VOLUME 41 December 2007/January 2008 Number 4

Audubon California Assembly 2007: Putting the Focus on

Global Warming sources, the buildup of carbon dioxide later, and changing locations to survive.
will continue and contribute to global Other good markers for global warming
By Mary Edith & Gerald Moore warming. The United States needs to include coral bleaching, the American
reduce its emissions by 2% per year to Pika relocating upward to colder eleva-
Y es, Dorothy, global warming is real.
The scientific evidence is over-
whelming. Glaciers and polar ice are
reach a goal of about 60-80% reduction
by mid-century.
tions, salmon moving north, and a de-
crease in polar bear population.
melting, sea levels are rising, coastlines Birds are excellent indicators of chang- But all is not lost. Every one of us can
are eroding, hurricanes are increasing in ing conditions that signal potential dan- help with emissions’ reduction, most of
frequency and intensity, rain is increas- ger (recall the use of birds in coal mines). which center around reducing our waste-
ing exponentially in some places and de- Many migratory species are arriving ful consumption of energy. Remember
creasing in others, and extinction rates earlier at their nesting sites, leaving Continued on page 3
are higher. The year 2005 tied with
1998, an El Nino year, as the hottest year
ever; and nine of the 10 hottest years on
JANUARY GENERAL MEETING
record have come in the past decade. “Breeding Birds of the Oregon Cascades”
All of these changes are due to green- Monday, January 21, 7:30 PM
house-gas emissions, particularly carbon First United Methodist Church
dioxide. When fossil fuels such as natu- 1551 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa
ral gas, oil, and coal are burned, carbon
Naturalist Steve Shunk will give us a photographic tour of Oregon’s Cascade Moun-
dioxide is released into the atmosphere.
tains at the peak of breeding season. With an amazing diversity of habitat, from
These emissions into our atmosphere temperate rainforest to high desert, glaciers to alpine meadows and lava fields, this
form an insulating blanket that reduces region is rich in bird life. More than 300 bird species have been recorded, and most
a percent of the sun’s energy from ra- of these raise their young here.
diating back into space after it hits the
ground, resulting in higher surface tem- A few examples: Purple Martin and Red-eyed Vireo nest along the Columbia River, Harle-
quin Duck breeds along the rivers flowing off Mount Hood, and Barrow’s Goldeneye nest
peratures. There is a direct correlation
in lakeside Pileated Woodpecker cavities in the shadow of Mount Jefferson.
between the greenhouse-gas emissions
and the concentration of carbon dioxide Steve currently leads birding tours across western North America through his company,
in the atmosphere. Because the ice cap Paradise Birding. Steve co-founded the East Cascades Bird Conservancy and served as its
at the North Pole drives the climatic pat- first president. He also co-founded the Oregon Birding Trails project. For the last 10 years,
terns on our planet, Earth will have very Steve has studied woodpeckers on the east slope of Oregon’s Cascades, and he is nearing
completion of the Peterson Reference Guide to Woodpeckers of North America.
different and more extreme weather pat-
terns when the polar ice melts in 20-40
years. As human populations increase COMING FEBRUARY 18th:
and more demands are made on our re- Video presentation by Rich Kuehn: “Japan in Winter”

EARLY AUDUBON RESPONSES TO NOVEMBER’S SF BAY OIL SPILL–SEE PAGE 6 INSIDE

 MA D R O N E L E AVES

c a l e n d a r
All walks and meetings are open to the public. Bird walks are recreational and educational in purpose, and all levels of expertise are welcome. Bring
field equipment and wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing for variable weather conditions. Please carpool whenever possible. Forecasted
heavy rain cancels.There is no charge for activities unless otherwise specified, but some parks have day-use fees.

Wednesday, December 5, 7:30 PM Wednesday, January 9, 8:30 AM

BOARD MEETING. Sonoma County Environmental Center, 55A Ridgway Ave. ISENBERG CRANE PRESERVE AND CONSUMNES RIVER PRESERVE
Santa Rosa. Contact Veronica Bowers for agenda information at 829-2955. NEAR LODI. Bird Walk. Meet at McDonalds in the Sunset Shopping Center in
Suisun City at the intersection of Highway 12 and Sunset Avenue/Grizzly Island
Thursday, December 6, 8:30 AM
Road. Driving time to meeting point from Santa Rosa is approximately 1 1/4
BODEGA BAY. Bird Walk. From the center of the town of Bodega Bay, drive
hours. Bring lunch, liquids, and layered clothing. For information, contact Tom
north on Highway 1 and turn left at East Shore Road (the Bodega Head turnoff ).
McCuller, <[email protected]> or 546-1812.
Then turn right at the stop sign and continue 0.3 mile to the unpaved parking lot
on the right. Bring lunch, liquids, and layered clothing. For information, contact Thursday, January 17, 8:30 AM
Tom McCuller, <[email protected]>, 546-1812. POINT REYES AREA. Bird Walk. Meet in the parking lot across from the Point
Reyes National Seashore Bear Valley Visitor Center, which is just west of Olema.
Saturday, December 8 and January 12, 9:00 AM
Bring lunch, liquids, and layered clothing. For information, contact Tom McCuller,
SHOLLENBERGER PARK. Petaluma Wetlands Alliance leads a bird walk. Meet
<[email protected]> or 546-1812.
at the first kiosk. Rain cancels. Contact Bob Dyer, 763-2934.
Saturday, January 19, 8:30 AM to Noon
Saturday, December 8, 10:00 AM to Dusk
LAKE SONOMA. Beginners Bird Walk. Meet at the Lake Sonoma Visitor Center.
SACRAMENTO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. Beginners Bird Walk. This
From Highway 101, take Canyon Road to Dry Creek Road, then Rockpile Road to
is our annual trip to the Sacramento Valley. Meet at the refuge parking lot. Take
the Center. Informal carpool leaves Santa Rosa at 8:00 AM. To participate, please
Interstate 5 north to the Princeton Exit (about 17 miles north of Williams). Turn
arrive about ten minutes earlier to make arrangements. Santa Rosa meeting place:
north on the county service road and proceed to the SNWR entrance. There is a
Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Office, 747
$3 per vehicle day-use fee. Driving time from Santa Rosa is about 2.5 hours. Some
Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa. The parking lot is behind the office (access from
of our group plan to spend Friday and/or Saturday nights in the town of Willows
Carrillo Street). Rain cancels. Leaders: Tom Cashman, 433-2528; Bob Speckels,
to allow us to visit other prime birding spots in the area. Leaders: Tom Cashman,
569-0563; and Ken Wilson, 775-2558.
433-2528 and Bill Payne, 546-3331.
Monday, January 21, 7:30 PM
Wednesday, December 12, 8:30 AM
GENERAL MEETING. “Breeding Birds of the Oregon Cascades.” Steve Shunk will
LAKE HENNESSEY IN NAPA COUNTY. Bird Walk. From the intersection of
bring his expertise and wonderful photos to give us a virtual tour of his Oregon home
Silverado Trail and Highway 128 (which is east of Rutherford), go east on High-
base in spring. Bring your woodpecker questions! First United Methodist Church,
way 128 to a parking area at the bottom of the Conn Dam spillway on the left
1551 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa. Please see the front page for more information.
of the road. Bring lunch, liquids, and layered clothing. For information: Tom
The public is always invited to attend these programs.
McCuller, <[email protected]> or 546-1812.
Wednesday, January 23, 8:30 AM
Saturday, December 15 and January 19, 10:00 AM
BODEGA BAY. Bird Walk. From the center of the town of Bodega Bay, drive
SHOLLENBERGER PARK. Petaluma Wetlands Alliance leads two children/family
north on Highway 1 and turn left at East Shore Road (the Bodega Head turnoff ).
nature walks. One to two hours, dependent on age of children. Meet at the first kiosk.
Then turn right at the stop sign and continue 0.3 mile to the unpaved parking lot
Rain cancels. For the children/family walk in English, contact Gerald or Mary Edith
on the right. Bring lunch, liquids, and layered clothing. For information, contact
Moore at 763-3577; for the walk in Spanish, contact Connie Peabody at 763-7458.
Tom McCuller, <[email protected]>, 546-1812.
Thursday, December 20, 8:30 AM
Thursday, January 31, 8:30 AM
HOWARTH AND SPRING LAKE PARKS. Bird Walk. Meet at Howarth Park in
SEBASTOPOL AREA. Bird Walk. We will search for wintering birds in the north-
Santa Rosa. Enter the park from Summerfield Road and proceed to the rear parking
east Laguna, Ragle Park, or other interesting local spots. Meet at the Sebastopol
lot, adjacent to the lake. Bring lunch, liquids, and layered clothing. For information,
Community Center, 390 Morris Street. Bring lunch, liquids, and layered clothing.
contact Tom McCuller, <[email protected]> or 546-1812.
For information, contact Tom McCuller, <[email protected]>, 546-1812.
Wednesday, January 2, 7:30 PM
Saturday, February 2, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
BOARD MEETING. Sonoma County Environmental Center, 55A Ridgway Ave.,
BODEGA BAY. Beginners Bird Walk. Same Bodega Bay meeting place as in
Santa Rosa. Contact Veronica Bowers for agenda information at 829-2955.
January 23 bird walk, above. Informal carpools leave Santa Rosa at 7:15 AM. To
Thursday, January 3, 8:30 AM participate, please arrive about ten minutes earlier to make arrangements. Santa
LAKE SONOMA AND WARM SPRINGS DAM. Bird Walk. Meet at the Lake Rosa meeting place: Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space
Sonoma Visitor Center (approximately five miles west of Geyserville). From District Office, 747 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa. The parking lot is behind
Highway 101, take Canyon Road to Dry Creek Road, then Rockpile Road to the the office (access from Carrillo Street). Bring lunch, liquids and layers of clothing.
Center. Bring lunch, liquids, and layered clothing. For information, contact Tom Rain cancels. Leaders: Tom Cashman, 433-2528, Bob Speckels, 569-0563, and
McCuller, <[email protected]> or 546-1812. Ken Wilson, 775-2558.
Saturday, January 5, 8:00 AM to Noon Wednesday, February 6, 8:30 AM to Noon
HOWARTH PARK AND SPRING LAKE. Beginners Bird Walk. Meet at SHOLLENBERGER PARK. Bird Walk. Search for wintering birds at the Shollen-
Howarth Park in Santa Rosa. Enter the park from Summerfield Road and proceed berger Park ponds and wetlands in Petaluma. From Santa Rosa, take the Highway 116
to the rear parking lot, adjacent to the lake. Rain cancels. Leaders: Tom Cashman, exit (Lakeville Highway), go left under Highway 101, turn right at the South McDowell
433-2528, Bob Speckels, 569-0563, and Ken Wilson, 775-2558. traffic light, proceed to the City Park sign and turn right into the park parking lot. For
information, contact Tom McCuller, <[email protected]>, 546-1812.
Saturday, January 5, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
PEE WEE AUDUBON. Christmas Bird Count for kids, followed by a “Celebrate CONSERVATION COMMITTEE. No scheduled meetings in December or January.
the Tabulation” pizza lunch at the Sonoma Community Center, 276 East Napa If you have conservation concerns, contact Diane Hichwa at [email protected]
Street, Sonoma. To reserve and get meeting place information, please call Veronica or call her at 579-1182.
Bowers at 829-2955.

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Global Warming
Continued from page 1 Monday, October 22: special treat: a beautiful light morph
Rough-legged Hawk. A very bright and
that over 50% of the electricity generated Hawk Migration and a shiny hawk all lit up in the glimmer of
in the United States is made by burning Deer-hunting Eagle at the full sun. This hawk’s long and slen-
der wings with the very diagnostic dark
coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel which also
puts toxic mercury into our air. Save elec-
the Estero Americano carpal (wrist) patches left no argument
tricity by switching to fluorescent bulbs; By Larry Broderick, as to its identification. A single dark ter-
turn off the lights when leaving the room; Madrone Audubon member minal band on this bird’s tail branded
turn off computers, televisions, and radi- What a wonderful her female. She gave us excellent ex-
os when not in use; and use Energy-Star day it was, from the amples of side-by-side comparisons of
rated appliances. pleasant weather to wing configurations with thermal-riding
the show the birds Redtails and Harriers.
The single most important thing you can
do now, as part of a national effort, is to of prey put on and Now we all were really excited and what
contact your congressional representatives the great company could come next–Golden Eagle, any-
and demand that they enact laws now to of nature lovers. one? We saw a big dark bird fly in, and
adopt mandatory caps on emissions (Barba- This was a Sonoma it dwarfed the Redtails and Ravens. It
ra Boxer has co-introduced this bill, S309, Land Trust outing was a sub adult (one to four years old)
but needs our encouragement). Laws are with Madrone birders as special guests. Golden Eagle in all its splendor, a mag-
also needed to address standards for renew- We drove down Estero Lane and parked nificent flying giant just coasting along
able electricity and fuel-efficient vehicles. atop a ridge, then trekked down to the the ridge of the sprawling mountain.
water’s edge where we could look up at the Then it shot back along the ridge and
Think energy savings and conservation in raptors. Most of the action was up on the headed east.
your daily lives. Conserve water, not only east-facing slope of the hill on the SLT pre-
because it is in short supply, but also because Not too long after the first eagle depart-
serve. As it had rained a few days earlier, it
pumping water around the state takes 20% ed, we got a second Golden Eagle, prob-
was obvious that birds of prey would be
of the electricity used in California. Buy ably a first year juvenile. This bird was
out in force, and indeed they were.
fuel-efficient vehicles and plan your driving most likely still learning how to hunt on
to do multiple tasks per trip, reducing the We soon saw a Red-shouldered Hawk, a its own; that being said, it was hunting
total miles driven. Carpool whenever pos- Cooper’s Hawk and a White-tailed Kite. deer. We watched in amazement as this
sible. Switch to tankless hot water heaters. Utilizing the wind coming up off the eagle tried for about a half hour to catch
Eat lower on the food chain (i.e., less red eastern slope and the thermals gener- a deer. Actually he was marauding a half
meat), buy locally, and grow some of your ated by the nice warm weather, the show dozen dear. Whenever the deer broke
own food. Reuse and recycle as much as continued with the typical Red-tailed ranks, the eagle would single out a vic-
possible. The list goes on and on. Hawks, Northern Harriers and Ameri- tim and pursue it for 100 yards or more
can Kestrels, plus a few Sharp-shinned down steep inclines and ravines.
John Flicker, President of the National Hawks in the mix.
Audubon Society, said that we Ameri- The eagle made many attempts and
cans and Auduboners have risen to great After watching Redtails and Harriers passes at the deer, striking them with its
challenges in the past. In 1910 we pushed frolic in the wind with a group of Ra- talons more then once. After exerting
through federal laws to stop the slaughter vens, we were ready for a challenge. much energy it finally gave up. The eagle
of wading birds for the use of their plum- Mother Nature delivered with a Swain- looked very young and its crop was no-
age in women’s hats. In 1972 we struggled son’s Hawk; the bird was high up and far ticeably flat, so we were guessing it badly
with the chemical industry and won the out, but gave some distinguishing hints. needed a meal. Maybe it found a rabbit
ban on DDT to protect birds and other The wing configuration and the slender or some carrion later in the day. We left
wildlife. We now face the greatest chal- body were just too obvious to doubt. the hill hoping the eagle would eventu-
lenge of modern times, and we can win by The bird’s wings were longer than and ally find something to eat, for this was
pulling together. The time to act on global not as thick as the Redtails. Then the tan a strong, persistent and ferocious bird.
warming is NOW. leading edge of the wing and the darker A bird of prey that left no doubt that
trailing edge left no question. nature is an awesome spectacle and the
Whatever you do, integrate global warming struggle between predator and prey is an
in it. “Don’t let your inability to do every- Not long after the Swainson’s hawk de-
parted we were gifted with yet another absolutely amazing sight to behold.
thing, keep you from doing anything.”
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JOIN A TEAM FOR AUDUBON’S 108TH CBC Bird Walk Reports

Bodega Bay, Thursday, October 11
Madrone Audubon CBC, plates, bowls and etceteras so that we can
keep our donation to the local landfill to Twenty folks joined Don McCarthy
Sunday, December 30 a minimum! to bird around Bodega Bay. We locat-
By Joy Mander, CBC Compiler ed 81 species; the weather was cloudy
The Christmas Count is a great way to and calm, with a few showers. Everyone
meet up with old friends and to make enjoyed the outing, including a couple
Looking for a great way to end the year? new ones, so don’t be shy about joining
Well, head on out to West Sonoma Coun- from Grand Rapids, Michigan. The high
in. I’m grateful to all of you who have tide packed shorebirds close to shore so
ty and join up with Madrone Audubon as participated in the past and hope that
we celebrate our 41st annual Christmas we could get a good look.
you will plan on counting again this
Bird Count on Sunday, December 30. We year–and bring a friend. For further Editor’s note: The Michigan couple sent a
had a great turnout last year, so of course information or to sign up, please con- very complimentary thank-you note to Ma-
we would like to see as many friends as tact me at 778-7865 or send emails to: drone for the warm reception they received!
possible join the count again this year. [email protected].
Our counters cover the full spectrum of Point Reyes, Thursday, October 18
birding skills from beginner to expert, RROS CBC, Tom McCuller led the mid-week birding
with each level of expertise filling an im- Sunday, December 16 group to outer Point Reyes, the group’s
portant niche. Whether your strength lies final fall Point Reyes trip to search for
The Redwood Regional Ornithologi-
in identifying “peeps” or passerines, there’s migrating passerines. Although 73 bird
cal Society’s Santa Rosa Count will be
bound to be an area to suit your birding species were recorded for the day, few mi-
on Sunday, December 16. All levels of
interests with the diverse habitats we enjoy grating passerines were found. Beautiful
birding skills are welcome. Please con-
in our count circle. (See map below). weather on the outer point, both over-
tact Ruth Rudesill at [email protected]
or 833-6026. night and throughout our day, made for
very comfortable birding but few stop-
Sonoma Valley CBC, ping migrants. The best migrant sight-
ings were two Palm Warblers at the Fish
Friday, December 28 Docks area. This stop also provided a
SonomaBirding will sponsor their 3rd first-of-season White-winged Scoter. The
annual Sonoma Valley CBC on Friday, group searched for a previously sighted
December 28, birding from dawn to Sage Thrasher on route to the lighthouse,
dusk. A “Tabulation Dinner” will follow without success. Other noteworthy
the count at the Sonoma Community sightings included a Great Horned Owl
Center at 276 East Napa Street, from perched on a rock in bright sunshine and
6:00 to 8:00 PM.Talented “foodies” are thousands of Tricolored Blackbirds.
invited to assist with this potluck dinner.
Music, art, great food and wine, too! Shollenberger Park, Thursday, Oct. 25
Experienced birders are welcomed to lead Nineteen Madrone Auduboners and
one of the 30 birding parties. All area bird- friends joined Tom McCuller for a cool,
The count begins at approximately 7:00 ers and bird lovers are most welcomed to sunny morning of birding at Shollen-
AM, depending upon the leader, and join us, and every group needs recorders berger Park in Petaluma. With little wa-
continues until about 4:00 PM. The and spotters. Choose a birding area from ter in the fresh water ponds and marsh-
potluck dinner following the count is our list and let us know! You can go to the es, few wintering ducks and grebes had
being replaced again this year with a website, sonomabirding.org, to see the list arrived. Still, the group found five duck
catered, mostly vegetarian meal at the of places and get more information. Or species, including a large number of
Sebastopol Community Center. Dessert you may contact compilers Darren Peterie well-plumaged Blue-winged Teal. As
items would be welcome if you feel the and Tom Rusert at 939-8007. usual, Sora were easily seen or heard.
need to bring something, and donations Twelve species of shorebirds, including
to help defray the cost of the dinner will CBC for kids, one Pacific Golden-Plover, were count-
be also be accepted. Coffee, tea, and co-
coa will be provided, but other beverages Saturday, January 5 ed, mainly on the tidal mudflats south
of the park. The group tallied 65 species
are BYOB. Bring your “camp cutlery,” (See Pee Wee article on page 6).
for the morning.
Continued on page 5
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Bird Walks Reports New England biologist and naturalist. flowering plants, and even the night sky,
Continued from page 4 In his new book, Winter World, he tells so much more visible away from our city
us in a delightful way how animals from lights. John Laws has drawn them all, told
Sonoma Coast, Thursday, November 8 insects to reptiles, birds, and mammals their stories and placed them in their hab-
On November 8, seven Madrone Audu- have evolved behaviors and physiological itat according to location and elevation.
boners ignored predictions of heavy modifications to deal with freezing tem- Suggested by Daphne Smith
coastal fog and birded the Sonoma peratures over the winter. Since we hu-
Coast from Duncan’s Landing to the mans cannot approach the creative cold-
Russian River. Although long-lingering adapting solutions of our animal friends, Return of the Condor: The Race
fog precluded seeing many of the usual I suggest that you just curl up in front of a
warm fireplace and enjoy this good read. to Save Our Largest Bird from
raptors, water birds were abundant and
easily visible on calm waters all along Reviewed by Gerald Moore
Extinction
the coast. For example at Duncan’s by John Moir, 2006, The Lyons Press.
Landing, the group sighted Red-necked The National Association of Science
Grebes, all three scoters (over 30 White- Dawson’s Avian Kingdom Writers described this book as “a grip-
winged Scoters were sighted during the Selected Writings by William Leon ping account of the science and politics
trip), Rhinoceros Auklets and Common Dawson, edited by Anna Neher, behind the most dramatic and successful
Murre, in addition to large numbers of with a forward by Graham Chisholm return of a species from the brink of ex-
the most common coastal birds—an ex- and a biography of Dawson by tinction.” Down to only 22 individuals
perience replicated at most of the other Terri Sheridan. 2007, A California in the 1980s, the condor owes its sur-
stops along the coast. Legacy Book. vival and recovery to a remarkable team
An essential volume for any bird lover, of scientists who flouted conventional
Other notable sightings included three
this selection of the writings of the cel- wisdom and pursued the most contro-
Peregrine Falcons, over 100 Red-throat-
ebrated ornithologist and zoologist Wil- versial means to save it. Theirs is a story
ed Loons, a Spotted Sandpiper and a
liam Leon Dawson will delight even the of passion, courage, and bitter contro-
Hooded Merganser at the mouth of the
most casual of birders with its apt and versy, one that created a national debate
Russian River, and a close view of a ju-
informed, yet splendidly exuberant de- over how to save America’s largest bird.
venile Golden Eagle, perched on a pole
beside Willow Creek Road. The group scriptions of marauding magpies, saucy Suggested by Marilyn Scott
tallied 63 species for the trip. blackbirds, hurtling swifts, and others.
Dawson’s four-volume The Birds of Cali-
fornia was an extremely popular guide to Of a Feather: A Brief History
the 580 species and subspecies of birds of American Birding
found in the state, and the original 1923
edition is today a rare and expensive by Scott Weidensaul, 2007,
find. With the publication of Dawson’s Harcourt Books.
Avian Kingdom, this thoroughly engag- Of a Feather is the most recent book of
ing writer’s vignettes on the birds of the author and naturalist Scott Weidensaul
Golden State are again accessible to a (other works include Return to Wild
larger audience. America and a Pulitzer Prize finalist, Liv-
ing on the Wind). He traces the colorful
Holiday Gift Ideas– Suggested by Veronica Bowers
origins of American birding: the fron-
Our “Staff Selections” The Laws Field Guide to the
tier ornithologists who collected eggs
between border skirmishes; the society
Whether it’s for your own reading plea- Sierra Nevada matrons who organized the first effec-
sure or a gift for a birder friend, here are Written and illustrated by John Muir tive conservation movement; and the
some recent books suggested by some Laws, 2007, Heyday Books, Califor- luminaries with checkered pasts, such
members of your MAS Board: nia Academy of Sciences. as Alexander Wilson (a convicted black-
An encyclopedic guide, for birds and mailer).Weidensaul also recounts the ex-
Winter World plosive growth of modern birding that
much more! This is really something to
by Bernd Heinrich, 2003, have in your backpack. Few birdwatch- began when an awkward schoolteacher
HarperCollinsPublishers. ers can ignore the other wonders found named Roger Tory Peterson published A
Have you ever wondered how the wild along the Sierra trails: the magnificent Field Guide to the Birds in 1934.
animals of our cold northern climates conifers, the butterflies, the ever-present From a review in Birder’s Magazine
survive the winter? Bernd Heinrich is a small mammals, the wonderful variety of
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Audubon Responses to eyes, mouth, nares, everywhere. They’re

ice cold and if they have any life left in
Between then and dark, we collected
two Surf Scoters, one scaup and one
SF Bay Oil Spill them, they’re frightened or in shock. dead scaup that Humane collected at 6
The number of birds coming in is dou- PM–it is difficult work. Projections are
From Garrison Frost of Audubon
ble what it was on Friday and they say for there to be many more oiled birds in
California, November 8:
that this is only the begining, the worst the coming days, and even weeks.
Representatives of Audubon Califor- is yet to come.
nia called for an extensive clean-up of
On Saturday, November 10 Audubon’s
yesterday’s 58,000-gallon oil spill in the
Richardson Bay Sanctuary was hit with
San Francisco Bay and demanded pre-
the oil spill. Here is some of what Cen-
ventative measures to protect one of the
ter Director Brooke Langston reported to
planet’s most precious ecosystems from
Audubon California:
future accidents. Pee Wee Audubon
Today we answered calls from many
“The waters and shores of the bay pro- 1st annual Christmas Bird Count
people who desperately wanted to
vide critical habitat for thousands of spe- for Kids!
help by collecting and cleaning birds.
cies, including threatened or endangered Saturday, January 5, 9:00 AM
Following the directions of NOAA
birds and other wildlife,” said Gary to 11:30 PM
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Langham, director of bird conservation
Administration), we told them to docu- This activity is co-sponsored by
for Audubon California.
ment oiled birds on datasheets that Di- Madrone Audubon and SonomaBird-
The entire San Francisco Bay was desig- ana Donovan (board member) created, ing.org. Following the counts, all par-
nated an Important Bird Area by Audubon but not touch birds. We collected their ticipants are invited to the Sonoma
California in 2004, and an Important Bird data sheets and will compile and turn Community Center at 276 East Napa
Area of Global Significance by the Nation- them in appropriately. Street for a “Celebrate the Tabulation”
al Audubon Society. It was given this latter pizza lunch. Individual organizations are
Staff and volunteers collected samples of
designation because major concentrations invited to select a specific location, host
marine flora and fauna from clean areas
of migratory and wintering shorebirds and a birding group and supply a birding lead-
of the beach to use as documentation for
waterfowl–many of which are threat- er. Youngsters should be ages 4 to 18,
how clean the beach was pre-spill.
ened or endangered species–come to the attending with adults. Basic CBC rules
bay each year. San Francisco Bay is host Late in the day, Marin Humane Soci- will apply, and a birding list will be pro-
to the largest shorebird concentration in ety asked us to be a staging ground (i.e. vided. Results will be posted. ALL are
the West. intermediate drop-off point) for oiled welcomed to this holiday family event.
birds. This was good news for us–gives A donation of $3 per person is suggested
Audubon California has offered its re-
us a way to feel more proactively help- for lunch. Contact sonomabirding.org
sources to the clean-up efforts, and has
ful. We will continue to tell people who or phone Tom Rusert at 939-8007.
encouraged its local chapters in the area
call to only document, but now when
to lend a hand as well. Madrone’s leader will be Veronica Bow-
people say they already have a bird col-
lected, we can tell them to bring them ers. If you would like to count with
From Madrone Audubon President Ve- Madrone Audubon, you may contact
to us. A Marin Humane guy dropped
ronica Bowers, Sunday, November 11: Veronica for reservations and more in-
off transport boxes for us, and trained us
It seems strange. I just returned from how to collect oiled birds. formation at 829-2955.
an amazing week-long workshop learn-
ing about seabirds and watching these
incredible birds thrive in their healthy
ocean ecosystem and now I have spent
Memorial Donations
the last several days helping save them. In loving memory of Willie Chamberlain:
Robert Elwyn III, Marathon, NY
Yesterday I split my day doing intake
and stabilization at WildCare and wash- Heather Tillotson, Baldwinsville, NY
ing birds the second half of the day at Willie Chamberlain was Dennis and Mary Wheeler’s son-in-law, their
IBRRC (International Bird Rescue and
Research Center). The birds are coming daughter Kerri’s husband, who passed away in October. Madrone
in completely black, coated from bill to Audubon offers their sincere condolences to Dennis and Mary.
tail with foul smelling oil. It’s in their
Page 6
 MA D R O N E L E AVES

A Special Winter Event for appropriate conservation efforts.

(Abigail Myers of Bodega Land Trust can
commercial level we may have to review
coastal wind generators, oil and gas drill-
12th Annual San Diego Bird Festival be contacted at <landtrust@bodeganet. ing, or even football-field-sized bags of
February 6 through 11 com> for more specifics and a possible fresh water floating amid shipping and
Marina Village Conference Center field trip through the area.) whale migration lanes.
in Mission Bay Off shore our coastline could be altered If the coast is near and dear to you will
by our human demands for energy and you help to monitor it? In a few months
The San Diego Audubon Society is spon- water. Proposals coming before the a training will be held to network
soring this major festival. The banquet California Coastal Commission include coastal activists. Please let me know at
keynote speaker will be photographer, several desalination projects and wave <[email protected]> or 579-1182
author and dedicated conservationist energy generation, starting elsewhere in if this is your interest.
Kenn Kaufman. A full description of California but “coming to a coast near
the trips and workshops planned are you soon.” As wave energy is proposed
posted on the San Diego Audubon So-
ciety website: www.sandiegoaudubon.
the industrial players position them- Give a Gift of Nature
selves; in Mendocino County in a very
org/birdfest.htm Point Reyes Field Seminars offers gift
quiet way Chevron and PG&E now
certificates for specific classes or the dol-
control everything fromWestport down
lar amount of your choice. These semi-
Monitoring Our to Albion/Little River, out to three miles
from shore. Wave energy hearings are
nars are led by experts in their field to
Vulnerable Coast scheduled there this fall.
take you out of your everyday life and
into the natural world. Whether you’re
By Diane Hichwa, Madrone Finavera-designed AquaBuOY aims to interested in flora or fauna, hiking or
Conservation Chair generate electricity from the vertical history, weaving or watercolor, there is
motion of waves. The buoy, anchored in something for everyone.
Hardly anyone would say they don’t an array two to three miles offshore, will
enjoy the coast. Sonoma County has a The schedule of field seminars from now
convert the waves’ motion into pressur-
long coastline that we visit for birding, through April 2008 is posted online
ized water using large, reinforced-rub-
whale watching, diving, and soaking in at www.ptreyes.org/fieldseminars/ and
ber hose pumps. As the buoy goes up
the beauty. It offers a welcome escape brochures are available. The calendar
the peak of a wave and down into its
from summer’s inland heat. At the same includes 13 different seminars involving
trough, it forces a piston in the bottom
time we enjoy it we are also facing the birding trips to a variety of locations in
of the buoy to stretch and contract the
question of “What will we do to protect and around Point Reyes, into the Sacra-
hose pumps, pushing water through.
it? And perpetuate it?” mento Valley, to San Luis Obispo in the
This drives a turbine that powers a
south and as far as the Klamath Basin in
In southwestern Sonoma County one generator producing electricity, which
the north. Among the leaders are some
habitat occurs where rare coastal prai- would be shipped to shore through an
well known to Madrone Auduboners:
rie meets the redwood mist forest. The undersea transmission line. Six turbines
Lisa Hug, Rich Stallcup, John and Sarah
coastal prairie forms a corridor that joins to harness tides off New York have all
Klobas, and David Lukas.
open pasturelands around the Estero fallen into disrepair, pounded by surf
Americano to the narrow seaside prairie and storms. Emerging technologies To have a certificate created for you to
north of Jenner. Just inland the mist for- need careful technical review, not just give as a gift, call 415-663-1200, or send
est interfaces with the prairie in a series enthusiastic acceptance. On a large scale an e-mail from the website.
of biologically vital edges. Ridgelands
plunge to stream corridors where steel-
head spawn. Springs and streams pro- Welcome New Friends of Madrone
vide water for people and wildlife. These
are areas with a long archeological and Glen Ellen: Joyce Clover
historic past. Occidental: Phillip E. Persons
Several large ranches that form the broad Petaluma: Jamila Garrecht, Alice Goyhenetche, Judy Koehler.
swath linking watersheds of the Estero Santa Rosa: Carmen Brand, Margaret Kram, Barbara J. Saunders,
Americano and Salmon Creek are at risk
to development, to gravel mining and John Wallack.
from lack of ecological management. St. Helena: Tony Knickerbocker
Groups like Bodega Land Trust, Sonoma Grand Rapids, Michigan: Leonard & Carrie Baluwkamp.
Land Trust and the Open Space District
are analyzing a Coastal Prairie Corridor
Page 7
 Madrone Audubon Society
Post Office Box 1911
Santa Rosa, California 95402

December 2007/January 2008

RECYCLED
PAPER
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Madrone Audubon Society meets on the third Monday of each month, except in June, July, August, and December. Meetings start at 7:30 PM at First United Methodist
Church, 1551 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa. All meetings and walks are open to the public. Information: 546-7492.
President and IMBD Chair: Veronica Bowers - [email protected] .....................829-2955 Leaves Co-Editor: Mary Edith Moore - [email protected] .........................763-3577
Vice President: Janeann Erickson - [email protected] .....................................................795-2498 Leaves Co-Editor: Daphne Smith - dwarsm@aol.com....................................................546-7808
Recording Secretary: Andrea Bond - [email protected] ...............................................537-8069 Leaves Production Editor: Kris Hutchins - [email protected] ...........................477-8156
Corresponding Secretary: Sabrina Hearst - [email protected] ....................575-7548 Circulation: Joannie Dranginis - [email protected] ....................................................523-4373
Treasurer: Mary Wheeler - mrywheeler@sbcglobal.net.....................................................494-6415 Observations: Dan Nelson - [email protected] ....................................................762-5167
Membership: Dennis Wheeler - [email protected] ..............................................494-6417 Past President and BAAC Rep: Sylvan Eidelman - [email protected] ..............280-3404
Conservation Chair: Diane Hichwa - [email protected] .......................................579-1182 ACR Rep & MMAS Steering Committee: Bryant Hichwa ...........................................579-1182
Education Chair: ............................................................................................................................... ACR Rep: Patrick Woodworth ...............................................................................................829-8915
Education Kits: Shirley Spina - sspina@pon.net..............................................................539-4355 Petaluma Wetlands Alliance: Gerald Moore - [email protected] ...................763-3577
Russian River Watershed Council Rep: Curtis Kendall ............................................473-0601
Audubon Adventures: Phyllis Schmitt - [email protected]
Research and Breeding Bird Atlas: Betty Burridge.....................................................527-0225
Program Chair: Marilynn Scott .........................................................................................539-0734 Christmas Count and Research: Joy Mander - [email protected] .................................778-7865
PeeWee Audubon Chair: Veronica Bowers - [email protected] ...........................829-2955 Honorary Board Member: Martha Bentley. ...................................................................545-5501
Publicity: Pat Macias - macpat@saber.net..........................................................................894-0503 Honorary Board Member: Ernestine Smith ..................................................................545-4255
Mayacamas Sanctuary Manager: Curtis Kendall - [email protected] ...............473-0601 Bird Rescue Center ..........................................................................................................523-BIRD
Webpage Editor: Jeff Holtzman - [email protected] .......................................823-8290 Northern California Rare Bird Alert .................................................................. 415-681-7422
Bird Walks and Field Trips: Tom McCuller - sisyphus @sonic.net .............................546-1812 Audubon-California: Glenn Olson - [email protected] ................................... 916-649-7600
Birdathon Coordinator: ................................................................................................................. National Audubon Society: 700 Broadway, NY, NY 10003 ..................................... 212-979-3000

Join Madrone Audubon – Support Your Local Chapter

Please complete this form if you wish to join Madrone Audubon, renew your Madrone membership or make a contribution to Madrone.
Joining or renewing with Madrone only. Basic Madrone Audubon membership Name ______________________________________________________
dues cover the cost of your subscription to the Madrone Leaves newsletter. Please consider Address______________________________________________________
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in environmental education and conservation critical to the protection of wildlife and the City_________________________________State_______ Zip__________
environment. Note: By joining Madrone you will not become a member of National Phone Email
Audubon.
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Basic Member $20 _____ Senior $15 _____ Student $15_____ Family $30______ Detach this panel and mail to: Madrone Audubon Society, Membership
Sustaining $50 _____ Supporting $100 _____ Donor $500_____ Other______ P.O. Box 1911, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
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Madrone’s nonprofit 501(c)3 tax number is 94-6172986 Visit us on the World Wide Web at: http://audubon.sonoma.net