June 2008 White Tailed Kite Newsletter, Altacal Audubon Society

8/8/2019 June 2008 White Tailed Kite Newsletter, Altacal Audubon Society

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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., atthe Chico Creek 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.

June ProgramMember Potluck Dinner and Altacal Board of Directors Elections

Monday, June 16, 6:00 p.m. at the Chico Creek Nature Center

Well it's that time again! - Time for our annual potluck dinner and elections to the AltacalBoard of Directors. Come join us and celebrate friendships and our common love for

birds and the natural world. We will have a chance to do all the things we seem neverto have enough time for at our regular programs; visit with old friends and get to

better know our new ones; talk about birds and birding; and share stories of recent andfuture adventures and travels. We will play some games and maybe even win some prizes. It

has been another remarkable year for Altacal Audubon and this will be our last chance to get together asa group until our next program in September. Remember, there are no programs during July and Augustso you dont want to miss this one. Bring a dish to share, a beverage for yourself or to share, a plate andfork, and a chair if you like.

In addition, we will take this time to elect new members to the Altacal Board of Directors. Newlyelected members will serve for the next two years. The slate of nominations put forward by theNominating Committee is: President Phil Johnson or Scott Huber; Co-Vice-Presidents: MikeFisher and Jennifer Patten; Secretary Kathryn Hood; Treasurer John Oswald. Members may stillput forth additional nominations before voting. Elections will be held in accordance with the Bylaws ofthe Society. With the exception of the office of President, nominees shall be elected by a majority voicevote of the membership present at the June meeting. Since there is more than one person running forPresident, there will be a written ballot with the winner being the nominee who receives the highest

vote. See you there!

Altacal Board of Directors Elections

Following are statements by the two nominees for President, the incumbent, Phil Johnson and thenominee Scott Huber:

Phil Johnson - I became captivated by the bird life of Butte County afterthe first day that I carried a field guide with me into Upper Bidwell Park.Shortly after that day, I found it only natural to hook up with otherbirders, which led me to the Altacal Audubon Society. In recent years,

White-tailed KiteJune/July, 2008
http://www.northvalley.net/naturecenterhttp://www.northvalley.net/naturecenter


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time has opened up in my life to serve on the Board of Directors (BOD) and be more actively involvedin community issues that affect the habitats of our birds and other wildlife. The current Altacal BOD isa great group of folks, and I plan to continue on with Altacal in carrying out the mission of conservationand education in whatever capacity I can. This includes: a) serving on the Butte County RegionalConservation Plan for the next several years, b) leading field trips, c) organizing BOD functions and d)organizing Christmas Bird Counts.

Scott Huber - Its amazing, really, how seemingly minor choices can sometimes change the course of

your life. For me it started with the simple act of purchasing a used field guide some 15 years ago.Little did I know then that I, my son and then my whole family would become so passionate about birds.I became involved with Altacal Audubon just three years ago. I knew immediately that this was anassociation that was needed and missing in my life. Growing up in California in the 60s I had longbeen a closet environmentalist. I saw in Altacal not only a focus for my love of the outdoors but anoutlet for my need to work for the preservation of wildlife.

Thanks to the encouragement of our current President Phil Johnson, V.P. Mike Fisherand Tim Ruckle, I joined the Altacal Board of Directors two years ago as the Field TripChairman. In that time I have dedicated much of my time and energy not only to creatinga schedule of great field trips but also to local and regional issues related to birds and birdhabitat. I currently represent Altacal, along with Phil, on the Butte Habitat Conservation

Plan Stakeholders committee. Along with Dawn Garcia Ive traveled to Sacramento tospeak in favor of the ban on lead ammunition in California Condor country and Ivespoken up at both the Chico City Council and Butte County Board of Supervisors

meetings against proposed developments that would destroy bird habitat.

My vision for the future of the Altacal Audubon Society is multi-faceted. I believe that the first step inprotecting wildlife is helping familiarize people with the wildlife around them, an objective that isachieved in part by regular field trips and presentations. To that end Ive incorporated new field trips toareas that are threatened by proposed developments, knowing that our members are more likely to takeaction to defend the creatures and places that theyve seen and experienced first-hand. As more andmore community members develop a greater awareness of the animals and habitat issues in our area, I

would hope to see Altacal take a more proactive role in regional planning discussions and natureadvocacy. To create a continuum of conservationists and to keep Altacal a vibrant organization we mustencourage participation by young people, a belief that I have practiced with my own children, and I havebeen vocal in my support of Altacal developing a scholarship program that will assist aspiring youngnaturalists.

I have great respect for the past and present leadership of Altacal and Im flattered to have beennominated to serve as your President. I look forward to the potential opportunity of leading AltacalAudubon Society to become even more effective in the stewardship of our local wildlife.

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.

June 8, Sunday Upper Bidwell Park Neotropicals for Beginners Trip Leader: Phil Johnson -Take a casual walk along the creekside and adjacent woodlands in search of birds that breed in UpperPark. No experience necessary. Just bring your binoculars, a field guide if you haveone, hiking shoes, water and snacks. Meet at the newly constructed parking lot byHorseshoe Lake at 8:30 a.m. and walk until about 11:30 a.m. (2-3 miles). For moreinformation, contact Phil Johnson at 570-7139.

Seasonal Creek near the Shooting Range
http://www.bidwellpark.org/page/explore-bidwell-park/upper-park.phphttp://www.bidwellpark.org/page/explore-bidwell-park/upper-park.php


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June 13-15, Friday-Sunday Sierra Valley/Yuba Pass Trip Leader: Mac McCormick - This trip

covers a variety of mountainhabitats. We will bird the marshesand open fields at the headwaters ofthe Feather River, the sagebrushlowlands of the Sierra Valley, theconifer woodlands of Yuba Pass

and well take a short trip to theLake Basin area (Sand PondBoardwalk). This trip always givesus a good variety of birds. Lastyear we witnessed many youngbirds being fed by their parents.Friday and Saturday nights we willcamp out at the Salmon CreekCampground. Contact NancyNelson or Jennifer Patten if you

wish to go. They will be helping Mac with the camping and transportation arrangements.

Nancy Nelson 533-9250 [email protected] Patten 345-9356 [email protected]

June 14, Saturday Rio Vista Unit, Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge Complex Tripleader: Mike Fisher. Join us for a morning of birding around the Rio Vista Unit of the SacramentoRiver National Wildlife Refuge. This site was just opened to the public last year after completion ofyears of work restoring much of it to native vegetation. We will hike the trails looking for springmigrants, resident birds and other animals. Bring your binoculars, bird field guide book and water.Rain cancels.

Meet to carpool at the Chico Park n Ride (lot closest to freeway) at 7:30 a.m. or at the entrance to theRio Vista Unit at 8:00 a.m. The Rio Vista Unit is located across from the entrance to the WoodsonBridge Recreation Area on South Avenue just three miles west of Highway 99 at Vina. Well be backaround 12:30 p.m. Contact Mike Fisher, field trip leader, for more information at 624-4777 [email protected]. This field trip is being co-sponsored by the Sacramento River PreservationTrust.

June 20, 21 and 22, Friday-Sunday- Willow Lake Trip Leader: Gaylord Grams - Come and enjoyWillow Lake, situated just outside Lassen Volcanic National Park. Its a natural lake (kayaks arewelcome) that features a floating bog (a fen) in a narrow valley-like setting. Piliated Woodpeckersnest in, and are common to the area; otherbirds include White-headed and Black-backed Woodpeckers, Sandhill Cranes,Western Tanagers, Evening Grosbeaks and

a variety of warblers. We will camp on theedge of the lake - only a pit toilet is provided -and hike to the Terminal Geyser, BoilingLake, and perhaps up to Little Willow Lakeand bird the area along Willow Creek. Comefor part of or the entire weekend. ContactGaylord at 530-872-0739 for moreinformation, directions and meeting places.

A Willow Lake View
mailto:[email protected]://us.f806.mail.yahoo.com/ym/[email protected]://www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefuges/pdf/Rio%20Vista%20Public%20Use%202007%20flier.pdfmailto:[email protected]://www.sacrivertrust.org/http://www.sacrivertrust.org/http://www.nps.gov/lavohttp://www.nps.gov/lavohttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Pileated_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/185/_/White-headed_Woodpecker.aspxhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-backed_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-backed_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Sandhill_Crane.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Tanager_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Evening_Grosbeak.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Evening_Grosbeak.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Tanager_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Sandhill_Crane.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-backed_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-backed_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/185/_/White-headed_Woodpecker.aspxhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Pileated_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.nps.gov/lavohttp://www.sacrivertrust.org/http://www.sacrivertrust.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefuges/pdf/Rio%20Vista%20Public%20Use%202007%20flier.pdfhttp://us.f806.mail.yahoo.com/ym/[email protected]:[email protected]


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July 3-6, Thursday-Sunday - Ruby Mountains: Himalayan Snowcock and Black Rosy-Finch

Trip Leader: Scott Huber - Looking to add someexcitement to your same ol-same ol birding? Havingtrouble finding new birds for your life list without going toBorneo? Never fearAltacal Audubon Society is here tohelp! Back by popular demand is Altacals HimalayanSnowcock Quest! Last years trip attracted an astoundingfour participants! But oh, did they have some successes tocrow about - Pine Grosbeaks near Mt. Rose, Black Rosy-Finch in the Ruby Mountains and (drum roll here)Himalayan Snowcocks! The hike is not nearly as bad as

Ruby Lake Marsh

some claim; although Sandy Komito chose to take a helicopter up to get them my ten-year-oldmade thehike in an hour-and-fifteen minutes!

The July 4th weekend is our chosen date, and as the 4th fallson a Friday, it lends itself nicely to an extended weekendtrip. It would be best if we can leave Chico on Thursday,July 3rd, unless the majority of the group is unable to takeThursday off. Ill be driving my 14-passenger van so itspossible that we could all go in the same vehicle and savelots of gas $$$. Well make a couple of birding stops alongthe way to break up the drive. Well camp in a very birdy(lots of nesting warblers) campground just a mile or twofrom the trailhead. After a 3 a.m. wake-up well hit the trailby 4 a.m. and be in place for the calling Snowcocks before 6.The hike is challenging but very doable. Nine switchbacksand youre there. Scopes are a necessity so bring one if youhave one. If we miss our quarry on the first morning weve

got two more mornings to try for them. The balance of the

Himalayan Snowcock - Photo by Larry Spradlin

trip will be spent looking for Black Rosy-Finch (seen on our 2007 trip) and visiting nearby wetlands.

Weve got seven people already expressing an interest in this years trip. Please call me at 530-321-5579or email me at [email protected] if interested, for more info on what to bring, etc. Scott Huber, FieldTrip Director, Altacal Audubon Society.

Bird I.D. Challenge: Hybrids, Aberrations and Dirty Tricks

By Scott Huber

Its every birders goal to find a species that shouldnt be where it is, or that is unique in some way. SoTim Ruckle and I were thrilled recently when we found a duck species on Humboldt Bay that seemedto defy easy categorization.

The attached two photos are of a sea-duck that appeared to exhibit field marks of two different species.When we found this bird in our binoculars and then our scope we started with the obvious: overallgenerally black duck, white wing patch in the secondaries, but moving forward, the front half didntcorrespond to the back half. The head shape seemed right but there was no marking apparent on the face.
http://www.rubymountains.net/http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/1022/overview/Himalayan_Snowcock.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/1022/overview/Himalayan_Snowcock.aspxhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Pine_Grosbeak.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black_Rosy-Finch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black_Rosy-Finch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black_Rosy-Finch.htmlmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black_Rosy-Finch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black_Rosy-Finch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Pine_Grosbeak.htmlhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/1022/overview/Himalayan_Snowcock.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/1022/overview/Himalayan_Snowcock.aspxhttp://www.rubymountains.net/


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The bill was the most puzzling. The shape was strange, the color not right. After a half hour of study wecame to a well thought out hypothesis: this duck was a hybrid!

Were we correct? We took pretty good pictures and showed the photos to some of the most notedornithologists on the north coast. To our credit they were equally perplexed. Some shared our theory thatit was a hybrid, others thought that the bird was not a hybrid but had aberrant features.

Two days later the bird was re-found by Dr. Stanley Harris, preeminent ornithologist from Humboldt

State University. After observing the bird by spotting scope Dr. Harris came to his conclusion.

Were we right or were we wrong? What two species do you think that we speculated had hybridized?What is your guess on what species this is and why?

Answer on page 17.

Conservation Corner

Dawn Garcia, Conservation Chair

Save Our State Parks Update

Good news hot off the press! Remember that our Governor proposed to close 48 state parks andremove lifeguards from 16 state beaches, as part of state budget cuts (see April/May WTK)? Because ofa campaign of weekly phone calls and protestors stationed at the capitol organized by State Parks of

California (http://www.savestateparks.org/action-center/) and supported by California Audubon, theGovernor has reversed his original stance to close 48 state parks and reduce lifeguard staffing on 16state beaches by "finding" $11.8 million in General Fund dollars, and by requiring the Dept to raise $1.5million through fee increases. This is only a decision made by Governor Schwarzenegger thelegislature must still vote. To support this wise move please email and thank the Governor for hisdecision! http://gov.ca.gov/interact#email Find out more of what you can do:http://www.savestateparks.org/action-center/Action Center Index Page
http://www.savestateparks.org/action-center/http://gov.ca.gov/interact#emailhttp://www.savestateparks.org/action-center/http://www.savestateparks.org/action-centerhttp://www.savestateparks.org/action-centerhttp://www.savestateparks.org/action-center/http://gov.ca.gov/interact#emailhttp://www.savestateparks.org/action-center/


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More Great News for the California Condor and all Californians!

Youll remember that Audubon California, localchapters (including us!), and other groups helpedto pass bill AB821 that banned lead bullets inCondor Country. Here is another exciting andsignificant move that will continue to help boostour Californian population of Condors. Thefollowing paragraphs were taken from AudubonCalifornia website. Go here for maps and photos:http://ca.audubon.org/tejon.php.

Audubon California and five other environmentalorganizations negotiated with the Tejon RanchCompany to protect up to 240,000 contiguousacres of ecologically significant Californiawildlands, 90% of which is potentially

developable habitat. If you look at a map ofCalifornia, you can see just how big a victory thisis for Californians, said Graham Chisholm,Conservation Director for Audubon California.The protected area is immense 375 squaremiles and the only place in North Americawhere four distinct ecoregions meet on oneproperty.

Tejon Ranch encompasses more of Californias natural beauty and diversity than any undeveloped areaof the state. Located at the junction of the Mojave Desert, the Sierra Nevada and central and coastalmountains, the enormous parcel is home to precious native grasslands, oak woodlands, Joshua tree

woodlands and conifer forests. It is home to the endangered California Condor and more than two dozenstate and federally listed plant and animal species.

In exchange for major conservation concessions, Audubon California and its partners will agree not tooppose three development projects on 10 percent of the Tejon Ranch. These developments will still besubject to public review and applicable federal and state environmental protection laws.

Silent Spring Revisited

Scott Huber

Forty-six years ago Rachel Carson wrote the book Silent Spring about thedevastating affects that DDT had on North American wildlife. Due in part to her

expose', drastic measures were taken to curb pesticides domestically and save ourthreatened birds. By the heroic efforts of a few, some of our mostbeloved birds, like Peregrine Falconand Brown Pelican have returned from thebrink. But now a new group of birds is encountering similar precipitous declinesbecause of market-driven pesticide use, and these are some of our most petite andcolorful: our neotropical songbirds.

Biologists are witnessing population declines of as much as 50% in migrants like Wood Thrush,Kentucky Warbler, Eastern Kingbird, Barn Swallow, Dickcissel and Bobolink. Biologists cite theuse of banned pesticides and lax enforcement in Central and South American countries that cater to the
http://ca.audubon.org/tejon.phphttp://ca.audubon.org/tejon.phphttp://www.tejonranch.com/http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Peregrine_Falcon.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Peregrine_Falcon.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Brown_Pelican.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wood_Thrush.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Kentucky_Warbler_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Eastern_Kingbird.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Barn_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Dickcissel.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bobolink.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bobolink.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Dickcissel.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Barn_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Eastern_Kingbird.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Kentucky_Warbler_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wood_Thrush.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Brown_Pelican.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Peregrine_Falcon.htmlhttp://www.tejonranch.com/http://ca.audubon.org/tejon.phphttp://ca.audubon.org/tejon.php


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U.S. and European demand for out-of-season fresh fruit in winter. Birds who do make the return tripnorth encounter nesting grounds that are being plowed under to make way for the sham of ethanolproduction. Some ornithologists are claiming that many species may never recover, and othersmay become endangered or extinct if controls are not put in place or consumer habits altered.

What can we do?

Eat fresh fruit and vegetables that are in season. Use common sense: fruit and vegetables growhere in summer - if you see tomatoes and grapes in the dead of winter they are being grown inthe southern hemisphere, and are likely to have been grown using excessive amounts of poorlyregulated pesticides. Check the internet to see which produce is grown domestically in winter.Try to buy canned or frozen fruits in the off-season.

Shop local and organic - Chico and Paradise have weekly farmers markets with local andorganic choices (http://northvalley.net/farmersmarket/). Or grow and preserve your own.

And let your thoughts be known on Ethanol: that it takes more energy to produce it than it saves!The answer is not to come up with another liquid to fuel our gas-guzzling cars, the answer is todrive less, drive more efficient cars, ride-share, and support the research and development of true'alternatives'.

Vote No on Prop. 98 and Yes on 99

There are only two propositions on California's June 3rd statewide ballot. Both have importantramifications for the environment. Audubon California and Altacal Audubon oppose Proposition 98 andsupport Proposition 99.

Vote No on Prop. 98

Prop. 98 is dangerous in that it would destroy important laws and regulations that protect California'senvironment. Supporters claim that their measure is an effort to reform eminent domain, but it containsseveral hidden provisions that indicate that the real goal of the measure it to limit our ability to protectcritical birds, wildlife and habitat.

Specifically, the measure prohibits laws and regulations that "transfer an economic benefit to one ormore private persons at the expense of the private owner." The courts have ruled that virtually allenvironmental regulations and land-use decisions are likely to fall into this category. Thus, the measure

would gut laws and regulations that protect our environment and regulate growth and development.

If passed, Proposition 98 would prohibit important environmental regulations including AB 32, thestate's landmark global warming legislation which limits the amount of greenhouse gases produced bypassenger cars. Regulations intended to protect old-growth forests could be ignored, as well as allmeasure of "smart growth" regulations limiting urban sprawl and protecting open space.

Additionally, Proposition 98 could allow private developers to sidestep other important environmentalregulations, designed to protect birds and wildlife in sensitive wetland areas, as well as other endangeredspecies and their habitats.
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Vote Yes on Prop. 99

Audubon California and Altacal Audubon feel that real eminent domain reform is contained in Prop. 99which will provide constitutional protections for homeowners without the hidden agendas and adverseconsequences of Prop. 98.

Prop. 99, the Homeowners Protection Act, will prohibit the government from using eminent domain totake a home to transfer to a private developer. Prop. 99 is supported by a broad coalition of

homeowners, business, labor, cities, counties and environmentalist organizations that wantstraightforward eminent domain reform without compromising hard-fought protections for birds,wildlife and habitat.

Sister Society (Cape Cod Bird Club) News

Members of our sister society, the Cape Cod Bird Club, saw a number of migrating birds in mid-May.Two Mississippi Kites flew by the Pilgrim Heights Hawk Watch. The passage of a few of theseaerially insectivorous southern hawks has become a regular spring event at Pilgrim Heights.

Another southern visitor, aSummer Tanager, was seen in a yard in Harwichport, and aRed-headedWoodpeckerwas reported from Wellfleet.

A Tricolored Heronwas still at South Cape Beach as of May 10th.

Warblers abounded. At least 12 species were recorded in mid-May at hotspots such as the Beech Forestin Provincetown and theWellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. They included Northern Parula, YellowWarbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler,American Redstart, and Ovenbird.

Common and Least Terns have returned, ready to provide the ambient beach sounds for anothersummer on Cape Cod.

In the nightjar department, Whip-poor-wills are back, and a Chuck-will's-widowwas reported fromChatham. Mass Audubon is conducting a study of whip-poor-wills and called for sightings.

Up to 20 Bobolinks were seen in Barnstable village, as were an American Bittern and a SolitarySandpiper.

Seen at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary were two Wood Ducks, a Northern Bobwhite, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, a White-eyed Vireo, a Marsh Wren, a Brown Thrasher, a Field Sparrow, up to12 Baltimoreand 7 Orchard Orioles, and a Purple Finch.

Fowler's Toads and Pickerel Frogs are now calling at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and elsewhere.
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Mississippi_Kite.htmlhttp://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Wellfleet/hawkwatch.phphttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Summer_Tanager_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Summer_Tanager_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Red-headed_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Red-headed_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Tricolored_Heron.htmlhttp://www.iamprovincetown.com/warblers.htmhttp://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Wellfleet/index.phphttp://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Wellfleet/index.phphttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Parula.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Magnolia_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-throated_Green_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-throated_Blue_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Redstart.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Ovenbird.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Common_Tern.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Least_Tern.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Whip-poor-will.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Whip-poor-will.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Chuck-wills-widow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Chuck-wills-widow.htmlhttp://www.massaudubon.org/http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bobolink.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Bittern.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Solitary_Sandpiper.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Solitary_Sandpiper.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Solitary_Sandpiper.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wood_Duck.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Bobwhite.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow-bellied_Sapsucker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow-bellied_Sapsucker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/White-eyed_Vireo.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Marsh_Wren.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Brown_Thrasher.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Field_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Baltimore_Oriole.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Orchard_Oriole.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Purple_Finch.htmlhttp://www.marshall.edu/herp/Old/fowlers.htmhttp://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/Frogs/pickerel_frog.htmlhttp://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/Frogs/pickerel_frog.htmlhttp://www.marshall.edu/herp/Old/fowlers.htmhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Purple_Finch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Orchard_Oriole.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Baltimore_Oriole.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Field_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Brown_Thrasher.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Marsh_Wren.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/White-eyed_Vireo.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow-bellied_Sapsucker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow-bellied_Sapsucker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Bobwhite.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wood_Duck.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Solitary_Sandpiper.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Solitary_Sandpiper.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Bittern.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bobolink.htmlhttp://www.massaudubon.org/http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Chuck-wills-widow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Whip-poor-will.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Least_Tern.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Common_Tern.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Ovenbird.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Redstart.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-throated_Blue_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-throated_Green_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Magnolia_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Parula.htmlhttp://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Wellfleet/index.phphttp://www.iamprovincetown.com/warblers.htmhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Tricolored_Heron.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Red-headed_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Red-headed_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Summer_Tanager_dtl.htmlhttp://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Wellfleet/hawkwatch.phphttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Mississippi_Kite.html


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Tame Animal Game

Rex Burress

Down along the river, just above the Fish Barrier Dam at Oroville, CA, where a small lake dwells, thereis a rock island I call "Hammon Island" in reference to a swimming cove once nearby. A pair ofCanada Geesetended a nest again there this April. The pair has tried for several years to raise a familyon that rock only to be stymied by river otter, as they were this year.

The pair was fully alert and "wild" as inwildlife, the male attentively watching fordanger while the hen sat on the nest. I wasthinking of the "wild" tame goose thatlanded in Chico recently and caused an"uproar" by chasing people.

It seems that goose had been rescued as agosling and raised by some ranchers nearLassen Park, and lived there for threeyears as a pet, sleeping with the cats, untilchased by a dog. There was confusion

with the re-acquired wild instincts and theimprinted tameness, thus the landing inChico, and trying to connect with a humancustodian.

Canada Goose Photo by D. Chalfant

Although John Muir may have advocated going to the woods and letting the chipmunk sit upon yourknee, that is an unnatural scenario, even though you can go to the Monterey waterfront and entice aground squirrel to do just that with a few peanuts. Food is a great tamer but it isnt recommended,especially in National Parks where animal feeding can have consequences as well as disrupting thenatural cycles.

Wildlife rehabilitators are faced with this imprinting trend, especially in young animals. Reintroducinga recovered animal to the wild is often wrought with pitfalls. Even though some wild animals, likeocelots and even wolves, are retained as pets, they can revert to unpredictable wild instincts. Your petdogs and cats also have that wild spark smoldering deep in their beings.

I am reminded of a domestic Chinese goose that once was dumped at the Lake Merritt Wildlife Refugein Oakland. A couple living in the adjoining apartment house took pity and adopted "Bobby," fixing abox in their apartment and treating it like a person. Of course, the goose responded with tameness, andsurprise! - started laying eggs for them. "Brenda" traveled with them back to Houston when a transfercame!

The Oakland Refuge, intended for wildfowl, is the recipient of countless discarded pets, and there is a

constant shuffle to keep from being taken under with domestic fowl. The public keeps this cycle goingby feeding bread and other scraps, and even the migrant diving ducks will take food from peopleshands, but then revert to the wild when its time to fly. Some remarkable "tameships" developedbecause of food. Several brown pelicans were lured by the fish feeding that was intended for the twostranded white pelicans that lived at the lake for nearly 30 years.

Cormorants, egrets, gulls - all came for the fish, and Canada Geese took up residence there to pursue thebrown bag handouts and grassy lawns. There werent many "rowdies" like the Chico "Lemuria," butbeware if they are tending goslings in the spring.
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Canada_Goose.htmlhttp://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/parks/lakemerritt_birds.asphttp://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/parks/lakemerritt_birds.asphttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Canada_Goose.html


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There is always a wish for wild animals to be tamer so we can see them better, feel a camaraderie, andtake a photo, but generally wisely and instinctively retain that call of the wild.

"If youre going to live by the river, make friends with the crocodile."

Indian Proverb

Altacal Community Contributions

California Waterfowl Association /Rancho Esquon /Community Youth Center /Altacal Audubon

The California Waterfowl Association, in collaboration with the folks atRancho Esquon is providing funding to lead local school groups throughthe wetlands area on the ranch. Shane Romain, City of Chico ParkRanger, attended an AAS Board meeting earlier in the spring to ask forvolunteers from Altacal to help with the weekly third through sixth gradeschool groups. Jennifer Patten, Kathryn Hood and Carolyn Short areassisting with the learning stations and with identifying birds that live in thewetlands habitat. Most of the children are in agreement that they like theRed-winged Blackbirds that are a common sight as well as the Great Blue

Wetlands Education at Esquon Ranch

Herons. An enthused student commented "This was the best field trip I have ever been on!" Theprogram will continue through the end of the school year with 28 to 40 students attending everyThursday.

Altacal Supports Eagle Scout Project

Altacal helped fund an Eagle Scout Project created by Dylan Carter. Dylan, son ofDan and Cathy Carter, was born in Paradise and has lived in Chico all his life,celebrating his 18th birthday on May 16th. He attended Hooker Oak School for theelementary grades, Chico Junior High and is now a Junior at Chico High School.

Dylan started scouting at age 6 as a Cub Scout in Troop 3 and has been very diligent inhis commitment to scouting with the support of his Dad who has been a Scout Leaderthroughout Dylan's scouting career. Dylan's decision to pursue the rank of Eagle Scout(the highest rank in scouting) was a momentous one for him - a decision he feels hewill be proud of for the rest of his life.

Dylan demonstrated a completed Barn Owl nesting box to the Altacal Board ofDirectors at their April meeting and explained that he is building 40 such boxes to be

placed on Nature Conservancy land along rivers from Yuba City to Red Bluff. The Board was pleasedto contribute $200 to the effort.

College Scholarships for High School Students

In support of its mission statement, topromote the awareness, appreciation,and protection of native birds and their habitats through education,research, and environmental activities, Altacals Scholarship Committee haschosen three college-bound, graduating high school seniors enrolled in Butte,Glenn, and Tehama County public high schools to receive $500 collegescholarships. Students whose educational goals are related to wildlife and
http://www.calwaterfowl.org/http://www.ranchoesquon.com/http://www.communityyouthcenter.com/http://www.altacal.org/http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Red-winged_Blackbird.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Great_Blue_Heron.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Great_Blue_Heron.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Barn_Owl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Barn_Owl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Great_Blue_Heron.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Great_Blue_Heron.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Red-winged_Blackbird.htmlhttp://www.altacal.org/http://www.communityyouthcenter.com/http://www.ranchoesquon.com/http://www.calwaterfowl.org/


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habitat studies, ecology, conservation, and related earth sciences or environmental sciences wereencouraged to apply. The students names have not yet been released but well let you know in the nextissue of the White-tailed Kite who they were.

Educational Booth for Kids at the Endangered Species Faire

Altacal hosted a very active booth at the Endangered Species Faire in BidwellPark on Saturday, May 3rd. Using the theme of Fill the Bill, kids and parents

worked at eight feeding stations that simulated food for birds with different typesof beaks. Participants experimented with various household tools and utensils todiscover what type of tool a birds beak is, that allows it to efficiently get itsfood. Thanks to volunteers Carol Passavoy, Skip Augur, Kathryn Hood, Johnand Sue Scott, Ruth Kennedy and Jennifer Patten. And a very special thanks to Mike Ashlock fromConcow, for bringing his fascinating display of birds nests always a popular table for kids and adults.

Leading Field Trips for Other Community Organizations

Altacals Field Trip Director, Scott Huber, has led two birding field trips for CSU, Chico at Big ChicoCreek Ecological Reserve and one for Kids and Creeks in support of their outdoor science educationefforts.

Heron Days Festival

Altacal Audubon participated recently at the Heron Festival in Clear Lake StatePark, April 26-27. We were invited by Red Bud Audubon Society to set up a boothduring the festival's weekend. Jennifer and Warren Patten, with help from Billand Veronika Kehoe, brought Altacal's attractive display board, banner, brochures,bird lists, and "Get Banded Like a Bird" childrens activity to the event. Thefestival's activities included pontoon boat rides, bird walks, nature walks, speakers,children's activities, exhibit booths and a Wildflower Brunch.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Altacal member Liam Huber who, along with three otheryoung people, has been awarded a $700 scholarship from the Central ValleyBirding Symposium to attend theSierra Nevada Field Campus this summerto study Birding by Ear. His father, Scott, will be accompanying him as

chaperone.

Liam on a birding field trip
http://www.endangeredspeciesfaire.org/http://www.kidsandcreeks.org/http://www.heronfestival.org/schedule.asphttp://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=473http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=473http://www.sfsu.edu/~sierrahttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierrahttp://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=473http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=473http://www.heronfestival.org/schedule.asphttp://www.kidsandcreeks.org/http://www.endangeredspeciesfaire.org/


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April Program - Tim Manolis PresentedDragonflies of Butte County

Monday, April 21 2008, 6:30, Chico Creek Nature Center

Go and find em was exactly what Tim Manolis told the audience at the endof his hour-long presentation onDragonflies of Butte County for Altacals Aprilprogram. To start off, Tim talked about some history of the first in-depth studyof California Odonata fauna (Dragonflies) which was done by Clarence

Kennedy, 1914-1917. One interesting fact was that Kennedy, while doingresearch for his book,Notes on the Life History and Ecology of the Dragonflies (Odonata) of CentralCalifornia and Nevada (1917) collected dragonflies in Big Chico Creek and Bidwell Park. Even todayhis book remains well worth reading, primarily for the wealth of information on and his remarkablydetailed drawings of these interesting creatures.

Tim then talked about the behavior, habitats, life cycle, and identification of dragonflies and damselflieswhile showing us several pictures of species found in Butte County which is home to 69 out of the 113species found in California.

With names like Flame Skimmer, Spot-winged Glider, Emerald Spreadwing, and BlackSaddlebags, no wonder the interest in knowing more about dragonflies showed when Tim had his book

Dragonflies and Damselflies of California, with beautiful color illustrations, for sale, and severalcopies sold, each with a personal signed message about Go and find em.

Bird Walk and Birding Trip Reports

March 29-30, Saturday/Sunday - Honey Lake Basin /Sage Grouse Lek Trip Trip Leaders: PhilJohnson and George Horn - Our trek to the Great Basin desertaround the Susanville area was a great success. Altacal and WintuAudubon members took a pilgrimage to see the Three Sages" andmet them all. On Sunday morning we got up early and hiked to theSchaefer Mt. Sage Grouse lekking grounds, and were treated to aview of 18 male Sage Grouses strutting about in full regalia. Several

females were spotted walking through the lek, teasing theoverzealous males. After getting great looks, we walked back to thecars where someone spotted the second sage, a Sage Sparrow. Thislittle beauty landed very close to us on top of a bush and began tosing its beautiful psalms of wisdom to us all. Then within moments,the third sage revealed itself - a Sage Thrasher, sitting meditatively

in the brush, greeting the rising sun. The fragrant incense ofSage brush graced the air.

After receiving our sage blessings, we headed over to theAmadee Mts. to look for Chukar. We found the Chukar at

the base of the hills, and also got glimpses of PrairieFalcons in the cliff faces as well as Golden Eagles beingharassed by Common Ravens. A Canyon Wrensang fromthe rock faces but did not reveal itself. On Saturday wespent time in the general Honey Lake basin. The Daikenunit of the refuge produced good birding. Large numbers ofbreeding plumage American Avocets(perhaps thousands)

Satellite Photo Honey Lake
http://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas/bio/insects/drgnfly/libefam/lisa/lisafr.htmhttp://www.njodes.com/Speciesaccts/skimmers/glid-spot.asphttp://www.iowaodes.com/spreadwings/spre-emer.asphttp://www.njodes.com/Speciesaccts/skimmers/sadd-blac.asphttp://www.njodes.com/Speciesaccts/skimmers/sadd-blac.asphttp://books.google.com/books?id=9rJwsyNXULMC&dq=dragonflies+and+damselflies+of+california&pg=PP1&ots=NfNJDQBwGH&sig=keRJEOjUuZQU38uhbu39Z2FgT88&hl=en&prev=http://www.google.com/search%3Fq%3Ddragonflies%2Band%2Bdamselflies%2Bof%2Bcalifornia%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us%26ie%3DUTF-8%26oe%3DUTF-8&sa=X&oi=print&ct=title&cad=one-book-with-thumbnailhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey_Lakehttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Greater_Sage-Grouse.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Sage_Sparrow_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Sage_Thrasher.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Chukar.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Prairie_Falcon.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Prairie_Falcon.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden_Eagle_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Common_Raven.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Canyon_Wren.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Avocet.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Avocet.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Avocet.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Canyon_Wren.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Common_Raven.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden_Eagle_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Prairie_Falcon.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Prairie_Falcon.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Chukar.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Sage_Thrasher.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Sage_Sparrow_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Greater_Sage-Grouse.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey_Lakehttp://books.google.com/books?id=9rJwsyNXULMC&dq=dragonflies+and+damselflies+of+california&pg=PP1&ots=NfNJDQBwGH&sig=keRJEOjUuZQU38uhbu39Z2FgT88&hl=en&prev=http://www.google.com/search%3Fq%3Ddragonflies%2Band%2Bdamselflies%2Bof%2Bcalifornia%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us%26ie%3DUTF-8%26oe%3DUTF-8&sa=X&oi=print&ct=title&cad=one-book-with-thumbnailhttp://www.njodes.com/Speciesaccts/skimmers/sadd-blac.asphttp://www.njodes.com/Speciesaccts/skimmers/sadd-blac.asphttp://www.iowaodes.com/spreadwings/spre-emer.asphttp://www.njodes.com/Speciesaccts/skimmers/glid-spot.asphttp://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas/bio/insects/drgnfly/libefam/lisa/lisafr.htm


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stood in the shallows of the marsh. Three Caspian Terns were spotted on an island filled with gulls andDouble-crested Cormorants. Virginia Rails called from the tules, and were spotted by some. Snowand Rosss Geeseflew over. ABald Eaglescattered the rafts of waterfowl. At the Fleming unit, twoRough-legged Hawks were seen foraging in the fields. A large flock ofLong-billed Curlewsforagedin a dry, grassy field. Lots of swallows were on the wing

March 15 April 5, 2008 - Birdwatching in Panam - Participants: Altacal Audubon chapter

members Steve Margolin (escort), Renee Margolin, Warren Patten, Jennifer Patten, AbbieDauterman, Anne Brusie, Laurie Moore, Mac McCormick, Pam Hanson, Skip Augur, Laura

Rivero-Fisher and Mike Fisher. Guides: Guido Berguido andDimas Alfonso ofAdvantage Tours Panam.

Altacal Audubon Societys inaugural international birding fieldtrip concluded when the last of twelve tired but very happyadventurers arrived back in Chico on April 5

th. As a group we

had crisscrossed Panam from just inside its western border withCosta Rica, to deep within the eastern province of Darin, just25 miles from the Colombian border. We birded such diversehabitats as tidal marshes, mangrove swamps, city parks, orchid

farms, coffee plantations, both primary and secondary forests,and native villages. We spent time from sea level all the way upto 7,000 feet in elevation. Overall, we were exposed to a fairlycomplete representation of the diversity of the county of Panamand to its flora and fauna. It is safe to say that our experiencewould support the claim by Panam as having the best and mosteasily accessible tropical birding in all of the Americas. In justtwo weeks we identified 410 different species of birds of which30 were heard only.

Resplendent QuetzalPhoto by Mike Fisher

Highlights were many, including someextraordinary birding finds. We identified 19different species of raptors, 6 species of rails,10 species of parrots, parakeets and macaws, 7different species of trogons, 6 species oftoucans, 29 species of hummingbirds, 21species of warblers, 29 species of tanagers, andover 55 species of flycatchers. Specifichighlights included great looks at theResplendent Quetzal and multiple up-close

encounters with White-tailed, Black-tailed,Violaceous, Black-throated, and Slaty-tailedTrogons. We saw numerous Keel-billedToucans, Blue and Yellow Macaws, andBlue-headed andRed-lored Parrots. On one

Bird Guide ChiChi and Grandfather
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Caspian_Tern.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Double-crested_Cormorant.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Virginia_Rail.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Snow_Goose_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Rosss_Goose.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Rosss_Goose.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bald_Eagle.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bald_Eagle.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Rough-legged_Hawk.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Long-billed_Curlew.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Long-billed_Curlew.htmlhttp://www.advantagepanama.com/http://www.advantagepanama.com/http://www.moon.com/planner/panama/regions/darien.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quetzalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quetzalhttp://www.arthurgrosset.com/sabirds/white-tailedtrogon.htmlhttp://www.arthurgrosset.com/sabirds/black-tailedtrogon.htmlhttp://www.arthurgrosset.com/sabirds/violaceoustrogon.htmlhttp://www.warbler.phytoconsult.nl/braz/blthr_trog.htmhttp://www.greglasley.net/slatytail.htmlhttp://www.greglasley.net/slatytail.htmlhttp://www.belizezoo.org/zoo/zoo/birds/tou/tou1.htmlhttp://www.belizezoo.org/zoo/zoo/birds/tou/tou1.htmlhttp://www1.nhl.nl/~ribot/english/arar_ng.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-headed_Parrothttp://www.bird-friends.com/BirdPage.php?name=Red-Lored%20Parrothttp://www.bird-friends.com/BirdPage.php?name=Red-Lored%20Parrothttp://www.bird-friends.com/BirdPage.php?name=Red-Lored%20Parrothttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-headed_Parrothttp://www1.nhl.nl/~ribot/english/arar_ng.htmhttp://www.belizezoo.org/zoo/zoo/birds/tou/tou1.htmlhttp://www.belizezoo.org/zoo/zoo/birds/tou/tou1.htmlhttp://www.greglasley.net/slatytail.htmlhttp://www.greglasley.net/slatytail.htmlhttp://www.warbler.phytoconsult.nl/braz/blthr_trog.htmhttp://www.arthurgrosset.com/sabirds/violaceoustrogon.htmlhttp://www.arthurgrosset.com/sabirds/black-tailedtrogon.htmlhttp://www.arthurgrosset.com/sabirds/white-tailedtrogon.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quetzalhttp://www.moon.com/planner/panama/regions/darien.htmlhttp://www.advantagepanama.com/http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Long-billed_Curlew.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Rough-legged_Hawk.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bald_Eagle.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Rosss_Goose.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Snow_Goose_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Virginia_Rail.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Double-crested_Cormorant.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Caspian_Tern.html


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of our last days in the Darin, after a long six-hour hike, we were rewarded with great looks at a HarpyEagle nest, but unfortunately the eagles were not home. We took this not as a missed opportunity, butrather as a great reason to return to Panam.

Although the focus of this trip was birding, an unexpected highlight turned out to be the time we spentvisiting the indigenous Ember people of Panam. We were fortunate to be able to spend several daysand nights in the village of La Marea, along the Rio Bagre in the remote rainforest of Darin Province.

Because there are no roads in the area the village is accessible only by a long boat ride and therefore hasnot been visited by many outsiders. We were just the second group of people to visit since they agreedto allow outsiders into their village. La Marea is a village of approximately 100 people who live muchas they have lived for centuries.

They have no electricity, dress in traditionalclothes, have few modern tools, and live inextended family groups or villages. Theysupport themselves off the bounty of therainforest supplemented by selling baskets theyweave or crops they grow on their land.

Unfortunately, outside pressures have led manyyoung people to leave the villages for thecities. Their recent decision to welcometourists into their village is an attempt toincrease their standard of living while at thesame time maintaining their culture andcustoms.

Children of La Marea

April 6, Sunday Teichert Pond: Eyesore or Eye Candy? Trip Leader: Scott Huber

Out with the old, in with the new; that was the sensethat we got of the birds that we saw at Teichert Pondson our April 6 bird walk. Gone were the winter birds.There was a striking lack of sparrow species - none ofthe Golden-crowned and only a couple of White-crowneds that were abundant here just weeks

Scott Huber leading birders into Teichert Pond

ago remained. New was lots of singing: Orange-crowned Warblers in the willows, AmericanGoldfinches in the treetops and Bewick's Wrenseverywhere. Also new were spring migrants includingTree, Northern Rough-wingedand Barn Swallows, and Western Kingbirds. The bird of the day wasan Osprey perched in a snag above the pond and Belted Kingfisher gave us brief looks as it darted inand out of the tree-line. It was a well attended trip and a lovely, musical morning.
http://www.peregrinefund.org/explore_raptors/eagles/harpyeag.htmlhttp://www.peregrinefund.org/explore_raptors/eagles/harpyeag.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden-crowned_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/White-crowned_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/White-crowned_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Orange-crowned_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Orange-crowned_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Goldfinch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Goldfinch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bewicks_Wren.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bewicks_Wren.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Tree_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Rough-winged_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Rough-winged_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Barn_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Kingbird.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Osprey.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Belted_Kingfisher.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Belted_Kingfisher.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Osprey.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Kingbird.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Barn_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Rough-winged_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Tree_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bewicks_Wren.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Goldfinch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Goldfinch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Orange-crowned_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/White-crowned_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/White-crowned_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden-crowned_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.peregrinefund.org/explore_raptors/eagles/harpyeag.htmlhttp://www.peregrinefund.org/explore_raptors/eagles/harpyeag.html


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April 20,Sunday Butte Creek Ecological PreserveTrip leader: Dawn Garcia Participants: Altacal members Joyce Bond,Kathryn Hood and MauricioSchroder - Being on the forefront ofmigration, we had a wonderful time on thisbeautiful day. Our outing only lasted till12:00 but within those 3 hours we counted 42species. Migrants included Yellow-breastedChat, House Wren, several Wilsons

Warblers and Warbling Vireos, LincolnsSparrow, Ash-throated Flycatcher and 3species of swallow. We found nests ofBlackPhoebe and Tree Swallow . Still with uswere winter residents Audubons Warbler,Hermit Thrush, Golden-crowned Sparrowand Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Mauricio andDawn had fun teaching birding by ear,although most all species detected were

Mauricio, Joyce and Kathryn at Pond OverlookPhoto by Dawn Garcia

auditory and visual! Thanks to Mauricio for bringing his scope, he found for us the CommonMoorhens that have nested previously in the pond at the end of the site.

May 3 - Paradise Flume Trail - Trip leader Dawn Garcia and 10 members in all enjoyed the lovely, dramatic scenery of the west branch ofthe North Fork Feather River.Certainly, migrants were singing andcalling, but views were intercepted bydense mixed woodland vegetation andmost of our birding was done by ear.We counted 24 bird species and had

decent looks at a Pacific-slopeFlycatcher, Orange-crowned andBlack-throated Gray Warbler,Black-headed Grosbeak and Cassins Vireo.Nashville Warblers and WesternTanagers were loud but elusive. Aspromised, we got great looks at anAmerican Dipper adult feeding oneyoung. We made it to the dam and sawa pair of

Paradise Flume Trail Walk Participants

Buffleheads and heard a Yellow-breasted Chat hiding in the willows. The trip was a naturalistsdelight as we had member Jon Aull helping us ID plants and Jackson Shedd who tallied up four herpsfor us; California Newt, Foothill Yellow-legged Frog, Western Fence Lizard, Ring-necked Snakeand Sierra Garter Snake (only seen by Jackson). Our trip took 4.5 hours to enjoy four miles of theflume.
http://www.csuchico.edu/bcephttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow-breasted_Chat.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow-breasted_Chat.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/House_Wren.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wilsons_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wilsons_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Warbling_Vireo.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lincolns_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lincolns_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Ash-throated_Flycatcher.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black_Phoebe.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black_Phoebe.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Tree_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow-rumped_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Hermit_Thrush.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden-crowned_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Ruby-crowned_Kinglet.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Common_Moorhen.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Common_Moorhen.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Pacific-slope_Flycatcher.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Pacific-slope_Flycatcher.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Orange-crowned_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-throated_Gray_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-headed_Grosbeak.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-headed_Grosbeak.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-headed_Grosbeak.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-headed_Grosbeak.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Cassins_Vireo_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Nashville_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Tanager_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Tanager_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Tanager_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Dipper.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bufflehead.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow-breasted_Chat.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_newthttp://www.californiaherps.com/frogs/pages/r.boylii.htmlhttp://kaweahoaks.com/html/lizard_western_fence.htmhttp://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370_12145_12201-61205--,00.htmlhttp://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370_12145_12201-61205--,00.htmlhttp://kaweahoaks.com/html/lizard_western_fence.htmhttp://www.californiaherps.com/frogs/pages/r.boylii.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_newthttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow-breasted_Chat.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bufflehead.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Dipper.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Tanager_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Tanager_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Nashville_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Cassins_Vireo_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-headed_Grosbeak.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-headed_Grosbeak.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-throated_Gray_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Orange-crowned_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Pacific-slope_Flycatcher.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Pacific-slope_Flycatcher.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Common_Moorhen.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Common_Moorhen.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Ruby-crowned_Kinglet.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden-crowned_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Hermit_Thrush.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow-rumped_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Tree_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black_Phoebe.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black_Phoebe.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Ash-throated_Flycatcher.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lincolns_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lincolns_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Warbling_Vireo.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wilsons_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wilsons_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/House_Wren.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow-breasted_Chat.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow-breasted_Chat.htmlhttp://www.csuchico.edu/bcep


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May 10 - International Migratory Bird Day, Colusa National Wildlife Refuge - CNWR fittinglypicked May 10

thto celebrate the opening of their new visitor

service facilities. Altacal Audubon co-Vice PresidentJennifer Patten was invited to lead an early morning birdwalk along the 1-mile Discovery Walk. From 8 a.m. to 9:15a.m. participants strolled alongside a dense riparian sloughand marsh sighting 34 species of birds. Then Mike Peters,Assistant Refuge Manger, gave a PowerPoint presentation on

the wildlife of the area. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was heldnear the new observation deck and then we were all weretreated to a barbeque.

The visitors facilities include an observation deck, trails,parking lot, public bathrooms, and soon-to-be interpretivekiosk. The refuge also has a three-mile auto tour route thattakes you through some beautiful freshwater wetlands.

So make sure you stop and visit Colusa National WildlifeRefuge. It is one of the six refuges in the Sacramento RefugeComplex which we are fortunate to have in our own

2008 IMBD Poster

backyard. This refuge offers various habitats from dry uplands, wetlands, permanent and seasonalponds, creeks, canals, and riparian. All perfect for excellent birding. To get there: From Colusa, drive1/2 mile west on Highway 20 to the Refuge entrance.

May 11, Sunday Pine Creek Unit, Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge Complex TripLeader: Jennifer Patten - A beautiful spring day atPine Creek Unit was teeming with singing birds andfive of us were lucky to see 42 species in three-and-a-half hours. One of the first sightings was a TomTurkey, fanning his tail as he walked down the trail.Then we hiked out to the Sacramento River where alarge colony ofBank Swallowswas busy flying in andout of their nesting holes along the bank. As we leftthe rivers edge, along the trial were large oaks thathad numerous birds in them - beautiful BullocksOrioles, House Finches, Western Kingbirds, and

Pine Creek Unit, SNWR

Black-headed Grosbeaks. Several sightings of Ash-throated Flycatchers were also noted near the

drier upland areas. Continuing down the paved trail, we saw three Ospreys, who were using a big,bulky nest that was built on an old telephone pole. We again hiked to the rivers edge and sawAmerican White Pelicans, Double-Crested Cormorants, aSpotted Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs,andForsters Terns. We did have a surprise to end the day when a Lazuli Buntingbriefly made hisappearance. Other birds of interest were a Western Wood-Pewee, Cedar Waxwings, CaliforniaQuail, Nuttalls and Downy Woodpeckers, lots of Tree Swallows, Spotted Towhees, Lesser andAmerican Goldfinches, and oneLark Sparrow.
http://www.birdday.org/http://www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefuges/colusa.htmhttp://www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefuges/pdf/2%20Pine%20Creek%20Public%20Use%202005%20flier.pdfhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wild_Turkey.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wild_Turkey.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bank_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bank_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bullocks_Oriole.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bullocks_Oriole.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/House_Finch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Kingbird.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-headed_Grosbeak.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Ash-throated_Flycatcher.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Osprey.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_White_Pelican.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Double-crested_Cormorant.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Spotted_Sandpiper.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Greater_Yellowlegs.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Forsters_Tern.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lazuli_Bunting.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lazuli_Bunting.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Wood-Pewee.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Cedar_Waxwing.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/California_Quail.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/California_Quail.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Nuttalls_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Downy_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Tree_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Spotted_Towhee.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lesser_Goldfinch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Goldfinch_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lark_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lark_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Goldfinch_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lesser_Goldfinch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Spotted_Towhee.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Tree_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Downy_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Nuttalls_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/California_Quail.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/California_Quail.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Cedar_Waxwing.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Wood-Pewee.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lazuli_Bunting.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Forsters_Tern.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Greater_Yellowlegs.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Spotted_Sandpiper.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Double-crested_Cormorant.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_White_Pelican.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Osprey.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Ash-throated_Flycatcher.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-headed_Grosbeak.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Kingbird.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/House_Finch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bullocks_Oriole.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bullocks_Oriole.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bank_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wild_Turkey.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wild_Turkey.htmlhttp://www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefuges/pdf/2%20Pine%20Creek%20Public%20Use%202005%20flier.pdfhttp://www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefuges/colusa.htmhttp://www.birdday.org/


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Bird I.D. Challenge: Solution

Well what did you guess? If you said Scoter you were partially correct. If you were like us you furtherconcluded that based on the white secondaries on an otherwise black duck that the bird was at very least,partWhite-winged Scoter. If, after pondering the head color and lack of markings, and the bill shape,color and features, you concluded that the front half smacked ofBlack Scoterwere still on the samepage. If, based on this set of assumptions you concluded that this bird was a HYBRID WHITE-WINGED X BLACK SCOTER, give yourself a pat on the back. Its the same conclusion that KenBurton the well-known, Arcata-based bird-bander came to (and by the way the same conclusion thathumble flatlanders Tim Ruckle and I had come to).

BUT WAIT! There was a dirty trick that it took an expert to uncover. It took someone like Dr. StanleyHarris, with his extensive knowledge of bird research, to put an unusually structured bill together with aScoter research project in Saskatchewan, Canada. It seems that these scientists, always looking for away to make mere birders look like the uneducated dolts that we are, took it upon themselves to trackthe migration of these birds via radio-telemetry. Did they put a leg band on the bird? NO! One of thoseplastic tags on the wings? NO!! How about a neck band like they put on swans? NO!!! Their particularbrand of humor involved tagging birds with orange nasal-tags, thus making a bird with an otherwisedark, un-marked bill appear to have a bright orange hump on its bill, see it at this linkhttp://wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=waterfowl.scoter_home

Upon putting this information together with his first-hand observation of the bird Dr. Harris informed usof the true identity of this bird: a female White-winged Scoterwith an orange nasal tag.

Congratulations if you got this one right!

Opportunities and Events

SFSU Sierra Nevada Field Campus

The San Francisco State Universitys Sierra Nevada Field Campus has a new web site that provides

information on summer courses to be taught as well as a downloadable Yuba Pass/Sierra Valley birdchecklist. Among the courses taught are:

Bird Identification by Song(June 1-6; June 8-13) Cornell Lab of Ornithologys Bird Sound Recording Workshop(June 7-14) Birds of the Sierra Nevada(June 15-19) Drawing Master Class: Birds and Their Habitat (June 30-July 4)
http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/299/_/White-winged_Scoter.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/299/_/White-winged_Scoter.aspxhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black_Scoter.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black_Scoter.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black_Scoter.htmlhttp://wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=waterfowl.scoter_homehttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/299/_/White-winged_Scoter.aspxhttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierra/index.htmlhttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierra/index.htmlhttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierra/Bird_Checklist.pdfhttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierra/Bird_Checklist.pdfhttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierra/Course_BirdSong.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/macaulaylibrary/Contribute/soundRecordingWorkshop.htmlhttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierra/Course_BirdsoftheSierra.htmlhttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierra/Course_Master_Drawing_Class.htmlhttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierra/Course_Master_Drawing_Class.htmlhttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierra/Course_Master_Drawing_Class.htmlhttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierra/Course_Master_Drawing_Class.htmlhttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierra/Course_BirdsoftheSierra.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/macaulaylibrary/Contribute/soundRecordingWorkshop.htmlhttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierra/Course_BirdSong.htmlhttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierra/Bird_Checklist.pdfhttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierra/Bird_Checklist.pdfhttp://www.sfsu.edu/~sierra/index.htmlhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/299/_/White-winged_Scoter.aspxhttp://wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=waterfowl.scoter_homehttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black_Scoter.htmlhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/299/_/White-winged_Scoter.aspx


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June 20-22 Seventh Annual Mono Basin Bird ChautauquaLee Vining, CA - Three days of evening presentations, seminars, field trips, music, and great birding!Registration now open. Events fill fast as soon as registration opens. All proceeds support continuingresearch in the Mono Basin. Bird Chautauqua Mission: To enhance appreciation and understandingof the Mono Basin's diverse and abundant bird life and to educate the public about this area's value tobirds and people. Contact: Mono Lake Committee, P.O. Box 29, Lee Vining, CA 93541 e-mail:[email protected]

Sightings

(If you have any interesting sightings in your yard, on the way to work, or in the Butte, Glenn or Tehama counties area in general in late,

May or June and July you can send them to the Newsletter Editor at [email protected] by March 7 for possible inclusion in the nextnewsletter.)

Mid-April Skip Augur and Pam Hansen had a pair ofLawrence's Goldfinches at their feeder forjust one day.

May - May turned out to be a great bird month in the Pattens yard. Jennifer and Warren experienceda Western Screech-Owl calling outside their window on the evening of May 3. On May 6, thirteenAmerican White Pelicans flew very low over their house in Chico. On Mothers Day, May 11, earlyin the morning, a Wilsons Warbler decided to visit their backyard. Their neighborhood is also hometo a nesting pair ofWhite-tailed Kites and three Green Heronswho like to roost in a big tree in theirbackyard.

May - Bob and Marilyn Gamette while enjoying a quick lunch stop at Five Mile were buoyed up bythe joyous songs of both the Yellow and Wilson's Warblersas they flitted about in the willows alongwith the Tree Swallows that were zipping in and out of their nest in a Sycamore. Marilyn also reportedthat, while teaching for CUSD at Camp Lassen in Chico Meadows, she was almost drowned out by theloud chiseling and drumming of the White-headed Woodpeckersas they readied their nest sites.

May 4 Sunday- Jackson Shedd, Shelly Kirn, Jay Bogiatto and Nancy Nelson, on the Chico State BirdingClubs day-long Spring Survey saw a Solitary Sandpiper on the auto loop at Sacramento National WildlifeRefuge. Other noteworthy sightings on the survey were two female Wilson's Phalaropesdisplaying to a male atLlano Seco, and a small flock ofEvening Grosbeaksat Forest Ranch.
http://www.birdchautauqua.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lawrences_Goldfinch_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Screech-Owl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_White_Pelican.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wilsons_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/White-tailed_Kite.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Green_Heron.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wilsons_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Tree_Swallow.htmlhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/185/_/White-headed_Woodpecker.aspxhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Solitary_Sandpiper.htmlhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/520/overview/Wilsons_Phalarope.aspxhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Evening_Grosbeak.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Evening_Grosbeak.htmlhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/520/overview/Wilsons_Phalarope.aspxhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Solitary_Sandpiper.htmlhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/185/_/White-headed_Woodpecker.aspxhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Tree_Swallow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wilsons_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Green_Heron.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/White-tailed_Kite.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wilsons_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_White_Pelican.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Screech-Owl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lawrences_Goldfinch_dtl.htmlmailto:[email protected]://www.birdchautauqua.org/


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Peregrinations

[Peregrinations reports on birds seen on trips outside the Butte/Glenn/Tehama counties area except for those sponsored bythe Altacal Audubon Society or other local birding groups - Ed]

April

During a lay-over at LAX Scott Huber visited nearby Ballona Wetlands and had 41 species in 2 hours.Especially thrilling were good views of aLeast Bitternflying across the pond.

While surveying Price Canyon Ranch in SE Arizona in April Scott found a number of regional raritiesincluding Solitary Sandpiper and Northern Waterthrush. Warbler action was intense with manyRed-faced and Grace's Warblers among others. Owling was good with both Elf Owland WhiskeredScreech-Owls in abundance and both providing nice flashlight views.

Scott and son Liam attended the Kern Spring Nature Festival where they were treated to up-close viewsof many Lawrence's Goldfinches, Tricolored Blackbirds, Gray, Hammond's, and DuskyFlycatchers. Liams favorite birds for the trip were Vermilion Flycatcher, Costa's Hummingbird,and terrific looks at Mountain Quail and a very territorial Spotted Owl.

April and May

Bob Groendyke and wife Deborah Kuechel had some first-time sightings they really enjoyed:

American Avocet (2), Lassen County, Honey Lake, May 10Long-billed Curlew (~25), Lassen County, field north of Honey Lake, May 10Painted Redstart (many), Madera Canyon, SE Arizona, April 9Vermilion Flycatcher (several), Sonoita Creek, SE Arizona, April 10Elegant Trogon (1), Cave Creek, SE Arizona, April 15

April and May Tim Ruckle went on two birding tours one by boat to Floridas Dry Tortugas forthree days and the other to Floridas Southern Peninsula and the Florida Keys for five days. Theweather was mild and beautiful; no mosquitos worth mentioning; great companions and an excellent

guide (Larry Manfredi). Tim saw all histarget birds and had some relatively rare

sightings to boot (e.g., Masked Duck, Red-footed Booby, Black Noddy). The trip listnumbered 194 and he had 42 life birds, manyof which were Florida specialties. Hell do aslide show for the Altacal Audubon Societyand the Chico State Birding Club sometime inthe future.

Black Noddy above, Brown Noddy below Dry TortugasApril 10, 2008 Photo by Larry Manfredi

Red-footed Booby Dark Morph Immature Long Key,Dry Tortugas, April 20, 2008 Photo by Larry Manfredi
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Least_Bittern.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Least_Bittern.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Least_Bittern.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Solitary_Sandpiper.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Solitary_Sandpiper.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Waterthrush.htmlhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/354/_/Red-faced_Warbler.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/311/_/Graces_Warbler.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/311/_/Graces_Warbler.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/311/_/Graces_Warbler.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/17/_/Elf_Owl.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/17/_/Elf_Owl.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/19/overview/Whiskered_Screech-Owl.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/19/overview/Whiskered_Screech-Owl.aspxhttp://www.nps.gov/drtohttp://www.findrentals.com/new_images/map_florida_keys_r1_c1.gifhttp://southfloridabirding.com/index.htmhttp://southfloridabirding.com/index.htmhttp://www.findrentals.com/new_images/map_florida_keys_r1_c1.gifhttp://www.nps.gov/drtohttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/19/overview/Whiskered_Screech-Owl.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/19/overview/Whiskered_Screech-Owl.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/17/_/Elf_Owl.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/311/_/Graces_Warbler.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/354/_/Red-faced_Warbler.aspxhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Waterthrush.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Solitary_Sandpiper.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Least_Bittern.html


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May

J.T. Lewis and Mike Skram saw a lot of birds on their recent Southeast Arizona and California trip.J.T. reported that We picked up Flame-colored Tanagerand Elf Owlat Madera Canyon, and Buff-collared Nightjarat California Gulch. Also, for the third trip, we saw the Five-striped Sparrow. Bythe way, the road into California Gulch has had repairs, such that one can probably drive in with a lowclearance vehicle; it was really nice. We saw LeConte's Thrasher at Inyokern in Kern County, and

Yellow-footed Gull and Stilt Sandpipers at the Salton Sea in Imperial County. (Mike found them in aflock of Dowitchers). Also, at the Wister Unit in Imperial, we saw Ladder-backed and GilaWoodpeckers. Mike also located Black-chinned Sparrows singing on a hillside in the San JacintoMountains in Riverside County. The only other time we had seen this sparrow had been at Big Bend inTexas. We also saw Bell's Vireosin both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

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 7th of the month prior to the next issue of the newsletter (i.e., Jan, Mar, May,

Jul, Sep and Nov 7th) - [email protected] Thanks, Ed.)

Altacal Board of Directors

President Phil Johnson 570-7139/[email protected] Jennifer Patten 345-9356/[email protected]

Mike Fisher 624-4777/[email protected] Kathryn Hood 342-9112/[email protected] John Oswald 342-1651/[email protected] Carolyn Short 345-4224/[email protected] Mike Fisher 624-4777/[email protected]/ Tim Ruckle 566-9693/[email protected]/Web Site Wayland Augur 893-9222/[email protected] Trips Scott Huber 321-5579/[email protected], Lands Ruth Kennedy 899-9631/[email protected] RefugeConservation Dawn Garcia 872-2165/[email protected] vacantDirectors-at-Large John Merz 345-4050/[email protected]

Jackson Shedd 34

June 2008 White Tailed Kite Newsletter, Altacal Audubon Society

Documents

Transcript of June 2008 White Tailed Kite Newsletter, Altacal Audubon Society