03-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

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Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969. Vol. 39 No.2 March 2008

Harlequin Duck

See "Duck" on page 4

A Groundhog Day birding pentathlon

By Paul Webster

Where waves crash on Washington’s rocky shores or in fast-moving

mountain streams birders look for a bizarre little duck that thrives where it

might well be dashed to death. Beneath the water the Harlequin Duck finds

a varied diet of amphipods, snails, small crabs, barnacles, and other food

items. “Harlequin” derives from the clown of Italian street comedy,

Arlecchino, who wore a multicolored costume. From October to June the

male Harlequin Duck ( Histrionicus histrionicus) is slate-blue with chestnut

sides and sharply-defined white markings on face, back, and neck. The

female is gray-brown with white patches at the face and ear. In flight, gener-

ally low over the water, the Harlequins’ longish tail feathers and the male’s

white neck bars are helpful field marks.

Atlantic coast Harlequins winter from Newfoundland south to Cape Cod,

but number perhaps no more than 1500 birds. Most “Harleys” live around

Story and photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn

It looked pretty cloudy when we left Tacoma in the

dark on the morning of Groundhog Day, 2008, so

we were confident that no critters would see shad-

ows, and we would get relief from this miserable

winter. However, when leader Bruce LaBar met the

group up north, the sun was coming up and it looked

iffy on shadows. We were heading northwards for

the annual winter tradition of birding the Skagit!

Almost as soon as we passed over the Skagit

county line, we started seeing groups of swans in thefields. Bruce didn’t stop for them, though, heading

over to Fir Island, a fabled area for Snow Geese. We

found a huge flock of them looking like a snow-

covered field in the distance. We strained our eyes

to get a better look through our optics when, all of a

sudden, the air was filled with a melodious roar. A

raptor had buzzed the flock and sent a contingent

right over to us. In spite of the extremely friendly

farm dog that had joined our group, about fifty Snow

Snow Geese highlight a landmark church in Skagit Valley. Below, a huge ock of Snow Geese ll the air.

Photo/Karl King

See "Groundhog Day” on page 6

By Candi Ziegert

The Tahoma Audubon Society is changing gears toplace extra focus on citizen science, a plan it hopesto be the vessel that will carry the organization intoa productive future. The TAS intends to play to oneof its greatest strengths—our cadre of committedvolunteers—to collect valuable information on localbirds. Citizen science programs enable the averageJane and Joe to make observations, take measure-ments, and perform other scientific tasks in lieu of

credentialed, but few and far between, scientists.Even with minimal scientific training, birders and

volunteers of all ages are absolutely able to effectpositive change and make a difference in the worldaround them when they participate in citizen sci-ence.Some examples of relevant citizen scienceprograms include the Puget Sound Seabird Survey,eBird, Nature Mapping, Bird-a-thon, and theChristmas Bird Count. The Christmas Bird Count

Citizen sciencetakes Audubonto new heights

See "Citizen science" on page 8



executive Director’s Corner

tahoma Audubon saff

Flint, Bryan Executive Director

[email protected] 253-565-9129

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

Swaim, Stephanie Education Coordinator

[email protected] 253-565-5479

Kerrigan, Julie Volunteer Coordinator 253-565-1884

[email protected]

tahoma Audubon Board of Direcor

Brosius, Jane Secretary

Carkner, Dick

Garner, John

Gilmur, Thelma Membership Jordon, Al

Larson, Sally

Larson, Wayne President

LeGreid, Kathleen Publication [email protected]

McNair-Huff, Rob Field Trip Chair

Roening, Marcus

Shea, Margie Treasurer, Education

Sullivan,Brian Volunteer [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 98466

Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278e-mail: [email protected]

The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society .The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TAS advocates for the protectionof wildlife and promotes conservation through education and activities that enrich its mem-

ber’s experiences in and with the natural world.

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

Jan issue. Submissions of articles and photographs of birds, bird lore, natural history, con-servation, 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: Kathleen Ann LeGreid: phone 360-458-1483E-mail:kaleditor@ mindspring.com

Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings

Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: E-mail: [email protected]

Printing: Consolidated PressPrinted on recycled newsprint

Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org March 2008

The importance of Audubon participationFor more then

three decades,

Tahoma Audubon

members have been

counting birds and

keeping records.Through weekend

field trips, Christmas

Bird Counts, and

Great Backyard Bird

Counts, we have

been recording the number and species of birds we

have seen through our scopes. During those years the

population of Pierce County has bal-

looned. Development on our shorelines and in our

rural areas has significantly reduced wildlife habitat

throughout the county. The staggering loss of farm

land has also reduced the habitat available to many bird

species. Year after year, new highways have helped

push development closer to Mt. Rainier; leaving forestlands increasingly at risk of being lost forever.

Last year, the National Audubon Society released

Watchlist 2007. This list of 178 birds that are in need

of immediate conservation help includes forty-nine

species of birds found in Washington State. Included

in the Watchlist are the Snowy Plover, the Marbled

Murrelet, and the Rufous Hummingbird.

National Audubon also identified 20 birds on the

national ‘Common Birds in Decline’ list: species that

have lost at least half their populations in just four

decades. The Evening Grosbeak, the Purple Finch,

and the Western Meadowlark are species on this list

that are found in Pierce County.

The reality is we know very little about what ishappening to birds here at home in Pierce

County. Despite decades of data in our possession,

we have no way of seeing the trends. That is why our

conservation, education, field trip, and program com-

mittees are coming together to put our data together,

take a look at it, and use the results to plan our future

efforts to protect and restore Pierce County’s ecosys-

tem. Though the year look for updates on our prog-

ress and ways that you can participate.

Welcome new Education Coordinator As soon as our education coordinator Gabriel

Newton announced that he was leaving us to pursue

his masters in education, we immediately felt theloss. A dynamic and engaging educator, Gabriel is

well loved by parents, volunteers, and his fellow

staff. We knew it would be hard to replace him. He

was fun around the office, great with students, and

was instrumental in building our education program

to reach more people.

When it came time to interview to fill the position

of education coordinator it became clear that there

where many qualified individuals. The challenge

was making a tough choice among so many qualified

candidates.

We are very grateful to Anita Born and Renee

Wagener, two home school parents, for participating

in our hiring process. Not only did they participatein interviewing candidates, but their children partici-

pated in 20 minute field trips that each of the finalist

conducted. These real life scenarios allowed us to see

each one of the candidates in action and under pres-

sure, a much better way to judge their skills then the

traditional interview.

If you have not gotten an opportunity to meet

Stephanie Swaim, who started as our new education

coordinator in mid January, I encourage you to take

the opportunity. She is a wonderful addition to our

team.

Stephanie received her Masters in Oceanography

with a focus in K-12 education. She has worked

almost exclusively in nature centers and zoosand aquariums as a naturalist and educator. She was

a Naturalist at the Conservancy of Southwest

Florida. There she worked with 15 schools and 80

teachers to reach 5,800 students in an education pro-

gram called the JASON project.

Welcome Stephanie! We are glad you are with us

and look forward to working with you to education

the future generations.

The Endangered Species

Act: An essential safety net The strongest federal safeguard against the extinction of bird species in

the United States is the Endangered Species Act.

Enacted in 1973, the ESA has helped save some of America’s most criti-

cally imperiled birds and wildlife, including species like the Bald Eagle, the

Peregrine Falcon, the Gray Wolf, the Grizzly Bear, and the Whooping Crane.

Despite its success, Congress in recent years has seriously considered pro-

posals that would gut the fundamental protections this bedrock environmen-

tal law provides to America’s most endangered birds. The changes in Con-

gressional leadership that

resulted from the 2006

elections are expected

to restore balance to the

debate about protect-ing our endangered and

threatened species. One

very positive sign is that the Bush administration proposed early in 2007 to

list the polar bear as ‘threatened’ under the ESA, as a result global warming.

Audubon’s Public Policy Ofce is working aggressively to educate key

members of Congress, mobilize activists, and dispel Endangered Species

Act myths in order to help ensure the survival of America’s most vulnerable

birds and wildlife.

Information from National Audubon’s Issues & Action > Endangered

Species Act (ESA)

http://www.audubon.org/campaign/esa/index.html



March 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3

eNviroNMeNt Matters

From Audubon Alaska

Audubon Alaska joined with other conserva-tion and Alaska Native groups to le a lawsuittoday in federal district court in Juneau to chal-lenge an oil and gas lease sale in the ChukchiSea. The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Min-erals Management Service (MMS) has plannedthe sale for February 6. Nearly 30 million acresof essential Arctic marine and ice habitats forpolar bear, walrus, four species of seals (e.g.,

bearded, ringed), bowhead and beluga whales,and millions of migratory birds are at stake. “The Chukchi Sea is an ecologically rich fron-

tier environment, and it is changing rapidly dueto global warming,” said Stan Senner, Audubon

Alaska executive director. “We barely know thischanging seascape, and this is not the time tomove forward with a massive lease sale.” According to Senner, much of the information

about wildlife populations in the Chukchi Sea isdecades out of date. The MMS should not sellleases in the area without solid evidence about

the possible cost to wildlife, theenvironment, and the peoplewho live there, he said. “The MMS has an obligation

under law to fully assess anddisclose impacts to wildlifeand the human environment,including cumulative effects,” Senner said. “By presentingoutdated and conicting infor-mation, the agency fails that fundamental test

miserably.” Audubon Alaska has identied 18 “Impor-

tant Bird Areas” (IBAs) on the U.S. side of theChukchi Sea, and six more IBAs on the Russianside. Included among these are marine feed-ing areas for Northern Fulmars and Short-tailedShearwaters, nesting and feeding areas forhuge nesting colonies of Common Murres andThick-billed Murres, and marine molting areasfor Spectacled Eiders, a threatened species. Inaddition, at least 15 species of birds on Audu-bon Alaska’s WatchList use marine and coastal

habitats in the Chukchi Sea. The WatchList iden-tiesdeclining and vulnerable species and popu-lations of birds. Besides the threatened Steller¹sand Spectacled Eiders, WatchList species usingthe Chukchi Sea include Yellow-billed Loonsand Red-throated Loons, both of which wereimpacted by the recent oil spill off the coast of South Korea. Audubon Alaska in Anchorage isthe Alaska State Ofce of the National AudubonSociety. Audubon has six chapters and about2,400 members in Alaska.

In bringing this lawsuit, Native Village of Point v. Kempthorne, Secretary of the Inte-rior, the public-interest law rm Earthjusticeis representing Audubon and 13 other clients,including: The Native Village Of Point Hope, The City Of Point Hope, Inupiat Community Of The Arctic Slope, Alaska Wilderness League,Center For Biological Diversity, National Audu-bon Society (Audubon Alaska), Natural Re-sources Defense Council, Northern Alaska Envi-ronmental Center, Oceana, Pacic Environment,Redoil, Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society.

Candi

Greetings TAS members! My

name is Candi Ziegert and I am

the newly appointed Citizen

Science Intern for the Tahoma

Audubon Society. I am a senior

Environmental Studies major

and German minor at Pacific

Lutheran University. My hob-

bies include crafting and gardening, and my favor-

ite bird is the Runner Duck. I moved to Washington

State three years ago from the east coast, and I

hope to use my diverse past experiences to help

build a brighter future for the Audubon Society. I

look forward to meeting you over the course of the

next few months! (read Candi’s article on page 1)

Natalie

Hello Audubon Society! My

name is Natalie Fish and I am

the new Global Warming Intern.

I am a senior at the University

of Puget Sound, majoring in

International Political Economy.

Global Warming is a very seri-

ous issue facing the interna-

tional community, yet it seems the path for change

is through local grassroots’ and states’ move-

ments.

I am very excited to be working with the Audubon

team on their environmental projects and coali-

tions, especially now at this exciting time when

many events are happening at once. Audubon is a

leader in local measures to combat the effects of

Global Warming; I hope I will be of use to this

dedicated and energetic team. I look forward to

meeting TAS members at events and in the

office!

Nicolette

My name is Nicolette Todd

and I’m a senior at The University

of Washington, Tacoma study-

ing communications. This win-

ter I have been doing a market-

ing internship through The

Tahoma Audubon Society for

The Green Tacoma Partnership.

I have always been passionate about animals and

their habitat. I volunteer as a foster parent with The

Seattle Animal Shelter along with being a full time

student and working two jobs. It’s wonderful to

have an internship with an organization full of

dedicated volunteers who I respect and admire.

After I graduate this spring, I plan to work in the

marketing field doing PR writing and/or advertis-

ing. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity The

Tahoma Audubon has given me. I feel that the

skills I have learned during my internship here will

help me to succeed in the professional world.

The true story of a Washington lobbyist

Audubon joins suit challenging Chukchi Sea lease sale

TAS welcomes

talented interns

By Greg Cook

As I waited at Senator Patty Murray’s office to meet

with one of her legislative staff, I wondered what in the

world I was doing. I was in D.C. this past January as

one of 15 people selected by National Audubon to

learn about threats to the Alaskan Arctic and then lobby

members of Congress. I reminded myself that I had a

mission to speak up on behalf of polar bears, caribou,

and millions of birds.

When I joined Audubon last fall, I had no inkling I

would be enlisted in a lobbying campaign. I simply

wanted to join a group that cared about wildlife and the

environment. I signed up for the e-mail alerts from

National Audubon and one of them mentioned an

opportunity to advocate on behalf of public lands in

Alaska. Although I thought I had only a slight chance

to be selected, I applied anyway. I was quite surprised

to get a call just after Christmas from Sean Saville at

Audubon’s D.C. office.

National Audubon paid our way there, put us up in a

hotel, and fed us. We paid $150 to help defray the costs

and to indicate we were serious about this project. My

roommate there was Matt Mega, Conservation Director

at Seattle Audubon. My co-participants were from

across the U.S., and many had lived or worked in

Alaska.

I believe we were all engrossed on the first day by

presentations from Taldi Walter, Audubon’s Alaska

Outreach Coordinator, and Pat Pourchot, Audubon’s

Senior Policy Representative for Alaska. We learned

about three critical areas in particular: the Chukchi Sea

Outer Continental Shelf (home of significant numbers

of polar bears), Teshekpuk Lake (major bird area), and

the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge (ANWR), an area

crucial to thousands of caribou. As an added

reinforcement to what we learned, we were treated to

the movie “Being Caribou,” a documentary by two

Canadian conservationists. The filmmakers followed

the herd on foot from the Yukon to the Arctic coastal

plain.

On Tuesday we were briefed on threats to the

Tongass Rain Forest. After that we got advice on the

nuts and bolts of lobbying, and got to practice our

responses to questions we might get from congressional

staffers. It was a good way to have a little fun before

heading out for the real thing!

Wednesday began with a constituent coffee at

Senator Murray’s office. Then I had appointments with

staff from the offices of Senators Murray and Cantwell

and Congressman Norm Dicks. All the staffers were

pleasant, and I had 15 minutes or so to present

Audubon’s message and leave them with a packet of

information. The whole process encouraged me.

There are many Audubon supporters spread across this

country, working to save birds, other wildlife, and

habitat. Congress does listen, though there are many

competing interests.

So the next time you hear the word “lobbyist,” don’t

forget that any of us can speak up on behalf of the

environment. It’s not all about shady deals and money

changing hands. It’s about standing up for what you

believe.

meets on a regular basis.

Contact Krystal for details:253-232-9978 or e-mail [email protected]

Stan Senner

Candi Ziegert

Natalie Fish Nicolette Todd

The Conservation Committee




eDucAtioN Page

I may not have

any sort of birding

“certifications”

but I assure you

it’s in my blood. I

grew up in Mas-sachusetts in the

little coastal town

of Gloucester.

The winters there

are bitter and

wet, and they last

forever. But the summers are unbelievable: clear,

warm, blue and sandy is what I remember since

my brother and I spent most days at the beach cot-

tage that my grandparents owned and in which my

father grew up. Binoculars sat on the windowsill

of the front room of the cottage, in case anything

interesting should y into view. You see, my grand-

mother was a Birder.

I grew up with the culture of birding in my ver-

nacular. Grandma went birding with a group of

women known to us as The Birders. While on a

birding excursion, my dad or grandpa would say

she was “out with The Birders.” Occasionally

they got together and didn’t bird, in which case

we were told she was “having lunch with The

Birders.” When we met her friends, they were as-

sumed to be The Birders.

I’m not sure when the binoculars appeared in

my parents house. My father always owned them

because my grandmother passed her interests on

to him. But at some point in

my teenage years a pair of

binoculars appeared on the

windowsill of my parent’s

house, just inside from where

our feeders were hung from adecrepit pear tree. I saw ev-

ery bird that could possibly

come to feeder in New Eng-

land in winter. My favorites

were the Tufted Titmice and

the Evening Grosbeaks. The

seasons were dened by the

birds that arrived in our yard.

Spring arrived with the songs

of the Redwing Blackbirds

and the Woodcocks. Sum-

mer evenings were punctu-

ated by the call of the Whip-

poorwills and the bustle of the Black-Crowned

Night Herons.

I was overjoyed to hear the Redwing Blackbirds

at Adriana Hess when I arrived my rst few days.

It’s lovely to hear a familiar sound, and one with so

many meanings to me in a place that is so far away

from where I grew up. I look forward to becom-

ing familiar with the seasonal changes around our

pond and in our neighborhood.

Thank you to all who have welcomed me into

your organization. I look forward to building

our educational programs in the coming years.

Cheers!

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.

For class times and dates, please check the Calendar listing on the back page of the Towhee or on our website, www.tahomaaudubon.org

Stephanie Swaim,

Tahoma Audubon Society Education Coordinator

253-565-5479 [email protected]

Upcoming Education Events:Discovery Walks 3/15 10:00 to 11:30 LowerWhite RiverBudding Scientists: 3/5 10:30 and 3/12 3:15

“Riding the Wave” 3/19 10:30 and 3/26 3:15 “Sea Monsters” Nature Storytime 3/28 “Big Blue Planet” Puget Sound Seabird Workshop 3/22 and 3/29Slater Museum of Natural History at UPS

A variety of birds ocked to the feeders that hung from this decrepit pear tree.

Hi! I’m your new Education Coordinator

the North Pacific, from Japan and Washington north to the Aleutians;rough estimates for the Pacific population range from 150,000 to300,000. Our Harlequins represent the “overflow” from the Strait of Georgia, the winter home for some 12,000 to 15,000 Harleys. We think of rocky ocean shorelines as classic Harlequin habitat, but many alsowinter in the more protected waters of northern Puget Sound.

Some Harlequins nest on islands in marine estuaries; others choosefast-moving streams in the mountains – some as far away as Albertaand Montana, though most find spots closer to the coast. WashingtonHarlequins nest on more than 100 streams, mostly in the Olympics andCascades. After the nests are established and the eggs laid, the drakesreturn to the coast to molt. Since females tend their five to seven eggsalone, they cannot re-nest if martens or other predators drive themaway. The eggs hatch in about four weeks, and the ducklings can flywhen they’re about four weeks old.

Until recently not much was known about the natural history of Harlequins, but research in the last decade has drawn an unsettlingpicture. Harlequins share the tendency of other sea ducks to skip breed-

ing seasons, and males generally don’t breed until their third year – twofactors that limit the species’ ability to recover from disastrous events,like the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill. Harleys’ irregular breeding also meansthat hunting may have a disproportionate impact. Other concerns arefishing nets, silt in streams due to logging, and polluting discharges fromships. And Harleys show what science calls “site fidelity” – they returnto specific molting and nesting sites, even when these become degrad-ed. This is a problem in the Strait of Georgia, for example, where recre-ation and development pressures are strong. And, as if all that weren’tenough, even the rough water Harlequins frequent is risky; studies haveshown that for all their swimming agility many have had brokenbones.

In most of North America the Harlequin Duck is a rare bird. We’refortunate to have these clowns of rough water nearby, in their winterhabitats of marine waters and their breeding space in fast-moving

streams. If these places remain more or less undisturbed we’ll be privi -leged to enjoy the continuing presence of these beautiful little ducks.

... Duck from page 1

Photo/Karl King



Swan Creek Park and Chief Leschi

School walk with Ed PullenWhen: Sat, Mar 8, 8:30am – 12:00pm

Where: Swan Creek Park in Tacoma

Description: Join Ed and Kay Pullen for a hike

down the Swan Creek canyon and to explore the

Chief Leschi School grounds. We will meet at the

Swan Creek County Park lot near the Tacoma endof Pioneer Way at 8:30 AM, and carpool to the

upper end of the creek canyon. Then we’ll hike

down the canyon, looking for American Dipper,

Belted Kingfisher, and winter passerines. The creek

is beautiful, and the hike mostly downhill. The

walk is slippery but not difficult. We will then car-

pool back to pick up the cars at the top of the can-

yon, and continue on to Chief Leschi school,

Where: we have a barn owl that is pretty depend-

able, and should see more birds of open areas. We

will be done before noon. Discover a place you

could return to for a great summer picnic hot-rock-

ing on the creek bed, or a nice spring walk to look

for migrants. I like it in the winter though, when theWinter Wrens, kinglets, and creepers are usually

easier to see. To register for this free field trip, call

the Tahoma Audubon office at (253) 565-9278.

Titlow Park bird walkWhen: Wed, Mar 12, 9:30am – 12:00pm

Where: Titlow Park in Tacoma

Description: Join Vera Cragin for a walk along the

shoreline and through the wooded portions of

Titlow Park. Birds you could see along the way

include cormorants, grebes, a variety of duck spe-

cies and woodland birds such as Pileated

Woodpecker. To register for the trip, call the

Tahoma Audubon office at (253) 565-9278.

Nature walk

at Pt. Defiance Park in TacomaWhen: Sun, Mar 16, 8am – 11am

Where: Point Defiance Park in Tacoma

Description: Join author Rob McNair-Huff for a

5-mile walk through the forests at Point Defiance

Park. The trip starts at the back of the parking lot for

the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Come pre-

pared for a healthy walk through the park in change-

able weather conditions. Winter bird highlights can

include waterfowl, Bald Eagles and forest birds. For

more information, e-mail [email protected].

Discovery walkWhen: Sat, Mar 15, 10:00am – 11:30am

Where: Lower White River, Pacific

Description: Discovery walks are designed for

families and friends of all ages. Discover a new

location each month as you explore the site with an

experienced nature guide. Recommended for fami-

lies with children age 4 and up. Call (253) 591-6439

to register and get directions. Free to members, $5/

person non-members. Pre-registration is required.

Birdathon birder kickoff When: Mar 19, 7:00 to 8:30p.m..

Where: 4011 Alameda W, the

University Place home of Stan

and Helen Engle.

Description: You are important in

helping us ensure the best in conservation and

education programs for TAS. Say “Yes” to being

a birder and gathering pledges for the Birdathon.

Special trips will be offered to aid you. A BIRDER

DOES NOT NEED TO KNOW ANY BIRDS.

We have master birders to help you.

Key Peninsula with Rolan NelsonWhen: Sat, Mar 22, 7:30am Limit: 11 birders.

Where: Secluded coves, open salt water, beaches

and more around Key Peninsula

Description: Meet at the Purdy Park and Ride at7:30 AM Plan to be out all day. Bring lunch, cloth-

ing for the weather, and a scope if you have one.

We will explore the Key Peninsula and view

secluded coves, open salt water, rocky beaches,

woodlands and lakes. There may be some lingering

winter birds starting to show their breeding plum-

age as well as some early arriving migrants. Come

enjoy this close-to-home treasure. We often find

between 50 and 70 species at this time of year.

Discovery walkWhen: Sat, Apr 12, 10:00am – 11:30am

Where: Naches Trail, Frederickson

Description: Discovery walks are designed for

families and friends of all ages. Discover a new

location each month as you explore the site with

an experienced nature guide. Recommended for

families with children age 4 and up. Call (253)

591-6439 to register and get directions.

Free to members, $5/person for non-members.

Pre-registration is required.

Morse Preserve Open TrailsWhen: Sun, Apr 13, 12pm – 4pm

Where: Morse Wildlife Preserve, Graham

Description: Explore this natural treasure located

in Graham during Open Trail days. Walk the trailsand discover the beauty of the five habitat zones in

the preserve. All ages. Free

Tokeland bird trip

with Nate ChappellWhen: Sat, Apr 19, 8am – 4pm

Where: To Tokeland back after meeting at the 512

Park & Ride at 8 a.m.

Description: Wildlife photographer and TAS

member Nate Chappell will lead a bird photogra-

phy field trip to Tokeland, WA. This is at theheight of shorebird migration and we should have

good opportunities to see and photograph many

species, including godwits and willets. If you want

to learn more about bird photography Nate will be

available to answer any of your questions and

explain some of his shooting techniques. Meet at

the 512 Park and Ride near the McDonalds at 8

am. Limit 10 participants. Call the Tahoma

Audubon office at (253) 565-9278 to register.

Morse bird walkWhen: Apr 25, 10am – 12pm

Where: Morse Wildlife Preserve. Graham WA

Description: Field Trip leader Betty Jones willlead a walk at Morse Wildlife Preserve. Call

253-565-9278 to register and for directions.

Tokeland birding trip

with Ruth SullivanWhen: Sat, Apr 26, 6am – 5pm

Where: Meet at Park and Ride lot near McDonald’s

at intersection of I-5 and Hwy. 512

Description: Join Ruth Sullivan for a coastal birding

trip with visits to Brady Loop and Tokeland, with a

side trip to Raymond to explore waterfowl and the

Raymond Airport for possible sightings of White-

tailed Kite. Up to seven birders can sign up for this joint trip that will also include birders from the Black

Hills Audubon Society. The trip will include looking

at Bottle Beach for Red Knots, Golden Plovers,

Dunlin, Western and Least Sandpipers, Semipalmated

Plovers, Black-bellied Plovers, dowitchers, Ruddy

Turnstone, Marbled Godwit, Whimbrel, Peregrine

Falcon and many duck species. You are advised to

bring rain gear and rubber boots. Call the Tahoma

Audubon office at (253) 565-9278 to sign up.

Field trip leaders;To volunteer to lead a field trip contact Rob at e-mail

[email protected]. Or connect with him duringhis monthly walk: Nature Walk at Pt. Defiance Park

in Tacoma, Sun, Mar 16, 8am – 11am.

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 lead-

ers put in a lot of time and planning and no-shows disrupt field trips.

More than three no-shows a year can result in revoking the oppor-

tunity 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 guide-

lines are 20 cents a mile per car, not including driver.

Beginners are always welcome.

Have fun.

rules

Wildlife photographer and TAS member Nate Chappell and his Ecuadorian wife, Angie areoffering some exciting adventures, please check their website for details, www.trogontours.net

Eastern Ecuador November 10-22, 2008Tour covers the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains and the Western edge of the Amazon lowlandforests. Spectacular species that we have a good chance of seeing and/or photographing includeHarpy Eagle, 3 species of Antpittas, Andean Condor, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Crested Owl,Torrent Duck Great, Andean and Rufous Potoos and dozens of species of beautiful tanagers anddazzling hummingbirds.

Western Ecuador December 6-14, 2008Tour of the Western slope of the Andes and some of the Western lowlands. Spectacular species thatwe have a good chance of seeing and/or photographing include Andean Cock of theRock, Giant and Yellow-breasted Antpittas, Andean Condor, Sword-billed Hum-mingbird and many species of dazzling tanagers and beautiful hummingbirds.

Thailand, January 4-18, 2009TAS members Nate and Angie Chappell will lead a wonderful tripto Central and Northern Thailand next January. We will seeand photograph a wide variety of both birds and mammalsand experience Thai culture as well by visiting ruins andtemples. A variety of hornbills, sunbirds, trogons andbarbets are among the many species of birds that

we will see. Cost is $3,600 per person, singlesupplement 500. See our website atwww.trogontours.net or call Nate at 253-512-1060. T

r o g o n

T o u r s

mailto:[email protected]





www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7Page 6 www.tahomaaudubon.org March 2008

Geese landed just on the other side of the narrow road we werestanding on. I’m guessing that dog had already learned not to mess

around with geese! Wayne Jackson, our assigned counter, estimated30,000 geese. In the meantime, what should fly over our heads but a

Peregrine Falcon!!! Our first of several for the day! As we drove on, getting closer to the geese, the day warmed up, coats came

off, shadows were cast, and we practically had to beat off the Bald Eagles. Inaddition to the huge number of wintering eagles, there were the residents, whostood out by “guarding” their nests from any interlopers. We saw these family

groups of eagles at two different huge nests. By the end of the day, everyone hadlost count of eagles, but there were dozens and dozens. A female kestrel on a wire surprised us, as we were still in the Skagit Valley and

not northwards into the Samish Flats area where we would expect to see them.Then just north of Highway 20, we were surprised to see a Merlin fly by! Excitementwas starting to mount because we had seen three different falcons now (Peregrine,Kestrel, and Merlin), which would be a very good falcon count here or anywhere.However, we were in Skagit County, perhaps the only spot in the country where fivespecies of falcons can possibly be seen on the same day (we still lacked Gyrfalconand Prairie Falcon). So pulses were building at the thought of a 4- or 5-falcon day!

After all, it was still before lunch. We had hours left!Besides the obligatory Bald Eagles, many Red-tailed Hawks in several color

morphs and ages, all variations of Northern Harriers, and a stunning dark-morphRough-legged Hawk were easily seen as we continued up toward the SamishFlats. We got to the famous “West 90” (named for the bend in the road whereSamish Island Road starts), but it was a bit early yet for our target species there,the Short-eared Owls (they prefer to hunt at dawn and dusk on nice days like ourday had turned into). But on the way there, we spotted a distant raptor in a treeand were arguing about what it could be while setting up scopes. Charlie Wright,

who is fast growing into The Guy to Pay Attention To, suddenly declared it was aGyrfalcon! It took some long scope looks for each of us to be convinced, but wefinally agreed just as the bird took off and showed the in-flight field marks to cinchthe deal! This is one stunning bird even if you’re not on a falcon quest. Washingtonhas been lucky enough to have a Gyr or two most winters come down, but notevery winter by any means. Tough tundra animals almost too massively built tobe falcons; they have no one to fear. We were thrilled with our 4-Falcon day!!!

No one had heard of a Prairie Falcon this winter, so we thought we had had thepeak experience for the day. But then, at the East 90, we ran into a group from

the Falcon Research Group (www.frg.org) led by Bud Anderson the famous falconguy. He told us that a Prairie had been seen in the Samish Island area, so natu-rally that’s where we went! In the meantime, we were seeing lots of the moreusual raptors and even a few Meadowlarks! We came back from Samish Islandempty handed for falcons, but added lots of ducks. Upon arriving back at the West90, the Short-eared Owls were flying! Between them and the dozen or more har-riers, low-flying craft were everywhere! But wait!!! What’s this?? A falcon!! Andit landed! Scopes never swiveled so fast! Yes! A Prairie!! We hit the jackpot!!Won the pentathlon!! A Five-Falcon Day! For some of us, it was the first ever,and the second for me and fellow Willette, Faye. It was also thrilling to see all thebirders out there enjoying this spectacle. Dennis Paulson brought a group of Master Birders just as we were leaving. It’s a nice feeling to know everyone is abirder, or so it seems.

I shall have to revise my ironclad Law of Birding: That the best bird days are theworst weather days and vice versa. We had been shedding layers all day, enjoyingone of the most beautiful and warm days ever on the Skagit and Samish flats. Gladto have such an exception to that rule, which I suspect will still work most of thetime. And if we have to pay for the nice weather by 6 more weeks of winte r, that’sa small price to pay for such a day. We had the last laugh on the groundhog!

Story and photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn

from page 1

... Groundhog Day

The formally-dressed, resident muskrat atBreazeale Interpretative Center on Padilla Bay cameout to have lunch with our group and check his shadow.

Finally, a Trumpeter Swan shows off that famous “V” between his eyes, one of the eld marks neverillustrated in eld guides.

Our group at the famous “West 90:” Diane, Jean, Bruce LaBar (leader), Charlie, Wayne, Patti, Jean, Faye.

Top: A dark morph Rough-Legged Hawk on the

Sammish Flats. Above: a Snow Goose in ight.Trumpeter Swans.

Bald Eagles in the Skagit Valley seem

more numerous than Starlings!






ANNouNceMeNts

April 25 - May 31

Please think about ways you can help

Birdathon is our largest, mostsuccessful fundraiser and the

world’s biggest birdwatching

competition. Expenses are

around 1%. Sounds too good

to be true, doesn’t it?

Anyone can do a Birdathon.

And if you can’t tell a goose from a grouse, we can

teach you how, or simply sign you up as a sponsor.

Each year, participants nationwide gather pledges

from sponsors, helping to fund our mission of

environmental conservation, education, and advocacy.

It’s the most fun you’ll ever have saving the planet!

You are important in helping us ensure the best

in conservation and education programs for TAS.Say “Yes” to being a birder and gathering pledges

for the Birdathon. Special trips will be offered to

aid you. A BIRDER DOES NOT NEED TO

KNOW ANY BIRDS. We have master birders

who will let you know what birds you are seeing

or hearing.

Many, many of you have helped by pledging in

other Birdathons. You can multiply that amount as

much as you’d like by deciding to gather pledges.

Remember, if you can’t take a trip, you can gather

sponsors for some of our other birders. It takes a

lot of us working together to keep all our

conservation and education programs going.You can call for a packet or you can come to a

Birder kickoff on March 19, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at

4011 Alameda W, the University Place home of

Stan and Helen Engle. Another kickoff will be

offered in April. We’re just getting the trips lined

up; watch for the April Towhee for a fuller listing.

Ocean Shores to Tacoma, Pullens, April 25—

Nisqually River and Nisqually Land Trust Lands,

Robert Smith, April 26—

Nisqually and/or Ocean Shores, Your Choice,

Batkers, May 10—

Purdy to Paradise, Bruce LaBar, May 10---

Tacoma to Potholes (overnight), Marcus Roening

& Heather Ballash, May 10---Fort Lewis, Jim Lynch, May 14—

Lake Waughop and Spanaway Marsh, Betty Jones,

May17—

Morse Preserve, Betty Jones, May 23—

Green River Watershed, Tyler Patterson and master

birder, May 24.

There will be others listed next month and all will

have full descriptions.

Less waste, more green. Reusable bags made of strong, washable nylon thatopen to 18” X 18” are now available at the Tahoma Audubon office!

Did you know the average American uses between 300 and 700 plastic bags

per year?• If everyone in the United States tied their annual consumption of plasticbags together in a giant chain, the chain would reach around the Earth notonce, but 760 times!• According to the American Forest and Paper Association, in 1999 the U.S.alone used 10 billion paper grocery bags, requiring 14 million trees to be cutdown.• Plastic bags don’t biodegrade, they photo-degrade—breaking down intosmall toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways and entering the food-chain when mistaken for zooplankton or jellyfish.

Rosanne Becker, instructor

Tues., Mar. 4 & Wed., Mar. 12---6:30-9:00 p.m.

Adriana Hess Nature Center.

Cost: $10.00 (to be paid the night of each class)

Fill spring shapes with colorful strips of paper that

spiral to the center or iris. Leave class with at

least two cards and patterns to make your own.

Supplies: small craft scissors, Scotch magic tape

(green plaid dispenser), small craft mat (if you

have one).

When: Fri Apr 11 – Sun Apr 13Where: Sleeping Lady Resort, Leavenworth, WABi-annual conference of the Audubon Council of Washington.

Audubon members from across the state are invited to attend andparticipate in meetings, fieldtrips, birding, workshops, & socializing.

Iris folded Spring/

Easter card classes

Birdathon 2008

is coming soon!

ChicoBags are Here!

Photos/Sleeping Lady Resort

Sleeping Lady Mountain retreat, in the foothills of the Cascades outside Leavenworth, Washington,provides an environment that fosters creativeinteraction in an atmosphere that blends seamlesslywith nature and the surrounding natural landscape.This all-inclusive retreat is also an environmentallyconscious leader in the hospitality industry.ACOWwill kick off Friday evening with a reception and artshow, featuring Wildlife Biologist and nature artistHeather A. Wallis Murphy, photographer Teri Pieper,a book display by A Book for All Seasons and a

book-signing by Brian Bell, author of Birds of Washington State. Friday evening we will alsohave our first guest speaker, Dr. Nalini M.Nadkarni, a professor at EvergreenState. Dr. Nadkarni has made a namefor herself as “the Queen of theForest Canopy” through numerousscientific articles and documentaryappearances, as well as two books.Saturday will be dedicated to workshops

and breakouts on advocacy, leadership/boarddevelopment, and fundraising. Saturday eveningwill usher in our keynote speaker, Dr. Terry L. Root.Dr. Root is a Senior Fellow and faculty member atthe Woods Institute for the Environment andProfessor-by-courtesy in Biological Sciences atStanford University. Dr. Root has worked extensivelyin the research of climate change, and he has wonseveral honors, most recently lead authorship of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,which was co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace

Prize.Sunday will be devoted to field trips,conveniently leaving from Sleeping Lady. These

trips will include a Chelan-Douglass LandTrust trip, as well as Barn Beach

Reserve and Blackbird Island tripsand a trip to Rocky Reach Dam and Visitor Center.Stay tuned for moreinformation on Spring ACOW 2008. Visit the Audubon Washington

website at wa.audubon.org.

Please sign and return this coupon or call and say you will help,Thelma Gilmur, 253-564-8210.

BIRDATHON 2008Mail to Tahoma Audubon, 2917 Morrison Road West, University Place, WA 98466.

_______I will get at least 5 pledges and do a Birdathon for TAS.

_______I will make a donation.

NAME____________________________________PHONE____________________

ADDRESS___________________________________________________________

_________________________________________ZIP_______________________

WE NEED YOU!

ACOW conference




L

ast month my wife Angie and I had the

privilege of leading TAS members John and

Kate Comis, Dennis and Melissa Sherwoodand Carole Breedlove on a weeklong birding and bird

photography tour of Ecuador. My friend and bird pho-

tographer John Maynard joined us as well. We saw and

photographed many beautiful and spectacular species.

After introductions at the Quito airport and a night in

the Akros Hotel, the birding started in earnest the next

morning. While I was still having breakfast Melissa

Sherwood informed me she had already been out birding

and that there was a hummingbird with a very long tail

in the garden next door, along with several other species.

I accompanied Carole and Melissa to the lot down the

street from the hotel where we viewed some of the com-

mon city birds of Quito, Great Thrush, Rufous-collared

Sparrow and Eared Dove. We didn’t get a good look at

the hummer, probably a Trainbearer. We had a lot of birding to do on the way to Mindo and we needed to get

the show on the road. Our best stop on the way to Mindo

was at the LaPahuma Reserve. Highlights here included

views of a female Cock of the Rock on her nest and a

White-Tailed Hillstar hummingbird. Later that after-

noon, we stopped for lunch at Los Colibris and enjoyed

many species of hummingbirds including White-necked

Jacobins and White-whiskered Hermits whirling about

the feeders as we enjoyed our fresh trout and chicken.

We then went and settled into our hotel, Septimo Paraiso

for the night. At dinner, we did the daily bird list.

The next morning we had to be at breakfast at

4am because we were going to a Cock of the

Rock lek in the morning and we had to be in the blind by

dawn. Our early rise and hike through the darkness wererewarded with several brilliant males displaying in the

forest below the blind. John Maynard managed some

excellent photos of them. After the males left the lek we

walked to a different spot in the forest and the guide and

owner of the property, Angel

Paz, began to call out venga,

venga (come, come) he had

trained a female Giant Antpitta

to come for a meal of earth-

worms when called. This

allowed us up close and personal

views and photos of this usually

secretive and elusive species. A troop of Dark-backed

Wood Quail another shy forest dweller also came in for

a feed from Angel. Later we trekked to a different partof the forest and found the Yellow-breasted Antpitta.

After some tea and a snack we headed to another lodge

to view hummingbirds. At Sachatamia Lodge they had

the usual hummingbird feeders but they also had some

feeders stocked with bananas. We were excited to see

Golden and Golden-naped Tanagers and then thrilled

when a Toucan Barbet came in for a feed.

The next couple of days we birded Rio Silanche, a

lowland forest reserve and Rio Milpe, a foothills reserve

at about 4,000 feet. On the

entry road at Rio Silanche a

Laughing Falcon landed on alimb right next to the van,

allowing me some close pho-

tos. We climbed the tower at

Silanche and were rewarded

with views of Guayaquil

Woodpecker, a large black,

white and red species and

Bronze-winged and Red-lored

Amazon parrots. Melissa

tried to convince the rest of us

that a pointy spike on a distant

tree was a potoo, but it was a

tough sell. The next day at

Rio Milpe we watched Club-

winged Manakins dancing ontheir lek and there was a Buff-

fronted Foliage-Gleaner feed-

ing on the warden’s house.

A fter 3 days of bird-

ing the lowlands

and foothills of Mindo on the

fourth day we drove up to

Bellavista, a lodge at the top

of the Tandaypa Valley locat-

ed at 7,500 feet. That afternoon Carole, Melissa and I

birded the entrance road above the lodge and were

rewarded with many species including Grass-green

Tanager and the signature bird of Bellavista, Plate-billed

Mountain Toucan. Kate Comis was supposed to join us

but took a wrong turn and while birding on her ownmanaged to find an Occellated Tapaculo, a spectacular

and elusive species with white dots all over a chestnut

body. The rest of us went for a small walk into the forest

and found a group of 3 Andean Guans. These large,

turkey-like birds are becoming quite rare due to hunting

and the guide had only seen them 3 times in that area.

That evening a Common Potoo enchanted us by feedingright next to the lodge on the insects that were attracted

to the floodlights.

The next morning the guide, Gabriel helped us

find many species including the rare White-

faced Nunbird. He also helped John Comis identify

some of the spectacular cloud forest plants and flowers.

Back at the lodge later that day Kate had a Rufous

Antpitta walk up to her at the feeders. In 2 days she had

seen 2 rare species that had both eluded me. That eve-

ning we drove to Quito and got ready for some

higher altitude birding.

The Yanacocha Reserve on the flanks of the

Pichincha Volcano was our destination the next

morning. On the hike into the main humming-

bird feeders we had some nice birds includingthe spectacular Hooded Mountain Tanager and

a very tame, wren-like White-browed Spinetail.

At the main group of feeders, we decided to

have lunch and wait to see what came in. A

brilliant blue Masked Flowerpiercer joined a

few of the more common hummingbird species

to start the show. A bit later the incredible

Sword-billed Hummingbird, its bill longer than

its body, showed itself to our delight. Soon after

that a small hummingbird caught my eye at the

feeder farthest from me. It had all the field

marks of the Black-breasted Puffleg, a rare

hummingbird that lives only on this one mountain in

Ecuador. It flew off quickly after I got a brief look at it.

I was quite sure of the ID but wanted to speak with Kate,

she of the great birding luck, who of course was right

next to the feeder. We looked at the field guide and

confirmed all the field marks together. She was certainthat was the species as well. After a hike back to the car

we drove back to Quito and did a bit of shopping in one

of the public markets.

Our last day of the tour we birded the Antisana

Volcano, a windswept landscape of

high elevation open grassland and lakes.

On the way up the mountain 2 large

birds of prey flew up from the roadside.

Black-chested Buzzard Eagle I yelled

out as I bolted from the car. We ran

across the road to get a view of the can-

yon below and were rewarded with a

nice flight view of one of the eagles soaring down the

canyon. We visited the shepherd’s house on top where

the Ecudorian Hillstar, a high altitude hummingbirdcame to feeders. After about 30 minutes there I noticed

that Dennis, a veteran of 18 Mt. Rainier ascents and John

had climbed to the top of a nearby hill. I called to them

to return to the car before they decided to try and summit

the 19,000 foot volcano. We had more birds to find. We

did quite well on waterbirds at the large lake there, tally-

ing Silvery Grebe, Andean Ruddy Duck and Yellow-

billed Pintail among others. A couple of more hours of

searching in vain for the Andean Condors turned up a

nice Aplomado Falcon. Then it was time to return to

Quito for the final night of the tour.

A t our final bird tally of the trip Melissa

informed me that she had seen 195 lifers

while Carole, who has over 4,000 species on her

world list, told me she had seen about 120 new spe-cies that trip. I had a great time leading the trip, we

saw a lot of great birds and it was an enthusiastic

group of birders and photographers. For Dennis and

Melissa and John and Kate it was on to the Galapagos,

while John and Carole returned home. I had another

2 weeks of birding, photography and holidays with

Angie’s family. All in all I had 52 lifers for my 4

weeks there. I had a great couple of days at Rio

Palenque, that included the rarely seen Lanceolated

Monklet, a small puffbird, and a beautiful Collared

Trogon that posed nicely for photos. I’m looking

forward to our next tour in Ecuador this November.

With members of Tahoma Audubon

On a weeklong birding and bird photography

tour of Ecuador, we saw and photographed

many beautiful and spectacular species.

Birding in Ecuador

Toucan Barbet

Bluewinged Mountain Tanager

Story and photos by Nate Chappell




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

voluNteer Recognition

Volunteer at Adriana Hess Wetland Park

Please see the new board approved Chapter Membership Policy in the annual review, a separate PDF.

Joann Simms and Mary Siegenthaler are just a few of the amazing

people who help out at the front desk as office receptionists. They

help with answering phone calls, taking care of sales in the book-

store, collecting mail, signing people up for field trips and helping

with small jobs that need to get done. Some of our office reception-

ists also help with various data entry projects. We truly appreciatetheir dedication, friendly faces and willingness to help out.

Here are a few questions with Joann Simms:

Julie: How did you get involved at the front desk?

Joann: Sally asked me to be second in command to help run the desk

and I was looking to move out of the Education Chair position.

Julie: How long have you been working at the desk?

Joann: About five years now

Julie: Why do you enjoy working at the front desk?

Joann: I like talking to people about questions. I love to help people with bird problems like how to

get flickers to stop pounding into houses and if I can’t answer a question I like hooking people up with

people who can.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Audubon

2917 Morrison Rd.. W. in University Place All Fridays. Come at 9:00 a.m. for a light breakfast and stay to weed until11:00 a.m.If you wish to help on your own time, we now have a book with entiregrounds marked off and pictured in small segments. You can choose yourportion of the grounds, and at your own convenience, keep it looking likethe picture. Thanks for considering this great way of helping out.

welcoMe to New and Returning Members

January 16, 2008 to February 15, 2008Chapter New and Renewing:

Sally Boyle, Elaine Brown, Wynne Brown &

Peter Wimberger, Loretta Chivers, Patricia

Coolsen, Alyce & Bruce Demarais, Anne Ellison,

Adele & Mark Freeland, Bryan Hanson, Christine

Hoey, Frank Jacobs, Wayne & Sally Larson,

Rosemary Lenigan, Doreen Ligrano, Terrence

Mace & Anne Wood, Betty Main, Mary Manning,

Sally Nesheim, Jim & Jeanne O’Donnell, Terry

Puskas, Martha Robbins, David Schultz, Joe

TerLouw, Colleen Waterhouse, Denise Wilkes,

Marsha Williams, Nancy Wittenberg.

Joint Chapter and National:

Chuck Bergman, Peter Bartels, Mark Carlson, Jane

Davison, Anne Ellison, Craig Geyer, Bud & Dixie

Harris, Katharine Hemion, Penelope & Dave

Magelsson, Cecile & Guy Montgomery, Melissa &

Jamie Paulson, Edgar & Phyllis Potts, David &

Anne Seago, Julie Smith, Bonnie Stiff, Richard &

Eunice Werner, Dennis & Joy White.

Introductory:

(Recruited through TAS.)

Doug Abel, Martha Humphreys,

Aurora Lau, Brandi Manning,

Joyce & Bruce Murray, Robin Reich,

Kelli Stave. (Recruited through NAS, several

returning after a 6 month lapse, and our TAS

recruited members confirmed by NAS.) Walter

Adams, Andrea Alexander, Ramiro Alonso, Tim &

Pam Moon, C & C Tashi, Sherrie & Cindy, Jennifer

Andreas, Laurie Austin, Tom & Amy Bettesworth,Anthony Blake, Karen & Stan Bloustine, Jay

Bollman, Mr & Mrs Brian Born, June Camp,

Robert Chamberlain, Valerie Chapin, Katherine

Chappell, Githens Chiropractic, Michael Cramer,

Heather Dumas, Jan Elliott, Lindsay Fuller, Laurel

Gorder, Pam Hicks, Barbetta Hofstedt, Katherine

Holloway, Mr & Ms Joe Schultz, Kelly Johnston,

Jerry Licari, Toni Magelssen, Douglas Mandt,

Mitzi Mc Cart, Bonnie Mc Donough, William Mc

Evoy, Colleen Mishier, Mike Mowat, Jack Osborn,

Stephen Page, Barbara Parsons, Renee Pelletier,

Sarah Spivey Family, Carmen Sterba, Joel Stumph,

Elaine Sumey,Marian Warner, Helen Willis.

We are so pleased to have you all be a part of

Tahoma Audubon. Hope to see you at some of

our events. Follow the news about our Birdathon

and come join us for a fun birding trip in late April

or May. Check the June Towhee to learn about our

annual picnic.

Joann Simms and Mary Siegenthaler helping out.

Photo/Julie Kerrigan



Tahoma Audubon Society YO2

2917 Morrison Road West

University Place, WA 98466

Address service requested

Nonprofit Org

U.S. Postage

Tacoma, WA

Permit No. 177

PAID 25 years ago page 8

Annual review separate PDF

Birding in Ecuador page 10

BirdSongs page 8

Bryan Flint column page 2

Environment matters page 3

Field trips page 5

New members page 11

Paul Webster page 1

Volunteer recognition page 11

In this issue:

owhee

The March 2008

T

For additional information on education programs contact Tahoma Audubon at 253-565-9278; on the web at www.tahomaaudubon.org

Or The Tacoma Nature Center at 253-591-6439 or on the web at www.metroparkstacoma.org

Fri, Mar (all) 9:00am, light breakfast, then volunteer

weeding at Adriana Hess Wetland Park until

11:00am.V

Sat, Mar 8, 8:30am – 5:00pm, Photo Fest, TacomaNature Center, the photography of Tacoma

Photographic Society, first slide-digital show at

9:00am, $5 per person, $10 per family.

Sat, Mar 8, 8:30am – 12:00pm, Swan Creek Park &

Chief Leschi School walk with Ed Pullen.f

Tue, Mar 11, 2pm – 4pm, Conservation Committee,

Adriana Hess Wetland Park.m

Wed, Mar 12, 9:30am – 12:00pm, Titlow Park Bird

Walk, join Vera Cragin for a walk along the shoreline

and through the wooded portions of Titlow Park.f

Wed, Mar 12, 3:15pm – 4:45pm, Budding Scientists

- Riding the Wave, Adriana Hess Audubon Center,

ages 5-7.

Thu, Mar 13, 9:30am – 11:30am, Beginning Home

School Science - Surf’s Up, Tacoma Nature Center,

ages 8-10.

Thu, Mar 13, 1pm – 3pm Beginning Home School

Science - Surf’s Up, Tacoma Nature Center, ages

8-10.

Thu, Mar 13, 3:00pm – 4:30pm, Osprey Club at

NV, Narrows View.

Thu, Mar 13, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, TAS Board

Meeting, Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Guest

Welcome, please call ahead at (253) 565-9278.

Fri, Mar 14, 6pm – 9pm,NatureMapping Workshop, Tacoma Nature Center.

Fri, Mar 14, 7pm – 9pm , Membership Program,

Tacoma Nature Center, Check web site for program.

Sat, Mar 15, 9am – 5pm, NatureMapping

Workshop, Tacoma Nature Center.

Sat, Mar 15, 10:00am – 11:30am, Discovery Walk,

Lower White River, for families with children age

4 and up.f

Sun, Mar 16, 8am – 11am Nature Walk at Pt.

Defiance Park in Tacoma.f

Tue, Mar 18, 1:30pm – 2:30pm Nature Alphabet

- N is for Nuts, Tacoma Nature Center.

Wed, Mar 19, 10:30am – 12:00pm, Budding

Scientists - Sea Monsters!, Adriana Hess Audubon

Center.

Wed, Mar 19, 7:00 to 8:30pm, Birdathon Birder

Kickoff at 4011 Alameda W, the University Place

home of Stan and Helen Engle. Say “Yes” to being a

birder and gathering pledges for the Birdathon. f

Thu, Mar 20, 1pm – 3pm, Intermediate Home School

Science - Deep Waters.


NV, Narrows View.

Mar 22, 2008, Seabird Workshop, UPS - Slater

Natural History Museum.

Sat, Mar 22, 7:30am, Key Peninsula with RolanNelson. Limit to 11 birders.f

Wed, Mar 26, 3:15pm – 4:45pm, Budding Scientists

- Sea Monsters, Adriana Hess Audubon Center, ages

5-7.

Thu, Mar 27, 1pm – 3pm, Advanced Home School

Science – Oceanography,

Tacoma Nature Center ages 12-15.


NV, Narrows View.

Fri, Mar 28, 10:30am – 11:30am, Nature Story

Time - Big Blue Planet, Adriana Hess Audubon

Center, good grandparent/grandchild activity.

Fri, Mar 28, 1pm – 4pm, Advanced Home School

Science Lab – Oceanography, Tacoma Nature

Center ages 12-15.

Tue, Apr 1, 10:30am – 11:30am, Nature Alphabet -

O is for Owl, Tacoma Nature Centerchildren under four require an adult present.

Thu, Apr 3, 3:00pm – 4:30pm, Osprey Club at NV,

Narrows View.

Tue, Apr 8, 2pm – 4pm, Conservation Committee,

Adriana Hess Wetland Park.m

Wed, Apr 9, 10:30am – 12:00pm, Budding Scientists

- Weather Report, Adriana Hess Audubon Center.

Thu, Apr 10, 9:30am – 11:30am, Thu, Apr 10, 1pm

– 3pm Beginning Home School Science - Head in

the Clouds, Tacoma Nature Center, ages 8-10.

Thu, Apr 10, 3:00pm – 4:30pm, Osprey Club at NV,

Narrows View.

Thu, Apr 10, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, TAS Board Meeting,

Adriana Hess Audubon Center

Guest Welcome, please call ahead at (253)

565-9278.

Fri, Apr 11, 7pm – 9pm, Membership Meeting,

Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street. Check

web site for program - www.TahomaAudubon.org or

call (253) 565-9278.

Apr 11 – 13 2008 ACOW Conference, Sleeping

Lady Resort, Leavenworth, WA. a (page 8.)

Sat, Apr 12, 10:00am – 11:30am, Discovery Walk,

Naches Trail, Frederickson, for families with childrenage 4 and up, register by calling 253-591-6439.f

Calendar

tAhoMA AuDuBoN ProgramsThe public is invited to attend membershipmeetings of Tahoma Audubon Society! When: Friday, March 14th 2008Where: Tacoma Nature Center, l9l9 South TylerWho: Photographer Nate ChappellTime: Refreshments @ 7:00 p.m. Meeting @ 7:30 p.m.Wildlife photographer and longtime Tahoma AudubonSociety member Nate Chappell will present an eveningof bird and wildlife photography from Ecuador, Argentinaand Malaysia. Nate and his wife Angie lead birdwatch-

ing and nature photography trips to Ecuador, Thailandand other exotic locations. He is currently the aviangallery moderator for Naturephotographers.net, one of the top rated websites for nature photography. Images

will be shown from several trips to Ecuador. Many beau-tiful species of hummingbirds and tangers will be dis-played during this section. Additionally, he will show birdand wildlife photos from a trip to Argentina whichincluded stops at Iguassu Falls and the Ibera Marsheswhich is one of the 3 most important wetlands in South

America. Lastly he will present images from Malaysiaincluding birds, Orangutans and Probocis Monkeys. If you would like to visit his website, it is www.trogontours.net. Join us for an exciting evening.Mark your calendars: April program April 11!

Recommendations for future programs can be sent toKatrina Weihs at [email protected], or253-304-6422, include contacts, topics, and best timeto reach you.

f Field Trip Page

v Volunteer page

m Environment Matters Page

a Related article in The Towhee

E Education Page

Key to letter symbolsMArch 2008

April 2008

Not applicable on the internets

Documents

03-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society