Volume 60, Number 10 July/August 2015 Gates to Open for New Birding Location in County The John Muir Land Trust announced in late May it has agreed to buy the 600-acre Carr Ranch in rural Moraga from a family that has grazed cattle there for a century. The nearly square mile of hilly grazing land with sweeping views of the Bay Area is being bought to preserve it for open space and recreation. The land trust changed its name re- cently from Muir Heritage Land Trust to John Muir Land Trust to emphasize the inspiration it gets from John Muir.

John Muir Land Trust Executive Director Linus Eukel opens a gate on the Carr Ranch property in Moraga. Photo: Aric Crabb, Bay Area News Group. "The purchase is of south, and Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette and regional significance," Suisun Bay to the north. JMLT said Linus Eukel, the To the east is EBMUD's Rocky Ridge land trust's executive property famous for big rocks, and also Las director. "This is about Trampas Regional Park, which has a trail John Muir Land Trust manages eleven protecting water at its source." Buying the along Las Trampas Ridge between Moraga other properties in Contra Costa Coun- land prevents housing development that and Alamo and Danville. ty: Fernandez Ranch, Franklin Canyon, could lead to erosion and pesticide-laden Acalanes Ridge, Sky Ranch, Dutra Ranch, runoff flowing into the reservoir. Gustin Ranch, Mount Wanda, Contra The land trust bought the land to pro- Meeting Schedule Costa Goldfields, Pacheco Marsh, Bodfish tect open space, wildlife habitat, and the Te next general meeting of Mount Preserve, Stonehurst, and West Hills Farm. quality of water runoff. Some grazing on the Diablo Audubon Society will be The Carr Ranch is home to Golden land will continue. But the public will get Tursday, September 3, in the Eagle, mountain lion, Alameda whipsnake, access for birdwatching, hiking, horseback Camellia Room of Te Gardens at American badger, western pond turtle and riding and other low-key recreation some Heather Farm, Walnut Creek. many other species essential to our ecosys- time after the sale is completed around No general meetings are scheduled tem. Carr Ranch has oak and California bay June, 2016, the land trust said. for July or August. Please come to laurel tree forests, grasslands, three ponds, one or all of the birding field trips On a tour of the site, land trust em- as described on Page 4. and several perennial springs that flow to ployees showed off hilly land with views of Everyone is invited. Upper San Leandro Reservoir. the reservoir and San Francisco Bay to the DEDICATED TO HABITAT CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION the Quail —1— July/August 2015 President’s Corner By Jimm Edgar I read a couple of very good articles re- fascinating to read. Te boreal forest is 1.5 cently. One was on June 3 in the CC Times billion acres and the article pointed out that and the SF Chronicle. Te article was about between 1 and 3 billion birds spend their a California Condor that was being reha- summers breeding in these forests. Tere bilitated at the Oakland Zoo. Te condor's are also many wetlands and a lot of tundra. name is Miracle. It was the first condor Corporations have their eyes on this land’s chick to be born completely in the wild in plentiful resources and without adequate the Big Sur area. Ten she got lead poison- protection much could be lost. Tere has ing from feeding on carcasses that had been been a new campaign called Boreal Birds shot by hunters using lead shot. She is doing Need Half: Maintaining North America's well and they think she may be able to be Bird Nursery and Why It Matters that is returned to the wild in a few weeks if they providing direction on how to provide White-crowned Sparrow, Point Reyes can remove the lead from her system. Lead birds the best fighting chance of surviving Beth Branthaver photo shot will not be allowed in shells by 2019, the dual threats of habitat loss and climate the legislation that passed on that exclusion change. At least half of the boreal forest was championed by Audubon California. should be protected from industrial devel- There was a lot of fighting to not have opment. It is just one of those many things Z you don’t think about; but it is so critical. the bill pass, but it did. Te NRA was the All of these mis-named birds primary opponent. What a shame it would We completed our eighth year of the No in the UK are owned by the be to have saved the California Condor and Child Left Inside program in late May with Q Queen, and a Warden makes then lose them to lead poisoning. Again our again a large number of school children an annual census of all those Audubon California was what made this law getting a chance to see birds as many of us on the Tames. happen. Good for us. do. You can read all about it in this issue Unscramble these letters, or turn to Te other article I read was in the New of the Quail. Tis is one of the best things Page 7 to learn more. York Times on May 30. Te title of the ar- our Mount Diablo chapter has ever done. ticle was “Saving Canada’s Boreal Forest.” We will take some summer time off AEMNSTUW Scott Weidensaul, who has written many and be back in September with our general books on birds, was the author. It was just meetings. We will see you then. Good News for Flamingos In the early 1800s, people who visited track in north- coastal areas in southern Florida in winter ern Miami-Dade were met with an astounding sight: hun- County. Or it’s dreds of thousands of American Flamingos. possible they mi- Te majestic pink bird, endemic to Central grated up here and South America and the Caribbean, from the Baha- wintered in Florida’s tropical climes. By mas or Mexico. the end of the century, however, European To find out, settlers seemed to have eradicated the leggy scientists and waders through feather and egg harvesting, biologists from and ever since the birds have been scarce in the National Park the Sunshine State—until recently. Service and Mi- A few years ago, ornithologists and ami Zoo, with biologists spotted a number of these long- support from the American Flamingos. Photo: Curt Dalton, National Audubon necked birds in a portion of the Everglades Tropical Audubon Society and others, are year. It’s a win-win solution: People get to ecosystem in Central Florida. Te flamin- attaching satellite transmitters on flamingos see flamingos, and the birds can go about gos were hanging out in a water treatment to track their journeys. their business undisturbed. facility—Stormwater Treatment Area 2 When word got out that flamingos (STA2), a 9,000-acre constructed wetland were in STA2, a number of birders began The Quail is published monthly except built to remove excess nutrients from the sneaking into the restricted area to see January and August by Mount Diablo water supply. them. Realizing that the draw of flamingos Audubon Society, P.O. Box 53, Walnut Te big question is, are these escapees was likely irresistible, the water district Creek, CA 94597-0053. Te Quail is printed or are they wild birds? It’s possible that reached out to Audubon Society of the on 30% post-consumer waste recycled paper. Te deadline for the September they broke free from the captive population Everglades about leading weekly car tours issue is August 11. that’s spent the past 73 years at Hialea Race- to the area, which began in March of this the Quail —2— July/August 2015 Young Birders By Tracy Farrington Observations By Maury Stern Mid-May is an important time of year for birders as Spring migration for many Te past month has been one of breed- At Mount Diablo Blue Oak camp- species in our area is just about at its peak, ing, with many newborns about and suet ground KH and HF saw a Lesser Night- or somewhat beyond. Bearing this in mind, and seeds being consumed rapidly. Un- hawk 5/29. several members of the Mount Diablo usual birds, as usual, were to be seen in the Audubon Young Birders Club, including P&NS saw Black-chinned Hum- mountains and Great Basin area. several parents and adult supporters, mingbirds at the end of Bethel Island made their way to Mitchell Canyon on the Tere were still two Brant off Albany Road 5/12. DH had a visit 5/29 at his Wal- morning of Saturday, May 16, for a field Bulb 5/27. KM. nut Creek home and JR had one continu- trip to this significant location in northern KH saw breeding Gadwalls at Mar- ing through the period. California. Te weather conditions were icich Lagoon at Briones RP 5/26, with A Rufous visited the most favorable and bird song was rich and three adults and ten ducklings. Lafayette home of BP 5/21. abundant. Te trip produced 45 species, A Green pair had two young A Pileated Woodpecker was at Lake and Erica Kawata generously volunteered in a nest at Heather Farm reported 5/20 by Anza in Tilden Park 5/17. CW. to record our tally on eBird as we traveled. HH, TF, RH, FS, and ACS. P&NS saw a Willow Flycatcher at In addition to myself, our trip was at- An Osprey was over the large pond at Contra Loma Park 5/21 and had a Pacific- tended by Dagny Bradford-Urban, Jennifer the Martinez Regional Shoreline on 5/21. IA. Slope Flycatcher in their yard in Antioch Xu, Grace Pang, Michael Pang, Max Pang, A Bald Eagle flew over the Contra 5/14. Kai Mills, Erica Kawata, Diana Cavanaugh, Loma RP 5/15. P&NS. A late Ruby-crowned Kinglet was at and my guest, Ryan Janke, a post-doctoral Point Pinole RP 5/17. KW. fellow at Cal and a fine birder, as well. Golden Eagles were at Sibley Vol- canic Regional Preserve 5/18, PY, 5/28, Swainson’s Trushes visited the Te Young Birders Club will visit Lind- PD, 5/31, WP. One was also seen near the Antioch yard of P&NS 5/12, and the Mar- say Wildlife Museum (now known as the junction of Old Briones Road and Briones tinez yard of JB 5/23. Lindsay Wildlife Experience), for a special Crest Road in Briones RP. 5/27, LF. Both and exclusive program on July 13 featur- A MacGillivray’s Warbler was at the are near known nesting areas. ing some close encounters with several 0.25 mile marker on the Inspiration Point fascinating creatures, and some behind the Two Black Oystercatchers at Iron Trail in Tilden RP 5/17. DW. Probably the scenes activities. House Sanitary District 5/14. BYW. same bird has been at that spot for several years now. Here are some remarks in the words A late Dunlin was at the SF Bay Trail of three of our very enthusiastic members: near 51st Street in Richmond 5/21. MB. A late Lincoln’s Sparrow was at Lake Four were in and around Anza 5/17. GC. “I was excited to attend another Mount Barn the Barn box near the Heather Farm were at two homes Diablo Audubon Society field trip to Mitch- Hooded Orioles Garden Center 6/7. HH, RH. in Lafayette. NL 5/26 and ER 5/31. ell Canyon. We talked about birds and spotting them. We stopped at one tree and JCS saw Burrowing Owls in Brent- IA Isaac Aronow, JB Jackie Bobrosky, saw many warblers. We also got good looks wood near Pioneer Elementary School 5/26. MB Mary Burmester, GC Graham Ch- at numerous Black-headed Grosbeaks and isholm, PD Pete Davis, HF Hank Fabian, a pair of Western Tanagers. A few Lazuli Hawk. I found an abandoned California TF Tracy Farrington, LF Lee Friedman, Buntings, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and Quail nest. As we walked, we decided to HH Hugh Harvey, RH Rosita Harvey, KH Yellow Warblers were also seen. I enjoyed take a detour. We were rewarded with a Kevin Hintsma, DH David Hutton, NL every Mount Diablo Audubon Young Bird- Black-chinned Hummingbird, a Lazuli Bun- Norm Lustig, KM Kai Mills, WP Wendy ers Club trip so far and wish to attend many ting, another Anna's, a Red-tailed Hawk, Parfrey, BP Bernt Pettersson, ER Ellen Re- more in the future.” Michael Pang, age 12 five Turkey Vultures, and a pair of Mourn- intjes, JR Jean Richmond, FS Fred Safer, "I met up with Tracy Farrington at ing Doves. We also saw a California Striped P&NS Paul and Nancy Schorr, JCS Juan- the parking lot. We waited for the other Racer snake! As we came down, I found a Carlos Solis, ACS Ann-Charlott Stenberg, birders to arrive, and then set off on our scorpion, too. After that I had to leave early, KW Kurt Wahl, BYW Betty Young Weber, hike. We saw many European Starlings, but still, it was an amazing experience!" DW Dave Weber, CW Christine Woo, PY Acorn Woodpeckers, Western Scrub-Jays, Dagny Bradford-Urban, age 11 Pam Young, Wild Turkeys, and California Quail. As we “I really enjoyed the birding trip to walked, we saw some male Anna's Hum- Mitchell Canyon. It was fun to be birding Q mingbirds displaying to a female. We came in a group and there's more people to help Submit Contra Costa County sightings to to a hill and saw a lot of migrants such as spot the birds. I really liked how we saw [email protected] or (925) 284-5980 or White-throated Swifts, a Yellow Warbler, so many different colors in the birds even send to EBB [email protected]. If a Black-headed Grosbeak, a Pacific-slope though none of them were particularly rare. you report sightings to eBird, please also Flycatcher, and a resident Red-shouldered Grace Pang, age 10 send to Maury Stern. the Quail —3— July/August 2015 Field Trip Schedule By Hugh Harvey July 11‒12 Saturday/Sunday ...... Lassen Volcanic National Park Saturday, August 22 18 Saturday ...... San Mateo Coast Bodega Bay August Leader: Fred Safier, (925) 937‒2906. 22 Saturday ...... Bodega Bay Carpool leaves Sun Valley at 7:30 AM. Meet at the Tides Restaurant on water side of Highway 1 in Bodega at 9:15 AM. Saturday/Sunday, July 11‒12 Take I-680 across the Benicia Bridge (toll). Go west on I-780 Lassen Volcanic National Park to I-80 towards Sacramento, exit to SR 37. Follow SR 37 to Leader: Eugenia Larson, (925) 806‒0644. Lakeville Road, turn right. In Petaluma turn left on E. Wash- ington Street and continue on Bodega Road, Valley Ford Road We are suggesting that participants camp at Manzanita and SR 1 to Bodega Bay. Walk through or around Te Tides Lake this year. Since the reservable campsites are already to find the group viewing the harbor birds from the outdoor taken, participants will have to camp in the two loops (B and seating. Possibilities at Bodega Bay include flocks of shorebirds D) that are non-reservable. Te earlier you arrive, the better including Black Oystercatcher, Wandering Tattler, Marbled chance you will have of getting a camp site. (Gary and I plan Godwit, as well as , gulls, cormorants and much more. on getting there on Monday ahead of time so I don’t think we’ll Bring lunch, liquids and sunscreen. have a problem, but if people wait until Friday afternoon, they may not get a site.) For those who wish to get a motel, type in “Motels in the Lassen Park area” and you will get a selection of places to stay, both north and south of the park. Since most of these establishments are fairly small, you should make your reservations ASAP. Te group will meet at the entrance to Manzanita Campground on Saturday, July 11th at 7:30 a.m. Please have your lunch and beverages in your vehicle with you. Eugenia Larson, [email protected]

Saturday, July 18 San Mateo Coast Leader: Beth Branthaver, (925) 944‒1856. Carpool leaves at 7:30 AM from Sycamore Valley Road Park and Ride. Meet at 9 AM at overlook at Pescadero Beach on Bodega Bay. Ellis Myers photo. Highway 1 across from Pescadero Road. Go south on I-680, turn west on I-580 to I-238, follow to I-880, then south to SR 92. Cross the San Mateo Bridge (toll) and continue to Half Field trips are open to members and non-members, beginners Moon Bay. Turn south on SR 1, go 15 miles to Pescadero Road, and advanced birders, but not dogs. Weather or other contingen- turn right into parking lot. Bring lunch and sunscreen—one cies may require changes. For updates, visit the MDAS website can get badly burned on a foggy day at the seashore. Early at www.diabloaudubon.com/index.php. Phone area codes are returning shorebirds, gulls and seabirds. 925 unless specified otherwise. Because most trips do not return until late afternoon, bring a lunch and drink and join us during our midday break. Category : Easy, little or no walking, smooth paths You have had a very successful year of field trips which Category : Moderate, one mile +, possibly rough terrain is now almost finished. After the field trips scheduled for Category : Difficult, extensive walking on rough terrain. July and August, you will have completed 42 trips. Four Our Mount Diablo Audubon Chapter is a conservation additional trips were rained out. By the time you read this, organization. As such, we encourage members to consider over 400 participants will have gone birding with MDAS. meeting at the carpool point to pick up or ride with others. On July 22, we will have our annual planning meeting for It is important that given the cost of gasoline, those who the coming year. It is scheduled to be at Jean Richmond's ride with others offer to pay some of this cost. Don’t forget house in Alamo, at 7 PM. Light refreshment will be provided. about any bridge tolls or park entry fees on some of our Te meeting is intended not to be just for the lead- longer trips. Carpool location: Sycamore ValleyRoad Park ers; it is a chance for the membership to express input and Ride Lot—Just south of Danville, exit I-680 at Sycamore to the planning process. Ideas for new field trips and Valley Road to the east; the Park and Ride lot is on the left. new leaders are welcomed. For further information, call Sun Valley—Southwest corner of the Sun Valley Mall park- Hugh Harvey at 935‒2979 or Jean at 837‒2843. Thank ing— lot at Willow Pass Road and Contra Costa Boulevard you for being such strong supporters of your field trips. in Concord. the Quail —4— July/August 2015 At the SF State Sierra Nevada Field Trip Reports Campus, we found an American Dipper West Briones Regional Park, May 17. upstream from the bridge. Many Evening Seven of us gathered with clouds threat- Grosbeaks visited their seed feeders. But ening rain for the West Briones field trip. we continued downhill to visit a burned A Lazuli Bunting greeted us with song area near Bassetts Station, parking below from his usual spot in the top of the tree and walking up into a very small portion in the parking lot. We had good views of of the burned trees. We found many birds Orange-crowned Warblers and a Pacific- here, including American Robin, MacGil- slope Flycatcher singing. In addition, livray’s Warbler, White-headed Wood- lots of singing Warbling Vireos, Wilson's pecker, Brown Creeper, Hairy Woodpecker, Warblers, Hutton's Vireos and Chestnut- and one the whole group had not seen backed Chickadees. Good views of an Al- for a number of years, the Black-backed len's Hummingbird in the creek bed west Woodpecker. A male flew in almost right of Homestead Valley. By the end of the over our heads and tapped on a part of the morning we had 38 species and zero drops bark, which had lifted away from a burned of rain. Beth Branthaver tree. Now we knew how it made that loud, hollow sound. YubaPass/Sierra Valley, May 30-31. Te We finished sometime after noon by timing of the trip to Yuba Pass is always driving the rest of the way to Bassetts Sta- difficult to predict. For many years the tion for lunch and doing our checklist. We Chapter has gone the weekend closest to all enjoyed the Calliope the summer solstice, the longest day of the Black-backed Woodpecker. Beth Branthaver photo. which came to the feeders there. But some, year. But because we had little snow last sadly, had to depart for home, while oth- year, we went a week early and had trouble ers of us could stay one more night in the finding birds. Tis year we also had a lack way. A lucky few saw Wilson’s Phalaropes, mountains, sitting around a campfire before of snow, so the leaders decided to go even and we were treated to a spectacular display sleeping under the enormous trees. two weeks earlier. It was a gamble, but one of hundreds of American White Hugh Harvey which paid well for the 23 participants. We flying in Vs overhead. Outer Point Reyes, June 6. Our annual mostly stayed together as a group, but some After lunch in Loyalton, we checked trip to outer Point Reyes turned out to be of the participants visited other areas over the Rotary Club picnic area south of town foggy with the overcast either at ground the weekend, and our cumulative total of and had Lazuli Buntings, a nesting Lewis’s level or slightly above; later in the day it species seen and heard was 105 by Sunday Woodpecker, and Black-headed Grosbeak. lifted somewhat, and a little sun came after lunch. Driving back to Sierraville, we saw Black- through. Eight participants turned out for While we intended to visit the Sierra billed Magpies. the day’s activities. Since over the previ- Valley Saturday, it was impossible to ignore After a rest followed by dinner at a ous four or five days several migrants had the birds near the parking lot at the Pass. Mexican restaurant in Sierraville, we tried been observed, we were hopeful that some Cassin’s Finches, Evening Grosbeaks and several places unsuccessfully for Common might still be around. Best bird of the day, Pine Siskins flocked along the road to the Nighthawks, including the old truck scale a Magnolia Warbler, was found among the west. A Hairy Woodpecker nest hole was just out of town and the scenic view on the cypresses on the trail out from the parking just 50 yards from the corner, and a Red- way uphill to Yuba Pass. We then drove lot to Chimney Rock. At Drake’s Beach breasted Nuthatch nest was behind the stop about a mile above the campground and we heard Yellow and Wilson Warblers sign across the highway. Also, Red-breasted tried again, also unsuccessfully. We did, as well as a Swainson’s Thrush among Sapsuckers had drilled many sap wells in a however, hear a Common Poorwill, and the willows, and Common Yellowthroat large pine just off the parking lot corner. after about half of the remaining group and Marsh Wren in the reeds around the But we did go to the valley and our first left, it came in close enough to be seen as a pond. Mendoza Ranch yielded a solitary stop was Mountain Quail Road, where we lifer by several. Ten, before leaving, we did female Bufflehead and the resident Great had a singing Green-tailed Towhee atop a hear the boom of a Common Nighthawk. Horned Owl, while at Nunes Ranch and small pine, and a Gray Flycatcher building a While we were preparing to sleep in the the Lighthouse cypresses, little of note nest a little farther along the dirt road. Te campground, a Great Horned Owl hooted was encountered except for omni-present sparrow corner east of Calpine had singing just one time. White-crowned and a few Song Sparrows. Brewer’s Sparrows. Sunday morning had the same birds Chimney Rock proved be the more “birdy” The sage and marsh habitats at the close to the parking lot at Yuba Pass, but spot of the day—here, of note, we found north end of the valley offered wonderful we took a walk and added Wilson’s and the Magnolia Warbler, Pigeon Guillemots, birds, including Sage Trashers, Yellow- Hermit Warblers, Warbling Vireo, Lin- Common, Pacific and Red-throated , headed Blackbirds, White-faced Ibis, an coln’s Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Dusky and a Red-breasted Merganser. After com- American Bittern, Sandhill Cranes and a Flycatcher, Western Tanager and Western piling our list for the day, we found we had Swainson’s Hawk on a nest near the high- Wood-Pewee. seen or heard 47 species. David Hutton the Quail —5— July/August 2015 By Paul Schorr asked where it all began, they just might No Child Left Inside say, “Contra Loma Regional Park with vol- unteers from MDAS.” The field activities at Contra Loma Regional Park were preceded earlier in the spring by classroom activities. On March 13, Jenny Papka from Native Bird Connec- tions initiated the 2015 program by doing an introductory lesson on bird anatomy and behavior. During her presentation she used a Red-tailed Hawk, an American Kestrel and a Eurasian Eagle-Owl which drew much enthusiasm and excitement from the students, a great way to promote this year’s program. On April 14 and 16, Nancy and Paul Schorr collaborated to do classroom presentations to introduce and instruct the students on the proper use of binoculars which had been purchased by MDAS. In addition, each student received a checklist of birds for Contra Loma Regional Park. Concluding this lesson, the students were introduced to the Cornell book, Bird Songs, so they could learn and appreciate bird vocalizations, as well as study the Te MDAS “No Child Left Inside” Pro- MDAS field trips, the groups tallied the illustrations and information about the gram concluded this year’s activities on May number of species seen and/or heard, and target birds to be seen or heard during the 19 and 21 by taking 87 fifth grade students the total number of species for both days field trips. Tese books were left with the from Jack London Elementary School in was 39. Highlights included the following: teachers to use in the classrooms until the Antioch to nearby Contra Loma Regional a Red-shouldered Hawk nest; Swainson’s days of the field trips. Park and Reservoir. Their teachers and Trush; Osprey; Western Bluebirds and parent volunteers were joined by fourteen Tree Swallows bringing food to nestlings in MDAS volunteers to enjoy two mornings nest boxes; American White ; Mal- "One day's exposure to of good, introductory birding. Te MDAS lard and Canada Goose families; Common mountains is better than volunteers were Jimm Edgar, Tracy Far- Gallinule; Nuttall’s Woodpecker; American rington, Barbara Minneman, Jackie Bo- Robin and Bullock’s Oriole nests with adults a cartload of books." brosky, Bruce Kronmiller, Mike Tischler, bringing food to nestlings; and a Green Maury Stern, David Hutton, Hugh Harvey, Heron. Barbara Minneman enhanced her John Muir Claudia Hein, Nancy Salsig, Carol Pachl, station with a life-sized replica that repre- Nancy Schorr and Paul Schorr. Te groups sented the wingspans of many of the birds In summary, MDAS, through the No enjoyed pleasant spring weather on both to be seen, with the wingspan of the Golden Child Left Inside Program, has made a days. On each day the students were divided Eagle as the maximum length. Ten she strong commitment to fulfilling its mission into six groups and they rotated among six had the students measure their arm lengths of dedication to environmental education, birding stations on or near Loma Island, according to the model. Most of their arm and during the past eight years has brought each station being monitored by a MDAS lengths approximated the wingspan of a this program to hundreds of children. volunteer(s) with a spotting scope. Each of Turkey Vulture, which they saw. MDAS can be very proud of this highly the students skillfully used a pair of bin- All of the volunteers had many teach- successful program which has served as a oculars that had been purchased by MDAS able moments and they were rewarded with model for other Education Outreach pro- for purposes such as this activity and other the subsequent excitement and enthusiasm grams. Te success of the NCLI Program Education Outreach programs. Following of the students. At the conclusion of the would not be possible without the continu- this activity, the groups walked from the days’ programs, each student received a ing support and involvement of all of the reservoir to an open area with views of copy of the book entitled Backyard Birds MDAS volunteers. Teir participation is the very dry oak and buckeye-dotted hills, of California which had been purchased greatly appreciated, and on behalf of all of an introduction to the California savan- by MDAS. Troughout the activities the the children, thanks to each of them. nah. From this location the students also students appeared to retain much of what It should also be noted that MDAS is learned the importance of habitats created they had learned, and I am confident that grateful to the East Bay Regional Park Dis- for California Quail and other animals, the they will recall their experiences for a long, trict and the staff at Contra Loma Regional Western Bluebird/Tree Swallow nest boxes, long time. Hopefully, some of them some- Park for their continuing support of the No and nearby bat houses. After lunch, as on day will even become birders and when Child Left Inside Program. the Quail —6— July/August 2015 late their temperature better. Most food where cats can hide and pounce. Tey Can You Spare a provides little water, so birds must find should also be high enough to help deter Little Water? other sources. rats and squirrels. By Mike Eliot Bird baths should be very shallow, usu- Birds are not easily attracted to still ally 2 inches in depth at most. Some birds standing water. Drippers that bubble water With both a hot summer and a drought, will completely immerse in water while up or outward make baths easier to spot our backyard birds need to stay hydrated others just preen from the edges. Clean and keep the water fresher. Water wigglers and cool. Bird baths can be the most impor- sand or small stones help birds footing in cause wave motion in the water helping tant thing we can provide in hot weather. slippery baths. birds find baths, while keeping algae and A bath will attract more birds to your yard Change water at least every mosquitos down. other day, even daily on hot days. Some birds will splash around for 20‒30 minutes, so you need to watch the level. Most baths use less than a gallon a day, so it shouldn’t have a big effect on your water usage. Regular cleaning prevents most algae. Watch for build-up of algae or leaves and cleanse with a Water misters use very little water and and you can expect to see different birds strong brush. Use only bird bath algae- are a favorite of hummingbirds, who love that do not come to feeders. cides, not bleach, to get rid of algae. to wet their wings in mid-air. Most local birds bathe and drink water Baths should be placed in open areas, So spare some water for the birds and every day. Clean feathers help then regu- at least 5 feet away from shrubs and trees enjoy the show. Mute Swan Cygnus olor Mute Swans have been Although infrequent visitors to Contra domesticated since the 12th Costa County, Mute Swans have been re- century. Native to northern ported to eBird this year at such places as and central Eurasia, they are large, undeni- McNabney Marsh, Mallard Reservoir, Dow ably beautiful and impressive in flight, but Wetlands, and Clifton Court Forebay. Tey despised by many serious birders and con- are fairly common at Shollenberger Park in servationists because they are aggressive Petaluma. and can be destructive of native species. Mute swans are on California’s re- Many are being killed in cull programs, es- stricted species list and cannot be imported, pecially on the East Coast and Great Lakes transported, or possessed without a permit. area, where the largest North American Mute swans are voracious feeders of populations are established. Adult birds are SAV, submerged aquatic vegetation, with Mute Swan. Ellis Myers photo. easily identified by their large size, bright each adult swan consuming up to eight orange bill, conspicuous black knob above pounds per day, and destroying much more to [email protected], or by calling S the bill, long neck usually held in an -curve, in the process. SAV is an important part of (866) 440-9530. and all-white plumage. Tey sometimes aquatic ecosystems as it provides food and Despite the common name, Mute swim with wings raised and arched—the shelter for native waterfowl, fish, and inver- Swans make a variety of hissing and honk- pose that is often transformed into designs tebrates. By consuming massive amounts ing sounds, and their wings make a noisy for fanciful carriages, carousel seats, and of SAV, Mute Swans negatively impact hum in flight. pedal boats. the aquatic habitats native species depend Te swan is prominent in mythology But the beautiful yet aggressive Mute upon. Additionally, Mute Swans are aggres- and legend—from the story of Jupiter turn- Swan could become a serious problem sive towards other birds, as well as disrupt- ing himself into a swan in order to seduce if allowed to proliferate uncontrolled. ing nesting activity of native waterfowl by Leda, to the Irish legend of The Children This Eurasian native was introduced to chasing birds from their nests. Tey have of Lir, about a wicked stepmother who New York state in the 1800s as a popular been reported to physically injure or kill turned her four stepchildren into swans and decorative bird for zoos and private gar- other birds. Mute Swans have been re- sentenced them to remain so for 900 years. dens—but the birds got away. Tey have ported to attack people and, in some cases, Mute Swans were said to be silent until since established themselves across the have critically injured children and pets. just before their death, when they sing a Eastern Seaboard as wild, successfully If you observe this species in California, beautiful, mournful song. This misconcep- breeding birds and in some cases edging you are asked to report your sighting to the tion evolved into the idiom "Swan song", a native waterfowl from local environments. CDFW Invasive Species Program by e-mail final performance before one's retirement. . the Quail —7— July/August 2015 William MacGillivray » Continued from Page 12 qualified a person as a scientist of botany or pedition with bird skins of their own col- With not enough funds to include color plates zoology. His outspoken views offended those lecting, and also at least two discovered by of his illustrations, the books were not useful whose primary studies were examination of others, Tolmie's new warbler and the first to birders for field identification. Aditionally, preserved collections. He admitted to being recorded specimen of Black Oystercatcher. he had earned the dislike of many of his aca- "somewhat rude or at least blunt," but he felt In Townsend's 1839 report of his trip, he demic contemporaries, who unjustly accused that being right meant he need not apologize named the warbler for his friend, but he him of copying Audubon's writing in a tragic when pointing out others' errors. In a letter and Nuttall eventually sold over 90 of the reversal of reality. To top it off, a book with to a friend, he wrote, "To those really the same name published at the same desirous of information respecting time by William Yarnell became the our native species, I would say, let standard popular reference largely us betake ourselves to the fields and because it was well-received by those woods; let us traverse the hills and who so strongly criticized MacGil- valleys together; let us there study livray's effort. our favourites, pursue them from A collection of 214 drawings brake to bush." and paintings deposited with the He became curator of the mu- Natural History Museum in Lon- seum for the Royal College of don by his family demonstrates Surgeons in Edinburgh—with Sat- the reason Audubon himself com- urdays officially free for trips to the mented that MacGillivray's were countryside—and then was named "decidedly the best representations professor of natural history at Mari- of birds I have seen." His years in schal College, Aberdeen. Tere, he Raven, by Wlliam MacGillivray, London Natural History Museum. the field had enabled him to pro- also founded its Natural History duce evocative, naturalistic repre- Museum. An accomplished watercolorist, skins to Audubon. Nearly a seventh of all sentations of animals within their authentic he produced precise, detailed images of the birds pictured in Birds of North America environments. His expert knowledge of plants and animals in their natural sur- came from that collection, including the botany yielded compositions which placed roundings. He illustrated his own published new warbler. Audubon had originally birds with the plant communities where works and those of others, and from 1830 to thought it the same as the Mourning War- they would normally be found. 1842 authored seven major books covering bler of the east and produced an illustra- William MacGillivray left more than an amazing range of topics. Titles included tion of the latter using the skin Nuttall a perhaps undeserved name on a North Lives of Eminent Zoologists from Aristotle to had provided as his source. When Nuttall American warbler as his legacy. His dis- Linnaeus, Descriptions of Rapacious Birds, demonstrated that the two were distinct, tinction between the Hooded and Carrion A Systematic Arrangement of British Plants, Audubon made a new plate for the eastern Crows was vindicated in 2002 with the A History of British Quadrupeds, plus bird. He included the two illustrations in Hooded Crow given species status on the manuals of botany and ornithology. his final volume, giving the western bird the basis of DNA evidence. A posthumous book, His crowning work, a five volume name Sylvia macgillivrayi, after his editor Natural History of Deeside and Braemar History of British Birds," took 15 years to and scientific advisor. Townsend was much was published under the auspices of Queen complete, in part because he devoted a annoyed, as his publication date of April Victoria. MacGillivray's son John became the great deal of effort to another multi-volume 16, 1839 had clear priority over Audubon's most well-known naturalist of the Australian work not his own. And here's where the in June 22 of the same year, and he had as- continent, and son Paul published a Flora of answer to the question posed in our second sumed Audubon would use the name he Aberdeen. Of himself, MacGillivray wrote paragraph can be found. Te other author had given the bird, as is customary. When in the preface to his History of British Birds, involved was John James Audubon, and the the AOU belatedly followed precedent and "I can look upon my work without much books which MacGillivray edited, rewrote, corrected the scientific name, the common regard to the opinions which contemporary and for which he provided the anatomical one had become well-enough established writers may form of it, assured that what is diagrams and scientific analyses, were the that "Tolmie's Warbler" has remained in useful in it will not be forgotten, and know- Ornithological Biographies which accom- usage for many English-speaking birders. ing that it has already had a beneficial effect panied Audubon's more famous illustrated Te publication in 1852 of the final vol- on many of present and will more powerfully Birds of North America. Audubon was not ume of the History of British Birds might have influence the next generation." a native English speaker or writer, and he been expected to cement MacGillivray's pre- Birders of the 21st Century, who expect turned to the gifted and well-known Scot- eminence in this field. Te five volumes were not only accurate graphic representation tish academic for paid assistance. MacGil- filled with black-and-white woodcuts detailing but also a sense of the profound interrela- livray's contributions were so extensive that his notion of the classification of every species tionships between fauna and flora and the he is included as co-author by some sources he had been able to examine and identify. Te behaviors of each in both images and text, John Townsend and Tomas Nuttall research wore him out, and he died shortly have reason to be grateful to Dr. William had returned from their West Coast ex- after. Te work, however, was a popular failure. MacGillivray the Quail —8— July/August 2015 dove in america

Hey, why aren’t Mount Diablo Audubon Society Mount Diablo Audubon Society, a Chapter of National Audubon, is committed to the the birds eating sustainable balance of our community’s people, birds, other wildlife, and habitat through my suet…? conservation, education, and advocacy. By Joanie Smith MDAS Board of Directors (Area code 925 unless specified) I get asked that question frequently from President: Jimm Edgar ...... 510‒658‒2330 people just starting out with a suet feeder. Vice President: Paul Schorr ...... [email protected]...... 757‒5107 If you have a seed feeder that your birds are Treasurer: Steve Buffi ...... 938‒0929 accustomed to visiting and then add a suet Board Secretary: Diana Granados ...... [email protected] Programs: Ariana Rickard ...... [email protected]. 347‒754‒0143 feeder, the birds tend to ignore it and make Field Trips: Hugh Harvey ...... 935‒2979 a bee line for the seed feeder. I found that if Conservation Nancy Wenninger . [email protected]...... 9387987 you are persistent (making sure that the suet Corresponding Secretary Barbara Vaughn ...... 376‒8732 stays fresh) a curious bird will give it a try Sales Manager: Diane Malucelli ...... 674‒0920 eventually and then other birds will follow. Membership: Pat Schneider ...... [email protected]...... 935‒5683 Tat “curious” bird is usually a chickadee, but Volunteer Coordinator Brian Murphy ...... 937‒8835 you may also get a titmouse, jay, woodpecker, Hospitality: Nina Wong ...... [email protected]..... 930‒7024 Education: Cecil Williams ...... [email protected]...... 376‒1631 or nuthatch. If you’re really lucky you’ll get an Webmaster: Betts Sanderson . . [email protected] insectivore, like a kinglet, warbler or Bushtit. Christmas Count: Jimm Edgar ...... 510‒658‒2330 I’ve heard more and more reports of Bushtits EBB Sightings Monitor Bill Chilson ...... [email protected]. 510‒619‒6692 coming to suet feeders. Young Birder Club Liaison Tracy Farrington . . . . [email protected]...... 788-6223 Tere are loads of home made suet reci- Member‒at‒Large: Jean Richmond ...... 837‒2843 pes out there if you would like to try making Mike Williams ...... [email protected]...... 376‒1631 your own, but it’s a lot easier and much less Mike Eliot ...... [email protected]...... 798‒0303 Quail Editor Ellis Myers ...... [email protected]...... 284‒4103 messy to buy suet cakes. For best results, make sure the suet you choose contains nuts, such as peanuts, almonds or pecans. If your Mount Diablo Audubon Society meets at 7:00 PM on the first Tursday of squirrel won’t leave it alone, switch to hot each month, except July and August, in the pepper suet. Nearly all squirrels will avoid Camellia Room of Te Gardens at Heather hot pepper suet yet the birds don’t seem to Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut mind it. Notice I said “nearly” all squirrels. Creek. Everyone is invited. Tere is the occasional squirrel that will ask for chips and a margarita to go with that hot pepper suet. Mount Diablo Audubon Society Or, you can put a small squirrel baffle thanks our Business Partners for their over your suet feeder. Since most suet feed- generous support: ers are small, you can get by with a small Wild Birds Unlimited baffle as long as you don’t place it too close Steven Joseph Photography to a fence or tree. Tere are even window Galaxy Press feeders with suction cups for the window or Native Bird Connections a suction cup hanger that allows you to use a hanging suet feeder. It never hurts to change the location of your suet feeder. MDAS MEMBERSHIP/RENEWAL APPLICATION Still not getting birds to your suet feeder? Please enroll my family and me as a member of Mount Diablo Audubon Society Suet feeders can be used for a lot of other for $25 for one year. Membership dues are tax deductible. purposes, too. You can fill it with fruit, stuff it with nesting material, or use a seed block. For an additional $20 (new NAS members only), please enroll me in the National Seed blocks come in a variety of seed types. Audubon Society. NAS dues are separate from Mount Diablo Audubon dues. Tey’re the same size as a suet cake and fit Please send The Quail by: US mail nicely in your suet feeder. Name Address City, State Zip Z Please make your check payable to: MOUNT DIABLO AUDUBON SOCIETY and mail with this application to: Membership Chair, 282 Firestone Court, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 the Quail —9— July/August 2015 Mount Diablo Audubon Society, P.O. Box 53 Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053 PAID Permit No. 66 Return Service Requested Concord, CA

MacGillivray's Warbler. Kai Mills photo..

William MacGillivray Ornithologist Illustrator Botanist

Contributed by Member of William MacGillivray, born in 1796. By It is not uncommon for the American the age of 12 he had already enrolled in Ornithological Union to update the scien- King's College in Aberdeen. He received tific name of a bird species to reflect the his M.A. at 16, and was expected to follow most recent research or the earliest discov- his father's career as a military surgeon. ery and naming. Tis is the case with the Although he had not planned to take after MaocGillivray's Warbler, which, along with the exploring, pioneering footsteps of fel- a number of other New World warblers, has low Scots like Alexander Wilson and David been placed in the genus Geothlypis, while it Douglas, a chance encounter with a botany had been formerly an Oporornis. Its species course in his medical training confirmed his epithet remains "tolmiei", however, as its lifelong interest in natural history. orginal describer, John Townsend, named He abandoned his first post as an anato- it for his friend and fellow Fort Vancouver mist at Marischal College and set out on foot doctor John Tolmie, who had discovered it from Aberdeen to London, observing the on Mount Rainier. Townsend accordingly flora and fauna along the way. Upon arriving William MacGillivray called it "Tolmie's Warbler". at London after an 837-mile meandering ies never left him. He inspired students to The AOU's revision did not equally journey, he became convinced that the clas- avoid becoming, in the contemptuous phrase, recognize this priority, however, and left sification methods of ornithologists were in- "cabinet naturalists." Academic appointments the common name as MacGillivray's, after adequate, and resolved to become the author followed, and publications flowed from his a Scottish naturalist who had never been to of a new system. To his disappointment, such pen like pure Highland brook water. Having the Pacific Northwest, and had never seen an endeavor would not support him and his gained much of his own expertise through the bird in its native habitat. How could this new wife, and he began work as an assistant direct experience, he became convinced that have happened? to the Natural History chair in Edinburgh. only field studies and specimen dissection the Quail July/August 2015 Te wild Hebrides were the early home MacGillivray's—10— early zeal for outdoor stud- Continued on Page 8 »