12-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

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Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969 . Vol. 40 No. 10December2009/January2010

Inthisissue:25 Years Ago page 8

BirdSongs page 8

Calendar page 12

Education page 4

Environment Matters page 3

Field trips page 5

New Members page 11

Quizzical Owl page 8

Tahoma

Audubon is

currently fielding three different classes for

adult birders (not to mention all the resources

made available to children and youth!), which

have been wildly popular! The intermediate

birding class this year had to move from the

Audubon Center at Adriana Hess Park to theNature Center at Snake Lake because it has

grown so much in size, actually having to turn

people away. Rumor has it that it will split next

year and become two classes – Intermediate

and Advanced! It looks like birding is no lon-

ger an undiscovered joy!

Ken Brown’s intermediate class at press time

had just taken its second field trip of the fall/

winter season November 14th, the first week-

end since the weather took a turn for the cold

and wet. Ken decided we’d head out anyway,

as there was a chance of breaks in the weather.

Turns out the break was all day! Perfect fall

birding weather!

In this unusually rich season for rare birds

(see the report from Ruth Sullivan on page 7, as

well as last month’s issue), we took our cue

from Tweeters internet reports (Brad Waggoner

of Bainbridge Island on November 10th) and

headed up to the Kingston area to look for the

Rusty Blackbird! This blackbird normally

winters in the American Southeast (breeding in

the northeast and Canada) and has been report-

ed usually once or twice each winter in

Washington in recent years, but I can tell you

it’s a hard bird to pick out of a flock of several

ByFayeMcAdamsHands

Saturday, December 19, 2009 will be the

Christmas Bird Count for our Tahoma Audubon

Chapter. You are welcome to join in the fun of this

annual holiday tradition! Every year Audubon

chapters around the world organize their own

CBC to continue this longest running citizen-

scientist project. Counters count every bird that is

seen or heard on the designated day, within their

oy

J

OF BIRDING CLASSES THE

STORy AND

pHOTOS By DIANE yORGASON-QuINN

The 110th Christmas Bird Count!

It’s here! It’s here!

See"CBC”onpage2

See"Classes”onpage6

Our2010MembershipBanquetisalmosthereandweneedyourhelp!

Saturday, February 6, 2010 is Tahoma

Audubon's biggest event of the year and

we need lots of help from our members

to make this a success!

Please see details on page 2.

Gathering of the Intermediate Birding Class at The Nature Center at Snake Lake. Instructor Ken Brown is

seated just to the left of the Swan sculpture in the corner.

DonatetotheTahomaAudubonSocietyCommon birds at risk, sharp decline of sea

birds in Puget Sound, Global warming ef-

fects on habitat, and near extinction for the

Spotted Owl. These are some of the recent

headlines that add urgency to our work to

preserve habitat for wildlife and humans.

Your donation is critical to the success of

our important work. Donate today!

Your donation is tax deductible. Click here

to go to our donation webpage. Photo/Robert Kelton

http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/Default.aspx?pageId=30314&wstepNo=1&wctxId=fe4dc6ea2e20434fb88177133037f089

http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/Default.aspx?pageId=30314&wstepNo=1&wctxId=fe4dc6ea2e20434fb88177133037f089



The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society .The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TAS

advocates for the protection of wildlife and promotes conserva-tion through education and activities that enrich its member’sexperiences in and with the natural world.

The Towhee is published monthly, ten times a year, withcombined Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan issues. Submissions of articlesand photographs of birds, bird lore, natural history, conserva-tion, and environmental education are reviewed and consideredfor 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 submissionsto [email protected]. Editor: David Lev

Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield GiddingsDesign & Layout: Robert Kelton: robert_kelton@ mac.com

Printing: Consolidated Press

Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org December 2009/January 2010

... CBC

TahomaAudubonStaff

Flint,Bryan Executive Director

[email protected] 253-565-9129

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

Swaim,Stephanie Education Coordinator


Kesinger,Cami Development Coordinator [email protected] 253-565-9129

Taylor,GrahamVolunteer 253-565-1884

Kerrigan,JulieCoordinators [email protected] [email protected]

Benton,Ken Education Intern


TahomaAudubonBoardOfficers

John Garner President

Marjorie Shea Vice President

Jane Brosius Secretary

Kathleen Nelson Treasurer

TahomaAudubonBoardMembers2009

Thelma Gilmur

Dick Carkner

Marcus Roening

Peggy L. Kopf

Darby Veeck

ThePierceCountyChapterofTheNationalAudubonSocietyLocatedinUniversityPlace'sAdrianaHessWetlandPark

2917MorrisonRdWUniversityPlace,WA98466Officehours10a.m.-1p.m.Frontdesk253-565-9278

Ione Clagett

Melissa Paulson

Bill Smith

Tanja Scott

Charles Griffin

Our annual membership banquet is coming up

on Saturday, February 6th, 2010! Last year’s 40th

Anniversary celebration was a huge success and

we want to repeat the fun for this year’s event. To

make it great, we need your help:

1) We need auction items! Please consider

donating something to this year’s silent auction.

Most donations are tax deductible and all proceeds

go to support our endowment. Donations largeand small are appreciated. Ideas from past auc-

tions include art, books, tickets to museums or

sporting events, homemade goodies, guided bird-

ing trips and other fun experiences. Please call the

TAS office for more ideas or to make a donation.

2) We need party planners! This is the biggest

single event of the TAS calendar year and it takes

lots of people to make it run smoothly. If you are

interested in helping out with the banquet in any

way, please contact Melissa at (253)306-0037 or

[email protected] We’ll need people to

help with the program, decorations, materials and

day-of logistics.With your help, we can put together a great

event to celebrate Tahoma Audubon’s fantastic

members and activities. We look forward to see-

ing you at the 2010 banquet!

2010 Membership Banquet is approaching quickly!

designated Count Circle. Our

Circle contains 8 different Areas.

In the map at right you will see

the Areas, along with the AreaCoordinators. You can contact the

Coordinator of the Area that you

would like to count in, or contact

the Count Coordinator directly if

you are not sure, or would like to

offer you help in an Area that

might need extra birders: Faye

McAdams Hands – 253-942-

9233, [email protected]

Area1: Art Wang752-1714 [email protected]

Area2: Faye McAdamsHand942-9233 [email protected]

Area3: Diane Yorgason-Quinn857-3367 [email protected]

Area4: Roxy & Bill Giddings 537-3075

Area5: Rolan Nelson292-0160 [email protected]

Area6: Marcus Roening 756-0215

Area7: Ed Pullen848-5951 [email protected]

Area8: Ruth Sullivan564-7419 [email protected]

Excitingnews from last year’sCBC: out of 1,624 Counts in the US,our very own Count Circle had top

numbers for Red-necked Grebe(253) ! This is our second year in arow to come out on top with thisbird. In 2007 we had the nation’shigh count also (331) . Now, if onlythat Black-tailed Gull will stick around

for us! Keep your fingers crossed…..

The Tally Dinner directlyafter the Count is always a fun event,

and a great way to meet the otherbirders and share stories from theday, while eating a tasty meal! Come

join us at The Nature Center at SnakeLake - 1919 S. Tyler St, Tacoma -from 5:00 – 6:30. See you there!

frompage1

Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn

Here are a few photos of the fun we had last year,including the auction and several award presentations.We need your help for more of the same this year!

Photos/Margie Shea

mailto:[email protected]



mailto:%[email protected]





























December 2009/January 2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3

Contact Krystal at 253-232-9978.

Or [email protected]

ENVIRONMENT Matters

Saving lands across Pierce CountyThe future of open space in Pierce County is up to us.

What we collectively envision and, crucially, fund – will

shape the livability and culture of this scenic region.

Will we still have working forests surrounding Mt.

Rainier National Park in 30 years? Or will we have

sprawling 10-acre estates that destroy forest and river

habitat and produce urban flooding downstream?Will we have access to healthy locally grown foods?

Or will farmland and farmers be extinct, because they

couldn’t compete with industrial agriculture or rising

land prices or too many roads, warehouses, and suburban

sprawl?

Will we have a trails system to recreate, exercise,

provide an alternative to driving, or view birds and

wildlife? Or will we continue to build more roads only

to be stuck in traffic, which leads to more sprawl, worse

air quality, and contributes to climate change?

Each of us has our own answers to these questions,

and indeed other important questions to raise. There is

no right or wrong answer, but there is a choice to be

made. Our future is ours, and it is our children’s.

In these difficult economic times, we, as a society andas taxpayers, must make hard decisions on how and

when and where to spend our money. That is why

Tahoma Audubon has been working to ensure that tax

dollars are spent wisely and efficiently, and that working

forests, farms, other open spaces and trails are conserved

in a thoughtful and planned way that looks holistically at

all of the issues and options. Funding is a crucial piece

of the conservation puzzle. No plan, as good as it may

be, will ever be implemented without funding.

So, here is some good news to end 2009 on a positive

note, and start 2010 with the future in mind: on October27, 2009 the Pierce County Council voted in favor of

Resolution No.R2009-97s, establishing an Open Space

Task Force beginning in January 2010 that will study

and provide recommendations on how open space lands

will be acquired over the next decade.

The task force will coordinate with watershed councils,

land trusts, and environmental groups involved with

open space to create a long-range acquisition plan.

Creating an acquisition plan for open space is a key

component that needs occur before a sales tax for trails,

parks, and open space can be put before the public for a

vote.

We applaud the Pierce County Council for planning

for the future today!

Tahoma Audubon did not do this alone. Members of the Pierce County Sustainability Coalition (PCSC)

identified the creation of this task force as one of three

local priorities for 2009. The other two being getting a

Mixed-Use Centers Update in Tacoma (which we

succeeded at doing

this summer), and

making recycling

options more

available to

downtown Tacoma

businesses. ThePCSC is a coalition

formed in 2008, of

local non-profit

groups working

together to improve

the quality of life in

Tacoma and Pierce County by utilizing our grassroots

memberships and collective voice to advocate for

regulatory and policy changes.

Tahoma Audubon Society took a lead in advocating

for the creation of a task force, and we will continue to

play a key role in the task force when it commences in

January, ensuring that open spaces such as working

forests and farms, rivers, wetlands, parks, trails, and

more are conserved and funded across Pierce County,and so that we create a community that we continue to

want to live in, that our grandchildren will enjoy living

in, and where wildlife can find a home, a rest stop, or a

bite to eat, too.

INTERN Bio

INTERN Bio

Lindsay Raab grew up in Apple Valley,

Minnesota. She received a Bachelor of

Science degree in Biology, and a minor

focus in Psychology, from the University

of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Lindsay iscurrently in her second year of the

Masters of Environmental Studies

Program at The Evergreen State College

in Olympia, Washington. Her upcoming

thesis work will focus on nearshore birds on and near

Anderson Island in the South Puget Sound. The goal of the

research is to provide justification to expand the current

Important Bird Area boundary in the Nisqually Delta to

include the cliffs and shores of Anderson Island.

Lindsay will be coordinating and participating in a

Christmas Bird Count and Puget Sound Seabird Surveys on

Anderson Island. She will be amassing bird data from numer-

ous sources such as “E-Bird” notes and past survey data.

Lindsay also plans to interview locals to the island, as well as

seabird experts working in the Puget Sound.

Greg Cook, a second-year student in

the Master’s of Public Administration

program at The Evergreen State Col-

lege, is undertaking an internship with

Tahoma Audubon from October

through December. During this intern-

ship, Greg is working with Conservation

Coordinator Krystal Kyer on the Roy

community open house, the TAS five-year plan, and Pierce County’s Open Space Task Force.

Greg, a native of rural northern New York, has worked for

the Pierce County Library System since 2002. He is also a

writer whose work has appeared in various regional and

national publications. This year he is one of six reader-

columnists for The News Tribune. He hopes to graduate

from Evergreen in June, 2010.

“Interning with Tahoma Audubon has shown me some of

the struggles and rewards of life in a non-profit,” he says.

“Tahoma Audubon’s vision and work make an impact in

the Pierce County region and it is exciting to be a small part

of that.”

Lindsay Raab

Greg Cook

Lindsay Raab

Greg Cook

ByKatCrowley-York

The words “government of the people, by the

people, for the people” have always stuck in my

mind – from the days long past of studying

Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address. Italways seemed like excellent rhetoric – incredibly

inspiring, but somewhat vague and

impalpable. How could the

government be BY the people? I

vote – is that what it means? Or can

an ordinary citizen have a bigger say

in the process of government?

Three years ago, when I attended

my first Environmental Priorities

Lobby Day, it all became clear to me.

Yes, absolutely, I could be part of the

process, and yes, absolutely, my

single voice could make a difference.

It was an eye-opening and educatingexperience, and one I plan to repeat

many, many more times in my life.

For 18 years, People For Puget Sound and the

environmental community have been

spearheading the annual Environmental Lobby

Day in Olympia, and the event has grown by

leaps and bounds. Last year’s event had over

500 attendees, 125 legislative appointments, 25

co-sponsors, and 42 of 49 Legislative Districts

represented.

Last year, Representative Tom Campbell (an

environmental Republican) spoke to attendees to

inspire them and acknowledge the power of

citizen advocacy. In his words, “When I see anarmy of real people, I love it. I absolutely love it.”

I was surprised my first year by how willing

the legislators were to listen, and how informed

they are on the issues. Their constituents are

their top priority, and I came away from the day

really feeling like my concerns had been listened

to and my opinions would be considered when

the time came to vote on the issues.

BeHeard,BeSeen,BeGreen!

When:Tue. Jan. 26th, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Where: United Churches of Olympia, 110th

East 11th Ave

Additionally: Unveiling of the sixth and newest

map of the Great Washington State Birding Trail

hosted by Audubon Washington, with special

guest, Senator Lisa Brown.Registration fee $15. Bus transportation $15

(Tacoma Bus $10).

On line registration opens soon at

http://pugetsound.org/forms/

lobbydayreg10.

2010EnvironmentalPriorities:

1. TheWorkingforCleanWater

bill is about creating jobs, rebuilding

our local economies, and cleaning up

polluted waterways like the Puget

Sound and Spokane River.

2. SafeBabyBottles to protect

children’s health and the environment

by phasing out the harmful chemicalbisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles,

food and beverage cans, and other

consumer products.

3. BudgetforourEnvironment to ensure

adequate funding for the core environmental

protections that make Washington State a

healthy place to live.

During Lobby Day you will hear from legislators

that are championing the Environmental

Priorities legislation, receive a training on how to

lobby from top environmental lobbyists, and

have a chance to meet face-to-face with your

elected officials. And don’t forget the party in

the evening!Our goal is to have 600 participants, 130

legislative appointments, and have 45 of 49

Legislative Districts represented.

My husband and I will be there – will you?

Online registration for the 2010 Environmental

Lobby Day will begin in December.

http://pugetsound.org/forms/lobbydayreg10.

For more information contact Rein Attemann,

[email protected], or (206) 382-

7007.

EnvironmentalPrioritiesLobbyDay2010

http://pugetsound.org/forms/lobbydayreg10










The educators at

Tahoma Audubon

Society and Tacoma

Nature Center are

excited to announce

the new Volunteer

Naturalist TrainingProgram which

begins in 2010!

From January to

March, active and

i n f o r m a t i v e

workshops will

teach participants

about the ecology of

our region, and how

to inspire a sense of wonder in those who seek to

explore it.

Volunteer Naturalists are the backbone of our

strategic goal of expanding nature education across

Pierce County. With only one educator on staff at

Tahoma Audubon, we rely on a corps of trained,enthusiastic volunteers to bring environmental

education into the community and into school

classrooms. After receiving training, Volunteer

Naturalists are asked to commit to at least five hours of

outreach or on-site presentations.

Training consists of six workshops held at Tacoma

Nature Center and taught by specialists and staff. The

workshops will give you a broad knowledge of each

subject area, and the tools to create an atmosphere of

exploration and excitement for the natural world.

Required workshops:✔ Introduction to Interpretation – Tue. Jan. 12, 6:30-

8:45pm or Sat. Jan. 16, 9:30-11:45am

✔ Feathered Friends (Birds) – Tue. Jan. 26, 6-9pmor Sat. Jan 30, 9-noon✔Washington Wildlife (Mammals) – Tue. Feb. 9,

6-9pm

✔Forest Fun (Forest Ecology) – Tue. Feb. 23, 6-9pm

or Sat. Feb. 27, 9-noon

✔Wetland Wonders (Wetland Ecology) – Tue. Mar. 9,

6-9pm or Sat. Mar. 13, 9-noonTide pools (Intertidal

Ecology) – Tue. Mar. 23, 4:30-7:30pm at Titlow Beach

In addition to the six required workshops, Volunteer

Naturalists will have the opportunity to participate in

“elective” workshops. These will be open to the

public, but preference will be given to those whocomplete the training. Elective workshops may include:

Animal Tracking, Nature by Kayak, Marine Mammals,

Geology of Puget Sound, Neotropical Birds, Butterflies

and Dragonflies.

The fee for a workshop is $10. The Introduction to

Interpretation workshop is a prerequisite and is free of

charge. Receive a $20 discount if you register for all

six workshops at once! Call Tacoma Nature Center at

253-591-6439 to sign up. Space is limited.

To be a Volunteer Naturalist you must be age16 or

older, and available to lead programs during the school

day, on weekends, and/or in the evenings depending onthe requests from teachers and community groups.

If you have any questions, give me a call at 253-327-

9480 or email [email protected] .

Join us and help connect others with nature!


EducaTION Matters

Call Steph @ 253-327-9480. Or

[email protected]

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.

Check our websites for the latest updates on classes and schedules.

schEdulE of recurring classes

Announcing Volunteer Naturalist training

Budding Scientists

Ages 5-7, $9.00 per student. Young homeschoolers and

other children begin science and nature exploration

through games, hikes, and crafts.

Beginning Homeschool Science

Ages 8-10, $12 per student. Homeschool studentsexplore science through hands-on experiments and

activities. Register Early - these classes fill quickly!

Note - topics are repeated during the month, so select

class appropriate for your child’s knowledge and

abilities. Beginning science students should be able to

add and subtract numbers.

Intermediate Homeschool Science

Ages 10-12, $12 per student. Homeschool students

explore science through hands-on experiments and

activities. Register Early - these classes fill quickly! Note

- topics are repeated during the month, so select class

appropriate for your child’s knowledge and abilities.

Intermediate Science Students should be able to multiply

and divide numbers, add and subtract fractions.

Advanced Homeschool Science

Ages 12-15, $15 per student. Homeschool students

explore science through hands-on experiments and




abilities. Older homeschool students will continue their

science studies with challenging and engaging

experiments and activities. To participate in this class,

students should be able to calculate averages,

percentages, and solve simple equations.

Advanced Homeschool Science Lab

Ages 12-15, $15 per student. Homeschool studentsexplore science through hands-on experiments and




abilities. Older homeschool students will continue their

science studies with challenging and engaging

experiments and activities. To participate in this class,

students should be able to calculate averages,

percentages, and solve simple equations.

Nature Storytime

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 in University

Place with nature stories based on the current theme.

Adults are welcome with the children. This a wonderful

grandparent/ grandchild activity! Space is limited to the

first 20 registered guests (adults and children).

Nature Alphabet

Ages 3-6, $6 per child. Preschoolers explore different

nature topics through stories, hands-on activities,

nature walks and crafts at the Tacoma Nature Center.

Adult participation is recommended, children underfour require an adult present. Please note alternating

times. Register by the Saturday before the program.

Adriana Hess Park Photography Class

Mon Dec 7 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Location: Adriana Hess Park. An adult program

encouraging people to appreciate nature and how they

can incorporate it into their photography. Call Dixie

Harris for details 564-6373.

Christmas Irisfolding Card Class

Mon Dec 7 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Cost $12 per

person to be paid at class. You will leave class with at

least two cards and patterns to make your own. Othertechniques such as Teabag Folding and Spirelli may be

included along with the Irisfolding. Supplies needed: a

small scissors, Scotch Brand Magic tape (green

dispenser), and a small craft mat (if you have one). Call

Adriana Hess Audubon Center @ 565-9278 to reserve

your spot. For more details, call Rosanne Becker @

564-7115.

Intermediate Birder’s ClassTues Dec 8 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Continuation of class.

Snake Lake Science club

Tues Dec 15 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Ages 10-14, no

charge for club meetings, $10 per student to join the

club. Snake Lake Science Club for homeschool and

other students age 10-14 years old who want to learn

more about science and the natural world. Students pay

a once per school year fee of $10 to join the club and

are then free to participate in any program offerings,

including the 2010 Snake Lake Science Fair. The

following programs are designed to help students learn

more about science and the scientific process throughhands-on discovery. Pre-registration for each program

is required as space is limited. Call The Nature Center

to register 591-6439.

Adriana Hess Park Photography class

Mon Jan 4 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM


encouraging people to appreciate nature and how they

can incorporate it into their photography. Call Dixie



Mon Feb 1 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM


encouraging people to appreciate nature and how theycan incorporate it into their photography. Call Dixie


Volunteer Naturalists share the wonder of nature.

stephanieSWAIMEducationCoordinator









Weekly Bird Walks at NisquallyWed. Dec 2. 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Wed. Dec 9. 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Wed. Dec 23. 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Wed. Dec 30. 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Leader: Phil Kelley

Birdwalk hikes changed in spring, 2009. The boardwalk

loop, including the twin barns and riparian overlook,

are now the only areas open to the public due to

construction related to dike removal. Even so, bird

watching has been good.

Join Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts the

birds at Nisqually NWR. The group takes the boardwalk/

trail loop out to the Twin Barns, the Nisqually overlook

area, and the riparian area, totaling about 2 miles.

Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, water,

snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you have a

pass. Scopes are welcome. Meet: at Visitor’s Center.

Directions: 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 Kelley to confirm

details. Phil Kelley, Lacey, (360) 459-1499,

[email protected].

Nisqually NWR has started a 3-4 year estuary

reconstruction project. For more information about

trail closures, go to ttp://www.fws.gov/nisqually/ and

click on Events and News. During the reconstruction,

some trails have been closed.

Winter Birding in RoySat Dec 5 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location: Roy, WA - Head of the University of Puget

Sound’s Slater Museum of Natural History, Gary

Shugart, will lead a Nature Mapping field trip along

the rail tracks, city park, and oak woodland prairie

areas in Roy, WA. Join his winter bird watching trip to

get a taste of what was seen during our recent BioBlitz!

We will be carpooling from University of PugetSound’s Thompson parking lot off of Union & N. 14th

at 7:15am - we will depart at that time. If not carpooling,

meet at Roy City Park at 8:00am.

Call 565-9278 to sign up or for driving directions.

Plant Walk at Adriana Hess ParkMon Dec 21 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Enjoy a guided

plant walk through the park!

Family Walk at Adriana Hess Park

Sun Dec 27 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Location: Adriana Hess Park. A family program to

encourage families to appreciate the park by providing

information and opportunities with a guided walking

tour. Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373

Weekly Bird Walks at NisquallyWeds Jan 6 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Weds Jan 13 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Weds Jan 20 7:30 AM to 11:00 AMWeds Jan 27 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Leader: Phil

Kelley. See earlier description for details.

Bird Walk at Adriana Hess ParkMon Jan 11 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Location: Adriana Hess Park. Enjoy a guided bird walk

through the park!

Plant Walk at Adriana Hess ParkMon Jan 18, 2010 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park.

Explore the Skagit Flats

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Leaders: Marcus Roening & Heather Ballash; Limit 14

participants. Join Marcus & Heather in an exploration

of the rich farmland of the Skagit & Sammamish Flats.

One of Washington’s nature spectacles is seeing up to

10,000 Snow Geese, along with a mix of Trumpeter

and Tundra Swans. The area is also magnet for raptors,

with Bald Eagles, Red-tailed & Rough-legged Hawks,

Short-eared Owls and up to 5 falcons. Bring lunch,

warm clothes & full rain gear. MUST carpool! Limit of

4 cars, holding 4 people each (14 + 2 leaders).

MEET: at 7:30 am at Tacoma Dome P&R off of

Puyallup Ave, at the East G. St entrance, 1st floor, SE

corner inside. Call 253-565-9278 to sign up.

Family Walk at Adriana Hess ParkSun Jan 24 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

A family program to encourage families to appreciate

the park by providing information and opportunities

with a guided walking tour. Call Dixie Harris for

details 564-6373.

Weekly Bird Walks at NisquallyWeds Feb 3 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Wed Feb 10 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM



Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Leader: Phil

Kelley. See earlier description for details

Bird Walk at Adriana Hess ParkMon Feb 8 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Plant Walk at Adriana Hess ParkMon Feb 15 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Enjoy a guided plant walk through the park!

Family Walk at Adriana Hess ParkSun Feb 28, 2010 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

A family program to encourage families to appreciate

the park by providing information and opportunities

with a guided walking tour. Call 564-6373.

fIEld TRIps and Events


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

ENVIRONMENT Matters

ByJulieKerrigan

On October 24th, 2009 the Tahoma Audubon

Society, University Place Parks and Recreation, and

the University Place Volunteer Center came together

to host the Together Green Volunteer Days in

University Place. This event was a great example of

organizations in the community coming together to

encourage and support the preservation of local

urban open space.

Over 35 volunteers celebrated Make a Difference

Day on Saturday October 24th

at Adriana Hess Wetland Park

and City of UP property on 67th

Street. At Adriana Hess

Wetland Park, volunteers

helped plant over 318 native

plants and spread wood chips

for trails at the Thelma Gilmur

Outdoor Education Shelter

area. This area is designed to

be a demonstration site for the

public to learn about how to

grow native plants and utilize

compost bins and rain barrels.

At the 67th Street property volun-

teers filled two large dumpsters

full of invasive species such as

Scotch Broom, English Ivy,

Himalayan Blackberries and

Knot-Weed. Combined, the volunteers

contributed over 160 hours to improve

and restore their community!

These events were made possible

through the National Audubon Society

and Toyota Together Green Volunteer

Days grants. Each year, 40 Audubon

Centers and Chapters receive a $7,000

grant that pays for six volunteer events.

This year Tahoma Audubon partnered

with the University Place Volunteer

Center to host the six work parties in

the city of University Place. The two

work sites selected were Adriana Hess Wetland Park

and City of University Place property on 67th Street.

Currently four of the six work parties are complete.

Together Green has engaged 10,657 volunteers with

over 52,837 volunteer hours nationwide.

Together Green volunteer events are designed to

connect people to local conservation efforts. By

building stronger alliances with the many local

organizations in Piece County, Audubon hopes to

attract a new and diverse group of volunteers to help

address the many ongoing environmental issues of

our region.

Work party reflections



http://www.fws.gov/nisqually/







frompage1

hundred Blackbirds! I myself had chased this bird

for years before Patrick and Ruth Sullivan put me

on one at Carnation about three years ago! This

particular individual, however, was more coopera-

tive than most, separating himself apart from any

flock and staying loyal to a particular farmyard,

making our job much easier. When our group

arrived on the scene, he was making himself

scarce, but buoyed by reports from birders already

present (Marv Breece and Evan Houston) who

had seen him earlier that morning, we put our 50

eyes to work, and eventually he walked out and

took his bow! As more birders from around the

state had arrived, a single Swan had warmed upthe audience prior to the star turn. If we hadn’t

been concerned about scaring away the bird, there

would definitely have been applause! Good looks

were had by all!

Incidentally, the class’ first field trip in October

to the coast had yielded up the Bar-Tailed Godwit

at Tokeland, so now we’ll be expecting a rarity on

every outing! This amazing year might deliver on

that promise, courtesy of El Nino and so many

searching eyeballs.

We then birding the Bremerton and Port Orchard

areas, finding all kinds of other goodies! A raft of

30 Long-Tailed Ducks at Bremerton! Harlequins!

Scoters! Loons! More Swans! Eagles! Both

Goldeneyes and Buffleheads everywhere!American and Eurasian Wigeons! Yes, the winter

birds had definitely arrived! What a wonderful

antidote to darker and wetter days! Just look out

on the winter waters of Puget Sound!

Just about everything we looked for, we found,

with the exception of rockpipers, but that wasundoubtedly due to the high tides. The small

Pacific and Red-Throated Loons were scarce,

though there were many large Common Loons in

all plumages. All the expected Grebes were

around, with Horned Grebes catching fish just a

few feet from us at the Waterville pier. We were

short on Alcids, however, with only Pigeon

Guillemots representing that Murre/Auklet family.

Large and small Gulls, particularly Olympic Gulls

(Glaucous-Winged/Western hybrids) and Mew

Gulls, patrolled the skies everywhere along the

waterfront.

In non-bird news, a

fisherman must have

hauled out that huge24-tentacled Sunflower

Seastar that we almost

stepped on at Waterville

(thanks for the ID,

Shelley!), but it was alive, so Shelley and Faye put

it back in the sea to live another day.Of course, we saw Harbor Seals, but there was

a long rippling something coursing rapidly throughthe water near Harper, which turned out to bethree or four huge Sea Lions in an undulating line.Or maybe it really was a giant sea serpent...

We finished up our day at Mace Lake just northof the Pierce County line, where the amazing sightof 40+ Wood Ducks amid hundreds of Green-

Winged Teal and other freshwater ducks gave afitting finish to a fine day, fine in birds, fine inweather, and fine in companionship.

... CLASSES

Georgia Ramsey is a resource person for the class,pictured here at the Nature Center at Snake Lakeunder the sign designating the name of the lab afterher late husband, Bob RamseyHooded Mergansers patrolled the Port Orchard waterfront at our lunch spot.

The city of Seattle, visible across the sound from Harper.

Rarity Rusty Blackbird near Kingston.

Top: Scoping Manchester State Park. Above: The group(Ken Brown, front and center) at the Waterman pier.

Photos/Diane Yorgason-Quinn



ByRuthSullivan

October 24th was a special day

to pick for a field trip for a

combined trip for Tahoma and

Black Hills Audubons to Ocean

Shores. We had 10 eager birders

who all participated in finding

the four rare birds at Bowerman

Basin (Grays Harbor National

Wildlife Refuge). We all agreed

to spending extra time here until

everyone saw these birds. We

all had good looks at theChestnut-Collared Longspur,

Orchard Oriole, Palm Warbler,

and the Clay-Colored Sparrow.

On the way home we got a tip

from one of the parties who had

to leave early that there had

been a Tropical Kingbird also at

Bowerman Basin. In all the years that Patrick and

I birded, we never had 5 RARE BIRDS in one place.

We ended the day with 72 Species. We also were

lucky to have had good weather with plenty of

sunshine, so everything was in our favor.

Here are some highlights from our trip: Wesaw a Peregrine Falcon dive down on the sewage

ponds in Ocean Shores to grab a small bird. This

happened so fast as we were busy studying a

group of Short-Billed Dowitchers, but we were all

thinking that the prey was the tiny female Green-

Winged Teal that we all adored, and the Teal was

not seen again. In the ponds also was a PectoralSandpiper. Near the marina we had a good look at

a Northern Shrike that sat andposed for us. Another highlight

was on Damon Point where we

walked out and witnessed 4

large groups of small peeps,

mostly all Western Sandpipers.

We were wondering why they

were flying with such speed

and never trying to land, when

we discovered a dark Falcon

that appeared to be a young

Merlin since he came up empty

even with so many shorebirds.

A lone single Dunlin wasdiscovered standing all alone

and looked suspicious. We

spent some time looking at this

bird, but in the end it was a

lone Dunlin.

We also had high counts on

Common and Red-Throated

Loons and returning Bufflehead ducks. We also

found all three Scoters, with the Black Scoter being

kind of early, since they usually come back in early

November, but this

can vary from

year toyear.

We

did not do

m u c h

around the

jetty since

the tide was

coming in, and

staying close to the

jetty we kind of got

swamped by the waves.

There were a few Surfbirds

and a big flock of Black

Turnstones. It was after 5

PM when we hit Bowerman

again looking for the Tropical

Kingbird that was on Paulson

Road. Again this bird was not

found the next morning or

thereafter. But still, it was a

record-breaking weekend for

rare birds that we will likely

not experience again.Chestnut-Collared Longspur.


Group shot at the ocean. Ruth is on the far right.

Orchard Oriole. Clay-Colored Sparrow.

The elusive

TropicalKing-

bird.

Photo/Ruth Sullivan

Photo/RuthSullivan

Photo/Ruth Sullivan Photo/Ruth Sullivan



1. Especially in winter what thrush is known for its solitary habits?

2. The feathered "thumb" of a bird's wing is called an ________.

3. What name is given to a group of hawks with similar characteristics?

4. Only one of our small owls has dark eyes; which one is it?

5. What shorebirds gather food by ipping over shells, seaweed, and other small bits on the beach?

wlquizzical

the

ByThaisBock


BIRDSONGS byPhilBuly

(Answers below cartoon.)

ByHelenEngle

Helen Englefrom days of yore.

Tahoma Audubon’s 1984 Christmas

Bird Count was on December 15,

with our traditional count circle

divided in the traditional 8 areas.

Ken Brown was Chairman with the

following count Leaders: JoeQuinn,ThaisBock,KenBatker/FredTobiason,MaryJane

Cooper,Chris&NateChappell,BurtOstenson,

StanJohnson,andBettyHeitman. The tally of

the bird lists was at a chili dinner, hosted by Stan

&HelenEngle.

The monthly meeting’s program was “Who is

Watching Commencement Bay?” by Dr. Sheri

Tonn. We realized this was the kickoff of Tahoma

Audubon’s involvement in the cleanup of

Commencement Bay, our very own Superfund site.

Dr. Tonn, a fellow Auduboner and Associate

Professor of Chemistry at Pacific Lutheran University,

presented a

history of conservation in

Commencement

Bay, including

chemical and

biological studies,

g o v e r n m e n t

a g e n c y

involvements, the

Superfund as

means to clean

up the bay and the role of individual

members of the public.

We were scheduled to hear David

Wurzbach tell of the recovery the

Osprey, this interesting bird that exists

almost solely on fish. Elimination of the

use of DDT has halted the ospreys’

decline and birders can see them again in theirnests along our rivers and lake shores.

Our winter birding field trips were to Spanaway

North Woods with JimScearce; Bald Eagle survey

with KellyMcAllister of the WA Game Dept. (now

Fish & Wildlife Dept.); nature study and games at

Titlow park with ThelmaGilmur; Bainbridge Island

with Thais Bock; and WallyWilkins led a trip to

the Skagit river valley for eagles, swans and Snow

Geese.

JimScearce kicked off his six-weeks course on

“The mammals of the Pacific Northwest” at James

Sales School.

Our members attended an open forum co-

sponsored by the League of Women Voters and theTacoma-Pierce County Health Department. The

Forum’s theme was devoted to problems influencing

the health, economy and environment of our

community. You will remember them:

Ernesta Barnes, Region X Administrator the US

EPA; Kim Lowry, UW, Ruston-Vashon Pathways

Study; James Krull, Project Manager,

Commencement Bay cleanup, WA Dept. of Ecology;

Christine Luboff , Regional Coordinator for Western

WA Toxics Coalition. The moderator was Betty

Tabbutt of the League of Women Voters.

ThaisBock’s “Word on Birds” reported great

winter birding. Ken Brown’s birding class went to

Ocean Shores/Tokeland and saw Rough-legged

Hawks, Brown Pelicans, Golden Plovers, Merlin,

Long-billed Curlews, Marbled Godwits, and

Whimbrels. At Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

there were lots of raptors including PeregrineFalcons, Northern Harriers, Rough-legged and Red-

tailed Hawks; plus a Barn Owl and 6 Short-eared

Owls. Many of us saw the Snowy Owl that sat on

the roof of Nordstrom’s at the Tacoma Mall.

Hummingbirds were seen in Spanaway and

Steilacoom – some of the earliest to begin wintering

in this area.

WaltAdams’ boat trip gave TASers a great view

of marbled Murrelets, Common Murres, Rhinoceros

Auklets, and Harlequin Ducks.

The December 1984/January 1985 Towhee was

the work of the new editor,

Paul Webster. We are

familiar with his wonderfularticles as he worked

assisting ChuckBergman,

longtime Towhee editor.

The delightful line-drawings

of birds by Paul Porter

continues to grace the pages

of our excellent newsletter.

A N S W E R S : 1 . H e r m i t T h r u s h 2 . A l u l a 3 . B u t e o 4 . F l a m m u l a t e d O w l 5 . T u r n s t o n e s

"We surveyed an even dozen

full-sized birding scopes sentto us by manufacturers as

their top-of-the-line scopes….

Perusing the prices, you may

catch yourself blinking. Can

you now really spend $4,000

on a spotting scope? Indeed

you can, and more than half

of those in our survey cost

more than $2,000….Are the

top scopes worth their price

tags? If you’ve got the mon-

ey, yes, of course! To be able

to see the vein detail in a ci-cada’s wings, held in the bill

of a kingbird at 80 yards, is

an experience worth every

penny you’d pay for it."

From Bird Watchers Digest,

“High End Scopes,”

Michael and Diane Porter,

Nov/Dec 2009

Justtheotherday... Tahoma Audubon in November 1984

Sheri Tonn, PhD.Feedback, comments and reminiscences welcome,

253-564-3112, [email protected].




Feathering the nest of the Tahoma Audubon Society

Photo Illustration/Robert Kelton

(updated right before deadline)

Anonymous (3)

Jane Brosius

Helen Engle

Bryan Flint

John Garner/Caroline Harris

Thelma and Chuck Gilmur

Marjorie Griffin*

Noel and Bill Hagens

Frances Heidner*

David R. Hirst

Jean McCord

Guy and Cecile Montgomery

Gary and Sharon Nestegard

Melissa and Jamie Paulson

Donna Cooper Pepos*

Sarah C. Sloat

Beatrice E. Thompson*

Darby Veeck/Kristin Lynett*Deceased

Feathered Nest Circle

Charter Members

As of 11/13/09

Birds instinctively know how to care for their young.

They carefully line their nests with feathers to prepare

warm and safe places for the next generation. A well-

feathered nest provides an ideal foundation for the young

chicks to grow and develop. Similarly, a growing

number of Audubon members are

preparing the foundation for our next

generation of conservation leaders.They are doing so by leaving a

planned gift to Tahoma Audubon.

To honor these visionaries we

have created the Feathered Nest

Circle. Previously, Tahoma

Audubon’s Endowment Club

honored those who planned to give

to the Society’s endowment in their

estate plans. T his new group incorporates

Endowment Club members and also honors all

those who will be helping Tahoma Audubon through their

estate plans, whether for endowment or other purposes.

Members of the Feathered Nest Circle look beyond the hereand now to the work of connecting future generations with

nature. Members will receive a beautiful color print of an

original watercolor by noted wildlife artist Dale Thompson.

The sole criterion for membership is notification in writing

to Tahoma Audubon that the person has included the Society as

a beneficiary in his or her revocable estate plans (bequest,

insurance, retirement plan, etc.) or has made an irrevocable

“estate-type” gift (remainder or lead trust, charitable gift

annuity, gift with retained life tenancy, etc.), either directly with

Tahoma Audubon or through The Greater Tacoma

Community Foundation for the Society’s

benefit. All those who notify Tahoma

Audubon by December 31st

, 2014 that they have done so will be perpetually

listed as Charter Members of this

ongoing group.

If you have designated Tahoma

Audubon for a planned gift and we

are not aware of it, or if you are

interested in doing so please contact

Bryan Flint at (253) 565-9129 or

[email protected]. We would

love to give you the recognition you deserve. Or

your commitment can remain anonymous. Those not

choosing anonymity will be listed in the Feathered Nest Circle

section of the annual report in perpetuity and will berecognized at fundraising events and annual membership

banquet.

We are grateful to those who have joined us as Charter

Members of the Feathered Nest Circle. Together we are building

the next generation of conservation leaders.

Members

of the Feathered

Nest Circle look be-

yond the here and

now to the work of

connecting future

generations

with nature.




A s if on cue for the ceremony,

an eagle circled overhead as

Nisqually tribal members

drummed and sang on this

brisk but sunny November day.

Both speakers and attendees gazed

up at the great bird, and I’m sure each

person was thinking the same as me:

can it be more perfect? Nisqually tribal

elder, Zelma McCloud, noted just before

she gave the tribal blessing that eagles

are important to her people, and today

the eagles were flying over us, giving us

their blessing.

So began the ribbon-cutting ceremony

that took place on November 12 marking

the restoration of the Nisqually estuary. Over 300

people came to celebrate the return of the tides

and to hear speeches from representatives of theNisqually Tribe, Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, Congressman Norm Dicks and his

son David Dicks, the Executive Director of Puget

Sound Partnership, and representatives of the

Governor and Congressman Adam Smith.

I felt like I had come full circle since April, when

I had walked the 5-1/2 mile Brown Farm Dike Trail

for the last time before it closed permanently on

May 4, 2009. It was hard to say goodbye.

Like many birders and naturalists, I loved the old

loop trail and was deeply saddened when I learned

it was to be demolished. Walking the loop and see-

ing a river otter, a flock of shovelers and wigeons, ora heron gracefully walking through the reeds never

failed to clear my head and lighten my spirit.

I didn’t return to Nisqually until the beginning of

November, when I attended the weekly Audubon

walk led by Phil Kelley. A new Audubon member, I

was dazzled by the illuminated image of a Pileated

Woodpecker through Phil’s Swarovski scope. I real-

ized that Nisqually still has treasures to witness,albeit in a smaller area.

For the ceremony, Phil and several other Audubon

members set up their scopes on the new exterior

dike just past the Twin Barns. The area to the north-

east of the dike is largely bare at present except for

snags set up for raptors, but it will be replanted with

native bushes and trees to provide a riparian surge

plain forest – a great habitat for songbirds.

I was pleased to see Cheri, a Nisqually volunteer

with whom I had commiserated while walking the

last days of the loop trail. Today, Cheri was forward

looking. “They’ll start building the mile-long board-

walk to the mouth of McAllister Creek next year,” she said, “and there’s supposed to be a gazebo at

the end, which will be a nice addition.”

Many of the speakers during the ceremony cred-

ited Jean Takekawa, the Nisqually NWR Refuge

Manager, with asking 10 years ago “what if” the

estuary was restored, and then work-

ing diligently with the community and

various groups to see it happen.

Takekawa told the attendees that in

the short time since October, when the

tides were allowed to flow freely, it’s

amazing to see that “the estuary is

already evolving and the land is heal-

ing.”

Nisqually Tribal Chair, Cynthia Iyall,

spoke about how her people believe

that all rocks, plants and animals have

spirits, so it is fitting that the longest

historical slough will now bear the

name Leschi Slough, in honor of Chief

Leschi of the Nisqually Indian Tribe.

The slough will be officially registered as a geo-

graphic feature in the State of Washington.

After the ribbon was cut, we walked the new half mile Nisqually Estuary Trail. More area, Phil noted,

for the weekly Audubon walks. I came to the end

marked by a gate and looked out over the flooded

fields dotted here and there with stranded apple

trees, the old dike trail nowhere to be seen in the

distance.

As I turned back, I saw Michelle Tirhi, the district

biologist for Pierce and Thurston Counties with the

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. I had

spoken with Michelle and several other biologists at

the BioBlitz held in May and was finally convinced

that the estuary restoration was the right thing to

do. “This is a big day for all of us,” said Michelle.

And it was a big day for Nisqually. I could imag-

ine the delta waiting to exhale for over a hundred

years, and now it finally happened. Nisqually had

come full circle.

Coming full circle at

Nisqually Story and photos by Heather Roskelley

Topphoto: Nisqually tribal drummers lead the ceremony. Aboveleft:Jean Takekawa, Nisqually NWR Refuge Manager, addresses over 300 attendees at the ceremony

celebrating the restoration of the Nisqually estuary. Front row from left: Congressman Norm Dicks; Jay Manning, Chief of Staff for Governor Gregoire; and Cynthia Iyall,

Tribal Chair for the Nisqually Indian Tribe. Aboveright:Nisqually tribal elder Zelma McCloud gives the tribal blessing while Jay Manning and Cynthia Iyall look on.

P h o to/ A llen F r az i e r




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. C h e c k s p a y a b l e t o : T a h o m a A u d u b o n 2

9 1 7 M o r r i s o n

R d .

W .

U n i v e r s i t y P l a c e , 9 8 4 6 6 T a h o

m a A u d u b o n

S o c i e t y , e s t a b l i s h e d i n 1 9 6 9 ,

i s a 5 0 1 ( c

) ( 3 ) n o n p r o f i t

o r g a n i z a t i o n .

D o n a t i o n s a r e t a x d e d u c t i b l e .

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)

Membership

C 9 Z Y 0 2 0 Z

wElcOME to New and Returning Members

October 16, 2009 to November 15, 2009Chapter New and Renewing:

Julie Anderson, Karen & Stan Bloustine, Micki

Boyle, Laurie Bruineis, L Delamaza, Andrew

Ebersole, Ernest L Karlstrom, David Kemp, Annie

Meyer, Kathleen Olson, Ron & Helen Robinson,

Tom Skjyerweld, Linda Zehnder.

Chapter Joint with National,

Recruited through Tahoma Audubon Society:

Ken Batker, Susan Behrns, Patricia Berger, Nels &

Winnie Bjarke, Kathleen Callahan, Louise Kazda

Carson, Philip & Karen Craven, Eric Davis, Bob

Flint & Letha Schwiesow, Bryan Flint, Burt & Do-

ris Johnson, Pam McGee & Dale Leggett, Annie

Meyer, Mary Pat Minor, Robin

Partington, Wilma Rosenow, Ruth Stevick, David

& Julie Veeck, Debbie Young.

Introductory,

Recruited through Tahoma Audubon Society:

Bill Anderson, Andrew Austin, Judy Berry, Bryan

Bissell, Stacey Cachules, Lisa Campos, Michelle

Cardinaux, Maggie Corbin, Philip Cowan, Nancy

Davis, Beth Elliott, Andy Estep, Kit Evans, Joe,

Flora, Katelyn & Ryan Galloway, Sarah Garitone,

Kristy Gledhill, Jim Halmo, Maralise Hood,

Roger Hunt, Monty Mahan, Pat MCarty, Jim

Merritt, Owen Miller MD, Ian Morrison, Dan-

iel Muir, Linda Nielsen, Mark Rettmann,

Skye Schell, Luke Smiraldo, Nancy Smith,

Edie Sperling & Chris Gilliard, Bruce

Stirling, Kay Townsend, Lauren Walker,

Marilyn Westervelt, Sarah Wilcox.

Introductory,

Recruited through National Audubon Society:

Jennie Allen, Cindy Bailey, Rob & Michelle Baird,

Laura Barnes, Kathy Best, Barb Bourscheidt, Jor-

dan Bowerman, Erida Bowles, Carolyn Chapman,

S Conway, Kay Kallal, George Dolley, The Dunlap

Family, Eric & Lisa Ellis, Cathy Farr & Kids, War-

ren N Finch, Loretta Franks, Nadine Fuller, Bryan

Habeck, Avis Jobrack, Lila Keller, Mary Kenney,

Candace L Kerr, George Kier, Joni Leiding, Frank

Longano, Patricia C Lynch, Robert & Irene Mills,

Mathew & Andrea Murakami, Suzanne Olson,

Leslie Pearson, Debbie Pope, Clifford H. Quisen-

berry, Jennifer Radley, Cecilia Roebuck, Dannie

Lee Sayers, Lance & Sally Stark, Daniel Suckow,

Bob Wells, Betty Weynick.

Towhee Subscribers:

Glenn Savitz, Frank & Adeline Ehle.

Time to Renew?! Remember when renewal time

comes, you must renew through TAS. We will send

you a renewal form a month before your member-

ship expires. You may get several renewal forms

from NAS that we ask you to ignore because re-

newing through NAS will not give you our Towhee

newsletter. NAS does not share renewal dues with

us and hence we can not maintain a membership.

Christmas and other Holidays are Coming!

An Audubon membership is a good gift idea! Call

and ask for materials to put together for a gift pack-

age. Call: Thelma Gilmur, Membership Chair,

253-564-8210

ByWayneCooke

“The Self Reliant Community promotes

knowledge of skills that will add to

people’s self-reliance for basic needs, both

for their own satisfaction and if there is a

breakdown in the dependable supply of

food and fuel.”

This is the mission statement of a group

of citizens in Graham who take seriously

the challenge of providing for themselves

and their families without depending on

outside resources. They grow as much of

their own food as they can, have a

backup water supply, have a bicycle to

use for emergency transportation, and

can take care of their family in a lengthy

electricity outage. They believe in living

sustainably as much as possible. In fact, the group

is one of seventy groups in the Puget Sound area

loosely connected to SCALLOPS (Sustainable

Communities ALL Over Puget Sound).These people wouldn’t describe themselves as

amazing, but when Jerry shows off his home-built

biodiesel generator and solar energy designs, one

can only say, “amazing.” When Anuttama and

William show us their permaculture-designedgarden, their farm animals, and the non-electric

workshop, one is amazed at their practical self-

sufficiency. Deej has become an expert on growing

mushrooms and Roy can build you a street-legal

quadricycle out of PVC pipe… and on and on

and on… amazing people!

Gail Tverberg, writing in The Oil Drum ,

says “Many people have started making

preparation for the time when food needs to

be produced locally and electricity is often

not available.”

The Self Reliant Community of Grahamsuggests “Seven Things” people can do to

prepare: 1) Build a greenhouse, 2) Know

neighbors well, 3) Grow Food, 4) Preserve

food for winter, 5) Prepare a “warm room,”

6) Install a rain barrel, 7) Have a good

bicycle.

The Self Reliant Community provides

workshops to teach these things, and more,

to the public. They realize that many of

these skills were commonly known a century

ago, but now are largely replaced by the dependence

on stores and utilities.

Yet many people today recognize the long-term

unsustainable reality of our highly organized food andpower networks and seek pride and comfort in being

able to fend for themselves if necessary. That, and

the enjoyment of knowing each other as friends, is

what the Self Reliant Community is all about.

The amazingly self-reliant people of Graham

I m a g e f r o m g

r o u p ' s w e b s i t e ,

s c a l l o p s w a . o r g



Intermediate Birder's Class

Tues Dec 1 7:00 PM to 9:00 PMContinuation of class.

Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually

Weds Dec 2 7:30 AM to 11:00 AMLocation: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Leader: Phil KelleyBring: 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.

Directions: Take I-5 south from Tacoma and exit to NisquallyNWR at exit 114. Take a right at the light. Sign-up: Call or email

Phil Kelley to confirm details. Phil Kelley, Lacey, (360) 459-1499, [email protected].

Beginning Homeschool Science «Planet Earth» Thu Dec 3 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Ages 8-10, $12 per student.Register early! Note - topics are repeated during the month, so

select class appropriate for your child's knowledge and abilities.Contact Margie with questions or for more info: 591-6439 or

[email protected]. Students should be able to add andsubtract numbers.

TGIF Restoration Activity. Fri Dec 4 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Come enjoy the outdoors and helpbeautify the grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!

Nature Alphabet «Q is for Queens»

Fri Dec 4 10:30 AM to 11:30 AMLocation: Tacoma Nature Center. Ages 3-6, $6 per child. Adult

participation is recommended, children under four require anadult present. Please note alternating times.

Register by Saturday before program. Call 591-6439.Winter Birding in Roy

Sat Dec 5 8:00 AM to 12:00 PMLocation: Roy, WA Carpooling from University of Puget Sound's

Thompson parking lot off Union & N. 14th at 7:15am. If notcarpooling, meet at Roy City Park at 8:00am. Call 565-9278 to

sign up or for driving directions.

Adriana Hess Park Photography Class

Mon Dec 7 12:00 PM to 3:00 PMLocation: Adriana Hess Park. An adult program encouraging

people to appreciate nature and how to incorporate it into theirphotography. Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373.

Christmas Irisfolding Card Class

Mon Dec 7 6:30 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Cost $12 per person to

be paid at class. Supplies needed: a small scissors, Scotch BrandMagic tape (green dispenser), and a small craft mat (if you have

one). Call Adriana Hess Audubon Center @ 565-9278 to reserveyour spot. For more details, call Rosanne Becker @ 564-7115.

Conservation Committee Tues Dec 8 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Location: Pacific Lutheran U. Reike 112, Parkland WA.

Intermediate Birder's Class

Tues Dec 8 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Continuation of class.

Weekly Bird Walk at Nisqually Weds Dec 9 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Location: Nisqually

National Wildlife Refuge. Leader: Phil Kelley.

Budding Scientists «World of Wonder»

Weds Dec 9 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 3:15 PM to 4:45 PMLocation: Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Ages 5-7, $9.00 per

student. Register at least two days prior to the session by calling253-591-6439.

Intermediate Homeschool Science

«Think Globally, Act Locally» Thu Dec 10 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Register early! Contact Margie with questions or f or more information at 591-6439 ormarjories@

tacomaparks.com. Ages 10-12, $12 per student. IntermediateScience Students should be able to multiply and divide numbers,

add and subtract fractions.

TAS Board Meeting

Thu Dec 10 6:30 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Monthly Meeting of the

Tahoma Audubon Board. Guest Welcome, please call ahead at(253) 565-9278.



Membership Meeting

Fri Dec 11 7:00 PM to 9:00 PMLocation: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street. Monthly

membership meeting of Tahoma Audubon. All welcome.Kathryn Kravit-Smith, Director Pierce County Parks and Rec.

Department, will talk about the vision of Parks in Pierce Countyand the services they provide along with the challenges that lay

ahead. Call (253) 565-9278.

Bird Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park

Mon Dec 14, 2009 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Enjoy a guidedbird walk through the park!

Snake Lake Science club

Tues Dec 15 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM.Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Ages 10-14, no charge for club

meetings, $10 per student to join the club. Pre-registration foreach program is required as space is limited. Call The Nature

Center to register 591-6439.

Weekly Bird Walk at Nisqually

Weds Dec 16 7:30 AM to 11:00 AMLocation: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Leader: Phil

Kelley. See above for details.

Homeschool Advanced Science «The Ecosphere» Thu Dec 17 1:00 PM to 3:00 PMLocation: Tacoma Nature Center. Contact Margie with questions

or for more information at 591-6439 or [email protected]. Ages 12-15, $15 per student. Older homeschool students

will continue science studies with challenging experiments andactivities. To participate in this class, students should be able to

calculate averages, percentages, and simple equations.



Nature Storytime «Let's go to Africa!» Fri Dec 18 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Location: Adriana Hess Center, U.P. Ages 2-6, $6 per child, $3Audubon member, free to adults and U.P residents. Adults are

welcome with the children. Space is limited to the first 20registered guests (adults and children). call 253-591-6439.

Homeschool Advanced Science LAB «The Ecosphere» Fri Dec 18, 2009 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Location: Tacoma Nature Center.Register early! Note - topics arerepeated during the month, so select class appropriate for your

child's knowledge and abilities. Contact Margie with questions orfor more info at 591-6439 or [email protected].

Ages 12-15, $15 per student. Older homeschool students willcontinue their science studies with challenging experiments and

activities. To participate in this class, students should be able tocalculate averages, percentages, and solve simple equations.

Nature Alphabet «R is for Reindeer»

Fri Dec 18 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Ages 3-6, $6 per child

Adult participation is recommended, children under four requirean adult present. Please note alternating times. Register by

Saturday before program. Call 591-6439.

Plant Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park Mon Dec 21 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Location: Adriana Hess.

Christmas Bird Count Sat December 19, 2009 Contact Faye McAdams Hands, 253-

942-9233, or [email protected] details.

Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually Weds Dec 23 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Location: Nisqually

National Wildlife Refuge. Leader: Phil Kelley.

Vashon Island Christmas Bird Count Sun December 27. Contact Diane Yorgason-Quinn at 253-857-

3367 or [email protected] further information

Family Walk at Adriana Hess Park

Sun Dec 27 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Location: Adriana Hess Park.Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373

Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually

Weds Dec 30 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Location: NisquallyNational Wildlife Refuge. Leader: Phil Kelley.

Morse WinterFest

Weds Dec 30 10:00 AM to 1:00 PMLocation: Morse Wildlife Preserve

Join us to celebrate the natural beauty and wonder of the winterseason at the Morse Wildlife Preserve in Graham. Families can

enjoy nature hikes, games, crafts, storytellers, wildlife discoveryand hot cocoa! Call 253-565-9278 for more details

TGIF Restoration Activity.

Fri Jan 1 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Come enjoy the outdoors and help

beautify the grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!


Mon Jan 4 12:00 PM to 3:00 PMLocation: Adriana Hess Park. Call Dixie Harris 564-6373.

Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually Weds Jan 6 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Leader: Phil Kelley.

TGIF Restoration Activity. Fri Jan 8 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.


Membership Meeting Fri Jan 8 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Location: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tylor Street. Monthlymembership meeting of Tahoma Audubon. All welcome. This

month David Knibb will be speaking about his book, «GrizzlyWars: The Public Fight Over the Great Bear» that highlights the

efforts to preserve the remaining grizzly bears that range throughthe North Cascades.

Environmental Legislative Workshop Sat Jan 9 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Location: Seattle Pacific University. Attend the annualEnvironmental Priorities Coalition Legislative Workshop as the

state’s leading conservation groups prepare for the upcominglegislative session. We'll hear from legislators, environmental

lobbyists, members of the media and others regarding thecommunity's four legislative priorities.

The legislative workshop is hosted by Washington Environmental

Council. Space is limited, so register online: http://www.wecprotects.org/events/legislative-workshop. Contact Kerri Cechovic, WEC Organizer, at 206-622-8103 x 212 or kerri@

wecprotects.orgwith any questions.

Bird Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park Mon Jan 11 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Conservation Committee Tues Jan 12 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Location: Pacific Lutheran University, Reike 112, Parkland WA.

Volunteer Naturalists: Intro to Interpretation Tues Jan 12 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually Weds Jan 13 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Leader: Phil Kelley.

Budding Scientists «I am a Scientist»

Weds Jan 13 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 3:15 PM to 4:45 PMLocation: Adriana Hess Center. Ages 5-7, $9.00 per student.

Register at least two days prior to session -253-591-6439.

Beginning Homeschool Science «Let's Talk Science» Thu Jan 14 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Register early! Contact Margie with questions or f or more information at 591-6439 ormarjories@

tacomaparks.com. Beginning science students should be able toadd and subtract numbers.

TAS Board Meeting Thu Jan 14 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Monthly Meeting of theTahoma Audubon Board. Guest Welcome, please call ahead at

(253) 565-9278.

TGIF Restoration Activity.

Fri Jan 15 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Come enjoy the outdoors and help

beautify the grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!

Volunteer Naturalists: Intro To Interpretation Sat Jan 16 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Plant Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park Mon Jan 18, 2010 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park.

Foradditionalinformation:TahomaAudubon-253-565-9278;orwww.tahomaaudubon.orgOrTheTacomaNatureCenter:253-591-6439orwww.metroparkstacoma.org

CalendardEcEMbER pROgRaM

Fri Dec 11 7:00 PM to 9:00 PMLocation: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. TylerStreet. Monthly membership meeting of Tahoma

Audubon. All welcome. Kathryn Kravit-Smith,Director Pierce County Parks and Rec. Department,will talk about the vision of Parks in Pierce Countyand the services they provide along with thechallenges that lay ahead. Call (253) 565-9278

Unless otherwise stated -

To register for eld trips can (253) 565-9129

To register for all education classes call (253) 591-6439

See further descriptions inside the Towhee

Check out our calendar at www.TahomaAudubon.org

for more information and updates

dEcEMbER 2009

jaNuaRy 2010What: Annual Membership Meeting and Banquet

When: Saturday, February 6th, 2010

Where: McGavick Student Center at CPTC

(See page 2 for more details!)

Markyourcalendarsnow!



















http://www.wecprotects.org/events/legislative-workshop












http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/


















12-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

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