04-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

8/9/2019 04-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

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Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969. Vol. 39 No.3 April 2008

Bird is the word!

Tahoma Audubon was chartered March, 1969 and

its 39th annual banquet brought together over

200 of its members for a night of food and fun

that was topped off with an informative and

educational lecture by Dr. Nalini Nadkarni.

Candidates for the board were introduced and

enthusiastically, unanimously elected to a three-year term. New board members:

Elizabeth Rando Beer

Melissa Paulson

Ione Clagett

Darby Veeck

Peggy L. Kopf

Kathleen Nelson

The Silent Auction was competitive, with people

sitting on the edges of their seats, watching and

waiting to see if their competition was making a

move on their coveted prize.

The Audubon mission is To conserve and

Birdathon is our largest fundraiser. Birdathon expenses are kept at 1%. Birdathon asks

you to gather sponsors-be a Birder/Counter (Theres lots of help identifying the birds.)

Birdathon Sponsor is so necessary. Birdathon Sponsors can join trips! What do you say?

We are so pleased that so far 72 of you have said you will be Birders this

year. Thank you so very much! Were on the road to have a success-

ful Birdathon that will help us keep our excellent education and

conservation work going. 200 have committed to be Sponsors at

this time. We have work to do because last year we had about 1100.

Thank-you to the 200 early birds---you are so appreciated. We are

hoping for more Birders. If we get 20 more Birders and all Birders

average out at 12 Sponsors each, we will have 1100 contributors this

year. But, we can beat that this year, cant we? Please come help!

Let us hear what you are saying!Call Thelma, 253-564-8210

or e-mail, [email protected]. Call TAS office, 253-565-9278, to register and to signup for trips and get directions. If a special Birdathon trip wont fit your schedule, choose one

of TASs regular field trips. Leaders will help you with identification.

See page 6 for Birdathon field trips; page 9 for more info and a clipable volunteer form.

By Candi Ziegert

Ohop Creek has the opportunity to berestored to its former meandering glory aftergenerations of ditching and straightening of thechannel, but the project needs your help. Thecreek, an important salmon stream in the

Nisqually River basin, was channelized and thewetlands that dominated the valley drained byearly pioneers who farmed the Ohop Valley.

In cooperation with landowners and arearesidents, a multi-organizational effort is under-way by the Nisqually Land Trust, South PugetSound Salmon Enhancement Group, WashingtonState Department of Fish and Wildlife, NisquallyIndian Tribe, Tacoma Nature Center, Northwest Trek,Citizens Restoring the Ohop Watershed, Tacoma NatureCenter and Tahoma Audubon Society to naturalize thecreek bed and restore important native plants andhabitat for birds, wildlife, and salmonids.

Construction on the first of three sections is scheduledto begin this summer, and will involve digging out the

new channel and planting riparian vegetation and there-fore restoring 100 acres of the historic valley.

Before the habitat restoration is underway, thereneeds to be a baseline survey conducted of the plantand animal life already in the area. This information iscritical to success of the project, and Audubon membersare being called upon to use their unique talents toprovide quality bird data. We need volunteers like youto participate in citizen science field trips that will iden-tify the bird species on site.

Birders may encounter Pine Siskins, Bushtits, BaldEagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures, ducks,

Thirty-ninth Annual Banquet of the Tahoma Audubon Society

By Paul Webster

As this edition ofThe Towhee reaches its readers the breeding season of the SageThrasher has just begun. Birders who arrive before sunrise can enjoy the males court-ship display. He flies about his territory in circles, figure-eights, or zigzags, risingrepeatedly as high as thirty feet and then descending to the tops of the sagebrush,

singing all the w ause, lasting up to several minutes. As the bird alights it may raiseone or both wings and flutter them as the song continues. The naturalist WilliamDawson a century ago was moved to write that the dawn song of the Sage Thrasherexpressed the very soul of the sagelands.

At first sight the Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) at 8.5 inches may resem-ble a small, pale robin. Males are somewhat larger than females, but both have drab,gray-brownish, indistinctly-streaked plumage above. Below, the chin, breast, and bellyhave brown spots that form dark streaks. Whitish edging frames the face, and the eyecolor varies from yellow to amber. The wings show two narrow white bars, and thetail though short, compared to other thrashers is long and often held cocked-up.

The Sage Thrasher breeds in the sagelands of western North America, at elevationsup to over 6,000 feet. It winters from the southwestern United States into northernMexico. In Washington it is a fairly common summer resident of the eastern Cascades,

By Kathleen LeGreid

BOARD TALKFrom left:

Elizabeth Rando Beer,Melissa Paulson,

Ione Clagett,Darby Veeck andKathleen Nelson

EYE SPYOne of themany itemsfound at thesilent auction

Birdathon is coming! April 25-May 31

Photos by Lenny Zimmerman

Sage Thrasher

Ohop CreekrestorationExciting news forbirds andbirders

See "Citizen science" on page 8 See "Sage Thrasher" on page 8

See "Banquet on page 7

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executive Directors Corner

tahma Audubn saff

Flint, Bryan Executive Director

[email protected] 253-565-9129

Kyer, Krystal Conservation Coordinator


Swaim, Stephanie Education Coordinator


Kerrigan, Julie Volunteer Coordinator


tahma Audubn Bard officer

Wayne Larson President

Vacant Vice President

Jane Brosius Secretary / Membership Co-chair

Margie Shea Treasurer / Education Chair

tahoma Audubon Board Members 2008

Rob McNair-Huff Field Trip Chair

Thelma Gilmur Membership Co-chair

Kathleen LeGreid Towhee Editor

Dick CarknerSally Larson

John Garner

Marcus Roening

Kathleen Nelson

Peggy L. Kopf

Darby Veeck

Ione Clagett

Melissa Paulson

Elizabeth Beer

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. TASadvocates for the protectionof wildlife and promotes conservation through education and activities that enrich its mem-

bers experiences in and with the natural world.

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

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

tion, and environmental education are reviewed and considered for inclusion by the editor.

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

Editor: Kathleen Ann LeGreid: phone 360-458-1483

E-mail:kaleditor@ mindspring.com

Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings

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

Printing: Consolidated PressPrinted on recycled newsprint

Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org April 2008

My name is Claire-Marie Krug and I am one of the

Tahoma Audubon Society interns this spring. I am a

student at Pacific Lutheran University in my final semes-

ter. I will graduate in May with a major in environmen-

tal studies and a minor in economics. As a Californianative, I have enjoyed living in and getting to know the

Pacific Northwest. College has also afforded me the

opportunity to intern at the McHenry County Conservation

District in Illinois and study abroad in Salzburg, Austria.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies and doing a variety of

crafting projects. I also enjoy getting updates from my father on the

California Towhee, named Hoppy, who lives in our backyard. I will be

working to input the data that has been collected during field trips since the

start of the TAS. The information will be entered into eBird, a national

online bird database. I hope to help the Tahoma Audubon Society figure

out which birds need the most attention in this area and also highlight any

success stories.

The big project Im working on this spring is data entry. I will be putting

all the collected bird counts into eBird, an online bird database. This will

be valuable because it makes the data more available. I will also be putting

together reports on specific sites with long term data to see how the bird

populations have changed over time. I will also be working with field trip

leaders to develop an effective system of gathering data from current field

trips. The National Audubon Society published a 2007 Audubon WatchList

of North American birds most at risk as well as the State of the Birds

2007Common Birds in Decline report. I will be looking at these bird

lists and comparing national trends to observed trends here in Tacoma.

This information will be valuable in directing the goals of the Tacoma

Audubon Society.

A Leprechaun on Earth DayI have to admit

that I am just a

little bit

ambivalent about

Earth Day. When

I was in college Ihelped organize

Earth Day events

in Santa Clara

County, CA. The

committee was

headed by an old

guard County Councilman who was the best friend

to the development community on the council.

After a day of speechifying and painting himself

green he would spend the rest of the year making

the world safe for sprawl.

Look, everyone is Irish on St. Patricks

Day, everyone is Christian on Easter, and everyone

one sings we shall overcome on Martin LutherKing Day. But the reality is that the hard work to

move society forward happens in quiet ways 365

days a year. Okay, so my perspective is colored by

growing up Catholic and finding the family pew

filled by strangers on Easter and actually being in

Ireland on St. Patricks Day and attending

an uneventful parade on a cold-wet day in

Cork City. Turns out the life of the Irish

is not all about drinking beer in a pub and

wearing a silly green and white felt hat.

The reality is that the first Earth Day in1970 helped put the environmental

movement on the map. Each year, the

week surrounding Earth Day is a wonderful

time of spring when a wide variety of people

participate in active ways to leave the

planet just a little better off then the

day before. There is nothing like

seeing more than 100 people remove

every last remnant of blackberries from a hillside at

Oak Tree Park, leaving only beautiful oak trees and

native grasses. It is all worth it because on this day

we get to connect people with nature: getting them

hooked on its wonders; engaging them in its

stewardship; fostering the conservation ethic that isvital to a livable future.

We could not live out this mission, on Earth Day,

or any other day, without the support of our

volunteers and our members. It is your labor that

makes us successful. It is your financial support

that allows us to connect people to nature. Without

the support of our donors, corporate sponsors, or

foundations this work would not be possible.

So we throw the doors open. All are welcome.

Come be part of the fun, the work, and the

fellowship. Come help conserve and restore.Come and connect with nature, meet new people,

and get some dirt under your nails.

Earth Day is a day to celebrate: a day to celebrate

the environmental movement, our connection to

nature, and all of your hard work.

TAS adds another talented intern to staff

Claire-Marie Krug
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:%[email protected]:[email protected]:kaleditor@%20mindspring.commailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:kaleditor@%20mindspring.commailto:[email protected]:%[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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April 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3

eNviroNMeNtMatters

Members of the Green Tacoma Partnership and others have

planned several volunteer opportunities throughout the month ofApril. Come and celebrate our Earth this month by spending

some time to help protect and restore our environment. Everylittle bit helps. Youcan make a difference!

Mowich Estuary Planting

Saturday, April 5th - 9:30am- 3:30pm Mowitch Estuary Planting

@ Mowitch Estuary. Call Krystal, 253-232-9978 for directions.

Join Citizens for a Healthy Bay to participate in a restorationproject on Commencement Bay. Along with music and celebra-

tion, CHB will be doing a major salt marsh vegetation planting toincrease the salt marsh habitat. Please call Jeanine Riss,

Restoration Program Manager, at [email protected] or at253-383-2429 to participate or for questions.

Green Tacoma Partnership Quarterly Meeting

Tuesday, April 8th

6pm-8pm. Tacoma Nature Center at 1919 S.Tyler St., Tacoma. Neighbors, concerned citizens, and grassrootsgroups as we celebrate all things Earth Day. We will be having a

potluck, so please bring a dish to share. If you are planning awork party or event for Earth Day, Parks Appreciation Day or any

other day in April, please bring details to share with others.Alongwith spring, its grant writing season! In addition to our potluck,

we will have guest speakers sharing information and answeringyour questions on funding opportunities such as: Greater Tacoma

Community Foundations management of Pierce ConservationDistrict grants, Tacomas Make a Splash! Grant, and the Small

Innovative Grant Program.Puget Creek Restoration Society Work Parties

Saturday April 12th 9:00am- 12:00pmSaturday April 19th 9:00am-12:00pm

Saturday April 26th 9:00am-12:00pmJoin the Puget Creek Restoration Society on the above dates for

habitat restoration work on Puget Creek in North Tacoma off ofRuston Way. Please contact Scott Hansen at pugetcreek@yahoo.

com or 253-779-8890.Swan Creek Earth Day Clean-Up

Saturday April 19th 9:00am-12:00pmSwan Creek Park, meet at Lister Elementary School .

Join The Green Tacoma Partnership, Friends of Swan Creek, andREI for a volunteer work party and Earth Day celebration at

Swan Creek Park. Volunteers can help by picking up litter, takingphotos, and/or doing an inventory of the area. Participants can

also join the Stinky Bob Brigade and remove invasive species.Tools, equipment, snacks, and training will be provided. Please

call Krystal Kyer for more information at 253-232-9978.Blueberry Park Parks Appreciation Day Event

Saturday April 19th 9:00am-NoonBlueberry Park at S. 72nd and E. D St., Tacoma

Join the Blueberry Park Volunteers and Metro Parks Tacoma as

they work to restore this historic blueberry farm, remove invasive

species and overgrown area, weed, and prune blueberry bushes.Tools and equipment provided. Call Charlotte @

253-474-6575.Earth Day Trails Day

Tuesday April 22nd 1:00pm-6:00pm. Tacoma Nature Center &Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Celebrate the earth and discover

the special features of the Adriana Hess Audubon Center and theTacoma Nature Center by joining us for one of several nature

walks. Families can learn about nature and how to help the earthduring this special event, all for free! Donations to support the

educational programs are welcome. Advance registrationrequested. Call (253) 591-6439.

Nature Walks at Adriana Hess Audubon Center, U.P. 1:00, 2:00& 3:00pm. Nature Walks at Tacoma Nature Center 3:00, 4:00 &

5:00pm

Oak Tree Park Clean-UpSaturday April 26th 9:00am-12:00pmOak Tree Park, S. 74th and S. Cedar, Tacoma

Join The Green Tacoma Partnership and Metro Parks Tacoma toclean up this unique Oak Woodland habitat in South Tacoma.

Volunteers are needed to remove invasive species such as Holly,Himalayan Blackberry, and English Ivy. Tools and equipment

will be provided. Call Krystal for more information at253-232-9978.

Land Conservation Options

Saturday April 26th 1:00pm-3:00pm

Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler St., TacomaIf you are a landowner in Pierce Country seeking to protect and

steward your property, this event is for you! Come learn aboutyour options regarding:

Protection of habitat parcels important to wildlifeConservation of open spaces,

Support of farming and forestry management practicesOwnership retention of land

Financial benefits such as tax reductions.Representatives will be on hand to discuss how they can help.

Please call Rene or Erin at the Pierce Conservation District at253-845-9770 to register. Free workshop.

You can find more information on these events and others atwww.greentacoma.org. Just click on the link to the calendar!

Wait, theres more! For a complete list of Parks Appreciation Dayproject sites throughout Pierce County, visit: http://www.

metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=293The Green Tacoma Partnership is a public private partnership

between the City of Tacoma, Metro Parks, Tahoma AudubonSociety, Cascade Land Conservancy, citizens, educational organi-

zations, neighborhood groups, non-profits, faith-based organiza-tions and businesses all working together to sustain a viable

healthy network of natural spaces throughout Tacoma.

Olympia, WA The state House sent the Evergreen Com-munities Act to Governor Gregoires desk today with a nalconcurrence vote. We hope this is the rst step in a long-term state commitment to prioritize urban tree protection,management and canopy expansion said Audubon Wash-ington executive director, Nina Carter. Trees are one of themost cost effective ways for cities to reduce stormwater run-off pollution, the leading source of pollution in Puget Sound.Trees clean our air, reduce energy through shade, absorb

greenhouse gases.Many interests have supported this bill for reasons as di-

verse as the coalition itself which includes Avista Utilities,Puget Sound Energy, Weyerhaeuser, Quadrant Homes, Asso-ciation of Washington Cities, Macomb Gardens Nursery (Se-quim), the Cascade Agenda, Washingtons Community For-estry Council and the State Department of Natural Resources.

The Evergreen Communities Act recognizes the importanceof protecting utility infrastructure within the planning process.Utility system reliability is critical to the health, safety and eco-nomic vibrancy of communities across the state.

The Evergreen Communities Act, one of the environmentalcommunitys top four legislative priorities for 2008 will help cit-ies restore forested park lands, retain urban trees, and estab-lish more trees to expand Washingtons urban forest canopy.

The incentives and tools in the Evergreen Communities billwill help communities across Washington protect and plant

trees that are essential to our future air quality, water qualityand quality of life, said Prime Sponsor Ruth Kagi (D-32).

The bill establishes an Evergreen Communities recognitionprogram that designates cities, towns or counties doing goodurban forest management. Model urban forest plans and or-dinances will be developed by the Department of Commu-nity, Trade and Economic Development, and the Department.of Natural Resources will conduct a statewide urban forestinventory and assessment to help local Governments plan-ning processes. The program provides recognition, technicalassistance and incentives for local governments to maximizethe economic and ecological return on their city tree invest-ments.

Shorelines

Pierce County has begun the process of updating its

Shoreline Master Plan by the end of 2009, two years

ahead of schedule. The countys Shoreline Master Plan,

drafted in 1974, is being updated for the first time ever!

Over thirty years have gone by, and many changes have

occurred on our shorelines, including increased popula-tion, urban sprawl, storm water run-off into streams and

Sound, more failing septic systems, increased number of

residential shoreline properties with lawns and docks,

and emerging aquaculture markets. All off these factors

contribute to the health of the Puget Sound.

In additions to these changes and threats, new provi-

sions in the Shoreline Master Act call for better protec-

tions of our marine and freshwater shorelines. Among

these new required considerations are no net loss of

ecological functions and considerations of cumulative

impacts. These important changes were made, in part,

due to the failure of current SMPs to protect shorelines.Tahoma Audubon will be working with others to ensure

that the SMP update does a better job of protecting our

shorelines for birds, fish, wildlife, and people!

Public participation is encouraged through attendance

and testimony at the recently convened Shorelines

Citizens Advisory

Committee (SCAC). After

its initial meeting in March,

appointed stakeholder

members agreed to meet on

the 2nd and 4th Thursdays

of each month, starting at

5PM at the Pierce County

Annex, 2401 S 35 St.,

Meeting Room A. Thismonths SCAC meetings

are scheduled for April 10

and April 24.

For more information on

the Pierce County SMP

update visit: http://www.co.

pierce.wa.us/pc/services/

home/property/pals/lan-

duse/smp.htm

Climate Change

Another topic, which will

impact our shorelines, is cli-

mate change. The City of

Tacoma appoint-

ed citizens and

stakeholders to

the Green Ribbon

Task Force on cli-

mate change last

March. Thegroup is made up

of over 20 diverse

stakeholders ,

including Tahoma

Audubon. We

have been work-

ing with others to put together a ranked list of recom-

mendations for concrete actions that city agencies, busi-

nesses, and residents can take to reduce our regions

greenhouse gas emissions. Out of this process comes

over seventy recommended actions!

Your input is needed as we narrow down the recom-

mendations to the best and most effective ones. A series

of public open houses are scheduled starting at 6pm on

April 9, 10, 16, and 17. Locations are yet to be deter-mined. As soon as we know the locations, they will be

posted on our website (www.TahomaAudubon.org) under

the Conservation page.

Information on the task force and its recommenda-

tions can be found online at: http://www.cityoftacoma.

org/Page.aspx?hid=6891

We encourage our members to get involved in public

processes that protect habitat and species in Pierce

County, across the state, country, and globe. If these top-

ics or others interest you, please consider attending our

next Conservation Committee meeting on Tuesday,

April 8, 2008 from 2-4pm at our office in the Adriana

Hess Wetland Park.

Updates: Shorelines and climate change

Members of the Priorities for a Healthy Washington Coalition are pleased to report thatdespite a short session and a tight budget progress was made on all four of the envi-ronmental communitys Priorities for a Healthy Washington. Whether you made phonecalls, sent emails, testified at hearings, or met with your legislators throughout thesession, your efforts made a big difference.On behalf of the broad coalition of the over twenty groups that make up the Prioritiescoalition, thank you so much for all of your work! Check out a quick description of thePriorities below.Climate Action & Green Jobs (HB2815) this big win sets responsible limits onclimate pollution, sets a path for creating a green jobs economy, and reduces milestraveled a key step given of our global warming pollution comes from cars andtrucks.Local Solutions to Global Warming (SB6580) this modest win develops toolsthat will help local governments make land use and zoning decisions that reduce driv-ing and meet the growing demand for green, walkable communities.Evergreen Communities (HB2844) this modest win helps retain and replanttrees in urban areas to reduce stormwater flooding and pollution as well as increasequality of life.Local Farms - Healthy Kids (SB6483) this big win will make Washington anational leader in the local food movement by getting more Washington grown pro-duce into our schools and food banks, thus improving childrens health and creatingnew and thriving markets for our farmers.More details about these big wins online at http://environmentalpriorities.org/

Legislature Passes Evergreen Com-

munities Act to Protect Urban Trees

Celebrate Earth Day the whole month of April

The environment wins big in Olympia!
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.greentacoma.org/http://www.greentacoma.org/http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=293http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=293http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=293http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=293http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=293http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/home/property/pals/landuse/smp.htmhttp://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/home/property/pals/landuse/smp.htmhttp://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/home/property/pals/landuse/smp.htmhttp://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/home/property/pals/landuse/smp.htmhttp://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/home/property/pals/landuse/smp.htmhttp://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=6891http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=6891http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=6891http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=6891http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=6891http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=6891http://environmentalpriorities.org/http://environmentalpriorities.org/http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=6891http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=6891http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/home/property/pals/landuse/smp.htmhttp://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/home/property/pals/landuse/smp.htmhttp://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/home/property/pals/landuse/smp.htmhttp://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/home/property/pals/landuse/smp.htmhttp://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=293http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=293http://www.greentacoma.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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eDucAtioNPage

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

This is the ninth year of the popular drawing contest

sponsored by Tahoma Audubon which began as a sug-

gestion from a young birding enthusiast. The three age

categories which students in Pierce County can enter

are grades 2-3, 4-5 and 6-7. Ho-

meschool students and youth

organizations are welcome to

participate.

The three birds selected for

this year were chosen to bring

attention to the decline in popu-

lation of birds across the nation

and in our own Pacic North-west. Each of these birds can be found

in the Puget Sound area. Students are asked

to research one of the birds and must include its native

habitat in their artwork. The 2008 birds are the Greater

Scaup, Annas Hummingbird or Evening Grosbeak.

Submissions must be postmarked or delivered by

05/23/08 to the Tahoma Audubon ofce at Adriana Hess

Audubon Center. Rules of the contest and entry form

are available at www.TahomaAudubon.org or by con-

tacting the education coordinator at stephswaim@Taho-

maAudubon.org or 253-565-5479.

Winners will be notied by May 30 and awards will

be presented at the June 13 membership meeting of Ta-

homa Audubon at Tacoma Nature Center. Winners willalso be recognized in the June issue ofThe Towhee. So

get out your paints and crayons and binoculars and start

drawing!

Staff and volun-

teers spent a chilly

Saturday in March

learning how to

identify the 43 mostcommonly seen

marine birds in Puget

Sound. After a

morning of bird

identification led by

Dr. Dennis Paulson at the Slater Museum of Natural

History in Tacoma, we hopped in vans and headed

out to identify as many seabirds as we could find in

locations around Pierce County. Our goal was to

become familiar with these birds so that we can

participate in the Puget Sound Seabird Survey next

winter.

Seattle Audubon began the Puget Sound Seabird

Survey in October of 2007, to collect baseline data

about the dynamics of seabird populations in King

County. The collection of this data is the first push

in identifying the fluctuations in seabird populations

in the Central and South Sound. Tahoma Audubon

plans to increase the study area of the Puget Sound

Seabird Survey into Pierce County, and with the

help of knowledgeable volunteers, provide accurate

and plentiful data about the status of seabirds on

our shores. Surveys will begin in October of 2008

and continue throughout the winter months. If you

would like to participate in these surveys, in the

Seabird Workshops or in other Citizen Science

projects with Tahoma Audubon, please visit www.

TahomaAudubon.org and follow the link to CitizenScience.

Osprey Club reaches four more schools

with the help of two excellent leadersI am pleased to announce that Osprey Club is now

underway at four middle schools in Tacoma. Osprey

Club is an after-school club that introduces environ-

mental topics through hands-on activities and games.

We are in our second successful year in the Narrows

View Intermediate School in University Place. And

now with the help of two education interns, Tahoma

Audubon provides this after-school club in the SPARX

program through Metro Parks Tacoma. We are able to

offer this program in the TacomaSchool District through a generous

grant from the Greater Tacoma

Community Foundation.

Jess Stewart leads Osprey Club

at McIlvaigh and Truman Middle

schools. She has been teaching

and leading Day Camp programs

for the city of University Place for

the past five summers. She graduated from the Running

Start Program at Curtis High School in University

Place in 2007. Shes currently in her Junior Year at UW

Tacoma. She hopes to graduate in two years with her

Masters in Teaching and plans to be an elementary

school teacher. In her free time she enjoys spending

time with her family and friends, gardening, and

exploring the outdoors through camping, fishing, hik-

ing, and beachcombing.

Meagan Van Horn leads the Osprey Club at Giaudrone

and Baker Middle Schools. She graduated from

Summit High School in Oregon in 2006 and is cur-

rently in her sophomore year at the University of Puget

Sound in Tacoma where she is pursuing a degree in

Comparative Sociology and Environmental Studies.

She is an avid native-gardener at her home in Bend and

loves to go skiing, hiking and camping. She also enjoys

languages, dance and traveling and hopes to spend part

of her junior year in Madagascar. Though she doesnt

know exactly what she wants to do, she knows that she

wants to have a positive impact on the natural world.

Camps for ages 4-6 are held at AdrianaHess Audubon Center, University Place.Each camp is Monday through Wednesday, 9am 1 pm. Fee: $90

Little Explorers: The Perfect Place June 30, July 1 & 2Little Explorers: The Perfect Place July28, 29 & 30

Little Explorers: Striders & Gliders

Aug 4, 5 & 6Little Explorers: Striders & Gliders Aug25, 26 & 27

Camps for ages 5-7 are held at TacomaNature Center. Each camp is Mondaythrough Friday, 8:30 am 4:30 pm. Fee:$150

Kaleidoscope of Nature July 14-18Oceans of Fun July 21-25Its Art, Naturally Aug 11-15

Camps for ages 8-11 are held at TacomaNature Center. Each camp is Mondaythrough Friday, 8:30 am 4:30 pm. Fee:$150

Kaleidoscope of Nature July 7-11Oceans of Fun July 28-Aug 1Its Art, Naturally Aug 18-22

Finding Your Future in the Wild:Teen Career CampTeens ages 12-15 can explore careers in naturalresources such as marine science, zookeeping, jour-nalism and wildlife biology. Daily field trips, hands-on activities and an overnight are all included in thiscamp. Fee is $245. Scholarship assistance is avail-able. Camp runs August 4-8, 8:30 am-4:30 pm.For more information and registration visit

www.metroparkstacoma.org or call Tacoma NatureCenter at 253-591-6439.

Summer Camp ScholarshipsWild Birds Unlimited and the National Fish & WildlifeFoundation have joined with National Audubon to

support nature summer campsacross the country with scholarshipassistance for campers. Tahoma

Audubon members and friends inour local community have alsogenerously donated funds to pro-vide children and teens with the

experience of discovering the won-ders of our natural world and learning to be goodstewards of the land. If youd like to apply or havequestions, please contact Margie Shea, the chair of

the education committee, at [email protected] or call 253-591-6439. Donations to sup-port the John Slipp Scholarship Fund are alwayswelcome at any time!

Education highlightsSeabird Workshop participants spend a day at the waters edge

Summer Day Camps for KidsTahoma Audubon and Tacoma Nature Center summer day camps for ages 4-11 are the perfect wayfor kids to play in and enjoy a natural setting while learning about their environment and making newfriends. Descriptions of each camp and registration information are available at www.TahomaAudubon.org and at www.metroparkstacoma.org on the link to Tacoma Nature Center. You can also pick upa flyer from Adriana Hess Audubon Center or the Tacoma Nature Center, or call 253- 591-6439.

Tahoma Audubons ninth

annual bird drawing contest

Krystal Kyer and Rosanne Becker scope things out.

Stephanie Swaim, Education Coordinator

253-565-5479 StephSwaim@TahomaAudu bon.org

Oneoflastyearswinningentrie

s.

Jess Stewart
http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.metroparkstacoma.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.metroparkstacoma.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.metroparkstacoma.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/


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fielD trips and Events


Birdathon Month!! Please consider gathering

sponsors for our biggest fundraiser of the year

and joining one of our special Birdathon Field

Trips. For more Field Trip information and

details on these Tahoma Audubon trips, please

check the website at www.tahomaaudubon.org

For Birdathon information and a clipable volun-

teer form, see page 9. Birdathon field trips are

listed on the following page.

Sat, Apr 5, 1pm. March showers bring

Kopachuck flowers!

Discoveries are hiding in the Kopachuck forests

waiting to be uncovered !!! Come on a walk to

identify early spring flowers with Rangers Matt

Smith and Dan Christian at Kopachuck State

Park. Some plants get everything done in the

early spring and then mostly disappear in the

summer; come to Kopachuck and find out why!

The Kopachuck forest holds some unusual spe-

cies for our area which we will also point out.

We will meet in the Kopachuck big parking lot

near the first bulletin board as you drive in. Thefirst 15 people who call to register will be taken

(no charge). Call 253-265-3606 to register, and

ask for Matt Smith.

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

Walk, Naches Trail, Frederickson,

for families and friends of all ages, recommended

for families with children age 4 and up, call

253-591-6439 to register and get directions., free

to members, $5/person non-members, pre-regis-

tration required

Sun, Apr 13, 12pm 4pm, Morse Preserve

Open Trails,Morse Wildlife Preserve, Graham,

discover the beauty of the five habitat zones in

the preserve, all ages, free

Sat, Apr 19, 8am 4pm, Tokeland bird trip

with Nate Chappell, call the Tahoma Audubon

office at 253-565-9278 to register

Sat, Apr 19 & 26, 1pm, Celebrate Earth Day

and help us fight invasive species at Penrose

Point!!! Do you like to go to Penrose Point State

Park and walk in the woods? What if the woods

were all covered with English Ivy and nothing else?

Ivy is slowly, but surely, taking over the forest

Penrose Point, and smothering native plants. Please

come and help cut back and pull up Ivy plants. You

can make a real difference for the future by helping

our park. We are having two different earth day

battles against the Ivy. Please call us and let us know

you are coming at 253-884-2514, and ask for Dan

Christian or Janet Shonk.

Sun, Apr 20, 8:00am 11:30am Nature Walk at

Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Point Defiance

Park in Tacoma, for information, e-mail [email protected]

Tue, Apr 22, 4:30pm 6:00pm, Discovery

Walk, Adriana Hess Audubon Center,

University Place, for families and friends of all

ages, recommended for families with children

age 4 and up, call 253-591-6439 to register and

get directions, free to members, $5/person non-

members, pre-registration required

Fri, Apr 25, 10am 12pm, Morse Bird Walk,

Morse Wildlife Preserve. Graham WA,

field trip leader Betty Jones will lead a walk at

Morse Wildlife Preserve, call 253-565-9278 toregister and for directions

Sat, Apr 26, 6am 5pm, Tokeland birding trip

with Ruth Sullivan, call the Tahoma Audubon

office at 253-565-9278 to sign up

Tue, Apr 29, 7pm 9pm. Intermediate Birding

Class, Adriana Hess Audubon Center, 2917

Morrison Road West, register by calling the

Tacoma Nature Center at 253-591-6439

Wed, Apr & May, Weekly Bird Walks at

Nisqually,8:15am-12:30pm, $3. entry

fee unless you have a pass, call or email Phil

Kelley to confirm details, Phil Kelley, Lacey,

360-459-1499, [email protected]

Leader: Phil Kelley

[Please note: Nisqually walks have been changed

to WEDNESDAY starting in April, 2008]

Join Phil on his weekly bird walk as he countsthe birds at Nisqually NWR. On the first

Wednesday of the month, the group walks fairly

quickly around the full loop, a distance of over

five miles. Other weeks, the trip is shorter; walk-

ing out to McAllister Creek, back to the visitor

center, then out to the Twin Barns and the Ring

Dike Trail, totaling about four miles. Bring:

Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, water,

snacks, and $3. entry fee unless you have a pass.

Scopes are welcome. Meet: At the Visitors

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].

Adriana Hess Audubon Center2917 Morrison Rd. W., University Place253-565-9278Spring is peeking out all over the Center

grounds. Have you seen the teeny, tinymagenta flower on the Hazelnut? TheSynthyris has been a riot of blooms.

Indian Plum is in full dress. The Red-flowering Currant will be in full bloomsoon and the Rufous Hummingbird willbe hovering close by.

Bird Walk: Monday, Apr. 14, noon to1:00 p.m.

Park Appreciation Day: Saturdaymorning, Apr. 19. Come help spiff up thegrounds, 9:00 a.m. until noon.

Plant Walk: Monday, Apr. 21, noon to1:00 p.m.

See the Volunteer page about the light break-fast for volunteers every Friday morning at9:00 am. Hope to see you on a Friday!

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 three no-shows a year can result in revoking

the 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

By Lindsey Webb

Students around Puget Sound arent focusingjust on school and friends; theyre taking actionon important environmental issues, too. Studentsat Pacific Lutheran University and at Clover ParkHigh School have formed action and servicegroups that seek to address and educate others

about these issues.Monika Maier, a junior at PLU and leader of

Grassroots Environmental Action Now (GREAN)says that the mission of her group is to bringenvironmental sustainability to campus and tothe community. The foci this semester are coaland transportation. Last week, said Maier, theywere part of a statewide photo petition against aproposed coal plant in Walla Walla, Washington.GREAN members were stationed outside themain cafeteria and asked students to pose withpaper speech bubbles that said things like green

jobs, not coal. How did students react? SaidMaier, some people got really excited and saidI hope we make a difference! It was fun to hearthat. This petition is a collaborative effort withseveral schools in Washington, including WhitmanCollege, Evergreen State College, and Universityof Puget Sound. Altogether, these groups arehoping to send 1000 photos of students to Walla

Walla, the Washington state legislature, andUnited Power, the energy company in charge ofthe coal project.

GREAN is also organizing events for EarthWeek at PLU, coming up in April. GREAN will beconducting workshops on alternative transporta-tion, including how to fix and ride bicycles. Therewill be a representative from Pierce CountyTransit there to talk about the bus system. Maieris hopeful that many students will attend.Activism isnt just a university activity. Anthony

Ahn, president of International Action (InterAct)

at Clover Park High School, says that studentsattend meetings ready and excited with ideas tosupport understanding and goodwill throughout[their] communities. This club, which is support-ed by Rotary International, works to participate inat least two community service projects per year(although, Ahn says, they of course try to domore). Although InterAct isnt specifically focused

on environmental issues, its members recognizetheir importance. Said Ahn, we have beenresearching environmental service projects in andaround our community, and taking part in theevents we can, as leaving a clean environmentnot only for ourselves and our community, but forthe world, is a very important aspect of leadinghealthy, enjoyable lives. A past project, for exam-ple, was cleaning up community streets.

Both of these student-run groups seek to edu-cate and make a difference, and in small stepsthey are certainly doing this.

Environment matters: Students in Tacoma take action
http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.tahomaaudubon.org/


6/12

BirDAthoN fielD trips

BIRDATHON IS COMING--

APRIL 25-MAY 31

Birdathon is our largest fundraiser. Birdathon

expenses are kept at 1%.

How do you join Birdathon? You, the Birder/

Counter, gather sponsors for your Birdathon Trip

and the sponsors pledge a donation to Tahoma

Audubon based on the species seen (or a flat rate).If our special Birdathon trips dont fit your sched-

ule, choose one of TASs regular field trips. Leaders

will help you with identification. For more informa-

tion call Thelma, 253-564-8210 or e-mail, thelma@

tahomaaudubon.org.

Check out the announcements page for more

information. Be sure to call TAS, 253-565-9278, to

register and get directions. (Theres lots of help

identifying the birds.)

Morse Wildlife Preserve

When: Friday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Leader: Betty Jones

Ocean Shores to Puyallup

When: Friday, April 25, early until late afternoon or

early evening.

Leaders: Ed and Kay Pullen

Meet at the I-5/512 Park and Ride near McDonalds

at 5:30 a.m. and well drive to Ocean Shores to start

birding and spend the morning there. Birding will

continue back to Hoquiam, Elma, Brady Loop,

Wenzel Slough, and Nisqually NWR. If energy

holds up, we will try for the barn owls at Chief

Leschi School at dusk. Anticipate 80-100 species,

and bring everything youll need to eat/drink/wear.

Ideally limited to just our 7 passenger van, but if

enough interest, we could take 2 vehicles.

Point Defiance Birdathon Kickoff Event

When: Saturday, April 26, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Meet at Owens Beach. Come one and come all for

birding and fun Activities for everyone, all ages.

Contact office to leave a message for Amy

Bettesworth for more information.

Nisqually River and

Nisqually Land Trust Lands

When: Saturday, April 26, 8:00 a.m. to early after-

noon.

Count birds up river along the Thurston County side,enjoying Robert and Marjorie Smiths 2000 feet of

beach which starts at mile 30 of the river. Bird the land

trust lands, explore River Bar and see the various

movements of the river over the years, viewing land

that once was Pierce County but now is Thurston

County. We should see a good number of birds---

warblers, bluebirds, hummingbirds, and a surprising

number of river birds. Meet Robert in McKenna at the

McKenna Y Restaurant on the left at the only light in

McKenna where Highway 507 and 702 intersect. He

will lead the caravan to his home. Bring a lunch.

Meadow Park Golf Course

When: Sunday, April 27, with Joe McGuire, 9:00a.m. to noon.

Joe has worked with students to install birdhouses.

Lets see who resides in them. Meet at the golf

course, 7108 Lakewood Dr. W.

Titlow Park

When: Monday, May 5, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Leaders: Rosanne Becker and Joann Sims

Families Welcome! Enjoy both water and song-

birds at this Tacoma park. A variety of habitats

include salt water, pond, and forest. Meet at the

lodge at Titlow Park which is at the west end of 6th

Avenue in Tacoma.

3 CHOICES ON MAY 10 -

International Migratory Bird Day

Nisqually NWR and/or Ocean Shores

When: Saturday, May 10, 7:00 a.m. to evening

Leaders: Ken and Nell Batker.The trip will begin by walking the Nisqually dike

trail on the Refuge followed by a sack lunch (bring

your own). We will then carpool to Grays Harbor

National Wildlife Refuge and from there to the

Ocean Shores area to cap a good days birding.

Everyone is welcome to come along on all or any

part(s) of the days activities. We usually finish at

Nisqually between 11:00 a.m. and noon so anyone

wishing to join us for only the Grays Harbor and/

or Ocean Shores segments can meet us then at

Nisqually. We usually finish the day with the

optional activity of a meal at a nice restaurant in

Aberdeen where we can total up, check our bird

lists, and recall fun sightings of the day. Meet at theflagpole by the visitors center at Nisqually NWR

Tacoma to Potholes (Overnight in Moses Lake)

When: Saturday and Sunday, May 10 & 11, 5:30

a.m. Saturday to Sunday afternoon.

Leaders: Marcus Roening and Heather Ballash

Marcus and Heather lead an exciting, full-day trip

from Tacoma to the Potholes in Moses Lake. The

trip will cover 15 habitat zones, with special empha-

sis on migratory birds in the Columbia Basin sage,

pinelands, and wetlands. Expect to see at least 120

species in one fast-paced day. Meet at 5:30 a.m. and

arrive in Moses Lake at 8:30 p.m., where we will

stay overnight. Leisurely return through favorite

bird areas on Sunday. Please provide e-mail address

when you sign up in order to coordinate lodging

details and meeting place. E-mail Marcus.D.Roening

@gsk.com for further details.

Pierce County Big Day, Purdy to Paradise

When: Saturday, May 10, 5:15 a.m. till dusk

Leader: Bruce LaBar.

Starting at Purdy Spit, this trip visits Point Defiance,

McChord, and other points of interest on the way to

the Mountain. We aim each year to show that you

can find 100 species by birding just in Pierce County.

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

Adriana Hess Wetland Park--Audubon Center

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

Leader: Ruth Sullivan

Ruth Sullivan will lead this regular bird identifica-

tion visit at this small, unique park at 2917 Morrison

Rd W. in University Place. Come if you are count-

ing for Birdathon or just to enjoy the days count.

Last year we got 40 birds on this count.

Fort Lewis

When: Wednesday, May 14, 8:00 a.m. to noon.

Leader: Fort Lewiss Jim Lynch

Jim Lynch, from the Forts Wildlife Department,will meet the group at the Roy Y Park and Ride at

8:00 a.m. We will carpool to visit the open oak

woodlands and riparian habitats found among the

prairies of the Fort Lewis Training Grounds. Expect

to identify 55-60 species.

Waughop Lake and Fort Steilacoom Park

and/or 176th Spanaway Marsh

When: Saturday, May 17 at Waughop Lake at 8:30

a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and the Cross-base, 176th

Marsh, noon to 2:00 p.m.

Leader: Betty Jones

Meeting spot in the morning will be the parking lot

by the barns at Fort Steilacoom Park. Meet at the

end of 176th Street S. for the afternoon session.

Birding by Ear for Birdathon

When: Saturday, May 17, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Leader: Melissa SherwoodExplore McCormick Forest, the old growth pre-

serve off Bujacich Dr near Gig Harbor. Melissa

Sherwood will be leading a Birding by Ear walk for

the Birdathon. If you know our local birds by sight

and would like to get to know their songs and calls,

please join her. Well meet at the Swede Hill Fire

Station just west of Hwy. 16 at the Burnham Dr.

exit. Well walk through the forest, some steep

trails; time permitting we may explore a couple of

other birdy areas nearby. Hopefully well pick up

on some of the migrating warblers and flycatchers

moving through as well. Wear comfortable hiking/

walking shoes and dress comfortably for whatever

the weather.

Point Defiance Park

When: Sunday, May 18, 8:00 a.m. to noon

Leaders: Rob and Natalie McNair-Huff

Join Rob and Natalie for the Birdathon version of

their monthly nature walk at Point Defiance Park on

May 18. They will set out at 8:00 a. m. from the zoo

parking lot and walk through the forest trails along

Five Mile Drive, walking a little more than four

miles. This Birdathon trip will end with birding

along the ponds near the park entrance and with a

drive down to Owen Beach. The trip should wrap

up around noon.

Morse Wildlife Preserve

When: Friday, May 23, 10:00 a.m. to noon

Leader: Betty Jones.

Walk the trails and check out the marsh, dry

Douglas-fir forest, moist lowland forest, prairie, and

meadow. Take a look at the pond in the marsh and

the forested wetland from the bird tower. Be sure to

ask for directions when you sign up.

Green River Watershed

When: Saturday, May 17, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Leader: Jeff Gillard and friend

Join us for a day of birding in the Green RiverWatershed, Nolte State Park, and Auburn Narrows

wetlands. This is a rare opportunity to see the pro-

tected watershed managed by Tacoma Water. Well

leave the Tacoma Public Utilities Administration

Building at 8:00 a.m. in two vans, visit Nolte State

Park on the way to the watershed, and arrive at the

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

forests and fields around Howard Hanson Reservoir

(elevation 1200 feet), then visit Eagle Lake (eleva-

tion 2200 feet) before heading to Auburn Narrows.

Well plan on returning to Tacoma by 4:30 p.m.

Space is limited; this trip is open to the first 12

people to sign up. Meet at the Tacoma Public utili-

ties lot A1 on the west end of the administrationbuilding. The building is located at 3628 South

35th Street. Limit 12 participants.

Rapjohn Wood Co Tree Farm

When: Saturday, May 31, 10:00 a.m. until 1:00

p.m.

Leaders: Owners Mariella and Bob Arnold

Come walk the trails and count the birds of this 110

acre tree farm, then stay to enjoy a potluck lunch.

Please bring your pot-luck contribution. Remember

your boots!



7/12

restore ecosystems focusing on birds and wildlife for the

benefit of humanity and earths biological diversity.

Awards and recognition were given to those whose ser-

vices have enhanced Audubons mission:

Distinguished Service Awards- Dixie Harris

and Molly Hukari

Legacy Award- Sally SloatCommunity Service Award- Laurie Brauneis

Distinguished Community Service Award-

Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg

Our guest speaker, Dr. Nalini Nadkarni, shared her passion

for forest canopy organisms and processes. She not only

helped us gain a better understanding of the importance of the

forest canopy, but helped us deepen our appreciation for its

organisms and processes. We were introduced to efforts

being made to reach non-traditional audiences with science

and conservation messages using messages that these audi-

ences (not typically targeted) can embrace. Tahoma Audubon

members were entertained by concepts to accomplish this.

We were introduced to TreeTop Barbie, a modern-girl Barbie

doll prepared with all the accoutrements she will need to

access the forest canopy and discover its mysteries. The

International Canopy Network that Dr. Nadkarni introduced

to us has worked with minimum security prisoners and

school children to learn to grow mosses in a sustainable fash-

ion. ICAN and Research Ambassador Program representa-

tives have brought legislative aides to the forest canopy as

well as artists and musicians to allow opportunities for learn-

ing and new views of the forest canopy.

The Banquet team that included Nell Batker, Jenny

Curtiss, Alexis Edwards, Moelicia Edwards, Helen Engle,

Wendy Evans, Bryan Flint, Janine Gates, Roxy, Bill, and

Winfield Giddings, Thelma Gilmur, Sue Goering, Dixie

Harris, Jenny Jeliff, Amanda Johnson, Julie Kerrigan, Pam

and Mark Knight, Jeri Lindstrom, Sarah Lloyd, Blake

Marzloff, Jonathon and Kasey Puppe, Jennie Sheridan,

Sue Summers, Candi Zieger, and Lenny Zimmerman

deserves a big thank you for a grand gathering.

... Banquet


SO MANY PICTURES, SO LITTLE ROOM...

This is all that will t here, but we do have a link on our website to morephotos: http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/Default.aspx?pageId=52136From top left; Anna T. and Helen Engle; Joanne and Sally on the awardsstage; people checking out items for the silent auction; Bryan introducessome of the camp kids; Thelma Gilmur; Cecelia and friends; Dr. Nalinisharing her passion.

Photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn

from page 1
http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/Default.aspx?pageId=52136http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/Default.aspx?pageId=52136


8/12

Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org March 2008


Just the other day...Heres what TAS was doing in April, 1983

BIRDSONGS by Phil BulyBirdwatchers have long joked about warblerneck, but the ailment may be more seriousthan people believe. Neurologists have dis-covered that when people assume extremeneck positions for extended periods of time,blood ow through the vertebral arteries is

reduced, leading to an increased vulnerabilityto strokes. Researchers singled out the tilted-back head position of women having a sham-poo at a beauty salon. But it happens to bethe very posture of birdwatchers craning tosee a warbler at the top of a tree.

From Red-Tails in Love

A Wildlife Drama in Central Park

By Marie Winn (Pantheon Books)

wrens, hummingbirds, and everything in between! A variety of

habitats are present in the area to accommodate these and many,

many other species.

The information collected will help identify species presence/

absence and contribute to the growing database of bird data for the

region. Additional taxa, including plants, amphibians, and mammals,

will also be surveyed by other teams, utilizing Nature Mapping.

Field trips to the restoration site are being scheduled for April thru

June, with exact dates for these excellent citizen science opportunities

to be announced soon. If you are interested in making Washington a

little more bird-friendly by contributing to this important habitat recla-

mation endeavor, contact Krystal Kyer at 253-232-9978 or kkyer@

tahomaaudubon.org. Your fellow birders, neighbors, and feath-

ered friends look forward to seeing you at Ohop Creek!

To learn more about the Ohop restorations site, visit:http://www.nisquallylandtrust.org/ohop_creek.php

To learn more about NatureMapping, see:

http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/

... Citizen science from page 1

the Columbia Basin, and other places where the

sagelands are still intact. Birders often find Sage

Thrashers on Umtanum Ridge and along the Old

Vantage Highway east of Ellensburg. Early or late

in the day is best, though even then you may not

see the birds right away, because much of

their movement is on foot;

they forage on the ground

for insects, adding berries to

their diet when available.

In their breeding territory the

pair usually locates a nest site in

a big sage bush, just below the

densest top growth that providesshade and conceals the nest from

aerial predators. If dense cover is lack-

ing the birds build a sun-shade over it.

The nest is a bulky bunch of sticks, lined with grass

and other soft material. The female usually lays 4 or

5 eggs that hatch after about two weeks, and theyoung leave the nest some 10 to 12 days later.

Though fully fledged, they cant fly for about

another week, so at this critical time theyre espe-

cially vulnerable to predation as they forage on

foot.

The lands that this species depends on are being

cleared for agriculture and residential development.

In Washington about half of the original shrub-

steppe is gone, and much of what remains is frag-

mented. For Sage Thrashers the most serious threat

is disturbance of the soil that allows non-native

grasses to spread into otherwise good sage habitat;

they abandon these areas. Birds of the shrub-steppe

depend on our support to preserve good habitat

where it still remains. And as we preserve the spacethey need, the Sage Thrashers will return each

spring to draw us into the sagelands to watch and

listen as they greet the rising sun.

... Sage Thrasherfrom page 1

By Helen Engle

The biggest news in birding was thereturn of the shorebirds to Grays Har-bors tidal mudats. Seattle Audubonsponsored a major presentation at theSeattle Aquarium ofDr. Steven Her-mans presentation featuring slides byRobert Kothenbutel and other NW pho-

tographers. Dr. Herman discussed his ndings,and those of his Evergreen State College students,of spring shorebird censuses including timing, mag-nitude and the nding that the migration exceededone million birds. This is the largest concentrationof migrating shorebirds in the continental U.S.

The next week Tahoma Audubon sponsored aeld trip to Bowerman Basin, led by MikeFingerof Friends of the Earth and a participant ofDr. Her-mans bird census. The eld trip attendees werepromised 500,000 shorebirds of 24 species, plus oc-casional Peregrine Falcons and Merlins that hunt theshorebirds on the mudats.

Carla Hansmann wrote of Tacoma-PierceCountys troubled water quality. In 1981 Well 12Ain Lakewood was discovered to have contaminationwith volatile organic solvents. The City of Tacoma

Water Division removed the water well from service.Other wells in the area continued to pump, but soonWell 9A was discovered to have the volatile organicsas well. A proposal to build ve aeration towers ata cost of $1.2 million was thought to be the mostcost-effective of the systems evaluated.

The Membership Meeting featured Joan andPaul Carsons Birding in Yorkshire. Paul Car-sons excellent pictorial record and Joans ac-curate narration, gave us a report on a group tripof Tahoma, Kitsap and Seattle Audubon Chaptersparticipating with members of the Royal Society for

the Preservation of Birds (RSPB). The tripwas arranged through Nature Guideby Ilene and Francis Marckx, withDr Tom Lawson from Yorkshire.After consultation with the Ameri-

can Ornithologists Union (AOU) theAmerican Birding Association (ABA) has

incorporated changes in the second edi-tion of the ABA Checklist.

Here are a few that apply to some familiar birds:

Field Trip Committee Chair ThaisBock laid outthe following schedule:

McNeil Island with Henry Kyle; SequalitchewLake with Wally Wilkins, Nisqually Wildlife Refugewith Karl Lundberg; Dungeness Spit bus trip withElmer Price; Chambers Creek withArt Peterson.

And the special trip to Grays Harbor-Bowerman Ba-

sin led by Mike Finger. There was a Family Tripto Point Deance Park with Thelma Gilmur andJohn Slipp -- so much to explore there: Salmonbeach, Sorex Gulch, Big Tee Trail, Rhododendronand Native Plant Gardens, camp 6 & Fort Nisqually,plus the forest birds and plants.

TAS was rounding up sponsors for its third annualBirdathon with Thelma Gilmur and Gayle Taylorheading up the Birdathon Committee. Special Birda-thon eld trips were being planned for the weekendof April 23-24. Prizes were promised to those withhighest species counts and most donors, etc. This

event continues as one ofmost fun ways of support-ing the programs and ac-tivities of the chapter.

The second go-aroundover development inChambers Creek Canyonwas written up byAdrianaHess of Serve Our Univer-

sity place (SOUP). Own-ers of the Canyons steepwalls, Joint Venture in thepersons ofLee Van Rileyand Robert Davis, propose to build 641 dwellingunits with additional plans for marine development.Opposing the granting of permits are: Friends ofChambers Creek, Oakbrook Townhouse Association,Pierce County-Northwest Steelhead and SalmonCouncil, SOUP, WA Department of Fish & Wildlife,Tahoma Audubon, University Place Park & Recre-ation District, and Washington Native Plant Society.

TAS President Walt Adams and his wife Nonaattended the annual meeting of the Protection Is-land Beach Club. Prior to the regular meeting, acaucus was held with representatives of other

Audubon chapters owning lots on Protection Island.

They discussed the orderly transfer of the lots tothe US Fish & Wildlife Service, and prepared a listof nominees for election to the board of directorsof the Protection Island Beach Club. The Audubonmembers of the Beach Club are in agreement andaccord with the Fish and Wildlife Services plans forthe transition to federal ownership and a WildlifeRefuge status.

Former Name 1983 Name

Whistling Swan Tundra Swan

Common Pintail Northern Pintail

Saw-whet Owl Northern Saw-whet Owl

Western Pewee Western Wood-Pewee

Northern Junco Dark-eyed Junco

Feedback, comments and reminiscences

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

Helen Engle from daysof yore.


9/12


ANNouNceMeNts

woo-hoo!

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!

And youre invited! Wenas Campout, May 23-26, 2008.

(www.wenasaudubon.org ) For over three decades

Audubon families have been camping over Memorial

Day weekend at the Wenas Creek Campground.

Officially named the Hazel Wolf Wenas Creek Bird

Sanctuary, the location, SW of Ellensburg, is now in anImportant Bird Area which Auduboners has been assured

of protective status in a major land swap with the timber

company ownership. The free, primitive campground

along the north fork of Wenas Creek has exceptional oppor-

tunities for birding, botanizing and enjoying spring in the

eastern foothills of the Cascades.

The campground is about 2,500 elevation, can be cold at

night, hot during day.

Bring water for drinking (the creek is beautiful and bounti-

ful but not potable).

We set up tents or use pick-up type campers.

We all share in the rent of portable toilets for 4 days.

Bicycles and Frisbees are fun, telescopes and cameras

standard gear.

Please leave pets at home. There are organized field trips throughout the Wenas drain-

age and WA DF&W management areas and some on private

property at owners requests.

In camp we have natural history workshops with some of

the states top birders, WNPS botanists, entomologists etc.

There will be an old-fashioned campfire in our new

approved firepit device each evening. We do singing,

story telling and recapping the sightings of the day. Please

visit the beautiful Wenas Website, by Webmaster Michael

Hobbs, to see Hazel Wolfs familiar smiling face and get lots

of information about our campout. www.wenasaudubon.

org. Theres a bird checklist, wildflower checklist, outline of

field trips and program, directions and lots of photos. If you

dont do websites, contact me and Ill send you info.

Bring friends, family, and join us at Wenas Memorial DayWeekend for as many days as you want to stay - May 23-26,

2008! See you there! Helen Engle, [email protected],

253-564-3112.

By Shoe, Car, Bike and Boat; COME HELPPROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT.Join the Tahoma Audubon Society in kickingoff The Birdathon. You dont have to knowa thing about birds to join one of the manyteams that will be walking, hiking, biking,boating or driving to raise money to protectPierce Countys precious environment.Each team will be competing to see thelargest number of different bird speciesusing a variety of transportation options.This family fun event provides an opportu-nity to learn from experienced volunteersabout the areas bird species, and how youcan become involved in protecting our vital

natural habitat.What:Tahoma AudubonBirdathon Kick-offWhere: Pt. DeancePark, at Owens BeachWhen: Saturday, April26, 2008 from 9:00am to 12:00pmRegistration starts at 8:30am.How: Come and enjoy the fun! Pre-registration is appreciated but not required.Please plan to join us on April 26th. Formore information contact Tahoma AudubonSociety at 253-565-9278. Hot Beveragesand snacks provided. Prizes will be givenout to the rst 30 participants!

This field-based class brings together the natural

world and the artists perspective. Native plant spe-

cialist, Mary Sue Gee, will provide hands-on

instruction in identification and ecological relation-

ships during one classroom session and four field

trips. She will be joined by Monica Weidman,

watercolor artist and botanical illustrator, to engage

the students in a deeper appreciation and under-standing of the native plant ecosystem of the South

Puget Sound. Mary Sue has an MLA degree in

landscape architecture and extensive training and

experience in wildlife habitat restoration, urban and

wetlands ecology. She combines her interest in art

and nature in her presentations and stories. Monica

has a BA in Art Education and is a certified Scientific

Illustrator. She finds pleasure in natures serene

pace and its simple yet complex beauty.

Fee: $75 member; $95 non-member includes class

instruction and four field trips. Optional field trips

may be scheduled with additional fee.

Required Text: Plants of the Pacific Northwest

Coast, Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnon, 1994.

Book will be available at class for $19.95. Discount

for Tahoma Audubon members.

Suggested Text: Flora of the Pacific Northwest,

C.L. Hitchcock and A. Cronquist, 1973.

Other field guides are useful if students have favor-

ites.

Suggested Tools: Any type of sketch book, pencils,charcoal, colored pencils, watercolors, magnifying

glass/lens, binoculars, camera

Class Date: 7-9 pm, Mon. April 21, Adriana Hess

Audubon Center, University Place

Field Trips: 9am-3pm; Sat. April 26, Sat. & Sun.

May 3 & 4 in conjunction with the Native Plant

Society. Two more dates mid-May to early June

will be scheduled with class.

Scholarship assistance is available. Contact the

education committee chair, Margie Shea, at

253-591-6439 or [email protected]

To Register: Call 253-591-6439 Pre-registration is

required. Deadline to register is April 18.

Native Plant SaleLandscape your yard with plants that

are native to our area. Get advice,plants and more!Come early for

the best selection.

May 3, 20089:00am 4:00pm253-591-6439

www.metroparkstacoma.org

Time to think about Wenas campout!

Tahoma Audubon Birdathon Kick-Off Event

The Art & Nature of Native Plants Spring Class

Join Parks Appreciation Day and come to the Tacoma NatureCenter with your family to help us celebrate Earth Day, Arbor Day,

National Parks Week and your local parks all in one fun event.

PROJECTS MAY INCLUDE: Painting, invasive plant pulling, litter pick-up, pruning, raking, sign cleaning, birdhouse building, materials prep andmore! Families will work as a group on several different projects.WHAT SHOULD I BRING? Volunteers can help by wearing warm, appropriate clothes. By bringing tools from their homes such as small hand tools, loppers,pruners, gloves, rakes, shovels, small pitch forks and even wheelbarrows(make sure and label them!). Volunteers are encouraged to carpool to the site they chose. We will provide snacks and water for volunteers. Those withspecial dietary needs might want to bring their own snacks. Most of all bring your enthusiasm, smiles and be ready to burn somecalories and have fun!BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING AS A FAMILY You can improve your community. You can help beautify your neighborhood park. You can get active and enhance your own health and well-being. You can help bring communities, businesses and neighborhoodstogether towards one common cause. You can increase family and children awareness of nature and theirenvironment. You can make a difference, because together we can achieve more.

Other sites throughout Pierce County are also available.

*Not all sites welcome family groups. Check with individual coordinators for details.

Visit www.metropar

kstacoma.org for a list of contacts.Please help us plan for your family by registering in advance in person at

the Nature Center, or by phone. (253) 591-6439

Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street, Tacoma, WA 98405

Parks Appreciation Day

April 19, 20089:00am - noon

Family Service Activity*
http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/


10/12


March 8th found a dozen people joining Ed

Pullen for an adventure in an exotic land.

The fact that this exotic land was inside the

city limits of Tacoma made it even more remarkable.

Swan Creek cuts a deep gorge before it flows into the

Puyallup River, and the City has wisely stayed away

from the edge, providing a wide margin of safety for

their citizens as well as safety for the sanctity of this

natural oasis. The gorge is lined with an astonishing

assortment of native species of trees in all stages of

life including venerable woodpecker snags, all of it

lined all in mosses and ferns. It is so removed that

even traffic noise is rarely heard. It is watched over

from above by its nesting pair of Red-tailed Hawks,

which we glimpsed off and on during our trek, doing

their courting.

Ed is a great trip leader, too. This trek can be quite

challenging with the gains in elevation to the top of

the gorge, so he had us driven to the top, leaving

most of the cars at the bottom, to avoid our having to

backtrack the hard way. Then the drivers were

driven back up to retrieve their cars. Whatta guy!!

Of course having to retrace the path the cars had to

take to the top would be impossible for me, as I felt

like one of those kidnapping victims who is being

purposely driven around in circles so I will never,

ever be able to reveal the secret route. So youll have

to ask somebody else for the directions...

We started along the top of the gorge with the

creek way, way below us. Tall trees growing

creekside offered their canopies to us at eye level,

and we enjoyed finch song there, Purple Finch,

Red Crossbills, and Pine Siskins. As we descend-

ed via mossy switchbacks slowly to the bottom,

we entered different flora and fauna zones.

Although we had already had Pileated

Woodpeckers and flickers at the parking area, we

heard them both again, and then Ryan Hanson

spotted a Hairy Woodpecker for us! This wood-

pecker zone was also full of high-pitched Brown

Creeper song and both kinglets. There were so

many creepers in fact that amazingly we all got a

chance to see at least one of these usually invisible

birds. Dropping down to the next level, we were

suddenly surrounded by wrens. Winter Wrens

were kissing busily at us and then bursting into

that best of all songs of any species. Bewicks

Wrens were skulky, but watching us closely.

Chestnut-backed Chickadees checked out a pos-

sible nest hole right next to the path! We descend-

ed further to the creek and ran into a salamander

and a banana slug, as well as many, many Spotted

Towhees singing and calling. A flock of Yellow-

rumped Warblers (Butterbutts) reminded us that

spring is coming and more warblers, too. Walking

along the banks of the creek, there was Skunk

Cabbage in full bloom! Bleeding Hearts were

sending foliage out, but were still far from bloom-

ing. This was after all supposed to be a Last of

Winter birding trip, but dont tell the critters and

plants! The weather was supposed to be misera-

ble, too, but Spring did an audition for us instead!

At the creek level, the gorge was a little muddy,

which is where I found there is Devils Club

growing there, when I reached out to grab some-

thing to steady myself! Ow! We were a pretty big

band of hikers, but if one were alone or just with

a couple of people, you might see some of the

other fabled wildlife that hid from us this day.

There are tales of bears, dippers, and Orchids...

After we made it down, we spent a little time

across Pioneer Way at the Swan Creek Restoration

Area, where we found almost every

possible freshwater duck in beautiful

breeding plumages. Then Ed took

us over to the Chief Leschi School

for a completely different habitat by

way of the locally famous Pioneer

Way Eagles nest and Great Blue

Heronry, where herons were seen

occupying dozens of nests, clearly

visible before the leafing-out alders

will screen them from view. One

has to wonder why the herons built

right next to the Eagles nest, though,

which Ed tells me was the chronology. Maybe

theres some kind of offering made that buys

immunity for the rest of the community, Mafia-

like. Leader Ed Pullen was really pleased to see

so much interest in a late winter walk in this beauti-

ful urban canyon. It truly was an enthusiastic

group! Krystal Kyer, TAS Conservation

Coordinator, really had a ball. The highlight of the

day for me was when a solitary Varied Thrush

perched on a stump and sang for all to see and hear.

Two days later, the species was featured on

BirdNote, and I learned that we were very lucky to

see the Varied Thrush in the city of Tacoma, as its

forested habitats are dwindling in the Pacific

Northwest. Being the second largest park in

Tacoma, and wholly undeveloped, it is important to

protect this remaining bit of urban forest, she said.

But wait!! Its not over yet!! For those of you

now curious to see this jewel of the Metro Parks,

come and celebrate Earth Day at Swan Creek!!

April 19th, 9-noon, Earth Day clean up and work

party at Swan Creek Park will be a re-creation of

the first one organized in the 1970s by Thelma

Gilmur. The Friends of Swan Creek and Green

Tacoma Partnership are coor- dinating the

effort with help from

Metro Parks Tacoma.

See the Tahoma

Audubon on-line calen-

dar for more details or

call the office. This will

be a wonderful experi-

ence for all of you, but I

have a bit of advice

No bathrooms.

Go first!

Story and photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn

From left: Chestnut-backed Chickadee checks out natural cavities for nesting sites; Varied Thrush at the bottom of the Swan Creekgorge; Spotted Towhee singing its heart out; Krystal Kyer gets excited about birds at Swan Creek Restoration Area.

AnotherkindofbirdatChie

fLeschiSchoolwherethegroupwentafterSwanCre

ek

Trip leader Ed Pullen at Swan Creek Park

The group checks out ora and fauna at one of the switchbacks down to Swan Creek.Above: Melissa Sherwood and Kay Pullen sight something wonderful!


11/12


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

an Introductory member of Tahoma Audubon you also receive a National

Audubon membership and Audubon Magazine for one year. Renewing

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

Pierce County. Chapter membership includes: Towhee newsletter sub-

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

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

National Audubon membership includes: Chapter membership, National

membership, annual Audubon Magazine subscription, and support of

Important Bird Areas (IBA) and state and national conservation agendas. Checkspayableto:TahomaAudubon29

17Morrison

Rd.

W.

UniversityPlace,

98466Tahom

aAudubon

Society,establishedin1969,

isa501(c)(3)nonprofit

organization.

Donationsaretaxdeductib

le.

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

voluNteerRecognition

welcoMe to New and Returning Members

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

Barbara Beaver, Colin and Joyce Ehli, Charlie Griffin,

Debby Hyde and Bob Hennings, N L Kirkland, Mr

and Mrs John Miller, Joe and Nancy Peters, Janice

Pittman, Hazel C Robinson, Marjorie Shea and Bill

Richards, Mary Siegenthaler, Nancy Jean White,

Gretchen Wilbert.

Joint Chapter and National:

Lynne Glad, Jodie Hess, Jo Ann Hunter, Ernie

Karlstrom, Karen Povey, Carol Woodman.

Introductory: Recruited through TAS

Hal and Kate Amundson, Judy Eaton, Barbara Frey,

Kent Graybeal, Duane Hatch, Stephanie and Thomas

Kirkland, Melissa and Jamie Paulson, Kelly

and Mark Stave.

Recruited through NAS

(Starred names are returning after a

period of lapsed membership) Rigg,

Earl Altes, Bruce and Joyce Barr, Arthur

Antonelli, Sharon Bell*, Pattie Bolser,June Camp, Twyla Dickson, Lorey Donaldson*,

Brenda Dunlap, Janice Dunn, Micki Freeston*, Teresa

Fromm, Lena Gibson, Len Guyt, Fred Hacker*,

Donna Hagen, Lucia Harrison, Stan and Diana Hiller,

Grace Keam, Virginia Kingston, Dorothy Leyden,

Mary Lou Ferguson, Deborah Main, Cheryl Maunu,

John Ott, Irene Owens, Raymond Owings, Roy Pryor,

George Riecan*, Steven Russell, Lewis Scott, Elaine

Sumey*, Nancy Thomas, Cathy Thome, David and

Barbara Uberuaga, Rachel Vance, Crane Walters*,

Julia Wentz, Sharon Westman*, Charles Zartman.

There were 45 renewals through National.

Welcome all; we appreciate your commitment and

support!

2917 Morrison Rd. W., University Place253-565-9278

Spring is peeking out all over the Center grounds.Have you seen the teeny, tiny magenta flower onthe Hazelnut? The Synthyris has been a riot ofblooms. Indian Plum is in full dress. The Red-

flowering Currant will be in full bloom soon and the

Rufous Hummingbird will be hovering close by.Light breakfasts for volunteers every Friday morn-ing at 9:00. Hope to see you on some Fridays!Fri, Apr 4, 9am 11am, Breakfast and WorkParty, Adriana Hess Audubon Center,Help keep our wetland park clean, healthy, and freeof weeds!Fri, Apr 11, 9am 11amFri, Apr 25, 9am 11am

Fri, May 2, 9am 11am

Volunteer cashiers check out the lucky winners of the Silent

Auction and Audubon supporters whose donations will help birds

and other wildlife and

habitat. Below, Thelma

Gilmur lays out name

tags for the event par-

ticipants; over two hun-

dred attended the 39th

annual banquet.

Laura Livingston is a se-nior at Charles Wright. Sheis thinking about studyingenvironmental science incollege. Laura helped usorganize and print impor-tant articles about Tahoma

Audubon and environmen-tal issues. The articles areplaced in an archive portfo-lio locatedhere at

AdrianaHess.

Volunteer at Adriana Hess Wetland Park

Meet Laura

Photos by Lenny Zimmerman

Volunteers help at the banquet


12/12

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 8Birdathon field trips page 6

BirdSongs page 8

Bryan Flint column page 2

Education page 4

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 April 2008T

For additional information on educ

Documents

04-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society