04-2010 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

8/9/2019 04-2010 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

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By Adele Freeland

Thais was born in Pennsylvania

on September 1, 1917. Soon af-

terwards, the family moved to Mt.

Vernon, Ohio, where she began tak-

ing piano lessons at the age of six.

Although she was a talented young

musician, times were hard and her

parents found that they had to dis-continue her lessons but Thais pi-

ano teacher kept her on as a no-fee pupil because

of her talent. Thais and her mother, Mae Dora Web-

ster, enjoyed playing Haydn and Beethoven duets

on the piano together.

Moving to the San Francisco Bay area in 1943,

Thais met and married James Bock. The two of

them relocated to Federal Way in the 1960s. They

had two children, Djana (presently of Lynnwood),

and James (Tennessee).

Here in Washington, Thais volunteered with the

Seattle Symphony, attended concerts with friends,

and took advanced piano lessons

at the Cornish School of the Arts,

University of Puget Sound, and Pa-

cic Lutheran University. A lifelong

student of music, she practiced and

played every day right up until her

nal illness.

After her husbands death in 1964,

Thais tried going back to being a

secretary, which she had done once

before for a few years, but hated it

so much, she decided to take the plunge and try to

make a living teaching piano. She purchased her

dream piano, a Steinway baby-grand, began with

just a handful of students, and went on to teach full-

time for the next 30 years, until 1998.

Thais organized two recitals for her students

each year, one in June and the other at Christ-

mas. Her daughter Djana recalls the Christ-

mas programs as some of the most enjoyable

In this issue:25 Years Ago page 8

Birdathon field trips page 9

BirdSongs page 8

Calendar page 12

Education page 4

Environment Matters page 3

Executive Director's corner page 2

Field trips page 5

New Members page 2

Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969. Vol. 41 No. 4 April 2010

It was the stunningly bright morning of March

6, 2010, and Faye McAdams Hands and I were

about to board a ship for a new land. Excited at

the prospect, we pulled up to the Steilacoom

ferry dock and found our hosts, Lindsay Raab

and her team of Seabird Surveyors, Govinda

Rosling, Maureen Thompson, and Sam Sadosky,

and proceeded to let ourselves be swept away!

Feeling very honored to be allowed to barge inon an important and exciting research project,

we headed toward that as yet unknown to us

green isle, Anderson Island.

This Citizen Science project, the Puget Sound

Seabird Survey (PSSS) is in its second year.

Tahoma Audubon is partnering with Seattle

Audubon to conduct the only volunteer land-

based multi-month survey in the Puget Sound,

the germ of what will grow into a much larger

project soon! If you want to know more or if

you want to become part of this project, check

out the website for the Puget Sound Seabird

Overseas in Pierce County:

By Diane Yorgason-Quinn

Stunning sky phenomenon; crepuscular rays. Photo/Lindsay RaabSee "Anderson Island on page 6

Late April is the official

start of Birdathon, Tahoma

Audubons annual fundraiser.

We invite you to join us as a

birder this year and go on

one or more of our exciting

field trips listed on page 11.Being a Birdathon participant is EASY, and you dont need

to know a thing about birds. Just a desire to get outside and

have fun with fun people to supportYOURAudubon!

Since we make every effort to keep our education and

conservation programs affordable so anyone can participate,

we use the money raised during Birdathon to help offset

some of the program costs. Birdathon proceeds are also used

to help cover the costs of printing the Towhee, and many

other valuable projects here at Tahoma Audubon. Without

Birdathon, many of our programs would simply disappear!

Thais Bock, 1917-2010}} Birdathon 2010 is here!Come jointhe fun!

See "Birdathon on page 9See "Thais Bock on page 11

From eagles to hummingbirds, Idie Ulsh will explore with us how and where birds

make nests, nest configurations and relate interesting facts about their construction.

She has photographed the nests of more than 30 species, with an emphasis on song

birds. Idie is well known for her bird and butterfly programs. She has recently com-

pleted an in-depth, three-year study of bird nests and is eager to share her findings.

She is a past president of Seattle Audubon, founder of the Washington Butterfly

Association, freelance nature photographer and an independent college counselor. In

addition to her own photos, she will include photos from University of Puget Sound

Slater Museum, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and many local photographers who have

contributed to this unique and fun program.

Friday, April 9, 7:30pm 9:00pm at Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street.

Don't miss the April Membership MeetingFeathered Architects: The Fascinating World of Bird Nests with Idie Ulsh

Idie Ulsh


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When the recentearthquake hit Chilein March, I was sit-ting on the third floorof a hotel on the westcoast of Mexico fora pleasant vacation.The porch of thehotel room literallysat above the beach,giving one theimpression of actu-ally being out over

the water. The Brown Pelicans and MagnificentFrigatebird where flying at eye level, and the thought oftsunami came to mind.

While CNN was covering tsunami warnings forHawaii, there was no news of the west coast of Mexico.For the next three days the water was a little choppier, butluckily no giant wave came and washed over the thirdfloor of my hotel. I was safe from natures wrath.Unfortunately, a new report indicates that birds may not

come out so well from mans effect on nature.

The State of the Birds: 2010 Report on Climate Change, follows a comprehensive report released a year ago show-ing that that nearly a third of the nations 800 bird speciesare endangered, threatened or in significant decline.

The report, a collaboration of the U.S. Fish and WildlifeService and experts from the nations leading conservationorganizations, shows that climate changes will have anincreasingly disruptive effect on bird species in all habitats,with oceanic and Hawaiian birds in greatest peril.

Key findings from the State of the Birds climatechange report include:

Oceanic birds are among the most vulnerable speciesbecause they dont raise many young each year; they facechallenges from a rapidly changing marine ecosystem;and they nest on islands that may be flooded as sea levelsrise. All 67 oceanic bird species, such as petrels and alba-trosses, are among the most vulnerable birds on Earth toclimate change.

Hawaiian birds such as endangered species Puaiohiand Akiaplau already face multiple threats and areincreasingly challenged by mosquito-borne diseases andinvasive species as climate change alters their native

habitats.

Birds in coastal, arctic/alpine, and grassland habitats,as well as those on Caribbean and other Pacific islandsshow intermediate levels of vulnerability; most birds inaridlands, wetlands, and forests show relatively lowvulnerability to climate change.

For bird species that are already of conservation con-cern such as the golden-cheeked warbler, whoopingcrane, and spectacled eider, the added vulnerability toclimate change may hasten declines or prevent recovery.

The report identified common bird species such as theAmerican oystercatcher, common nighthawk, and north-ern pintail that are likely to become species of conserva-tion concern as a result of climate change.

The report is the product of a collaborative effort as partof the U.S. North American Bird Conservation Initiative,between federal and state wildlife agencies, and scientificand conservation organizations including partners fromthe American Bird Conservancy, Association of Fish andWildlife Agencies, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, KlamathBird Observatory, National Audubon Society, TheNational Fish and Wildlife Foundation, The NatureConservancy, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Food. Water. Shelter. Breeding and Nesting. These

are the essential habitat components necessary for sur-vival on earth. Where any one of those components are

lacking, you are likely to see much less diversity ofwildlife.

Whether you live in a downtown condo or near the

forested foothills of the largest mountain in the con-tiguous United States, there are actions you can take to

create and enhance habitat for wildlife right in yourown backyard (or windowsill). These actions range

from simple and cheap to expensive and time-consum-

ing. Lets focus on just a few of the easier actions.If you live in a condo or apartment or have next to no

yard, consider doing one of the following: Put up a hummingbird feeder, suet or seedfeeder to attract birds, especially in winter monthswhen food is scarce

Plant flowers and native plants in pots orhanging containers that attract wildlife and providefood and shelter from predators

Add a water feature like a bird bath or small

fountain; be sure to clean frequently

Have a pet? After grooming, put fir outside forbirds to use in nests

If you have a yard, consider additional actions: Compost yard waste on site by creating a shelterof woody debris pile perfect for birds and smallcritters

Plant a variety of native plants, being sure toinclude plants in all the different layers: small

flowering plants, shrubs, and trees

Put up a bat box or bird nest box in your yard

Practice natural yard care techniques, cuttingdown on use of toxins and recycling organicmaterials

Build a beautiful and functional rain garden tomaintain storm water on site

Install a larger water feature like a pond with astream that reuses the water

If you spend time in your neighborhood park, you

may have noticed a lot of invasive plant species. Our

parks need your help! Consider joining a volunteergroup in adopting a site to restore or grab your family

and friends, church group, co-workers or youth groupand make it a fun and rewarding, team-building com-

munity service project.Take a couple of these actions and try them today in

honor of Earth Day and make it a habit, everyday!

Here are some handy local resources if you are inter-ested in any of the above ideas:

Rain Gardens Workshops: Stewardship Partners

and Stream Team are

holding free work-shops this spring

throughout PierceCounty. Call 253-

845-2973 for dates,

locations, and to reg-ister. Nominate your-

self for a free raingarden if you live in

Eatonville or

Puyallup. Visit:www.stweardship-

parnters.orgfor moreinformation.

Bird Nest Boxes, Bat Boxes, Ponds, and Native

Plants: visit Adriana Hess Audubon Center to see a

demonstration of the possibilities of converting your

backyard into a wildlife sanctuary, and for access toresources and information.

Natural Yard Care & Composting Workshops:

Tacoma Pierce County Health Department is offeringfree natural yard care workshops this spring around

Pierce County. Contact Geoff Rinehart at 253-798-4587 for dates, locations, and registration.

The Green Tacoma Partnership is dedicated tomaintaining and restoring our urban natural areas with

the support of volunteers like you! To learn moreabout volunteering in our parks and open spaces

visit: www.greentacoma.orgor give me a call at 253-

232-9978.

Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org April 2010

executive directorsCorner

April 2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3

Contact Krystal at 253-232-9978.

Or [email protected]

eNviroNMeNtMatters

Tahoma Audubon Staff

Bryan Flint Executive Director

[email protected] 253-565-9129

Krystal Kyer Conservation Coordinator


Stephanie Swaim Education [email protected] 253-327-9480

Cami Kesinger Development Coordinator


Graham Taylor Volunteer Coordinator [email protected]

Ken Benton Education [email protected] 253-565-1884

Tahoma Audubon Board Officers

John Garner President

Marjorie Shea Vice President

Jane Brosius Secretary

Kathleen Nelson Treasurer

Tahoma Audubon Board Members 2010

Thelma Gilmur

Dick Carkner

Dan Sherman

Peggy L. Kopf

Darby Veeck

The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon SocietyLocated in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park

2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278

Ione Clagett

Melissa Paulson

Bill Smith

Tanja Scott

Charles Griffin

Enhance wildlife habitat in your backyard

The Towheeis a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society.

The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TAS advo-

cates for the protection of wildlife and promotes conservation through

education and activities that enrich its members experiences in and

with the natural world.

The Towhee is published monthly, ten times a year, with combined

Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan issues. Submissions of articles and photographs

of birds, bird lore, natural history, conservation, and environmental

education are reviewed and considered for inclusion by the editor.

Copy is due by the 15th of the month and may be sent by e-mail,

disk, or typed. E-mail submissions to [email protected].

Editors: David Cohn, David Lev

Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings

Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: robert_kelton@ mac.com

Printing: Consolidated Press

Climate change threatens hundreds of species

By Krystal Kyer

Tacomas parks are exceptional. We

are blessed with a diversity of parks,

recreational and educational programs,

more so than in most cities our size. In

fact, the district maintains over 2,700

acres of parks space across the city.

Parks and educational facilities such as

Tacoma Nature Center, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium,

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, and Fort Nisqually Living

History Museum are regional attractions that exemplify

the best Tacoma has to offer.

This, no doubt, is due to the legacy of our parks fore-

fathers and the ongoing support for parks by the current

generation of Tacomans. Thanks to a voter-approved

bond measure in 2005, parks across the city are in the

process of being revitalized with new equipment, facili-

ties, public art and safe playgrounds. These tax dollars

are going a long way to make needed improvements.

However, parks still face many challenges. One is the

rising cost of parks maintenance and operations (M&O).

With decreased funds and increased costs due to infla-

tion, our parks district faces a declining M&O budget.

Just like many of us, parks have dug deep into their

pockets, cutting back and spending down reserves. In

difficult economic times, weve seen a rise in parks

usage, with 2009 seeing a record high. The lesson: we

need our parks now more than ever.

There have not been any additional funds for M&O

since the 1990 voter-approved levy lid life twenty years

ago! I-747, which passed in 2001, has further decreased

financial resources by limiting property taxes. Levy dol-

lars account for nearly 50 percent of the annual opera-

tions and maintenance funding. In response, Metro

Parks Tacoma has cut $2 million in expenses this year

through staff reductions, freezing pay rates and increas-

ing our dependence on volunteers and partnerships to

help take care of our parks, according to Jack Wilson,

MPTs Executive Director.

Consequently, this January parks commissioners

made the necessary decision to go to the voters and ask

for your tax dollar support to continue to provide the

current level of services and variety of

programs available to parks district

users. This means taking care of the

basics: grounds maintenance, play-

ground safety, childrens programming,

keeping restrooms open, recreational

sports and much more.

The Metro Parks board, leadership,

and staff have proven that they are

accountable and responsive to the needs of the public

by successfully implementing over thirty 2005 parks

bonds projects within budget and in a timely manner,

and are on the road to completing all projects by 2014.

Projects like renovation of Stewart Heights sports

complex, new playground equipment citywide, and the

Chinese Reconciliation Park are just a few examples ofwhat makes Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and diverse

place to live, work, and play. It would be wasteful and

irresponsible to allow these new facilities and resources

to deteriorate over time due to lack of maintenance.

In 2005, the community strongly supported funding

these parks improvements. In 2010, the community

should come together in support of maintaining these

jewels of our urban community by passing the first levy

lid lift in twenty years. Doing so will ensure that tax dol-

lars already spent are not wasted, and it will help pre-

serve resources and extend the lifespan of new facilities

long into the future. Thats a win-win situation that our

children will thank us for.

Tacomas parks system contributes immensely to the

quality of life and livability in this urban region of Pierce

County. We take pride in our parks, and it shows! Lets

continue to show that pride by funding our parks main-

tenance and operations. On Mar. 11, Tahoma Audubons

Board voted to endorse Prop.1, and we urge you to join

us Apr. 27 by voting YES to keep our parks clean, green

and safe.

Learn more about Prop.1 by visiting www.neighbors-

forparks.orgor calling 253-229-9373.

Disclosure: Krystal Kyer, Tahoma Audubons

Conservation Coordinator staff also serves on

the Park Board of Commissioners.

Parks & RecreationMaintenance LevyYES on ProP.1:

Join Citizens for a Healthy Bay for Earth Day 2010 anddonate a day to the Bay! This years annual Earth Day

project will be held at Middle Waterway. There will bea variety of hands-on and educational activities suitable

for all ages.

UrbanForester Ramie

Pierce will beon hand to give

out a free tree

and TAGROpotting mix to the first 50 participant s. Come join us!

When: Saturday, April 17, 2010

Time: 9:30 am to 2:30 pm

Where: Middle Waterway, 711 E. 11th St. Tacoma,

next to Stellar Industrial Supply

Morning snacks, drinks and lunch will be provided!Please RSVP for this event by April 9. Call or email

Jeanine Riss: [email protected], 253-383-2429.

Our sponsors:

Earth Day on the Bay!

welcoMeto Newand Returning Members

February 16, 2010

to March 15, 2010Chapter New and Returning:

Annette Dolores Pinkerton, Ruth

Carlson, Dale & Dorris Richards, Kelly& Mark Stave, Marjoire Shae & Bill

Richards, Susan

Greenwood, CindyMish, Dennis Weeks,

Mary Siegenthaler,Mary Kun, Lynn

Cawthra, Mera

Neufeldt, David& Veronica

Kulman, KarinHarris, Wayne Knight.

Chapter & Joint Renewals

with National, Recruited through

Tahoma Audubon Society:

Diane Kerlin, Diane Christensen, KeithPalmquist, Roger & Rita Indrebo,

Debbie Vinyard, Lynne Glad.Introductory, Recruited through

Tahoma Audubon Society:

Nathaniel Bushley, Laura & Jeff Barber,Lorinda Cox, Dick Dorsett.

Introductory, Recruited through

National Audubon Society:

James Barr, Norman Becker, FernBolyard, Lorrie Carr, Rachel Clemmer,

Lisa Cosgrove, Patricia Crockett,

Grace Cunningham, Bonnie Donough,Michael Downs, Rebecca Felt, Lisa

Flesher, Joanne Gilkison, CarlaGramlich, Janice Herbrand, Nancy

Jones, Diane Jones, Betty Karr, Freda

Kiser, Sue Ellen Knieper, JohnKoehler, Arlene Leschack, Dixie

Lowman, Donna May, BarbaraMcCoy, Claudia Messenger, Robert

Miller, Ross Minckler, Alice Onacki,Niel Mullen, Kalli Priidik, Jean Prout,

Colleen Rogan, David Sailer, RuthSammons, Barbara Schaetti, Marion

Shufelt, Elaine Smillie,

Isabelle Smith, DaleSubitch, E. Taylor,

Terry Smith, TanyaThompson, Margit

T h o r v a l d s o n ,

Ingrid Walker,K. Wetzel,

Gordon White,Robin Wilson, Michael

Workman, Margaret Zahl, Janet Pool,Jeanne Dryfoos, Patsy Dunnington,

Lynda Flanagan, Janet Harper, Hilary

Klein, Keith Palmquist, Clyde Praye,Leo Ross, L.S. Stosalovich, Maude

Valentine, Edward Clegg, Judd &Sally Day, R.B. Tillerson.When renewal time comes: A month

before your membership is expiring,we will send you a reminder to renew.

Please renew through us, not throughNational Audubon. They do not give us

a share of renewal dues, hence we are

unable to support a membership with theTowhee for you. You will not get a to-

whee newsletter if you renew through

national. National will send you packs

of renewal notices---ignore them! We

ask you to renew here through us fora Chapter Only membership or a Joint

membership which includes a ChapterMembership and a National one. If you

have questions, call Thelma Gilmur,Membership Chair, 253-564-8210.
http://www.stweardshipparnters.org/http://www.stweardshipparnters.org/http://www.stweardshipparnters.org/http://www.greentacoma.org/http://www.greentacoma.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:%[email protected]:%[email protected]:%[email protected]:[email protected]://www.neighborsforparks.org/http://www.neighborsforparks.org/http://www.neighborsforparks.org/http://www.neighborsforparks.org/mailto:[email protected]:%[email protected]:%[email protected]:%[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.greentacoma.org/http://www.stweardshipparnters.org/http://www.stweardshipparnters.org/


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Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually

Wed Apr 7 7:30 AM to 11:00 AMWed Apr 14 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Wed Apr 21 7:30 AM to 11:00 AMWed Apr 28 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Leader:Phil Kelley. Bring: Good walking shoes or boots,

raingear, water, snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you

have a pass. Scopes are welcome. Meet: At theVisitors Center Pond Overlook. Directions: Take I-5

south from Tacoma and exit to Nisqually NWR at exit114. Take a right at the light. Sign-up: Call or email

Phil Kelley to confirm details. Phil Kelley, Lacey,

(360) 459-1499, [email protected].

Sage Grouse Lek Fieldtrip

Sat April 10 3:00 PM to Sun April 11 7:00 PM

Yakima Training Center, Yakima/Kittitas/Douglas

County.Leader: Ryan Wiese, 206-730-3485, [email protected]. Meet: I-5 & SR 512 Park N Ride, 10617

S Tacoma Way.Join me in a quest to find Greater Sage Grouse, Long-

eared Owl, and other early spring arrivals on the EastSide. After meeting up on Saturday we will drive to ourhotel and rendezvous. Before dawn Sunday, we arrive at

a Sage Grouse Lek to hopefully see these resplendentbirds perform their elaborate courtship ritual. Bring sack

lunches for Sun. Expect to return about 7:00 pm on Sun.I can assist in making hotel arrangements for Sat. night

or suggest nearby camping. Send email address and

phone number as details may change depending on bestchances to find target species. Limit of 15 people. If

limit is reached there will be a waiting list. Bring scopesif you have them. Call (253) 565-9278.

Morse Wildlife Preserve Open Trails

Apr 11 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Location: Morse Wildlife Preserve

Explore this natural treasure as you walk the trails and

discover the beauty of the five habitat zones in thepreserve. Located in Graham, the preserve has the

following special open dates. Call 253-591-6439 formore information.

Bird Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park

Mon Apr 12 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

Enjoy a guided bird walk through the park!Ft. Lewis Birding Field Trip (pending permission)

Sat April 17 9:00 AM to 12:00 PMLocation: End of 176th Street (Area 9). More info will

be made available soon. Leader is Betty JonesOhop Creek Field Trip

Sun Apr 18 9:00 AM to 12:00 PMLocation: Ohop Creek

Join volunteers on a field trip to a site undergoing

major habitat restoration on Ohop Creek, near

Eatonville, WA. Volunteers will share their speciesidentification skills and collect data using

NatureMapping. No training required, but helpful.Registration is available by calling 360-832-7166 or

emailing [email protected] Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park

Mon Apr 19 12:00 PM to 1:00 PMEnjoy a guided plant walk through the park!

Family Walk at Adriana Hess Park

Sun Apr 25 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

A family program to encourage families to appreciate

the park by providing information and opportunitieswith a guided walking tour. Call Dixie Harris for details

564-6373


Wed May 5 7:30 AM to 11:00 AMWed May 12 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Wed May 19 7:30 AM to 11:00 AMSee details in previous month


Sun May 9 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Location: Morse Wildlife PreserveExplore this natural treasure as you walk the trails and

discover the beauty of the five habitat zones in the

preserve. Located in Graham, the preserve has thefollowing special open dates. Call 253-591-6439 for

more information.

Plant Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park

Mon May 17 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Enjoy a guided plant walk through the park!

fill quickly! Note - topics are repeatedduring the month, so select class

appropriate for your childs knowledgeand abilities. Contact MArgie with

questions or for more information at 591-

6439 or [email protected] science students should be

able to add and subtract numbers.

Nature Alphabet

A is for Amazing Animals

Fri May 14 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

Location: Tacoma Nature CenterPreschoolers explore different nature

topics through stories, hands-on activities,nature walks and crafts at the Tacoma

Nature Center. Adult participation is

recommended, children under fourrequire an adult present. Please note

alternating times. Register by the Saturdaybefore class. 253-591-6439.

Intermediate Homeschool Science

Living in the City

Thu May 20 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Location: Tacoma Nature Center

Homeschool students explore sciencethrough hands-on experiments and

activities. Register Early - these classesfill quickly! Note - topics are repeated

during the month, so select classappropriate for your childs knowledge

and abilities. Contact Margie with

questions or for more information at 591-6439 or [email protected].

Ages 10-12, $12 per student. IntermediateScience Students should be able to

multiply and divide numbers, add and

subtract fractions.

Nature Storytime: Between the

Sidewalk and the Porch

Thu May 27 10:30 AM to 11:30 AMLocation: Adriana Hess Center, U.P.

Ages 2-6, $6 per child, $3 Audubon

member, free to adults and U.P residents.Join us as we explore the park at the

Adriana Hess Audubon Center inUniversity Place with nature stories

based on the current theme. Adults are

welcome with the children. This is awonderful grandparent/ grandchild

activity! Space is limited to the first 20registered guests (adults and children).

call 253-591-6439 to register.

Homeschool Advanced Science

Urban Ecosystems

Thu May 27, from 1:00 PM to 3:00

PMLab Fri May 28 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM



activities. Register Early - these classesfill quickly! Note - topics are repeated

during the month, so select classappropriate for your childs knowledge

and abilities. Contact Margie with

questions or for more information at591-6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.

com.Ages 12-15, $15 per student. Older

homeschool students will continue their

science studies with challenging andengaging experiments and activities. To

participate in this class, students shouldbe able to calculate averages, percentages,

and solve simple equations.

Nature Alphabet

B is for Butterflies

Fri May 28 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM


topics through stories, hands-on

activities, nature walks and crafts at theTacoma Nature Center. Adult

participation is reccommended, childrenunder four require an adult present.

Please note alternating times. Registerby the saturday before class. 253-591-

6439.

Adriana Hess Photography class

Mon Apr 5 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Location: Adriana Hess ParkAn adult program encouraging people

to appreciate nature and how they canincorporate it into their photography.

Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373.Budding Scientists

The Marine Scene

Wed Apr 14 10:30 AM to 12:00 PMand 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM

Location: Adriana Hess Audubon

CenterAges 5-7, $9.00 per student

Young homeschoolers and other childrenbegin science and nature exploration

through games, walks, and crafts.Register at least two days prior: 253-

591-6439.

Beginning Homeschool Science

Its a Salty Life

Thu Apr 15 9:30 AM to 11:30 and 1:00

PM to 3:00 PMLocation: Tacoma Nature Center

Homeschool students explore science

through hands-on experiments andactivities. Register Early - classes fill

quickly! Contact Margie for moreinformation at 591-6439 or marjories@

tacomaparks.com. Beginning sciencestudents should be able to add and

subtract numbers.Nature Alphabet Y is for You

Fri Apr 16 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM


topics through stories, hands-onactivities, nature walks and crafts at the

Tacoma Nature Center. Adult

participation is reccommended, childrenunder four require an adult present.

Please note alternating times. Register

by the saturday before class. 253-591-6439.

Advanced Birders Class

Tue Apr 20 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Tue Apr 27 7:00 PM to 9:00 PMLocation: Tacoma Nature Center. Ken

Brown, Instructor


Tidepools to Deep Waters

Thu Apr 22, 2010 from 9:30 AM to

11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Location: Tacoma Nature CenterRegister Early - these classes fill quickly!

Note - topics are repeated during themonth, so select class appropriate for

your childs knowledge and abilities.Contact Margie with questions or for

more information at 591-6439 [email protected]. Ages

10-12, $12 per student. Intermediate

Science Students should be able tomultiply and divide numbers, add and

subtract fractions.

Nature Storytime Salty Waters

Thu Apr 22 10:30 AM to 11:30 AMLocation: Adriana Hess Center, U.P.

Ages 2-6, $6 per child, $3 Audubonmember, free to adults and U.P

residents.

Join us as we explore the park at theAdriana Hess Audubon center in

University Place with naure storiesbased on the current theme. Adults are

welcome with the children. This awonderful grandparent/ grandchild

activity! Space is limited to the first 20

registered guests (adults and children).call 253-591-6439 to register.


Marine Ecosystems

Thu Apr 29 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Lab Fri Apr 30 1:00 PM to 4:00 PMLocation: Tacoma Nature Center


activities. Register Early - these classes

fill quickly! Note - topics are repeatedduring the month, so select class

appropriate for your childs knowledgeand abilities. Contact Margie with

questions or for more information at591-6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.

com. Ages 12-15, $15 per student.

Older homeschool students will continuetheir science studies with challenging

and engaging experiments and activities.To participate in this class, students

should be able to calculate avereages,

percentages, and solve simpleequations.

Sumi Painting Class for youth

Thu Apr 29, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM


Ages 8-15, $12 per studentLearn to paint using the ancient Asian

brush stroke technique of sumi-e. Allmaterials are provided and participants

will take home several finished pieces.Class taught by members of the Puget

Sound Sumi Artists. PRE-

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. call253-591-6439.

Nature alphabet Z is for Zebra

Fri Apr 30 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM


Preschoolers explore different naturetopics through stories, hands-on activities,

nature walks and crafts at the TacomaNature Center. Adult participation is

recommended, children under four

require an adult present. Please notealternating times. Register by the Saturday

before class. 253-591-6439.

Adriana Hess Photography Class


An adult program encouraging people

to appreciate nature and how they canincorporate it into their photography.

Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373.Advanced Birders Class

Tue May 4 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM


Tue May 18 7:00 PM to 9:00 PMTue May 25 7:00 PM to 9:00 PMLocation: Tacoma Nature Center. Ken

Brown, Instructor

Budding Scientists

Yard Guardians

Wed May 12, 2010 from 10:30 AM to12:00 PM and 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM

Location: Adriana Hess AudubonCenter

Ages 5-7, $9.00 per student

Young homeschoolers and other childrenbegin science and natre exploration

through games, walks, and crafts.Register at least two days prior - 253-

591-6439.


City Critters




activities. Register Early - these classes

The temperaturehovered around 45degrees while a lightrain hung in mid-air,completely saturatingthe atmosphere. Grayclouds reached as faras the eye could see.Yes, it was a gloomyday in Milton, butnothing would keepthe OSPREY Clubindoors on this day.

Today they wouldplant rain or shine.

Armed with shovels,spades, and an unwavering determination, ten studentsfrom Surprise Lake Middle School and Columbia Jr. Highbraved the weather to begin the installation of their nativeplant demonstration garden. Students broke off into teams,planting evergreen huckleberry, red flowering currant and

beaked hazelnut, and various other plants. They shruggedoff the rain and spent two hours in the dirt in front ofSurprise Lake Middle School. By the end, they hadplanted over 100 individual plants. Providing habitat forbirds, butterflies, squirrels and other wildlife, this gardenwill be a shining example of how OSPREY Club is pro-moting respect for the environment in the youth of PierceCounty.

OSPREY Club could not function without help frommembers of the community. It takes dedicated host teach-ers like Kent Ross of Surprise Lake and Cindy Swenson of

Columbia Junior High. A special thanks also goes out toDiane Kerlin of the North Pierce County CommunityCoalition, who put us in contact with Mr. Ross. If it werenot for the cooperation of everyone involved, this tremen-

dous opportunity for the students of both schools would nothave been made possible.

With continued support, I am sure that this years nativeplant garden is only the beginning of great things to come.

field trips and Events


educatioNMatters

Call Steph @ 253-327-9480. Or

[email protected]


stephanieSWAIMEducation Coordinator

Call TAS to register (253-565-9278). Some trips are people lim-

ited out of necessity.

Notify TAS 24 hours in advance if you cannot come. Field trip leadersput in a lot of time and planning and no-shows disrupt field trips.More than 3 no-shows a year can result in revoking opportunity toparticipate.

Arrive at the meeting place early.

No pets are allowed.

Be prepared for seasonal weather.

Bring lunch, drinks and snacks if the field trip is scheduled past

mid-day.

All passengers divide total carpooling expenses. Current guide-lines are 20 cents a mile per car, not including driver.

Beginners are always welcome.

Have fun.

rules

classSchedule

Building habitat with Osprey Club

May

April

Class schedulecontinued on next page.

classSchedule

April

May

Class schedule continuedfrom previous page.

Who Can Enter: Pierce County students in 2nd-7th grades (7-14 yrs old) Three age categories:grades 2-3; grades 4-5; grades 6-7How to Enter: Submissions must be postmarkedor delivered by 05/17/10 to:Tahoma Audubon

Adriana Hess Audubon Center2917 Morrison Rd West, University Place, WA 98466

Rules: Available with entry form at www.TahomaAudubon.org For more information [email protected] or (253) 565-1884 Winners will be notified by 06/01/10. Awards & prizes presented to the winners at theJune 11 membership meeting of Tahoma Audubonat Tacoma Nature Center. Everyone welcome! Winners will be recognized in the July Towhee.

Red-necked Grebe American Kestrel Clarks Nutcracker Evening Grosbeak

Tahoma Audubons 11th Annual Young Student Bird Drawing Contest

For decades Audubon families have been camp-

ing over Memorial Day weekend at the Wenas Creek

Campground.

Ofcially named the Hazel Wolf Wenas Creek Bird

Sanctuary, its located SW of Ellensburg, in an Im-

portant Bird Area and has been assured of protective

status. The free, primitive campground along the

north fork of Wenas Creek has exceptional opportuni-

ties for birding, botanizing and enjoying spring in the

eastern foothills of the Cascades.

There are wonderful eld trips scheduled, and there

will be an old-fashioned campre in our approved

re-pit device each evening. We have a program item

or two, singing, story telling and recapping the sight-

ings of the day.

Please visit the Wenas Website, beautifully done by

Webmaster Michael Hobbs. Youll see Hazel Wolfs

familiar smiling face and get lots of downloadable in-

formation about our campout: http://www.wenasau-

dubon.org.

There're checklists of birds, and wildflowers, outline

of eld trips and program, directions to the camp-

ground, and lots of photos.

For people who dont do websites, contact me and

Ill send you printed information.

Bring friends & family, and join us at Wenas Memo-

rial Day Weekend for as many days and/or nights as

you want to stay - May 28-31, 2010.

See you there, Helen Engle, [email protected], 253-

564-3112.

You are invited to the Wenas Campout - May 28-31, 2010

Draw or paint one of these birds in its native habitat:
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


4/7

www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7Page 6 www.tahomaaudubon.org April 2010

Survey at www.seabirdsurvey.org. Lindsay and her team from

Evergreen College have capablytaken over the two Anderson Islandsites which they cover the firstSaturday every month. It was won-derful to be out counting birds with

this group, but they sure are schol-ars! Its not enough to identify andcount! Every bird had its bearingstaken, direction, distance, numbersand gender (if obvious). Everymember of the team had its job, andheaven forbid they be interruptedwhile taking bearings! All busi-ness! But when the clock wasntticking, it was great fun being outthere birding with them.

The two official count areas wereAndys Marine Park at 47 degrees0841.02N, 122 degrees4354.26W, 0 ft elevation, 504 ft;and the ferry dock at 47 degrees1041.88N, 122 degrees 40.28W,0 ft elevation (above water on

dock), 161 ft. Any other data youwant, Im sure they have it! Plus allthe data on every bird is also avail-able for the asking!

The first official count area waswhat seemed to be a secret beach

down a hidden muddy trail of aroad, Andys Marine Park. As we

made our way down the hillside to

the beach, a Kingfisher and its matecircled us, inviting us down. A mir-

rored tidepool awaited us and apostcard scene of Puget Sound dot-

ted with birds.

The data that day was big in termsof Pigeon Guillemots, already in

alternate plumage, and Red-neckedGrebes, a couple of which were

also into their molt. It was fun find-ing all three Cormorants as well and

identifying the various Gulls! This

team would only look at seabirds

while the clock was ticking, butwhen it stopped we were able toenjoy Kingfishers, Bald Eagles,

Brown Creepers, Stellers Jays and

spring budding out all around us!Although it was a beautiful, sunny

day, small banks of fog rolled in onus at the beach, and just as the birds

on the water were being whited out,the fogbank suddenly coalesced

into an arc exactly like a rainbow

but pure white! This is known as afogbow (look it up on Wikipedia).

It lasted just a minute, but held usall spellbound. Then as we headed

up the hill to our cars, we came outupon fabulous crepuscular rays

leading us to our cars, kind of like

finding the pot of gold. It was truly

a day of atmospheric magic.

After having to push both of ourcars out of a mudhole (no day is

perfect!), we went back to the ferryterminal, which is the second of the

two Anderson Island Seabird

Survey spots. Horned Grebes swampractically under us as we stood on

the dock, and the Pelagic Cormorantswere showing off their white breed-

ing patches already! Suddenly, the

waters over near Steilacoom threwup a couple of dark objects spotted

by our official seabird counters! Aswe all found the spot with our bin-

oculars, it happened again! Andagain! Harbor Porpoises!! Many

rewards come to those who do

good work!When the official count was over

for the day, Lindsay and crew tookus around this fabled island. There

are actually a series of lakes with

freshwater fowl, not what I expect-ed on this marine isle, but there they

were, complete with Ring-neckedDucks and Pied-billed Grebes. We

explored woodlands, streams, andlakes, and found Anderson Island to

be even more wonderful than we

expected!Lindsay and crew, thank you for

taking on this work. You are aninspiration with your seriousness

and work ethic! And thanks forintroducing us to that exotic land

over the water, Anderson Island!

. . .

from page 1

Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn

Glaucous-Winged Gull.


An Olympic Gull spots a morsel!


Gull with fresh-caught minnow!


The counters for the day: Govinda Rosling, Maureen Thompson, LindsayRaab, Sam Sadosky, Faye McAdams Hands, and Diane Yorgason-Quinn

Photo/Lindsay Raab

Pigeon Guillemots, already in alternate (breeding)plumage, circle the wagons just off Anderson Island

beach.

Photo/Lindsay Raab

Double-Crested Cormorants oblivious to the Olympics shining behind them off Anderson Island.


Lindsay Raab holding the Feather Award for CitizenBirding!


Horned Grebe showing some coloron its neck as it molts into alternateplumage before leaving the Sound.


Seabird counters at the Anderson Island Ferry Dock.


These counters even have a bird logo etched ontotheir dusty vehicle by Maureen Thompson


An amazing meteorological phenomenon, the fogbow!

Photo/Sam Sadosky

Lindsay Raab and team count little specks out on the water.
http://www.seabirdsurvey.org./http://www.seabirdsurvey.org./


5/7

April 2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org April 2010

BIRDSONGS byPhilBuly

Just the other day... Tahoma Audubon in April 1985By Helen Engle

BirdathoN field trips

Field trips abounded in April 1985.We went to the Columbia Gorge forthe spectacular scenery includingwildflowers the Gorge is famous for;Dennis Barci led a Turkey Watchingtrip in Klickitat County (a unique experi-

ence in full camo!); Carrie Graham ledArbor Day explorations at Snake Lake; there wasBowerman Basin shorebirding with Steve Herman,plus a pelagic trip led by Terry Wahl.

The Nature Conservancys Lori Wilson adver-tised birding by kayak in the San Juans with special

attention to their own Yellow Island whose wildflow-ers peak in April. Cathy Jerbic led a trip to the

Yakima Firing Range to the Sage Grouse struttingarea; Nell Batker took us through the SpanawayWoods; and Ken Brown led the Nisqually NationalWildlife refuge census trip.

We also went to the Tolt River, MacDonald countyPark with Karl Lundberg; journey to JuniperForest near the Tri-Cities with Howard Oswood ofNorth Central Audubon leading; a bus trip toDungeness Spit, leader Winnie Bjarke; and a

Spanaway Marsh canoe trip with Jock Beall.Tahoma Audubon sponsored anArt Wolfe wild-

life photography presentation, filling the auditoriumat Wilson High School. Proceeds went to help

finance our education programs andassist Carole Sheridan at our birdclinic. Our monthly meeting at PLUsIngram Hall featured speleologist BobBrown telling of his research projectand cave explorations in the north-

west, and of the efforts to protect andconserve cave habitats.

Thais Bocks Word on Birds reported aGreat Gray Owl up by Duvall (Scott Atkinson); a

Goshawk regularly perching on the obelisk in RedSquare at the UW; and birders at Leadbetter Pointin Willapa National Wildlife Refuge ate lunch underthe watchful eyes of three Snowy Owls.

Our faithful campaigners were helping efforts topreserve long Islands western red cedar grove in

Willapa Bay. Long Island, separated by a narrowchannel from the east shore of Willapa Bay, still hasold-growth cedar, fir, hemlock and spruce on its 5,000acres. US Fish & Wildlife Service had made a dealwith Weyerhaeuser in timber-for-land exchanges,which transferred to the Refuge a 274-acre grove.

The USFWS would own the land, but could not affordto pay for the cedar grove timber, and Weyerhaeuserretained the right to begin harvesting 155 acres ofthe grove surrounding the core of the island timberworth 5.5 to 6 million dollars. David Mumper, thecompanys forester working this trade for many

years, knows the Refuge wants the island intact. He

admits it is an impressive stand of timber.A coalition of twelve conservation organizations

including The Wilderness Society and NationalAudubon is lobbying for the federal budget to include

funds to purchase the Weyerhaeuser timber. TahomaAudubon is a major player because our CongressmanNorm Dickssits on the House Interior AppropriationsCommittee and we must let him know of the citizensupport for saving this unique remnant of the old-growth forest of SW Washington.

Conservationists were rejoicing in the election ofGovernorBooth Gardner who is a strong supporterof protection for key Washington tributaries in theColumbia Gorge and a moratorium on gorge devel-opment until a comprehensive management plan isadopted.

Paul Webster was Editorof the TOWHEE, ThaisBockwrote Word on Birds,Walt Adams was mailingcommittee chair. Leota

Moore was Tahoma

Audubon membership chair,gladly sending complimenta-ry issues of the newsletter toall who were interested.

Lakebay area near the town of Home

When: Thursday April 29th, 9:30a.m.to 1:00p.m.Leaders: Homeowners Dee and Wayne Knight, and

Master Birder Melissa SherwoodYou will visit acres of woods with songbirds, fields

with ravens and shores with eagles, osprey, sandpip-ers and herons. Two baby eagles are nesting in one

of the trees. Bring a lunch. Hosts will serve coffee

and dessert by the fireplace.Directions: 3715 165th KPN. Go across Narrows

Bridge, take Purdy exit. Go thru the Purdy stop light,and through the Key Center blinking red light and 3.8

miles past that. You will see a huge billboard on the

right saying Dudley Top Apples. Pass the smallgreen 38th street sign on the right and across from this

there will be signs and balloons on left at a tiny road.Take a right past the Knight signs and balloons and

wind down a long wooded road with a steep hill. Youwill see an old barn and turn left to their house. Bring

good beach shoes; we can walk quite a distance.

Foulweather Bluff

When: Saturday May 1st, 7:00a.m.to mid-afternoonLeader: Rolan Nelson

Well visit Foulweather Bluff, Point-No-Point and

the Hansville Greenway. Join us for this Birdathonevent to check out the west sound migrants that

should be passing through. Well see wetlands, salt-water, forest glades and meadows. We hope to iden-

tify over 65 species. Bring rain gear and lunch or youcan buy supplies at the Hansville Store.

Meet at the Purdy Park and Ride off Highway 16

at 7:00a.m. Take Hwy 16 across Narrows Bridgefrom Tacoma. Exit at SR302/Purdy off ramp and

drive straight through Purdy (3 stoplights) to

144th. Park & Rid is just past Chevron Station.

Titlow Park

When: Tuesday May 4th, 10:00a.m.to 12:00noonLeaders: Rosanne Becker and Joann Sims

Enjoy both water and songbirds at this Tacoma Park.A variety of bird habitats will be explored includingsalt water, pond and forest.

Meet at the Lodge at Titlow Park which is at the

west end of 6th Avenue in Tacoma.

Pierce County Big Day Purdy to Paradise on

International Migratory Bird Day

When: Saturday May 8th, 5:15a.m.to dusk

Leader: Bruce LaBar

Starting at Purdy Spit, the trip visits Point Defiance,McChord and other points of interest along the way

to the Mountain. We aim each year to show you thatyou can find 100 species just by birding in Pierce

County. One year we identified 124!Meet at the far end of Purdy Spit at 5:15a.m.

Nisqually NWR and/or Ocean Shores

When: Saturday May 8th, 7:30a.m.to Evening

Leaders: Ken & Nell BatkerThe trip will begin by walking the Nisqually trail on

the refuge followed by a sack lunch (bring yourown). The Nisqually portion is usually done by

around 11:00a.m. Following the Nisqually walk, wewill carpool to Grays Harbor National Wildlife

Refuge and from there to Ocean Shores. The day

ends with dinner in Aberdeen to recap the dayscounts and activities. Participants are welcome to

come for the entire day, or just Nisqually, or just

Ocean Shores. If you choose to do just OceanShores, you should plan on meeting at Nisqually at

11:00a.m.so we can carpool down to Grays Harbor.Meet at the Flagpole by the visitors center at

Nisqually NWR.

Crescent Valley, Gig Harbor

When: Saturday May 8th, more details will be posted

on our calendar soon!

Adriana Hess, University Place

When: Monday May 10th, 12:00noon to 2:00p.m.

Leader: Ruth Sullivan

Join Ruth as she leads her monthly walks at AdrianaHess Wetland Park in University Place. This small

park is home to dozens and dozens of bird species!Meet at 2917 Morrison Rd W, University Place

Morse Wildlife Preserve, Graham

When: Friday May 14th, 9:00am to 11:00a.m.

Leader: Betty JonesWalk the trails and check out the marsh, dry Douglas

fir forest, moist lowland forest, prairie and meadows.Take a look at the pond in the marsh and the forested

wetland from the bird tower.

Ask for directions when you sign up.

Summit to Shore: New since last newsletter!

When: Friday May 14th and Saturday May 15th.

Leader: Ed Pullen & Ryan WieseJoin Ryan Wiese and Ed Pullen on a summit to shore

two half-day birdathon. Well drive to Snoqualmie

Summit and begin counting about 2:45. Several stopson the way back to Tacoma. Then depending on the

group we will retire to home and get up very early togo to Ocean Shores to finish our birdathon there and

at stops on the way home by 2:45 Saturday, or go to

the coast to a hotel or campsite for Friday night andstart again in the AM. The choice depends on the

vigor of the group. Expect 100 + species.Meet at the I-5 and Hwy 512 park & Ride Friday

May 14 at 1:30 PM.

McCormick Forest, Gig Harbor

When: Saturday May 15th, 8:00a.m to 12:00noon

Leader: Melissa Sherwood

Explore McCormick Forest, the old growth preserveoff Bujacich Drive near Gig Harbor. Melissa

Sherwood will help you identify birds by their songsand calls. Well walk through forest and up some

steep hills so wear comfortable clothes and walkingshoes, and be prepared for all weather.

Meet at Swede Hill Fire Station just off Hwy 16 at

Burnham Drive Exit.

Tacoma to Moses Lake Overnight

When: Saturday and Sunday May 16 and 17th,

5:30am Saturday until Sunday afternoon

Leaders Marcus Roening and Heather BallashMarcus and Heather lead an exciting trip from

Tacoma to the Potholes in Moses Lake. The trip willcover 15 habitat zones, with special emphasis on

migratory birds in the Columbia Basin sage, pinelandsand wetlands. Expect to see at least 120 species in

one fast-paced day. Meet at 5:30am and arrive in

Moses Lake at 8:30pm, where we will stay over-night. Well take a leisurely return through favorite

bird areas on Sunday. Please provide email

address and phone number when you sign up in

order to coordinate lodging details and meeting

place. Email [email protected] for

further details.

Pt Defiance Park

When: Sunday May 16th, 8:00a.m.to 10:00 a.m.

Leaders: Rob and Natalie McNair-HuffJoin Rob and Natalie for the Birdathon version of

their monthly nature walk at Point Defiance on May16th. They will set out on the walk at 8:00a.m.from

the Zoo parking lot and walk through the forested

trails along Five Mile Drive. The walk will be a littleover four miles. This trip will end with birding along

the ponds near the entrance and with a drive down toOwens Beach.

Meet at Pt. Defiance Zoo Parking Lot at 8:00a.m.

Ft. Lewis

When: Wednesday May 19th, 8:00a.m.to noon

Note: Date may change depending on Ft. Lewis

permission, watch our online calendar for changes.Leader: Charles Griffin

Join Tahoma Audubon Society Board Member

Charles Griffin as he leads the group to see an openoak woodland area and riparian habitats found

among the prairies of the Fort Lewis TrainingGrounds. Expect to identify 55-60 species.

Meet at the Roy Y Park and Ride at 8:00a.m. to

carpool to location

Green River Watershed

When: Saturday May 22

nd

, 8:00a.m.to 3:00p.m.Leader: Greg Volkhardt and a Master BirderThis is a rare opportunity to see the protected water-

shed managed by Tacoma Water. Well bird in forests

and fields around Howard Hanson Lake (elevation1200 feet) then visit Eagle Lake (elevation 2200

feet). Space is limited to the first 12 people. Bringpicture Identification as this is a restricted access

area. Bring a lunch and appropriate clothing. Beprepared to do some walking on uneven ground.

Meet at Tacoma Public Utilities, 3628 South 35th

Street lot A1, on the Westside of the Administration

Building at 8:00a.m. You will travel in one or two

vans will brought back to the parking lot at about

3:00pm.

Waughop Lake, Ft. Steilacoom

When: Sunday May 23rd, 8:30a.m.to 11:00a.m.

Leader: Betty JonesIdentify birds in the oak woodlands, grasslands and

Waughop Lake. This is a very fun trip where youmay see up to 50 bird species. Meet at the barn at

Ft. Steilacoom Park, in Lakewood, or for anyone

interested, meet Better earlier at the little dam at

the mouth of Chambers Creek on Chambers

Creek road. Get an early start on this fun day!

Meet at 7:30am and then join up with the rest of

the group at Ft. Steilacoom!

Birdathon Field Trips 2010Call to sign-up 253-565-9278

Thank you to our Field Trip Leaders!

We could not do this without you!

So, what are you waiting for!?? Join us! Once you sign up you will get everything

you need before you embark on your birding extravaganza! We are also offering

an informational meeting on Tuesday March 30, 2010 at 6:00pm. You can pick up

your Birdathon packet then, or get them PAPERLESS THIS YEAR ONLINE at

our website listed below.

Here are the ways you can get more information and to register:

Call Cami Kesinger at 253-565-9129

Email [email protected]

Visit our website at www.tahomaaudubon.org

(an environmentally friendly way to get information paperless)

Or, fill out this form and return it to Tahoma Audubon Society. We will contact

you with information! Happy Birding!... Birdathon 2010Yes, I will be a birder for Birdathon 2010!!!

Name__________________________________________

Phone_________________________________________

Email__________________________________________

I cant be a birder, but I will pledge $ ___________ for

Birdathon 2010!!!Return this form to TAS, 2917 Morrison Road West, Universtiy Place, WA 98466

Feedback, comments and reminiscences welcome,

253-564-3112, [email protected].

Helen Englefrom days of yore.

In February the barn on the

Morse Wildlife Preserve becameone of 41 historic barns in

Washington State to be listed onthe Heritage Barn Register. In

reviewing the application, the

Governors Advisory Council onHistoric Preservation was very

interested in the Preserve and the joint operating agreement that

fosters stewardship and environ-

mental education activities on the

site. Estimated at about 100 yearsold, the barn is of the broken

gable design. Plans call for it tobe used more frequently as a shel-

tered classroom, including hands-

on learning tools. Inclusion ofthe barn on the register will allow

the Morse Force to apply for statefunds for restoration, when next

authorized by the Legislature.

A truly historic barn on

the Morse Wildlife Preserve

from page 1


6/7


Tahoma Audubon is the Pierce County chapter of National Audubon. As

an Introductory member of Tahoma Audubon you also receive a National

Audubon membership and Audubon Magazine for one year. Renewing

your Chapter Membership ensures that we can continue to do our work in

Pierce County. Chapter membership includes: Towhee newsletter sub-

scription, free family events, birding trip invitations, class & book dis-

counts, conservation activities, annual celebrations and more. Joint TAS/

National Audubon membership includes: Chapter membership, National

membership, annual Audubon Magazine subscription, and support of

Important Bird Areas (IBA) and state and national conservation agendas. Checkspayableto:TahomaAudubon2917Morrison

Rd.W.

UniversityPlace,

98466TahomaAudubon

Society,establishedin1969,

isa501(c)(3)nonprofit

organization.Donationsaretaxdeductible.

Membership Fee:

___ Introductory (first year) $20

___ Joint National/ Tahoma Audubon $50

___ Chapter member renewal $30

___ Other Contribut ions _____________

Member(s) Name: _______________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

City______________________________ Zip__________________

Phone: home ___________________business _________________

e-mail: ________________________________________________

Member #: _______________________________ (office use only)

Membership


C9ZY020Z

Photos/Diane Yorgason-Quinn

Big backyard potluck picnicSummer Solstice Time - Thurs, June 24, 6-9 p.m.

Displays by Pierce County outdoor and environmen-

tal allies: Audubon, Mountaineers , Foothills Trail,

Native Plant Society, Cascade Land Conservancy, Si-

erra Club, Citizens for A Healthy Bay, Carbon River

Corridor, Chambers-Clover Watershed Council, Puget

Creek Restoration Society, Student Conservation As-

sociation and more.

At the Engle Garden, 4011 Alameda Avenue,

University Place, south of Fircrest.

Featuring: The displays by our friendly groups plus,

licensed falconers with their live birds, native plants

for sale, Entertaining program, music and Earth-

friendly ideas for kids of all ages. Children and grand-children are MOST welcome. And don't forget how

great the food is at these events!

We Furnish: Coffee & punch. Beer & wine is BYO.

You Bring: A hot or cold entree, PLUS a salad or

dessert; PLUS your own TABLE SERVICE and a

situpon.

No RSVP necessary. Rain does not cancel.

By Shep Thorp

Editors note: Shep Thorp has been doing the regular

Wednesday Nisqually walks with Phil Kelley for some

time and fills in as leader in Phils absences. Shep led a

combo Tahoma Audubon/Rainier Audubon walk at

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday,

March 6, 2010, and this is his report:

Twenty-one of us enjoyed a sunny cool morning

at the refuge. We met at the visitor center pond

overlook, the temperature was 47 degrees

Fahrenheit, and the light was fabulous. The pond

had many Ringed-Necked Ducks, Mallard Ducks,

Canada Geese and a pair of Hooded Mergansers.

We also saw Red-Winged Blackbirds, European

Starlings and Song Sparrows.

Across the parking lot and between the access

road and the entrance road, the water retention

ponds provided distant looks at Northern Shovelers

and Northern Pintails. Later in the morning, as the

temperature became warmer, we had better

close-up views of the Northern Shovelers turning

rapidly in tight circles as they fed from the surface

of other ponds. There is a small earth dike,

between the retention ponds, which had several

Killdeer. Some appeared to be pairing up.

Along the access road, we scanned the fields

and flooded fields southwest. Large numbers of

Turdus migratorius were doing that thing they do

so well: Run, stop, feed. Many males were

brightly colored. Numbers may be down, but we

viewed a lot of waterfowl including Green-Winged

Teal, American Wigeon, and Bufflehead. A pair of

Wood Ducks was spotted, several Gadwalls, and a

Eurasian Wigeon. Golden-crowned Sparrows fed

along the gravel road. We had fly-overs by

Double-crested Cormorants and Mew Gulls. In

the snag tree at the corner between the parking

lot, access road, and southern entrance to the

boardwalk we saw both male and female Pileated

Woodpeckers foraging for food. A single Dunlin

was seen.

An American Bittern was located in the reeds

along the boardwalk. Initially hunkered down, the

Bittern did stand and fly across the pond, providing

continued good looks and silhouettes with the

sunlight from behind. A large 10-inch diameter

pond turtle basked in the sun on a log at our first

viewpoint. We also saw a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet.

A Great Blue Heron greeted us at the second

boardwalk viewpoint, a mature adult. Our quiet

group of 21 walked by within 15 feet of this

confident bird roosting in a tree at eye level.

Making our way towards the Twin Barns, we also

saw Bewicks, Winter and Marsh Wrens, Downy

Woodpecker, and Black-capped Chickadees.

Tree Swallows were present in large numbers,

perched and flying, and best viewed at the Twin

Barns overlook. Weve seen the Tree Swallows at

the refuge the last three weeks. Two weeks ago

a couple of Violet-Green Swallows were seen, but

we could not find them this walk. We also saw

Northern Harrier, Northern Shrike,

Rock Pigeon and two more Dunlin.

Our first pass by the fallen nest

tree of the Great Horned Owl was

unsuccessful. We had nice looks at

Common Mergansers, Hooded

Mergansers and Common

Goldeneyes at the Nisqually River

overlook. Heading out on the new

dike, we saw River Otter on the

inside and a male American Kestrel

on the outside in the restored

riparian area. Additional waterfowl

species in the ponds on the inside of

the new dike were Lesser Scaup and

American Coot, and we saw good

numbers and variety of previous listed

ducks. Large numbers of Canada and

Cackler Geese flew into the refuge.

Another Northern Harrier was seen, a

few Red-tailed Hawks, and several

Bald Eagles. Many Great Blue Herons

were apparent in the new tidal zones

between the new dike and the

demolished old dike. Several Glaucous-

Winged Gulls and American Crows

were seen. Scoping McAllister Creek

we saw Red-Breasted Mergansers,

and another male Common Merganser

was seen submerging his face and

paddling quickly forward in what we

speculated was a feeding behavior.

Fortunately on our way back, the Great Horned Owl

had returned to the nest tree, providing good looks.

Some of our group had to leave earlier and sadly

missed this terrific bird.

Along the old Nisqually River dike, we saw a pair

of Bushtits, heard Goldfinches, and had great

looks at Spotted Towhee and Brown Creepers.

We ran into an interesting cluster of birds including

our first female Rufus Hummingbird of the season

following a Red-breasted Sapsucker after working

the tree. Our presumption was that the

hummingbird was feeding from the sapsuckers

holes, very interesting behavior to observe! We

also saw Dark-Eyed Junco, Golden-crowned

Kinglet and a Coyote. A number of Yellow-rumped

Warblers, Audubons form, were seen at the

Riparian overlook.

It seems spring has arrived early at the Nisqually

Wildlife Refuge and there is a lot of wildlife

observation to enjoy. Many wonder what the

Great Horned Owls are up to, and I think the next

several weeks will be very interesting. Thanks to

everyone for contributing to a fun bird walk. I

counted 54 species in total!

times of the year. All the students and

their families were invited. The house was

full of the spicy scent of warm Christmas

punch, and multitudes of candles glowed.

There were duets galore, often with bells

and tambourine effects provided by the lit-

tlest pupils, and the program would end

with the pupils playing carols and all would

sing along. Then they would adjourn to

the other room to enjoy cookies and the

wassail bowl full of Christmas Cheer, and

to admire the table-top Christmas tree

decorated with musical ornaments. Christmas was a

busy time of year for Thais, because at the same time

she was organizing and hosting the Christmas recital

for her pupils, she was organizing and participating in

area Christmas Bird Counts for Thais had discovered

another passion, ornithology, when she joined a Seattle

Audubon eld trip in 1968. Through Audubon activi-

ties, she met Zella Schultz. In later years, Thais always

credited Zella, a noted ornithologist, teacher, writer,

and artist, with being the

key influence that got her

into birding. Along with

Zella and Eleanor Stopps,

Thais became an advocate

for the preservation of bird

nesting habitat. Her dis-

covery and monitoring of

the Great Blue Heron colo-

ny on Peasley Canyon Rd.

inspired her to mount a

campaign to stop the Hwy.

18 and 167 interchange

that was in the works at

the time and which would

have cut right through the

colony. Her campaign was successful and the inter-

change at Peasley Canyon Rd. was redesigned, pre-

serving the herons nesting habitat. As the colony lay

halfway between Seattle Audubons territory and Ta-

homa Audubons territory, the momentum from Thais

efforts to preserve this marsh led to the carving out

and founding of a South King County Audubon chapter,

which came to be known as Rainier, in 1984.

Thais also joined Zella in working to preserve a place

now known as Protection Island Refuge near PortTownsend, which provides nesting habitat for 21,000

pairs of sea birds.

Other of Thais conservation efforts led to the pres-

ervation of Dumas Bay Park, Gog-le-hi-te wetland, and

West Hylebos Wetlands.

Thais became a charter member of Tahoma Audu-

bon in 1969, volunteering countless hours leading eld

trips, teaching bird identication classes, and coordinat-

ing and participating in annual Christmas Bird Counts

and Breeding Bird Surveys. She coordinated the Ta-

homa CBC Area 2 until 2007 when she nally retired at

age 90. Thais

was a pro-

lic writer

and record

keeper. She

wrote many

articles and

letters relat-

ed to birds.

In 1975, she

started the monthly sightings column, Word on Birds,

for the Tahoma Audubon Towhee, and continued to

write it for 22 years. She was a sub-regional editor for

North American Birds from 1975-1985. She enjoyed

challenging our knowledge of birds with her birding

quiz, The Quizzical Owl, published monthly in both

the Rainier and Tahoma Audubon newsletters. She kept

detailed journals of her birding eld trips and travels

to places all around Washington state, the west coast,

Alaska, the Rockies, Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and the

southwest, the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas, Canada,

and England.

The mark of

a great teacher

is one who has

a passion forlearning and the

gift for sharing

that knowledge

in a way that en-

gages the student in the process. Thais Bock had this

gift. She was a friend, mentor, pianist, master birder, and

teacher who enjoyed sharing her passions for classical

music, birds, and nature with everyone around her.

Join us in parks throughout Pierce County as we give back to the earthWell trim limbs, groom grounds, comb beaches and plant

more owers and trees.

FUN FOR ALLAGES!

Families & Friends Schools Businesses Individuals

Living Groups Grandparents Non-Prots Youth Clubs

Senior Centers Block Parties Book Clubs Church Groups

Students & More!

Pick a Park! Saturday, April 24, 9AM 12PM

Participating parks listed at: www.parksappreciationday.net

Information: (253) 305-1014 or

[email protected]

Contact Organizations

Citizens for a Healthy Bay Jeanine Riss (253) 383-2429

City of Bonney Lake Gary Leaf (253) 862-8602

City of Gig Harbor Terri Reed (253) 851-6170

City of DuPont Amy Walker (253) 912-5245

City of Fife David Cantlin (253) 606-8877

City of Fircrest Jeff Grover (253) 564 -8177

Key Pen Parks Chad Harvell (253) 884-9240

City of Lakewood Suzi Riley (253) 983-7758

Metro Parks Tacoma Richard Madison (253) 305-1014

Milton Parks & Rec. Brent Thompson (253) 517-2751

PenMet Parks Eric Guenther (253) 858-3400 x222

Pierce County Parks Cara Cross (253) 841-8515

Puget Creek Restoration Society Scott Hansen (253) 779-8890

City of Puyallup Dick Weber (253) 841-5517

City of University Place Paul Barnes (253) 460-6493

www.ParksAppreciationDay.net

Saturday, April 24, 2010

9AM 12PM

9th Annual

from page 1

Reprinted, with permission, from The

Heron Herald; Raineir Audubon Society

On April 24th, 2010 the Tahoma Audu-

bon Society, University Place Parks and

Recreation, and the University Place Vol-

unteer Center will come together to host

the Together Green Volunteer Day in Uni-

versity Place. Last year, this event was

an excellent example of volunteer-based

organizations in our community com-

ing together to encourage and support the

preservation and restoration of urban open

space. Judging from our accomplishments

and turnout last year, we expect this years

Together Green Volunteer Day to be just as

successful!

Our organizations will be specically

focused on two sites that are in desperate

need of careful restoration and mainte-

nance: Adriana Hess Wetland Park, and an

undeveloped City of University Place prop-

erty, located on 67th Street West. Last year,

volunteers at Adriana Hess Wetland Park

spread wood chips, maintained trails, and

added over 318 plants to our native plant

garden! We anticipate this years event to

be equally exciting and active as we look

to build seating for our outdoor education

shelter, x up rain barrels and compost

bins, wash park benches, and weed out in-

vasive species! Last year, volunteers also

made major progress at the 67th Street

property, clearing two dumpsters of debris

and invasive species out so that space may

be designated for recreation and wildlife.

Thus, Tahoma Audubon, the City of Uni-

versity Place, and the University Place Vol-

unteer Center cordially invite you to join

us for our next Earth Day celebration work

and pizza party on April 24th 2010! Bring

work clothes, your trusty water bottle, and

a good attitude, and together we will keep

our community green! Please contact Gra-

ham Taylor for further details about this ex-

cellent group volunteer Earth Day celebra-

tion work party: gtaylor@tahomaaudubon.

org or (253) 565-1884.

Join us for our next work party

What: Together Green work &pizza party

Where: Adriana Hess Wetland Park

2917 Morrison Road West

University Place.

When: April 24th 2010

from 9:00am 1:00pm.

Bring: Work clothes, empty stomach,

good attitude, water bottle!

TogetherGreen
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


7/7

TGIF Restoration Activity

Fri Apr 2 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fri Apr 9 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fri Apr 16 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fri Apr 23 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fri Apr 30 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park

Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify

the grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!

Adriana Hess Park Photography class

Mon Apr 5 12:00 PM to 3:00 PMLocation: Adriana Hess Park

An adult program encouraging people to

appreciate nature and how they can incor-

porate it into their photography. Call Dixie

Harris for details 564-6373.


Wed Apr 7 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM




Location: Nisqually National Wildlife

Refuge. Leader: Phil Kelley. Bring: Good

walking shoes or boots, raingear, water,

snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you

have a pass. Scopes are welcome. Meet: At

the Visitor's Center Pond Overlook. Direc-tions: Take I-5 south from Tacoma and exit

to Nisqually NWR at exit 114. Take a right

at the light. Sign-up: Call or email Phil Kel-

ley to conrm details. Phil Kelley, Lacey,

(360) 459-1499, [email protected].

TAS Board Meeting


Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center.

Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon

Board. Guest Welcome, please call ahead

at (253) 565-9278.

Membership Meeting


Location: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S.

Tyler Street. Monthly membership meetingof Tahoma Audubon. All welcome. Check

web site for program - www.TahomaAudu-

bon.org. Call (253) 565-9278

Conservation Committee

Tue Apr 9.

Call Krystal Kyer for location and details:

(253) 565-9278

Birds & Brunch

Sat Apr 10, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location: Adriana Hess. Special Event for

major donors and donor prospects.

Sage Grouse Lek Fieldtrip

Sat April 10 3 PM to Sun April 11 7 PM

Yakima Training Center, Yakima/Kittitas/

Douglas County

Leader: Ryan Wiese, 206-730-3485, rwi-

[email protected]

Meet 3:00 pm, Sat. April 10, at the I-5 & SR

512 Park N Ride, 10617 S Tacoma Way

Bring sack lunches for Sunday. Expect to

return by about 7:00 pm on Sunday. Please

send your email address and phone num-

ber as details may change depending on

the best chances to nd our target species.

Limit of 15 people. If the limit has been

reached there will be a waiting list. Bring

scopes if you have them. Call the Tahoma

Audubon to sign up (253) 565-9278.


Apr 11 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM


Call 253-591-6439 for more info.

Bird Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park

Mon Apr 12 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Budding Scientists "The Marine Scene"

Wed Apr 14 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM and

3:15 PM to 4:45 PM

Location: Adriana Hess Center


Register at least two days prior to the ses-

sion by calling 253-591-6439.


"It's a Salty Life" Thu Apr 15 9:30 AM to

11:30 and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM


Register Early. Contact Margie for more

information at 591-6439 or marjories@ta-

comaparks.com.

Nature Alphabet "Y is for You"


Location: Tacoma Nature CenterAdult participation is reccommended, chil-

dren under four require an adult present.

Please note alternating times. Register by

the saturday before class. 253-591-6439.

Ft. Lewis Birding Field Trip

(pending permission)

Sat April 17 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location: End of 176th Street (Area 9)

More information will be made available

soon. Leader is Betty Jones

Ohop Creek Field Trip

Sun Apr 18 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location: Ohop Creek

Join volunteers on a eld trip to a site un-

dergoing major habitat restoration on OhopCreek, near Eatonville, WA. Registration is

available by calling 360-832-7166 or email-

ing [email protected]

Plant Walk at Adriana Hess Park

Mon Apr 19 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Enjoy a

guided plant walk through the park!

Advanced Birder's Class



Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Ken

Brown, Instructor


"Tidepools to Deep Waters"

Thu Apr 22, 2010 from 9:30 AM to 11:30AM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM


Register Early. Note - topics are repeated

during the month, so select class appropri-

ate for your child's knowledge and abilities.

Contact Margie for more information at

591-6439 or [email protected].

Ages 10-12, $12 per student.

Nature Storytime "Salty Waters""

Thu Apr 22 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Location: Adriana Hess Center, U.P.

Ages 2-6, $6 per child, $3 Audubon mem-

ber, free to adults and U.P residents. Adults

are welcome with the children. Space is lim-

ited to the rst 20 registered guests (adults

and children). call 253-591-6439.

Parks Appreciation Day

Sat Apr 24, 2010 (see page 11 for details.)

Earth Day Extravaganza

at Tacoma Nature Center

Sat Apr 24 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Family Walk at Adriana Hess Park

Sun Apr 25 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373

Birdathon Field Trip-Lakebay

Thu April 29 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Leaders: Dee and Wayne Knight, and Me-

lissa Sherwood. Bring a lunch. Hosts will

serve coffee and dessert by the replace.

Bring good beach shoes; we can walk quite

a distance. Call 253-565-9129. This is a

fundraising Field Trip for Birdathon


"Marine Ecosystems"


Lab Fri Apr 30 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM


Register Early. Note - topics are repeated

during the month, so select class appropri-

ate for your child's knowledge and abilities.

Contact Margie for more information at

591-6439 or [email protected].

Ages 12-15, $15 per student.

Sumi Painting Class for youth

Thu Apr 29, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM


Ages 8-15, $12 per student

All materials are provided and participants

will take home several nished pieces. Class

taught by members of the Puget SoundSumi Artists.PRE-REGISTRATION IS

REQUIRED. call 253-591-6439.

Nature alphabet "Z is for Zebra"

Fri Apr 30 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM


Adult participation is recommended, chil-

dren under four require an adult present.

Please note alternating times. Register by

the Saturday before class. 253-591-6439.

Birdathon Field Trip - Foulweather Bluff

Sat May 1 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Leader: Rolan NelsonBring rain gear and lunch or you can buy

supplies at the Hansville Store.Meet at the

Purdy Park and Ride off Highway 16 at

7:00a.m. Call Tas 565-9278 to sign up for

this Birdathon fundraising eld trip!

Adriana Hess Park Photography Class


Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373.

Titlow Park Birdathon Field Trip

Tue May 4 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Leaders: Rosanne Becker and Joann Sims

Meet at the Lodge at Titlow Park which is

at the west end of 6th Avenue in Tacoma.

Call TAS to sign up for this Birdathon Field

Trip 565-9278.

Advanced Birder's Class





Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Ken

Brown, Instructor


Wed May 5 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM




See Previous Month

TGIF Restoration Activity

Fri May 7 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fri May 14 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fri May 21 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fri May 28 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park

Purdy To Paradise (Pierce County Big

Day) Birdathon Field Trip

Sat May 8 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Location: Purdy Spit to Paradise

Leader: Bruce LaBar

Meet at the far end of Purdy Spit at 5:15a.m.

Call TAS 565-9129 to sign up for this Bir-

dathon Fundraising Field Trip.

Nisqually and/or Ocean Shores

Birdathon Field Trip

Sat May 8 2010 from 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM

Leaders: Ken & Nell Batker

Call TAS 565-9278 to sign up for this Bir-dathon Field Trip!

Int'l Migratory Bird Day Count

Sat May 8 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Location: Crescent Valley, Gig Harbor

Details TBD.


Sun May 9 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM


Call 253-591-6439 for more information.

Bird Walk at Adriana Hess Park

Mon May 10, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

We will use this walk as a fundraising bird

count for Birdathon.

Conservation Committee


Location: Pacic Lutheran University,

Rieke 112, Parkland WA

Budding Scientists "Yard Guardians"

Wed May 12, 2010 from 10:30 AM to

12:00 PM and 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM

Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center


Register at least two days prior to the ses-

sion by calling 253-591-6439.


"City Critters"


Location: Tacoma

04-2010 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

Documents