THE

Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society Established 1926 AVOCET The Newsletter of the Audubon Society March-April 2018

The Year of the Bird by Ralph Schardt, Executive Director arlier this year, National Audubon, National Geographic, BirdLife International, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology joined together Eto declare 2018 to be the “Year of the Bird.” What is so significant about 2018 that makes it the Year of the Bird? It is the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)! Audubon and other groups are collectively promoting a variety of happenings that began in February and will continue through- out the year to celebrate the Act’s centennial. These concerted efforts will provide birders of all ages and skill levels ways to learn more about birds and the MBTA, while getting involved in activities to support bird conservation and continue the efforts Migratory Geese by Ralph Schardt started by MBTA 100 years ago. In the last 100 years, we have made great strides to help protect birds and their habitats. However, we have much work left to do and some of our greatest achievements in bird conservation are at risk of being undone. The MBTA itself is in danger, as more species of birds are threatened and wildlife habitat is disappearing at an alarming rate. Now, more than ever, we need everyone to get involved. Help us celebrate the MBTA by spreading the word about bird conservation and the joy of birding. Whether you are attending a field trip, cre- ating your own backyard bird habitat, or joining our Environmental Advocacy Team to help protect birds and their habitats, you are helping to make 2018 the Year of the Bird. Check out page 10 for links to our website with information on how you can get involved. I look forward to being out there with you and celebrating the Year of the Bird! “Birds are indicators of the environment. If they are in trouble, we know we’ll soon be in trouble.” ~ Roger Tory Peterson

The Avocet 1 Please carpool if possible; bring binoculars, field guides, layered March-April Field Trips clothing. LO = Lunch optional; RC = Heavy rain cancels; NF = No (Full details are also available online at www.scvas.org) facilities available

**Please note: Online registration is now required for all field trips.** This is a simple but necessary step to ensure our trips run as smoothly as possible. Please RSVP by going to scvas.org (look for Calendar, then Field Trips), then find your trip and follow the easy registration directions. A confirmation email will follow. Thank you for your patience and understanding! If you have any questions, please call Kelsey Frey at (408) 252-3740. Saturday, March 3, 8:00AM Hwy 101 or I-680 take McKee Rd well as raptors and shoreline birds. Windy Hills OSP northeast toward hills then left on Difficulty: Easy walk with places Half day. Leader: Kirsten Hol- Toyon Ave, right on Penitencia to stop on bridges over the creek mquist, (408) 747-0988. Direc- Creek Rd, and continue into park. for better access to birds and scop- tions: From I-280 in Portola Valley Pass under bridge and meet at far ing. Notes: Bring binoculars and/ take Alpine Rd south (toward hills) end of upper parking lot. Diffi- or cameras. RC, LO about 2.9 miles to the first stop culty: Moderately strenuous 3-4 Saturday, March 17, 8:00AM sign, turn right on Portola Rd, go mile-walk. Note: Vehicle entry fee Picchetti Ranch 0.8 miles to the parking lot on the required. RC Leader: left just past The Sequoias. Meet in Half day. Dave Zittin, Sunday, March 11, 8:00AM (408) 515-7104. Directions: From the parking lot at Sausal Pond edge Ulistac Natural Area RC I-280 in Cupertino take Foothill of the preserve. Half day. Leader: Chris Johnson, Blvd south 3.3 miles (becomes Sunday, March 4, 8:00AM (831) 601-8260. Directions: From Stevens Canyon Rd). Turn right on Hwy 237 take Great America Pkwy Monte Bello Rd, go about a mile, Half day. Leader: Rich Page, south for about 0.8 miles, turn left and turn left past winery entrance (408) 377-1092. Directions: From on Tasman Dr for about one mile, into preserve parking lot. Diffi- I-680 take Alum Rock Ave north- right on Lick Mill Blvd, and meet culty: Moderately strenuous walk east, turn right on Hamilton Rd and at the south park entrance on the past an old orchard, seasonal pond, go about 9 miles to the park. Meet left. Highlights: We’ll look for and oak woodlands. at Grant Lake (aka Hall’s Valley migrants and local breeding birds Saturday, March 31, 9:00AM Lake) parking lot, the first one on in diverse habitats. RC Charleston Slough the left (do not enter the main park Highlights: Wednesday, March 14, 8:30AM Half day. Leader: Allen Royer, entrance on the right). ; Silver Creek (408) 288-7768. Directions: From Fresh water ducks, oak woodland Valley Road Hwy 101 in Mountain View take birds, and possible Golden Eagle. Leader: Difficulty: Involves a moderately Half day. Eve Meier and San Antonio Rd north to Termi- Notes: Janna Pauser, (408) 569-9264. nal Way parking area. Meet at strenuous 2-mile walk. Directions: From CA-85 South, entrance nearest San Antonio Rd. Park entrance fee required for last Notes: RC, LO take Blossom Hill Rd exit east For beginning birders but half of trip. (left) and continue 2.4 miles onto all are encouraged to attend. Bring Wednesday, March 7, 12:00PM Silver Creek Valley Rd. Make a your spotting scope and a friend. City of Sunnyvale Landfill U-turn at Piercy Rd, then immedi- Wednesday, April 4, 12:00PM One hour. Leader: Allen Royer. ate right into Silver Creek parking City of Sunnyvale Landfill Contact landfill coordinator, Silvi- lot. Difficulty: Easy walking. RC Leader: ana Ruiz, with questions at (408) One hour. Allen Royer. Directions: Thursday, March 15, 11:00AM Contact landfill coordinator, Silvi- 730-7545. Donald M. Shoreline Riparian to Baylands ana Ruiz, with questions at (408) Somers Water Pollution Control 2 hours. Leader: Ralph Schardt, 730-7545. See write-up for March 7. Plant, turn into Borregas and then Directions: turn left at the T intersection. Meet (408) 624-7845. From Saturday, April 7, 8:15AM under the pepper tree across from Hwy 101 take Shoreline exit and Stevens Creek County Park the Portapotty. Difficulty: Birding head for the bay. Turn right on Crit- Half day. Leader: Pat Kenny, geared toward beginners. Notes: tenden Ln and continue to the end. (408) 725-0468. Directions: From Bring binoculars; loaners avail- Parking is available on the right I-280 in Cupertino take Foothill RC in the nursery - look for Audubon able. Trip Leader to know where to park. Expy exit south and follow Foot- Saturday, March 10, 8:15AM Carpool if possible. We will hike hill Blvd south (it becomes Ste- along a trail that is next to Stevens vens Canyon Rd) for 2.1 miles. Half day. Leader: Jim Johnson, Creek where it comes out to the Turn left into first park entrance (408) 996-3506. Directions: From bay. Highlights: Riparian birds as and meet in the Chestnut Picnic The Avocet 2 rooms. Difficulty: Approx. 2-mile Tuesday, April 17, 11:00AM Field Trips cont’d walk over possibly muddy or Shoreline Riparian to Baylands Area parking lot. Difficulty: Mod- uneven trails. Highlights: Spring 2 hours. Leader: Ralph Schardt, erately strenuous walk looking for arrivals, wildflowers.LO, RC (408) 624-7845. See write-up for migrants and local breeding birds Saturday, April 14, 8:00AM March 15. RC, LO in riparian area. Notes: Vehicle Rancho Cañada del Oro OSP Sunday, April 22, 8:30AM entry fee required. RC Half day. Leader: Jim Johnson, Sunday, April 8, 9:00AM (408) 996-3506. Directions: From Half day. Leader: Dave Zit- Palo Alto Baylands Hwy 101 take Bailey Ave west tin, (408) 515-7104. Directions: Half day. Leader: Allen Royer, and turn left on McKean Rd. After Either take Stevens Creek Canyon (408) 288-7768. Directions: From approx. 2.4 miles turn right on Rd, Hwy 85 S, or Pierce Rd to Hwy 101 in Palo Alto turn right Casa Loma Rd (from Hwy 85 take get on Hwy 9, then take Sanborn onto Embarcadero Rd. At the stop Almaden Expwy south, turn right Rd. Follow the road and meet in sign (not light), go left and fol- on Harry Rd, then immediately the large parking lot. On Google low the road past the duck pond to left on McKean Rd. After 6+ miles Maps, this lot is labeled Youth Sci- the parking lot across from Lucy turn right on Casa Loma Rd). After ence Institute. Notes: Entrance fee Evans Center. Meet at the poles/ approx. 1.6 miles, park in the lot required. LO gate to on the left. Highlights: We’ll bird Saturday, April 28, 8:00AM Trail (towards Lucy Evans Cen- along the Serpentine trail to the Ulistac Natural Area ter). Difficulty: For beginning Longwall trailhead and look for Half day. Leader: Chris Johnson, birders but all are encouraged to breeding birds on this level, open Difficulty: (831) 601-8260. See write-up for attend. Notes: Bring your spotting trail. Easy walking. March 11. RC scope and a friend. RC Notes: Bring water, limited facili- ties. RC Sunday, April 29, 8:00AM Wednesday, April 11, 8:30AM Sunday, April 15, 8:00AM Oka Ponds Santa Teresa County Park Half day. Leader: Rich Page, Half day. Leader: Janna Pauser, Arastradero OSP Leader: (408) 377-1092. Directions: Take (408) 569-9264. Directions: From Half day. Kirsten Hol- Hwy 17 S to Lark Ave Exit, turn CA-85 S, exit 1B (Bernal), or take mquist, (408) 747-0988. Direc- tions: right onto Oka Rd, then turn left Santa Teresa Blvd and go south From I-280 take Page Mill onto W Mozart Ave, and turn right on Bernal. Follow Bernal uphill Rd west, turn right on Arastradero onto Oka Ln. Meet at the park and turn left at entrance road. Rd, and meet in the parking lot entrance at the end of this road. Use county pass or purchase $6 about a half-mile on the right. Dif- ficulty: Please be respectful in parking in day pass at first parking lot. Meet Moderately strenuous hik- and around this neighborhood. at Pueblo Picnic Area near bath- ing. RC

The Avocet 3 Birdathon is On! Join Now! Get ready for our primary fundraiser of the year, complete Option 1: Join a Guided Team with exciting prizes! Proceeds support SCVAS Conserva- Pick a team, leader, or intensity level that suits you (see tion and Education programs and bringing nature back into below) and register online for a $50 donation. . Birders of ALL ages and skill levels are in- Option 2: Form Your Own Team vited to compete! Sign up, read the rules, ask questions, Choose at least 2 team members, a date, team name, and and view prizes at scvas.org/birdathon. location. Pick a category, register, go birding together, and It’s going to be a great year! We are starting things off right record your total species and dollars raised. Note: You with a Kickoff Dinner and everyone is invited! Bring in must register to qualify for prizes. Please raise at least $50 sighting lists for the day to compete for prizes from the per team member - it’s for the birds! Nature Shop and get into the spirit of Birdathon! For more Option 3: Donate! information and to RSVP, check out our website. Watch the feeders at home, instead. Let us know which Team Categories team or birder you are sponsoring, and mail checks pay- • 24-hour Teams (any team over 4 hours) able to “SCVAS” at 22221 McClellan Road, Cupertino, • 4-hour Teams (4 hours of fast birding fun) CA 95014 or donate online at scvas.org/birdathon. • Big-Sit 4-hour Teams (for those who want to relax) Questions? Contact Carolyn Knight, Birdathon Coor- • 24-hour Photography Teams dinator, at: [email protected]. • 4-hour Photography Teams

Birdathon Important Dates

• Registration: Open now; ends 1 week prior to your Birdathon day • Kickoff Dinner: March 24 • Birdathon Window: March 25 - April 29 • Results/Donation Cut-off: May 14 @ 5:00PM • Awards Dinner: June 5 Spring Classes & Excursions We are pleased to offer the following classes to our members and community. For full descriptions and to register, please call the SCVAS office at (408) 252-3747 or visit our website at scvas.org and find the class in our calendar. iNaturalist Workshops Beginner’s Bird and Plant ID Outdoor Photography Walk Series with an Intro to Digiscoping Dates: Saturday/Sunday, March 17/18 Date: Sunday, March 18 Dates: Thursday, March 22 and April 26 Time: 10:00AM-12:00PM Time: 9:00AM-12:00PM Time: 9:00-10:30AM Location: McClellan Ranch, Cupertino - Location: Park Location: McClellan Ranch, Cupertino - Meet at SCVAS Cost: Free! $6 Parking fee is required. Meet at SCVAS Cost: Free! for members, $5 non-members Register: RSVP through Meetup.com (“California Cost: Free! for members, $15 non-members Sessions: 3/17: adult birders; 3/18: families Native Plant Society - Santa Clara Valley Chapter” Note: Rain cancels, with refund or credit for welcome or “Open Space Appreciation Hiking Enthusiasts”) future classes. Topic: Join us for an iNaturalist workshop Session #1: First Day of Spring Topic: Explore outdoor photography tech- and become a citizen scientist! Learn how Topic: Learn how to identify common local birds nologies and opportunities and learn to take to use technology to document nature and the native plants they depend on for food, shelter, better nature photos, including digiscoping. observations and even identify them. and nesting places. *Organized jointly by California Native Plant Society, SCVAS, and Open Space Authority* The Avocet 4 Conservation Corner: What Our Environmental Advocacy Team is Working On... by Shani Kleinhaus and Mackenzie Mossing Evergreen Initiative: A Threat to Coyote Valley Protecting the Ecosystems of Mountain View’s This June, San Jose residents will be asked to vote on a bal- North Bayshore lot measure that could transform the open space and wild- Stretching between the bay and Highway 101, Mountain life habitat of Coyote Valley into sprawling subdivisions. View’s North Bayshore is an area of significant ecological The so-called “Evergreen Senior Homes Initiative” is a importance, and a focus of SCVAS’ advocacy for many deceptive, misleading scheme that will rewrite San Jose’s years. The area is a birding hotspot, attracting migratory General Plan to impose a “senior housing overlay” on all and resident birds seeking food and water in the Stevens of San Jose’s “underutilized employment lands”. This Creek and corridors, Charleston Road includes North Coyote Valley, an area of ecological, hydro- Marsh, and Shoreline Park. Hundreds of egrets congre- logical, and cultural sig- gate here each spring nificance. The initiative and summer to nest and is a blueprint for sprawl, raise their young along and is not likely to help Shorebird Way. As disadvantaged veterans Mountain View looks to and seniors - it actu- transform the area with ally reduces the City’s 9,000+ additional hous- requirements for afford- ing units, we engaged able housing. The ini- with our partners at tiative also circumvents the Sierra Club Loma environmental review Prieta Chapter to advo- and deprives the public cate for the birds and from opportunities to wildlife that rely on the participate in the review North Bayshore. Due process - a process that to our efforts, the new SCVAS environmental North Bayshore Precise advocates frequently Plan mandates bird- engage in to protect safe design for all new birds and nature. Given Great Egret Chicks at Google by Mackenzie Mossing construction, as well as the threat to Coyote Valley and lack of environmental setbacks from the retention basin and egret rookery. The review, we have joined other environmental groups and new plan’s implementation document also includes district community leaders to defeat the initiative. Email Mack- sustainability measures that aim to monitor biological indi- [email protected] or visit stopthedeception.com to cators and sensitive habitats within the area. learn more and click “take action” to endorse and volun- Advocating for Birds in Cupertino teer to help. Situated next to Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve Calling All Campbell Residents! and Permanente Creek, the Forum Senior Community in The City of Campbell is currently updating the “Envi- Cupertino is looking to expand with additional villas and sion Campbell” General Plan that will guide the growth supportive care facilities. The 3,988-ace preserve is home of the city. This is an opportunity to advocate for a vision to over 125 bird species, including several special-status and policies that look to preserve and plant native trees, species, and provides habitat for other native California protect riparian habitats and open space, and require bird- wildlife. Considering the sensitive nature of the area, we safe design for buildings. The Los Gatos Creek corridor provided comments on the Environmental Impact Report is being targeted for high-density development with no and asked for bird-safe design, the preservation of oaks, riparian setbacks. The birds and wildlife that rely on this and mitigation for the loss of open space. important habitat need us to speak up for them! Please With More Planned Growth, Stanford Should Set consider attending a community workshop on Monday, Boundaries March 5, 6:30-8:30PM at the San Jose Christian School, As Stanford nears the completion of facilities and housing and encourage the City to include nature and birds in the authorized by the 2000 General Use Permit, the University plan. If you are unable to attend the workshop but would has applied for a new permit to add 2.275M square feet like more details, please email Mackenzie at of academic and academic support (non-residential) space, [email protected] for more information and 3,150 dwelling units or beds, and 40,000 square feet of opportunities to participate. additional building space to their campus between 2018 and 2035. Along with the Sierra Club Chap- ter, we sent comments asking for bird-safe design, protec- tions for open space, and mitigations for light pollution. The Avocet 5 and 6 Jan (m. ob.). Careful scrutiny of locations around the bay in late January. the cormorants on Alviso Salt Pond A14 The Lewis’s Woodpeckers at Chesbro Field Notes revealed a Pelagic Cormorant along Reservoir remained through the period, (December 2017-January 2018) with the usual Double-crested Cormo- with a high count of four noted on 28 by Pete Dunten rants (MMR, RJ). It was found again Jan (WP, KON). One was seen south Geese through Bitterns on 29 Jan on the A14/A11 Levee (FV). of Coyote Valley OSP on 11 Jan (RPh, Greater White-fronted Geese were Single American Bitterns were spotted ABr). A Red-naped Sapsucker re- found at many sites near the bay, with at Alviso Slough on 14 Dec (WGB) and turned to Almaden Lake Park on 10 Dec a few at outlying locations. High counts at the end of Terminal Way on 15 Dec (JPa) for its fourth winter and has stayed were 24 on 17 Dec at the entrance to (DZ). The Bittern at the latter location into February (m. ob.). Another was at Don Edwards NWR (BrB et al.) and remained through 28 Jan (m. ob.). Silver Creek Linear Park in San Jose on 34 at Don Edwards on 13 Jan 30 Dec (PDu). (JVs). Other notable counts were twelve at Byxbee Park Flycatchers through on 23 Jan (PL) and nine at In- Phainopepla dependence HS in San Jose on The highlight of the Audu- 17 Dec (AVe, RPa). High tal- bon Christmas Bird Counts lies of Cackling Geese were was a male Vermilion Fly- 67 flying over the entrance catcher seen in Coyote Val- to Don Edwards NWR on 6 ley on 30 Dec (RPh) and Jan (GL et al.), eleven along enjoyed by many into Febru- Bailey Ave in Coyote Val- ary. It was the first county re- ley on 12 Jan (DN), eleven cord. Wintering kingbirds of at Shoreline Lake on 14 Jan any species are exceptional, (ErS), and ten at the Shoreline yet we had two sightings of Park kite-flying area on 30 Jan Cassin’s Kingbirds at dif- (SPv, AS). One to two Snow ferent locations this winter. Geese were found at several One was photographed in a locations, with high counts San Jose neighborhood on of two along Laguna Ave in 16 Dec (DWn) and a second Coyote Valley on the morn- was further south at the Gil- ing of 13 Jan (DDi et al.), and roy SCRWA on 2 Jan (WP, two at in the Vermillion Flycatcher by Mike Mammoser KON). Large numbers of Tree Swallows were found afternoon of that date (BH, PL, Hawks through Sapsuckers SPz). The longest staying geese were a earlier in the winters of 2016-2017 and Ferruginous Hawks were widespread. 2017-2018 than in previous years. No- single at Los Capitancillos Ponds from A Ferruginous Hawk at the Stanford Dish 27 Dec to 7 Jan (m. ob.) and the geese table counts were sixty over Shoreline on 11 Dec (DT) was further northwest Lake on 12 Dec (GL), 25 at Lake Cun- in Coyote Valley between 30 Dec and 13 in the county than is typical. The same Jan. A single Ross’s Goose was found ningham on 17 Dec (EvM, SL), and individual may have been at Felt Lake 110 over Guadalupe Slough on 18 Dec in Coyote Valley near Laguna Ave on on 18 Dec (AME, HM). Two were along 13 Dec (STu). It remained in the area of (MJM, JHa). By 15 Jan, a flock of 200 Marsh Rd on 17 Dec (DZ, TO), and two swallows, presumably composed of Laguna and Bailey Ave through 26 Jan were at Arastradero Preserve on 19 Jan (m. ob.). Eurasian Green-winged Teal mostly Tree Swallows, was over New (ABr). The high count in Coyote Valley, Chicago Marsh (WGB). Violet-green were found at four locations. One was at their traditional wintering grounds, was on 6 Dec (JK), Swallows were not found in exceptional two (m. ob.). Three were counted over numbers this winter, with the high count one continued at Charleston Slough Coyote Ridge on 30 Dec (RH). In the through the period (m. ob.), one was on being twenty at Monte Bello OSP on 8 south county, the two wintering along Dec (GHa). An unseasonal Northern the North VTA Mitigation Pond on 3 Jan Jamieson Rd since the first week of No- (RJ), and one was at the Palo Alto Bay- Rough-winged Swallow was along Sil- vember were seen again through 28 Jan ver Creek in San Jose on 16 Dec (WP, lands Duck Pond on 28 Jan (GL et al.). (WP, KON, m. ob.). The Ruff present in Astonishing numbers of Redhead have KON). Hardy Barn Swallows were New Chicago Marsh since the first week seen on three occasions, with three over been in the ponds along the edge of the of November was seen through 7 Jan South Bay this winter. Thorough counts Charleston Slough on 13 Dec (JY, AL), (m. ob.). The first Glaucous Gull of the one over Alviso Salt Pond A16 on 10 exceeded 1000 Redhead in December winter was found on 30 Dec at the Kirby and January, with a high count of 3288 Jan (RPh), and four over the Bailey Ave Canyon Landfill (SCR). Another was at Pond in Coyote Valley on 12 Jan (DN). on 12 Jan (AR, VH). A male Barrow’s Ogier Ponds on 19 Jan (WBG). A Selas- Goldeneye joined the Common Gold- The House Wren wintering at Ulistac phorus Hummingbird was heard on NA was found again on 26 Jan (PW), and eneyes on Shoreline Lake beginning on the Stanford campus on 31 Jan (RFu). 22 Dec (FV). It was seen through 21 Jan another was noted near the Emily Ren- Although Allen’s Hummingbirds are zel Wetlands on 18 Dec during the Palo (m. ob.). A single female was on Alviso expected to arrive in the county first as Salt Pond A16 on 10 Jan (AR). A young Alto CBC (RJ). This winter has been the earliest migrant of the year, this year a banner winter for Blue-gray Gnat- Common Loon frequented the Los Rufous Hummingbirds arrived at other Capitancillos Ponds between 25 Dec catchers. The two Blue-gray Gnatcatch- The Avocet 6 on 7 and 13 Dec (BrB, SPz). Another Jan, along Adobe Creek near Shoreline Field Notes cont’d two were found at William St. Park in Park (JVs). Winter finches have been ers wintering at Santa Teresa CP stayed San Jose on 17 Dec (RJ). Grasshop- represented by widespread Pine Siskins through the period (JRy, m. ob.). On 17 per Sparrows have been found on nine and one to two Evening Grosbeaks in Dec, the date of the San Jose CBC, two out of the last twelve Calero-Morgan downtown Los Altos. A single Grosbeak gnatcatchers were along Coyote was first found on 17 Dec (JL), Creek below Hwy 237 (WGB) and the latest report was from 5 and two were at Calaveras Res- Jan (MJM). ervoir (ARy, JiM, PDu). Anoth- er was found the next day on the Observers: Noah Arthur Palo Alto CBC along Matadero (NoA), Bruce Barrett (BrB), Creek (RJ). Single gnatcatchers Bill Bousman (WGB), Andrew were found in Mountain View Bradshaw (ABr), Sean Byrnes on 27 Dec (MSh) and at J Grant (SBy), Reef Comer (RfC), Da- CP on 1 Jan (EF). One to two vid Diller (DDi), Pete Dunten were found wintering at Calero (PDu), Al Eisner (AME), Erin Reservoir on dates between 28 Fisher (EF), Janet Hanson Dec and 1 Jan (DN, BM, SBy). (JHa), Rick Herder (RH), Victo- The Phainopepla at Guadalupe ria Heyse (VH), Bob Hirt (BH), Oak Grove Park stayed through Richard Jeffers (RJ), John Karp the period (m. ob.), and another (JK), Garrett Lau (GL), Amy wintering bird was at the en- Lauterbach (AL), Stephen Les- trance to Almaden Quicksilver ter (SL), Jasen Liu (JL), Patri- CP, first noted on 29 Dec (JPa). cia Lynch (PL), Nateri Mada- van (NM), Mike Mammoser Warblers through Evening (MJM), Hugh McDevitt (HM), Grosbeak David McIntyre (DMc), Eve One of the hardier warblers is Meier (EvM), Jim Meikrantz the Yellow Warbler. During (JiM), Peter Metropulos (PtM), this period five were detected, Brooke Miller (BM), David one in an Alviso neighbor- Nickerson (DN), Tom Olson hood on 17 Dec (MMR, SCR), (TO), Kitty O’Neil (KON), one on 18 Dec at the Palo Alto Rich Page (RPa), Janna Pauser WPCP (MMR), one on 5 Jan at Evening Grosbeak by Dave Zittin (JPa), Sergey Pavlov (SPv), Wil- Los Capitancillos Ponds (STu), Hill CBCs, and this year one was tallied liam Pelletier (WP), Sergio Perez (SPz), one on 11 Jan along Coyote Creek near on Coyote Ridge on count day, 30 Dec Ryan Phillips (RPh), Alex Rinkert (AR), Silver Creek Valley Rd (JPa), and one at (RH). A Slate-colored Fox Sparrow Mike Rogers (MMR), Steven Rogers Coast Casey Forebay on 28 Jan (RC). on 12 Jan along the Santa Teresa Canal (StR), Steve Rottenborn (SCR), Allen One of the two Palm Warblers present Trail was a nice find (JPa). A wintering Royer (ARy), Jennifer Rycenga (JRy), in New Chicago Marsh since late Octo- Song Sparrow that appeared to be from Mike Shafto (MSh), Eric Storms (ErS), ber was resighted on 6 and 7 Dec (GL, one of the Pacific Northwest groups Aaron Sun (AS), Jenny Ta (JTa), David WP). On 17 Dec one was nearby in Al- was seen along the Guadalupe River Tattoni (DT), Steve Tucker (STu), Frank viso Slough adjacent to the Yacht Club Trail near Tasman on 17 Dec (NoA) Vanslager (FV), Jason Vassallo (JVs), (MJM, DMc). Black-throated Gray and another was found at the Sunnyvale Ann Verdi (AVe), Pingang Wang (PW), Warblers and Wilson’s Warblers also WPCP on 12 Jan (WGB). Swamp Spar- Dan Wenny (DWn), James Yurchenco occasionally stay for the winter. There rows turned up at three locations in De- (JY), David Zittin (DZ) were two sightings of Black-throated cember, with one at the San Jose/Santa Grays in the well-covered Almaden Val- Clara WPCP on 4 Dec (PDu), one at ley, one continuing along the Alamitos Stevens Creek below Crittenden on 18 Creek Trail near Graystone Lane on 1 Dec (MMR, StR), and one at Palo Alto Dec and one along the Guadalupe Creek Baylands on 18 Dec (MMR, NM). The Trail above Camden on 4 Jan (both Baylands sparrow remained through the JPa). A third was along Stevens Creek period (m. ob.). Two Slate-colored Jun- below La Avenida on 18 Dec (MMR, cos graced the Moffett Golf Course on Please send notice of rarities StR). Single Wilson’s Warblers were at 18 Dec (MMR), and one was in New Al- to Pete Dunten via email at the Almaden Lake on 8 Dec (JTa), Lake maden on 18 and 30 Dec (JPa). For the [email protected] Cunningham on 17 Dec (PL, KON), and second winter in a row, a Summer Tan- Guadalupe Creek near Los Capitancil- ager visited Stanford campus (PtM). los Ponds on 4 Jan (BM). The number About a third of our records for Summer of Chipping Sparrows at TJ Martin Tanager are wintering birds. Western Park increased to seven by 7 Dec (DZ), Tanagers were reported from five loca- and ten by 5 Jan (SPv). Two were found tions, all single birds (m. ob.). A Bull- at nearby Guadalupe Oak Grove Park ock’s Oriole was a nice surprise on 13 The Avocet 7 2017 Christmas Bird Count Highlights We would like to extend a special thank you to all of the count compilers and volunteers who participated in the 2017 Christmas Bird Count, and to Bonnie Bedford-White for formatting the results tables. For complete CBC data, including full summaries and results, please visit our website at scvas.org/christmasbirdcount. San Jose, Compiled and coordinated by Mike Azevedo The San Jose CBC was held on December 17, 2017. It began very windy. The owling party at Alum Rock Park was lucky to hear calling Western Screech Owls and Great Horned Owls that must have been hanging onto waving tree branches for dear life. That wind continued in varying degrees for the rest of the day. Tree Swallows were recorded in several sections, totaling 260 in all. Violet-green Swallows and a Northern Rough- winged Swallow were also seen. Several parties saw Great-tailed Grackles, Cackling Geese, and Greater White-fronted Geese. A Wilson’s Warbler (Patricia Lynch and Kitty O’Neil) was spotted at Lake Cunningham. A Chipping Sparrow (Richard Jeffers, William Street Park), Snow Goose (Ann Verdi, Independence High School), Ferruginous Hawk (Tom Olson, David and Floy Zitten, Calaveras Reservoir), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Pete Dunten, Calaveras Reservoir), Palm Warbler (Mike Mammoser, Alviso Slough), and Ruff (Mike Mammoser, Steve Tracey, Bruce Barret, New Chicago Marsh), were all observed during the day. Palo Alto, Compiled and coordinated by Al Eisner The weather for the Palo Alto CBC (December 18, 2017) was good everywhere, which paid off with a species count only two less than our highest ever. The only misses among species present (nearly) every recent year were Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Pheasant (which has been getting scarce), Common Gallinule, Black Skimmer, and Brown Pelican. We found all regular owl species, and did well with passerines found on only 1/3 to 1/2 of recent counts, including Tree and Violet-green Swallows, House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (fourth ever, but all recent), Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Swamp Sparrow (two), and Yellow and Black-throated Gray Warblers. The bird of the count was the Harris’s Sparrow found by Don Pendleton near Facebook in Menlo Park, our third ever, and first in over forty years. Great-tailed Grackle was also third ever, all in the past three years. Other most-notables were Bald Eagle (two, fourth year in a row), Ferruginous Hawk (first since 2000), and Lark Sparrow (eight). Not only did we have a good variety, but many counts per species were strong. We set new highs by impressive margins for Tree Swallow (nearly three times the previous high, just a year earlier), White-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick’s Wren, and Fox Sparrow. But the prize goes to the astonishing count of Redhead, more than twelve times our previous high! Thanks to all who helped coordinate or participated. Mount Hamilton, Compiled and coordinated by Bob Hirt We had our count on January 2, 2017 and, for a change, welcomed mild weather throughout the day. Most of the smaller ponds were unfrozen and water birds were spread out more this year than last. We had very few access problems since roads were open and dry. The result was a complete count. We had an average species count of 97, with 8,010 individual birds. This was much better than last year but at that time the numbers were a ten-year low. As to individual species we had an average year for Lawrence’s Goldfinches with 128 tallied. One other target was Lewis’ Woodpecker and we counted 54 (double last year’s count). For the first time in eleven years we missed Golden Eagle and Common Mer- ganser. The real shock was a miss for the first time in the count’s history: American Robin. We did find seven Varied Thrushes and one Townsend’s Solitaire! Mike Azevedo’s Mines Road team braved the pre-dawn chill and was rewarded by hearing four Northern Saw-whet Owls - the first report of these little guys in many years. Thanks to leaders Bill Bousman, Mike Rogers, Mike Azevedo, Charles Coston, and especially Bob Power who (along with Petra Kinsman and Leighton Nakata) hiked the grueling Mule Trail, and also to Kirsten Holmquist, Rich Page, Sophia Christel, and Dale Stahlecker for the long hike on one of the ranches. Our deepest thanks to Elinor Gates for hosting a marvelous compilation feast and for helping count the birds at the top and stocking her house feeders. Calero-Morgan Hill, Compiled and coordinated by Beth Hamel The Calero-Morgan Hill CBC was held on December 30, 2017. The sunny and calm weather was well appreciated by the 86 counters. However, lack of rain so far this year was apparent in many very dry areas. Most species counts were low of average and the total species count was 146. There is no doubt regarding the best bird found during this year’s count - the beautiful male Vermilion Flycatcher found by Ryan Phillips and team in Coyote Valley. This is a first Santa Clara County record, and the bird is continu- ing to delight birders daily. Will he overwinter here? Will he return next year? Other CBC highlights: Snow Geese and Cackling Geese in Coyote Valley, Burrowing Owl, Grasshopper Sparrow, Tree Swallows, and a Glaucous Gull found on Coyote Ridge. Tree Swallows were also found at the Ogier Ponds, a Greater Roadrunner at the Almaden Research Center, Phainopepla found at both Guadalupe Oak Grove Park and in Almaden Quicksilver Park, Blue-gray Gnatcatch- ers on the Stiles Ranch Trail and at the Calero Reservoir, the continuing Red-naped Sapsucker at Almaden Lake, and a total of four Lewis’s Woodpeckers were found at Las Animas Road and Chesbro Reservoir. The Avocet 8 ------5 3 2 1 1 4 16 25 23 56 16 29 22 26 77 657 139 575 451 181 146 373 277 288 119 130 100 1300 1623 3202 1009 1033 35,475 12/230/17 Cal-MH ------2 1 1 2 1 4 2 5 61 31 90 30 97 69 11 78 29 61 22 12 26 141 857 128 244 664 MtH 8,010 1/02/18

------4 1 1 2 1 1 1 8 2 4 1 45 80 10 48 50 68 PA 343 471 683 464 615 108 170 131 485 323 114 124 203 1460 1253 1421 77,811 12/18/17 ------1 1 1 4 9 1 1 2 6 2 SJ 35 53 10 72 41 30 37 20 106 451 502 770 550 141 636 799 188 563 171 222 119 882 1409 89,280 12/18/17

Calero-Morgan Hill: compiled by Beth Hamil Beth compiled by Hill: Calero-Morgan species undetermined Week Count Azevedo Mike compiled by Jose: San Al Eisner Alto: compiled by Palo Bob Hirt compiled by Hamilton: Mount ======of Birds Number

blackbird sp blackbird sp CW SJ PA MtH Cal-MH Junco (Slate-colored) Dark-eyed (Myrtle) fi ed form) (Unidenti gold fi nch sp (Sooty) Sparrow Fox (Slate-colored) Sparrow Fox sp sparrow Cowbird Brown-headed Blackbird Brewer’s Key has been listing order entryData and chart Bonnie Bedford-White; format by 8.0.1 (11/23/2017) ABA checklist, version fl ect the most recent adjusted to re Blackbird Red-winged Blackbird Tricolored Grackle Great-tailed Warbler Yellow Warbler Palm (Audubon’s) Warbler Yellow-rumped Total Meadowlark Western Warbler Orange-crowned Common Yellowthroat Warbler Gray Black-throated Warbler Townsend’s Warbler Wilson's Tanager Western Munia Scaly-breasted Duck Mandarin Species Total fi nch Gold Lawrence's fi nch American Gold Chipping Sparrow Sparrow Lark Sparrow Bell's Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Grasshopper (unidenti fi ed) Sparrow Fox fi nch Lesser Gold Towhee Spotted Sparrow Rufous-crowned California Towhee Sparrow Song Sparrow Lincoln’s Sparrow Swamp Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Harris's Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Golden-crowned Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco Junco (Oregon) Dark-eyed Species ------2 1 7 1 2 8 4 1 9 1 4 4 1 65 79 23 25 71 55 43 84 14 65 48 31 20 72 11 314 257 245 320 661 177 236 258 619 166 133 129 320 243 204 535 158 2802 1021 12/30/17 Cal-MH ------1 7 1 3 3 9 5 7 1 7 5 3 3 75 45 14 18 17 29 11 12 25 62 68 10 15 27 24 35 53 188 132 185 117 116 291 MtH 1/02/18

------1 2 1 1 3 5 2 2 6 6 60 19 85 48 22 53 10 12 78 15 20 66 56 33 23 PA 115 271 158 637 535 930 127 237 637 419 347 148 332 120 749 143 434 273 340 128 1007 1104 12/18/17 ------7 3 1 6 2 6 1 3 5 1 5 1 8 9 9 2 SJ 93 59 44 50 41 42 76 51 12 70 72 13 98 58 55 12 76 72 250 254 634 417 139 556 125 260 101 234 134 340 CW CW 1955 12/18/17

Carpodacus fi nch sp Carpodacus swallow sp swallow Flicker (RedxYellow) Northern (intergrade) unidenti fi ed form falco , sp Wrentit Bluebird Western Solitaire Towsend's Th rush Hermit American Robin American Robin Th rush Varied California Th rasher Mockingbird Northern Starling European Cedar Waxwing Phainopepla Sparrow House Finch Purple Siskin Pine American Pipit Grosbeak Evening Finch House Oak Titmouse Titmouse Oak Bushtit Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Pygmy Creeper Brown Wren Rock Wren House Wren fi c (formerly "Winter") Paci Wren Marsh Wren Bewick’s Gnatcatcher Blue-gray Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned American Crow American Crow Common Raven Lark Horned Swallow Tree Swallow Violet-green Swallow Barn Swallow Winged Rough Northern Chestnut-backed Chickadee Species Hairy Woodpecker Woodpecker Pileated American Kestrel Phoebe Say’s Cassin's Kingbird Flycatcher Vermillion Loggerhead Shrike Vireo Hutton’s Jay Steller’s California Scrub-Jay Magpie Yellow-billed Flicker (Red-Shafted) Northern Merlin Falcon Peregrine Falcon Prairie Phoebe Black ------1 8 1 4 6 6 2 8 9 1 5 5 9 4 3 2 1 2 4 9 4 98 19 12 23 56 17 33 52 18 52 17 56 43 504 165 315 240 289 194 4790 1331 12/30/17 Cal-MH ------5 4 6 2 4 1 3 3 2 2 5 2 7 2 1 33 14 10 54 52 13 16 481 MtH 1/02/18

------2 3 5 8 3 2 4 1 1 6 5 2 4 7 1 1 5 6 5 6 19 13 15 49 16 28 24 43 69 34 29 56 10 11 33 41 PA 111 410 149 333 154 130 148 755 201 303 992 916 CW 2326 5258 1680 12/18/17 ------9 8 7 7 3 2 2 2 2 3 8 7 2 6 1 1 8 1 2 SJ 28 20 24 18 46 52 73 95 18 67 22 53 221 194 194 404 131 310 415 302 216 233 660 604 719 632 465 6706 2164 2550 1024 9390 4470 12/18/17

hybrid Sapsucker accipiter , sp gull sp dowitcher sp dowitcher peep sp ff Downy Woodpecker Woodpecker Downy Nuttall’s Woodpecker Woodpecker Nuttall’s

Red-breasted Sapsucker Sapsucker Red-breasted Sapsucker Red-naped Burrowing Owl Burrowing King fi sher Belted Northern Pygmy-Owl Pygmy-Owl Northern Owl Saw-whet Northern Woodpecker Lewis’s Woodpecker Acorn Golden Eagle Golden Owl Barn Screech-Owl Western Owl Horned Great Ferruginous Hawk Hawk Ferruginous Hawk Red-shouldered Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Cooper’s Northern Harrier Harrier Northern Hawk Sharp-shinned Great Blue Heron Heron Blue Great Great Egret Egret Great Egret Snowy Heron Green Night-Heron Black-crowned White-tailed Kite Eagle Bald Forster’s Tern Tern Forster’s Cormorant Double-crested American White Pelican American Bittern Osprey Turkey Vulture Vulture Turkey

Species ayer’s") Gull Gull (formerly " Th ayer’s") Iceland Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Western x Glaucous-winged Gull x Herring Glaucous-winged Gull Glaucous Mew Gull Gull Mew Ring-billed Gull California Gull Gull Herring Bonaparte’s Gull Gull Bonaparte’s Gull Western Willet Willet Yellowlegs Greater Spotted Sandpiper Sandpiper Spotted Lesser Yellowlegs Long-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Snipe Wilson’s Short-billed Dowitcher Dowitcher Short-billed

Sandpiper Western Least Sandpiper Sanderling Sanderling Dunlin Ru ------3 1 7 1 1 3 4 9 9 1 6 3 9 10 10 60 14 29 11 64 14 88 10 45 479 121 297 254 187 474 245 145 128 716 137 100 567 373 1110 12/30/17 Cal-MH ------5 7 6 5 23 32 16 16 16 44 10 15 87 124 449 109 144 140 475 538 1365 MtH 1/02/18

- - - - - 3 4 2 6 5 1 4 6 3 7 3 1 5 86 81 16 22 39 18 10 52 34 81 15 13 10 10 47 PA 206 102 448 207 120 721 277 848 351 210 789 160 299 328 177 102 800 701 3542 1109 1949 2782 1065 2246 4057 6859 3222 10772 12/18/17 ------9 7 2 4 3 5 6 1 3 SJ 12 54 47 33 33 49 83 14 85 40 124 198 122 211 359 159 118 375 687 794 258 121 999 708 193 162 329 304 256 446 400 179 236 3855 1423 1329 3203 1372 1365 3324 7495 1375 3833 5769 12/18/17

2017 SANTA CLARA COUNTY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS 2017 SANTA duck sp aechmorphru s, sp aythya , sp Teal Eurasian Green-winged ffl ehead Species Ring-necked Pheasant Ring-necked Pheasant Red-breasted Merganser Merganser Red-breasted Duck Ruddy California Quail Turkey Wild Grebe Pied-billed Common Merganser Common Merganser Grebe Horned Grebe Eared Roadrunner Greater Goldeneye Barrow’s Merganser Hooded Grebe Western Pigeon Band-tailed Collared-Dove Eurasian Dove Mourning Common Goldeneye Common Goldeneye Grebe Clark’s Pigeon Rock Scoter Surf Bu Lesser Scaup Greater Scaup Greater Redhead Ring-necked Duck Canvasback Mallard Mallard Pintail Northern Teal Green-winged Eurasian Wigeon Wigeon Eurasian American Wigeon Cinnamon Teal Teal Cinnamon Shoveler Northern Gadwall Canada Goose Canada Goose Duck Wood Cackling Goose Stilt Black-necked American Avocet Greater White-fronted White-fronted Goose Greater Sora Common Gallinule American Coot Plover Black-bellied Plover Snowy Ridgway's (formerly "Clapper") Rail Rail Virginia Plover Semipalmated Killdeer Whimbrel Long-billed Curlew Godwit Marbled Turnstone Ruddy Snow Goose Goose Snow Swift White-throated Hummingbird Anna’s Knot Red The Avocet 9 Friends of SCVAS Gifts received December 1st, 2017 through January 31st, 2018 Gift (Up to $99) Richard & Karen Mandel Karen DeMello Robert Reese Kathleen Lee Judy Atterholt Eileen Mclaughlin Dinesh & Joy Desai Lenore Roberts Joan Leighton Lisette Narragon Shannon McMahon Allison Don Donna Sadowy David McIntyre Keith & Atsuko Bennett Julio Mulero Charlotte Epstein Madeliene Scheiman Eve Meier Christine Bobb Ann Myers Dolan Kimberly Farrell Kandis Scott Andrew Melnick Penelope Bowen Bob & Debbie Nansen Suzanne Fellenz Jeffrey Segall Chris Mossing Winslow Briggs Nhan Nguyen Jean B Fordis Suzan Siltaniemi Network For Good Bert Bruggeman Robin Penn Deanna Gomby David Sparks Paypal Giving Fund Colin Campbell & Kelly Alfrey Jenni Peters Nicola & Gary Gordon Elinor Spellman Michael & Alma Rogers Eric & Mimi Carlson Nancie Plumb Waldo Griffin Kathryn Strachota Linda & Mike Ruthruff Brian Carr S David Ramsey Michael Guarino Jane Tatchell Ralph Schardt Joe Cernac James Reed Marge Haley Bruce W Tolley Annette Teng Lyn Chambers Gertrude Shearer Ray & Elsa Heald Van den Berg-Fonderie Family Peregrine Falcon Charles Coston Richard & Marjorie David Hinson Villages Hiking Club Doug Cox Smallwood Kirsten Holmquist Marilyn Waterman ($500-$999) Shirley Davis Richard Stovel Sue Hunt William & Linda Wilson Felix & Helen Charpentier George & Debra Doeltz George Stratis Barbara Fong Jones David Wimpfheimer Constance Crawford James Eggers Samson Tu Patricia Jordan Shirley Wodtke James Heckenbach Brendan Eich Ann Verdi Mark & Petra Kinsman Curt Wohlgemuth Harriett Huls David Fichtner Lauren Villegas Elaine Kitagawa Doug & Pam Wong Barry & Ginger Langdon- Lassagne Ursula Gallichotte Avocet Sponsor James & Judy Kuhl Nick & KC Yatsko Inman Gallogly Ann Lam James Yurchenco Marlene Macek Mary Gill ($100-$249) Jeff & Maureen LaTourrette Gretchen Zane Jim Meikrantz Nicola & Gary Gordon Michael Armer Tom Lipkis Floy & Dave Zittin Lisa Miller Sylvia Alderman Mary Murphy Ross & Karen Heitkamp Andy Lott Burrowing Owl Lucia Heldt Alvaro’s Adventures Bill Lundgren Melanie O’Brien James & Margaret Alfonso Banuelos Margaret MacNiven ($250-$499) Franklin & Susan Orr Hohenshelt Margaret Barron Linda & Jerry Mar Douglas & Jacqueline Bell April Pufahl Richard Hopf, MD Joyce Bartlett Joseph & Dorian Martinka Ann W Bender John Richardson John & Freddy Howell Janice Broock Marilyn Kay Matthews Ida Braun Golden Eagle Jill Jensen Phyllis Browning Hugh & Debbie McDevitt Mike Danzenbaker Louis Caputo Donald & Elaine Dvorak ($1000+) Paul Johannessen Joanne & Doug McFarlin Benevity Community Chris & John Knight Allen Carkner George & Lilo Miller Alan Eisner Dudley Carlson John & Georgiana Flaherty Impact Fund Elizabeth & Robert Lennie John Moore Thomas Grey David Lewis Dina Cheyette Jack & Mary Ellen Morton Marilynn Gallaway John Colwell James Hunter Bob Hirt Jim & Sue Liskovec Brian O’Connor Wayne Krill Jing Liu Jennifer Couperus Tina Petrigni Lawrence & Joan Johnston Craig Cummings Marion Krause Steven Patt Donald & Nancy Lorenzen Richard Rairden J. Holley Taylor Chris MacIntosh Colleen & Gary Siddharthan Michael & Roxanne Laine Margaret Magnee Cunningham Ramachandramurthi Ann Latta SCVAS Events Calendar Make 2018 Your Sat. 3/3; 10:00AM-1:00PM Tues. 3/13 & 4/10; 10:00AM Cavity Nesters Recovery Program Eve Case Bird Discussion Group Year of the Bird! Orientation and Training Meets at the home of Rosalind McClellan Ranch Preserve, Cupertino Roberts: 100 Kathy Ct, Los Gatos. Check out the links below for ways See details at scvas.org/cnrp Call Rosalind with questions at (408) you can get involved. 395-6631. Wed. 3/7 & 4/4; 7:30-9:00PM Topic 3/13: Nightingales and Larks • Join Birdathon! scvas.org/birdathon Bay Area Bird Photographers Topic 4/10: Finches Embarcadero Room, Rinconada • Attend a field trip! Library Fri. 3/16 & 4/13; 12:30-2:00PM scvas.org/fieldtrips 1213 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA Nature Journaling with • Volunteer! scvas.org/volunteer Topic 3/7: “Uganda Wonderland” John Muir Laws with Mark Rauzon McClellan Ranch Preserve, Cupertino • Donate to bird conservation and Topic 4/4: “Madagascar’s Free workshops for all ages! No education! scvas.org/donate Photogenic Wildlife” with Doug RSVP required; please be on time. • Sign up for Action Alerts! Cheeseman See calendar at scvas.org for more scvas.org/getinvolved See scvas.org/babp for more details. details. • Make your home safe for birds! Sat. 4/21; 10:00AM-3:00PM scvas.org/athome Rummage Sale! • Become a member! McClellan Ranch Preserve, Cupertino scvas.org/member See details on page 11.

The Avocet 10 The Avocet 11 Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society Non-Profit Organization 22221 McClellan Road U.S. Postage Paid Cupertino, CA 95014 San Jose, CA Phone: 408-252-3747 Permit No. 5869 Fax: 408-252-2850 E-mail: [email protected] www.scvas.org

New Members of SCVAS Those who joined December 1st, 2017 - January 31st, 2018. Go Paperless! We look forward to a great year with your support! Want to go green and feel great about Suzanne Abel Victoria Farrell Milka Kralj Erin Rouland it? Sign up to receive your newsletter Menaz Ali Louise Foody Sarah Lee Juan Sanchez via email and enjoy these benefits: Niki Anderson Leticia Avila Garcia Patricia Ley Martha Schauss Christine Bobb Nils Giffon Oletta Sue Longo Madeliene Scheiman • Save resources - eNewsletters Janice Broock Lucia Godinez Lauren Mitchell Aioan Sinha Andy Butcher Diane Heckman Kalpana Mulay Brandon Slocum save trees, postage, fuel, etc. Fanghong Chen Richard Hopf, MD Lisette Narragon Linda Solis • No waiting for the mail - get your Denise Clark Lucy Hunter Nachiket Paranjape Leonard Tobias Shirley Davis Karla Jackson Barry Patrick Corito Tolentino newsletter up to 2 weeks sooner! Cynthia A Denny Paul Johannessen Susan Pelmulder Bruce W Tolley Genevieve Deppong Anne-Loiuse Kardas Nancie Plumb Lauren Villegas • Get a FREE SCVAS pin! Samved Divekar Frederic Khan Prathiba Govinda Raju Sharon Vorse-Yu Contact the SCVAS office at Brendan Eich Elaine Kitagawa Rajesh Rathi Nancy Emro Chris & John Knight James Reed [email protected] to start your paper-free membership today! And thank you to those who renewed their membership! STAFF Environmental Advocate Shani Kleinhaus, [email protected] Executive Director (650) 868-2114 Education and Outreach Manager Ralph Schardt, [email protected] Environmental Advocacy Associate Kelly Alfrey, [email protected] (408) 252-3748 Mackenzie Mossing, [email protected] (408) 627-7172 Office Manager (408) 394-0330 Education Programs Coordinator Tracy Neher, [email protected] Burrowing Owl Conservation Kelsey Frey, [email protected] (408) 252-3747 Sandra Menzel, [email protected] (408) 252-3740 (831) 431-3301 Office Fax (408) 252-2850 MONTHLY SPEAKER SERIES are NATURE SHOP HOURS Office E-mail [email protected] held on the third Wednesday of each month Monday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Website www.scvas.org except July, August and December and are Tuesday - Friday 10:00AM - 4:30PM open to the public. Saturday 10:00AM - 2:00PM SCVAS is a private, non-profit corporation affiliated with the National Audubon Society. Details available on the SCVAS website. Please call (408) 252-3747 for special requests. BOARD OF DIRECTORS meetings are open to all members. Call the office at (408) 252-3747 for times and directions. OFFICERS DIRECTORS President Treasurer Mike Armer Vivek Khanzode Diane Hart Don McDougall Tom Grey John Richardson Vice President Secretary Peter Hart Gabrielle Feldman Joan Leighton Bob Hirt

Avocet Editor: Kelly Alfrey 2018 Volume 66, Number 2 C1ZC140Z Assistant Avocet Editor: Kelsey Frey The Avocet 12