February 2010 White Tailed Kite Newsletter, Altacal Audubon Society

8/8/2019 February 2010 White Tailed Kite Newsletter, Altacal Audubon Society

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W hite-tailed KiteFebruary/March, 2010

Mission: To promote the awareness, appreciation and protection of native birds and their habitats through

education, research and environmental activities.

Program Meetings for the general community are normally held on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the ChicoCreek Nature Center, 1968 E. 8th St. In December the meeting is held on the second Monday and in July and August there

are no Program Meetings.

From the President

A grateful thank you to all of you who supported Altacals programs and mission by contributing tothe Altacal Fall Fund Drive ($1345) and the Annie Bs Community Drive ($593). In this and futureWhite-tailed Kite newsletters youll see the good work the donations supported.

February Program - Monday, February 15, 6:30 p.m. Chico Creek Nature CenterTricolored Blackbird

Presented by Dr. Robert J. Meese

The Tricolored Blackbird, Agelaius tricolor, is a near-endemicCalifornia passerine, with more than 98% of all individuals occurringwithin the state. It has limited protection under the Migratory BirdTreaty Act and is currently a State Species of Special Concern and aFederal Species of Conservation Concern. Yet, its numbers are indecline.

A conservative estimate puts the number of tricolors during the 1930s inthe millions, with the Central Valley segment alone as a likely 2-3million birds. Statewide surveys between 2000 and 2005 produced arange of estimates between 150,000 - 260,000+ birds, and the 2008Statewide Survey estimated 400,000 birds in California. The southernCalifornia population is in especially dire straits, with a total of 5,500birds observed in the 2008 Statewide Survey and 5,200 observed in anintensive survey in 2009.

Bob Meese and Tricolored Blackbird
http://www.northvalley.net/naturecenterhttp://www.northvalley.net/naturecenterhttp://www.prbo.org/calpif/htmldocs/species/riparian/tricolored_blackbird.htmhttp://www.prbo.org/calpif/htmldocs/species/riparian/tricolored_blackbird.htmhttp://www.northvalley.net/naturecenterhttp://www.northvalley.net/naturecenter


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Please join us in welcoming Robert J. Meese, Ph.D., Dept. of Environmental Science & Policy,University of California Davis, to our February Altacal program. Dr. Meese has been working withTricolored Blackbirds for many years and will share with us some of what he has learned. His work hasincluded an intensive banding effort as part of a statewide effort to identify and document movementpatterns and fidelity to breeding colonies. The banding of tricolors began in 2007 and has continuedannually, with over 25,000 tricolors banded by autumn, 2009.

Following the presentation, Dr Meese will lead a short discussion of the future of the TricoloredBlackbird in the Central Valley and elsewhere, as there is much reason for concern.

March Program - Monday, March 15, 6:30 p.m. Chico Creek Nature Center

Birds of Namibia

Presented by Dr. Roger Lederer

Dr. Lederer will present a slide show of thebirds of Namibia. Once called GermanSouthwest Africa, Namibia is on the Atlanticcoast northwest of South Africa and west ofBotswana. A very safe and sparsely populated

country, it has the largest sand dunes in theworld as well as a variety of other habitats.There are 680 bird species in Namibia, theDune Lark being the only endemic, but 15other species are near-endemic. In a briefpreview, Dr. Lederer will discuss the book,Birds of Bidwell Park.

A Desert Scene in Namibia

Dr. Roger Lederer is Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences at California State

University, Chico whose interests are ecology, science education and ornithology.He has published over thirty scientific research papers, and five books, Ecologyand Field Biology, Bird Finder, Pacific Coast Bird Finder,Amazing Birds (in sixlanguages) (2007), and Birds of New England (2008). Dr. Lederer taught at theuniversity level, worked with governmental agencies, environmental organizationsand schools, and presented hundreds of public presentations to a wide variety ofaudiences. He has been consulted by BBC, National Geographic, WeatherNotebook, National Public Radio, National Canadian Television, Vanity Fair Magazine, the GuinnessBook of World Records, The Weakest Link, Real Simple Magazine, the Detroit Free Press, Voice ofAmerica, the Columbia News Service, and many other organizations and individuals on the topic ofbirds. He currently has a blog, Those Amazing Birds, sponsored by the Chico Enterprise-Record

newspaper.Dr. Lederer served as Chair of Biological Sciences, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences, Director ofthe Bidwell Environmental Institute and the first Endowed Professor of Environmental Literacy. He isstill active, serving as president of the local science fair board, writing another book, maintaining hispopular website, Ornithology.com, and birding the world.

He has traveled to nearly 90 countries and for the past several years has been a guest speaker andnaturalist on several cruise lines across the world, speaking on ecology and of course, birds.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/birdssa/discuss/72157612300304223http://www.flickr.com/groups/birdssa/discuss/72157612300304223


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Upcoming Bird Walks and Birding Trips

All of our field trips are open to beginning birders. Anyone with a sense of wonder is welcome to participate.

February 6, Saturday, Waterfowl Identification Field Workshop, Part 4: Swans and CranesTrip leaders: Jay Bogiatto and Scott Huber

Swans and Cranes are the jumbo jets of our wetland birds and their distinctive voices are harbingers offall and winter. The 4th installment in our series of Waterfowl Field Workshops will provide

opportunities for us to study the hugegatherings of resting and feeding TundraSwans in area rice fields and well be scopingfor neck-banded swans from Canada andAlaska as well as checking for very rareTrumpeter, Whooper and Bewicks Swans.Sandhill Cranes prefer drier fields and wellhope to see them performing their unique andbeautiful dance. While learning more aboutthese species well be surrounding bynumerous species of ducks and geese which

well also take time to identify and assistparticipants with I.D. tips

Tundra Swan

Participants will be provided instruction on the nuances of identification, including general impressionof size and shape, silhouette, field marks, flock pattern and vocalizations. Participants are encouraged tobring their own binoculars or can check out binoculars and field guides purchased thanks to a grant bythe Butte County Fish and Game Commission. Spotting scopes purchased under the same grant will beavailable for shared use by all participants.

Workshop leaders are: Jay Bogiatto -who teaches ornithology, waterfowl biology and zoology at CSU,

Chico, and Scott Huber, past field trip director for Altacal Audubon.

For more information on meeting place and time please contact Scott Huber at 321-5579 or 343-1306.Space is limited so please reserve your spot early.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tundra_Swan/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tundra_Swan/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Trumpeter_Swan/idhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/297/_/Whooper_Swan.aspxhttp://www.arkive.org/bewicks-swan/cygnus-columbianus-bewickii/info.htmlhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/sandhill_crane/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/sandhill_crane/idhttp://www.arkive.org/bewicks-swan/cygnus-columbianus-bewickii/info.htmlhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/297/_/Whooper_Swan.aspxhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Trumpeter_Swan/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tundra_Swan/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tundra_Swan/lifehistory


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February 21, Sunday Raptor RunField Trip Leader: Jennifer Patten

Meet at the Chico Park n Ride on Rt. 32 (the lot nearest the freeway) at 8 a.m. We'll look for raptors inthe Lassen and Meridian Rds. areas, and then if we have time, we'll drive south and look for raptors inthe Cottonwood Rd. and Nelson Ave areas. Targets are Bald Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Merlin, and Burrowing Owlas well as more commonly seen species.Bring binoculars (and scope if you have one) water, and a lunch. We should be back around 1 p.m. Raincancels. For questions, contact Jennifer Patten at 345-9356 or [email protected]

Ferruginous Hawk

March 6, Saturday South Rim Trail / Upper Bidwell ParkField Trip Leader: Mauricio Schrader

Come experience Upper Bidwell Park from the less-used South Rim Trail. This will be a fairlystrenuous hike on a sometimes rough and steep trail. Mauricio enjoys birding by ear and wants to help

those wishing to expand the soundscape all around us - great views of the canyon and Big Chico Creek.Bring binoculars, water snacks or lunch and wear shoes and clothes suitable for the weather. Meet at theCentennial Avenue entrance next to the Falcons Point Gate at 8:00 a.m. Rain Cancels. The hike willend between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. For more information contact Mauricio Schrader at 518-7265.

Bear Hole
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ferruginous_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rough-legged_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rough-legged_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/prairie_falcon/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/merlin/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Burrowing_owl/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Burrowing_owl/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/merlin/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/prairie_falcon/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rough-legged_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rough-legged_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ferruginous_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/id


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March 13, Saturday - Upper Bidwell ParkTrip Leader: Steve King

NOTE! This bird walk will be held on the second Saturday of each month from February through JuneTrip leaders will be Steve King and others.

On March 13 we continue our new regular UpperBidwell bird walks. In the near future, they will be heldon April 10, May 8 and June 12. These dates are the

second Saturday of each month. For March, we willmeet at 8:00 a.m. at the almost-new parking lot on theleft just past the gun club (follow Wildwood Ave for1.75 miles and turn left just before the gate). Fromthere, we may start walking, or maybe drive a shortdistance further up the park road and start our field tripat a different location. Bring binoculars, water, snackswalking shoes and proper clothing for the expectedweather conditions. Rain cancels. For more informationcontact: Steve King at 342-6715.

Trails in Upper Bidwell Park

March 27, Saturday - Paradise Flume TrailTrip Leader: Dawn Garcia

Trip leader Dawn Garcia will show you the dramatic scenery of the west branch of the North Fork of theFeather River. The hike is not for people nervous of heights or with poor balance. Much of it iswalking on narrow (two-foot) metal walkways over the flume, jutting 100 plus above the river. In lateMarch we hope to see/hear our summer resident and migrant birds; Townsends, Nashville, Orange-crowned, and Black-throated Gray Warblers, flycatchers, tanagers and grosbeaks and possiblylooks at the elusive Rufous-crowned Sparrow and maybe a singing Winter Wren. But the beauty ofthis walk is really the highlight from scenery to spring bloomers. Fawn lilies should be in full forcewith other early flowers showing off. Anybody love chocolate? After our hike we will stop at a local

chocolate shop. Meet at Holiday Market, 6848 Skyway, Paradise, at 9:00 am. We will carpool fromhere with high clearance vehicles necessary to access the trailhead - Limited to 12 people - Bring snacksand water. Go to http://skingchico.com/ParadiseFlumeTrail/ParadiseFlumeTrail.php to see Dawnswrite-up of the flume trail in more detail. For more information, contact Dawn at 872-2165 [email protected]

Happy Hikers on the Flume Trail
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=39.772296,-121.779869&spn=0.002981,0.004967&t=h&z=18&msid=107749637272644391136.0004774399b3ee0f8c18dhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Townsends_Warbler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/nashville_warbler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/orange-crowned_warbler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/orange-crowned_warbler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-throated_Gray_Warbler/idhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/605/_/Rufous-crowned_Sparrow_Breeding_Male.aspxhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Winter_Wren/idhttp://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?stat=BROWSE&query_src=photos_flora_com&where-genre=Plant&where-namesoup=Yellow+Fawn+Lily&rel-namesoup=matchphrase&title_tag=Yellow+Fawn+Lilyhttp://skingchico.com/ParadiseFlumeTrail/ParadiseFlumeTrail.phpmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://skingchico.com/ParadiseFlumeTrail/ParadiseFlumeTrail.phphttp://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?stat=BROWSE&query_src=photos_flora_com&where-genre=Plant&where-namesoup=Yellow+Fawn+Lily&rel-namesoup=matchphrase&title_tag=Yellow+Fawn+Lilyhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Winter_Wren/idhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/605/_/Rufous-crowned_Sparrow_Breeding_Male.aspxhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-throated_Gray_Warbler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/orange-crowned_warbler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/orange-crowned_warbler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/nashville_warbler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Townsends_Warbler/idhttp://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=39.772296,-121.779869&spn=0.002981,0.004967&t=h&z=18&msid=107749637272644391136.0004774399b3ee0f8c18d


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April 10, Saturday - Upper Bidwell ParkTrip Leader: Steve King

NOTE! This bird walk will be held on the second Saturday of each month from February through JuneTrip leaders will be Steve King and others.

On April 10 we continue our new regular UpperBidwell bird walks. In the near future, they will be heldon May 8 and June 12. These dates are the second

Saturday of each month. We will meet at 8:00 a.m. atthe almost-new parking lot on the left just past the gunclub (follow Wildwood Ave for 1.75 miles and turn leftjust before the gate). From there, we may start walking,or maybe drive a short distance further up the park roadand start our field trip at a different location. Bringbinoculars, water, snacks walking shoes and properclothing for the expected weather conditions. Raincancels. For more information contact: Steve King at342-6715.

Trails in Upper Bidwell Park

April 11, Sunday Table MountainTrip Leader: Gaylord Grams

Come out to see the spring wildflower show on TableMountain. This trip will include stops in Cherokee, theCherokee Cemetery and the ponds along the road. Then wewill hike on Table Mountain to see the birds, flowers andwaterfalls. Meet at the Chico Park n Ride on Hwy 32 (lotnearest Hwy 99) at 8:00 a.m. or at Spring Valley School(corner of Hwy. 70 and Pentz Road) at 8:30 a.m. Bring a

lunch, water and shoes for hiking. For more informationcontact Gaylord Grams at 872-0739.

Table Mountain Wildflowers

Christmas Bird Counts

and a partridge in a pear tree
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=39.772296,-121.779869&spn=0.002981,0.004967&t=h&z=18&msid=107749637272644391136.0004774399b3ee0f8c18dhttp://www.rockincherokee.com/CHEROKEE/CHEROK~1.htmhttp://www.rockincherokee.com/CHEROKEE/CHEROK~1.htmhttp://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=39.772296,-121.779869&spn=0.002981,0.004967&t=h&z=18&msid=107749637272644391136.0004774399b3ee0f8c18d


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December 19, Saturday- Chico Christmas Bird CountCompiler: Phil Johnson

This year's Chico CBC was a record-breaker for sure. Here's what our group of 20 birders came upwith: American Bittern 10 (record high, first since 1990), Snowy Egret 52 (record high), Green-winged Teal 143 (record high), Cinnamon Teal 13 (record high, first since 1991) andWesternSandpiper 13 (record high, first since 1995). All of these records are due to excellent improvementsthat have been made to the City of Chico Water Pollution Control Plant Outflow Ponds (what we call theOxidation Ponds). Add to that, 9 Sora rails and 6 Virginia Rails (each one shy of a record) that wereseen at the Oxidation Ponds. The ponds are not open to the public yet, so please stay away until furthernotice. When they do open, we can all look forward to some great birding close to Chico.

Also seen wereGreat Egrets 39 (record high by 1), Red-shouldered Hawk 40 (record high), SpottedSandpiper 7 (record high, thanks to Mauricio and Mike A. and "the boating incident" which we will notdiscuss here, just ask them next time you see em'),Rock Pigeon 1360 (record high, who caresthough?), Say's Phoebe7 (record high) and Western Bluebird 524 (record high, but not by much).

Then theres the Corvidae family. Common Raven 110 (record high). Ravens were impossible to findback in the 50's, 60's and 70's, but we are seeing a steady increase in the past five years. I am not surewhy. Anybody have any guesses? - American Crow193. Crows took a plunge in the wake of theWest Nile virus. Last year we had a record low for Crows at 110. This years numbers are still way

lower than historic levels - Yellow-billed Magpie 310. Magpies are getting back closer to average afterthe West Nile wave.

Loggerhead Shrike 1 (Shrike numbers have plummeted in the last 10 years, keep an eye out for them) -Eurasian Collared-Dove 53 (record high, 3rd year seen on count). Cackling Goose 5 (seen atHorseshoe Lake in Upper Park).

118 species total.

A big thanks goes out to the King's for hosting the compilation dinner! They fed us well and warmed usup after a long day in the cold.

December 20, Sunday Red Bluff Christmas Bird Count

A number of Altacal members met with birders from around the North State to assist with the first RedBluff Christmas Bird Count to be held since 2006. Despite sometimes rainy conditions the count was abig success and a number of noteworthy species were detected including Tree Swallow and Black-throated Gray Warbler(both rare in winter), and J.T. Lewis of Chico located a first-ever for the count,a wintering Hooded Oriole!

January 3, 2010 Oroville Christmas Bird CountCompiler: Scott Huber

This seasons Oroville Christmas Bird Count, held January 3, 2010 rather than late 2009 as iscustomary, was more notable for its great weather than for its variety of bird species.

After many days of wet weather the count day was mostly sunny and warm. Twenty-six counters hit thefield at 7:50 am. In addition to many Altacal regulars we were joined by newcomers Larry Jendro andMerrily Stover, out-of-the-area birders Terry Colborn and Karin Grillo and young birders CanyonWilliams (9) and Liam Huber (12).

The final tally for the day was 124 species. Noteworthy species and numbers included 5400Canvasbacks all rafting together on a corner of Thermalito Afterbay, 39 Bald Eagles an apparentrecord for this count, 13 Lewiss Woodpeckers which is in line with thoughts that this is an irruptiveperiod for the species, and regrettably, not a single Loggerhead Shrike the fourth year in whatappears to be a dramatic decline in shrike numbers in the Oroville area.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_bittern/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/snowy_egret/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green-winged_Teal/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green-winged_Teal/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cinnamon_Teal/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Western_Sandpiper/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Western_Sandpiper/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Western_Sandpiper/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sora/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/virginia_rail/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/great_Egret/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/red-shouldered_hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/spotted_sandpiper/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/spotted_sandpiper/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rock_Pigeon/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rock_Pigeon/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/says_phoebe/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/western_bluebird/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Raven/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Crow/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Yellow-billed_Magpie/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Loggerhead_Shrike/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eurasian_collared-dove/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/cackling_goose/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tree_Swallow/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-throated_Gray_Warbler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-throated_Gray_Warbler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hooded_Oriole/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canvasback/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/lewiss_woodpecker/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Loggerhead_Shrike/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Loggerhead_Shrike/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/lewiss_woodpecker/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canvasback/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hooded_Oriole/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-throated_Gray_Warbler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-throated_Gray_Warbler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tree_Swallow/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/cackling_goose/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eurasian_collared-dove/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Loggerhead_Shrike/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Yellow-billed_Magpie/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Crow/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Raven/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/western_bluebird/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/says_phoebe/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rock_Pigeon/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/spotted_sandpiper/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/spotted_sandpiper/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/red-shouldered_hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/great_Egret/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/virginia_rail/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sora/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Western_Sandpiper/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Western_Sandpiper/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cinnamon_Teal/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green-winged_Teal/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green-winged_Teal/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/snowy_egret/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_bittern/id


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Although not regulars on our list, a number of off-the-list species made a repeat appearance this yearincluding 43 Common Ravens, 20 Sandhill Cranes, 110 White-faced Ibis and the now nearly annualPeregrine Falcon. Eurasian Collared-Dove, making its first ever CBC appearance on the 2008 count,was back with a vengeance this year at 36, and White-throated Swifts were recorded for the first timeever on the count with 5.

Thank you to all who participated and helped make the most of this gorgeous winter day!

Chico Creek Nature Center to Open New Building

The Chico Creek Nature Center (CCNC) will open its newbuilding to the public in early Spring, 2010. The facility willhouse a permanent Bidwell Park interpretive exhibit along witha children's nature lab.

The highly visual exhibit in Howard S. Tucker Hall showcasesthe Park's ecological systems, biological diversity and culturalhistory through topographical maps, photographic murals,Mechoopda Maidu cultural objects, native flora samples, birdsof Bidwell Park wood carvings, informative digital kiosks,and specimen drawers for hands-on exploration. The adjoining

Kristie's Nature Lab is a state-of-the-art science lab designed toenhance the Center's Camp Chico Creek and K-6th school programs.

Altacal Audubon Society has played an integral role in the development and growth of the CCNC,having founded it in 1982 and for many years being responsible for its day-to-day operations andfinancing. Altacal continues to hold its free monthly programs at the CCNC and often collaborates onBidwell Park birding events with the Center.

Carvings of an Oak Titmouse a Western Bluebird and a Northern Flicker (not to scale here)
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Raven/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/sandhill_crane/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-faced_Ibis/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/peregrine_falcon/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eurasian_collared-dove/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/white-throated_swift/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/white-throated_swift/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eurasian_collared-dove/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/peregrine_falcon/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-faced_Ibis/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/sandhill_crane/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Raven/id


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Altacal recently collaborated with California Audubon and the CCNC on a Birds of Bidwell Parkvisualand auditory bird exhibit for the new interpretive facility, thus helping to fulfill Altacals commitment toassist the CCNC to finance the exhibit design and construction. The support also furthers Altacalsmission of promoting the awareness, appreciation, and protection of native birds and their habitatsthrough education, research, and environmental activities. For more information, visit the CCNC website www.bidwellpark.org or call 891-4671.

Banding ReportDawn Garcia

Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) Fall Monitoring Project at the BigChico Creek Ecological Reserve, 2009

In November 2009, we completed the fifth year of theNorthern Saw-whetOwl(NSWO) Project migration monitoring, contributing to local owl ecologyand to the broader monitoring program, Project OwlNethttp://www.projectowlnet.org/index.htm. Since 2008, the owl team has beenwell-prepared for consistent coverage for fall monitoring. With threepermitted banders and competent, dependable assistants, we were able to runthe station five nights per week during the owl migration period (mid-Octoberthrough mid-November). We were also awarded a Student Research grant topurchase and maintain equipment.

Northern Saw-whet OwlPhoto by Dawn Garcia

2009 Results

NSWO

In 2009, we conducted 28 nights of monitoring, totaling 550 net hours. We captured the lowest numberof NSWO (n=25) per effort in all five years. We had six same-season recaptures; the longest periodbetween first capture and recapture was 16. The ratio of hatch-year (HY) owls to after-hatch-year(AHY) owls increased slightly since 2007 but still favored AHY birds. In 2006, the HY birdsoutnumbered AHY birds by 20%. As is typical with our station and other stations, females made up thebulk of the captures (92%) with two birds classified as unknown (8%) and no individuals classified asmales in 2009.
http://www.bidwellpark.org/http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Saw-whet_Owl/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Saw-whet_Owl/idhttp://www.projectowlnet.org/index.htmhttp://www.projectowlnet.org/index.htmhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Saw-whet_Owl/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Saw-whet_Owl/idhttp://www.bidwellpark.org/


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Incidental owl detections and capturesWe detected four species of owl: NSWO, Great Horned Owl (GHOW), Western Screech-Owl andNorthern Pygmy-Owl. Incidental captures included three pallid bats, one northern flying squirreland two Wrentits. No other species of owl was captured. Keith Paul erected an Anabat detector late inthe season which detected Mexican Free-tail, Western Red, and two species ofMyotis bat.

OutreachWe hosted two public events this fall

Owl-o-Ween - an Altacal Audubon Society field trip for tenpeople and

an Owl Night Out a Snow Goose Festival fund raiser, for sixpeople.

Owl-o-Ween Visitors

Discussion

Owls

The 2009 season was literally very quiet except for two juvenile Great Horned Owls that werepersistently vocal around the banding station. We have considered the possibility of the presence of theGreat Horned Owls impacting our Northern Saw-whet Owl capture rate. I think it is unlikely, based onobservations of GHOW being present in the past and still netting NSWO, and the presence of larger owlpredators at other stations still having high NSWO capture rates. Saw-whet Owls may have been moresilent due to the presence of GHOW, but I think generally there was a decreased number of NSWO inour area. As suspected in 2008, several large fires occurring in the region could have affected owlproductivity and prey base, and reduced nesting habitat where our population of NSWO originates(unknown); perhaps contributing to the fairly dramatic and continuing decline in captures in 2008 and2009.

Future reports and effortTo satisfy the goals of the original proposal, I will be developing a station manual including protocolsand comprehensive results. This year marks the final year of the project, but we have requested fundingto continue the project for another five years, 2010-2015. An examination of the five-year dataset onlyreveals timing of migration and begs continued monitoring to better understand our local NSWOpopulation parameters.

Thanks

My appreciation and hearty thanks go to volunteers Mike Fisher, Julie Nelson, Steve and Raina King,Ken Hashagen, Nancy Nelson, Keith Paul, Michelle Ocken, and Emily Wilson for running thestation in 2009. We appreciate the logistical and financial support from the Big Chico Creek EcologicalReserve staff and the grant committee.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/great_horned_owl/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/western_screech-owl/idhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/13/_/Northern_Pygmy-Owl.aspxhttp://www.enature.com/FIELDGUIDES/enlarged.asp?imageID=18672http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/northernflyingsquirrel.htmhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wrentit/idhttp://www.chiropteracabins.com/anabat.htmhttp://www.thewildones.org/Animals/mexFree.htmlhttp://www.nps.gov/archive/cabr/css/images/wesrdbat.htmhttp://www.nps.gov/archive/cabr/css/images/wesrdbat.htmhttp://www.thewildones.org/Animals/mexFree.htmlhttp://www.chiropteracabins.com/anabat.htmhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wrentit/idhttp://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/northernflyingsquirrel.htmhttp://www.enature.com/FIELDGUIDES/enlarged.asp?imageID=18672http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/13/_/Northern_Pygmy-Owl.aspxhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/western_screech-owl/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/great_horned_owl/id


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Conservation Corner

Dawn Garcia, Conservation Chairperson

Bird Collisions

Migratory birds play a crucial role in preserving ecosystems. They pollinateplants, distribute seeds and eat enormous numbers of insects. This behavior

helps maintain healthy wetlands, forests, and agricultural lands. Many speciesof birds, especially small insect-eaters, migrate at night. Guided in part by theconstellations, they are attracted to lights in urban areas. Consequently, citiessurrounding migratory flyways pose a major threat to these nocturnalmigrants. We are all aware that birds occasionally fly into windows, Frenchdoors, etc. and die. Theres also a phenomenon called bird/buildingcollision in which birds migrating at night become confused by the lights oftall buildings and crash into them.

Paul Riss of Toronto, Canada became so aware of the frequency andimportance of such collisions that he published a book entitled Common Birdsof Toronto. The cover of the book shows dead birds. Riss hoped to rescue

birds hitting Toronto towers by creating a field guide containing ten speciesthat fall victim to Toronto's office towers. The only difference between a traditional field guide and thisone would be that all the birds illustrated would be dead. Riss was urged by the Fatal Light AwarenessProgram (FLAP) to write the book. The FLAP web site has information and links that help preventbird collisions of all sorts not just collisions with tall buildings and towers by night. Forexample, http://www.flap.org/ and http://www.flap.org/great_lakes.htm and particularly,http://www.flap.org/development_guidelines.pdf

Education

Results of Ecology in Flight - Fall Program 2009

After a popular spring program sponsored by a collaborative grant with Audubon California, and inpartnership with Kids and Creeks and the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve (BCCER, CSUChico), members of Altacal Audubon Society were funded to continue the bird banding station for theEcology in Flight program. Dawn Garcia, Steve King, and Michelle Ocken were the main bandingcrew - teaching kids the value of bird banding as a science and conservation tool. Two volunteerphotographers, Ken Hashagen and Robin Siegel, also contributed their time and photos.

We were asked to develop a new banding site upslope of our research site, Toyon slope, due to vehicleaccess limitations. This new station, the Ecology in Flight Site, allowed us to discuss avian speciesabundance and diversity amidst chaparral and oak/conifer habitat.

Bird Banding ResultsWe captured a total of 157 individuals of 14 species over the six banding days. As is typical for ourfall/winter monitoring, both Hermit Thrushes and Spotted Towhees were our highest captures at 48and 28 individuals, respectively. The majority of these two species were hatch year (HY) birds (birdshatched in 2009) indicating a good reproductive year for both species; 73% of Hermit Thrushes wereHY birds and 68% of Spotted Towhees were HY. Due to the molt strategy of the Bushtit, our secondlargest capture (n=31), we were unable to determine the age of these individuals, but could determinethe sex based on iris color. After the preformative molt, males have a brown iris and females develop ayellow iris. Twenty out of 31 Bushtits were male (65%). In fact, in all species where we could
http://www.flap.org/why.htmhttp://www.flap.org/http://www.flap.org/great_lakes.htmhttp://www.flap.org/development_guidelines.pdfhttp://kidsandcreeks.org/nodes/aboutus/index.htmhttp://www.csuchico.edu/bccerhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/hermit_thrush/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Towhee/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bushtit/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bushtit/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Towhee/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/hermit_thrush/idhttp://www.csuchico.edu/bccerhttp://kidsandcreeks.org/nodes/aboutus/index.htmhttp://www.flap.org/development_guidelines.pdfhttp://www.flap.org/great_lakes.htmhttp://www.flap.org/http://www.flap.org/why.htm


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determine sex based on dichromatic plumage (new words for the kids!), the Towhees, Bushtits, andRuby-crowned Kinglets, males dominated in our captures.

We also had some pleasant surprises; our first captures of Golden-crowned Kinglets (n=2, bothfemale), and a Northern Mockingbird which was the first recorded detection of this species on thereserve. The Mockingbird was likely enticed downslope to the ripening Toyon berries, from homesabove on the ridge.

Students, Schools, and Stations

A total of 312 students from 11 classes and 7 schools observed and participated in net checks andactivities at the bird-banding station. Other stations included a grassland restoration activity (350 nativegrass plugs planted), a cultural event showing how jewelry and food were made from local resources,and a song creation from their experience on the Reserve. The concept of the program was to getstudents outside to explore the cultural and biological wonders of the BCCER, and understand theconnectivity between them. Aside from paid staff, 72 volunteers contributed 362 hours to help run thestations. Based on student engagement and teacher feedback, the program was quite successful with thebanding station a special highlight! Want to see what the kids thought? Go tohttp://www.kidsandcreeks.org/and watch the video they created.

Student Releasing a Dark-eyed Junco - Photo by Ken Hashagen
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruby-crowned_Kinglet/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden-Crowned_Kinglet/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_mockingbird/idhttp://www.kidsandcreeks.org/http://www.kidsandcreeks.org/http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_mockingbird/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden-Crowned_Kinglet/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruby-crowned_Kinglet/id


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Student Observes while Dawn looks for Fat Deposits to Help Assess Bird Condition - Photo by Robin Siegel.

Snowbirds

Rex Burress

When I visited Florida and the Everglades several winters ago, there was a ratherannoyed attitude among the residents toward "the snowbirds" from the north.

Those birds didnt have feathers even though they walked on two legs like people,which is what they were people - retirees from the northern snowy statesflocking down to Florida for the winter.

However, in my Missouri homeland, there is a bona fide local snowbird that inreality is the Dark-eyed Junco. The most common version is the slate-colored,(Junco hyemalis), that spends the summer in Canada and then descends to thesouthern states for winter. They had no trouble flitting among the weed patcheswith the sparrows even in snowy weather and finding enough seeds for survival."Everyone knows the little Common Snowbirds" said John Audubon.

Even though not named snowbirds, there were other Midwestern winter species that endured the rigorsof snowy undisciplined weather. The most noticeable red Northern Cardinals brightened the drabthickets, and Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristoto) scrounged a living of nuts and meat scraps even thoughdisdaining small seeds. Northern Bobwhite quail were homebodies as were a variety of sparrow seed-stalkers. Rarely, a real snowbird, the partially white Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) would driftdown from Canada.

Birds of the winter are well-adapted to snowy conditions, but even so, some severe weather can take atoll of songbirds, and mortality can be as much as 30% to 50%. The critical factor is not the cold butdeep snow or ice covering up food sources. During the day birds must eat enough food to sustain themovernight, according to Roger Lederer. "They might put on 10% percent extra body weight during theday, but then the extra fat is used up overnight keeping them warm."
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/dark-eyed_junco/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/northern_Cardinal/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Blue_jay/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Bobwhite/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snow_Bunting/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snow_Bunting/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Bobwhite/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Blue_jay/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/northern_Cardinal/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/dark-eyed_junco/id


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Nectar foods are especially important for the Annas Hummingbirds that spend the winter in CentralCalifornia, including Oroville and the Feather River region. They do have the ability to go into aconservative metabolism/dormancy at night to conserve energy, but even so, backyard sugar-waterfeeders help out. The flowering eucalyptus trees along the river are attractions to nectar feeders, but thetrees flowers are at a low-ebb this winter of 2009.

Oroville, CA, also has a junco species- -the dark-headed Oregon Junco, one of the six groups of Dark-eyed Juncos, but are not generally referred to as snowbirds. The more prominent birds worthy of beingcalled snowbirds are the migrant Snow Geese that would rather avoid snow by drifting down fromCanadian tundra summer nesting grounds to CA valley marshes.

The summer Feather River flycatchers and swallows definitely dislike insect-killing snows and migrateto southern fly-lands like the retired senior people go south! Ironically, one flycatcher species, theBlack Phoebe, remains along the Butte County, CA streams to go swooping out over the water to snatchlow-flying aquatic insects.

Rain, shine, or snow, Altacal Audubon Christmas Bird Counters conduct a census that usually revealsabout 130 species present in the Oroville area. Who knoweth where the bird goes, or what directs itsdecisions, or what the weather will be?

"Hear! Hear! screamed the jay from a neighboring tree, where I had heard a tittering for

some time. Winter has a concentrated and nutty kernel if you know where to look for it."Henry David Thoreau

November Program Report Monday, November 16, 2009

Sea Turtles and Birds of Costa Rica

Julie Nelson

What better way to spend a cold November eveningthan on a virtual trip to the tropics. At ourNovember program, Altacal members and friendswere treated to an overview of the fauna found

along the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Biologistand Altacal member Julie Nelson presented originalphotos and stories of her four months spent in thisCentral American paradise working as a researchassistant for the Caribbean ConservationCorporation (CCC). Although she was there to dosea turtle conservation work, Julie had plenty oftime to enjoy and photograph an amazing collectionof wildlife including snakes, lizards, crocodiles,frogs, toads, freshwater turtles and birds.

Leatherback Turtle Hatchling

Julie explained that she first became interested in sea turtles and the CCC while a graduate student atCSUC. Some investigation led to her securing a position as research assistant for an initial ten-weekperiod at the CCCs Biological Field Station located adjacent to Tortuguero National Park, CostaRica. The following year she returned again to work for an additional six weeks. Founded in 1959, theCCC is the oldest sea turtle conservation group in the world. The mission of the CCC to ensure thesurvival of sea turtles within the wider Caribbean Basin and Atlantic through research, advocacy andeducation. Since its founding the CCC has become the most accomplished sea turtle organization in theworld. CCC's work has greatly improved the survival outlook for several endangered species of seaturtles and is a world-renowned leader in sea turtle research and conservation.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Annas_Hummingbird/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/snow_goose/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/black_phoebe/idhttp://www.cccturtle.org/http://www.cccturtle.org/http://costa-rica-guide.com/Natural/Tortuguero.htmlhttp://costa-rica-guide.com/Natural/Tortuguero.htmlhttp://www.cccturtle.org/http://www.cccturtle.org/http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/black_phoebe/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/snow_goose/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Annas_Hummingbird/lifehistory


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Most of Julies work was with the Green Sea Turtle and the Hawksbill Sea Turtle. Both of theseturtles nest on the Caribbean beaches of Costa Rica. Research is centered on 18 miles of protectedbeach belonging to Tortuguero National Park. Julie explained that Green Sea Turtles weigh between200 and 300 pounds and nest at intervals of two, three, or more years, with wide year-to-yearfluctuations in numbers of nesting females. They nest between three-to-five times per season, laying anaverage of 115 eggs in each nest, with the eggs incubating for about 60 days. Hawksbill Sea Turtles areone of the smaller sea turtles weighing between 100 and 150 pounds. Like the green turtles, Hawksbillsnest at intervals of two, three, or more years. They nest between two-to-four times per season and lay

an average 160 eggs in each nest. Eggs incubate for about 60 days. Sea turtles nest at night to avoidpredators. Julies work included working the beaches each night to count, measure, tag, and protect theturtles as they came ashore to lay their eggs. She also counted the number of eggs each turtle laid, andshe monitored their hatching. Julie shared wonderful photos she took of sea turtles coming ashore,digging their nest, laying eggs, covering the nest and returning to the sea. She also showed photos ofbaby turtles hatching and digging their way out of the sand and crawling out to sea. What an amazingstory it is!

In addition to telling us about the sea turtles, Julie shared her experience working with CCC'sLandbird Monitoring Project assisting researchers with mist-net capture stations, area-search birdcensuses, and migration counts. The bird-monitoring work took place in various settings including therainforest, rivers, canals, and near the beach, and with both resident and migratory species. Some of themost exciting birds she banded and photographed included: Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon, White-necked Jacobin, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Western Slaty Antshrike, White-collared Manakin,Black-headed Trogon and Collared Aracari.

December Program Report Monday, December 14, 2009

Members Slide Show

December, of course, is a special time of the year for almosteverybody. How fitting, then, that it also signals a favorite andhighly anticipated Altacal program. Once a year, all members are

invited to bring a few of their favorite photos taken over the pastyear and share them for all to see. Its an Altacal tradition, one thathas been going on for as long as anyone can remember. For a longtime it was held in September but a few years ago was moved to fillthe December slot. At about this same time we took a hugetechnological leap forward transitioning from 35mm slides to an all-digital format. We continue to honor the slide tradition by callingthis program ourMembers Slide Show.

This year was surely one of the best shows ever. Seven membersstepped up taking the opportunity to share their photos and attemptto wow the crowd. And WOW the crowd they did! In turn, John

Lewis, Scott Huber, Liam Huber, Steve Emmons, TomPritchard, Pam Hansen,

Steve King Hooded Oriolein his Yard

Steve King and Phil Johnson each took control of the projector. Nature was the general theme but howthat was defined and captured in pixels, took a variety of forms. Each person had his favorite subjectsand locations. Birds, imagine that, were the dominant subject making up the vast majority of the photos.Probably 80 percent of all photos were of birds, birds eggs, nests, or had some other avian focus. Alsomaking a showing were reptiles, mammals, insects, and spiders, each well represented. Not to be left
http://www.cccturtle.org/seaturtleinformation.php?page=greenhttp://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Eretmochelys_imbricata.htmlhttp://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/wildlife/birdmon/landbird/tortuguero/cccfieldnotes.shtmlhttp://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/wildlife/birdmon/landbird/tortuguero/cccfieldnotes.shtmlhttp://www.oiseaux.net/birds/photos/slaty-backed.forest.falcon.htmlhttp://www.avesphoto.com/website/PA/species/JBNWHN-1.htmhttp://www.avesphoto.com/website/PA/species/JBNWHN-1.htmhttp://www.1-costaricalink.com/costa_rica_fauna/american_pygmy_kingfisher.htmhttp://www.avesphoto.com/website/PA/gallery/Gall-10.htmhttp://www.greenbackedheron.com/photo/59214493http://www.naturephoto-cz.com/black-headed-trogon:trogon-melanocephalus-photo-7180.htmlhttp://www.wildernessclassroom.com/www/schoolhouse/rainforest_library/animal_library/collared_aracari.htmhttp://www.wildernessclassroom.com/www/schoolhouse/rainforest_library/animal_library/collared_aracari.htmhttp://www.naturephoto-cz.com/black-headed-trogon:trogon-melanocephalus-photo-7180.htmlhttp://www.greenbackedheron.com/photo/59214493http://www.avesphoto.com/website/PA/gallery/Gall-10.htmhttp://www.1-costaricalink.com/costa_rica_fauna/american_pygmy_kingfisher.htmhttp://www.avesphoto.com/website/PA/species/JBNWHN-1.htmhttp://www.avesphoto.com/website/PA/species/JBNWHN-1.htmhttp://www.oiseaux.net/birds/photos/slaty-backed.forest.falcon.htmlhttp://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/wildlife/birdmon/landbird/tortuguero/cccfieldnotes.shtmlhttp://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/wildlife/birdmon/landbird/tortuguero/cccfieldnotes.shtmlhttp://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Eretmochelys_imbricata.htmlhttp://www.cccturtle.org/seaturtleinformation.php?page=green


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out were magnificent landscapes as well as amazing land and rock formations. Occasional photos ofplants and flowers were squeezed in here and there. Even a few people showed up, clearly happy to bewhere they were when photographed. It really was a great mix of photographic talent presentingsubjects with both artistic and technical appeal. A special thanks to all our photographers for a veryenjoyable evening.

Now if you are thinking to yourself, I could have done that, you would be right! Just keep that thoughtand come December, make 2010 your year to share photos at the Altacal Members Slide Show.

Bird Walk and Birding Trip Reports

November 29, Sunday Colusa National Wildlife RefugeTrip Leader: Jennifer Patten

What a spectacular autumn day it was at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge to see the fly-off ofthousands of ducks and geese at sundown. But even before we arrived at the refuge, our group who left

Chico to caravan down, took 7-mile Lane/Z Road, and were in complete awe at the masses of SnowGeese that were in the flooded rice fields. We stopped, took pictures, and just listened to their incrediblecalls. When we finally arrived at Colusa NWR we had about 45 minutes of daylight left to bird a hikingtrail along a slough and saw Wood Ducks, Red-tailed Hawk, Nuttalls Woodpeckers, California andSpotted Towhees, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Hermit Thrush, Brewers Blackbirds, Song Sparrow,and White and Golden-crowned Sparrows. What was especially nice was Refuge Manager, MikePeters, meeting with our group and giving us information about Colusa NWR, and where the best spotfor the fly-off would be. So off we went on the auto loop, to the best possible spot to see the fly-off.And we sure did find it! Just as we arrived Snow Geese were starting to lift off in mass, in the settingsun.

Then ducks followed, not quite in masses, but in smaller numbers, filling the darkening sky. Sights and

sounds that all of us will never forget! Waterfowl and other bird species seen included, NorthernShoveler, Cinnamonand Green-winged Teal, White-faced Ibis, Bufflehead, Black-crowned Night-Heron, American Bittern, Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owl, Greater White-fronted Geese, Gadwall,American Wigeon, Great Blue Heron and Great Egret.

December 5, Saturday Raptor RunTrip Leader: Michelle Ocken

Four birders showed up for a pleasant, if not chilly,December 5th field trip. As this was a Raptor Run, ourfocus, of course, was to find as many different raptors as

we could in this half-day trip. Both Cottonwood andNelson Rds. are great for viewing raptors in the winter inthis area because of the wide-open fields that providegreat foraging for these aerial hunters.

We set out from the Park-n-Ride on our way toCottonwood Rd. for the first leg of our trip. It was herethat we got a great look at a Ferruginous Hawk sittingon a power line. It was very cooperative and let field trip

Bald Eagle Photo by Michael Melford
http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=81621http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wood_Duck/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-Tailed_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Nuttalls_Woodpecker/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/California_Towhee/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Towhee/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/yellow-rumped_warbler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/hermit_thrush/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/brewers_blackbird/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/song_sparrow/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-crowned_Sparrow/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden-crowned_Sparrow/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Shoveler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Shoveler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cinnamon_Teal/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green-winged_Teal/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-faced_Ibis/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/bufflehead/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/black-crowned_night-heron/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/black-crowned_night-heron/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_bittern/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/great_horned_owl/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Greater_White-fronted_Goose/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gadwall/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_wigeon/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/great_blue_heron/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/great_Egret/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ferruginous_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ferruginous_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/great_Egret/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/great_blue_heron/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_wigeon/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gadwall/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Greater_White-fronted_Goose/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/great_horned_owl/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_bittern/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/black-crowned_night-heron/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/black-crowned_night-heron/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/bufflehead/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-faced_Ibis/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green-winged_Teal/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cinnamon_Teal/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Shoveler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Shoveler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden-crowned_Sparrow/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-crowned_Sparrow/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/song_sparrow/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/brewers_blackbird/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/hermit_thrush/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/yellow-rumped_warbler/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Towhee/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/California_Towhee/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Nuttalls_Woodpecker/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-Tailed_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wood_Duck/idhttp://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=81621


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participant Steve King snap off a few pictures of it before it flew away. On later inspection of thepictures, it was found that this bird was banded! Unfortunately, the band number was unclear so wewere unable to report it, but it was still an exciting find! Also spotted were numerous Red-tailedHawks and a number ofAmerican Kestrels. We proceeded down Cottonwood Rd. to a place where aBurrowing Owl had been spotted in the past but were unable to locate the bird this time. From there wecontinued our route to Table Mountain Blvd and eventually to Nelson Rd.

The group spotted two adult Bald Eagles soaring overhead on Nelson Rd. (likely flying over from theFeather River to the Forebay). Also spotted in this area were a Prairie Falcon and a Merlin(a first forone of our participants). Some additional raptors sighted on this outing included a Red-shoulderedHawk and White-tailed Kites. The group also got some great looks at a group of BarrowsGoldeneyes as we crossed the Forebay. Our Burrowing Owl was still proving to be elusive, however, sowe altered our course and headed for Road Z (a known site for this well camouflaged and somewhat shylittle raptor).

At first, there was no sign of the bird at all as we drove slowly, scanning the sides of the road looking foranything that looked out of place. It was evident that the grass near the road had recently been mowedand so we feared the worst, since it was next to the road that this owl had last been spotted. The groupdecided to get out and take a closer look and lo and behold, field trip participant Nancy Nelson flushedthe owl right out from under her and into the field! We were all pretty excited to get such good looks at

it, even if it was hard to locate in the newly plowed field - so cryptic.At that point, the wind and chill were beginning to pick up and the group decided to call it a day. All inall, it was a fun and productive trip; one which everyone enjoyed.

January 9, Saturday Llano Seco and Indian FisheryTrip leader: Nancy Nelson

Cool, foggy conditions didnt stop this group from getting out andenjoying the day. The weather made distant viewing at Llano Secoimpossible, but we saw most of the expected ducks and geese.What we didnt see, we heard. Of note were two Loggerhead

Shrikes, one at each viewing platform.

The same weather conditions at Indian Fishery made for slowbirding. So we took that opportunity to explore the new trail to theriver. For those not familiar with the area, Indian Fishery is locatedat the end of West Sacramento Avenue where it intersects RiverRoad. Its a nice picnic area with trails winding through oakwoodland and along an oxbow lake. Usually it is a very birdy area.

Loggerhead Shrike

Another trail, which has recently been improved, takes off from behind the park office trailer (south ofthe picnic area) and goes all the way to the Sacramento River. Although only about one-half mile long,

it feels like a bit of an adventure. Once you reach the river, it is possible to walk south on the gravelbars for quite a distance. Only about five miles out of town, its a great day-trip destination and perfectfor kids. Check it out.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-Tailed_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-Tailed_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Burrowing_owl/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/prairie_falcon/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/merlin/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/red-shouldered_hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/red-shouldered_hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/white-tailed_kite/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barrows_Goldeneye/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barrows_Goldeneye/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Loggerhead_Shrike/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Loggerhead_Shrike/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Loggerhead_Shrike/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Loggerhead_Shrike/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barrows_Goldeneye/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barrows_Goldeneye/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/white-tailed_kite/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/red-shouldered_hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/red-shouldered_hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/merlin/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/prairie_falcon/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Burrowing_owl/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-Tailed_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-Tailed_Hawk/id


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Sightings

December 10, 2009

On a mission to site a location for artificial BurrowingOwls on a friends property, Dawn Garcia had a nine-species raptor day - including numerous AmericanKestrels andRed-tailed Hawks, several NorthernHarriers, and one each of the following: White-tailed

Kite, 4th-year Bald Eagle, Merlin, Prairie Falcon,Ferruginous Hawk and Burrowing Owl! Tipped offby an Altacal Google Group member, she foundthe Burrowing owl on Lassen Road as well as theMerlin and Ferruginous Hawk. There was also anactively foraging Rock Wren at the Singer Creekbridge. The Bald Eagle was on Pine Creek, and allother sightings were off Meridian, Nord-Cana and allthe way home to Paradise via 99 and the Skyway inButte and Tehama Counties. Dawn noted that we aretruly fortunate to have our undeveloped grazing lands

that support such a diverse winter raptor community.

Ferruginous Hawk Photo by Dawn Garcia

January 11, 2010

Dug Ringel told us that at this time every year when I am coming to work here at Chico State frommy home in Concow, I see Bald Eagles, both mature and immature, heading west out of the foothills tohunt in the valley. Then, on the way home in the evening, I see the same thing again in reverse as theyhead back to the foothills to roost, or whatever bald eagles do. Many years ago Jim Snowden gave mesome 35mm slides of pictures he had taken of numerous bald eagles perched in a cluster of oak trees inthe foothills above Butte College The birds were in stark contrast to the bare branches of the trees.There were probably 30 or more birds in a single group. I think Jim said the eagles were huntingwaterfowl at this time of year.

Peregrinations

On a visit with family in Cape Cod, MA over the holidays Tim Ruckle saw a bird that was new to him a Purple Sandpiper. The sub-freezing temperatures and gale-force winds made birding difficultotherwise, but it was a starkly beautiful place in winter.

Opportunities and Events

February 5-7, Friday-Sunday - San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival

The 14th Annual Flyway Festival, February 5-7, 2010 promises more guided hikes and outings, toursand workshops on Mare Island than ever before. With over 70 events on the schedule, you'll have towatch closely to make sure you don't miss your favorite! You will find that one of the most uniqueaspects of the birding festival is the chance to soak up history on Mare Island and view an amazing arrayof birdlife all at the same time.

For more information go to: http://www.sfbayflywayfestival.com/
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-Tailed_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-Tailed_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Harrier/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Harrier/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/white-tailed_kite/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/white-tailed_kite/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/merlin/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/prairie_falcon/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ferruginous_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Burrowing_owl/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rock_Wren/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Purple_Sandpiper/lifehistoryhttp://www.sfbayflywayfestival.com/http://www.sfbayflywayfestival.com/http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Purple_Sandpiper/lifehistoryhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rock_Wren/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Burrowing_owl/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ferruginous_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/prairie_falcon/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/merlin/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/white-tailed_kite/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/white-tailed_kite/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Harrier/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Harrier/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-Tailed_Hawk/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/idhttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/id


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February 12-15, Friday-Monday

From February 12th - 15th, join bird watchers from coast to coast for the 13th annual Great BackyardBird Count (GBBC). The GBBC is open to bird watchers of all ages and skill levels. Participation is freeand no registration is required. Participants can easily report what they see online at www.birdcount.organd get an instantaneous snapshot of their record. The website also highlights events going on in localcommunities, information on the GBBC photo contest, and real-time data from across the U.S. andCanada! Last year, participants turned in more than 93,600 checklists online, creating the continent'slargest instantaneous snapshot of bird populations ever recorded.

A record of the bird species seen on Altacals Saturday, February 13 bird walk in Upper BidwellPark will be entered in the GBBC. Come and enjoy the day with us!

February 19-20, Friday-Saturday California Duck Days - Davis, CA

California Duck Days, a wetlands festival in the heart of the Pacific Flyway, will be held on February 19and 20 in the Davis, CA area. A gala reception and Wildlife Art Show will launch the festivities onFriday evening at the Davis Art Center, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This event is free to the public.

On Saturday the festival will feature one full day of field trips, workshops and other activities at theYolo Wildlife Area Headquarters facility in South Davis.

Duck Days Announcement and Schedule of Events

To register online and buy tickets for all events:

Duck Days Event Ticket Purchases

Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters directions

February 11-14, Thursday-Sunday Salton Sea International Bird Festival
http://www.birdcount.org/http://www.davisartcenter.org/http://www.yolobasin.org/wildlife.cfmhttp://www.yolobasin.org/documents/DD%20Schedule%20of%20Events%202010.pdfhttps://www.ticketturtle.com/index.php?preseason=ybfhttp://www.yolobasin.org/contact.cfm#directionshttp://www.newriverwetlands.com/saltonsea2010.htmlhttp://www.newriverwetlands.com/saltonsea2010.htmlhttp://www.yolobasin.org/contact.cfm#directionshttps://www.ticketturtle.com/index.php?preseason=ybfhttp://www.yolobasin.org/documents/DD%20Schedule%20of%20Events%202010.pdfhttp://www.yolobasin.org/wildlife.cfmhttp://www.davisartcenter.org/http://www.birdcount.org/


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Over 400 recorded species. Can see 100 species per day Salton Sea Desert Wetlands Agriculture Awesome birding on Pacific Flyway Affordable Experienced guides, friendly people

March, 2010 Panam

Steve Margolin of the Latin American Committee informs us that

the LAC is offering an eleven-day trip to Panam beginningMarch 4, 2010. Steve organized the Altacal trip to Panam in2008 and will be the escort on this trip. The main trip will visitthe birding hotspots of Cerro Azul and the Canal Area (includingtwo visits to the famous Pipeline Road), the highlands of ChiriquProvince to look for highland specialties like ResplendentQuetzal, and the San Francisco Preserve on the border betweenPanam and Darin Provinces (the 2008 Altacal trip drove bythere on the way to La Marea but did not have time to stop).There is an optional four-day extension to the Azuero Peninsula

Schoolhouse mural by GrupoEcolgico Sierra Gorda, Mexico

in central Panam, a bit off the beaten track, which will include a day of birding and snorkeling at IslaIguana Wildlife Refuge in the Gulf of Panama and, time permitting, a stop at the craft market in ElValle. Guido Berguido, of Advantage Tours Panama and Conservation Director of Panama AudubonSociety, will be the guide. The tour cost will include a donation for the education and conservationwork of the Latin America Committee (www.lacbirds.org). Anyone wanting additional information cancontact Steve at [email protected] or 342-6476.

March 4-7, Thursday-Sunday San Diego Bird Festival

Last yearsSan Diego Bird Festival set a new record for attendanceand number of species observed.

The field trips yielded a total of 250 observed bird species. Severaltrips spotted more than 100 species.

This years keynote speaker is Bill Thompson III, the editor ofBirdWatcher's Digest, the magazine founded by his parents 30 years ago.He is the author of many books about birds and nature, includingmost recently, The Young Birder's Guide to Birds of Eastern NorthAmerica.
http://www.sandiegoaudubon.org/birdfest.htmhttp://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/index.aspxhttp://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/index.aspxhttp://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/index.aspxhttp://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/index.aspxhttp://www.sandiegoaudubon.org/birdfest.htm


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Submission of Articles

(Notices or articles submitted for publication consideration should be sent by e-mail message to the newsletter editor asMicrosoft Word (if possible) attachments by the 1st of the month prior to the next issue of the newsletter (i.e., Jan, Mar, May,

Jul, Sep and Nov 1st) - [email protected] Thanks, Editor)

Newsletter Contributors

Thanks to all of you who contribute regularly by sending in items, articles and photos, and specialthanks to Denise Devine who does the widely appreciated layout design of the paper version of theWhite-tailed Kite Tim Ruckle, Editor

Altacal Board of Directors

President Phil Johnson 570-7139/[email protected] Mike Fisher 624-4777/[email protected] Kathryn Hood 342-9112/[email protected] Mary Lou Martin 893-1931/[email protected] Carolyn Short 345-4224/[email protected] Mary Lou Martin 893-1931/[email protected]/ Tim Ruckle 566-9693/[email protected]

NewsletterPublicity/Web Site Wayland Augur 893-9222/[email protected] Trips Nancy Nelson 345-0580/[email protected], Lands vacantand RefugeConservation Dawn Garcia 872-2165/[email protected] Scott Huber 321-5579/Scott@[email protected] John Merz 345-4050/[email protected] Jennifer Patten 345-9356/[email protected] NWR Marilyn Gamette 343-3154/[email protected]

Board meetings are held at 5:15 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. The usual meeting place is the Altacal AudubonSociety/Snow Goose Festival office at 635 Flume St., Chico. Altacal members are welcome to attend.
mailto:342-9112/[email protected]:[email protected]:345-4224/[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:345-4050/[email protected]:343-3154/[email protected]:343-3154/[email protected]:345-4050/[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:345-4224/[email protected]:[email protected]:342-9112/[email protected]


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Local Chapter Membership Application

Please join us! Your membership will help Altacal Audubon Society (AAS) continue its important work.Altacal is a chapter of the National Audubon Society. In addition, it is a separately incorporated non-profit organization. With a local chapter membership, 100% of your membership dues goes to supportlocal projects and activities. AAS is an all-volunteer organization that conducts all of its programs withno paid staff. We offer regularly scheduled field trips focused on birds and bird habitats, our own

website, www.altacal.org/, a bi-monthly newsletter (White-tailed Kite), monthly membership meetingswhich include lectures and media presentations on birds and other natural history-related topics, andadvocacy to protect and conserve local habitats as well as special projects and programs. Other AASactivities include:

sponsoring and participating in the annual Snow Goose Festival sponsoring and participating in the annual Endangered Species Faire founding and providing continued support to the Chico Creek Nature Center owning and managing the Arneberg Sanctuary as a wildlife habitat and research area helping to monitor the bird populations at the Del Rio Wildland Preservenear the Sacramento

River

paying to maintain public access and a wildlife viewing blind at the Chico Oxidation Ponds leading annual Christmas Bird Counts in Chico and Oroville for the past 51 years

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Welcome to the Altacal Audubon Society! Please indicate your choice of membership options:

$20 Basic Membership $10 Low Income/Student/Retired $35 Family

$50 Sponsor $100 Sustaining $500 Patron $1000 Benefactor

Payment method: Cash Check Date: ______________

Important: Membership in Altacal Audubon does not include membership in the National AudubonSociety. We encourage you to also support National Audubon in their important education and lobbyingefforts. To join the National Audubon Society contact them at their website www.audubon.org/

Name: Phone: (_____) _______________

Address: _________________________________ E-mail Address: ____________________________

City: ________________State: ____ Zip Code: _______

Save paper! Send me an e-mail version only E-mail me Altacal Action Alerts I would be interested in volunteering to help

Please make checks payable to Altacal Audubon Society, and mail to: AAS, P.O. Box 3671, Chico,CA 95927
http://www.snowgoosefestival.org/http://www.endangeredspeciesfaire.org/http://www.bidwellpark.org/http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/ea/news_releases/2006%20News%20Releases/RiverPartners--finalSHA_NR.htmhttp://www.audubon.org/Bird/cbchttp://www.audubon.org/Bird/cbchttp://www.fws.gov/sacramento/ea/news_releases/2006%20News%20Releases/RiverPartners--finalSHA_NR.htmhttp://www.bidwellpark.org/http://www.endangeredspeciesfaire.org/http://www.snowgoosefestival.org/


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Dates to Remember

February 5-7, Friday-Sunday San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival, Mare IslandFebruary 6 - Saturday - Waterfowl Identification Field Workshop, Part 4: Swans and CranesFebruary 11-114, Thursday-Sunday Salton Sea International Bird FestivalFebruary 12-15, Friday-Monday Great Backyard Bird CountFebruary 13, Saturday - Upper Bidwell Park Bird WalkFebruary 14, Sunday Chico State Birding Club Winter Survey

February 15, Monday Altacal Program, Tricolored Blackbirds, CCNC, 6:30 p.mFebruary 19-20, Friday-Sunday California Duck Days, DavisFebruary 21, Sunday Raptor Run Field TripMarch, 2010 Steve Margolin Panama TripMarch 4-7, Thursday-Sunday San Diego Bird FestivalMarch 6, Saturday South Rim Trail/Upper Bidwell Park Field TripMarch 13, Saturday Upper Bidwell Park Bird WalkMarch 15, Monday Altacal Program, Birds of Namibia, CCNC, 6:30 p.m.March 27, Saturday Paradise Flume Trail Bird WalkApril 10, Saturday Upper Bidwell ParkApril 11, Sunday Table Mountain

February 2010 White Tailed Kite Newsletter, Altacal Audubon Society

Documents

Transcript of February 2010 White Tailed Kite Newsletter, Altacal Audubon Society