photo p - Tahoma Audubon Society

Transcription

TAS annual
banquet info
on page 12!
Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969.
Vol. 45 No 6
December 2014/January 2015
R
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
photo
p
at Fo r t Steil a c o o m Pa r k
By Diane Yorgason-Quinn
ecently, a nature photography field trip was
proposed by board President Art Wang, knowing
anchor for attaching little tools to the camera strap. The
how many people have cameras these days. Two of our
cameras consisted of SLRs with various lenses, compact
best local photographers were recruited to jointly lead
cameras, long-zoom bridge cameras, and
such a walk around Waughop
cell phone cameras.
Lake at Fort Steilacoom Park
In the rain, the birds in the trees were
on October 26, 2014, Heather
largely hiding except the Creepers. Confident
Roskelley and Laurel Parshall.
in their invisibility, they clung to the tree
On that very rainy morning,
trunks as if rain couldn’t catch them there,
amazingly ten of us showed
and maybe they were right! Waterfowl
up!
First thing up was
provided us some bird subjects who weren’t
comparing different methods
Photo/John Riegsecker
afraid of getting wet, including ducks,
of keeping camera gear dry in Baby Pied-Billed Grebe with its mother.
cormorants, grebes, and coots.
One
the rain! Some had waterproof
particular Pied-Billed Grebe caught our eye because John
camera bags, some used plastic bags, and some tucked
Riegsecker had just seen it a few days prior, a very late
them inside coats. We will have the chance to try out
these tips now that rain will be here for some months to
come. Heather also showed a clever and colorful device
See "photo op" on page 9
Upcoming membership meetings:
January meeting: Wildlife of Tanzania
Please join us for a presentation on Tanzania’s wildlife by
Dan Streiffert. Dan is a retired software engineer spending
much of his retirement taking photos of birds. He is currently
Chair of Rainier Audubon Society. He will present a quick
overview of the amazing
wildlife including 40 bird
species, a lion chase, and the
famous wildebeest crossing
of the Mara River. Join us
for food and conversation.
The Membership meeting
and program goes from 7:30
p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Doors open
at 7:00 p.m. Meeting held at
The Tacoma Nature Center,
1919 S Tyler in Tacoma.
NO
DECEMBER
PROGRAM
JANUARY
PROGRAM
Thur, Jan. 15
7:30 pm - 9 pm
See October
meeting recap
on page 3.
Photo/Pat Damron
Brown Creeper. 3 or 4 were sighted.
Top photo: Heather Roskelly, Laurel
Parshall, John Riegsecker, Susan Boynton, Art Wang, Pat Damron, and Chris
Nighswonger. (not shown: Kathleen Miller, Silvia Fradkin, Diane Yorgason-Quinn.
It’s almost here! The 115th annual
Christmas Bird Count!
The Christmas Bird Count is
almost here! We join Audubon
chapters throughout the world in
this annual tradition. Our chapter
has designated the 3rd Saturday
of December as our special day
– this year that will be December
20, 2014. Please mark your
calendars!
If you have counted in past
years, we all look forward to seeing you again. And if you’ve
always wondered how you could
get involved, this is your Special
Pierce Conservation District 24th Annual Native Plant Sale
You’ll find an order form on page 4 of this document, or you
can order online. Pre-orders accepted now until January 23,
2015, for pick up on March 6 & 7, 2015 at 5430 66th Ave. E.
in Puyallup. You can order on-line at www.piercenativeplantsale.com. If you miss the pre-order deadline, you can purchase
plants at the walk-up sale Saturday, March 7 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
here at our office. Due to the fragile nature of bare root plants,
orders not picked up on the specified dates will be donated to
local non-profits on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at noon. There
are no refunds for plant orders not picked up. These are conservation grade native plants.
Year to join birders in our Pierce
County CBC! You can choose to
count in a part of the Count
Circle where you live, an alternative area of interest, or check to
see where extra help might be
needed.
And remember – there is no
Participant Fee again this year!
You can of course donate to
National Audubon to assist with
See "CBC" on page 3
In this issue:
25 Years Ago
Art Wang elected
page 8
page 10
Birdsongs
page 8
Book Club
page 10
Book Club Field Trip
page 7
Calendar
page 12
Crossword Puzzle
page 10
Education
page 4
Field Trips
page 5
Hobby sighting
page 6
Meeting Recap
page 3
Native Plant Sale
page 4
New Members
page 11
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S Corner
Global warming threatens 314 bird species
On Sunday, September 21, 2014,
nearly
400,000
people marched in
New York City at the
largest
climate
change march in
history as the United
Nations prepared to
meet once again to
attempt to curb
greenhouse
gas
Call Krystal @ 253-579-9798.
emissions and limit
Or KKyer@tahomaaudubon.org
the damage already
done. The largest
march to demand action on climate change in history
sent a clear message: the time to act on climate is now.
The science is in. On September 9th, the Audubon
Society released the results of its study of almost 40 years
of data on birds in North America, and a model for
predicted climate suitability for over 500 bird species. The
conclusions led many people to stand up and pay attention
– and thousands of them – to march in New York, Seattle,
Puyallup, and 150 countries around the world.
Audubon’s conclusion: over half of birds in US and
Canada were deemed climate threatened or endangered.
For comparison, only 9 birds have gone extinct here
since modern times. Yet, 314 bird species are now
Commission and goals are a big step in the right
threatened thanks to global warming. In Washington, we
direction, and I was glad to contribute to their creation
could lose many common species, like Bald Eagles,
in 2007. Ultimately, success depends on individuals
Mallards, and Rufous Hummingbirds
taking actions like choosing to get on
To learn more go to:
– all within my daughter’s lifetimes.
the bus or bike along with climateaudubon.org/climate
Recently, my mom gave me a newspaper
friendly public policies.
clipping she had saved for over three
If you care about your health and
decades. The clipping mentioned my third-grade self’s
safety or that of future generations, if you want access to
environmental concerns – I wanted to save the Bald
healthy food, if you want to hear the songbirds sing in
Eagle from extinction. Guess what? With the help of the
the morning or see the symbols of our nation’s freedom
Endangered Species Act, we did it! But now, once again,
-- Bald Eagles – soar, than act now, before it’s too late.
we are facing losing the majestic bird, this time in what
Encourage Governor Inslee to make acting on climate
is shaping up to be the first human-caused mass species
change a top priority, to transition our state to a clean
extinction on earth.
energy future, cut our reliance on fossil fuels, and put a
If this is true for birds, it does not bode well for people,
halt to the rapid increase in the transport and use of
dangerous and polluting Bakken crude oil by rail and
other wildlife, pollinators or natural ecosystems. And
what about the economy? Climate change is also likely to
tanker. These trains and proposed oil terminals have the
hurt some of our most important local natural resources
potential to severely harm our water supplies, our small
– fertile farms in the Puyallup valley, and access to local
towns, our fisheries, ecotourism that especially important
healthy food, air quality, shellfish aquaculture, Salish Sea
to rural communities, our marine shorelines and the
statewide efforts to restore Puget Sound. Our waters, the
fisheries and industry jobs are all at risk.
We cannot afford to wait any longer to take action on
air we breathe, and the communities and economies those
climate change. The number one source of greenhouse
trains and tankers impact cannot afford another tragedy
gas emissions in Washington is burning gas and diesel
like the Exxon Valdez oil spill or Lac-Megantic inferno.
fuel for transportation. Taking public transit, bicycling
and walking to school, work or shopping areas can
This was originally published in the Sunday, September
28, 2014 edition of the The News Tribune
make a difference and adds up. Tacoma’s Sustainability
Notice of Proposed Revisions to Bylaws
Over the past year, the board of
directors has reviewed the organization’s bylaws and is proposing several
changes. Following the existing
bylaws, any changes are put forth to
the organization’s membership for a
vote (with two months’ notice), which
will take place during the annual
membership banquet on February 28,
2015. Copies of the bylaws revisions
and explanation of proposed changes
will be available at the November 20th
and January 15th membership meetings. Hard copies can also be picked
up at the Adriana Hess Audubon
Center starting November 19, 2014.
You may also download and view
the proposed revisions to the bylaws
on our website’s “About Us” page at:
tahomaaudubon.org/page-1209393 .
Most of the changes are non-substantive or conform the bylaws with
current practices, such as existing
board committees.
The Pierce County Chapter of
The National Audubon Society
Located in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park
2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466
Front desk 253-565-9278
Tahoma Audubon Society's
Feathered Nest Circle
We are pleased to honor our visionaries who have named Tahoma Audubon in their estate plans
making them members of the Feathered Nest Circle. This list updated as of Dec 15, 2014.
Anonymous (3)
Jane Brosius
Dick & Terry Carkner
Terry & Bev Conner
Ruth Daugherty
Helen Engle
Bryan Flint
Thomas Galdabini
John Garner & Caroline Harris
Thelma and Chuck* Gilmur
Marjorie Griffin*
Noel & Bill Hagens
Cami Harris
Frances Heidner*
David R. Hirst
Krystal Kyer
John & Pat Lantz
Peggy Kopf* & Pat Mail
Diane J. Malone
Jean McCord
Guy and Cecile Montgomery
Gary and Sharon Nestegard
Melissa and Jamie Paulson
Donna Cooper Pepos*
Barbara Petersen
Marcus Roening & Heather Ballash
Sarah C. Sloat*
Beatrice E. Thompson*
Darby Veeck & Kristin Lynett
*Deceased
Krystal Kyer
Executive Director
kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org253-565-9278
Paulette Peterson Membership & Outreach Director
ppeterson@tahomaaudubon.org
253-565-9129
Tahoma Audubon Board Officers
Art Wang President
Martha Scoville
Vice President
Jane Brosius Secretary
Geoff Lawrence Treasurer
Tahoma Audubon Board of Directors
The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society.
The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969.
TAS advocates for the protection of wildlife and promotes
conservation through education and activities that enrich its
member’s experiences in and with the natural world.
Page 2
Tahoma Audubon Staff
Thelma Gilmur
Margie Shea
Kris Sherman
Ione Clagett
Nalani Linder
Lloyd Fetterly
Peter Wimberger
Jerry Broadus
The Towhee is published bi-monthly (six times a
year). Submissions of articles and photographs of birds,
bird lore, natural history, conservation, and environmental education are reviewed and considered for
inclusion by the editor. Copy is due by the 15th of the
www.tahomaaudubon.org
month and may be sent by e-mail, disk, or typed.
E-mail submissions to editor@tahomaaudubon.org.
Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings
Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: robert_kelton@ mac.com
Printing: Consolidated Press
Printed on recycled newsprint
Pierce County sets high standards for industrial aquaculture
In October, on a beach near Purdy, a
shorebird known in the neighborhood as
“Ollie” was found dead -- entangled in
shellfish aquaculture netting. For over eight
years now, neighbors in this area have
enjoyed seeing Ollie wade in the shallows,
fishing in Henderson Bay. “We watched him
fly from his nest by Burley Lagoon, and walk
along the shore looking for his dinner,” said
Laura Hendricks.
“Taylor Shellfish placed plastic canopy
netting on the shore near his nest to prevent
predators from feeding on their shellfish,”
said Hendricks, who had previous experience
with an eagle tangled in netting. Last week
she also heard a report of a drowning surf
scoter. “These are not isolated experiences,”
she said. “Another eagle was documented to
have been entangled in aquaculture netting
around Labor Day.”
Over these last eight years Laura has
worked to protect wildlife from the
aquaculture’s canopy netting near her
property. “It should be prohibited,” she said.
Finding an eagle trapped in a net in front of
her house a few years ago was the incident
that inspired Hendricks to attempt to stop the
aquaculture industry from using “predator
control netting.” After spending an afternoon
cutting away the netting to allow an eaglet to
fly away, Laura formed the Coalition to
Protect Puget Sound Habitat (“the
Coalition”), which is an association of
neighborhood groups around the region who
share information and appeal Pierce County
aquaculture permits.
In the last eight years she still has not been
able to prevent the netting that traps birds.
However she has successfully appealed
several county Development Permits. In
January 2014, the Coalition was successful
in obtaining a major ruling from the state
Shoreline Hearings Board.
Zoning industrial aquaculture use of
shorelines, where there would be minimum
impact on local residents or wildlife habitat,
has been a struggle for several Puget Sound
...CBC
– from page 1
the CBC Project
fu ut it is no longer required.
Please see the map for the Area
you are interested in, check the list
Neighbors take great risk in releasing
eagle. Some cut the net in a large circle
to avoid direct contact with the bird. Birds
fear response is to hold tighter to the net.
counties. Many are updating their Shoreline
Management Plans (SMP). In this last year
when Jefferson County and Bainbridge
Island sent their Shoreline Plans to the State
Department of Ecology (DOE) for review,
the DOE reversed the zoning restrictions
developed by these jurisdictions.
In Jefferson County, their strict zoning on
farmed-salmon fish pens was not approved.
The county tried to limit net-fish pens to
locations with maximum flushing so the
pollutants below the nets would be less
harmful to the marine water quality. The
DOE asked the county to allow more area for
fish pens in their plan. Jefferson County had
to make more miles of shorelines available
for fish pens and other industrial aquaculture.
In Bainbridge Island’s recent Shoreline
Master Plan (SMP) draft, industrial
aquaculture was allowed on about 40% of
the island’s less environmentally-sensitive
beaches. DOE required the city council to
revise its SMP giving a “preference” to
aquaculture on 100% of the island’s beaches.
Two Bainbridge Island groups joined the
Coalition to appeal the DOE’s decision. “It is
truly egregious that DOE has required
industrialization of our shorelines regardless
of community desires. How can it ignore the
obvious ecosystem destruction?” said
Maradel Gale, a Bainbridge Island activist
involved in filing the appeal. “This makes a
of Area Coordinators, or contact
the CBC Coordinator, Faye
McAdams Hands, at 253-278-3712,
e-mail at zest4parus@hotmail.
com.
See you December 20!
mockery of the new DOE requirement of ‘no
net loss of shoreline ecological functions’.”
In Pierce County, Tahoma Audubon and
Sierra Club asked the county to restrict
industrial aquaculture to less than half of the
shoreline. Over the last year, the county
council, with the help of Council Member
Stan Flemming and some other council
members, has worked to find a balance
between aquaculture, on beaches and in
adjacent marine waters, and the people who
use the shoreline for recreation.
After Hendricks and her Coalition won a
major state appeal of a Pierce County
shoreline permit, she partnered with Tahoma
Audubon and Sierra Club to work on
revisions of the county’s SMP. Following a
series of public hearings, the Pierce County
Council revised their SMP to include the
provisions the Coalition for Puget Sound
Habitat had won in their appeal. More
recently Friends of Pierce County and the
Bainbridge Alliance have joined this
collaboration to of efforts supporting changes
to the SMP.
“Most importantly the ‘preference’ for
aquaculture was removed from the county’s
plan,” said Bliss Moore, who represents the
local Sierra Club Chapter on this issue.
“Over the summer, the county council had
addressed many concerns mentioned in the
ruling -- like windsurfing, cumulative
impacts on habitat, and consideration of
‘aesthetics’, such as marine views of
shoreline and adjacent property owners.”
Henderson Bay has had oyster farms for
decades. However, as the price of geoducks
has increased in Asia, residents in the bay
have fought to prevent the conversion of
oyster permits to geoduck and clam farms.
“Both of these industrial operations spread
nets along the muddy shorelines where birds
feed at low tides,” said Kirk Kirkland who
co-chairs Tahoma Audubon’s conservation
committee.
Shoreline residents and people who use
marine waters for recreation in Pierce
Raft of Tubes.
County have noticed that diving ducks and
other shorebirds have declined. The numbers
are confirmed by Audubon’s bird surveys of
shorebirds and seabirds which show they
have declined everywhere along the Pacific
Coast Flyway, particularly along the coast.
“Grebes, a popular long necked duck, are
rarely sighted,” according to Kirkland.
“But not one Western Grebe was seen by any
of our many bird-counters at our most recent
area-wide bird count.”
Nets containing clams have a tighter
weave than the geoduck netting. “Existing
clam nets continue to destroy wildlife and
their ability to feed in shallow shorelines”
said Kirkland. “A recent study showed that
Mergansers and Golden Eye are most
eaffected by Aquaculture.
“A national study shows that as many as
22% of cormorants, 10% of grebes, and an
average of 16% of seabirds get entangled in
nets,” said Kirkland. “Of course netting is not
responsible for the total decline in grebes and
other migrating birds, but it adds to their
significant decline.”
The Pierce County Council plans to take
their revised Shoreline Master Plan (SMP)
out for a second round of public hearings in
the next couple of months. In the interim, the
aquaculture industry continues to submit
development permits for approval under the
old county rules. Both environmental
activists and public officials will look for a
decision on the Bainbridge Island Growth
Management Hearings Board appeal soon.
That decision may affect how Pierce
County’s revised SMP will be reviewed by
the Department of Ecology staff.
OCTOBER MEETING recap
Ed Swan and the Birds of Vashon
Ed Swan of Vashon Island entertained our monthly
meeting on October 16th with tales of the changing natural
history of the island as a microcosm of the entire Puget
trough. The second edition of his book, The Birds of
Vashon Island, has just been published, and there have
been changes in bird populations just in the short nine years
since the first edition. Copies of the book were available at
the meeting, and Ed promised to return to lead a field trip
to the island for Tahoma Audubon in the near future.
Our Tahoma Audubon bookstore, which is having a 25% off sale during
December, usually has this book in stock, but if we run out, they can be ordered
online from Ed at TheSwanCompany.com/books.html.
Area 1: Art Wang
253-209-4420 or artnancy@harbornet.com
Area 2: Faye McAdams Hands 360-275-0553 or zest4parus@hotmail.com
Area 3: Diane Yorgason-Quinn 253-857-3367 or avosetta@hotmail.com
Area 4: Roxy & Bill Giddings
253-537-3075
Please
contact Faye McAdams
Handsorzest4parus@hotmail.com
253-330-9545
rnbuffle@yahoo.com
Area 5: Rolan
Nelson
Area 6: Marcus Roening
253-756-0215 or marcus.d.roening@gsk.com
Area 7: Carolyn & Mike Barry carolynbbarry@hotmail.com
Area 8: Ruth Sullivan
253-564-7419 or godwit513@msn.com
Page 3
Here’s what’s happening at the Tacoma Nature Center!
Volunteer Stewardship
Habitat Restoration Work
All ages welcome, free
Join us for our regular stewardship activities as
we care for the park by removing invasive plant
species, re-planting areas with native plants and
helping those plants thrive. No experience
necessary. Come dressed for the weather and
prepared to get dirty. Work parties occur rain or
shine! Children must be accompanied by adults.
December 5
9:00am – 12:00pm
December 19
9:00am – 12:00pm
January 2 9:00am – 12:00pm
January 16
9:00am – 12:00pm
February 6
9:00am – 12:00pm
February 20
9:00am – 12:00pm
Family Programs
Family Nature Walks - All ages welcome, free
Explore Tacoma Parks during these seasonal
naturalist-led family walks. Discover the amazing
plants and animals that live in these parks and
how they adapt in the different seasons. Not
recommended for wheelchairs, strollers or
children under 3. Pre-registration requested.
Winter Wonderland
January 10 10am – 11am
Swan Creek Park – 2820 Pioneer Way E
January 17
10am – 11am
Wapato Park - 6500 S. Sheridan Ave.
January 17
1pm – 2pm
Oak
Tree Park - S. 74th St. & S. Cedar St.
January 24
1pm-2pm
Tacoma Nature Center – 19th & Tyler
January 31
10am – 11am
Wapato Hills Park - 6231 S. Wapato St.
February 7
1pm – 2pm
Titlow Park - 8425 6th Ave.
February 14
10am – 11am
McKinley Park - 645 Upper Park St.
Pier Peer around Tacoma
Ages 8 and up, $8.00/person
Jointly sponsored by Foss Waterway Seaport
and Metro Parks Tacoma, these popular
programs are a great way to see the sea life in
your area. Bring your family and join us for an
aquatic night-time adventure as you explore
hundreds of mysterious life forms below the
docks with experienced naturalists! Warm up at
the end of the evening with some hot cocoa.
Each child requires one adult companion. Preregistration required.
Foss Waterway Seaport
December 6
7:30pm – 9:00pmPoint
Defiance Marina
February 7
7:30pm – 9:00pm
Homeschool Science
Homeschool students explore science through
hands-on experiments and activities. Register
early – classes fill quickly! Note – topics are
repeated during the month, so select class
appropriate for your child’s age, knowledge and
abilities. Contact Margie with questions or for
more information at 591-6439 or marjories@
tacomaparks.com.
Budding Scientists
Ages 5-7, $10 per student, $9.00 per member
child. Young children begin science and nature
exploration through games, stories, and outdoor
activities. Choose morning or afternoon session.
Register early as these classes fill quickly!
December 8
Slime & Scales
9:30am – 11:00am and 1:30pm – 3:00pm
January 12
Animals of All Sorts
9:30am – 11:00am and 1:30pm – 3:00pm
February 16
Wildlife Detectives
9:30am – 11:00am and 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Elementary Level Homeschool Science
Ages 8-10, $12 per student, $10.80 per member
child. To participate in this class, students
should be able to do basic addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. Each class is
offered twice, choose one time.
December 4
All Systems Go! 9:30am – 11:00am and 1:00pm – 3:00pm
January 8
What’s in a Name?
9:30am – 11:00am and 1:00pm – 3:00pm
February 12
All About Animals
9:30am – 11:00am and 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Intermediate Level Homeschool Science
Ages 10-12, $12 per student, $10.80 per
member child. To participate in this class,
students should be able to multiply and divide
numbers.
December 11
All Systems Go! 9:30am – 11:00am and 1:00pm – 3:00pm
January 15
What’s in a Name?
9:30am – 11:00am and 1:00pm – 3:00pm
February 19
All About Animals
9:30am – 11:00am and 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Upper Level Homeschool Science
Ages 12-15, $15 per student, $13.50 per
member child. Students use problem-solving,
cooperative learning, and inquiry-based
activities to study different topics and explore
careers in the field. To participate in this class,
students should be able to calculate averages,
percentages and solve simple equations.
Optional lab class requires participation in class
on previous day.
December 18
1:00pm – 3:00pm
BioSciences: Physiology
December 19
1:00pm – 4:00pm Lab:
Physiology
January 22
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Bio-Sciences: Taxonomy
January 23
1:00pm – 4:00pm Lab:
Taxonomy
February 26
1:00pm – 3:00pm
BioSciences: Zoology
February 27
1:00pm – 4:00pm Lab:
Zoology
Basic Backyard Beekeeping 101
Have you been thinking about the ever
deepening crisis the Honeybee is facing, but
don’t know how to help? Have you ever thought
of raising bees in your backyard? Would you
like to be part of the solution to this very real
crisis? Honeybees are an asset to the backyard
gardener because they pollinate fruit trees,
berries, vegetables and other garden plants. And
of course, their honey is a delicious and valuable
product you can harvest at home and share with
your family and friends.
January is the perfect time to prepare for starting
your own hives in the spring of 2014. This
lecture-style introductory course will cover the
fundamentals of beekeeping, including
equipment, parts of the hive, bee hive location,
Pierce County/City of Tacoma codes, feeding
and treating the docile insects, identification of
bee species, hornets, and wasps and seasonal
management with an emphasis toward natural
beekeeping.
January 28
6:00-8:00pm
February 4
6:00-8:00pm
February 18
6:00-8:00pm
February 25
6:00-8:00pm
Adult Education
Basic Backyard Beekeeping Series
Adults 18 and up, $36/person/class, TNC
Members $25/person/class $48/family of 2
adults/class, TNC Members $36/family of 2/
class
This series of classes is taught by beekeeper
Dave D’Andrea of City Farm and Garden.
Choose one date per class level. Classes are
progressive and the previous level is a prerequisite for each class. 201 & 301 offered in
Spring and Summer.
1919 South Tyler Street, Tacoma WA
(253) 591-6439 www.metroparkstacoma.org
Open Mon – Sat 9:00am - 4:00pm
The Tacoma Nature Center is a 71-acre
nature preserve encompassing Snake Lake
and the surrounding wetlands and forest.
Be sure to visit Discovery Pond, our naturethemed play area! Open from 9:00am - 30
minutes after sunset.
24th Annual
Native Plant Sale
2015 Pre-Order Form
Name_________________________________________
Address________________________________________
Zip_________________ Phone_____________________
Email__________________________________________
New Customer? ❑No ❑Yes. If yes, how did you hear about
the sale?________________________ Would you like to be
added to the District’s newsletter mailing list? ❑No. ❑Yes.
Please complete the order form and mail it and your payment to: Pierce
Conservation District, P.O. Box 1057, Puyallup, WA 98371 by January
23, 2015. Please call Rene Skaggs at (253) 845-9770, ext. 106 with any
questions or to place special orders of species not listed. Purchase Orders accepted. Orders received by December 31, 2014 will be entered
into a drawing for a free prize. Visit wnps.org/landscaping/herbarium/
index.html for more information on the plants listed for sale.
Pre-orders accepted now until January 23, 2015, for pick up on March 6
& 7, 2015 at 5430 66th Ave. E. in Puyallup. You can also order on-line at
www.piercenativeplantsale.com. If you miss the pre-order deadline, you
can purchase plants at the walk-up sale Saturday, March 7 from 9 a.m.1 p.m. here at our office. Due to the fragile nature of bare root plants,
orders not picked up on the specified dates will be donated to local nonprofits on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at noon. There are no refunds for
plant orders not picked up. These are conservation grade native plants.
Pierce Conservation District
P.O. Box 1057
Puyallup, WA 98371
253 845-9770, Ext. 106
renes@piercecountycd.org www.piercecountycd.org
Page 4
1 lb. Soluble
Powder Concentrate
Total (prices include tax)
FIELD TRIPS and Events
If you want to be notified as new field
trips are offered, send your email address
to bhagens@net-venture.com Your
address will be used only to notify you of
new trips and you can cancel at any time.
DECEMBER
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wednesday, December 3rd - 8:00 AM to Noon
Join Phil Kelley on his weekly bird walks as he counts
the birds at Nisqually NWR. The group walks to an area
near the visitor’s center to view entry road estuary, and
then takes the boardwalk/trail loop out to the Twin
Barns and the Nisqually overlook area, then to the dike
and back to the Riparian Forest. Some may choose to
continue on the new estuary boardwalk extension,
which goes out toward the mouth of McAlister Creek.
It has benches and covered viewing areas. The walk
totals 2.0 miles roundtrip to the estuary boardwalk
extension, which is an additional 2 miles. Bring: Good
walking shoes or boots, raingear, water, snacks, and $3
for entry fee, unless you have a pass. Scopes are
welcome. Meet: At the Visitor’s Center Pond Overlook.
Directions: Take I-5 south from Tacoma and exit to
Nisqually NWR at exit 114; right at the light. Sign-up
not necessary. Call or email Phil Kelley, w/
questions--(360) 459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com
Theler Wetlands—Belfair
Thursday, December 4th - 8:00 AM to Noon
Join leaders Faye Hands and John Riegsecker of the
ABC Club of Tahoma Audubon for a walk through
this great estuary. For questions, contact Faye at
zest4parus@hotmail.com
Monthly Bird Walk at Adriana Hess
Monday, December 8th - Noon to 1:30 PM
Enjoy a guided bird walk through Adriana Hess Park
led by leader Rosanne Becker and Russ Smith
Wednesday, December 10th - 8:00 AM to Noon
(See previous description.)
Hansville/Point No Point
Saturday, December 13th - 8:30 AM to noon
We will warm up for the CBC with a return to
Hansville to look for overwintering waterfowl and
other interesting wildlife along the Puget Sound
shoreline and in the marsh at this Important Bird Area.
We’ll also bird Norwegian Point Park in “downtown”
Hansville. This will be a half-day trip. We will meet
at 8:30 a.m. at the lighthouse parking lot. Contact Al
Westphal. at westphalac@aol.com 206-780-7844
(e-mail preferred).
Kittitas County Birding in Winter
Sunday, December 14th - 6:30 AM to 9 PM
Leaders - Roger Orness and Charlie Wright Come enjoy
a day of winter-season birding in central Washington.
We will venture over Snoqualmie Pass and visit areas
including Swauk Prairie and South Cle Elum along
our route. Large numbers of raptors including Roughlegged Hawks and Prairie Falcons are seen wintering
in the open, snow-covered fields of Kittitas Valley.
Proceeding east we will reach the Columbia River at
Vantage, where waterfowl are sometimes present in
vast numbers. Some target species will include unusual
loons, waterfowl, and American White Pelicans. Chukar
are occasionally seen in the basalt outcroppings here.
Bring: Bring many layers of clothing for cold weather
conditions, a lunch, and snacks. Scopes are welcome.
Space is limited. Meet: At 6:30am at Auburn Safeway
at Auburn Way and Main St. Take Hwy. 18 to Auburn
and exit at Auburn Way. (Hwy 164). Turn north (right)
on Auburn Way and drive three blocks north. Safeway
sign and gas station will be on the left. Park in the
Safeway lot just beyond the gas station and straight out
from the Safeway door. We will meet and carpool from
there. Sign-up: Contact Charlie Wright, cwright770@
gmail.com, 253-468-4146. E-mail preferred.
Theler Wetlands--Belfair
Thursday, December 18th - 8:00 Am to Noon
Wednesday, December 31st - 8:00 AM to Noon
JANUARY
Wednesday, January 7th - 8:00 AM to Noon
Bradley Lake, Puyallup
Saturday, January 10th - 8:30 AM to noon
Meet at Bradley Lake Parking lot at 8:30AM Plan to
bird Bradley Lake, Orting Valley and possibly other
areas if birds of interest show up. Dress for the weather.
Finish about noon. Plan on walking one loop around
Bradley Lake and moderate walking other places. Bring
binoculars. I’ll have a spotting scope. No size limit
as there is good parking everywhere we will be going.
Contact Edward Pullen at edwardpullen@gmail.com
Winter
Birds
Marcus Roening’s
beginning birding
class enjoying a
chilly but rewarding field trip at
Titlow Park on
November 15.
A great time was
had by all and
several experienced Audubon
birders joined in.
Photo/Max Warner
RULES
Call TAS to register (253-565-9278). Some trips are people limited out
of necessity.
Notify TAS 24 hours in advance if you cannot come. Field trip leaders put in
a lot of time and planning and no-shows disrupt field trips. More than 3
no-shows a year can result in revoking opportunity to participate.
Arrive at the meeting place early.
No pets are allowed.
Be prepared for seasonal weather.
Bring lunch, drinks and snacks if the field trip is scheduled past mid-day.
All passengers divide total carpooling expenses. Current guidelines are
20 cents a mile per car, not including driver.
Beginners are always welcome.
Have fun.
Monthly Bird Walk at Adriana Hess
Monday, January 12th - Noon to 1:30 PM
Wednesday January 14th - 8:00 AM to Noon
Thursday, January 15th - 8:00 AM to noon
Wednesday, January 21st - 8:00 AM to Noon
Wednesday January 28th - 8:00 AM to Noon
EARLY BIRD NOTICE
Skagit Flats for Raptors and more
Saturday, February 7th - 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Join master birder Marcus Roening for the peak
season of raptors and the impressive Snow Geese
flocks of the Skagit Flats. Meet at the Tacoma
Dome Park & Ride, East G St. entrance, first
floor, south side, by 7:30 AM. Expected return by
dinner time. Maximum of 3 cars for a total of 10
+ 2 leaders. Expect to see large numbers of Bald
Eagles, Short-eared Owl, Northern Shrike, Roughlegged Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Snow Geese and
both Trumpeter & Tundra Swans. And we’ll hope
for an appearance this year by either a Snowy Owl
or Gyrfalcon. Register for the trip by contacting
Marcus at “marcus.d.roening at gsk.com” and for
questions call (253) 756-0215.
It’s our December
Sale!
At the
Adriana Hess
Audubon
Center
2917 Morrison Rd W
University Place, WA
Page 5
The Wa’atch River Valley near Hobuck Beach just southwest of town. Those little, tiny people are Laurel Parshall and Ken Brown.
Everyone needs a Hobby Rare sighting leads to birder flash mob
By Diane Yorgason-Quinn
A Eurasian Hobby at Neah Bay? It was like shouting
fire in a crowded theater!
A stampede of birders
headed to this last tip of land on the northwest corner
of Washington and the lower 48. It’s amazing that the
extra activity and weight didn’t sink it into the sea! A
group of hotshot birders including our own Charlie
Wright along with Ryan Shaw, Brad Waggoner, Ryan
Merrill, and Steve Mlodinow stumbled on the jackpot at
Neah Bay on October 26th.
Besides the Eurasian
Hobby, there were plenty of other rare birds including
Grasshopper Sparrow at same location, a Vega Gull
along the Wa’atch River, multiple Tropical Kingbirds
(usually seen singly, if at all), 2 Clay-colored Sparrows,
and an Orchard Oriole!
One theory is that Hurricane Ana as it dispersed from
Hawaii meddled with the currents and winds that
migrating birds were using. Another theory is that it’s
always this good at Neah Bay, but just not birded
enough for the word to be out. Maybe it’s something
between those two theories.
Amazingly, the Hobby, a small colorful falcon with
extra-long wings, stayed around for a week. A
Brambling on the town beach also stayed around, which
would have drawn crowds on its own! But that’s not
all! Other rarities included Swamp Sparrow, Nashville
Warbler, Eared Grebe, Rock Sandpiper, Rose-Breasted
Grosbeak nearby, Black-Legged Kittiwakes, Pine
Grosbeak, Clark’s Grebe, Glaucous Gull, Golden Eagle,
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Lucy’s Warbler, Cattle Egret,
Bullock’s Oriole, Lapland Longspur, and a potential
Common Grackle hybrid. The Hobby finally departed
after putting on a great show on November 1st, but
other rarities continued to show up and still continue.
Neah Bay is now a major birding destination in this state
and destined to be on our radar from now on.
The best weather day of the Hobby appearance was
its last day, November 1, 2014. That was the day that
four of us showed up at dawn at the last known Hobby
site after moteling at the Neah Bay Inn the night
before. Ed Pullen drove, and he had Ken Brown, Laurel
Parshall, and me as eager birders in his car. We staked
out the area near the sewage pond and transfer station
(always desirable birding spots!) along with dozens of
other birders and waited and waited and waited. More
and more birders arrived, and so did an odd Peregrine
Falcon lacking a complete helmet, possibly an immature
Tundrius, and a Merlin was also in the area to grab the
Part of the biggest group of birders in one place in our state.
eyes of people searching for falcons. As the day wore
on and the road began to look like a parking lot with
dozens of cars, the sun vaporized the dew and fog, and
coats came off. Finally a verified sighting of Hobby,
and then it landed so we could all verify it personally!
Happy yells went up, and a bunch of Pierce County
birders did a group hug (possibly instigated by
Marcus?). There were a lot of us out there!
Hobbies often hawk dragonflies out of the air, and
there were finally dragonflies high above us in the
sunshine, themselves hawking smaller prey. We were
able to see the Hobby fly back and forth at the elevation
of the nearby cliffs, understanding what he was doing
even if the dragonflies were invisible to us. He perched
several times in nearby conifers, allowing a hundred
scopes perfect views!
After our first views of the Hobby, we went into town
to search out the other rarities. The town beach had
the Brambling, Rock Sandpiper, and Black-Legged
Kittiwake, easy as pie!
Hummingbird feeders just
down the block hosted Orchard and Bullock’s Orioles, as
well as Anna’s Hummers. If not for the hummers, the
feeders wouldn’t have been out, and the Orioles
wouldn’t have been there to entertain us! The owners
of the house were very cooperative and happy to share
Photo/Brian Pendleton
Northern Pygmy Owl.
these birds with the world. There were probably five
Tropical Kingbirds cavorting as a small flock nearby,
usually seen singly every couple of years!
Our group then headed out to the mouth of the
Wa’atch River across the tip of the peninsula from the
town of Neah Bay to look for other rare gulls. We found
gulls all right, but the amazing sunlight was blinding
when looking at white birds. In spite of this we had
quite a good collection of gulls.
It was estimated that 150 birders were at Neah Bay
that day, many of them staying for multiple days. The
Makah Tribe was generous and cheerful with the crowds,
and it was a positive experience for all. One birder
likened the mass of birders to a flash mob, and that is
entirely apropos. Just say “Hobby,” and birders flock!
Toward the late day, our group stopped and
watched the Hobby one more time, reluctant to leave
it. But we were ready to move on, and so was that
little falcon. It wasn’t seen again, but once it was
gone, that’s when the Lucy’s Warbler, Blue-Gray
Gnatcatcher, and other rarities showed up, so no one
went home unhappy among the crowds that continued
to flock to this point of land that seemed to be
grabbing every bird from the air. It was a magical
moment in Washington birding.
Photo/ Mike Charest
Orchard Oriole, very rare in this state.
A cooperative Barred Owl posed for the group by the new boardwalk to Yesler Cove.
Book Club Field Trip to Montlake Fill with Connie Sidles
Story by Art Wang • Photos by Diane-Yorgason-Quinn
rare that your book club gets to enjoy a book
Ithet’sabout
a nearby site, then takes a field trip to see all
places (and some of the birds) in the book. It’s
even rarer to have the author as a personal guide for
the field trip!
Brambling!
Photo/Cara Borre
Star of the show: Eurasian Hobby, a small Falcon.
Connie Sidles updates the kiosk on the trail with
information about the latest bird sightings.
Rock Sandpiper, rarely seen this well!
Our birding group, left to right: Diane
Y-Q, David Pendleton, Brian Pendleton,
Ken Brown, Ed Pullen, Laurel Parshall.
Photo/Laurel Parshall
A couple of Tropical Kingbirds.
Cattle Egret.
Photo/Mike Charest
Rare Clay-Colored Sparrow.
Western Gull and Mahah canoe.
Bullock’s Oriole.
Black-Legged Kittiwake.
Spectacular scenery near Hobuck Beach .
Page 6
Tahoma Audubon’s Nature Book Club enjoyed In
My Nature, by Seattle author Constance Sidles, then
toured the Montlake Fill with Connie as our personal
guide.
In My Nature covers “A Birder’s Year at the
Montlake Fill” in a series of 32 essays about an
unique area. The Montlake Fill is a 75 acre “natural
area” right behind Husky Stadium, in the middle of a
highly urban location in Seattle. It was not always a
natural area, but was man-made with the creation of
the ship canal which lowered Lake Washington and
led to wetlands, which led to filling the wetlands with
garbage and dirt. The area was then restored to once
again become a natural area with varied habitats.
After enjoying the book for the Nature Book
Club’s September meeting, a group of Auduboners
(not all from the book club) met Connie at the Fill on
Sept. 28. She enthralled us for the next several hours
by telling us many stories as we took our time
strolling the area. Connie’s approach is to know this
small area and its birds intimately, rather than running
around chasing species in many locations. She
brings her trademark camp stool with her, so she can
sit and take her time observing.
We ran into birders from other Audubon chapters
as well, including some old friends. Connie and
other birders were able to tell us where to find
specific birds, such as where the gorgeous Wood
Ducks were swimming and where a cooperative
Barred Owl was perched.
The Montlake Fill is a delightful place to visit!
The charming town of Neah Bay with birders on shore.
Viewing ducks on the Main Pond, with Connie Sidles sitting on her trademark camp stool.
Page 7
Just the other day... Tahoma Audubon in Oct.-Nov., 1989
By Helen Engle
and support given to The Junior
Naturalists. John Slipp, Kathleen
LeGried-Flint and Dianne
Sekas were recognized and special
recognition went to Bob Ramsey who
AGO
initiated the Junior Naturalist Program.
Citations were given to the young
naturalists: Russell Dorsett, Scott
Haapala, Christopher Adams, Shannon
Watts, Andrew Wardlow, Grant Gosch, Amelia
Annest, Lisa Cary, Peter Christman, Megan
Christman, Solomon Simmons, John Cousins,
and David Schroedel.
TAS sponsored a 50-hour Master Birder
Class. The
instructors
were Bob
Sundstrom Secretariy of the WA Ornithological
Society & teacher of anthropology at Highline
Community College; Dr Gordon Orians of the
UW Institute for Envronmental Studies; John
Slipp of Conservation Northwest; Harriet Allen,
WA Dept. Fish & Wildlife; and Aargon Steel, Old
Growth specialist; Steve Penland, Urban
Biologist, WA Dept. Fish & Wildlife; along with Phil
Mattocks, Helen Engle and Adriana Hess,
Auduboners. Class participants promised 50
hours of service to Audubon for the 50 hours of
instruction.
Christmas Bird Count, Dec. 16, 1989, under the
leadership of Ken Brown and 8 team leaders: Betty
Heitman, Thais Bock, Ken Batker & Fred
25
Tahoma Audubon’s 1989 Birdathon
was congratulated by national, state,
and local Audubon staff for coming in
YEARS
first in our state and Western Region,
and second nationally among chapters
of over 1,000 members. Prizes were given
out to our members: Ruth & Patrick
Sullivan; Murray Hansen and Betty
Jones; Rosanne Becker, Bob & Georgia
Ramsey and Ken Brown; Victoria Olson, Wendy
Evans & Joe Harmon; the team of Joe & Alberta
McGuire, Maureen Bekstead, Pam Erstad,
Marcia Dombrosky & Diane Drugge; Richard
and Candy Stewart, Care DeLeeuw & Bill
Radford; and Joe Moore, the youngest birder. We had set a goal of $7,000 and raised
$9,189. Behind the scenes Thelma Gilmur phoned
to urge every member of TAS to support our
Birdathon!
WA’s Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) picked up
1581 acres of school trust land timber in the Mt. Si
area. The 6 million dollar sale will transfer this land
to the existing Mt. Si Resource Conservation Area
and the cash to the Common School Construction
Fund. The US Environmental Protection Agency, Region
10, congratulated the Metropolitan Park
District’s Nature Center and its staff for guidance
Reflections on thanks and giving
At our November TAS board meeting, board members
marveled at the level of Fall Appeal donations measured
by red “mercury” in a thermometer roughly drawn on
the white board. Already, so early in the campaign,
supporters were stepping up and acknowledging
that Tahoma Audubon (TAS) is an organization
accomplishing meaningful and compelling work. Once
again we circulated the celebratory dish of chocolates
around the table.
Besides a shared love of chocolate, what compells
me to venture forth on a dark chilly Fall evening to
discuss organizational business? I know that I’m
not unique in my early experiences with nature.
Like many, for me there was an adult guide. It was
my mother who introduced me to the art of outdoor
observation at a very young age. She taught me to
slow down on the trail and seek out the first flower of
spring, hear the call of the robin, and smell the sour rot
of a tree. She spoke a different language in the forest
~ a rich litany of names both Latin and common.
From her, I learned how precious our environment
is and that I have responsibilities to live my life in
harmony with nature.
I grew up with Audubon magazine sharing space
with National Geographic and others on the living room
coffee table. As I set up my own household, I continued
to donate to Audubon. Never a “birder,” but a lover of
birds and their habitat, I knew that my donations were
supporting causes that I deeply cared about.
When I was asked by someone I respect and admire
to consider joining the TAS board, I welcomed the
opportunity to contribute my time and skills to an
organization whose mission is important to me, my
grandchildren, and my community. And as I wrote
my check this time, I remembered where my love
of nature all began and contributed in her name.
Perhaps you too would like to honor or memorialize
a special person in your life.
– Martha Scoville, TAS Vice President
BIRDSONGS Page 8
Tobiason, Monica Roller,
Chirs & Nathan Chappell,
Burton Ostenson & Jim
Scearce, Stan Johnson,
and Patrick Sullivan. After
a full day in the field the birders convened at Stan &
Helen Engle’s home for the
Tally and Dinner.
WA Dept. Wildlife’s McNeil Helen Engle
Island area manager Murry from days of yore.
Schlenker reported a healthy
population of deer, 511 Harbor Seals on Gertrude
Island and plans to establish nesting tubs for
breeding Wood Ducks.
FIELD TRIPS: Hood Canal, Fort Flagler and stops
along the way, led by Ruth & Patrick Sullivan.
Waughop Lake, Ft. Steilacoom Park, led by Walt
Adams.
Quick Trips mid-week, from Snake Lake to local
places for about two hours, led by Joe McGuire.
Three Thurston County parks: Tolmie, Priest Point
& Burfoot, led by Joe & Berta Mc Guire. Skagit & Samish Flats plus Padilla Bay, led by Ken
Brown.
Day Island shoreline, Narrows Bridge and Titlow
Beach Park, led by Ruth & Patrick Sullivan.
Feedback, comments and reminiscences welcome.
Contact Helen at 253-564-3112 or Hengle@iinet.com.
Honorarium and Memorial Gifts
Let the memory of a special person live on through
a memorial gift to Tahoma Audubon. Giving a
contribution in the name of a deceased friend or
family member is a beautiful way to pay tribute
to his or her love of birds, wildlife and nature. The
memory of your loved one lives on in our educational
outreach, our conservation work, and all of our other
efforts to protect birds, wildlife and habitat.
You also may contribute in honor of anniversaries,
birthdays, graduations, weddings, or other special
occasions. A contribution given in someone’s honor
is another way to give thanks for someone special
in your life.
When you give a memorial gift, the person honored
or the family of the person memorialized will receive
an acknowledgement of your tax-deductible gift.
Your donation recognizes that person’s contribution
to our conservation efforts and at the same time it
broadens and continues their legacy by supporting
the work of Tahoma Audubon.
by Phil Buly
...photo o p
– from page 1
nestling for the last weekend in October! It was hanging
out with a very protective mother who gathered him into
her feathers when a threat approached (the threat was a
Coot!). All cameras clicked away on this little family.
Before this newsletter went to press in mid-November,
John went out to the lake again and found the grebelet
was still there, a little bit bigger, this time with both
parents. This little bird is destined to be King of the
Grebes, as it has outlived every one of its nest mates and
thrived in spite of being hatched so very late in the
season. John even contacted Dr. Dennis Paulson about
Recently
arrived
Golden-Crowned
Sparrows
were
still singing.
this, who agreed this guy was
less than 6-1/2 weeks old
when we saw it on this bird
Photo/Chris Nighswonger
walk in late October, but that
Double-Crested Cormorants.
this species can nest late with
immatures staying in juvenal
plumage for quite a few
months in spite of being
independent at 2 months of
age. Our bird was like those
young adult humans today
who stay with their parents
longer than usual. He’s kept
himself safe that way.
Photo/Chris Nighswonger
Luckily we had autumn
The park greened up with the rain.
color in the amazing
arboretum around the lake,
much of it planted by Dr.
Waughop, superintendent
from 1880 to 1897 of Western
State Hospital, and his wife.
Photo/Heather Roskelley
The old and unusual trees Gumballs on oak leaves are really oak wasp galls..
(Redwood!) brought out the
artistic senses of some of the photographers, and we had a lot
of fun with that. Laurel provided a lot of horticultural lore
about the park’s species. Later we walked away from the
Photo/Kathleen Miller
lake among the Garry Oaks, a native species at the
Fall color at the entrance to Waughop Lake.
northernmost tip of its natural range. As the oaks have
declined, oak-dependent birds and wildlife have also
declined, but not the fungi and wasps. We were there on
exactly the right day to find oak leaves of various colors at
our feet, being used as miniature serving trays for round oak
galls. These colorful balls looked festive, but they turned out
to be egg sacs for gall wasps, which luckily do not sting
Homo sapiens! Since they looked all the world like a fungus,
the group had to dissect one to see inside and of course
photograph the contents. No signs of the wasps at this point,
Photo/Susan Boynton
It’s not all birds and plants, as this beautiful
just more bright holiday ornaments from
This Cormorant photo with ducks illustrates the raindrops!
garnet beetle illustrates.
our natural world, beneficial to the wasp
and not really harmful to the oak. Though
this wasn’t the fungus it appeared to be,
mushrooms were everywhere, and a lot of
information was shared on the many
interesting forms, and the cameras clicked
away. After the field trip, more info on
gall wasps was passed around, and it looks
like most of us now have a new interest!
Walking through the oaks, Heather told
Photo/Art Wang
Photo/Susan Boynton
us of a sad sight she had seen a week
Here’s
what
Art’s
photo
of
the
redwood
looked
like.
Many ducks were on the lake including this Gadwall pair.
earlier when she was scouting for the field
trip, a Robin hanging lifelessly from a
limb where a length of fishing line had snared it.
As we neared that spot, there it was, but now
stripped to the bone. The unseen scavengers had
luckily not gotten caught in the line. Unfortunately,
it was too high for us to reach and remove the
line from the tree. Group guilt overcame us as
we realized again how destructive our species
can be to the natural world.
An interesting day taking pictures, comparing
notes on cameras and techniques, getting wet and
drying out several times, experiencing joy for the
survivor grebe chick and grief for the Robin
snared by humans. One of the nicest things was
being able to take our time when we came to a
visually stimulating sight, be it bird, tree, fungus,
or beetle. We’re looking forward to a similar
Photo/Kathleen Miller
Photos/Heather Roskelley
walk in a different season. We all took home the A recent Robin death due to human debris (fishing line). A week later durInteresting trees in the park. Art Wang
takes an artsy picture of a Redwood.
ing our field trip we found that Robin reduced to a skeleton.
best souvenirs, our own photographs!
Page 9
TAS Crossword puzzle
Pretty Plants in the Park
(Adriana Hess Park flora)
Across
1. Mythical strongman
6. Former Republican
Senator from Kansas
10. Perform poorly
14. Rockne, e.g.
15. Odd’s opposite number
16. Mountain in Eastern
Greece
17. Beautiful maiden in
Muslim belief
fashioned way
43. Hit hard, Biblically
speaking
44. Town in County
Kildare, Ireland
46. Sicilian spouter
47. Teary
49. Cooking measure:
abbr.
50. Relax for a bit
51. Upper register, musically speaking
19. Pronto!
54. Suit perfectly: 3
wds.
22. Bull or ram, e.g.
57. Sprite tinklers?
18. __ Louise, mild oath
by Rylla Goldberg
20. Churchy fleshy
fruit?
56. Ancient
Scandinavian symbol
23. Pasta alternative
63. Ms. Karenina of fiction
24. “I’ve had ___ of
this!”: 2 wds.
26. Bambi grown up?
30. Greek letter after zeta
31. Conger
32. Roughly: 2 wds.
33. Bar Mitzvah or
christening
35. Former Veep Al and
family
39. Pablo ___, Spanish
painter who lived in
France
41. Investigator’s search
for evidence the old-
64. Yellow, bipedal
Pokemon character
65. Hunter in the sky
66. Sullen
67. Encounter
68. Luminous clouds
69. Oklahoma city
3. Extol
4. Land measure
5. To bake eggs
6. Depresssion, emotionally speaking
7. To stuff oneself
8. Suggestive look
9. Complex substance
originating from a living
cell
10. Soapy blossom?
11. Slender Brazillian
palm
12. “This ___ there is.”:
2 wds.
13. Flower place?
21. Supports for coffins
25. Safecracker
26. Dips in liquid
27. Lace or ribbon, used
as decoration
28. Spore sac in certain
fungi
29. Billy Gruff’s soul
patch?
34. Explain in detail
71. On-line accounting
service
36. Learning by repeating what the teacher
says
Down
38. Card game
70. Choice word
1. Pain
2. Hammer or saw
37. Sea eagles
40. Embossed emblem
42. English composition
45. Dresses
48. To attack another’s
good name
51. Exchange one item
for another
52. Talk, talk, talk: 2
wds
53. Boredom
60. Citrus fruit that is
ripe when it’s green
55. Steak
58. Genesis homicide
victim
59. ___ the Red, noted
in Old Norse sagas
Art Wang elected to National Audubon Board
61. Soft part of the ear,
often the site of an earring
62. Scissor sound in the
salon
Answers
can be
found
below.
Exploring Nature
Book Club
Tahoma Audubon President
Art Wang will be elected
for a three-year term to
the Board of the National
Audubon Society, effective in
January. Art will be one of
nine Regional Directors on
the National Board and will
represent the Pacific Flyway
– North, Audubon chapters
in the states of Washington,
Oregon, and Alaska.
Tahoma
Audubon
coArt Wang
founder Helen Engle previously
served on the National Audubon Board. In recent
years, the structure of National Board membership
has changed to include two representatives from
Audubon chapters in each of the four flyways.
Art hopes to serve as a link between the
concerns of chapters and the national organization,
communicating in both directions. Many people,
even members, don’t realize that the national
organization and local chapters are separate
entities with separate memberships and separate
governing boards. Art has already been attending
regional meetings of chapters
in Washington and Oregon
in preparation for his new
position.
There are currently 29
members of the National
Board. The National Board
meets three times per year in
locations around the country
and sets policy for the
national organization.
Art has been a birder since
he was 12 years old and
a participant with Tahoma
Audubon for more than 40 years. He retired from
a career in Washington state government, where
he served in all three branches of government,
including 14 years as a legislator, nine years as
an agency director of the Office of Administrative
Hearings, and a short term as a judge on the Court
of Appeals.
Art will continue to serve as President of Tahoma
Audubon. He succeeds Marina Skumanich of
Seattle Audubon, who is completing six years on
the National Board.
Answers to above puzzle:
Support Tahoma Audubon Society while you shop!
Bartell Drugs is introducing
their new ‘B’ Caring Card, a
fundraising tool for local
schools, athletic groups,
churches and other qualifying
non-profits to earn money for
their organizations.
By simply shopping at one of
their 61 stores, up to 4% of your
purchase amount will be contributed to qualifying organizations of your choice.
Participating customer cardholders may designate up
to three schools/non-profit organizations to receive
contributions. The ‘B’ Caring Card is not a gift card so
no purchase is required up front.
Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org
In October, Sharon Selden facilitated a discussion on “The Big Burn”.
A lively discourse on how this fire
provoked the start of modern day conservation through the efforts of GifOur January book.
ford Pinchot and Teddy Roosevelt.
In November, Dorothy McBride facilitated the discussion on “Red Tails In Love”. Every member had favorite anecdotes and opinions regarding this “love story” in
Central Park.
In December, Martha Scoville facilitated the discusion
on “Feathers” An interesting and enjoyable discussion on
the natural history of feathers captured our keen interest.
Our next meeting will take place on January 6, 2015.
We are reading “Rare Encounters with Ordinary Birds”
by Lyanda Haupt.
The February Towhee will have our selected books for
the first half of 2015. All are welcomed to join us for our
discussions and trips! Meetings are held at Adriana Hess
Audubon Center. For more information, contact Martha
Scoville: mscoville@harbornet.com or 253-752-5014.
And be sure and check out Art Wang’s write-up of our
book club field trip on page 7.
Pick up a “B” Caring Card at
any local Bartell Drugs store or
stop by the Adriana Hess
Audubon Center.
Once registered, just have the
cashier swipe your ‘B’ Caring
Card when you checkout or you
can type in your 10 digit phone
number, and a percentage of
your total bill will be allocated to
your designated non-profit organization.
For more information, or to sign up to participate, ask
any Bartell Drugs employee associate. You can also
find additional information and register your card at
at www.eScrip.com/BCaringCard.
WELCOME to New and Returning Members
September 16 to November 15, 2014
Introductory Members
Analaura Ballard, Art Wagner, Barbara Bartak,
Brenda Bailey, Bridget Bohan, Carol Bartle, Cynthia
Lane, David Zink, Donna Nelson, Eleanor Aldrich,
Elizabeth Pinkerton, Gregory Yuckert, Judith Best,
Kathy Dugger, Katie McCarver, Kristi Anderson,
Linda Ball, Linda Kelley, Lonna Calas, Marilyn
McCoy, Mark Runions, Mark Stephens, Mary Ann
Walters, Mary Marsh, Merilyn Elliott, Patricia Leavitt,
Peter Altmann, Rachel Litchenberg, Rich & Carolyn
Tamler, Robin Kempf, Ronna Schwalk, Sally Bricka,
Sofya Kochubey, Sue Gibson, Sue Minahan, Tom
Daugherty, Toni Piazzon, William Robison.
Chapter Membership Renewals
Alan J Hultengren, Arthur Wang, Bill & Berrit
Price, C. Heuiser, Carol M Smith, Carol
McGonagill, Caroline Harris, Carolyn A
Sullivan, Cathy Hostetler, Christine
Henricksen, Diane Yorgason-Quinn,
Dorothy Ando, Dorothy Hudson, Dr. Philip & Karen
Craven, Elizabeth Wheeler, Gail K Hemphill, Gail Storrs,
Gerry & Susan Elston, Jan Wieser, Jody Hess, Joseph &
Kirsten Quinn, Judy Clark, Katherine & Dale Schimke,
Kathy Sommer, Katie Lichtenwalter, Ken Luthy, Sara
Siemens-Luthy, Lavonne Carr, Lewis Wallon, Marcus
Roening & Heather Ballash, Marguerite Marsh, Martha
Support TAS with this great promotion!
When you renew your Tahoma Audubon
Chapter or Joint Chapter and National
Membership through us and donate an
additional $50.00, you will receive a
$25.00 gift certificate to Wild Birds
Unlimited in Gig Harbor!This is a great
way for our members to support Tahoma
Audubon and all the great work we do in
Pierce County, and a great way to say
thank you to our members with a gift in
return for their generous donation.
A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to Jim Ulrich
of Wild Birds Unlimited for his continued
support of our organization.
Scoville, Mary Brasseaux, Mary Henry, Mary Kun, Mary
M Means, Melissa & Dennis A Sherwood, Mr. & Mrs. W
C Woodard, P. J. Huber, Pamela Boyles, Patricia J
Damron, Ruth Ann Mikels, Ruth H Daugherty, Selinda
Sheridan, Shelley & Terry Petersen, Shelley Parker, Steve
& Renee Copeland, Sue Taylor, Susan Eidenschink,
Susan Gordon, Vivian Jacqmin.
VOLUNTEER recognition
Welcome Lhamo Wangden
Lhamo Wangden has joined our
Tahoma Audubon Volunteer family.
Lhamo recently moved to the
Northwest from Berkeley California, where she volunteered for organizations such as Meals on Wheels
and the American Cancer Society.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking.
Lhamo has been part of the Audubon outreach team since October,
and is one of the Park Docents at the
Audubon Center.
“I wanted to be
part of a group that
takes action on the
issues that impact Lhamo Wangden
our environment. I
live on this planet, so it's my obligation to help take care of it!”
Stop by the Audubon Center and
welcome our new addition to Tahoma Audubon, Ms. Lhamo Wangden!
Help Tahoma Audubon get
5% of sales from Wild Birds
Unlimited in Gig Harbor If you are a Tahoma Audubon Society Member you will receive a free set
of “Bino-Straps” with your optics purchase. And, for EVERY purchase made
by a Tahoma Audubon Member, our chapter will receive 5% of the sale!
So, please visit the experts at Wild Birds Unlimited in Gig Harbor for
all your birding and optic needs and help YOUR Tahoma Audubon! If you are not a member of our chapter,
please join or renew today!
3120 ½ Harborview Drive
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
253-851-2575 or 800-851-2575
Like us on Facebook or go to gigharbor.wbu.com/
New Members
__Introductory Membership $20 All new members will receive a joint membership with National and Tahoma Audubon for 1 year, including the Audubon Magazine and
The Towhee mailed to your home.
C9ZY020Z
Membership
Tahoma Audubon is the Pierce County Chapter of National
Audubon. As an Introductory Member of TAS, you will
receive a joint membership with National and Tahoma
Audubon with Audubon Magazine for one year. New membership levels have been added for chapter membership
renewals. Renewing your chapter membership ensures that
we can collectively continue to do our work in Pierce County.
At all levels, Tahoma Audubon members will receive a discount for classes and workshops where fees are paid; a 10%
discount in our Nature Shop, support of Important Bird Areas
(IBA) and state and national conservation agendas; a newsletter (The Towhee) mailed to their home, unless they opt for an
electronic notification; free participation in field trips; free
family events; recognition in our newsletter and annual
report; and invitations to special events and volunteer opportunities. Oak, Cedar, and Fir membership levels will receive
invitations to exclusive events. Additionally, all membership
fees are 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
New Chapter Membership Levels:
INDIVIDUAL LEVELS
___Individual Renewal $30
___Senior Individual* (65y.o.+) $25
___Student/Jr. Audubon $15
(Under 18 and/or college students)
HOUSEHOLD LEVELS
___Oak $600yr or $50/mo. online
___Cedar $300yr or $25/mo. online
___Fir $144yr or $12/mo. online
___Family $40
___Military (active & retired) $35
*Tip: If you have more than one senior in your household and would like to both be members and
receive full benefits, consider joining at one of the household levels, which would cost less than 2 senior
memberships.
Member(s) Name: ________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________
City______________________________________ Zip__________________
Phone: Home ____________________ Message ________________________
e-mail: _________________________________________________________
You may also join or renew online at: www.tahomaaudubon.org
We also encourage you to support National Audubon Society by renewing directly with them.
Checks payable to: Tahoma Audubon 2917 Morrison Rd. W. University Place, 98466
Tahoma Audubon Society, established in 1969, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible.
Page 11
Annual Meeting & Banquet:
Changing Tides of the Salish Sea
On Saturday, February 28, 2015, 5:30pm, at the Temple
Theatre Ballroom, Landmark Convention Center in Tacoma.
Registration: Tahoma Audubon Members - $45 by Feb. 2
General Public or Tahoma Audubon Members after Feb. 2 - $65
Enjoy an evening with
Northwest favorite, Dana
Lyons. Dana is a singer,
songwriter, humorist and
environmental
advocate.
See more and listen to music
from his recent release, The
Great Salish Sea, on his website cowswithguns.com.
Special
Other highlights of this eveguest –
ning of camaraderie include
Dana Lyons
fine dining featuring Pacific
Salmon with vegetarian options, awards ceremony to recognize distinguished service of members and the community,
election of the board, raffle grand prize drawing, and a special
twist to the lively dessert fundraiser!
New members and non-members are all welcome!
Yes, I want to attend the 46th Annual Banquet!
Tahoma Audubon Member registration: $45 per person by February 2
# of guests x $45 = $
General Public or any registrations after February 2: $65 per person
# of guests x $65 = $ Total amount paid: Names of all guests: Please note any meal restrictions or special requests: Include this form and send a check payable to:
Tahoma Audubon, 2917 Morrison Rd W, University Place WA 98466
Pre-registration is required. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Registration deadline: Feb. 14
To register: 1) Mail your check with this form, or 2) Go online to tahomaaudubon.org and pay via
brownpapertickets.com, or 3) Contact Paulette at Tahoma Audubon at 253-565-9278 or by email at
ppeterson@TahomaAudubon.org. Pre-registration is required. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
Member Discount deadline is Feb 2! Deadline for all other registrations is February 14!
Member photos
Photos/Heather Roskelley
Photo/Cara Borre
Left: A very rare bird,
Northern Wheatear,
seen at the Point
Robinson lighthouse
on Vashon Island in
October.
Above, from Heather Roskelley: “I
saw an interesting sight in mid-September
in my backyard, when two young male
Northern Flickers seemed to be doing a
territorial dance. They confronted each
other, moving their upper bodies from left
to right and pointing their beaks upward.
While doing this repeatedly, they called
‘wicka, wicka, wicka.’ What was also interesting is that the flicker on the right is a
hybrid - it shows the red nape of a Yellowshafted Northern Flicker.”
Calendar
Unless otherwise stated:
To register for field trips, call (253)
565-9278. To register for education
classes, call (253) 591-6439. See
further descriptions inside. Check our
calendar online at TahomaAudubon.
org for more information and updates
DECEMBER 2014
Monthly Birdwalks at Adriana Hess
Mon Dec 8 12pm - 1:30pm. Details page 5.
Wed Dec 10 8am - 12pm. Details page 5.
TAS Board Meeting
Thu Dec 11 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon
Board. Guest Welcome, please call ahead at
(253) 565-9278.
All day 115th Christmas Bird Count
Sat Dec 20. Details page 1.
MONTHLY PROGRAMS
Wed Dec 24 2:30pm - 4:30pm. Details page 5.
NO DECEMBER MEETING
Rainier Audubon (Kent/Auburn) CBC
Sun Dec 28
Contact Alex at Cooperjuchems@max.com.
January Membership Meeting
JANUARY 2015
Wednesday
Vashon CBC (includes part of Gig Harbor)
Sun January 4: . Contact Diane Y-Q at
Avosetta@hotmail.com.
Exploring Nature Book Club - discussion!
Tue Jan 6 1:30pm - 3pm. Details page 10.
Hansville/Point No Point
Sat Dec 13 8:30am - 12pm. Details page 5.
Wed Jan 7 8am - 12pm. Details page 5.
Kittitas County Birding in Winter
Sun Dec 14 6:30am - 9:30pm. Details page 5.
TAS Board Meeting
Thu Jan 8 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon
Board. Guests Welcome: please call ahead at
(253) 565-9278.
Thu Dec 18 8am - 12pm. Details page 5.
Bradley Lake field trip, Puyallup
Sat Jan 10 8:30am - 12pm. Details page 5.
Please join us for a presentation
on Tanzania’s wildlife by Dan
Streiffert. Dan is a retired software
engineer spending much of his
retirement taking photos of birds.
He is currently Chair of Rainier
Audubon Society. He will present a
quick overview of the amazing
wildlife including 40 bird species, a
lion chase, and the famous wildebeest crossing of the Mara River.
The Membership meeting and program goes from 7:30 p.m. - 9:00
p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting held at The Tacoma Nature
Center, 1919 S Tyler in Tacoma.
Mon Jan 12 12pm - 1:30pm. Details page 5.
FEBRUARY 2015
Wed Feb 4 8am - 12pm. Details page 5.
Thu Jan 15 8am - 12pm. Details page 5.
Membership Committee meeting
Thu Jan 22 6:30pm - 8pm
Wed Jan 28 8am - 12pm.
Details page 5.
Skagit Flats for Raptors and More
Sat Feb 7 7:30am - 6pm. Details page 5.
Mon Feb 9 12pm - 1:30pm. Details page 5.
Wed Feb 11 8am - 12pm. Details page 5.
TAS Board Meeting
Thu Feb 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Great Backyard Bird Count
Fri Feb 13 - Mon Feb 16
For additional information:Tahoma Audubon - 253-565-9278; or www.tahomaaudubon.org Or The Tacoma Nature Center:253-591-6439 or www.metroparkstacoma.org

photo p - Tahoma Audubon Society

Transcription

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