to learn more . We create a fun-filled environment for you to share your birding experiences Doug Trent from Santa Fe, NM , has learned how to protect and learn about the different species found in your back yard Jaguar and Hyacinth Macaw natural areas, as well as being an and North America . We ' ll review field guides , optics, habitat outstanding guide and naturalist for many years, now in Brazil. and much more. You ' ll become knowledgeable on finding key He takes birders to Brazil's best birding areas, but he does much field marks on a bird and how to use those field marks to help more through his long association with the ranchers who own you identify it. Spring migration provides a fantastic opportunity land in the Pantanal. Here the Jaguar survives well and is to view species traveling back to the Bay Area . Class includes consistently seen on wildlife tours, thanks to efforts of people 3 nights of lecture at SCV AS headquarters in Cupertino , and 2 like Doug Trent working to conserve the natural lands there . weekend field trips . Joanne Devlin, owner of Black Diamond Paving Company in San Jose, donates money to protect many acres of land in the Fee : Members $40, Non-members $45 Pantanal to compensate for acres paved here in California , and Dates : Class 3/22, 3/29,4/5; 7-9 PM; Field trips Sun . 3/28 , Sat. also serves on the board of directors for this conservation fund . 4/3 , 8:30-12 :30. The project also runs a small eco-lodge where the largest Minimum 8 students, maximum 18. population of Hyacinth Macaws, an endangered parrot , is found . There was a page about the lodge in an article in the May, Lisa Myers is a South Bay native who has been birdwatching 2001 National Geographic . since she was a teenager. Introducing new people to birding has Doug will show beautiful wildlife shots taken in the Pantanal been a goal for Lisa as she has taught classes and conducted in Brazil and also talk about the exciting grassroots Jaguar Reserve workshops for several years through the City of Campbell , the Project, which brings many of the resident ranchers of the Pantanal Wild Bird Center in Los Gatos and SCV AS. With a degree in together as they work to conserve the elusive Jaguar. Communications and a passion for birds, Lisa 's classes are always a non-intimidating , educational, fun-filled way to learn about this sport! Beginning Birding by Ear Instructor: Les Chibana This course is designed to improve your approach to birding by ear and will help you hone your skills . Class discussion s will focus on the various methods used to identify bird sounds , such as the use of word and notation, and will be supplemented with slides and recordings . Both common and unique birds will be covered. A discussion about non-prescripti on hearing aids will be included . An optional field trip on May 8 is available through BirdNUTZ at a discount for class participants . Photo of Hai, the mentor bird, in fli ght by Ralph Schardt Fee : $25 Members, $30 Non-members General meeting Mar. 17 Dates : 4/29, 5/6 , McClellan Ranch Park Minimum 12 students, maximum 20. "Condors Return" cont 'd . firom Page 1 expert s, and the Ventana Wilderness Society to help provide a Les Chibana has taught birding for over 8 years. His 25+ years as pictorial history of the California Condor reintroduction so a birder has been fed by 9 years of migrant bird-banding and over close to human habit at. 10 years photographing birds.•His bird guiding and field trip Come join us for an evening of pictorial adventure and close business , BirdNUTZ, provides Bay Area and visiting birders with up views of this project as it successfully joined several agencies opportunities to discover our exceptional birding areas. and volunteers in an effort to re-establi sh the Californi a Condor in a home it hasn 't seen for over 50 years . TheAvocet 5 Field Notes Palo Alto Flood Control Basin (FCB) on l found on Salt Pond A2W on 11 Dec (MMR), Jan (MJM) and three males were on Salt two females were seen on Salt Pond A3W by Bill Bousman Pond A9 in Alviso on 9 Jan (MMR. MJM). on 15 Dec (TJ, MMR), another female was Blue-winged Teal were also found widely on Shoreline Lake on 4 Jan (MMR) and a Loons through Waterfowl and in good numbers. Birds continued to male was on Salt Pond A4 on 21-24 Jan After a drought of Common Loons , use the Palo Alto FCB in the period (v. ob.) (MMR, MJM). single birds were found on Calaveras with a high count of three males seen in Reservoiron 14Dec (ARetal..fideKH) and Adobe Creek on 3 Jan (GB et al.). The Hawks through Skimmers over Salt Pond Al2 in Alviso the same day Lockheed Martin ponds continued to be a The adult Bald Eagle wintering at Calero (MMR). A basic Common Loon found the good location (v. ob.) and the high count Reservoir has been seen sporadically next day on Salt Pond A3W may have been was also of three males, seen on 15 Dec throughout the period (m. ob.). Additional the one that flew over Alviso (MJM). (MJM). The Sunnyvale Bay lands Park had adults were seen at Coyote Reservoir on 21 American Bittern have been found in three one to two birds on 14 Dec (KO, PD) and a Dec (AMcD) and Anderson Reservoir on locations in December and January. One male and two females during the period 3- 28 Dec (JMa, GHt, JMy fide AV). The bird was found at the Santa Clara Valley 19 Jan (RS). Single males were found near 'Harlan's' Red-tailed Hawk was found Water District (SCVWD) ponds on 6-7 Dec the Palo Alto Water Quality Control Plant along the Guadalupe River above Trimble (JPa et al.) and was found again on 28 Dec on 15 Dec (MMR, TJ) and in Stevens Creek on 14 Dec (ADeM, DK fide KH) for its (BBafide AV). One to two birds were more below Crittenden Lane on 17 Dec (WGB) . eighth winter at this site. Ferruginous or less regular at the Ogier Avenue ponds A male 'Eurasian' Green-winged Teal Hawks were well reported. On the San throughout the period (v. ob.). A single bird was found along Stevens Creek below Jose CBC on 14 Dec one was found along was at the Lockheed Martin ponds on 3 Jan Crittenden Lane on 3 Dec (WGB) and seen Arroyo Hondo (AR et al.fide KH) and one (RWR et al.). The number of adult along the Guadalupe River above Greater White-fronted Geese based Trimble (ADeMfide KH). An adult at Calero Reservoir increased to two was seen north of Metcalf Road on 28 on 29 Nov (AV) and were seen more Dec (MMR) and another adult was in or less regularly there and in nearby Winter rarities included a the Isabel Valley on 2 Jan (MMR, Coyote Valley fields during the period MJM). An adult found in the Coyote (v. ob.). Three adults were seen along Lesser Black-backed Gull, Valley at Santa Teresa Boulevard and Santa Teresa near Laguna in the Coyote Richmond on 2 Jan (RH) was joined Valley on 30 Jan (AV). A bird at the Sage Thrasher, and by a second bird on 4 Jan (G&KW) Coyote Creek Golf Course on 26 Dec and one or both birds were seen through (MJM) may have been different. A our first winter record of most of the month (m. ob.). An adult 1st-winter White-front was seen near New and Rucker in Gilroy on 6- between Felter and Calaveras Roads 7 Jan (RWR, FV, AME) is probably on 26 Jan (MMR) . Ross's Geese were Indigo Bunting the bird that has wintered there in found for short periods during the recent years. Additional birds were season. Two adults and four immatures found at Mission View and Half in were at Calero Reservoir 29 Nov-5 Morgan Hill on 23 Jan (RH) and east Dec (AV, RWR, FV, MJM). An adult and through 20 Dec (v. ob.). Redhead were oftheSierraRoadsummiton 26Jan (MMR). an immature showed up at the Shoreline also found widely, and record numbers With no Black Rails over the last few Golf Course and were seen 11- 15 Dec (FV, were recorded in the Alviso salt ponds. The winters, it was exciting to get a high enough v. ob.). Finally, an adult was found in Ed 163 tallied on 14 Dec on Salt Pond AlO tide for at least a few looks. The high tides Levin CP on 25 Jan (CKS, JS) and stayed on (MMR) was one over the 162 counted on of21-24Dec were the best in recent memory to at least 27 Jan (v. ob.). Two Tundra Charleston Slough in January 2002. But and one rail was seen each day (m.ob.). The Swans were found at Searsville Lake 4-13 the total of278 tallied there on 9 Jan (MMR, high tide of 19 Jan was not enough to drive Dec (fide JKr). It appears that these two MJM) was a significantly higher count. A a rail out of the pickleweed, but two birds moved into Santa Clara County male Tufted Duck was found the morning observers had a brief view of one as it was airspace on 13 Dec , both southeast of Alpine of 16 Jan (PK. RK) and was seen that day flushed by a Clapper Rail (MMR, SS). Two Road (JKr) and over Cowper and Channing and the next, but not after (v. ob.). This is Snowy Plovers were found in closed Alviso in Palo Alto (MSd). Almaden Reservoir the second bird this winter. The hybrid salt ponds on 9 Jan (MMR, MJM). Lesser continues to support large numbers of Wood adult male Common x Barrow's Yellowlegs were found in good numbers. Ducks, with 81 counted on 14 Jan (AV). Goldeneye was seen again on Shoreline A single bird seen at the New Chicago Eurasian Wigeon were found widely and Lake on 11-12 Dec (MMR,R WR, FV, RK, Marsh on 7 Dec (MMR) was seen more in good numbers this winter. Up to five PK) but was missed on count day and did regularly 11-21 Jan (v. ob.). Three to four birds were on the Sunnyvale Water Pollution not show up again until 5 Jan (MMR). It has birds were found on the San Jose-Santa Control Plant (WPCP) oxidation ponds remained at least through 19 Jan (v. ob.). Clara WPCP drying ponds on 14 Dec throughout the period with a high count of This behavior was closely matched by a (MMR, MJM, WGB, PP). Single birds four males and a female on 15 Dec (MJM). female Barrow's Goldeneye at Shoreline were found at the Sunnyvale Bay lands Park Three or four males were on Salt Ponds Al that was seen through 7 Dec (AME) and on 16 Jan (RS) and at Shoreline Lake on 19 and A2W in Mountain View on 11-15 Dec then was gone until 5 Jan (MMR). Two Jan (LSp, SS). Substantial numbers of (MMR, v. ob.). A single male was on Salt females were found on 15 Jan (MMR) and Sanderling were found on closed salt ponds Pond AlO in Alviso on 14 Dec (MMR) and have remained at least to 19 Jan (v. ob.). at Alviso 9 Dec-9 Jan (MMR, MJM) with a an immature male was seen on Salt Pond The high count for Common Mergansers high count of 41 on 9 Dec. Sanderling were A2E on 15 Dec (MMR, TJ). Thus, within was 83 on UvasReservoiron 7 Dec (MJM). also in theimpoundmentnorth of the Alviso the two days of the San Jose and Palo Alto Conventional wisdom holds that this Marina with 13 counted on 14 Dec (MJM) CBCs, at least 10 Eurasian Wigeon were merganser is rarely found on salt water, but and lesser numbers there through 15 Jan (v. found. In January a single bird was in the it was different this winter. A female was ob.). Further out in the Alviso salt ponds, TheAvocet 6 cont'd Field Notes (Jo,,(•tl( c,~f -&t.001.J 13 birds were counted on the dike between 11ffOS ,,,,rt l'A'J~ Salt Ponds Al4 and Al5 on 9 Jan (MMR, ,;t,£>-1-S oJ /IJ,.~ wttP'~ MJM) . It's been a Ruff winter on the New ,-£JC1,11,,Al, Chicago Marsh , with one to two birds seen over the period (m. ob.). Two were well studied on 30 Jan (MMR) and both appear to be I st-winter males. It is likely that most l,' of the birds seen this winter have been one I I J ,r•rrl!'~ of these two birds. A 3rd-winter Lesser .,i /u.•tLf t ~ dt.o51" ( f",.,,,,,f.S Black-backed Gull was a brief visitor at ., the Sunnyvale WPCP oxidation ponds on , 14 Jan (WGB), but could not be refound . The Black Skimmer flock re-established their winter roost at Charleston Slough with five birds there on 3 Dec (GBa). However, 18 birds were still in Salt Pond AS in Alviso on 9 Dec (MMR, MJM) where they had been resident in the late Mike Mammoser sketched this Sage Thrasher i11the field while rallying birds summer and fall. Numbers built in the area for the Palo Alto Christmas Bird Count 011Dec. 15 of Charleston Slough and Salt Pond Al to 19 by 15 Dec (WGB) and have declined with five tallied on 28 Dec (KH et al.) and Much searched for, this shy female was slightly through the end of the period. seen regularly in January. One to two birds found again on 17 Dec (MMR), 4 Jan have been seen near the Sunnyvale WPCP (MMR) and 8 Jan (RWR, FV). Similarly Roadrunners through Kinglets 20 Dec-24 Jan (v. ob.). Red-breasted rare, a wintering Yellow Warbler was A Greater Roadrunner off Piercy Road Nuthatches found this season were likely found at the Ogier Avenue ponds on 28 north of Morgan Hill on 28 Dec (AME) from local breeding populations. Two were Dec, 10 Jan, and 25 Jan (a ll MJM). was the only one this winter. A Long seen along Page Mill Road at Monte Bello Wintering Black-throated Gray eared Owl was heard calling in upper OSP on 15 Dec (DLSu , RWR, FV) and one Warblers can be hard to find. A male was Foothills Park on 15 Dec (DLSu) and is the again on 11 Dec (MMR). Three were near found along San Tomas Aquino Creek first we've had in the Santa Cruz Mountains Loma Prieta on 28 Dec (JD et al. fide AV). A near Mission College Boulevard on 8 Dec for awhile. Exceptional was the observation House Wren was found in Isabel Valley on (MJM) and another bird was in Cuesta of eight Vaux's Swifts over the Almaden 2 Jan (MJM, MMR), where very rare in Park in Mountain View on 15 Dec (fide Reservoir on 28 Dec (GM fide AV). We winter. An American Dipper was seen AME). A strange De11droicawarbler was have no previous December or January along Herbert Creek on 28 Dec (KS fide AV) found at Sierra Vista and Hackett in records . The Lewis's Woodpeckers near and again on 2 Jan (AV). Two dippers were Mountain View on 15 Dec (BC) and Alpine Pond in the Skyline Ridge OSP also found along Penitencia Creek in Alum identified as a hybrid Townsend's x have remained through the period (m. ob .) Rock Park 11-17 Jan (MMR, KB, MDd et Hermit Warbler on 21 Dec (MMR). Real with six counted on 15 Dec (fide AME). al.). Both locations are expected winter Hermit Warblers were found in Graystone More expected were two in San Antonio sites. One is always looking for patterns , in Park on 3 Jan (1Pa) and at Hidden Vi Ila on Valley on 2 Jan (WGB) and three in Isabel particular in the winter irruptions of Golden l0Jan (GHa). The Charleston Road marsh Valley the same day (MMR, MJM). The crowned Kinglets. This winter, a supposedly Northern Waterthrush was found again fall irruptive birds wintering east of the Mt. quiescent period, has been noisy. Two were on 15 Dec (RGJ ) for the Palo Alto CBC. Hamilton summit were also seen on 2 Jan found in Overfelt Gardens on 14 Dec (AV et Once again in January, this secretive bird (fide BH) . Pileated Woodpecker reports al.), two were in upper Foothills Park on 15 was coaxed out to show itself from 12-28 all came from the upper Los Trancos Creek Dec (DLSu), four were in Isabel Valley on 4 Jan (MMR, m. ob.). It has been an unusual and upper Stevens Creek area with one or Jan (MJM, MMR), and one to two along winter for Western Tanagers. A female two birds from 15 Dec to 22 Jan (v. ob.). Coyote Creek on 26 Jan (RWR , FV). was found in Edenvale Garden Park on 2 Tree and Violet-green Swallows are Dec (JPa) and was seen more or less regular but rare in winter. Forty-two Tree Thrashers through Orioles regularly into January (v. ob.) with a male Swallows over the Sunnyvale WPCP on 21 One of December's most exciting birds there as well on 4 Jan (1Pa). One to two Jan (MMR) is certainly an unusual winter was a Sage Thrasher on the old landfill at birds were at the Overfelt Gardens on 12- number. Breeding birds normally return in the Sunnyvale WPCP on 12 Dec (MMR, 17 Dec (AV et al., MMR) . At Overfelt late February so three birds examining a MJM). We have been told thatthis discovery Gardens the tanagers were eating bees and nest box used lastye aro n 22Jan is unusually was only an accident as the two Mikes met at although most of our wintering tanagers early (LA). Ten Violet-greens at Lake this location to exchange CBC materials are at flowering eucalyptus, it may well be Cunningham on 7 Jan (AV) was the highest gimme a break! A lovely bird , seen by some they feed on the bees attracted to the flowers concentration noted . Much less expected through 16 Dec (v. ob.). A Phainopepla rather than the nectar. Single birds were was the Northern Rough-winged Swallow was at Jasper Ridge on 3 Dec (CZfide LBG), also found at Middlefield and Palo Alto over the Los Gatos Creek CP percolation but not reported later. A male southwest of Avenue in Palo Alto on 15 Dec (fide AME) ponds on 30 Dec (RWR) and the continuing Calaveras Creek on the San Jose CBC on 15 andEsalon Avenue in Sunnyvale on 18Jan scattered records of Barn Swallows . A Dec (KS, HH fide KH) was a good find. (ChW). A Vesper Sparrow was a rare decade ago, there simply were..no records Only a single male was found in Isabel find in the Isabel Valley on 2 Jan (MMR, of Barn Swallows from late October to late Valley on 2 Jan (MJM, MMR) where they MJM) . A Grasshopper Sparrow was February. Now they are found nearly very are regular in the winter. An immature seen near the parking lot at Monte Bello winter. This winter, the Ogier Avenue female Nashville Warbler was seen in the co11ti1111ed011 Pa ge 11 ponds has been the center of abundance Overfelt Gardens on 14 Dec (AV et al.). The Avocet 7 2003 SANTA CLARA COUNTY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS Species SJ PA MtH Cal-MH Species SJ PA MtH Cal-MH 12/14/03 12/15/03 UJ2/04 12/28/03 12/14/03 12/15/03 II02/04 12/28/03 PacificLoon GoldenEagle 12 4 2 9 CommonLoon 2 I AmericanKestrel 96 22 12 93 Pied-billedGrebe 140 172 24 84 Merlin 7 6 5 I HomedGrebe 9 12 PeregrineFalcon 4 4 3 EaredGrebe 5946 366 21 PrairieFalcon 2 WesternGrebe 92 17 2 Ring-neckedPheasant IS 7 Clark'sGrebe 7 17 WildTurkey 161 35 277 aec/1111ophorus, sp 29 66 CaliforniaQuail 84 250 351 307 AmericanWhite Pelican 150 77 19 ClapperR ail 8 BrownPelican 19 VirginiaRail 23 6 3 Double-crestedCormorant 169 531 263 Sora 26 6 3 AmericanBittern I 3 CommonMoorhen 14 3 14 GreatBlue Heron 34 30 6 24 AmericanCoot 2458 3507 657 1034 GreatEgret 53 89 I 32 Black-belliedPlover 25 1104 SnowyEgret 57 85 56 Pacifie Golden Plov er GreenHeron 6 3 3 SnowyPlover Black-crownedNight-Heron 222 87 18 SemipalmatedPlover 355 GreaterWhite-fronted Goose 2 Killdeer 204 81 88 280 TundraSwan cw Black-neckedStilt 746 163 18 SnowGoose AmericanAvocet 1227 2288 2 Ross's Goose 2 GreaterYellowlegs 52 37 5 14 CanadaGoose JOSS 585 II 368 LesserYellowlegs 3 WoodDuck IS 3 37 66 Willet 48 3023 Green-wingedTeal (Ame rican) 84 472 27 SpottedSandpiper I 2 8 Green-wingedTeal (Eurasian) I Whimbrel I 2 Mallard 1496 1147 33 832 Long-billedCurlew 123 222 NorthernPintail 92 348 MarbledGodwit 72 1912 Blue-wingedTeal IS RuddyTurnstone I CinnamonTeal 102 163 4 RedKnot 44 NorthernShoveler 4130 6211 4 Sanderling 36 Gadwall 165 497 123 WesternSandpiper 600 11162 EurasianWigeon I 9 LeastSandpiper 429 1778 71 AmericanWigeon 75 2060 40 9 Dunlin 155 8707 Canvasback 150 2308 so calidrid,sp 218 5740 Redhead 147 II 3 Ruff I Ring-neckedDuck 143 62 13 147 Short-billedDowitcher 25 5 GreaterScaup 142 154 IS Long-billedDowitch cr 173 250 175 LesserScaup 96 176 71 dowitcher,sp 897 1447 aythya,sp 74 17123 Wilson'sSnipe 6 I 3 19 SurfScoter 2 348 Red Phalarope CommonGoldeneye 29 80 71 Bonaparte's Gull 2562 767 9 Barrow's Goldeneye MewGull 697 57 4 Bufflehead 615 88 118 164 Ring-billedGull 634 745 1060 HoodedMerganser 2 26 2 2 CaliforniaGull 5969 302 1636 CommonMerganser 6 8 160 HerringGull 10987 131 1448 Red-breastedMerganser 18 17 Thayer's Gull 24 3 61 RuddyDuck 1632 10620 32 183 LesserBlack-backed Gull duck,sp 9 4875 WesternGull 39 58 TurkeyVulture 163 21 191 Glaucous-wingedGull 340 387 92 Osprey 5 GlaucousGull White-tailedKite 35 44 48 gull,sp 8679 399 2461 BaldEagle 2 Forster'sTern 5 53 NorthernHarrier 43 26 10 BlackSkimmer 19 Sharp-shinnedHawk 13 12 I 12 RockPigeon 2124 1108 1234 Cooper'sHawk 19 13 2 22 Band-tailedPigeon 156 97 313 accipiter,sp 3 1 1 I MourningDove 1104 296 23 789 Red-shoulderedHawk 36 26 1 55 GreaterRoadrunner I Red-tailedHawk 144 106 27 135 BarnOwl 6 4 7 Red-tailed(Harlan 's) Hawk I WesternScreech-Owl 2 39 I 34 b111eo,sp GreatHomed Owl 2 25 6 44 FerruginousHawk 2 NorthernPygmy-Owl 3 I TheAvocet 8 Species SJ PA MtH Cal-MH Species SJ PA MtH Cal-MH 12/14/03 12/15/03 UJ2JO.I 12/28/03 12/14/03 12/15/03 1/02/0-t 12/28/03 BurrowingOwl 32 3 Orange-crownedWarbler 8 7 Long-earedOwl I NashvilleWarbler I NorthernSaw-whet Owl 3 YellowWarbler I Vaux'sSwift 8 Yellow-rumpedWarbler (fo rm ?) 1020 239 3 587 White-throatedSwift 77 cw IS (Myrtle) IS 34 2 7 Anna'sHummingbird 473 408 5 479 (Audubon's) 124 606 287 BeltedKingfisher 23 9 4 22 Black-throatedGray Warbler I Lewis'sWoodpecker 6 13 Townsend'sWarbler 30 133 21 AcomWoodpecker so 187 167 154 HermitWarbler Red-breastedSapsucker 9 13 10 IS NorthernWaterthrush I Nuttall'sWoodpecker 88 102 36 117 CommonYellowthroat 72 36 II DownyWoodpecker 18 26 I 22 WesternTanager I I 3 HairyWoodpecker 2 24 9 3 SpottedTowhee 47 222 80 152 Northern(Red-Shafted) Flicker 168 161 73 166 CaliforniaTowhee 239 336 93 311 Northern(Red Sh x YellowSh ) Flicker2 I Rufous-crownedSparrow 3 15 Northern(Yellow -Shafted) Flicker I ChippingSparrow PileatedWoodpecker LarkSparrow 24 10 woodpeckersp 2 SageSparrow 21 BlackPhoebe 409 247 44 219 SavannahSparrow 260 135 74 92 Say'sPhoebe 32 3 5 30 Grasshopper Sparrow I HomedLark 16 99 FoxSparrow 45 52 70 19 TreeSwallow FoxSparrow, Eastern form Violet-greenSwallow 39 3 6 Lincoln's Sparrow 89 19 2 IO BarnSwallow 5 SongSparrow 195 126 110 swallowsp 3 8 VesperSparrow Steller'sJay 81 319 16 158 SwampSparrow I WesternScrub Jay 415 849 355 625 White-throatedSparrow 3 3 I Yellow-billedMagpie 186 151 191 Golden-crownedSparro w 223 1283 472 990 AmericanCrow 660 242 36 1129 White-crownedSparrow 2159 722 145 1198 CommonRaven 95 139 46 43 sparrow,sp 76 49 Chestnut-backedChickadee 159 575 3 271 Dark-eyed(O regon) Junco 537 940 1287 612 OakTitmouse 84 256 178 306 Dark-eyed(Slate-colored ) Junco I 2 Bushtit 936 1309 22 831 NutmegMannikin II Red-breasted uthatch 2 3 Red-wingedBlackbird 1575 927 350 1661 White-breastedNuthatch 25 49 46 79 TricoloredBlackbird 9 3 7 72 PygmyNuthatch 9 WesternMeadowlark 340 363 184 507 BrownCreeper 3 39 6 Brewer's Blackbird 1125 386 359 1422 RockWren 10 7 Great-tailedGrackle 5 CanyonWren Brown-headedCowbird 25 13 20 Bewick'sWren 56 184 41 109 blackbird,sp 7 22 405 1096 HouseWren 2 PurpleFinch 2 43 18 14 WinterWren 4 3 HouseFinch 2038 716 868 MarshWren 66 38 2 3 PineSiskin AmericanDipper I I LesserGoldfinch 462 391 64 352 Golden-crownedKinglet 9 8 21 Lawrence'sGoldfinch I Ruby-crownedKinglet 305 374 54 325 AmericanGoldfinch 125 55 I 74 WesternBluebird 122 103 m 174 HouseSparrow 353 93 13 SI Townsend's Solitaire HermitThrush 78 159 7 139 TotalSpecies 161 166 91 146 AmericanRobin 833 3182 244 3240 Total 80,853 114,112 7,428 36,977 VariedThrush I 103 2 27 Wrentit 17 137 43 70 Key: sp = speciesundetermined NorthernMockingbird 132 35 83 cw = CountWeek SageTrasher I CaliforniaThrasher 3 27 17 19 SJ = SanJose: compiled by KirstenHolmquist AmericanPipit 152 IS I 10 PA = PaloAlto: compiled by AlEisner CedarWaxwing 319 275 561 MtH = MountHamilton: compiled by BobHirt Phainopepla - I I Cal-MH = Calero-MorganHill: compiled by Ann Verdi LoggerheadShrike 40 4 I 14 EuropeanStarling 3329 474 274 1509 Dataentry and chart format by Bonnie Bedford-White . Hutton'sVireo 5 65 25 TheAvocet 9 r CBC Suininaries SAN JOSE the Charleston Road marsh in Mountain All in all, this appears to have been a Dec.14 View, which hadn't been seen in more than quite successful count. Thanks for this are a month, was found for the count by Richard due to all those who participated, to the The San Jose CBC took place in clear Jeffers. eight region coordinators, and especially to weather this year, a welcome sight to Late fall was marked by an invasion of Jack Cole for organizing the whole thing. c_ounters who were braced for a rainy day Lewis's Woodpecker in unexpected places. -Al Eisner nght up to pre-dawn on Dec. 14. Many One group hung around near Alpine Road thanks _tothe 109 participants, comprising at Skyline Boulevard, where 6 were seen 40 parties, who braved the iffy weather and CALERO/MORGAN HILL for the count; our last previous count record work_ed hard to make the day a success; Dec. 28 had been in 1992. Other unusual birds for special kudos the sector leaders who An excellent count day was enjoyed by the count included a Long-eared Owl heard coordinated the effort. The final tally was 78 participants in the South County under in upper Foothills Park, 3 Violet-green 166, plus one Count Week species fair skies, dodging a winter storm which Swallows over Russian Ridge (plus 8 (Bullock's Oriole). arrived later that evening. Our final total unidentified swallows at Cooley Landing), Uncommon passerines popped up all was 1~6 species plus one exotic (Nutmeg and a Black-throated Gray Warbler at Cuesta over the count circle, including a Nashville Mannikm), and we added five new species Park in Mountain View. Slightly less rare Warbler and W. Tanager at Overfelt to this "young" count now in its fifth year. were the 2 Ross 's Geese at Shoreline Golf Gardens, Swamp Sparrow in Alviso and Two American Avocets were found in a Course, the Western Tanager along San Phainopepla in the Calaveras Creek flooded fie!d near Cochrane Rd. in Morgan Francisquito Creek in Palo Alto, and the drainage . Unusual shorebirds included a HIii. While a common species at the continuing Eurasian Green-winged Teal Ruff and Lesser Yellow legs in Alviso. One Baylands, this is a decidedly uncommon near Stevens Creek. Ferruginous Hawk was observed near bird in this inland area . A Greater Pileated Woodpecker (this time one in Arroyo Hondo, and the Harlan's Hawk Roadrunner was found near Piercy Rd. in upper Foothills Park) is becoming almost (uncommon race of Red-tailed Hawk) was the eastern Diablo foothills, while on the expected; while Wild Turkey (like Black re-found along Guadalupe R. near Trimble ~est side the count circle an amazing Skimmer before it) appears to be established ?f Rd. for its gmconsecutive winter. Winner in eight Vaux s Swifts were seen over Almaden with flocks in both Arastradero Preserv; the Most Inexplicable Miss category was Reservoir. Also new to our count were a and Rancho San Antonio. On the other Band-tailed Pigeon; Most Intrepid Counter Yellow Warbler along Coyote Creek hand, there have been apparently significant had to be Mike Azevedo, the lone owler of drainage at Ogier Ponds and three Western decline~ in sightings of Wilson's Snipe , the Count, who managed to tally W. Screech Tanagers - two in suburban Almaden Burrowmg Owl, and Tricolored Blackbird. and Great Horned Owls in miserable Valley and one in Edenvale Garden Park. There weren't many annoying misses: conditions at 5 AM. Other notable CBC birds included perhaps just Barrow ' s Goldeneye (the Thanks to all participants and also to the Redhead, Gr. White-fronted Goose, 2 Bald female at Shoreline Lake must have been volunteers who helped with the dinner at Eagles ~atCalero and Anderson Reservoirs) , on vacation during count period) and White Kelley Park. Ferrugmous Hawk, Violet-green Swallow , throated Swift (two reports during count -Kirsten Holmquist week). cont'd. next page PALO ALTO Dec. 15 Unlike the previous year, the Palo Alto CBC on December 15, 2003 was conducted in dry and fairly calm, albeit chilly, weather conditions. 78 participants reported a total of 1 ~4, 112 birds of 166 species, up from 157 m 2002. Fully 15% of the birds were scaup, which form large rafts far out on the Bay. There were two species entirely new to the count. One, Grasshopper Sparrow (found by David Suddjian near the Monte Bello_OSP_parking lot), was not a complete surprise, smce these are rare winterers in the region. The other was more unexpected: the Sage Thrasher, found by Mike Rogers on Dec. 12 at the old landfill above the Sunnyvale WPCP, wascooperativethrough count day, when Mike . Mammoser documented it with a fine sketch (Pg. 7). Golden-crowned Sparrows were seen by 39 out of 40 parties One other species made its second-ever on the Palo Alto Christmas Bird Count appearance: the Northern Waterthrush at drawing by Rita Colwell The A vocet 1O Barn Swallow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Am . Field Notes collt'd Dipper, White-throated Sparrow, and Great OSP on 14 Dec (DLSu). This summer Palo Alto 3 Dec-6 Jan (MDd), at lea t one tailed Grackle. resident keeps cropping up in the most at Edenvale Garden Park 28 Dec-12 Jan Because of low water levels at South improbable places in the winter. One of the (GHtfide KH, m. ob.), and a bird at Hidden County reservoirs the total number of Swamp Sparrows found along the Villa 15 Dec-7 Jan (LMy, GHa). This waterfowl was lower than on previous wastewater outfall at the Palo Alto Bay lands winter the Northern Waterthrush has been counts; however, seventeen different species in November was found again on 21 Dec the magnet at Charleston Road marsh for of ducks were recorded, and exposed (LCh) and 19-21 Jan (KPa, ChW, PD). many birders and, often, the only reward mudflats attracted numbers of Black-necked Another Swamp Sparrow was discovered has been the White-throated Sparrow there. Stilts, Gr. Yellowlegs, Least Sandpipers, at the Gold Street Bridge at the Guadalupe However,a 1st-winter male Indigo Bunting River on 14 Dec (DMcl, YS-Y fide KH) was the prize on 22 Jan (DW). This male Long-billed Dowitchers and Wilson's and was found again on 8 Jan (MMR, was still very brown on head and back with Snipe. On the other hand, we had good MJM) and 13-14Jan (EFe) . On 13 Jan, two blue coming in on the tail and wings. We've numbers of most land birds, including such birds were seen here. I cannot remember a no previous winter records and just one unusually high totals as 300+ Band-tai led winter with so many White-t hro ated fema le in November 1996. Recent invaders, Pigeons and 270+ Wild Turkeys, 90 of Sparrows. At least eleven birds have been a male and four female Great-ta iled which were around horse corrals at Calero reported from Palo Alto to southern San Grackles were seen over the Parkway Lakes Co. Park. Five owling parties tallied 7 Barn Jose. Longevity records go to a bird at on 28 Dec (MMR). Last winter, they often ow ls, 30+ W. Screech Ow ls, over 40 Great Charleston Road marsh found 22 Dec visited the Coyote Creek Golf Course and horned Owls, and one N. Pygmy-owl. (RWR) and reported through 28 Jan (m. this year single females were seen from 3 Many thanks to all who participated in ob.), one near Palo Alto Avenue and Poe in Jan to the end of January (MMR, v. ob.) . A male and three females were there on 4 Jan this very successful count day and in (MJM). This year, wintering orioles particular the sector leaders: Grant Webb, included al st-winter male Bullock's Oriole Bruce Barrett, John Mariani, Mike Azevedo, along San Tomas Aquino Creek at Agnew Mike Rogers, Mike Mammoser, Rick Road on 5 Dec (MJM), another I st-winter Herder, Bonnie Bedford-White and Judy male at the Sunnyvale WPCP on 17 Dec Donaldson. Special thanks to Don Mayall (LSu et al.), and a female at Eden vale Garden 21 Golden-crowned Kinglets and 21 Sage of California Native Plant Society for access Park on 3 Jan (RWR et al.). Sparrows. to Coyote Ridge; Patrick Congdon, Lori Thanks to Lotus and Keith, our mountain Raymaker and the Santa Clara Co. Open Observers: Linda Adams ( LA), Bruce Barrerr guides and dinner hosts; local ranch owners; Space Authority team; and the Mariani's (BBa), Gordon Barrerr (GBa), Kim Blythe and dedicated team leaders Kirsten (KB), Bill Bousman (WGB ), Bill Can·er( BC), for providing space at their home for the Holmquist, Mike Rogers, Char les Coston, Les Chibana (LCh), Al DeMarti11i(ADeM), countdown dinner. Lee and Rick Ellis, Bill Bousman, Jennifer Peggy Don (PD), Marrhew Dodder (MDd), -Ann Verdi Rycenga and at Weber, and all the Judy Do11aldso11(JD), Al Eisner(AME), Eric participants. Special thanks to Don Feuss (£Fe), Leda Beth Gray (LBG), Garth MT. HAMILT ON Schmoldt, the Count compiler for the past Harwood (GHa), Rick Herder (RH) , Holl'ard Higley (HH), Bob Hirr (BH), Kirsten Jan.2 26 years, and to Grant Hoyt, Mike Rogers, Holmquist ( KH), Grant Hoyt (GHr), Richard The most interesting part of this CBC and Bill Bousman for their great assistance Jeffers ( RGJ), Tim Joh11so11(Tl) , Da11Keller was dealing with the weather and the to this Mt. Hamilton newcomer. ( DK), Roland Kenner ( RK), Par Ke1111y( PK), uncertainties of meeting places, times, and -Bob Hirt 10h11Kriewall(JKr), Mike Mammoser(MJM), access to key areas . The compilation dinner JohnMaria11i(JMa),AmyMcDonald(AMcD), at Lotus and Keith Baker's home atop the Editor's note: Fro111SCVAS and the entire David Mc/11tyre(DMcl), Greg Meiss11er(GM), mountain was braved by two summit teams Sowl, Bay birding co1111111111ity,a big "Thank Jean Myers (JMy), Lisa Myers (LMy), Kris and by Bill Bousman and Charles Coston, You!" ro Kirsten Holmquist, Al Eisner, Jack Olson (KO), Kathy Parker (KPa), Janna who needed tire chains just to reach the Cole, Ann Verdi, and Bob Hirtfororgani:.ing Pauser (1Pa), Paul Pickering (PP), Bob Reiling (RWR), Mike Rogers (MMR), Allen 4,200 ft. summit. The snow started at noon our four local CBCs and co111pilingthe Royer (AR), Chris Sa/ander (CKS), Jea1111e data. The behind-the -scenes effort needed and almost 2 inches had accumulated by 5 Sa/ander(JS), Marty Sidor( MSd), VickiSill'Os PM. I had never seen such radical weather to pull off a Christmas Bird Coum is huge Young (VS-Y), Steve Sosensky (SS), Larry change within a few hours - sunny at - the coumless phone calls, recruiting Spivak ( LSp), Kep Stone ( KS), Rosalie Strait noon; snowy, windy and foggy by 5. I counters for undercovered areas, dealing (RS), David Suddjian (DLSu), Linda Sullivan hadn't birded in the snow since my first with inevitable cancellations, obtaining ( LSu), Frank Vans/ager( FV), An11Verdi (AV), CBC in Port Huron, Michigan in 1974 ! permission ro bird private properties, Grant & Kathy Webb (G&KW), Dave Weber Best birds of the Count were House frerring over the weather, planning the (DW), Chris Wolfe (ChW), a11dCarol 'Zabel Wren and Vesper Sparrow. A Mandarin dinner, filing the derailed report to the (CZ). Duck associating with some Wood Ducks national database - most participams are was lovely, but uncountable, a likely unaware of these tasks. Al and Jack have escapee. Biggest misses were Lark Sparrow developed an efficiem method of dividing RAR ITIES: Please drop me a (only 2nd miss in 27 years); Bald Eagle, and the workforthe PA Count; Ann shifted from note: Bill Bousman, 321 Arling Common Merganser. In ge~eral, finches San Jose to Calero this year; Kirsten and ton Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, and seed eaters were found in lower than Bob stepped up as fl rst-time r compile rs for or: [email protected] expected numbers; Some interesting high San Jose and Mt. Hamilton. You folks are numbers include5 Merlins, 37WoodDucks, truly the MVPs of the CBCs! The A vocet 11 Tremendous$$ support for SCVAS programs by Craig Breon Ta-daa! The thank you list: We set an ambitious goal-$70,000 in Gayle Adams, MurielAlexander, Emily Allen, NancyAnderson, Marlow Bray Antonucci,Mr. and Mrs. Glen Arrowsmith,Lynn Ashman,Judy Atterholt,Charles Bacon, Michael Baggett, MD, Alan Bagley,Gary Bailey, donations from our annual appeal letter at VictoriaBaker, Valerie Baldwin, William Barnhart, Jean and WilliamBarrett, Joyce Bartlett,Candice Basham, the end of2003 (nearly a third of our total Gary Bea, Louis Beaudet,Laurie Bechtler,Ann Bender, Harriet Benson, Dr. Allan Bernstein,Peg Bemucci, budget). Tough economic times? True Janet Bertaina,Pat Bitton, Dick Blaine,Judith Borlase, Mrs. Penelope Bowen. Virginia Boyd, Carry! Breon, for many in the Valley. Many other KeithBreon, Donald Brockhurst, Richard Brody , GeraldineBrown, Juliette Bryson,Ellyn Bush, William Cabot, Rich Cabrera, William Cameron, Rosalie Cape, Dudley Carlson, Eric and Marilyn Carlson, Richard and worthy organizations? Always true in Katharine Carlton, Brian Carr, Mike Carroll, Ann Cavender, J. Morse Cavender, Kirsten Chan, Charles the Bay Area. Chapman, Dougand Gail Cheeseman,Ema Coker, Kevinand Kim Coleman,Rob and Rita Colwell,David and Nonetheless, you, our members, came BarbaraCook, RobertCook, Don and Juanita Cordero,Jeanne Corrinne,Dr . CharlesCoston , Jitze and Nancy through. As of the end of January, we Couperus,D. S. Cramb,Constance Crawford, Rick and BarbaraDalderis, Ed and Susan Darland,Carolyn and GordonDavidson, Dr. MichellDay, Joe De Lellis,Karen DeMello, Wendy Denton, Dinesh and Joy Desai,John have raised $70,430 . Thank you. It's a Devincenzi,M. M. Dieckmann,Michelle Dimas, Leonard and Cheryl Dobeme,George and DebraDoeltz, Ann strong vote of confidence in the direction Dolan,Peggy Don, David Drake and Leda Beth Gray, Thomas and Cynthia Dreyer, Donna Ducey, Jennifer and the abilities of our chapter. Dungan,Lloyd Eater, Doris Ebert, AlanEisner, Alan Elderon,Gerald Ellis, Charlotte Epstein , SharonErickson , Sue Erickson,William and Gisela Evitt, Albert Faris, Jr., Daniel and Janet Farmer, BenjaminFarnum.DDS, For a decade now, we have written our NancyFedders, Mr . and Mrs. RobertFehr, Joyce Feldman,Gordon Ferguson, Joseph and Susan Filla,Andrew annual appeal in essentially the same and Betsy Finfrock,Lynne Fitzjarrell,Vivian Fleming, Christel Fliss, Jeroen Fonderieand FransienVan Den format. We distill the year down to its Berg, Mark and Nancy Franich, Marian Freudenblum,Lindy Fung, Mark Galbraith,Marilynn Gallaway, Jan essence ... what we accomplished with Garrison,Steven, M. Gelber, Harriet Gerson, Hazel Gibson, Mary Gill, Bill and Marlene Gordon,Gary and NicolaGordon, Shirley Gordon, Tom Gough,Mr . and Mrs. Stanley Gould,Leda G . Gray, LindaVolkoff Green, your support. We then let you know a few Dougand ArdethGreenquist, Waldo Griffin, Sherman Groi;nme, Ursula Grunfeld, Bob Hall, Davidand Lauren of our ambitions for the coming year, and Hall, Philip and Susan Hammer,Anne Hammond,Conlyn and Autumn Hancock, Carl and Bobbie Handen, we ask for your support to see us through Chuck and Eleanor Hansen, Laren Hasenhuttl, Frances Hast, John and Grace Hattori,Walter and NancyH ay, Walter Hays, Ray and Elsa Heald, Mr. and Mrs. George Heigho, Beverly Hesse, Dr. Robert Hicks, Jan another fruitfu l set of seasons. This Hintermeister,Robert and DeborahHirt, Margaret H ohenshelt,David Holland, Mr . and Mrs. Julius Honig, Janel straightforward approach to fundraising Hopper,Diane Hom, Richard Hose,Caroline Houston, John and FreddyHowell, David and SharonHoyt, Grant has proved remarkably successful. In the and Karen Hoyt, Harriet Huls, Lee Hung and Mike Danzenbaker,Sue Hunt, June Hymas, Dr. and Mrs. James year 2002, twenty-one Audubon chapters Inglis,Michael and DianaIrvin, Deborah Jamison and StevenPatt, Richard Jeffers,James Jeffery, Eric Johnson , LynneJohnson, Martha Johnson, Dave Johnston,Jerry Jouret, John Kahle,Jerry and Ginny Kaminski,Ruth in California wrote to their members for Kasie, Jana Kattenhom,Jeffrey and Marcia Keimer, Mary Kelly, Mary Kenney, David Kiehl, Robert Kirk, support. Of the total funds raised by Enriqueand Judi KJein,David and DelphineKohler, Joel and KarenKorelitz, Juergen Krause-Polstorff , Sherron those twenty-one chapters, more than one Kritzer,Susan Kritzik,MD, Martha Kudlacik,Michael Kulakofsky,Peter and Sue LaTourrette,Edwin Laak, third came from you to SCVAS. Clearly, LindseyLambert , Barry and Ginger Langdon-Lassagne,Mondy and Shelley Lariz, Shirley Larson,Catherine Leeson, Rosalie Lefkowitz,Susan Lepore, David Lewis, Bernard Lint, Tom Lipkis, Jim and Sue Liskovec, we are doing something right. Donna Logan,Claire Lohnes.DonLorenzen, Suzanne Lowd, Bill Lundgren,Peter Maltbaek,Jerry and Linda This year, for the first time, we are Mar, Alice Martineauand Olivia Bartlett, Perry and Martha McCarty, Gloria McClain, Hugh and Debbie thanking our donors personally. The McDevitt,Richard McElroy, Carl McGrew,Steve McHenry,Ellen McKenzie, Cynthia McLaughlin,Eileen McLaughlin.JohnMcMillen, Jean McNamara,JohnMcNeil is, Ethel Meece,Brian Mellea, Loren Mendel.DDS, following is a list of donors who responded DonnaMeyer, S. B. Meyer,Marilee Mifflin , Joann Milburn,Mr. and Mrs. TheodoreMill, Joan Miller, Robert to our letter of accomplishments (minus Miller,Molly Molloyand Joe Altimus,Nora Monette, James and Angela Mongillo,Sandy Moore,T. Charles those who asked us not to publish their Moore, Douglas Moran, Marc Morris, Bobbie Morrison,Whitney Mortimer,David and Jane Moss, Thomas names). Our response rate is near Iy twelve Moutoux,James and Trish Mulvey,Michael and Susan Murphy,Judy Musladin,Greg and Jean Myers,Vance Nau,Mrs . M. E. Neuman,Dallyn Newman, Spaulding Norris, M . Kentand Rita Norton,Robert and MaryOsann, percent-also remarkable for an Mr. and Mrs. DonaldOsterbrock, Marjorie Ottenberg , Tadd and Debbie Ottman, Larry Owens, Linda Paski, organization of our size-so the list is Janna Pauser, MargueritePelose, Robin Penn, John Perkins, Arnold Petersen, Kentand Dale Peterson, Vincent voluminous. Philbrick,Barbara Piini, Elaine Piini, Paul Pinsky, Donald and Dee Price.Pat Prickett,Ted Raczek, Richard Rairden, SiddharthanRamachandramurthi, Peter and Patrice Randall, Bonnie Rapp, Nadine Redding, Chuck We want to give special thanks to the Reed, JordanReed, Edna Remson , ErnestRenze! Ill , LaurelRezeau, RobertRichardson, Roger Richman Louise members of our Avocet Circle, who and Wayne Richter, Elizabeth Ricci, Mr. Robert Roadcap, Paul Roberts, Rick and Laurie Roberts, Philip pledged matching funds to help encourage Robertson, Stephen Robie, Joy Robinson, Michael Rogers, Richard Rorty, Peter Rosenthal, Mrs. George new donors and those who contributed Rossmann, James Runyeon, Jr, James and Christine Russell, Marguerite Ryan, Grace Sain, Betty Saito, Christopherand Jeanne Salander, Stanley Salomon, Mark and AprilSaps ford , RuthScarborough , RalphSchardt, more this year than last. Those ardent Robert Schauer, Margie Schmale, Mae Schrank, Paul Seaver, Clysta Seney, HarlanSethe, Mark Shaw and supporters are: Michelle Caplette, Byron and Linda Sher, Leonore Silberman, Dzidra Silver, Tibby Simon, Nedra Skyles, • Debi Jamison and Steve Patt of Melanie Sloane, John Smathers, Kendric and Marion Smith, Mary Smith, Philip Smith, Thomas Snell and Stevens Creek Software Sarabelle Hitchner, Jana Sokale, Brad Soper, Robert and Maria Specker, Len and CatherineSprinkles, Jean Staats, BlakeneyStafford, Ulf Stauber,Stephen Stearns, Julie Stevens, Jan Stiles, MadeleineStovel, Carolyn • Leah and Alex Zafaroni Straub,Neil Stuverude, Linda Sullivan, Jean Sutherland,Mark Sutherland, Andrew and KathySwitky, Toru and • Debbie (SCV AS Board President) Mieko Takahashi,Lillian Tanabe, Bridget Tao Tang, Geoff and Colleen Tate, Ted Tawshunsky, J. Holley and Steve Thompson Taylor, Nancy Teater, Alan and KarenThomas, James WilsonThomas , Charlesand Jean Thompson,Deborah and Steve Thompson, Laura Thompson,Carl and Kay Thoresen, Bruce and Kim Tolley, Harold and Carol • David McIntyre (SCV AS Board Toppel, LeslieTrain, CatherineTrejo, Eugeneand RuthTroetschler, Gerald and VirginiaTuft, Mikeand Ellen Member) and Antoinette Konski Turbow,Mrs. Frank Ubhaus,Erin Ulrich,Alice Valenstein,Elaine Van Bruggen,J. G. and SuzanneVan Stee, Again, our heart-felt and bird-brained Ann Verdi, Ann Vollmer, LawrenceVolpe , Chuq Von Rospach,Charles and Camille Wade, Bill Walkerand appreciation to all of you-donors, MaryWisnewski, Barbara Walker, Wayne and LanaWalker , Alan Walther,Nicholas and AnneWard, Ted and Jane Wassam,Norman Watenpaugh , KathleenWeber , Milton West, Bart and Nancy Westcott, Williamand volunteers, members ... heck, even the JulietteWheeler, Paul and LauraWhite,Telle Whitney,Carl Widmer,Virginia Willcox, Elizabeth Willey and developers who gave us the opportunity RichardMlynarik, Richard Williams, John Wills, ChristineWolfe, Rose Wright,Constance Yatsko, Nick and to accomplish much of what we did . K.C .Yatsko,Nancy Yeend.Lani Yoshimura, Douglas Zody, EugenaZolotar. Thlr i11Jormatio11is compiled from i11Jomiatio11received at SCVAS. 711eeditor a11dassista11t apologize for errors or omi.uio11s. The Avocet 12 A Really Easy Way To Do a Birdathon: Go Guided Too busy to worry about planning a birdathon? Let us do the The Hoppin' Bluebirds planning for you. We have several "guided birdathon trips" for you with Dave Cook to choose from on a range of dates, for different levels of birders, Saturday April 24 . Join SCV AS Board Member and Bluebird Box and different intensities of experience. All you have to do is collect Guy Dave Cook as he checks his bird nesting boxes at Grant Ranch the pledges - we ask that you get at least enough pledges to equal County Park , with plenty of birding in between. We may see eggs, $1 per species for the trip. You can compete for most money raised chicks and roosting parent birds close up (chickadees, titmice , and most species seen on these guided birdathons just as you can bluebirds, swallows and others), as Dave checks to make sure all on a private team - so go crazy! is well with the occupants. Half-day, for beginning to intermediate Space is limited so call the SCVAS office at (408) 252-3747 to birders. Expect 50-75 species. reserve your spot today . Carpools will be arranged for trips that go to multiple places. The Wrong Terns with Bobbie Handen and Allen Royer The Wild Western Bluebirds Sunday April 25. Birdathon veterans Bobbie and Allen know how to Wild Birds Unlimited have a good time while birding . The Wrong Terns find their share of Saturday April 10. An all-day trip in San Benito County with birds but eating is almost as much part of the interest as birding . Join SCV AS Board Member and local tour leader Ralph Schardt. We' 11 us to bird various parks in Santa Clara County and enjoy a potluck look for Bald Eagles , Mountain Bluebirds , Canyon Wrens , Greater gourmet lunch . 8 AM to 3 PM. Expect 60-70 species. Roadrunner and much more . Geared toward intermediate birders , but beginners are welcome too. Expect 70-90 species. PV Birders with Craig Breon The Varied Twitchers Saturday May I. How many birds can you find in one town? Join with Mike Rogers SCV AS Executive Director Craig Breon for a 9 to 3 birdathon in the Saturday April 17. Our highest intensity birding trip . Join expert town of Portola Valley and find out (Jasper Ridge is in Portola birder Mike Rogers for a true "Big Day" in Santa Clara County, Valley) . And how about this -Craig will even provide your lunch! starting with owling in the early morning and birding all day, Expect 50-60 species . ending at sunset. Last year this team found a whopping 157 birds! For intermediate and advanced birders . Freddy's Wild Birders The Wild Bird Center Kirsten's Kestrels Sunday May 2. Especially for beginning birders, a morning at with Kirsten Holmquist Almaden Lake Park with SCV AS Board Member and veteran Sunday April 18. A morning trip for intermediate or advanced guide, Ralph Schardt. Ralph enjoys showing the birding ropes to birders. Join Kirsten, an experienced field trip leader for SCV AS, beginners so this will be a learning experience as well as a for a morning of birding at Monte Bello Preserve in Palo Alto. Birdathon. Expect 45-80 species. Possible species include Pileated Woodpe cker, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Purple Finch . Expect Young Audubon Birders about 50 species. Forthe first time , Birdathon is offering a prize category for younger birders, ages 18 and under. This Guided Birdathon on Sunday The Snipe Hunters April 18 will be led by trained SCV AS volunteers and is specifically with Laurie West Roberts and Rick Roberts for children and their families . The two-hour trip will focus on Saturday/Sunday May 1-2- Ever been on a Snipe Hunt ? Well , wetland species. Binoculars will be provided . We ask that you snipe really do exist, and we have a chance of finding one. This raise at least $1 per species per family (not per person ) in pledges. birdathon experience is geared toward beginners, but you must Expect 30 - 35 species. know how to use binoculars. We will visit local parks covering a variety of great habitats in the mid-county area (Los Gatos , Campbell, San Jose or Mountain View). We will end with a pot luck wine and cheese celebration where we can recount our successes. Expect 80-90 species. The Wacky-Capped Chickadees' Big Sit with Debbi.e Thompson Saturday April 24. Funny hats will be theorderoftheday at this fun gathering hosted by SCV AS Board President Debbie Thompson . Bring a hat and your lawn chair and sit for a few hours at a choice location at Shoreline Park in Mountain View to see how many birds we can count. A door prize will be awarded to the best hat of the day. Expect 40-50 species. The A vocet 13 Advocate's Corner The future of McClellan Ranch and Blackberry Farm - (mostly) good news by Craig Breon wonderful role as a nature and agricultural removing several barriers to fish passage SCVAS Exec utive Director preserve , providing thousands of school in the creek , and may swap some land More than a dozen years ago, SCV AS kids and adults every year with chances with the City to better control the riparian moved from an office in downtown Palo to enjoy a slice of wildness amidst areas . Alto to pastoral McClellan Ranch in suburbia . A pole barn is propo sed for Cupertino. The move was made to better As we feared , many of the visions Blackberry. This open-sided structur e serve all of Santa Clara County, which submitted showed McClellan with new will be available for school group s and we now do. However, while I wasn't soccer fields , or a skate park, or a dog picnicking groups , or even for SCV AS around at the time , I suspect that what park , or more parking and paved trails . event s. really sealed the deal for those scouting a The potential for disaster was there . The Cupertino Historical Society is new location was the sight of Stevens However, the process also brought advancing its proposal for a Center for Creek winding its way through McClel Ian out the conservationists, calling for Living History . They would take over and that big open field dotted with oaks. restoration of the creek through both the Stocklemeir property near Stevens Now inmyeleventhyearwithSCVAS, McClellan and Blackberry, a reduction Creek Boulevard , as well as the barn and I still cherish the fact that in the midst of of picnicking at Blackberry , the removal blacksmith 's shop at McClellan . Their Silicon Valley, I get to head out to the of structures too close to the creek , more mission would be to interpret and share Ranch for work. Snakes and lizards, deer environmental education , and a soft the cultural , agricultural , and natural with their fawns in the spring, the occasional footpath connecting the two parks to each history of the area . cherry tomato gleaned from the gardens in other and other nearby natural areas . The current caretaker's residence at August (only the ones hanging over the To their great credit , Cupertino City McClellan would be removed, and in its fence into the path, mind you), watching Council members Patrick Kwok, Sandy place an environmental education for the creek beginning to rise as winter James, Richard Lowenthal , Kris Wang , classroom would be erected. That facility rains come, yearning for the orioles to and Dolly Sandoval clearly leaned would be available to programs from the return, only to have that yearning rewarded towards conservation and restoration , as City, the Center for Living History , year after year. Don 't tell me the Bay Area well as appropriate recreation (with one SCV AS , and others . The Simms house, has no seasons. I work at the Ranch , and I exception-see below) . Each Council on the west bank of the creek at the know better. Member has, at one meeting or another , Ranch , would likely be dem olished stated that respect for the wonderful because it is too close to the creek . A New Master Plans natural values of the Stevens Creek smaller caretaker's residence and ripari an Two years ago, the Cupertino City corridor is their top priority . restoration would take its place . Council launched an effort to revise the SCV AS would remain at the Ranch master plans for both McClellan Ranch The Good Stuff house , and we would likely take over the and our downstream neighbor, Blackberry Let me first state that these plans are building next door , now known as the Farm . They began with an engaging, not final , and that we are asking you to Nature Center. We could use the space to somewhat frightening , open-ended, do weigh in on the side of the continue the expansion of our programs . it-yourself park planning effort . The City conservationists . That said, with the distributed more than 300 McClellan/ significant exception of a wide , paved The Troubling Element Blackberry "kits" filled with maps, string , trail through both areas, we are pleased Now the disturbing news. Despite the cutouts , and directions . The task was to with the proposal. persistent opposition of conservationists , devise your own plans for the land . More Blackberry Farm is proposed to it appears that the City Council intends to than 100 individuals, school groups , and change from a corporate and large group build a wide, paved trail through both civic organizations submitted their picnicking facility to a more community parks . visions . SCV AS submitted a plan largely oriented park, with greatly reduced We feel that this could fundamentally devised by our Environmental Action picnicking areas and lots of room for change the nature (in both senses ) of Committee . creek restoration . By eliminating McClel Ian Ran ch. Bicyclists traveling at Why did I use the word "frightening " picnicking on the west side o{ the creek high speeds do not fit with a nature and in the above paragraph? The reason is and pulling back the picnicking from the agricultural preserve . Inevitably , cyclist s that the city announced their park east side , there 's room for nearly six would go off the trail and along the creek planning effort as a "Blank Slate ," acres of new riparian vegetation . or through the field, degrading the exact welcoming all ideas for McClellan and Yeeeaaaah ! ! ! The Santa Clara Valley qualities that make the Ranch so special Black berry. We do not view the Ranch as Water District will likely do that work. in its location . Would deer still raise a blank slate. McClellan serves a The District has already committed to fawns in the field? Would the quail stay The A vocet 14 Spring Roundup Birdathon cont 'dfrompage 1 *The Big Sit - count bird species Joaquin, Alameda and Merced) in any Worried about collecting pledges? from anywhere within a 200-yard diameter continuous time interval up to 48 hours . Actually it's easy . Remember you are circle in Santa Clara County in one *Most Unique Birdathon - A panel asking folks to support the youth education continuous time interval of four hours or of judges will select the most unique programs at SCV AS, certainly that has to less. The area could be your back yard, a Birdathon team . Number of bird species be one of the easiest products you will park , the Baylands, etc. Birds can be seen is not the big factor here and it can be ever have to "sell." So ask your mom, located inside or outside the circle - scopes done anywhere on planet Earth! As with your jogging buddy , co-workers , fellow are encouraged! other categories , there are minimum students, teachers , your dentist, your *The Big Roundup - count species pledge levels to qualify for awards, but neighbor . People can pledge an overall anywhere within Santa Clara County in that's about it. In 2003, the winning amount instead of a per-species amount if any continuous time interval up to 24 unique team counted birds while walking , they want to be certain of what they will hours . jogging and sometimes crawling from owe you . *The Monster Roundup - count the headwaters of Stevens Creek to its Offer anyone who pledges over a species within Santa Clara County plus outlet in SF Bay! Some other unique certain amount a bird walk , or home any adjoining counties (Santa Cruz, San examples: wearing funny birding outfits, baked cookies, or a picnic . For more tips Mateo, San Benito, Stanislaus , San using an alternate mode of transportation on collecting pledges see the birdathon or handcuffing all team members together. section of our web site . People doing it Creativity definitely wins this category! for the first time are always surprised at Take a picture and we may post it on our how easy it is. At least one person last website. year (who considers herself a big chicken when it comes to fundraising ) got all of McClellan cont'd Win fabulous prizes!!! her pledges via e-mail and ended upraising over $1500! around? Would the bobcat still visit Top prizes will be awarded to the occasionally ? What other birds and individuals who raise the most money You can also be creative when asking wildlife that are more sensitive to human regardless of what category they entered. for pledges. If someone is hedging , then activity might we lose? Wedo not know , Awards will also go to the team that instead of asking for a per species peldge , but we believe this risk is not worth counts the most species in each category . ask them to make a pledge based on the taking . An unpaved but sturdy footpath And, new for this year , we will award a number of hours you bird or whatever for walkers , joggers , strollers and prize to the person under age 18 who you want . Last year one team got a bonus wheelchairs - located away from the collects the most pledges . For the "hot for each mockingbird they found in Santa creek and field - would serve the good shot" birders out there , we have prizes for Clara County. purposes of a trail with much less risk to the rarest birds found during Birdathon . In the end , the most important reason the Ranch. Some of the great prizes last year were : to particiate in the Spring Roundup is the spotting scopes , binoculars , whale satisfaction of supporting a good cause in Please Write a Letter watching trips , plane tickets, weekend your community . SCVAS depends on We are asking you to write a letter to getaways, entertainment tickets, top-rated the money raised during the Spring the Cupertino City Council: wines and many other gifts-over $10,000 Birdathon Roundup to finance our Mayor Sandy James and Council worth! education programs throughout the year. Members, 10300 Torre Avenue , What's your next step to learn more Our very first spring roundup Birdathon Cupertino , CA 95014. about the 2004 B irdathon and, especial Iy, last year brought in over $16,000 and we Use this article to make specifi c how to get involved ? First , we suggest are determined to set a new record this points. We want to communicate two that you visit our website : year. Please help us do that and we' ll messages . First , the Council deserves ~ ~ § zC F Sit.'J~l'ISCREEK BLVD. c;, SCVAS1I ~ ~ Mca.ELIANRANCH '§, 0.Anu ~ J ~eoi. . , ' • McCLaLAN AD. :IJ ~ OFFICERS CHAIRPERSONS President Avocet GENERAL MEETINGS are held on the Debbie Thompson 408/22 7-4604 Editor: Grant Hoyt 650/969- 7892 third Wednesday of each month except July, Past President Graphics and Print Preparation August and December and are open to the public. David Drake 831/336-1127 Bonnie Bedford-White 408/261-8210 1st VP Bay Area Audubon Council BOARD OF DIRECTORS meetings are Bob Hirt 408/821-2732 Delegate open to all members. Call the office at (408) 2nd VP Leda Beth Gray 831/336-1127 252-3747 for times and directions. Dave Cook 408/275-1492 Christmas Bird Count Treasurer RARE BIRD ALERT: (415) 681-7422 Mary Murphy 650/390-9296 Ann Verdi 408/252-3747 Secretary Education KEEPING CONNECTED: E-mail us at Bobbie Handen 408/356-4263 City State & ZiP----~------Phone______Email.______7XCH C14 0 Check here if you don't want your name and address shared with other organizations. Make all checks payable to SCVAS. The A vocet 16