05-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

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Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969. Vol. 40 No. 4 May 2009

25 years ago page 8

Announcements page

BirdSongs page 8

Calendar page 12

Citizen Science page 3

Education page 4

Executive Directors column page 2

Field trips page 5

New members page 2

Volunteer recognition page 10

In this issue:

Kids! EnterTahoma Audubons

10th Annual BirdDrawing Contest!Details on page 4.

By Cami Kesinger

May is Bird-

athon, our grand

fundraiser to help

us gather dollars

for Tahoma Aud-

ubons mission of

protecting habitat and environment.

Tahoma Audubon humbly asks that all ofyou, our dedicated members and friends,

consider helping again this year. You can

help by pledging another Birdathon birder,

by gathering pledges as a Birdathon birder/

counter, or you can come out on a Birdathon

trip just for fun and give a donation.

Please call for more information and to

sign up and get a packet which has every-

thing you need to know about Birdathon. If

you are considering taking a Birdathon trip,

look them over in this issue (listed on page 9)

and call Tahoma Audubon at (253)565-9129

to sign up.

Remember, if you are an expert birder, or abeginner like me, Birdathon has something

for everyone. We want to thank all of you

who have so cheerfully accepted telephone

calls about this campaign. We appreciate

your support so much!

Last year Birdathon raised $47,000 and all

proceeds were used to support our work. We

hope everyone will get behind this and make

this the biggest and best Birdathon ever!

ew birds fired the imagination of the

poets of the Romantic era like the

Sky Lark. It inspired Shelleys poem

To a Skylark, (1820), and for the

German poet Eichendorff the bird

symbolized nothing less than the human soul that

sang as it soared above lifes troubles. An Old World

species, the Sky Lark

( Alauda arvensis) hasbeen introduced to

North America

numerous

times, but survives

only on the Saanich Peninsula of southeastern

Vancouver Island.

At about 7 inches the Sky Lark is the size of the

familiar Golden-crowned Sparrow. It shows heavy

brown streaking above, and buffy-white underparts

marked on the breast with a band of short streaks.

The tail has white outer feathers. A

crest is often raised, and a rela-tively thin bill separates the

Sky Lark from the spar-

rows. Larks walk

and scurry about

rather than hop, and outside breeding season they

form flocks that forage in fields for seeds, leaves and

insects.

Above all, the flight song identifies the Sky Lark:

Last chance for ... If its May ...its Birdathon!

By Diane Yorgason-Quinn

A beautiful day for birding and a pilgrimage of sorts

was Tahoma Audubons April 4th field trip. Of course

Rolan Nelsons field trips always have good weather, and

only he knows that secret to that. This trip to his old

stomping grounds on the peninsula promised birds and

quintessential northwest maritime scenery.

When the sun shines in early April, it is the best of

times in these parts. The winter birds are still around,

but changing into more colorful plumage, early neotro-

pic migrants are starting to arrive, and songbirds are

tuning up their pipes. We had it all! We started out at

Glen Cove, where fog obliterated the waterfowl, but a

half dozen Killdeer were practically at our feet, and

White-Crowned Sparrows picked this weekend to try out

their songs for the first time.

As we reached the utopian town of Home, the fog

was lifting, and a single Violet-Green Swallow landed on

the wire over our head and thrilled us all, being the

seasons first for each of us! Although Aristotle famous-

ly pronounced that, One swallow does not make a

summer, this was the scout swallow, and his followers

soon poured in as the day grew warmer, until their

cheerful chatter became our happy Muzak.

Soon-to-be-departing waterfowl filled the waters.

Buffleheads and both Goldeneyes were everywhere, and

no one in this group will ever be confused by those two

Goldeneye species again after such close study. Many

Common Loons in every increment of plumage from

See "Key Peninsula" on page 6

See "Sky Lark" on page 4

Adventureson the

Peninsula

Key

Mew

GullatLakeBay

Photo/DianeYorgason-Quinn

By Paul Webster

!

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Tahoma Audubon Staff

Flint, Bryan Executive [email protected] 253-565-9129

Kyer, Krystal Conservation [email protected] 253-232-9978

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

Kessinger, Cami New Development [email protected] 253-565-9129

Taylor, Graham Volunteer 253-565-1884Kerrigan, Julie Coordinator [email protected] [email protected]

Tahoma Audubon Board Officers

John Garner President

Marjorie Shea Vice President

Jane Brosius SecretaryKathleen Nelson Treasurer

Tahoma Audubon Board Members 2009

Thelma Gilmur

Dick Carkner

Marcus Roening

Peggy L. Kopf

Darby Veeck

Loren Webster Calendar Editor [email protected]

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

Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2009

executive directorsCorner

The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society.

The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TASadvocates for the protection

of wildlife and promotes conservation through education and activities that enrich its mem-

bers experiences in and with the natural world.

The Towhee is published monthly, ten times a year, with a combined Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan

issue. Submissions of articles and photographs of birds, bird lore, natural history, conserva-

tion, 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.

Editor: [email protected]

Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings

Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: E-mail: robert_kelton@ mac.com

Printing: Consolidated PressPrinted on recycled newsprint

I would like to

add a third point

to the old saying

there are only

two things certain

in life: death and

taxes. The third

certainty is land

use disputes.

For some rea-

son they arent

making any more

land. We however, keep multiplying our numbers

and finding new and inventive ways to use land.

This means that the pressure to convert wildlife

habitat to more productive uses is constant and

ever present.

That is why Tahoma Audubon and the many

members and volunteers must stay ever vigilant.

Even when we have won a battle to protect habitat,

we must stay vigilant for generations. We cannot

assume that having progressive growth manage-

ment plans, signed conservation agreements, sup-

portive votes from elected leaders, or even a green-

leaning President means that we can rest on our

laurels.

Here are some examples of what I mean:

The Fire Chief in Graham calls for less density

and more sprawl as a solution to recent house

fires. Density apparently causes dangerous fire

hazard, not the home owner who sets a fire in a

garbage can and walks away.

Politicians in the City of Puyallup and Orting

call for the dredging of the Puyallup River to

prevent flooding. By allowing building permits

in flood zones, jurisdictions have destroyed

habitat and put people in harms way. The

dredging solution is like taking aspirin to cure

alcoholism.

Glacier NW purposes to expand its mining

operation in DuPont, potentially in violation of

a 1994 Settlement Agreement with Tahoma

Audubon and other stakeholders. The proposal

would take out 190 acres of forested habitat and

significantly affect the flow of Sequalitchew

Creek.

Legislators hail the addition of $1.5 million for

the Cross-Base Highway in the States

Transportation Budget. Fortunately this money

is a drop in the bucket, and is intended for the

Spanaway Loop Rd. Interchange. As of this

writing it is unlikely to make it past the budget

writers ax.

The Washington State Senate proposes closing

McNeil Island. The need for security on the

Island means that two thirds of it is wildlife

habitat mostly undisturbed by visitors. Closure

of the prison could leave the Island vulnerable

to development in the future.

None of these issues will be resolved by the time

I put the last period on this article. Nor are they

likely by the time you read it. Or by the time this

issue gets filed in the archives and starts to turn

yellow.

That is why we must be ever vigilant. It is the

long history of Tahoma involvement in these

issues, the clear memories and dogged tenacity of

our members has protected so much critical habi-

tat.

Even our victories do not guarantee that we will

not be fighting to protect habitat in the future.

Successes at the Nisqually estuary, Snake Lake,

Cross-Base highway, and others could face new

threats now and into the future.

It is because of the tremendous support of mem-

bers, volunteers and donors that we are able to

respond to threats now and in into the future. Your

support is important in continuing our tradition of

being the watchdog for habitat protection in Pierce

County.

Chapter New and Renewing:

Doreen Aiken, Rick & Jeanne Apffel, Mr

& Mrs Robert Arnold, Sharon Bell, Care

deLeeuw, Len & Linda Johnson, Franky

J Marsh, Cindy McDonald, Georgiana

Miller, Richard A. Perkins, Selma Sloth,

Carol Rae Smith, Bill & Karen Smitherman,

Carolyn Sullivan, Berta Thompson, Sheri

& Jeff Tonn, Maggie Ulrich, Mel & Judy

Urschel, Maude Valentine.

Chapter Joint with National

joining here at Tahoma Audubon:

Mary Backous, Wynne Brown & Peter

Wimberger, Colin & Annie Conant, CraigGeyer, Judith Krill, Bruce D. MacDonald,

Paula Meyer, Nora Miller, Catherine C.

Monty, Karen Nyo, Joann Sims, Gisela

Taranovski.

Introductory, Recruited

through Tahoma Audubon:

Bente Hansen, Barbara Petersen, Cindy

Thompson.

Introductory, Recruited

through National Audubon:

Shirley Elliott, Terry Anne V. Gustko,

Linnaea Mittelstadt, Mary Berry, Vicki

Biltz, Yvonne Boscovich, Donald Butler,

Patricia Chellin, Marion Craig, Lynn

Fitch, Carol A. Gould-Harris, Helen

Gregerson, Virginia M. Guptill, Sharon L.

Hanson, Michael Hervieux, Linda Hiser,

John Hopkins, A. R. Horner, DorothyW. Hudson, M. Krumpos, Thomas A.

Langham, Fred Long, Marion Lucas,

Juli Marshall, Trenton McConkey, Ellen

McKinney, Gayle McNeill, John Ogden,

Jean Rettke, Sharon Richter, Arlene

Sampson, Andrej M Savol, Dale Schultz,

Meg Smith, Audrey Thomas, John Wilkie,

Elaine Harding, Orietta Hegtvedt, Ms.

Mina M. Hempel, Carol Hinde, Ms. Lisa

Kinoshita, Verner Pouslen, Karen Power,

Ms. Eldora Sloan.

Vigilance ever necessary We cannot assume thathaving progressive growth

management plans, signedconservation agreements,

supportive votes from electedleaders, or even a green-leaning

President means that we canrest on our laurels.

welcometo New and Returning Members

March 16, 2009 to April 15, 2009

Ione Clagett

Melissa Paulson

Bill Smith

Tanja Scott

Charles Griffin

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May 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3

citizen scienceIn Action!

While April gener-

ally marks the begin-

ning of the spring, for

the Tahoma Audubon

Society it also signals

a close to our first year

of participation inProject FeederWatch.

Inspired by Cornell

Universitys Orni-

thology lab, Project

FeederWatch calls

citizen scientists to action, encouraging them to pay

close attention to their feeders by keeping track of the

birds they see during the five winter months from

November to March.

All of the information collected at our site, Adriana

Hess Wetland Park, is sent to Cornells Ornithology lab

to be entered into national database, allowing other sci-

entists to track general trends in bird activity. National

volunteer power assists scientists, giving them massive

amounts of data they would not be able to obtain on theirown. Perhaps more importantly, citizen science projects

like Project FeederWatch help Tahoma Audubon reach

its goal to connect people to nature.

Our sightings were impressive, offering both staff and

volunteers great opportunities to observe nature and bond

with each other. Altogether, birdwatchers saw 31 different

species! While Adriana Hess hosts much more biodiver-

sity, not all of the birds are regulars at

the feeder.

We did have some rare sightings

that will forever live in our memories.

Tahoma Audubon President John

Garner had the first exciting sighting

of the season, observing a CoopersHawk chowing down on a Pine

Siskin on a branch directly above our

feeders. Needless to say, the other

birds had understandably evacuated

the site. Tahoma Audubon Executive

Director Bryan Flint quickly grabbed

our camera to video the hawk and

you can now watch the sighting on

Youtube! Surf to www.youtube.com/

watch?v=V6PQnUHaDrw to see

this awesome video!

Another rare sighting for Adriana Hess Wetland Park

included a Band-Tailed Pigeon, a slightly round and

awkward looking bird, who decided to bathe in the

stream directly by our feeders, pecking at the ground forfood.

Some of our more common bird sightings were

equally impressive, as they illustrated the biological

variation between members of the same species. For

example, a peculiar Dark-Eyed Junco surprised volun-

teers and staff, having white cheeks instead of the almost

trademark black head that helps birders identify the

Junco. Luckily we have captured

this little oddball on film, and have

his picture on site at Adriana

Hess.

Mid-March brought our largest

sightings of biodiviersity at the

feeder. While we only saw about

ten different species at the end ofDecember, we saw 21 different

species during mid-March. These

numbers reflected the new species

coming into the area for the spring

time. This included the Rufous

Hummingbird, as well as the

American Robins many of us start-

ed to see in our neighborhoods

during February. Our winter sight-

ings of the Annas Hummingbird

illustrated their continued presence

in the area, even during the espe-

cially cold months of November,

December and January.

Feeder regulars illustrated their established winter

presence at our feeders, including the Black-Capped

Chickadee, Chestnut-Backed Chickadee, Red-Breasted

Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Towhee, along with many differ-ent finches and sparrows.

Their eating habits forced volunteers to restock our

bird feeders almost daily to keep up with the voracious

appetites of these birds. Along with the birds, our local

mammals, including a family of squirrels, and what we

think may be native Wood Rats helped, were always

trying to penetrate the birdfeeders defensive cage, lav-

ishing in the nutritious spoils that would fall to the

ground.

Altogether Project FeederWatch brought the Tahoma

Audubon community together around our birdfeeders,

offering us a terrific opportunity to experience the wild-

life around our own offices. The activity reminded us

why we choose to work for improving our already bio-

logically diverse environment.Without the consistent dedication of our volunteers

and staff we would not have been able to participate in

this excellent citizen science project. Tahoma Audubon

would like to offer a special thanks to those volunteers

who helped with the project, recording their weekly

sightings, and helping novice birdwatchers identify the

splendid display of wildlife at our feeders. Hopefully this

year will be the first of many years of participation with

the Cornell lab of Ornithologys Project FeederWatch!

If you would like to participate in our future Project

FeederWatch exploits, please email Graham Taylor at

[email protected], or give him a call at

(253)565-1884

American Crow Mallard

American Goldnch Northern Flicker

American Robin Pine Siskin

Anna's Hummingbird Purple Finch

Band-tailed Pigeon Red-breasted Nuthatch

Black-capped Chickadee Red-winged Blackbird

Brown Creeper Rufous Hummingbird

Chestnut-backed Chickadee Sharp-shinned Hawk

Cooper's Hawk Song Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco Spotted Towhee

Downy Woodpecker Steller's Jay

European Starling Varied Thrush

Golden-crowned Sparrow White-breasted Nuthatch

House Finch White-crowned Sparrow

House Sparrow Winter Wren

Species seen at Adriana Hess Wetland Park Nov 2008 April 2009

Project FeederWatch

You are invited to participate in an exciting citizen

science opportunity happening in the Roy/McKenna

area a 24-hour intensive biological survey called

a BioBlitz.

This BioBlitz is a joint project of the Pierce County

Biodiversity Alliance, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park,

Tahoma Audubon Society, UW Nature Mapping,

Nisqually River Watershed Council, and the Washing-

ton Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.

Help us discover who is living in your neck of the

woods!

Contact Krystal Kyer for more information, or to

sign up: Email: [email protected] Or call:

253-232-9978

Learn more at: www.tahomaaudubon.org/cs

Nisqually BioBlitz

Bryans video on Youtube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6PQnUHaDrw

Citizen Science

In Action!

Birds, Butterfies,Amphibians, Reptiles,Fish, Insects, Mammalswhats your fancy?

May 15-16, 2009

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Page 4 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2009

educationMatters

2917 Morrison Road W.,

University Pl. WA 98466

253-565-9278

www.TahomaAudubon.org

Open Mon Sat. 10a.m.-1p.m.

1919 South Tyler Street,

Tacoma WA 98338

253-591-6439 www.metroparkstacoma.org

Open Tues. Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

& Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

When I was job-searching last fall and winter

and came across the job announcement for the

Development Coordinator position at Tahoma

Audubon, my eyes lit up and my heart skipped a

beat! Sounds clich but it is true! I am an out-

doorsy, nature-loving girl with a passion for non-

profit organizations, so the job description posted

in December fit me perfectly!

I sent my qualifications to the ExecutiveDirector, Bryan Flint, immediately. Shortly after,

Bryan responded and

indicated he wouldnt

even be interviewing

until the first of the year.

I am a patient person,

and in the meantime, I

pursued other options. It

was a tough economy

with fierce competition,

but I was hopeful.

Happy New Year!

January came and I

made a call to Bryan. Hetold me he was still reviewing applications.

Patience, Cami, patience.

Then, one day in late January Bryan called. We

set up a telephone interview for the following

week. The call must have gone okay, because the

next week I was asked in for a group interview at

Tahoma Audubon. The panel consisted of long-

time board members, Audubon members, Bryan

and consultant Jean McCord. No pressure there!

Luckily, I made it through the interview in one

piece, and again, patiently waited.

Bryan contacted me a couple times that week

requesting more information, and eventuallyasked me in for a one-on-one interview with him.

I was excited and nervous, but I had a plan: Bring

cookies! So, I showed up bearing the gift of

chocolate chip, molasses and sugar! Oops! Plan

foiled! Bryan cant eat wheat! Still, he graciously

gave me a tour of the Adriana Hess property

(home of Tahoma Audubon), while Volunteer

Coordinator Graham Taylor ate the cookies!

I guess my cookie fiasco was overlooked,

because a couple days later, Bryan called to offer

me the job!

I happily accepted and started on February 9th!

I was immediately thrown into the fire at the 40th

Anniversary Banquet where I gave a speechabout Birdathon. I thought I would be really ner-

vous, but just like my time so far at Tahoma

Audubon I was made to feel welcome and com-

fortable. Everyone is so nice and supportive.

I am new to birding, but I am quickly learning

how cool it is, and how cool my job is!

And I get paid for this!

Cami Kesinger

Development Coordinator

Tahoma Audubon Society

253-565-9129

[email protected]

And I getpaidfor this?

a long series of high rolling tones that includes

mimicry of other birds songs. The bird may sing

four minutes or more as it soars high overhead,

though the average is somewhat less. The songs

quality is also remarkable: the naturalist FrancisJourdain among others found the effect of the

clear, sweet notes exhilarating.

The Sky Lark prefers open areas pastures, short-

grass fields, and airfields where vegetation is

sparse and trees are few. The breeding season lasts

from April through June. The female deepens a

natural depression in the ground and lines it with

grasses. She usually lays four eggs and incubates

them herself. The young hatch in eleven or twelve

days, and leave the nest about nine days later,

roughly when they can feed themselves. They can

fly well at twenty days.

The Sky Lark was introduced to British Columbia

in 1903. By the 1940s the birds were established on

the Saanich Peninsula, aided by the clearing of forest

for farmland. In 1960 the Sky Lark was first reported

on nearby San Juan Island, and a few pairs were

breeding there by 1970. The Canadian census count-

ed 1,000 Sky Larks in 1965, but urbanization soon

led to habitat loss. By 1997 there were only about

100-200 birds left in British Columbia. Today asmall, population of Sky Larks continues, principally

near the Victoria airport. The webpage at http://www.

birding.bc.ca/articles/skylarks.php has detailed infor-

mation on where to find the birds.

In his poem Shelley wondered that the Sky Lark

sang with such passion. If only he knew half the

gladness that brought forth the birds song, he

wrote, then he could utter such harmoni-

ous madness that the entire world

would listen to him. It is Spring and

the Sky Larks are singing now on the

Saanich Peninsula to gladden the hearts

of all who come to listen.

... Sky Lark continued from page 1

Check our websites for latest class listings and times.

Cami KesingerNew Development Coordinator

Who Can Enter?Pierce County students in 2nd- 7th Grades (7-14 years old).Three age categories: grades 2-3, grades 4-5, grades 6-7

How to Enter?Submissions must be delivered by May 23, 2009 to:

Tahoma Audubon 10th AnnualYoung Student Bird Drawing ContestDraw, paint, or sketch one of the following birds in its native habitat:

Golden-crowned Sparrow Western Scrub Jay Gadwall

Winners will be notified by May 30, 2009

Awards and prizes will be presented to the winners at the June 13 th membership meeting

of the Tahoma Audubon at Tacoma Nature Center. Everyone is welcome!

Winners will be recognized in the June issue of Tahoma Audubons newsletter, The Towhee

Tahoma Audubon2917 Morrison Rd. W.

University Place, WA 98466

Rules: Available with entry form atwww.TahomaAudubon.org/drawingcontest.For more information feel free to [email protected] or call (253)327-9480

All images from last years contest

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field trips and Events

May 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 5

Morse Preserve Open TrailsWhen: Sun. May 10, Mothers Day, noon to 4:00 p.m.

Once again Patty Brabley, neighbor to the Preserve,

will help you enjoy the outdoors on a holiday. Call

253-565-9278 for directions.

Bird WalkAdriana Hess Wetland Park/Tahoma Audubon

When: Mon. May 11, noon to 2:00 p.m.Join Ruth Sullivan at 2917 Morrison Rd W in

University Place for a longer trip this month because it

can be used for a Birdathon trip as well as our regular

monthly trip.

Plant WalkAdriana Hess Wetland Park/Tahoma Audubon

When: Mon. May 18, noon to 1:00 p.m.

Join George Schonhard to learn what is in bloom at the

Center. The 30 some red-flowering currants have been

beautiful in April. The native iris should be getting

ready to bloom.

Bird WalkAdriana Hess Wetland Park/Tahoma Audubon

When: Mon. June 8, noon to 1:00 p.m.

Ruth Sullivan will guide you through the park

identifying birds.

Morse Preserve Bird WalkWhen: Saturday, June 13, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Betty Jones will again be helping you identify birds at

this preserve donated by Lloyd and Maxine Morse.

Call Tahoma Audubon office, 253-565-9278 to sign up

and get directions.And you can do something creative with this event to

set it apart.

Weekly Bird Walks at NisquallyWednesdays, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Join Phil

on his weekly bird walks as he counts the birds

at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Meet: At

the Visitors Center. The group may walk out to

McAllister Creek if that trail is open. Then it takes

the boardwalk/trail loop out to the Twin Barns,

the Nisqually overlook area, and the riparian area,totaling about three miles. Bring good walking

shoes or boots, raingear, water, snacks, and $3

for entry fee unless you have a pass. Scopes are

welcome. Sign-up: Call or email Phil Kelley

to conrm details (especially during the trail

construction period). Phil Kelley, Lacey, (360)

459-1499, [email protected].

Beginning Birdwatching -

Backyard BasicsCurious about birds, but dont know your crown

from your tail feather? All are welcome to this

introduction to the joy of identifying the birds that

are all around us. You will learn how to identify

common birds, use eld guides and use binoculars.

Learn, too, about some of the best places to see

birds and practice your new found stills. $45.00

for Tahoma Audubon Members, $55.00 for Non-

Members. Ages 18+. Call the Tacoma Nature

Center to register, 253-591-6439.

Intermediate BirdingTuesdays, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Adriana Hess

Audubon Center. This class is for those who

have completed an introductory birders class or

have a good background in bird identication.

In addition to the scheduled class days, there are

three eld study sessions. For more information

and registration, call 591-6439. Class meets at the

Adriana Hess Audubon Canter in University Place.

Field Trips: 2-day trip to Washington coast on May

2-3; 2-day trip to Wenas on June 6-7; 3-day trip to

Eastern Washington June 20-22. Participants are

responsible for trip transportation and expenses.

$55.00 for Tahoma Audubon Members. $75.00

for Non-Members. Ages 18+

TGIF Breakfast & Work PartyFridays, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Location:

Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Help out with habitat

restoration, such as planting, invasive species

removal, pruning.

Nature alphabetTuesdays, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM or 1:30 PM

to 2:30 PM. Location: Tacoma Nature Center.Preschoolers explore different nature topics

through stories, hands-on activities, nature walks,

and crafts at the Tacoma Nature Center. Adult

participation is recommended, children under four

require and adult present. Please mote alternating

times. Register by the Saturday before the program

by calling 591-6439.

Homeschool Science ProgramsHomeschool students explore science through

hands-on experiments, activities and inquiry-based

learning. Register early, these classes ll quickly!

Call 591-6439.

Beginning.Thursdays, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AMor 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Tacoma Nature Center.

Ages 8-10, $10. To participate in this class, students

should be able to add and subtract numbers.

Intermediate. Thursdays, 1:00 PM to 3:00PM. Tacoma Nature Center. Ages 8-10, $10. To

participate in this class, students should be able to

add and subtract numbers.

Advanced. Thursdays, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.Labs, Fridays, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Tacoma

Nature Center. Ages 12-15, $12. Older homeschool

students will continue their science studies

with challenging and engaging experiments

and activities. This expanded science class for

Advanced Homeschool Science students includesan integrated laboratory session as an extension

of the two hour classroom session. Students get

greater in-depth investigation of the monthly topic,

practice in problem-solving and research skills and

hands-on experimentation. Attendance in the class

session is required for participation in a lab session.

Lab sessions are not required for participation in

class sessions. To participate in this class, students

should be able to calculate averages, percentages

and solve simple equations.

regular programs and classes

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

people limited out of necessity.

Notify TAS 24 hours in advance if you cannot come.

Field trip leaders put in a lot of time and planning and

no-shows disrupt field trips. More than 3 no-shows ayear can result in revoking opportunity to participate.

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 guidelines are 20 cents a mile per car, not

including driver.

Beginners are always welcome.

Have fun.

rules May 22-25, 2009 www.wenasaudubon.orgFor over three decades Audubon families have

been camping over Memorial Day weekend at the

Wenas Creek Campground.

Officially named the Hazel Wolf Wenas Creek Bird

Sanctuary, its located SW of Ellensburg, in an

Important Bird Area and has been assured of

protective status. The free, primitive campgroundalong the north fork of Wenas Creek has exceptional

opportunities for birding, botanizing and enjoying

spring in the eastern foothills of the Cascades.

There are wonderful field trips scheduled, and there

will be an old-fashioned campfire in our new

approved firepit device each evening. We do

singing, story telling and recapping the sightings of

the day.

Please visit Webmaster Michael Hobbs beautiful

Wenas Website to see Hazel Wolfs familiar smiling

face and get lots of downloadable information about

our campout. www.wenasaudubon.org.

Theres a bird checklist, wildflower checklist,

outline of field trips and program, directions to the

campground, 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 Memorial

Day Weekend for as many days as you want to stay

- May 22-25, 2009!

See you there!

Helen Engle

[email protected] 253-564-3112

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Page 6 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7

winter to breeding were seen. A Horned Grebe

stood out among his peers in nuptial headgear.

Scoters and Wigeons still patrolled the lagoons,

not letting on that they were planning to escape

northward as soon as our backs were turned.

We continued on to Lake Bay and Bay Lake.

If youre confused by that, taste the water salt

for the first, fresh for the last. Or if you knowwhich ducks like fresh water, no problem! Its

the Ring-Necks!

Penrose Point State Park was to be our lunch spot, and

the day had turned so balmy we picnicked out-of-doors!

After a walk produced lots of water birds and the by now

almost ho-hum Varied Thrushes, we were able to enjoy

Stellers Jays doing their whisper songs, meant only to be

heard by a mate, not to mention Brown Creepers tuning

up, and trilliums blooming at our feet to the sound of much

trilling. Then at lunch, an announcement was made!

Beverly Webber had just seen her 300 th lifer! That White-

Winged Scoter that had remained elusive all day had

appeared off the point just for Beverly! Celebrations were

held! The only pall on the celebration was that we had

missed our target bird, Harlequin Ducks. Carol Smith

offered to trot out to the point one last time to check as we

were all finishing our lunches. A thrill ran through the stay-

behinds when she radioed back and said she had them!

We practically ran out there, and a beautiful pair swam

directly toward us, looking more like specimens of Haida

art than living beings. Wow! Thanks, Carol!

Finally, a solemn pilgrimage to pay homage to Joemma

Beach State Park, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled

developed parks in the State Park System. Our visit was

bittersweet because this masterpiece of nature is sched-

uled to be axed in September, as part of the States cost-

cutting measures. We had it practically to ourselves this

sunny day, which illustrated the problem. It is just a little

too undiscovered and remote to pay its way. We walked

way out on one of the longest docks in the state park sys-

tem until we were standing in the middle of the bay, and

the snow-covered Olympics stood watch over endless

deserted beaches. Named for Joe and Emma Smith who

lived on the property from 1917 to 1932, its been a park

since 1968 and a state park since 1995.

It was time to say

goodbye, keeping a

tiny hope alive that

some benefactor

would come forth and

save this place for us.

If you want to visit this

park, do it now!

Thanks for an unfor-

gettable day, Rolan.

And as Bill noted, if

you need good weath-

er for any reason,

have Rolan arrange it.

. . . Key Peninsulafrom page 1

Stellers Jay singing its whisper song -- Yes, really! White Crown Sparrow on stage at Glen Cove.

Varied Thrush -- Junk bird of the day!

Walking out to sea at Joemma Beach.

A pair of Ring-Neck Ducks takes off at Bay Lake.

Bufeheads (Rolans favorite duck) glowing as the fog burns off.

Target birds, Harlequin Ducks at Penrose Point.

With Joemma Beach as the backdrop: Diane, Bill, Janice, leader Rolan Nelson, Carol, Beverly, and Faye.

Photos/Diane Yorgason-Quinn

8/9/2019 05-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

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1. The word accipter translates to _____________.

2. Name North Americas smallest goose.

3. Of the three loon species wintering in Puget Sound which one is the smallest?

4. What warbler is retricted to the Edwards Plateau in Texas?

5. What North American owl occurs from northern treeline south to Patagonia?wlquizzical

the

By Thais Bock

Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2009

BIRDSONG

S

byPhil

Buly

Just the other day... Heres what TAS was doing in April 1984

(Answers below cartoon.)

Usually noreaster storms are associated with blizzards, damaging winds,

and beach eroding waves and tides. But for the land based bird watcher

they provide a golden opportunity. Shearwaters, fulmars, storm-petrels, jae-

gers, and alcids are some of the pelagic birds which are often seen during

and shortly after these powerful storms when the onshore winds push them

close enough to land to view.

From Noreasters and Seabirds by Chris Gentes

Go to http://massbird.org/noho/ne.htm (the site on the web for Massachusetts

birding, sponsored by Bird Observer, the New England Birding Journal.

The April 13 meeting at Ingram

Hall, Pacific Lutheran University was

Tahoma Audubons First Annual

Great Slide Show Extravaganza.

Pictorial adventures from their own

backyards to East Africa and Borneo wereshown by Fred Tobiason, Wally Wilkins, Dave

Batker, Bob Ramsey, Greg Sylvester, and

Ken Batker. The monthly meeting also featured

Kris Quinn talking up the Birdathon scheduled for

April 28-29, 1984. Our members would be vying

with other chapters to find the most species of

birds as well as the most sponsors.

We were involved in the Western Washington

Fairground Flower Show for the Daffodil Festival

with bird boxes and how to attract birds to the

garden. Our members were invited to

participate in a wonderful course with

Joseph Cornell, author of Sharing

Nature With Children and KenBrowns Spring Birding Class at the

Snake Lake Nature Center, now

Tacoma Nature Center.

Field trips included an early morn-

ing trek in Klickitat County with the

Washington Wild Turkey Federation

to observe native turkeys in their

mating cycle. Leaders included

Helen Engle and WA Game Dept.

Commissioner Dennis Barci. All we

saw of the turkeys was some turkey

droppings. Paul Webster led the

Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Census;

Roxy Giddings took us through

Spanaway Park. Chambers Creek Estuary

and the Tacoma Community College CampusNature Trail were Thelma Gilmurs trips of the

month, and Doreen and Howard Johnson led

the Enumclaw Woodland Hike.

Tahoma Audubons president Bob Ramsey

noted the first sightings of Western Bluebirds on

February 17 near Yelm. He reported that when our

chapter began Operation Bluebird in the fall of

1982 we knew of a few nesting boxes on Fort

Lewis and we added 71 new boxes in what looked

like promising bluebird habitat. By the end

of the 1983 summer 22 boxes had been

used for 26 successful nest-

ings with a total of 87 fledg-

lings. Many interested partiesparticipated and special credit

goes to George Walter for

his dedicated monitoring of

that first season. Credit also

went to Fort Lewis Fish & Wildlife

biologists, Jim Stephenson, Jonathan

Beall and DavidClouse, and to super

bluebird-box-builder Walt Lachnit.

Fifty new boxes had been

added for the 1984 nesting

season.

Thais Bocks Word on

Birds page included the

following sightings in

February: 13 Trumpeter

Swans at Nisqually NationalWildlife Refuge, Violet-

green swallows at American

Lake, 50 Long-billed Curlews at Tokeland. In

March there was a Snowy Owl on the Skagit flats,

a Says Phoebe in Seattles Discovery Park and the

states first Dickcissel at a feeder in Forks. Thais

also reported that a Bald Eagle picked up a house

cat on Shaw Island, but unceremoniously dropped

him. The cat was none the worse for losing one of

its nine lives.

Tahoma Audubon rejoiced over the

inclusion of the Clearwater area north of

Mount Rainier in the WA Wilderness Act

of 1984. Congressman Norm Dickswrote an article for the Towhee thanking

Audubon campaigners for the quality of

information provided to Members of

Congress during deliberations over

boundaries.

ANSWERS:1.Short-wingedHawk2.RosssGoose3.PacifcLoon4.Golden-cheekedWarbler5.GreatHornedOwl

Feedback, comments and reminiscences

welcome, 253-564-3112, [email protected].

By Helen Engle

Helen Englefrom days of yore.

Norm Dicks

8/9/2019 05-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

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Birdathon field trips

May 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9

announcements

Tahoma Audubon Member Nate Chappell and

Ecuadorian birding guide William Perez will lead

this exciting birdwatching and nature photography

tour. We will start in Quito, drive up over Papallacta

Pass and stay at three lodges on the eastern slopeof the Andes Mountains, Guango Lodge, San

Isidro and Wild Sumaco Lodge. After that we

will board a motorized canoe in Coca for the four

hour trip down the Napo River to the superb Sani

Lodge, which is located on an oxbow lake in the

heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. After spending

four nights there we will return by plane to Quito.

Cost of the trip is $3,100, $400 single supplement.

For more information and the complete itinerary

please see our website, www.trogontours.net or

call Nate Chappell at 253-512-1060.

Ecuador: Andes to Amazon

August 1-12, 2009

Trogon Tours

Titlow ParkWhen: Tuesday, May 5, 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Leaders: Rosanne Becker and Joann Sims

Families welcome! Enjoy both water and songbirds at

this beautiful Tacoma Park. A variety of habitats

include salt 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 DayPurdy to Paradise,

on International Migratory Bird Day

When: Saturday, May 9, 5:15 a.m. till dusk.

Leaders: Bruce LaBar and Charlie Wright

Starting at Purdy Spit, this trip visits Point Defiance,

McChord, and other points of interest on the way to the

Mountain. We aim each year to show that you can find

100 species by birding just in Pierce County. One year

we identified 124. Meet at the far end of Purdy Spit at

5:15 a.m.

Green River Watershedon International Migratory Bird Day

When: Saturday, May 9, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Leaders: Greg Volkhardt and Rolan Nelson

Join us for a day of birding in the Green River

Watershed and possibly Nolte State Park and Auburn

Narrows Wetlands. This is a rare opportunity to see the

protected watershed managed by Tacoma Water. Well

leave the Tacoma Public Utilities Administration

Building at 8:00 a.m. in one or two vans, and arrive at

the watershed gate at about 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. Well

bird the forests and fields around Howard Hanson

Reservoir (elevation 1200 feet), then visit Eagle Lake

(elevation 2200 feet) before possibly heading to

Auburn Narrows. Well plan on returning to Tacoma

by 4:30 p.m. Space is limited; this trip is open to thefirst 12 people to sign up. Meet at the Tacoma Public

Utilities lot A1 on the west end of the administration

building. The building is located at 3628 South 35th

Street. Limit 12 participants.

Adriana Hess Wetland ParkAudubon Center

When: Monday, May 11, noon to 2:00 p.m.

Leader: Ruth Sullivan

Ruth Sullivan will lead this regular bird identification

visit at this small, unique park at 2917 Morrison Rd W.

in University Place. Come if you are counting for

Birdathon or just to enjoy the days count. Year before

last we identified 40 birds on this count. Since this is

being used as a Birdathon trip, we hope all participants

are willing to give a Birdathon donation, but we are not

requiring one.

Fort Lewis

When: Wednesday, May 13, 8:00 a.m. to noon.Leader: Fort Lewiss Jim Lynch

Jim Lynch from the Forts Wildlife Department will

meet the group at the Roy Y Park & Ride at 8:00 a.m.

We will carpool to visit the open oak woodlands and

riparian habitats found among the prairies of the Fort

Lewis Training Grounds. Expect to identify 55-60

species.

Morse Wildlife PreserveWhen: Friday, May 15, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Leader: Betty Jones

Walk the trails and check out the marsh, dry Douglas-

fir forest, moist lowland forest, prairie and meadow.

Take a look at the pond in the marsh and the forested

wetland from the bird tower. Be sure to ask fordirections when you sign up.

Tacoma to Potholes(Overnight in Moses Lake)

When: Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, 5:30

a.m. Saturday to Sunday afternoon.

Leaders: Marcus Roening and Heather Ballash

Marcus and Heather lead an exciting, full-day trip from

Tacoma to the Potholes in Moses Lake. The trip will

cover 15 habitat zones, with special emphasis on

migratory birds in the Columbia Basin sage, pinelands,

and wetlands. Expect to see at least 120 species in one

fast-paced day. Meet at 5:30 a.m. and arrive in Moses

Lake at 8:30 p.m., where we will stay overnight. Enjoy

a leisurely return through favorite bird areas on Sunday.

Please provide e-mail address when you sign up in

order to coordinate lodging details and meeting place.

E-mail [email protected] for further details.

Point Defiance ParkWhen: Sunday, May 17, 8:00 a.m. to noon.

Leaders: Rob and Natalie McNair-Huff

Join Rob and Natalie for the Birdathon version of their

monthly nature walk at Point Defiance Park on May

17. They will set out at 8:00 a.m. in the zoo parking lot

and walk through the forest trails along Five Mile

Drive, walking a little more than four miles. This

Birdathon trip will end with birding along the ponds

near the park entrance and with a drive down to Owen

Beach. The trip should wrap up around noon.

Lakebay AreaNear Town of Home

When: Friday, May 22, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Leader: Home-owners Dee and Wayne Knight andMelissa Sherwood

Visit acres of woods with songbirds, fields with ravens,

and shores with eagles, osprey, sandpipers and herons,

plus two eagle nests, too. Bring your own lunch.

Coffee and desert will be served by the fireplace.

Address is: 3715 165th KPN. Go across the Narrows,

take Purdy exit, through the Purdy stop light, go

through the Key Center blinking red light and 3.8 miles

past. Youll see a huge billboard on the right saying

Dudley Top Apples, pass the small green 38th St sign

on the right and across from this there will be signs and

balloons on left at a tiny road. Go right past the Knight

signs and balloons to right and wind down a long

wooded road with a steep hill. Youll see an old barn

and turn to the left to their house. There is a very lowtide near noon. Bring beach shoes; we can walk quite

a distance.

Waughop Lake and

Fort Steilacoom ParkWhen: Saturday, May 23, 8:30 a.m.to 11:00 a.m.

Leader: Betty Jones

Meeting spot is the parking lot by the barns at Fort

Steilacoom Park. Well identify birds in the oak

woodlands, grasslands, and Waughop Lake, and some

evergreen areas. We hope to see 50 species.

Foulweather Bluff

When: Saturday, May 30, 7:00 a.m. to mid-afternoon.Leader: Rolan Nelson

Well visit Foulweather Bluff, Point-No-Point, and the

Hansville Greenway. Join us for this Birdathon event

to check out the west sound migrants that should be

passing through. Well see wetlands, saltwater, forest

glades, and meadows. We hope to identify over 65

species. Bring rain gear and layered clothes and a

scope if you have one. Pack a lunch or you can buy

supplies at the Hansville Store. Meet at Purdy Park &

Ride off Highway 16. Take Highway 16 across the

Narrows Bridge from Tacoma. Exit at the SR302/

Purdy off-ramp and drive straight through Purdy (three

stoplights) to 144th. The Park & Ride is just beyond

the Chevron Station.

Come join us for our largest member-driven fundraiser! You can come on any of these trips as a birder or just for fun,

we just ask that you make a donation. Call Tahoma Audubon (253)565-9278 to sign-up and we encourage carpooling!

Contact David Renstrom [email protected] or 253-798-4680

or the Cascade Land Conservancy [email protected]

Join us at the Naches Trail Preserve while the prairie plants are in bloom

and the birds are singing to celebrate Washingtons Native Plant Appreciation Week.

The Naches Trail Preserve is located in Frederickson, WA at 38th Ave E and Military Rd E.

Prairie Appreciation EventNaches Trail Preserve May 9th, 2009 from 9 a.m. - Noon

8/9/2019 05-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

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volunteerRecognition

Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2009

By Beth Graves

What better way to wel-

come the beginning of spring

than with a little spring clean-

ing? Thats exactly what the

First Creek Neighbors and ateam of volunteers did at the

First Creek Clean-Up on April

4. Beginning bright and early,

the group worked to restore

the neglected green belt by

picking up litter, removing

invasive species, and clearing

overgrown vegetation from

sidewalks and fence posts.

The First Creek watershed is located in the Eastside

neighborhood of Tacoma. It extends from Portland

Avenue to Roosevelt Heights and passes through the

Salishan neighborhood. Years of neglect and misuse

have turned the creek and its shaded banks into a

dumping ground. When volunteers arrived on thescene, they were met with garbage heaps which includ-

ed shopping carts, televisions, and couches.

Volunteers worked in three locations along the water-

shed. One group focused on the area around East 29th

street near the Emerald Queen Casino. They tackled an

infestation of English Ivy, shearing through vines that

had grown as thick as tree branches. By the end of the

day, dozens of trees had been saved from these creep-

ing foes.

Around the Fairbanks area, volunteers removed

invasive species and picked up litter as well. In addi-

tion, the team uncov-

ered a mostly forgot-

ten sidewalk running

between the creek

and the street. The

restoration of the

sidewalk providedan instant facelift to

the area and a visible

measure of the hard

work and determina-

tion of the volun-

teers.

First Creek Neigh-

bors intends to con-

tinue restoration ef-

forts in the First Creek area. They hope to preserve the

green belt so that it remains a community asset for cur-

rent and future generations. They envision a healthy

natural space with recreational trails that are accessible

and safe for communal use. The First Creek Neighbors

see the creek as a valuable asset which could add valueto lives of residents as well as the surrounding ecosystem.

The event was held in association with the Green

Tacoma Partnership, City of Tacoma, and the Puyallup

tribe. For information on more restoration projects and

volunteer opportunities contact Green Tacomas

Volunteer Coordinator Julie Kerrigan JKerrigan@

TahomaAudubon.org, (253) 565-1884.

Beth Graves is a student at the University of Puget

Sound and a Green Tacoma Partnership intern this

semester.

Volunteers team up to clean up

NatureMapping provides an opportunity for every-

one to observe, monitor, and inventory their local

habitats and use the information gathered to affect

real change. Data collected can be used by scientists

on state and local levels to help make decisions that

determine a healthy future for sh and wildlife.

This workshop will involve both classroom

and eld work and will include the use of

maps, wildlife identication tips, habitat

coding, building a search image, and data

collection procedures.

Top left: Mother Daughter team removing English Ivy off

of trees, plants and the ground.

Above: Volunteers clearing the sidewalk of weeds, moss,

garbage and dirt. The sidewalk is now visible and usable.

Below: First Creek Steward Dan Fear is conducting volun-

teer orientation and explaining invasive species removal.

Lower left: Volunteers at First Creek getting ready to go

out and remove invasive species.

Photos/Julie Kerrigan

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park presents: NatureMapping: Data Collection and Monitoring

To Register, contact reservations at 360-832-7166or [email protected]

*Registration closes April 22nd, 2009

For more information contact Jessica Moore at 360-832-7160

Data Collection & Monitoring Workshop

May 30 & 31, 2009$40 per participant (discounted - regularly $70)

Friday: 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9 am -5 pmThis workshop is for citizens interested in using the Na-tureMapping process to keep track of wildlife in their back-

yard, local parks and forests, or any other natural area.This hands-on environmental learning workshop

helps people take the next step after learningto enjoy wildlife.

8/9/2019 05-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

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May 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 11

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:TahomaAudubon2

917Morrison

Rd.

W.

UniversityPlace,

98466Taho

maAudubon

Society,establishedin1969,

isa501(c

)(3)nonprofit

organization.

Donationsaretaxdeductible.

Membership Fee:

___ Introductory (first year) $20

___ Joint National/Tahoma Audubon $50

___ Chapter member renewal $30

___ Other Contributions _____________

Member(s) Name: _______________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

City______________________________ Zip__________________

Phone: home ___________________business _________________

e-mail: ________________________________________________

Member #: _______________________________ (office use only)

mebership

An original John James

Audubon print is being offered

for sale by John Barbieri, and

a percentage of the sale will be

donated to Tahoma Audubon.

The Scaup Duck is an original

hand colored lithograph from

the royal octavo edition, done

by the Philadelphia rm of J.T.

Bowen in 1840-1844. The

outlines where hand printed from

a lithographic stone and each

print was hand colored under the

direct supervision of John James

Audubon. The print is on display

at the Audubon ofce at 2917

Morrison Rd. West, University

Place. Please call the ofce at

(253) 565-9278.

Original Audubon

Print for Sale

The April pro-

gram, Gone to the

Goonies: Midway

Atoll by Valerie

Elliot, made the

best birding day in

Washington look

like birding desert,

but also showed the

incredible pressures

humans put on

ecosystems of even

an isolated island.

The Midway Atoll lies at the end of the Hawaiian

chain of islands, 1250 miles NNW of Hawaii. The

group of islands hosts the worlds largest population

of Laysan Albatross, or gooney birds and a large

population of Black-Footed Albatross, as well as

several other bird, wildlife, and plant species. Midway

is also known for its role in WWII and later wars.

Im going to start my music up again Valerie said

at the beginning of her presentation, putting on a CD

of The Midway Symphony Chorus directed by Al

B. Tross, available on the Friends of Midway Atoll

website. The chorus of bird calls issuing from the

stereo was the nightly music Valerie heard when she

volunteered with the Fish and Wildlife Service on the

islands as a nest surveyor in 2006.

Valerie moved on to wow the audience with the rst

few pictures: albatrosses absolutely covered the ground,

whether on the wilder Easter Island or surrounding the

dilapidated military buildings on Sand Island. Ive

never seen birds everywhere like that, she said, and it

was hard not to believe her.

As a nest counter, Valerie spent the days biking and

walking on one of the two islands with a team of other

volunteer counters, looking for active nests. At night,

she stayed in the old barracks, ate meals prepared by

an on-site support staff, and enjoyed touring around

on the bike she was issued. Sound like the kind of

volunteering youd enjoy? The Fish and Wildlife Service

asks for a 12-week commitment from volunteers, more

information is available on their website.

Valerie showed the audience the many other species

of birds she saw, including White Tern, Brown Noddy,

Black Noddy, Red-Tailed Tropicbird, Laysan Duck,

Common Canary, Common Myna, Pacic

Golden Plover, and the Bristle-Thighed

Curlew, which she said were lousy over

here, unlike during her travels in Alaska.

She also showed green sea turtles, Monk

Seals, and Spinner Dolphins.

At what she called the heart of my

talkthe peril part, Valerie talked about

the dangers facing albatross and other bird

species. The effects of longline shing,

a threat to many birds, can be mitigated

by several measures, but while these

measures are implemented by the

US, other countries dont require

them. Lead poisoning from the

old buildings on site threatens

juveniles, but FWS has been periodically working on

the buildings.Plastic, in the form of milk cartons, tubs, ip-ops,

and Bic lighters, washes ashore and threatens the birds.

All chicks have plastic in their stomachs, in some cases

16 ounces or more. Friends of Midway Atoll was

recently awarded a $200,000 grant to study marine

debris and develop educational programs.

Invasive species form another major threat260 of

280 species on the island are non-native. The biggest

threats to birds include Verbesina and Ironwood

(Casurina equesetifolia from Australia).

Perhaps the biggest long-term threat to all the species

on the island is climate change, especially rising sea

levels, as most of Midway is just 1 foot above sea level.

Coral bleaching also occurs on the island.

Valerie ended the peril part of the

talk with a picture of an albatross asking

Please help us. She listed several ways

to help, including donating to Friends of

Midway Atoll, eating sustainable seafood,

reducing plastic use (especially those

pesky Bic lighters), and doing something to

reduce climate change.

For more information, visit FWS

at http://www.fws.gov/midway and

Friends of Midway Atoll at http://www.

friendsofmidway.org. Valerie also

recommends the book Eye of the

Albatross: Visions of Hope and

Survivalby Carl Sana.

Celebrating and advocating for the Albatrosses of Midway Atoll

april program Wrap-up

C9ZY020Z

jillEIKENHORSTIntern Editor

8/9/2019 05-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

11/11

May 1, Fri, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Breakfast

& Work Party. F

May 2, Sat, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Native Plant Sale

at TNCMay 5, Tue, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Intermediate

Birding. F

May 6, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird

Walks at Nisqually F

May 8, Fri, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF at

Adriana Hess Wetland Park. F

May 8, Fri, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Membership

Meeting. Location: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919

S. Tylor Street. Monthly membership meeting of

Tahoma Audubon. See box on right for details.

May 9, Sat. International Migratory Bird Day -

count

May 10, Sun, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Morse

Preserve Open Trails. F

May 11, Mon, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Bird Walk at

Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Enjoy a guided bird

walk through the park! F

May 12, Tue, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Nature

alphabet: I is for Inch by Inch.

May 12, Tue, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Conservation

Committee. Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park

May 12, Tue, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Nature

Snapshots: Tidepools. Location: Tacoma Nature

Center. Ages 12 and up, $15 per person or $30 perfamily (4 people max). Join us for a snapshot of

nature as we explore the basics of identication and

help families learn a few of the local native wildlife.

Call 591-6439 to register.

May 12, Tue, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Intermediate

Birding Class continuation. F

May 13, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird

Walks at Nisqually F

May 13, Wed, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Budding

Scientists The Living Web.

May 13, Wed, 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM. Budding

Scientists The Living Web.

May 14, Thu, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Beginning

Homeschool Science: The Web of Life.

May 14, Thu, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Beginning

Homeschool Science: The Web of Life.

May 14, Thu, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Tahoma

Audubon Board Meeting. Adriana Hess Audubon

Center. Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon

Board. Guests Welcome, please call ahead at (253)

565-9278.

May 15 to May 16, 2009. Nisqually BioBlitz.

Location: Roy/McKenna area. Attention Nature

Mappers, animal and plant lovers! Learn to be a

citizen scientists by being part of a team of citizens

and experts and help identify the ora and fauna ofa biologically diverse area. Camp overnight and

look for nocturnal animals! Find bugs, amphibians,

butteres, birds, and mammals! Contact Krystal

for details and upcoming training opportunities at

253-232-9978 or visit: http://depts.washington.edu/

natmap/about/howto.html. M

May 15, Fri, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF at

Adriana Hess Wetland Park. F

May 18, Mon, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Plant Walk

at Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Location: Adriana

Hess Wetland Park. Enjoy a guided plant walk

through the park! F

May 19, Tue, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Intermediate

Birding. Adriana Hess Audubon Center.

Continuation. F

May 20, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird

Walks at Nisqually F

May 21, Thu, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Intermediate

Science: Its all Connected.

May 21, Thu, 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Education

Committee Meeting. Adriana Hess Conference

Room.

May 22, Fri, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF at

Adriana Hess Wetland Park. F

May 26, Tue, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Nature

Storytime: J is for Jellysh. Tacoma nature Center.

Preschoolers explore different nature topics through

stories, hands-on activities, nature walks, and crafts

at the Tacoma Nature Center. Adult participation

is recommended, children under four require and

adult present. Please note alternating times. Register

by the Saturday before the program by calling 591-

6439.

May 26, Tue, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Intermediate

Birding. Adriana Hess Audubon Center.

Continuation. F

May 27, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird

Walks at Nisqually F

May 27, Wed, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Budding

Scientists Eat, or Be Eaten.

May 27, Wed, 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM. Budding

Scientists Eat, or Be Eaten.

May 28, Thu, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Advanced

Science: Bio-Science: Ecology.

May 29, Fri, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF at

Adriana Hess Wetland Park. F

May 29, Fri, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Advanced

Science Lab: Ecology.

May 30, Sat, Nature Mapping training at NW

Trek. Location: NW Trek. Contact Jessica Moore

at 360-832-7160. V

May 31, Sun, Nature Mapping training at NW

Trek. Location: NW Trek. Contact Jessica Moore

at 360-832-7160. V

June 2, Tue, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Intermediate

Birding Class Continuation. F

June 3, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird

Walks at Nisqually F

June 6, Sat, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Board & Staff

Retreat at Pack Forest

June 8, Mon, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Bird Walk at

Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Enjoy a guided bird

walk through the park! F

June 9, Tue, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Conservation

Committee. Adriana Hess Wetland Park

June 9, Tue, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Intermediate

Birding. Adriana Hess Audubon Center.

Continuation. F

June 10, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird

Walks at Nisqually F

June 11, Thu, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Tahoma

Audubon Board Meeting. Adriana Hess Audubon

Center. Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon

Board. Guests Welcome, please call ahead at (253)

565-9278.

June 12, Fri, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Membership

Meeting at Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tylor

Street

Monthly membership meeting of Tahoma Audubon.

All welcome. Check web site for program - www.

TahomaAudubon.org. Call (253) 565-9278

June 13, Sat. Ohop Widlife Survey & eld trip.

Location: Ohop Valley, near Eatonville. Call

565-9278 to register and for directions. Help

scientists collect data on birds, mammals, reptiles,

amphibians, and insects! No experience necessary,

only willingness to explore. Wear sturdy shoes.

Directions and information are also available on our

website at: www.tahomaaudubon.org/cs under the

ohop wildlife monitoring tab.

June 15, Mon, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Plant Walk

at Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Enjoy a guided

plant walk through the park! F

June 17, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird

Walks at Nisqually F

June 24, Wed, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird

Walks at Nisqually F

For additional information:Tahoma Audubon - 253-565-9278; or www.tahomaaudubon.org Or The Tacoma Nature Center:253-591-6439 or www.metroparkstacoma.org

Calendarmay programmay 2009

june 2009

F Field Trip PageV Volunteer page

M Environment Matters Page

A Related article in Towhee

E Education Page

Tahoma Audubon Programs

FREE to members and non-members!

When: Friday,May 8, 2009Where: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 South Tyler.

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 pm.

Who: Miriam Easley, Sustainability Outreach Co-

ordinator, Versar, Inc. Fort Lewis, Public Works-ED

Fort Lewis is committed to the support of a strong

national defense, securing the integrity of our natu-

ral and cultural heritage, and conserving our natural

resources for tomorrows generations. In 2002 Fort

Lewis emerged as a leading force for sustainability.

Fort Lewis Installation Sustainability Program (ISP)

is guided by eight long-term goals that are divided

into six subject areas: Air Quality, Products & Ma-

terials Management, Water Resources, Sustainable

Training Lands, Energy and Sustainable Communi-

ties. A multidisciplinary team oversees implemen-tation of the ISP within each subject area. Sustain-

ability has applications to every organization and

Fort Lewis sends this message through its outreach

programs, participation in technical conferences,

willingness to serve as an R&D demonstration site

for technology innovations, and leadership as an

early adopter of sustainable practices. Ms. Easley

is a civilian contractor for the Public Works depart-

ment at Ft Lewis. She has extensive knowledge

about the sustainability efforts within the Army and

on military bases nationwide.

Loren Webster - Calendar Editor [email protected]