Wandering Tattler

The Voice of SEA AND SAGE AUDUBON, an Orange County Chapter of the National Audubon Society

November 2017

Volume 67, Number 3

BirdInformation&BirdingSkills by Doug Lithgow, President

This past September’s General Meeting featured Quiz Night, presented by Sylvia Gallagher, and I had the privilege of introducing her for the event. This gave me the opportunity to reflect on how much she has contributed to our organization. Dr. Gallagher joined Sea and Sage Audubon in 1971, became a board member in 1972 as Co-chair of the Christmas Bird Count and went on to occupy positions of Vice President, then Director before settling in as chairperson of the Birding Information committee in 1984. This committee was created to allow Sea and Sage the opportunity to benefit from Sylvia’s engagement on the board while she was deeply involved with offering Birding Skills Workshops.

Sylvia began giving her workshops in 1980, which worked in nicely with her lifelong passion of teaching, as she was a chemistry teacher in high school and college before she became interested in birding. Indeed, her PhD was in Chemistry from UCLA, but her heart shifted from teaching chemistry to teaching birding after she retired. Her cadre of birding workshop classes grew to include numerous families of birds, habitats, birding by ear and embroidery of birds. Her classes also started at a time when there was a divide in Audubon over birding vs. conservation. There were some who viewed “bird watching” as a rather trivial pursuit. Sylvia maintained that developing birding skills was essential to increasing the public’s awareness of bird conservation. These same skills were also critical in citizen science endeavors such as the Christmas Bird Count, breeding bird atlas surveys, and monitoring threatened and endangered bird populations, just to name a few. In today’s world, this seems fairly obvious but it was a mindset that had to be advanced convincingly several decades ago.

Sylvia’s approach to teaching birding skills is to promote science-based information that gives greater insight into understanding avian behavior, population trends, migratory patterns, and evolutionary changes, as well as reviewing the basic field marks of birds. This same philosophy guides her approach to conservation issues by stressing the supporting science behind the issue. She also believes in a participatory approach to her classes to keep her students fully engaged. This has worked well for the past 37 years of birding skills workshops. Thank you, Sylvia, for your many years of hard work and dedication at Sea and Sage Audubon!

General Meeting

Friday evening, November 17 - 7:30 pm

“TheUnlawfulTakeofRaptors”

presented by Mark Jeter U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The federal protection of migratory birds has a long

history in the United States. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) was enacted in 1918, and is the basic law in effect today. Although raptors such as hawks and owls were not protected by the original MBTA, they were later included as an amendment in 1972. The Bald Eagle has been protected since the enactment of the Eagle Act in 1940, and the Golden Eagle has also been protected under the Eagle Act since 1962. Currently, eagles, ospreys, hawks, falcons, kites, owls, vultures and all other native North American birds of prey are strictly protected from unlawful Take.

Mark Jeter, will be speaking about the unlawful Take of raptors. Take is defined, in the Fish and Game Code, as to “hunt, catch, capture, or kill or attempt to do the same”; and includes a prohibition against the taking or possession of their body parts such as feathers or talons. In this program, Mark will be presenting: Laws that define illegal take; Nest robbing and possession for pets; Take with firearm, trap, poison, and other; Trapping by pigeon hobbyists; Unlawful sales and possession of raptor parts; Eagle feathers and parts; and Falcon trafficking in the Middle East.

Mark is currently the Operations Assistant Chief at U.S. Fish and Game Headquarters. He oversees and manages the MET - Marijuana Enforcement Team, WET - Watershed Enforcement Team (also deals with marijuana), SOU - Special Operations Unit (Undercover Team), Delta Team - (River and Waterway Enforcement), WTU - Wildlife Trafficking Unit (International Wildlife Trafficking Team), Air Services, and the K9 Unit.

Our program will be held in the Duck Club at the SJWS in Irvine. The doors will open at 7:00 for refreshments and fellowship, and the meeting and program will begin at 7:30 pm. We hope you will join us.

—GailRichards,ProgramsChair

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Conservation News Susan Sheakley, Conservation Chair OurnextConservationCommitteemeetingwillbeonNovember7th,at6:30PMintheLearningCenter.Ournext4thTuesdayConservationLecturewillbeonNovember28that7:30PMintheLearningCenter.Wehopetoseeyouthere.

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Tues. Conservation Lecture

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in the Learning Center, SJWS

"ProposedPoseidonDesalinationPlant-OpponentandProponentDiscussion"presentedbyRayHeimstra,OrangeCountyCoastkeeperandScottMaloni,Poseidon Join us on November 28 for a discussion of the proposed Poseidon desalination plant. Our two guests, Ray Heimstra of Orange County Coastkeeper, and Scott Maloni of Poseidon, will present their views on the following main issues: - Need for water - Impacts on marine life - Impacts on water quality, both ocean and drinking water - Energy issues - Cost The presentation will be organized somewhat like a mini debate, Ray and Scott each having a few minutes to talk about the five issues. After the Poseidon discussion, there will be an opportunity for Ray and Scott to comment on the proposed Dana Point desalination plant. There will be time for Q&A. The evening should be very informative. We hope you will join us! Doors open at 7:00 for snacks and social. Program starts at 7:30 PM.

FocusonCoastalandMarineHabitats Along with our long-term interest in the protection of shorebirds and seabirds such as the California Least Tern, Western Snowy Plover, California Brown Pelican and others, we are focusing increased efforts on marine resources and fisheries issues, as we are doing with our partnership with Audubon California and the Pew Charitable Trust to protect Northern Anchovy and other pelagic fish populations. These “forage fish” species are a very important food source for marine mammals, sport fish species, and seabirds like the California Least Terns. We are also working with a large coalition to help protect National Marine Sanctuaries and Monuments which are critically important to birds. We are building new partnerships with others interested in coastal protections and look forward to continued opportunities to expand our horizons, protect birds that depend on healthy oceans, and learn more about marine environments. Our September '4th Tuesday' is a case in point. Captain Dave Anderson showed us beautiful footage of cetacean pods and amazing behaviors, like "stampeding", but the talk's underlying purpose was to make it more widely known that whales, dolphins and other marine animals are not protected as well as the general public believes. Dave estimates that 1,000 cetaceans die daily worldwide from active fishing gear. The buoy lines to fishermen traps on the sea floor are a major ongoing problem, as animals swimming in these 'fields' get entangled. Dave thinks 21st century technology could help. He showed us a device that uses radio telemetry that would eliminate the need for the buoy lines, as well as another prototype device that uses satellite tracking to follow entangled whales on the move. Problems to be overcome include: lack of public awareness, high cost of devices, and, in some cases, permitting. Then in the News: According to the Sacramento Bee, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) filed a lawsuit alleging that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has not done enough to stop a rapid increase in the slaughter of whales and other marine wildlife, including sea turtles, that are getting entangled in lines that attach traps to surface buoys. Animals get caught in the ropes and end up dragging the traps and buoys around until they die. This is a worldwide, often under-reported problem, which has been on the rise in California waters recently. The increase in entanglements has been especially alarming near Monterey Bay and other areas where migrating whales come close to the shore to feed. DesalinationplantinCarlsbad

— continued on page 3

Chapter News & Announcements FormoreinformationaboutSea&Sageactivities,checkourCALENDARofChapterActivitiesonourSea&Sagewebsite:http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org.ItispostedonthehomepageundertheheadingMAINAREAS.Itcontainsinformationaboutmeetings,programs,fieldtrips,specialevents,birdingclasses,citizenscienceprojectssuchastheChristmasBirdCounts,SnowyPloverSurveys,LeastTernMonitoring,BirdSeasons,monthlycensuses,etc.

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November2017

Audubon House Volunteers

We would like to thank the following people for helping to staff Audubon House in October and November: Sherry

Bass, Chris Byrd, Ann Chan-Verdugo, Bettina Eastman, Fresia Escalona, Greg Figge, Beverly Hargrove, Ann Harmer, Lynne Hayes, Pat Heilig, Patti Henshaw, Star Howard, Sarah Jayne, Nancy Kenyon, David Kramer, Lauretta Kyle, Joann

Lemberger, Maya Matkin, Joan McCauley, Bobbie Miller, Barbara Mitchell, Paula Monroe, Eunice Morita, Dagmar Muthamia, JoAnn Nothhelfer, Roberta Ray, Barbara Reber Susan Sheakley, Bev Spring, Debby Thyssen, Beryl Vogel, Marilyn Walter, and Pat Wells. OurVolunteersgreetvisitors,answerthephone,sellmerchandise,answerquestionsaboutbirds,checkoutbinoculars,etc.IfyouareinterestedinhelpingatAudubonHouse,pleasecallBarbaraMitchell949-646-4115.

News from our Bookstore Our bookstore inside Audubon House is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. We accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) with a $10 minimum purchase. New books: 7th edition of the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of NA; Cornell Nests and Eggs of NA Backyard Birds (folding guide). Children's books: You Nest Here with Me; A Place for Birds; Snowy Owl Story. Why wait for the holidays, start your shopping now. We have lots of books to choose from as well as a wide selection of nature themed items (birding accessories; garden décor; clothing; jewelry; children's toys; kitchen items, and note cards. Calendars for 2018 include: Audubon page-a-day; Bird-a-day of Western NA; wall calendars (birds; wildlife; nature; lighthouses, etc.); engagement calendars; and tide pocket calendars. There is plenty of parking and friendly volunteers to help with your shopping needs.

15th Annual Olympic Peninsula BirdFest April 13-15, 2018

The Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society is planning for their 15th Annual Olympic Peninsula BirdFest. There will be lots of field trips to the special areas around the peninsula, boat trips, a tour to the Tribal Center to see their Totem Poles, presentations, workshops and a banquet. Guest Speaker will be Claudio Vidal who will speak on “Patagonia and Chile: Birds & Mammals at the End of the Americas”. http://www.olympicbirdfest.org

PANCAKE BREAKFAST – Oct. 28

at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine Saturday, Oct. 28th – 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

I hope you have the date marked on your calendar! We’ve got a great menu of pancakes and sausages cooked outdoors, along with fresh fruit, orange juice, plenty of hot coffee, and milk for the kids. The Duck Club, where most people will be eating, will be gaily decorated. Be sure to check the tempting array of used books for sale and see the chapter displays. Again we will raffle gift certificates. Optics4Birding will be displaying the latest in birding optics on the Duck Club back porch and Wild Birds Unlimited will be out front to answer all your questions about feeding birds, and will have lots of bird feeders & seed for sale. Audubon House will be open for those who want to view the displays or browse through the book & gift store for early Christmas presents. After breakfast, we’ll have guided bird walks around the ponds. We do hope you will join us for this festive event! Call Audubon House for reservations at 949-261-7963.

___ Whale entanglements –continuedfrompage2

________ Last year 71 whale entanglements were reported in California, 54 of which were Humpback whales a federally listed species. Most of the entanglements were with crab traps, the remainder being with nets and other fishing gear. This number is up dramatically from an average of about 10 reported entanglements per year less than a decade ago. CBD and others contend that the state should require reductions of these types of traps in areas of high whale use. Efforts to develop new methods are often stymied by the fear of increased costs, but it is time that agencies charged with protecting whales do something to bring the numbers down.

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Orange County Rarities by Doug Willick ToreportaRAREorUNUSUALbird,ortoreceivereportsfromotherbirdersaboutrareorunusualbirdsightingshereinOrangeCounty,sendanemailto:OrangeCountyBirding-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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The fall months are generally a time when birders in

Southern California come to expect the unexpected. During the last month, however, there seemed to be more rarities being seen in Orange County than I can recall at this time of year in a long while. This account will try to include as many of the interesting discoveries of the last month as is possible; to do so, however, this month we’ll forego some of the details, other than for a few of the more notable highlights.

A good sized flock of Greater White-fronted Geese appeared at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, on Sept. 21. White-winged Doves were reported from Harriett Weider Regional Park (HWRP), Sept. 16, and Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve (BCER), Sept. 30. Single Common Poorwills that flushed up from cover at HWRP, Oct. 4, and in the “nature area” at Mile Square Regional Park (MSRP), Oct. 5, were rare migrants in the coastal lowlands. A Magnificent Frigatebird was seen flying over BCER, Sept. 4 (multiple observers); this was apparently an adult male, which was of special note, as the vast majority that stray north into California are immatures. The adult female Ruff, which was found again along the “upper” Santa Ana River (SAR), in east Anaheim, back on Aug. 16 (Trish Gussler, et al.), continued through at least Oct. 11. Presumably this is the same individual that has been appearing at this location each year (for up to a few months at a time), going back to 2013—with the exception of 2015, when no Ruff was reported. Other shorebird highlights during the last month included two Baird’s Sandpipers in early Sept., at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary (SJWS), only one Pectoral Sandpiper (at SJWS, Sept. 10), and several Solitary Sandpipers (along the upper SAR, along the Wintersburg Channel in Huntington Beach, and at the Great Park in Irvine).

A juvenile Sabine’s Gull along the lower SAR, Sept. 30, was onshore, where unexpected. A juvenile Black Tern at BCER, Sept. 18-21, was the only one reported in the county this fall. Common Terns seemed to be around in larger than normal numbers; for example, 37 were photographed sitting on the beach at Huntington Beach State Beach, on Sept. 12. One of the bigger discoveries of the month was a juvenile Tricolored Heron along the lower SAR, Sept. 25 (Chezy Yusuf); what was most likely a second Tricolored Heron was then found at BCER later the same day (also by Chezy Yusuf). Subsequently, at least two were widely-seen at BCER, at least through Oct. 4. Two or three decades ago, Tricolored Herons were a much more regular visitor to the So Cal region. A juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-Heron at BCER, Sept. 12-Oct. 2, was quite possibly the same bird found there in Aug. A Cattle Egret lingered at the “Great” Park, Sept. 13-17. Small numbers of Broad-winged Hawks migrate through California annually, although records for Orange County are few and far between; therefore, one juvenile in Mission Viejo, Sept. 28 (Ryan Winkleman), and two or three

juveniles at Mile Square Regional Park (MSRP), Oct. 4-5 (Jeff Bray, Curtis Marantz), most likely was a record total for the county in one season.

A Gray Flycatcher was at Huntington Central Park (HCP), Sept. 17. A Red-eyed Vireo photographed at HCP, Sept. 15, was a very nice find. Three Plumbeous Vireo reports amounted to the best fall total in several years; they included individuals at: HCP, Sept. 20-21; Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Sept. 24; and MSRP, Sept. 30. A female type Purple Martin at SJWS, Sept. 23 (Bettina Eastman), was exceptional; this species has become a very scarce migrant in the county in the last 25+ years. Bank Swallows were reported at SJWS, Sept. 10-13; at HWRP, Sept. 16; and at Talbert Marsh, Sept. 19. A Red-breasted Nuthatch was in Silverado Canyon, Oct. 4.

The prize discovery of the season, so far at least, was a Louisiana Waterthrush at Gilman Park (GP), Sept. 16 (Sam Bressler). This was the third record for Orange County (which is actually quite good considering this will only be about the 20th accepted record for the state of California!). Although the bird only was known to be present for the one day, it fortunately was seen by many, and was well-photographed. The list of warbler rarities for the last month was quite extensive, so the following will only be a brief summary: An Ovenbird was at HCP, Sept. 18. Up to two Northern Waterthrushes were at HCP through much of Sept. and at least one continued into Oct. Black-and-white Warblers were at GP (Sept. 15-20, and 27), at Yorba Regional Park (Sept. 17), at HCP (Sept. 24), and at Mason Regional Park (MRP; Oct. 4). A Prothonotary Warbler was at Centennial Park (Oct. 4). A Lucy’s Warbler was at HCP, Oct. 1-3. Virginia’s Warblers included two at HCP and another at Centennial Park. Tennessee Warblers included two at HCP, and singles in GP, Canyon Park and in a Laguna Niguel residential area. A male and female American Redstart was at HCP (Sept. 10-12). A Prairie Warbler was at MSRP (Sept. 25-27), where a Black-throated Green Warbler was present, Oct. 4-7. Up to two Blackburnian Warblers were at GP, between Sept. 17 and Oct. 1. Blackpoll Warblers included up to two at MSRP, one at GP, and two at HCP. Quite a month for rare warblers!!

A Green-tailed Towhee was heard along the Maple Springs Truck Trail, in Silverado Canyon, Sept. 21. A juvenile Black-throated Sparrow was at MSRP, Sept. 8-9. A Clay-colored Sparrow was at MRP, Sept. 11-13, while up to two Brewer’s Sparrows were at HWRP, Sept. 9-13+. A Vesper Sparrow was at HWRP, Sept. 17. Single Summer Tanagers were reported from Shipley Nature Center (Sept. 17), at GP (also Sept. 17), and at MSRP (Sept. 25). And “last but not least”, above average numbers of Yellow-headed Blackbirds were reported in the county during the last month, with counts of up to six at SJWS, as well as along the upper SAR.

November Field Trips Nancy Kenyon, Field Trip Chair Fortripupdates&additionaltripinformation,checkourchapterwebpageat:http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org.Tripsmarkedwithan® requireadvancereservations.Questionsaboutfieldtrips?ContactNancyKenyon,FieldTripChair,at949-786-3160ornancykenyon@cox.net

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Monthly Wildlife Walk at the SJWS Sat, November 4th - 9:00 to 10:30 am We’ll be exploring the birds, plants, and creatures of the marsh on this wildlife walk at the San Joaquin Wildlife

Sanctuary. Meet in front of Audubon House at 9:00 am for a 1½ hour nature walk. See page 7 for directions. For group tours, contact Jay Miller at 949-707-1287.

Leaders: Audubon Naturalists Monthly Bird Walk at the SJWS Sun, November 12th - 8:00 am to 12 noon Join us for a bird walk around the ponds of the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine at 8:00 am. The shorebirds, ducks, and grebes are now back, and many of the other wintering birds have arrived. The walk, which is open to birders of all ages, will meet by the front porch of Audubon House. Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult. (Directions to the SJWS are on page 7.) Leader: Chris Obaditch

Upper Newport Bay by pontoon boat Wed, Nov. 15 & Dec. 20 - 8:15 am to 11:00 ® Join us for the rare chance of birding the Upper Newport Bay from the deck of a pontoon boat. Spotting birds from the water offers one a different perspective and the birds seem to view us differently also. Trip duration is 2½ hrs. Trips are limited to 15 persons and there is a $10 trip fee per person payable in cash on the morning of the outing. Advance reservations are necessary; contact Nancy Kenyon to reserve a seat on the boat. Directions will be provided to those with reservations. Leader: Nancy Kenyon nancykenyon@cox.net

Bolsa Chica Bird Walk Thurs, November 16th - 8:00 am to 12 noon Join Vic Leipzig for a bird walk at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Come prepared for a great morning of birding to check out the wintering birds. Bring binoculars, a field guide and a scope if you have one. We will meet at Harriet Wieder Park in the lot off Garfield. Directions: From Pacific Coast Hwy, turn inland on Seapoint Ave. Follow Seapoint to its terminus at the corner of Garfield. Continue straight across Garfield into Harriett Wieder Reg. Park where there is plenty of free parking. Follow the drive lane (shown on some maps as Overlook Drive) about 1/4 mile to its end and park. Leader: Vic Leipzig Upper Newport Bay Bird Walk Sun, November 26th - 8:00 am to 11:30 am Join Mark Kincheloe for a monthly bird walk at Upper Newport Bay to check out the wintering shorebirds, ducks, grebes, herons & egrets, etc. that frequent the bay. Bring your binoculars, a field guide, and a scope if you have one. Directions: We will meet in the Big Canyon parking lot in Newport Beach. This is easily reached from Jamboree. Take San Joaquin Hills Road west toward the bay where it intersects with Back Bay Drive. Turn right on Back Bay Drive and follow it to the Big Canyon parking lot on your left. Leader: Mark Kincheloe Plan Ahead for Next Months CBC’s Although the Christmas Bird Counts are not, technically, field trips, they do constitute one of the highlights of any birder’s season. Information on the counts is on our Sea and Sage webpage and will be in the next Tattler. Dates are: Sun, Dec. 17 – Northeastern (Inland) CBC Sat, Dec. 23 – San Juan Capistrano CBC Sun, Dec. 31 – Coastal CBC Check out the info, mark your calendar, and contact the Area Leader or Count Coordinator of the count(s) you wish to participate in. Many Area Leaders are already planning for the count and lining up birders to help, so it’s not too early to think about this and let the count leaders know you want to support our chapter and join in the fun.

-Trude Hurd

-Trude Hurd

Education News Trude Hurd, Project Director of Education For information about our Education Program, please visit our chapter webpage at: http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/Education/Education.html

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WelcomeNewNaturalistsforOutdoorAdventures

Sea and Sage is pleased that six new recruits have completed the first stage of training (classroom meetings) for our science discovery program at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. They are now continuing with the next stage of training (observing and practicing program activities). We welcome Ann Barbour, Theresa Fili, Mary Ann Gholson, Gigi Harvey, Nancy Lester, Catherine Steinberg, and Mary Ellen Wynn who are using their talents to increase science learning in school children.

SummerBatWalksaSuccessbyJeanSavage,BatWalkcoordinator

This recent summer, over 160 guests had amazing bat encounters at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. It was an exceptional year for number of bats. Each night, we saw dozens of Yuma myotis bats and heard the “tap dancing” of high-flying Mexican free-tailed bats on our bat sonar detectors. One evening, the Mexican free-tailed bats even flew low enough to be seen, a rare occurrence. Some nights, the bats were so numerous that their sonar on the detectors sounded like a 4th of July fireworks finale! The sight of the International Space Station flying over one night and a meteor streaking through the sky added extra magic to our Bat Walk evenings.

We are grateful to Stephanie Remington, Orange County’s bat expert, for her excellent presentation and field walk. We thank Kate Grabenstein for registration and our 23 wonderful Bat Walk volunteers who ensured our eight events were enjoyable and safe for all: Phyllis Anderson, Kelsi Black, Sue Bruns, Bing Chen, Klara Detrano, Christine Dickey, Jeff Evans, Lee Evans, Susan & David Kramer, Doug Lithgow, Eva Lydick, Jay Matchett, Laura Osteen, Marsha Owen, Karla Reinhardt, Jean Savage, Cristi Saylor, Kyra Schmidt, Paul Schmidt, Judy Treas, Pat Vranicar, and Deb Woods.

Planning is already underway for 2018. Registration will open April 1, 2018 and space is limited so be sure to sign up early. We hope to see you at the marsh for an amazing bat walk next summer!

FundraisingSuccessfulforSchoolBuses

We are grateful to those who responded to our request in the October Wandering Tattler for school bus donations. Combined with donors from September, we have now reached our goal of 12 buses so Santa Ana school children can participate in Outdoor Adventures. Schools currently participating in our scholarship program are Diamond, Kennedy, Pio Pico, Thorpe and Washington.

Our thanks this month go to Sherry Bass, Mary Cupp (in honor of her sister Ann), Judy Fritts, Holly Joslin, Patricia M. Knight, Babs Levitan, Ramona Richardson, Brett & Joan Rubin, Christiane Shannon, Peter Sloan, Ann Sakai & Stephen Weller, Bev Spring and one anonymous donor who are making it possible for students to personally experience a wetland ecosystem. Thanks for your support!

TwoEducationGrantsReceived Sea & Sage Audubon is very pleased to receive a

$50,000 education grant from an Anonymous Foundation. These funds enable at least 55 Santa Ana classrooms to attend Outdoor Adventures at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Our partnership with this donor enables both of us to achieve our goals to protect birds and natural habitat. We are very grateful to this donor for such generous support!

This fall, we received a $5,000 grant from Disney VoluntEARS. These wonderful funds will also support our Outdoor Adventures scholarship program for Santa Ana school children. We thank Ralph Sugg, Sea and Sage Board member and Disney Cast member, for his role in recommending our science program for funding. EducationCommitteehostsDocentDay

Orange County naturalists and rangers keep informed about nature and how to share nature with the public through Orange County Wild’s annual Docent Day. Sea and Sage’s Education Committee was proud to host Docent Day’s 20th anniversary at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Nearly 100 people heard nine guest speakers on Pollinators, Sharks, Bird Coloration, Urban Edges, Restoration, Teaching Techniques, Plant Adaptations, Tracking, and Bird Walk. Project Director Trude Hurd gave a talk about Pollinators and then a walk through the Pollinators Garden, while Caleb Speakman (former Sea & Sage camper and currently a Concordia University senior) presented Bird Coloration. Thanks to Carolyn Noble, Debbie Hays, Gail Richards, Linda Thomas, Doug Lithgow, and Pat Vranicar plus Trude Hurd, Deborah Brin, and Dan Trinidad for their efforts to ensure the day was organized, effective and pleasant for everyone.

Directions and Membership SeaandSageAudubonSociety'smissionistoprotectbirds,otherwildlife,andtheirhabitatsthrougheducation,citizenscience,research,andpublicpolicyadvocacy.

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Tattler Subscriptions

Non-Audubon members or members from other Audubon chapters who wish to subscribe to our chapter newsletter, may do so for $14.00 per year. Make check payable to “Sea and Sage Audubon” and mail to: Tattler Subscriptions, 32 Almond Tree Ln, Irvine CA 92612

Go Paperless! Sign up to receive your newsletter via email — get your issues faster, help save natural resources, reduce waste, and help our chapter save money! You can read it online or print out the pages you need to refer to more frequently. It is in pdf format and will look and print exactly like the original ones. Photos will be in color. Send an e-mail to nancykenyon@cox.net to start your paper-free Tattler delivery today! (offer good only for chapter members in good standing)

Remember Us in Your

Will or Trust Please remember to include “Sea and Sage Audubon Society” by name (tax ID#23-7003681) in your will or trust.

Directions

to Audubon House, our Chapter Meetings & the San Joaquin

Wildlife Sanctuary Our entrance is now from Campus Dr., not Michelson

From the San Diego Fwy (405): Exit on Jamboree, south toward Newport Beach. At the 1st signal, Michelson, turn left. Continue on Michelson (past the old entrance to the SJWS) to the 5th signal which is Harvard and turn right. Drive to University & turn right. Drive to Campus Drive & turn right. Stay in the far right lane and immediately turn right onto Riparian View which will enter the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. The entrance road is marked by a green sign. If you miss the turn and reach Carlson, turn right and go around the block again to Harvard. The sanctuary is open every day from dawn until dusk.

Audubon House

Open daily: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm 949-261-7963

Your Membership

Payment

Do you want to join National Audubon and Sea and Sage? Use the membership form at the bottom of this page. An Individual Membership or a Family Membership is only $20. Sea & Sage receives 100% of a chapter generated new member’s dues for the first year. Mail the form and your check - payable to National Audubon Society - to Sea and Sage Audubon, PO Box 5447, Irvine CA 92616. If you want to use a credit card for your membership payment, go online to: http://www.audubon.org/membership If you have questions, please contact Membership Chair, Jim Kissinger, at membership@seaandsageaudubon.org

Temporarily Away or

Moving? Please notify Jim Kissinger of your new address if you are temporarily, or permanently, moving from your current address; or, let him know if you do not want to continue to receive the Tattler. This will save us postage. Jim Kissinger, Membership Chair membership@seaandsageaudubon.org

Use Membership Form on page

Audubon Membership Application We invite you to become a member of the National Audubon Society and the Sea and Sage Audubon chapter. Members receive the AUDUBON magazine as well as the WANDERING TATTLER newsletter. NEW MEMBERSHIP is $20 for an individual or for a family. (The membership is good for one year.) To join: Complete the form below & mail it along with your payment to: Sea and Sage Audubon, PO Box 5447, Irvine CA 92616 Make your check payable to: NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY. Pleasepaybycheckonly;donotsendcash.Or, go online to: http://tinyurl.com/hyeaw67 (Our chapter code is C15) To renew membership: renew directly with National Audubon by direct mail or online: (Renewals are $20 per year.) http://tinyurl.com/zjbs5tt Name ___________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ____________________________________________________________ Phone ___________________________________________________________________ E-mail ___________________________________________________________________

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BOARD MEMBERS Executive Committee: President ........................... Doug Lithgow .............. 714-962-4145 Vice President ................... Gail Richards ............... 714-267-2420 Secretary ........................... Sandy Smith ................ 949-706-9396 Treasurer ........................... Tom Van Huss ............ 714-417-9940 Director 2018 ..................... Bruce Aird ................... 949-458-1520 Director 2018 ..................... Ralph Sugg ................. 949-855-6575 Director 2019 ..................... Star Howard ................ 949-770-3177 Director 2019 ..................... Joan McCauley ........... 949-642-1938 Director 2020 ..................... Ann Harmer ................. 949-631-3322 Director 2020 ..................... Debbie Hays ................ 714-356-6302 Past President ................... Vic Leipzig ................... 714-848-5394 Committee Chairpersons: Archives & Records ........... Chris Byrd ................... 714-639-0967 Audubon House .................... Susan Sheakley .......... 949-552-5974 Audubon House Volunteers . Barbara Mitchell .......... 949-646-4115 Bird Information ................. Sylvia Gallagher .......... 714-962-8990 Conservation ..................... Susan Sheakley .......... 949-552-5974 Counsel ............................. Sean Sherlock ............. 714-427-7036 Development ..................... Cheryl Thomas ............ 949-294-2275 Education .......................... Carolyn Noble ............. 714-731-9091 Events ............................... Mary Joseph ................ 714-848-8362 Exhibits .............................. Mary Joseph ................ 714-848-8362 Field Trips .......................... Nancy Kenyon ............. 949-786-3160 Finance ............................. Hal Sheakley ............... 949-552-5974 Membership ...................... Jim Kissinger ............... 949-713-1148 Newsletter Editor ............... Nancy Kenyon ............. 949-786-3160 Orange County Spring Count .... Darrell Wilson .............. 949-559-4542 Partners in Flight ............... Janet & Al Baumann ... 949-859-5081 Programs ........................... Gail Richards ............... 714-267-2420 Publicity ............................. Susan Kramer ............. 714-240-6678 Raptor Research ............... Scott Thomas .............. 949-293-2915 Science ............................. Amber Heredia ............ 714-812-2430 SJWS Liaison .................... Chris Obaditch ............ 949-640-7234 Social Media ...................... Sandrine Biziaux-Scherson.949-413-0297 Starr Ranch/Envir. Liaison Pete DeSimone ........... 949-858-0309 Webmaster ........................ Nancy Kenyon ............. 949-786-3160 Webpage: http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org

AUDUBON HOUSE ...... .............................. 949-261-7963 STAFF

Marsh Education Project Director Trude Hurd ................ 949-261-7964 Education Assistant ......................... Deborah Brin ............. 949-261-7964 Sales Manager .................... Debby Thyssen ......... 949-261-7963 Administrative Aide ............. Rebecca Craft ........... 949-261-7963

OTHER CONTACTS Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center – for injured or sick birds and other native wild animals in need of help (corner of Newland & PCH in HB) 714-374-5587. http://www.wwccoc.org/ Call Songbird Care & Education Center for injured or sick native songbirds. 714-964-0666. www.songbirdcareandeducation.org

SCHEDULE OF CHAPTER ACTIVITIES November 2017 04 Sat Monthly Wildlife Walk at the SJWS ................ 9:00 am 07 Tues Conservation Committee Meeting .................. 6:30 pm 10-12 F-S Morro Bay field trip ® - Full ............................ 2:45 pm 12 Sun Monthly Bird Walk at the SJWS ..................... 8:00 am 14 Tues Board Meeting . .............................................. 7:00 pm 15 Wed UNB by pontoon boat ® ................................. 8:15 am 16 Thurs Bolsa Chica bird walk ..................................... 8:00 am 17 Fri GENERAL MEETING .................................... 7:30 pm 26 Sun Monthly bird walk at Upper Newport Bay ....... 8:00 am 28 Tues 4th Tues Conservation Lecture ....................... 7:30 pm December 2017 02 Sat Monthly Wildlife Walk at the SJWS ................ 9:00 am 05 Tues Conservation Committee Meeting .................. 6:30 pm 10 Sun Monthly Bird Walk at the SJWS ..................... 8:00 am 12 Tues Board Meeting . .............................................. 7:00 pm 15 Fri NO GENERAL MEETING this month ......................... 17 Sun Northeastern (Inland) Christmas Bird Count .......... tba 20 Wed UNB by pontoon boat ® ................................. 8:15 am 23 Sat San Juan Capistrano Christmas Bird Count .......... tba 31 Sun Coastal Christmas Bird Count ................................ tba 31 Sun Monthly bird walk at UNB cancelled due to CBC ........ January 2018 06 Sat CBC Specialties Trip ...................................... 7:00 am 13 Sat Winter Pelagic Trip ® (almost full) ................. 6:30 am 14 Sun Monthly Bird Walk at the SJWS ..................... 8:00 am 17 Wed UNB by pontoon boat ® ................................. 8:15 am 18 Thurs Bolsa Chica bird walk ..................................... 8:00 am 20 Sat Seal Beach ® - Full ........................................ 7:30 am 28 Sun Monthly bird walk at UNB .............................. 8:00 am

Sea and Sage Audubon PO Box 5447, Irvine CA 92616 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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U.S. Postage Paid Santa Ana, CA Permit No. 164

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