October/November 2015 - Tahoma Audubon Society

Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969.
Vol. 46 No 5
October/November 2015
Outdoor Theater
With a Cast of Thousands! (of Swifts)
By Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Applause broke out at the climax of a great spectacle. Twenty-six people of all ages celebrated after
thousands of swifts funneled into the chimney at
JBLM. A last little guy flew around looking for his
friends, then figured it out, and the show was over.
That was a fine summer night we experienced on
September 13th at JBLM when we stretched out on
lawn chairs, enjoyed our theater snacks, and watched
a thrilling live, better than advertised show! About
7000 swifts did their aerial song-and-dance act just
for this lucky group, teasing us for more than hour
before bringing down the curtain into the chimney.
A short video of the JBLM swifts taken on
September 6th at the previous week’s count can be
viewed online here: tinyurl.com/p4wpu3z
However, the week before on September 5, a
similar group gathered at Selleck in south King
County and had a different experience. This show
had been put off a week due to weather conditions,
but in persistent stormy weather we headed out
anyway, hoping for the best. As we neared Selleck,
we were hit by a torrential downpour complete with
See "Swifts" on page 6
Left, the rain let up in Selleck, and the sky filled with Swifts! Below, the crowd gathers at the JBLM site.
Photo/Laurel Parshall
Photo/Diane Yorgason Quinn
Upcoming membership meetings:
Learn about NW native plants
n October 15th, Sarah Reichard, direcOCTOBER
tor of UW Botanic Gardens, will present
Wildlife in Your Garden: Welcome Guests
PROGRAM
or Unwanted Pests? Many people strive to provide
Thur, Oct 15
habitat to attract wildlife, while others take out a
7:30 pm - 9 pm
second mortgage to build deer fences. Through Dr.
Reichard’s own experience in her garden, the
NOVEMBER
scientific literature, and
the audience’s shared
PROGRAM
experiences, we will
Thur, Nov 19
explore this conun7:30 pm - 9 pm
drum. Dr. Reichard is
the Orin and Althea
Soest Professor for Urban Horticulture at the University of Washington and is the Director of the
UW Botanic Gardens (The Washington Park Arboretum and the Center for Urban Horticulture.
O
Dr. Sarah Reichard
See "membership programs" on page 2
And the winners are…
Thank you to everyone for making this year’s Birdathon so much fun
and such a success! Special thanks to
our field trip leaders, birders, and our
generous sponsors & donors…we
couldn’t do it without you! To show
our appreciations, we invited all supporters to the Grand Cinema in
Tacoma for a special free showing of
a Birders Guide to Everything on
September 19th.
Team Towhee, led by Rosanne
Becker and Joann Sims, brought in
the highest amount – with over
$2500 in donations! They will receive
a $100 gift certificate from Wild Birds
Unlimited in Gig Harbor. Great job
ladies! Brian Sullivan, Ken & Nell
Batker came in second place on their
trip to Ocean Shores and Nisqually
Wildlife refuge and will receive a $50
gift certificate from Gardensphere.
The prize for most species seen
goes to Art Wang, who receives the
$75 WBU Gift Certificate counting
123 species on his trip to Moses
Lake. Peter Wimberger takes sec-
Grays Harbor Oil Proposal Hearing
The Department of Ecology scheduled two public
hearings on the proposed Westway and Imperium oil
terminals in Grays Harbor.
The first was held October 1 in Elma; the second will
be October 8 in Aberdeen. Submit comments online
here and/or come to the hearing with us.
Learn more about Audubon's response, sign up to attend or carpool with us. Click here.
Read more about oil in Grays Harbor on page 9.
See "Birdathon" on page 5
In this issue:
25 Years Ago
page 8
Birdsongs
page 10
Book Club
page 10
Calendar
page 12
Conservation Matters
Crossword Puzzle
page 3
page 10
Education
page 4
FeederWatch
page 3
Field Trips
New Members
Oil in Grays Harbor
page 5
page 11
page 9
Philanthropy is for the birds
By Bob Furman, TAS Board Member
Philanthropy (from the Greek) means a love of
humanity in the sense of caring, nourishing, developing and enhancing, “What it is to be human.”
Philanthropy most often takes the form of a financial donation to a worthy organization.
Many years ago, my family members decided
there must be a better way to celebrate birthdays,
anniversaries and the holidays other than individual presents throughout the year. We decided to
give philanthropic donations to the non-profit
organization(s) of our choice in the name of family
members. We feel good about this and get a tax
break too! We don’t have to worry about what to
get, color, size, shipping and postage. We only
donate once year during the holiday season.
Last year I made my family donation to the
Tahoma Audubon Society. I plan to do this every
holiday season to come. While I donate to TAS, I
may donate to other organizations as well.
As fall begins and we enter this season of giving
and gratitude, I invite you to consider this way to
celebrate and honor family members and friends.
Your gift could be a Tahoma Audubon membership
in their name, donating to the Tahoma Audubon
Fall Annual Appeal, Birdathon or general donation
in their name(s). Remembering family members
through estate planning and the TAS Feathered
Nest Circle and endowment at The Greater Tacoma
...membership programs
from page 1
Our November speaker, John Nicholson.
She is the author of The Conscientious Gardener: Cultivating a Garden Ethic (University of California Press)
and co-editor of Invasive Species in the Pacific Northwest (University of Washington Press). She studies the
biology of both rare and invasive species.
Each month Tahoma Audubon offers a free presentation on a variety of environmental topics, drawing from
regional speakers and members. Topics range from
local birding to international conservation to eco-travel
to local conservation issues.
Meetings are free and open to the public. We usually
have some complimentary snacks and beverages o
hand. Donations welcome. Doors open at 7pm with time
for socializing and a short time for announcements, followed by the formal presentation starting at 7:30pm.
Community Foundation leaves a permanent legacy
and is another way to support Tahoma Audubon’s
mission of connecting people with birds, other
wildlife, and their habitats through conservation,
education and recreation.
Our bird friends and your family members will
thank you every day of the year. Philanthropy
really is for the Birds. Happy Holidays!
Bob is a member of the TAS Board of
Directors. Growing up, his father was
President of the Oklahoma Audubon
Society. Through Audubon, they
became friends with George Miksch
Sutton, Professor of Ornithology at
the University of Oklahoma and noted
bird artist. Three of Sutton’s paintings
Bob Furman
adorn the walls at TAS.
On November 19, John Nicholson, an award
winning photographer, and Swarovski Optik representative, will present: See the World Through
New Eyes -- learn and experience the fun way to
capture images of nature. He will lead a free digiscoping workshop with a special focus on smartphone
photography. John is a lifelong avid outdoorsman and
amateur wildlife photographer who has perfected the
simple secrets to getting great, highly magnified nature
images using his smartphone paired with a binocular or
spotting scope. He’ll share his enthusiasm for this terrific way to quickly capture images and share them
with friends (perhaps to get help with a puzzling ID
question?). He claims, “Anybody can do this,” and
can’t wait to show us how fun and easy it can be!
Though you don’t need to have Swarovski equipment
to attend, John will be demonstrating using his iPhone
and the great new gear that Swarovski has developed
to make smartphone digiscoping a snap.
Tahoma Audubon Society's
Feathered Nest Circle
We’re 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 May 15, 2015.
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
The Pierce County Chapter of
The National Audubon Society
Donna Cooper Pepos*
Barbara Petersen
Marcus Roening & Heather Ballash
Sarah C. Sloat*
Beatrice E. Thompson*
Darby Veeck & Kristin Lynett
*Deceased
Located in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park
2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466
Front desk 253-565-9278
Tahoma Audubon Staff
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
Geoff Lawrence Treasurer
Jerry Broadus Secretary
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.
The Towhee is published bi-monthly, 6 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 month
prior to publication and may be sent by e-mail, disk, or typed.
• Editor: robert_kelton@mac.com • Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings
• Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: robert_kelton@mac.com • Printing: Consolidated Press
Thelma Gilmur
Margie Shea
Lloyd Fetterly
Ione Clagett
Nalani Linder
Robert Mack
Javier Figueroa
Jerry Broadus
Bob Furman
Kris Sherman
Find us on Facebook and Twitter!
Printed on recycled newsprint
Page 2
www.tahomaaudubon.org
October/November 2015
CONSERVATION Matters
Loss of forest snags in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Did you know that trees can be more
important for wildlife dead than alive?
When trees die, their wood softens and
rots providing places for animals to create cavities that are used as nest and
shelter sites. In the northwest, nearly
100 species of wildlife use snags including some of our favorite birds
such as woodpeckers, bluebirds, owls,
nuthatches, chickadees, wrens, ducks,
swifts, swallows, and kestrels.
But did you also know that due
to outdated policies, the OkanoganWenatchee National Forest allows the
What’s a snag?
In forest ecology, a snag refers to a standing, dead or dying tree, often missing a top or
most of the smaller branches.
Large standing snags provide
critical habitat for many species
both faunal and avifaunal such
as woodpeckers that feed on
insects dwelling in decomposing wood. Because snags are
a result of decay, they are soft
enough for woodpeckers and
other cavity excavators to make
entrance holes and cavities.
Snags often lack branches and
dense canopies which allow for
unobstructed flight movements
by birds during predation. This
makes snags optimal habitat for
woodpeckers such as the Pileated woodpecker which create
the majority of cavities used by
secondary cavity users in forest
ecosystems.
Photo by Gregg M. Erickson
Sweeping view of the Methow Valley and the summit of Goat Peak in the Okanogan National Forest.
public to cut down snags? The Okanogan Wenatchee manages nearly 1.5 million acres and some of the most beautiful pine forests of the eastern Cascade
Range. This forest is home to five atrisk woodpecker species in Washington
State, including the black-backed woodpecker, white-headed woodpecker, Pileated woodpecker, Lewis’ woodpecker,
and American three-toed woodpecker.
Other cavity-nesting birds threated by
snag-habitat loss include the flammulated owl, mountain bluebird, and pygmy
nuthatch. Yet every year, hundreds to
thousands of snags in these birds’ home
territories are cut down by woodcutters,
hunters, and campers.
Join us in a campaign to educate
land managers with the OkanoganWenatchee to let them know the value of
snags in our forests. Let them know that
snags are vital components of our forests
and snag felling should not be permitted
for healthy forest management.
• Nearly every other land management
agency in Washington prohibits snag
felling because of the value of snags
for wildlife. Agencies that prohibit
snag felling include Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympic National Forest, Gifford
Pinchot National Forest, Mount Baker
Snoqualmie National Forest, Mount
Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument, North Cascades National Park,
Mount Rainier National Park, and
Olympic National Park.
•
The Okanogan-Wenatchee allows
snag-felling under conditions of a
woodcutting permit. However, snagfelling is not regulated leading to overharvest of snags each year.
• Illegal woodcutting is common, includes other illegal activities such
as off-road driving, cutting within
streams and water, cutting in areas
marked ‘closed to woodcutting’, and
cutting of snags with white-headed
and black-backed woodpecker nests.
• Woodcutting is allowed during the
sensitive nesting season for birds
and woodcutters are allowed to cut
snags immediately adjacent to active
nest trees. The noise and disturbance
caused to nesting birds can be extreme
and has led to nest abandonment in
black-backed woodpecker, three-toed
woodpecker, and bluebirds.
The collective power of the Audubon
network in Washington can make a difference. Please consider contacting the
local forest staff and let them know that
the loss of snags means the loss of forest
birds and the loss of overall forest biodiversity and resilience.
Mike Williams, Forest Supervisor
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA 98801
Mrwilliams01@fs.fed.us • 509-664-9323
Kelly Lawrence, District Ranger
Naches Ranger District
10237 US Hwy 12, Naches, WA 98937
kellylawrence@fs.fed.us • 509-653-1415
Contact information for OkanoganWenatchee National Forest Headquarters
staff can be found here: www.fs.usda.
gov/detail/okawen/about-forest/offices
For more information please contact
woodpecker biologist, Philip Fischer, at
pcfischer@gmail.com.
Tell FeederWatch and let the world know what happens at your feeder
Chickadees, Bushtits, Northern Cardinals, and
other feeder birds carry an important message
about the health of bird populations and our environment. In order to decode that message, people just need to count their birds and report what
they see to Project FeederWatch. The 29th season
of this Cornell Lab of Ornithology citizen-science
project is about to begin. The door is open for
new participants and more observations.
FeederWatch begins November 14, 2015, and
continues through mid-April 2016. New and returning participants are urged to sign up now at www.
FeederWatch.org to enjoy the full season. The project is easy to do and makes a great family activity.
”We learn so much from the information people
report to us, and the data become more and more
valuable as time goes by,” says project leader
Emma Greig. “This is how we learned that
Bushtits
are
increasing in the
western part of
the country and
that more Yellowrumped Warblers
are appearing in
the East.”
A new tool on
the FeederWatch
Photo by Thomas Meinzen
website makes it
More Bushtits are showing
easy for everyone
up in FeederWatch reports
to see the trends,
from western states.
such as the
Bushtit and warbler increases, along with many
others that decades of data reveal.
“With this new tool, anyone can
make discoveries about bird populations using the millions of
FeederWatch data points, with just a
few clicks of their mouse,” says
Greig.
Look at reports for one
species, compare two
species, or compare
trends in different parts
of the country. The new
trend graphs are in the
Explore section of the
FeederWatch website.
“One trend we’d like to
see is more bird reports
coming in from cities,”
Greig
explains.
“During the past 27
years of FeederWatch,
we’ve only had reports
of Monk Parakeets from
136 participants out of more
than 50,000. We’re very interested in this invasive species
which has established breeding
populations in cities from a few
escaped caged birds. And overall,
we need to hear from people with
feeders in cities to make sure we’re
October/November 2015 getting a good sample of urban species.”
Join the 20,000 Feeder-Watchers from around
the U.S. and Canada who already make
this an important part of their year and
contribute vital information to science
while enjoying their feeder visitors.
To learn more about joining
Project FeederWatch in the
U.S. and to sign up,
visit www.FeederWatch.
org or call the Cornell Lab
toll-free at (866) 989-2473.
In return for the $18 fee ($15
for Cornell Lab members),
participants receive the
FeederWatcher Handbook
and Instructions with tips on
how to successfully attract
birds to your feeders, an
identification poster of the
most common feeder
birds, and a calendar.
Participants
also
receive Winter Bird
Highlights, an annual
summary of FeederWatch findings, as well as the Cornell Lab’s
printed newsletter, All About
Birds News.
Project FeederWatch is a joint
research and education project of
the Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada.
Illustration/ JL Hirten
www.tahomaaudubon.org
Page 3
Nature Education & Adventures • October-November
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.
Rain or shine! Children must be accompanied by adults.
Oct 2 9:00am – 12:00pm
Oct 10 9:00am – 12:00pm Green Tacoma Day
Nov 6 9:00am – 12:00pm
Nov 20 9:00am – 12:00pm
TNC Family Programs & Adventures
Family Nature Walks - All ages welcome, free
Explore Tacoma Parks during these seasonal naturalistled 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.
Oct 3
1pm – 2pm Swan Creek Park – 2820 Pioneer Way E
Oct 10 10am – 11am Wapato Park – 6500 S. Sheridan Ave.
Oct 10 1pm – 2pm Oak Tree Park – S. 74th St. & S. Cedar St
Oct 17 1pm – 2pm Tacoma Nature Center – 19th & Tyler
Oct 31 10am – 11am Wapato Hills Park – 6231 S. Wapato St.
Nov 7 10am – 11am Titlow Park – 8425 6th Ave.
Nov 14 10am – 11amMcKinley Park – 645 Upper Park St.
Night Walk
Ages 7 and up, $6.00/person. Discover who goes bump
in the night at the Tacoma Nature Center. Walk the trails
after dark and learn about the nocturnal residents of the
park. Cocoa and cookies after. Pre-registration required.
October 17
7:30pm – 9:00pm
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 nighttime adventure as you explore hundreds of mysterious
life forms below the docks with experienced naturalists! End the evening with some hot cocoa. Each child
requires one adult companion. Pre-registration required.
Point Defiance Marina
Nov 14 7:30pm –9:00pm
Foss Waterway Seaport
Oct 24 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Blake Island Family Paddle
Ages 7+, $30/participant, $27/TNC Member Participant
Kayak with your family out to Blake Island. This beautiful Marine State Park is only accessible by boat. Equip-
ment and instruction provided. Meet at the Southworth
Ferry Terminal, directions at metroparkstacoma/outdoor.
Pre-registration required.
October 4 10:00am – 1:00pm
TNC Adult Kayak Trips
Nisqually Delta Naturalist Led Paddle
Ages 18+, $75/participant, $67.50/TNC Member Participant. Join us for an evening paddle in one of the largest
saltwater estuaries in the South Sound. Learn about all
kinds of birds, sea life and plants from an expert naturalist as you paddle. Meet at Luhr Beach, directions at metroparkstacoma/outdoor. Pre-registration required.
October 10 2:00pm – 5:00pm
TNC 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 Lauren with questions or for more
info at 591-6439 or laurenb@tacomaparks.com.
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.
Oct 8 1:00pm – 3:00pm Inquiry & Investigations
Nov 5 1:00pm – 3:00pm How Things Work
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, add and subtract fractions.
Oct 15 9:30am – 11:30am Strange but True
Nov12 9:30am – 11:30am
The Inside Story
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.
Oct 22
Oct 23
Nov 19
Nov 20
1:00pm – 3:00pm S.T.E.M. Designing Solutions
1:00pm – 4:00pm Lab: Designing Solutions
1:00pm – 3:00pm S.T.E.M. Systems & Models
1:00pm – 4:00pm Lab: Systems & Models
Just for Kids
School’s Out Geocache Adventure
Ages 10-14, $30/participant, $27/TNC member
Spend the day off on a treasure hunt. Navigate through
Point Defiance Park looking high and low for caches.
Learn GPS navigation skills while exploring with new
friends. Pre-registration required.
November 11
10:00am – 1:00pm
TNC Special Events
Native Plant Sale – October 3, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Landscape your yard with plants that are native to our
area. Planting natives ensures the conservation of our
precious water resources and provides habitat for local
birds, mammals and insects. A list of available plants
will be posted on tacomanaturecenter.org by 1:00pm on
Friday, October 2. Come early for the best selection.
Tahoma Audubon Family Programs
Bird Walk with Rosanne Becker
All ages welcome, free. Enjoy a guided bird walk through
Adriana Hess Park led by Rosanne Becker and Russ Smith.
October 14
10:00am – 11:30am
November 9
10:00am – 11:30am
Tahoma Audubon Adult Education
Beginning Birding
Ages 18 and up, $60/Audubon member, $75/non-member
Are you interested in learning skills to identify birds on
your own? Then this is the class for you! Marcus Roening is a Master Birder and past-President of both Washington Ornithological Society and Tahoma Audubon Society. Class includes two local field trips on Nov 7 & 14,
9:00am - noon. Transportation for field trips not included
- carpooling encouraged. Call (253) 591-6439 to register.
Class meets at Tacoma Nature Center.
Mondays, November 2 – 16, 6:45pm – 9:00pm
Girl Scout Workshops were omitted from this printed list,
but can be found online at TacomaNatureCenter.org
1919 South Tyler Street
Tacoma WA
(253) 591-6439
metroparkstacoma.org
Open Mon – Sat 9:00am - 4:00pm
Meet Cait Mitchell, Teen Intern
By Margie Shea
Caitriona (Cait) Mitchell, age
16, spent her summer working
full-time as the Tahoma
Audubon Teen Education
Intern at the nature day camps
held at Tacoma Nature Center.
Cait Mitchell
Cait has been a volunteer with
nature programs for the past four years. She applied
for the internship because she enjoyed volunteering at
nature camps and had seen how much experience the
previous teen interns gained from the job. “This was
my first official job, and I wanted to gain the
experience of showing up every day and having more
responsibility. Also, I wanted to improve my teaching,
which I got the chance to do as well.” When asked
what she learned about herself Cait said, “I am better
at doing things last minute than I thought – like
teaching a lesson or game that I just learned that
morning. Campers seemed to really like me, although
I wasn’t always sure why, and I am really good at
accomplishing tasks and projects when I put my mind
to it.” These are skills she recognized would be put
to good use as she started her Junior year at the
Tacoma School of the Arts (SOTA) this fall.
Cait found that there were a lot of different experiences
for her during the internship, most of which she
Page 4
expected, but some surprises. “The highlights were all
the moments working with kids when they just seemed
to really be enjoying themselves and having a good
time. A good example is the nature hikes where I got to
teach the campers, but also to talk with them. One
week I hiked with a group of older campers and missed
their next hike because I was busy with something else.
When I joined them on their following hike, one kid
said, ‘Oh good, you’re coming with us today!’ which
pretty much made my day”.
The internship includes a stipend made possible
because of donations from Tahoma Audubon
members, individual contributions, and from the
proceeds of the dessert fundraiser at the annual
membership banquet. Cait’s plan is to save the
money for her high school senior year trip, called the
Service and Study Tour. She sees it “as an amazing
opportunity to travel and help communities.” It is an
expensive program which does group fundraising, but
each student is also expected to contribute, and she is
grateful to have her internship stipend to help out.
Although Cait often went home exhausted at the end
of each camp, she knew it was worth it. “It was a
great learning experience and a lot of fun! I wouldn’t
change my decision to dedicate my whole summer to
the job for anything, even though I had to get up early,
and I am not a morning person!” While she had lots
of favorite moments, at the end of the last week she
www.tahomaaudubon.org
Photos/Margie Shea
Cait enjoyed teaching kids the joys of nature.
had a parent thank her and tell her what a good time
her children had over the summer with her. “Then”,
Cait said, “one of her kids gave me a big hug, which
was kind of a perfect way to end.”
October/November 2015
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.
OCTOBER
Ft. Steilacoom Park
Tuesday, October 6th, 8:00 AM to 11:00AM
Lakewood’s 342 acre park offers a diversity of habitat
ranging from open meadows, brushy areas, hillsides,
deciduous groves, coniferous woodland, and Waughop
Lake. There are numerous foot trails throughout the
park making excellent access for birding that has included 143 species identified within the park. Join Russ
Smith, rain or shine (unless torrential). Contact Russ at
wrsmith@msn.com if you need further info. Reservations are not needed. Birders of all ages and skill levels
are welcome. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you
have them. Wear footwear and clothing appropriate for
the weather. Walk will include a loop around the lake as
well as some of the surrounding meadows and woodlands at a leisurely pace, estimated to be 1-2+ miles and
several hours. Birders may leave at any time. Meet at
gravel parking lot between barns and Waughop Lake,
west end of lot nearest lake. Enter Ft Steilacoom Park
off Steilacoom Blvd, turn south at the traffic light at the
northeast corner of the park at the intersection with 87th
Ave SW, then turn right into the park and immediately
left around the south side of the playfields, proceed to
end of Dresden Lane to gravel parking lot past barns.
Russ Smith 253-565-1603 wrsmith@msn.com
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wednesday, October 7th--8:00 AM to 11: AM
Join Phil Kelley on his weekly bird walks as he counts
the birds at Nisqually NWR. The group walks over to an
area near the visitor’s center to view the entry road estuary, and then takes the boardwalk/trail loop out to the
Twin Barns and the Nisqually overlook area. From there,
the group walks 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. So
whole walk is up to 4 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. Take a right at the light. Sign-up is not necessary. Call
or email Phil Kelley, if you have questions--(360) 4591499, scrubjay323@aol.com.
Second Sunday at Morse
Sunday October 11th –10 AM to 5 PM
An invitation for the public to visit Morse Wildlife Preserve on second Sundays from April through October.
Walk the traditional trails to appreciate the forest and
prairie, take a close look at wetlands habitat by way of
an extraordinary boardwalk, then explore the extended
trail loops and newly-accessible habitats beyond. Friends
of the Morse Wildlife Preserve are actively seeking volunteers to help greet and direct visitors who come to the
preserve on Second Sunday and, on other days, joining
work parties to keep the preserve in good shape, cleaning
up the trails and keeping invasive weeds at bay. (See box,
below, left, for more info.)
Monthly Bird Walk at Adriana Hess
Monday, October 14th –10 AM to 11:30 AM
Enjoy a guided bird walk through Adriana Hess Park led
by leaders Rosanne Becker and Russ Smith.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wednesday, October 14th --8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
(See previous description.)
Birding at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course at JBLM
Thursday, October 15th –8AM to 11 AM Eagle’s Pride
Golf Course has many acres of undeveloped ponds, meadow, and conifer and deciduous forest, near the Nisqually
River. Over 96 species of birds have been documented so
far. This trip will be from 1-3 miles long on relatively level
ground, and explore coniferous/deciduous forests, ponds,
and open area species. No security passes are required.
Trip starts promptly at 8:00 a.m. Location: Exit 116
(Mounts Road), turn north, turn right into Eagle’s Pride
Golf Course clubhouse parking area, go down ramp and
make an immediate, hard left onto driving range access
road (narrow road). Proceed to parking area. For questions, contact David Wienecke at david.l.wienecke.naf@
mail.mil or 253-606-1398 (cell)
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wed Oct 21st --8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. (See previous.)
Nature Photography field trip
Saturday, October 24, 8 AM to Noon
Join photographers Heather Roskelley and Laurel Parshall
at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood, for Tahoma
Audubon’s fall field trip specifically planned for nature
photography. All levels and cameras welcome – phone
cameras, point-and-shoot, and DSLRs. This is not a photography class but provides a great opportunity to learn
photo tips from each other. We hope to see ducks in alternate plumage, raptors, and fall passerines such as Fox
Sparrows and Golden-crowned Sparrows. Meet at 8 AM
in the big gravel parking lot at Fort Steilacoom Park near
the barns at the west end closest to Waughop Lake. Please
note: trip will be cancelled only if there is torrential rain
... Birdathon
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.
forecast. To sign up, contact Heather Roskelley at hroskelley@comcast.net.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wednesday, October 28th --8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
(See previous description.)
NOVEMBER
Fort Steilacoom Park
Tuesday, November 3rd, 8AM to 11:00 AM
(See previous description.)
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wednesday, November 4th --8:00 AM to 11:00AM
(See previous description.)
Monthly Bird Walk at Adriana Hess
Monday, November 9th –10 AM to 11:30 AM
Enjoy a guided bird walk through Adriana Hess Park led
by leaders Rosanne Becker and Russ Smith.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wednesday, November 11th, --8:00 AM to 11:00AM
(See previous description.)
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wednesday, November 18th --8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
(See previous description.)
Birding at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course at JBLM
Thursday, November 19th --8AM to 11 AM
(See previous description.)
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wednesday, November 25th, --8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
(See previous description.)
Last 2nd Sunday!
from page 1
at
ond place prize identifying 105 species on his trip
while the Giddings tied in at 3rd place with the
Batkers & Brian Sullivan. They will receive the $50
WBU gift certificate and Chirp & Co. $20 gift certificate respectively as well as a gift basket from
Trader Joe’s.
Thanks to all the leaders, birders, and sponsors
for your enthusiasm and assistance for this year’s
Birdathon. A big thank you to Jim at Wild Birds
Unlimited for his continued generosity and support
of Tahoma Audubon Society!
www.MorseWildlifePreserve.org
October 11 is the last Second Sunday
of 2015! Don’t miss your chance to visit this
special place! Morse Wildlife Preserve, in
Graham, WA, is a privately owned nature
preserve open to the public on special days
2015 Birdathon Fun Stats
☛ Birders – 35 Total
☛ Species Count – 635 Collectively!
☛ Birdathon Field Trips – 12
In partnership with Tahoma
Audubon Society, Forterra
NW, Tacoma Nature Center,
& the Morse Force volunteers.
☛ Over 275 Donors for 2015!
Prizes Donated by: Gardensphere, Chirp &
Co., Trader Joes, Wild Birds Unlimited
October/November 2015
RULES
www.tahomaaudubon.org
throughout the year, including Second Sundays in the months of April-October from
10am-6pm.
Pets are not allowed at the preserve.
Carpooling is encouraged.
Call 253.565.9278 for directions.
Page 5
Photo/Laurel Parshall
Above: Swifts showing stages of feather molt.
Above, center: Clouds and darkness fall on
Selleck as swifts continue inside the chimney.
... swifts
Photo/DYQ
Cleo checks out the chimney at JBLM.
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Swifts start to go in the chimney before dark at JBLM!
– from page 1
thunder and lightning. It let up slightly as we pulled
up to the gate, where we were greeted by many other
swift seekers, drawn by a story on King-5 TV which
mentioned, “Thousands of people have been coming
here to look at these birds and to see for themselves,” a
huge exaggeration since this tiny town at the end of a
long road could not possibly accommodate thousands.
Dozens, though, had come, possibly straining this
small town’s friendly ambience. Luckily we were
invited guests, along with Larry Schwitters of Vaux
Happening (vauxhappening.org), who came to do the
count, and is almost singlehandedly responsible for the
increasing interest in these tiny birds since he started
counts at several chimneys a decade ago. Selleck
remains one of his favorite chimneys, and he has
become good friends with Dorie, our hostess and
homeowner of this former schoolhouse (a private
residence now, so don’t go in their yard). Our group
huddled under umbrellas and lift gates, and the picnic
suppers and lawn chairs stayed in the cars until the
weather let up. Dorie told us that 5000 swifts had gone
in before our arrival, knowing in their incomprehensible
way that a downpour was coming. Afraid we’d missed
the show, we were in for a pleasant surprise. As the
rain lessened, other things besides raindrops started
appearing in the sky! Little birds were checking out the
chimney! And not just a few latecomers, either! More
and more seemed to materialize out of the clouds until
they reached a critical mass, at which time they each
pirouetted feet-first down the hatch, five or six abreast.
Hundreds turned into thousands! We may have been
wet and hungry, but the mood of the group definitely
shifted after witnessing such drama in the skies, both
weather-wise and bird-wise, and managing to see
4000+ Vaux’s Swifts! Over 9000 birds spent their
night there, counting the early birds.
You just never know with birds. Some years at
some chimneys, we’ve had zero, including once at
Selleck. The most reliable chimneys have been
unreliable on some nights or some years. Vaux
Happening has been gathering data on all known
roosts up and down the Pacific states, and maybe one
day it will all make sense. This year, Adam and I have
gone to several chimneys, and we still have a couple
left on our itinerary at press time. We’ve been
thrilled at Selleck and JBLM, but had our bad luck,
too, as we saw a single bird go into a chimney in
Washougal while his 30 friends flew off to an
undisclosed location.
Locally, we owe a thank-you to the JBLM swift
counters and to JBLM for allowing us to do this.
We’ve managed to get those birds counted on most
evenings, rain or shine, for the last several years,
both spring and summer migrations. Monitoring
has been done by the team of Burney Huff, Mike
and Jodi Walker, Kay and Dale Schimke, Heather
Voboril, Donna La Casse, Adam Trent and myself.
Vaux’s Swift is a species of concern in Washington
at the moment, but more have been counted recently.
It is doubtful that that translates to more birds, but
rather more observers. The population relies on
roosting and nesting sites in large old hollow trees or
old masonry chimneys, both of which are dwindling.
These little birds gather in large groups at such sites
during their migratory stopovers. Each bird stays
several days, getting rest and food in preparation for
the next leg of its journey down to Central and
northern South America. So any chimney group is
likely to contain new arrivals, old arrivals getting
ready to head south in the morning, and everything
in between. Similar migrations are going on in
eastern North America with a closely related species,
the Chimney Swift.
If you’ve been lucky enough to observe this, you
know how crazy it looks to see little birds being
funneled down a chimney. Your brain needs to see
it to believe it. So if you haven’t seen it, come with
us to one of the chimneys next fall! Put it on your
bucket/chimney list!
Photo/DYQ
Skylar Rittierodt & his grandmother, Diane Kerlin.
Photo/Adam Trent
Diane, Carol, and Faye show off their Willette swift shirts.
Photo/Laurel Parshall
Trip leader Diane Y-Q greets
hostess/home owner Dorie at
Selleck.
Photo/DYQ
Skylar tries both binoculars and scope at the same time!
Page 6
Photo/DYQ
Photo/Adam Trent
Diane Y-Q & Diane Kerlin display their Willette Swift shirts.
www.tahomaaudubon.org
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
It was raining when we reached Selleck.
Swift guru Larry Schitters with our
hostess Dorie at Selleck.
October/November 2015
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
A storm of swifts at JBLM on Sept 6.
www.tahomaaudubon.org
Page 7
Just the other day... Tahoma Audubon – Autumn, 1990
By Helen Engle
Ellensburg, items on the agenda
included Marbled Murrelets’ nesting
habits, Spotted Owl/Barred Owl
issues, and discussions on
Sustainable Forestry, Grazing on
AGO
Wildlife Dept. lands, and the everpresent Timber, Fish & Wildlife.
FIELD TRIPS: Mary Jane Cooper is
offering to take anyone who calls her on beginning bird trips for learning birding in the
field. Federation Forest and Nolte State Park
with Joe TerLouw; Fort Flagler with Patrick
Sullivan; Nisqually NWR, Joe TerLouw again;
Fort Lewis with Marcus Roening. Waughop
Lake and Fort Steilacoom Park with Rosemary
Lenigan showed wintering waterfowl. Thais
Bock took birders along Puget Sound from the
Des Moines fishing dock along SR 509 stopping
at Saltwater State Park, Dumas Bay County
Park, and Dash Point State Park. Bob Ramsey
led a trip to Samish flats. Ken Brown was
rounding up birders to participate in TAS’ Annual
Bird Count coming up on Dec. 15. And Mount
Rainier NP staff is asking TAS members to share
their observations for the park records. Washington has the largest number of wintering trumpeter swans in the lower 48 states,
25
In 1990 TAS President Allen
Zulauf urged members to vote Yes
on Initiative 547, the Balanced
YEARS
Growth Initiative. He said, “We
shouldn’t have to worry that the
things we cherish about this wonderful
state – open space, forests and wildlife – will be
lost. We shouldn’t have to worry that efforts to
keep our waters clean for salmon and shellfish
will be lost to growth. . . “
TAS’ monthly meeting featured Tim Young, of
the WA Dept. of F&W with a presentation about
“Habitat Inventories Using Geographic
Informational Systems,” high tech computerized
storage to assist in wildlife management activities.
The tally is in for how TAS fared at the
Puyallup Fair! 5,300 attractive animal faces buttons, made by Mildred Greenwood, were
given out, and TAS grossed $9,000 on the sale
of books and posters.
ACOW (Audubon Council of Washington) fall
session was in our usual conference place in
Ellensburg: Central Washington College (now
Central Washington University). In addition to
early morning bird walks, Field Trips around
and Martha Jordan of
the Trumpeter Swan
Society is requesting
Auduboners to help with
the survey to confirm the
number of swans. These
birds’ wintering habitat is
being destroyed by develHelen Engle
opment in the Skagit and
from days of yore.
Nooksack valleys, and in
the San Juan Islands. Nell Batker was asking TAS members to
donate items for the silent auction scheduled
for next February. Besides jewelry, clothing,
sports equipment, she suggests donating a service. Gourmet cooking, professional weeding,
mechanical work, word processing, baby-sitting, are in demand. Another moneymaker for TAS was the Thriftco
Super Market ”Tapes for Charity” program. This
Lakewood Mall business was giving 1¢ on every
dollar spent at their store. Auduboner Gayle
Taylor collected the blue stamps mailed to her
by members of TAS, to redeem them.
Feedback, comments and reminiscences welcome.
Contact Helen at 253-564-3112 or Hengle@iinet.com.
ABC Club presents Bruce Beehler
Join the ABC Club for a very special night
ABC Club presents:
featuring: “New Guinea’s Lost Worlds and
Bruce Beehler
Elusive Birds of Paradise,“ with Bruce
At The University of Puget Sound
Beehler, Naturalist and Explorer on Thursday,
Admission: $10.00
November 5, from 6:45 to 8:45 pm
Contact Diane Yorgason-Quinn
In this popular lecture illustrated with still
at Avosetta@hotmail.com
and video images, Smithsonian naturalist
teeth, and a scary five-pound giant rat.
Bruce Beehler describes his nearly four
Bruce Beehler is an ornithologist,
decades of field study of the birds and rainforBruce Beehler
ests of the great island of New Guinea.
conservationist, and naturalist. He is
Photo/Bruce Beehler
The presentation will feature a review of the remarkcurrently a Research Associate in the Division of
Travel
to
New
Guinea
with
images
and
stories
from nearly
able diversity of the birdlife inhabiting New Guinea, as
Birds at the National Museum of Natural History,
four
decades
of
field
study
in
New
Guinea.
well as a focused look at the birds of paradise and the
Smithsonian Institution, and is focused on research
amazing plumages and behaviors of the various species
and writing about nature and natural history.
Livingston-Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy. In addition,
in this unique bird family.
Beehler has spent much of his scientific career
Beehler served for three years as Chair of ABC’s Policy
In addition, the presentation will take the audience
studying and working to conserve birds and their forest
Council (predecessor to the Bird Conservation Alliance).
on a field expedition to the Foja Mountains of western
habitats. After conducting doctoral fieldwork in Papua
Beehler has published ten books and authored scores
New Guinea, perhaps the most isolated and untouched
New Guinea, Beehler worked for ten years at the
of technical and popular articles about birds and nature.
place on planet earth. The scientists on the expedition
Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, folIn 2007, Beehler was featured in a 60-Minutes piece
lowed by stints at the Wildlife Conservation Society,
risked their lives and suffered various hardships but
highlighting an expedition he led to the Foja Mountains
U.S. Department of State, Counterpart International,
came away with more than a hundred species of plants
in the interior of New Guinea in which scores of new
Conservation International, and the National Fish &
and animals new to science. This includes some of the
species of plants and animals were discovered.
Wildlife Foundation.
most bizarre creatures on earth, a ‘lost’ bird of paraToday, Beehler carries out natural history exploration
dise, a golden-maned bowerbird unique to this tiny
Beehler is an elective Fellow of the American
and field research focused mainly on wildlife and natural
mountain range, a wattled honeyeater-bird that blushOrnithologists Union, and has served on the boards of
places in the USA.
es when upset, an egg-laying spiny mammal without
the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), RARE, and the
You are invited to our
Winter Open House & 16th Anniversary!
Join us on Saturday, December 5th, from Noon to 4:00pm
The Adriana Hess
Audubon Center will be open
on Saturday, December 5th
from 12pm-4pm for our
annual winter open house
and anniversary. This year
marks the 16th anniversary
of the Center’s opening on
December 5, 1999.
Page 8
We will also announce the
winner of our logo contest,
and unveil the first ever logo
for the Adriana Hess
Audubon Center!
Please join us. Bring a treat
to share or just bring yourself,
we would love to see you!
The gift shop will be open,
www.tahomaaudubon.org
and we’ll have information
on how to participate in the
Christmas Bird Count on
December 19th.
This is also a great time
to renew your membership,
give a gift of membership
or make a tax-deductible
end of year gift.
October/November 2015
One million shorebirds are threatened
Oil is coming to Grays Harbor
By Bruce Hoeft
Photo/USFW
flight of thousands of sandpipers, spooked by a peregrine
flying over Bowerman Basin. A train of plovers and
dowitchers feeding on the mudflats of Bottle Beach. A
stream of migrating shearwaters just past the surf at Ocean
Shores. The ducks and alcids, grebes and cormorants viewed from
the Westport harbor. A tribe of godwit resting amid the dunlin on a
Damon Point beach.
All these birds could be wiped out in a heartbeat, and the habitat
they use could be impaired for decades. One of the major resting
and feeding sanctuaries for migratory birds on the West Coast
Flyway is at risk. Oil is coming to the Grays Harbor estuary. Oil
is threatening a million shorebirds.
The Department of Ecology (DOE) just released draft environmental impact statements (DEIS) for two proposed oil terminals in
Hoquiam. If approved, the two facilities could receive as many as
5 million gallons of crude oil per day, carried by about sixteen trains
per week. The sites will have storage
capacity for more than 72 million gallons of crude, which would feed oil
tankers and barges from California,
points north, and probably overseas
markets in Asia in future years. The oil
traffic across the estuary and through
the hazardous bar at the mouth of
Grays Harbor is projected to be as
many as 638 vessels per year.
We have until 0ctober 29th to review
the documents, and tell DOE of our
concerns about turning the Grays
Harbor Estuary into an industrial zone.
More than two trains a day. Nearly two
oil barges or tankers per day. Spills
will happen. A major spill would trap
oil inside the estuary, and threaten to
sterilize marine life for decades.
In 1988 the oil barge Nestucca colGrays Harbor rail line.
lided with a tug while crossing outside
the mouth of Grays Harbor, and dumped 231,000 gallons of oil.
Much of it ended up on Ocean Shores beaches, but the oil spread as
far as Oregon, Vancouver Island, and up the Strait to Dungeness
Spit. The DOE estimates that the spill killed or injured 56,000
seabirds. And that was in the ocean. In the estuary the impact
would last far longer, and be much greater.
The crude for these proposed ports would be delivered down a
little-used 59-mile rail line from Centralia. On this route, the rail-
Photo/Amy Huser
Top left: Oiled geese. Above: Oiled pelican.
road crosses 30 tributaries to the Chehalis
River, which flows directly to the estuary.
Any spills on those crossings would allow
crude oil down the river, and into the harbor. There were four derailments on this
line last year. Since the proposal basically
doubles the rail traffic from Centralia, that
frequency could have meant four oil spills.
And yes, the crude coming down these
Photo/Arnie Martin
tracks would be the same North Dakota
Bakken oil that has been exploding in trains
all over the country.
The oil storage farms would be constructed on deep beds of gravel, barely
above sealevel. The millions gallons of
crude in the tanks would be completely
vulnerable to any earthquake, or tsunami
produced by an offshore seismic event.
The oil would end up in the estuary.
The DEIS itself finds that the risks of oil
spills during rail transport, at the terminal
site, and during marine vessel transport
through Grays Harbor cannot be fully mitigated and if a spill occurred, the environmental damage would be significant. For
the birds and fish, the clams and the people
who depend on a healthy Grays Harbor for
their survival, please let the DOE
know that an enclosed bay sustaining a rich ecosystem is not the place
for crude oil transport.
The two proposed oil terminals are
called Westway, and Imperium. The
DEIS’s can be reviewed at www.ecy.
wa.gov/geographic/graysharbor/terminals.html
There is a link at that address
allowing you to provide 4000 characters worth of comment by email,
as well as a mailing address for
written responses. The documents
for each proposal are very similar,
but it’s not light reading. A summary of important points can be
found on the Audubon Washington
website, oil transport page at wa.
audubon.org/oil-transport,
or
through the oil transport link on the
TAS website. We also have an opportunity to provide oral testimony at a DOEsponsored hearing from 1-9 PM on
Thursday, October 8th, at the D&R Theater,
205 South I St, in Aberdeen. Information
about carpools can be found through the
RSVP link on the Audubon Washington
webpage shown above.
We’d love to hear your testimony!
Photo/Laurel Parshall
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Shorebirds (mostly Western Sandpipers) gather at Bowerman Basin in Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge.
October/November 2015
www.tahomaaudubon.org
Page 9
TAS Crossword puzzle
Leaves for lunch
Across
er’s goal): 2 wds.
1. Mistake
35. Double reed
instrument
6. Botch
11. Total
14. “Cut ___!” (Stop
that!): 2 wds.
15. Film actor Alan,
star of Argo
16. Federal clean air
organization: abbr.
17. Two leaves:
Chinese cabbage/so
rich in nutrients it’s
called superfood
19. Spacecraft with
name meaning
“peace”: Russian
20. Search for
21. Silly person
22. “He’s ___! (good
guy): 2 wds.
24. Afire
26. Consumed: 2
wds.
27. Least nutritious
leaf, but very popular
anyway
33. “That’s disgusting!”
34. Hole ___ (golf-
36. Tenement locales
38. Carry-on, e.g.
39. Chronicles of
Narnia lion
40. Fewer than most
41. Impact
43. Very cold and
raw
44. Two leaves:
Caesar salad staple/
Popeye’s favorite
veggie
48. “You’re ___ it
now, young man!”
(mom’s threat): 2
wds.
49. Scam
50. Soup legume
52. Big screen actress
Farrow
54. Ye ___ Curiosity
Shoppe
58. “___ Maria”
(sacred song)
59. Two leaves in
Christmas colors
(each more nutritious
than 27-Across)
By Rylla Goldberg
62. ___ Moines
(Seattle suburb)
11. Somewhat overt
12. __ arms (agitated): 2 wds.
63. Is ___ loser
(ungracious in
defeat): 2 wds.
13. Mall relative
18. Breakfast cereal,
often
64. Covered with
asphalt, e.g.
65. Class above jrs.:
abbr.
66. Very short times,
in short
67. Omits
1. Women’s political
followers, shortly
2. Temperature testing digit: 2 wds
3. Jab with finger or
stick
5. Numerical suffix
6. Willie at bat
7. Vexes
8. Calypso kin
9. Enlarge pupils,
maybe
10. “I’ll take ___ of
the bird dishes”: 2
wds.
25. White wading
bird
26. Give ___ (assist):
3 wds.
27. Eskimo domicile
Down
4. Nurse
23. Lexus and
Infinity
28. Friendliness
29. ___ baron (industry mogul of yore)
30. Knots or spurs on
a tree
31. Lenny Wilkins’
job after retirement
from active play
32. First word in
child’s counting
game
33. Moscow’s homeland, formerly: abbr.
37. Intended
39. “___ cost to
you!” (it’s free!): 2
wds.
Help us earn Community Rewards!
You can earn donations for
Tahoma Audubon Society
just by using your Fred Meyer Rewards Card!
Fred Meyer is donating
$2.5 million per year to nonprofits in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon
and Washington, based on
where their customers tell them
Use code: 94920
to give.
Here’s how the program works:
Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred
Meyer Rewards Card to Tahoma Audubon at www.fredmeyer.com/
communityrewards. You can search for us by our name or by our nonprofit number: 94920
Then, every time you shop and use your Rewards Card, you are helping Tahoma Audubon earn a donation!
You still earn your Rewards Points, Fuel Points, and Rebates, just as
you do today.
If you do not have a Rewards Card, they are available at the Customer
Service desk of any Fred Meyer store.
For more information, visit www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards.
Answers to puzzle above
42. Battery type
45. “__ the zoo . . .”,
said Dr. Seuss: 3 wds.
46. “A man is ___ a
slave because he is
allowed to choose a
new master . . .,” said
L. Spooner: 2 wds.
53. Salt attachments
47. Parka
55. Jeans maker
Strauss
50. Young men
51. Always
56. The briny, maybe
52. Anthony or
Chagall
60. Bambi’s mom, e.g.
57. Finishes
61. Electronic locator
device: abbr.
Answers
below.
Exploring Nature Book Club
Tahoma Audubon’s Exploring
Nature Book Club had its first meeting after summer break on September 1 at the Nature Center. Diane
Yorgason-Quinn facilitated a lively
discussion on how the passenger
pigeon went from being the most
abundant bird in the country during
the 19th century to its extinction
in the early 20th century with the
death of “Martha” in the Cincinnati
Zoo on September 1, 1914.
Upcoming selections
October 6: On a Farther Shore: The Life and
Legacy of Rachel Carson, by William Souder
November 3: H is for Hawk by Helen McDonald
December 1: The Thing with Feathers: The
Surprising Lives of Birds by Noah Strycher
January 5: John Muir and the Ice that Started
a Fire: How a Visionary and the Glaciers of
Alaska Changed America by Kim Heacox
Book club meetings occur on the
first Tuesday of the month at 1:30pm
at Adrianna Hess Audubon Center in
University Place, WA
BIRDSONGS For more information contact Martha Scoville at mscoville@harbornet.cpom or 253-732-5014. Or check
out tahomaaudubon.org/bookclub
by Phil Buly
May 23rd was National Turtle Day!
Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org
October/November 2015
WELCOME to New and Returning Members
July 16 to September 15, 2015
New Members
Alyson Mathew, Ann Hoffman, Carolyn Meeks,
Christine Higgins, Cynthia Edwards, David
Wetzel, Donald Rutledge, Doris Vandenberg,
Henry Suprunowski, Jennifer Pisek, Jerii Jones,
Jessie Richards, John Bailey, John Beck, Julie A.
Lundberg, Kathe Stein, Kathleen M. Bitseff, Ken
Kubitz, Leroy Ritchie, Lynette Miller, Mary
Myers, Mauri &, Teresa Fromm, Michelle Labor,
Ms P. Ailshie, Puyallup Public Library, Sandra
Burns, Shawn Brown, Sidney A. Hyde, Tammie
Joseph, Thomas Hirota.
Returning Members
Arthur A Pavey, Barbara Crowell, Barbara De
Freece, Barbara Petersen, Bill Colby, Bonnie L
Petrequin, Bruce LaBar, Byron Blount,
Carol A Schulz, Cheryl Thielhorn,
Chris Miller, Christy Strand, City Of
Fairfax Regional Library, Dale
Pedersen, David & Joyce Bramsche,
Diane Yorgason-Quinn, Edward J
Wolfer, Faye & Wade Hands,
Frederick & Dianne Matthaei, Gerald E Ritz, J W
Terlouw, Jana Henderson, Jane Brosius, Janet
Bent, Jean Gillmer, Jean H Jacobson, Jo Ann
Egan, Joan Torfin & Rod Hanke, John & LaVerne
Ratko, Karen Goettling, Ken & Judy Austin, Ken
& Theo M Graves, Korine & David Wimbles,
Lloyd & Patricia Fetterly, Mark & Nadine
Wallace, Mark & Peggy Bubenik, Mary Manning,
Neil Mullen, Patricia A McGill, Paula Roussel,
Phyllis J Standefer, Phyllis M Knopp, Rebecca &
Michael L Arguelles, Regina Murray, Richard A
Smith, Richard L Myking, Robert & Barbara
Kvamme, Robert & Dorothy R Annon, Robyn R
Ryan, Ronda Green, Rosanne Becker, Shelby,
Katherine & Dale Schimke, Sheri Clark, Steve &
Julie Thomas, Sue Ellen Knieper, Thomas
Galdabini & Colleen Waterhouse, Thomas J
Russell, William & Susan Mitchell.
Support TAS with this 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.
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!
Wild Birds Unlimited
3120 ½ Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, WA
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.
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__________________
C9ZY020Z
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.
October/November 2015
`
www.tahomaaudubon.org
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.
Page 11
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.
OCTOBER 2015
Fort Steilacoom Bird Walk
10/06/2015 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
Please see details on page 5.
Bird Walk at Nisqually NWR
10/07/2015 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
Please see details on page 5.
Tahoma Audubon Board Meeting
10/08/2015 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM PT
Adriana Hess Audubon Center, University
Place, WA The board of directors meets
on average once a month to discuss policy
and fundraising issues related to the organization. Meetings are open to members,
please call in advance.
MONTHLY PROGRAMS
October Membership Meeting
Nature Photography Field Trip
at Fort Steilacoom Park
10/24/2015 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT
Please see details on page 5.
On October 15th, Dr. Sarah Reichard, director of UW Botanic Gardens,
will present, “Wildlife in Your Garden: Welcome Guests or Unwanted
Pests?” See more details on page 1.
Audubon Chapters of Washington:
Annual Meeting
10/24/2015 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM PT
Mt. Vernon, WA Admission: $40.00
Meet Audubon members from across the
great State of Washington at the annual
gathering and conference, and learn about
top conservation issues and priorities. This
year’s agenda will focus on climate
change. Optional field trips are planned
for Sunday, as well.
Registration is open online here: www.
brownpapertickets.com/event/2127572
November Membership Meeting
On November 19th, John Nicholson, an award winning photographer, and Swarovski Optik representative, will present, “See the World
in University Place, WA The board of
directors meets on average once a month
to discuss policy and fundraising issues
related to the organization. Meetings are
open to members. Please call in advance.
Bird Walk at Nisqually NWR
11/18/2015 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
Please see details on page 5.
Bird Walk at Nisqually NWR
10/28/2015 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
Please see details on page 5.
NOVEMBER 2015
Second Sundays at Morse Preserve
10/11/2015 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM PT
Please see details on page 5.
Conservation Committee meeting
10/13/2015 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM PT
Tahoma Audubon members are welcome
to join the conservation committee at the
monthly meeting as we plan and work on
our conservation priorities for the year,
which includes: shorelines, aquaculture,
working forests and farms, biodiversity,
fossil fuels, and climate change. Meets at
the University of Puget Sound, Thompson
Hall. Call in advance for room number.
Bird Walk at Nisqually NWR
10/14/2015 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
Please see details on page 5.
Bird Walk at Nisqually NWR
10/21/2015 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
Please see details on page 5.
Fort Steilacoom Bird Walk
11/03/2015 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
Please see details on page 5.
Bird Walk at Nisqually NWR
11/04/2015 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
Please see details on page 5.
Advanced Birding Club presentation:
Bruce Bheeler 06:45 PM - 08:45 PM
Please see details on page 8.
Conservation Committee meeting
11/10/2015 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM PT
Please see details on page 5.
Birding at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course
10/15/2015 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
Please see details on page 5.
Bird Walk at Nisqually NWR
11/11/2015 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
Please see details on page 5.
October Membership Program
10/15/2015 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM PT
Please see details on page 1.
Tahoma Audubon Board Meeting
11/12/2015 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM PT
Held att the Adriana Hess Audubon Center
Birding at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course
11/19/2015 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
Please see details on page 5.
November Membership Program:
Swarovski Optik Digiscoping Workshop
11/19/2015 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM PT
Please see details on page 1.
Bird Walk at Nisqually NWR
11/25/2015 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
Please see details on page 5.
DECEMBER 2015
Through New Eyes -- learn and
experience the fun way to capture
images of nature.” See more details
on page 1.
Each month Tahoma Audubon offers a free presentation on a variety
of environmental topics, drawing
from regional speakers and members. Doors open at 7pm with time
for socializing and a short time for
announcements, followed by the formal presentation starting at 7:30pm.
Adriana Hess Audubon Center, University
Place, WA
The Adriana Hess Audubon Center will be
open on Saturday, December 5th from
12pm-4pm for our annual winter open
house and anniversary. This year marks
the 16th anniversary of the Center’s opening on December 5, 1999. We will also
announce the winner of the Adriana Hess
Audubon Center logo contest, and unveil
the first ever logo for the facility during
the open house!
Please join us. Bring a treat to share or just
bring yourself, we would love to see you!
The gift shop will be open, and we’ll have
information on how to participate in the
Christmas Bird Count on Dec.19th. This
is also a great time to renew your membership, give a gift of membership or make a
tax-deductible end of year gift.
Save the Date:
2015
Pierce County Trails Conference
Activism & Advocacy
Fort Steilacoom Bird Walk
12/01/2015 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
Please see details on page 5.
Puyallup Activity Center
Bird Walk at Nisqually NWR
12/02/2015 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
Please see details on page 5.
Registration information
will be available in August.
Check forevergreentrails.org
October 14,
4:00—8:00 PM
Winter Open House & 16thAnniversary
12/05/2015 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM PT
For additional information:Tahoma Audubon - 253-565-9278; or www.tahomaaudubon.org Or The Tacoma Nature Center:253-591-6439 or www.metroparkstacoma.org
Submitted photos
Photo/John Riegsecker
Harbor Seal nurses her pup, 9/5/15.
Photo/Wayne Sladek
Red Knot still in alternate red plumage, Bottle Beach, 8-15-15
Photo/Pat Damron
Solitary Sandpiper, seen 8/15/15 on ABC Club Kitsap trip.
Photo/Mike Charest
Rarity! Lesser Sand-Plover, far from home (formerly known
as Mongolian Plover). Seen in mid-August at Ocean Shores.
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Greater Yellowlegs swallows a frog, Midway Beach, 8/21/15.
Photo/John Riegsecker
Mallard vs. Bullfrog tadpole, Waughop Lake, 9/5/15.